Fall in Seattle

It’s been a while, I last left off at the anticipation of going on a business trip almost three months ago. I’ve been putting off on writing because I had made some entries in China and was too lazy to type it all up. Stories and events just kept piling up, and eventually discarded from my plans to get them into words.

Life in Seattle has been great for the most part. I say that with joy and gratitude. Mostly I’m glad that music is following me in my career path, something I am thankful for everyday. To be exposed to a kind of work environment where I am among passionate and talented people has been the biggest benefit here. Due to the gradual nosedive of the economy, I had to say goodbye to a few of these talented people, in particular, Rolf. They were very saddened to leave this place and I think about them often.

Remember when I wrote about the “mandolin guy” that I wanted to befriend at work? He has since become a great friend and mentor. A product manager for guitar amplifiers, he is the inspiration for new products in the biggest names in amps, working and spending time with him as allowed me to cross paths with real geniuses in the industry. Mandolin guy hereby deemed Z, has been teaching me guitar on weekends too, I am not an ideal student by any means, my attention span is a bit better than a 5 year old’s, so I’m glad he’s being patient with me.

Since my last entry, I have seen some spectacular concerts, NM and I went to Jack Johnson at the Gorge amphitheatre when he came to visit in late August, NM has since moved up to the Yukon for work. From our infrequent emails, he is enjoying his time and will forever associate me with Jack Johnson’s songs. I also saw My Morning Jacket, if you haven’t heard of them, look them up! They play soulful bittersweet rock. And the highlight of my concert experience for fall, Ray Lamontagne at the Seattle Center last Sunday. Just a simple artistic guy with a guitar, but his voice is so genuine I shed a tear during his solo performance of “Winter Birds”, you could hear a pin drop in the theatre during the song, and judging by the sniffs from the people beside me, they were equally moved. Z, who had never heard of Ray before, enjoyed the show very much. I hope our next concert will be to see his band perform!

Seattle itself is an amazing city. I am so fond of it, autumn has almost come and gone, and it was beautiful. This place might have more maple trees than Canada does! Watching the changing colours on my way to work was worth the 25 minute bike ride every day.

I’m making my second trip to Vancouver this weekend. Hope to take advantage of the cheap Chinese food and sushi.