I've Been Everywhere...

Not really, but it's a really catchy song...

Any rate, I thought I would continue to share the places I've been to that I've really enjoyed in the past or thought were neat and worth sharing but under this title from now on.* Now on with the post!

So, some people hate Andrew Carnegie. And some people are fans...But, one thing you can't help being a fan of, though, was his building/ funding of public libraries around the country.

Pretty awesome methinks! I love books and reading so Carnegie wins major points with me where this topic is concerned...

The Queen Anne branch in Seattle is a lovely small branch he funded. It manages to be super cozy but has lots of special details. Plus it's easy to catch a bus to it if your in the city or to walk just a few blocks from it to some of the most beautiful vistas of the city and the surrounding mountains in Seattle.

 

From the stained glass to the woodworked details, everything is just lovely.

 

Plus, you can't fault a beautiful place that supports and brings the community together... And I love all the pretty trees surrounding it! If your in Seattle and looking for a cozy place to dry off, use some wifi, and enjoy a good book this is your place! Not to mention that Upper Queen Anne has awesome food, "How to Cook A Wolf**," anyone?

Kisses,

K

(All photos by Krista Carson.)

*Throwback Thursday reminds me of old school pics... I'm not against it, in fact I rather enjoy it but it just doesn't seem to fit for this sort of post.

**Yes, that's really the name of a restaurant. It's a super popular place for a reason. :)

 

Posted with love, please credit when re-posting.

Paramount Theatre Continued

Along with a rich history, the Paramount Theatre brings everything from Broadway to Flogging Molly to Seattle.

(The Paramount as it is today.)

It was originally called the Seattle Theatre but the name later changed to reflect its origins.

(The original name on the marquee.)

Back in the roaring twenties, Hollywood based Paramount Pictures constructed "grand movie palaces" in most major cities in the United States. Seattle was no exception. They invested nearly $3,000,000 and had celebrated movie palace architect, and local, Benjamin Marcus Priteca design it.

The architecturally lush interior of the building has played host to vaudeville, silent films, "talkies," and live performances for over 77 years in the Paciffic Northwest.

(An old photo of the theatre.)

Prior to construction the land was a ravine with a creek running to Lake Union and was considered remote (today it's in the heart of downtown). The land was filled in and to compensate for the out of way location they built the most opulent theatre yet to hit Seattle.

 

 

(The grandiose lobby.)

On opening day, the Seattle Times excitedly reported:

"Never has such a magnificent cathedral of entertainment been given over to the public. Indescribable beauty! Incomparable art! The stage productions will be of the most lavish design, brilliant in their lighting effects and gorgeous in their settings."

 

 

(People used to line up to eight people deep outside the theatre.)

It temporarily closed during The Great Depression but re-opened with subsequently nationally acclaimed organist Gaylord B. Carter.

Amongst the stars who have graced its stage were the Marx Brothers, John Barrymore, Danny Kaye, Anne Baxter, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mickey Rooney.

(The sparkling chandeliers and interior.)

One of its many notable moments was on August 14, 1945 when the house manager stopped the showing of Humphrey Bogart's film, To Have and Have Not, to announce the end of WWII, then distributing free passes for a future showing. Bruce Lee even worked there as an usher once upon a time.

(Inside the theatre before show time.)

Later day musical performances ran the gamut from Duke Ellington to Fleetwood Mac to Madonna.

(The dome above the darkened theatre, note the actually quite large chandelier on the bottom right for a sense of scale.)

(Above the stage.)

(To the right of the stage.)

(Gilded balcony seating.)

 

 

 

(The glitzy historic atrium.)

It's resplendently golden interior evokes the Palaces of Versailles and brings to mind the sparkle of a bygone era. It is a bastion of luxurious civility that reminds us of what was, what is, and what can be.

Today the gorgeously renovated theatre is a shining example of Seattle's past and, hopefully, a gilded glimpse into its future.

Kisses,

K

(All color images created and owned by Krista Carson, please ask permission prior to use, Black and White images and historical information via STG Presents)

 

 

 

 

Posted with love, please credit when re-posting.

Paramount Theatre

My friend had an extra ticket to see the broadway musical The Book of Morman at the Paramount (her husband couldn't go) so she invited me along. Of course, I said yes! I love musicals and theatre and hadn't been in a while so I was psyched!

(The main lobby of the Paramount. The Paramount Theatre was built in the Beaux-Arts style by architect B. Marcus Priteca and opened in 1928. It's centrally located in downtown Seattle and is gorgeous! It was my first time there, but more on that later...)

(My crumpled, sorry it was typically rainy night, playbill.)

My favorite scene was actually the opening number, Hello. It was well performed and laughter inducing. Above is a video clip of it being performed at the Tony Awards.

(The stage is set with a stained glass tabernacle.)

(My friend, on the left, and me, on the right.)

A good time was had by all. The Seattle theatre crowd is a bit more raucous than I'm used to but it felt right for this musical. My friend compared it to being in a Southerrn Baptist church service. To which I say, "Can I get an Amen!"

What do you think about the creators of South Park having a musical... Interesting notion, no?

More on the theatre itself to come.

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson, please ask permission prior to use, Tony Award's Hello video via YouTube)

 

 

Posted with love, please credit when re-posting.

Pantone Color of the Year; Emerald 17-5641

When Pantone announced 2013's color of year I was so excited! I love emerald and I feel like its such an underrated color. It's lush and gorgeous, just like the verdant nature from which it derives, and looks great on everyone!

“The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum. As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.” - Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®

It's also a color that surrounds me on a daily basis here in the Paciffic Northwest. It's verdancy encompasses you.

Emerald is a fascinating color. There is a familiar yet otherworldly quality about it... When Dorothy first sees the Emerald City in Oz she feels amazement, fascination, and relief. I think we relate to that. Lots of colors are bold and vibrant but almost attack the eyes with their intensity. Emerald is a bold vibrant color that cajoles and soothes while maintaining its mystery.

So here's to a year of emerald. May your year be a green and gorgeous one!

Kisses,

K

(Images via Pantone, Simpledog.net, and Missydressy)

 

Posted with love, please credit when re-posting.

A Walk In The Park, Part Two

Even though it was winter it was such a beautiful clear day.

(The Olympic Mountain Range behind Vashon Island and across the Sound.)

(A cute creation we happened upon. Who doesn't love Love?)

 

(Flora and fauna)

(Lush green winter woods)

(Winter berries in the woods.)

(Winter berries on branches.)

 

(The mountains silhouetted in the trees.)

(Massive evergreens against the blue sky.)

(Can you spot the bald eagle above?)

(There it is!)

All in all it was typically magical walk in the Paciffic Northwest!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson, please ask permission prior to use.)

 

Posted with love, please credit when re-posting.

Inspire Me Tuesday

The Paciffic Northwest is such an inspiring place to be. It never ceases to amaze me. There are so many naturally beautiful sights and sounds to experience. This weekend I had the pleasure of sharing one such moment with my husband.

We were out on a beach overlooking downtown Seattle as a summer storm approached. The air got a little bit thicker, darker, and the swiftening sky carried an intense marine smell on its winds. Suddenly, there were waves, significant ones for the Puget Sound, and into the quiet of the encroaching storm it was as if the waves began to sing.

They sang a song I had never heard before. A song that played against the rocky shore. A song of rushing and shushing. Of hurrying and reaching into the masses of pebbles and slipping away. Of mad dashes and whooshes....

It was a beautiful sound that spoke of land and sea and the power of nature. Those of you who grew up on rocky shoals have probably heard this siren song before. But growing up on gentle sandy beaches I had never heard even the largest of hurricane waves be able to sing this unique and beautiful language. It's power crashes onto soft cushioning sand.

For those who've never heard it, I wish l could share it with you. With all of you really. I'll work on uploading a video (always more to learn).

But in he meantime I hope you find a momment that moves you. I hope it as powerful, calming, lovely, and inspiring as mine is for me. I hope it helps you to translate a moment of peace and beauty that exists even amidst life's storms. It's there, somewhere, if you take a moment to breathe, look, and listen.

Kisses,

K

(Images property of Krista Carson)

 

Sweet Summer Techsesscories

First things first...

I'm HOME! Like Seattle home, that is. My summer voyage now complete I have returned to the Paciffic Northwest. And while I hope to manage a few fun rendezvous throughout the rest of the season (I'm gunning for a low-key mountain river tubing trip) I brought back a new techsesscory to remind me of the warm sunny days I spent on my whirlwind trip for the times when the Seattle skies are grey.

Nothing says summer like an ice cream cone or two, even if they're on your iPhone! I picked up this perky little, slightly humorous, beauty in the burbs of Chi-town at a Five Below, "It's like a nicer dollar store where everything is five dollars or below." my MIL said. Since its not a forever case I figured some fun graphics could make for a snappy change.

What's your "good ole days o' summer" pick me up?

Kisses,

K

(Image property of Krista Carson)