8.06.2011

Dumbwit, Annie, Sam and Seattle

 The summer heat is not gone (oh I wish it were), but the joy of summer has left the building. My child #4 has left Texas to return to Washington State. Just weeks away from starting her second year at University and the ho-hum of a lonely mum has set in. Missing my children, missing the sights of Seattle, and not feeling sleepless at all. The summers blue-infused melancholy has set in.

{image seattletimes}
Dennis Reed (David Hyde Pierce): It rains nine months a year in Seattle.
Annie Reed (Meg Ryan): I know!



Jonah Baldwin (Ross Malinger): If you get a new wife, I guess you'll get to have sex with her, huh?
Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks): I certainly hope so.
Jonah Baldwin: Will she scratch up your back?
Sam Baldwin: [shocked] What?
Jonah Baldwin: In the movies, women are always scratching up the men's back and screaming and stuff when they're having sex.
Sam Baldwin: How do you know all this?
Jonah Baldwin: Jessica's got cable.
Sam Baldwin: Oh.


Annie Reed: Destiny is something we've invented because we can't stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental.


[Jay is helping Sam get back into the dating scene]

Sam Baldwin: What is "tiramisu"?
Jay: You'll find out.
Sam Baldwin: Well, what is it?
Jay: You'll see!
Sam Baldwin: Some woman is gonna want me to do it to her and I'm not gonna know what it is!


There are movies that stick with you for a lifetime. There is always one love that you cannot shake, and there is one city that sinks your soul.

Have you ever been fishing? Well, your heart would be the equivalent to a sinker that is attached to the pole's nylon line. Your life, much like that fishing pole; it bends, it flexes; you catch some, you loose some, but you never tire of your favorite fishing hole. My fishing hole is the Emerald City called Seattle.

SEATTLE will always be my home. I will continue my longing to live on a houseboat floating Lake Union with Tom Hanks, and Meg Ryan as my witty, overly-chatty neighbors. Gas Works Park to my right, the Space Needle to my left, and in June, the naked cyclists riding through Fremont for the annual Summer Solstice parade.

Bruce Lee, Judy Collins, Ray Charles, Curt Cobain, Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave) Adam West (Batman), James Doohan (Scotty on Star Trek), Jimi Hendrix, Gypsy Rose Lee, Dyan Canon, Dale Chihuly (artist), Quincy Jones, Dave Matthews, Kyle MacLaclan, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Apolo Ono (Olympic speed skater), Eddie Vedder, (Pearl Jam), Ann Wilson (Heart), Foo Fighters, Harvey Danger, Alice in Chains, Band of Horses, The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Presidents of the United States of America, all have lived around, grew-up from, flourished because, retired to, or are buried in, SEATTLE.




These floating homes all for sale now. Break out the checkbook and the SPF50.


Gas Works Park
Many moons &, one bad coat, & sensible shoes ago!

Before I part I must give you all my regrets for being the elusive dumbwit tellher.. I'll place the blame on the too-much-talked-about, ever-so-boring, process of selling our house. They say that one reaches the depths of despair before rebounding, and I once again find that to be notably true. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, I just hope that it stays bright and true. Scotland is finally in our sights and for once, in 12 months, we can start to make real plans. Real ...for real!

But once again like they say, the waltz isn't over until the music is over.

Now go ahead and have yourself a great week ahead. 

Cheers!

{go forth and live responsibly}
sing fat lady, sing

72 comments:

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

Deb, I just love you!! This post is so great and I hope we all hear more about your major blue skies, soon! We are all rooting for you. A great read and great to see more of floating Seattle. I love the Foo Fighters!! OXO

Jessica Ryan said...

One of my absolute favorite movies... I have never been to Seattle. It is on my To Do List and hopefully I won't have to wait too many years. I'll look you up, buy you a drink and you can give me a tour!

I wrote a piece about my childhood today... a picture on Pinterest started the entire trip down memory lane... what a fun journey it was to tell and write about!

Anonymous said...

Deb, you never cease to amaze me. Scotland's gain will be Houston's loss, but the Pacific Northwest will always be your home. I love you always entertaining blogs. You are the best. Love you. Nanc

Renée Finberg said...

so.....cool.
i want live on house boat badly.
xx

Renae Moore said...

Deb...love this post and your wit of course is amazing. The light is getting brighter and brighter....sad for your friend in hot-lanta. Always along side you to make your wishes come true!

xoxo

jYESSIR....love 'dem houseboats!

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Deb, I was just thinking of you and was going to suggest you contact the blog, "Hooked on Houses" And Joni at Cote de Texas, both posted in the last month homes of readers that were for sale.

I will pray that the light at the end of the tunnel comes soon! You want to get to Scotland before the first snow.
Bouncing Bertie and blog is written from Aberdeen and they show the most amazing walks.

Love Seattle! Beautiful city! Although if I loves in a house boat I would like it to be in Friday Harbor!

Have a great weekend! Praying for you and looking forward to all of your Scotish adventures.

24 Corners said...

Oh Deb...you made me miss Seattle and I *live* here! Seattle does stick in your soul...must be that all the sogginess turns us into sponges and we just keep continually absorbing all the surrounding splendor and beauty... and since we really never dry out, it just stays with us. Well just know that Seattle misses you too...very much, and is looking forward to your grand return one day...hopefully before you go to Scotland, which is so much like Seattle weather wise, that I know you're finally going to feel right at HOME! ♥
Glad to hear 'things' are moving along...and I'm praying that the brightness continues to shine to the point of needing sunglasses!
Much love and big hugs...from one Sea-gal to another...
xoxo J~

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

It was so good to see your post but know you have been busy and anxious to get this moving show on the road. In the meantime, I am off to watch Sleepless in Seattle, just what I need after a long family function. Never been to Seattle but you make me want to go there! Great pics and I just love houseboats too. Much love......you have been missed Deb (though i do see you on FB now and again. XO

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Ah gee, you make me want to go to Seattle and escape this sticky heat! Love the photo of you, too!

Unknown said...

So glad to see you back on the boards! I always enjoy your sharp wit and insights. Spent last evening in Seattle with my three daughters shopping and managing to drag a meal through three different restaurants. Well you can't have drinks, dinner and dessert all in one restaurant! I am so sending you all my good Karma that everything falls as it should and you get to head East. And that the 'blues" head west. Remember to call me if you ever get to Seattle.

Melissa

Splenderosa said...

I guess everyone would love to live in Seattle, I know I would, but not on a houseboat! Too cute. Light at the end of the tunnel sounds good. I guess I'll come to Scotland to see you because we haven't done so yet in Houston...but here's to hoping...

Ingrid Tunheim said...

Lovely houseboats but I don`t think I could ever live in one...

I envy you your summer temperature. Norway has had a cold and rainy summer this year and now it is soon over...

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Deb:
What an amazing, and clearly illustrious, place Seattle appears to be and, yes, we should love to have one of those 'floating' houses [for they can hardly be described as houseboats] on the water. Now that would be fun!

But, it would appear, good news on the house selling front. We do hope that things will really work out for you and that Scotland [but not nearly as hot!] will materialise before very long. We are so intrigued to know where in Scotland you are hoping to be and will be keeping our fingers and toes crossed for you all the while.

James said...

I felt your love for Seattle in this post. Wonderful writing, good luck with the move.

Anonymous said...

hunkiest is a u-dub alum. i love going back to the huskie football games {always in the rain} with him.
yesterday at the market we saw a dog who was so adorable i had to sit down in the middle of the store and roll around with him. the only thing was the dog's teeth were much prettier, straighter and whiter than his owner's. when we walked away my husband said, "in scotland, everyone's teeth look like that guy's."
i'm thinking you could make a killing in orthodentistry deb......
love,
katie

Beadboard UpCountry said...

Thanks for putting the trunk show on your sidebar!It's going really well!!!! Did you sell your house??????I have to tell you I have spent some time in Seattle and think it is a beautiful city... I am IN LOVE with those houseboats... Each and everyone of them gorgeous.......So glad you seem to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.......Can't wait to see you in PLAID!!!!!!!

flwrjane said...

I have not been in Seattle for many many moons.

But I remember it well, the water, the market and the biggest fattest slugs I have ever had the displeasure of stepping on.

Probably where the idea for down coats came from ,those slugs.

glad there is a faint light at the end of the tunnel.

xo Jane

Punctuation Mark said...

i love that movie and this post is making me really want to go there... hope you're having a really nice weekend!

Splendid Sass said...

Such a lovely movie and you have outdone yourself on this beautiful post.
I bed I have watched this movie 15 times.
Don't work too hard.
Teresa
xoxo

red ticking said...

so funny.. i am watching sleepless in seattle right now!
"yoh" your only hope... my favorite part of the movie...

God will steer you back here...xx

La Petite Gallery said...

Living on a houseboat sounds great.
Houston has sure had a heat wave.
My friend in Dallas id ready to move back to Fla.
Cute post. That was a great movie.

yvonne

Unknown said...

So glad you have a progress on your house sale! If you're from Seattle, no wonder you're ready to get out of Houston. It's been absolutely unbearable here this summer! Looking at your photos I can only imagine the crisp, beautiful summers in Seattle. They look divine! The ONLY time it's pleasant to be in Houston is winter!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Hi Deb,
I'm late for this post....it must have sneaked by when I wasn't looking !! I loved this post.....I think that I know the script for 'Sleepless in Seattle' off by heart as I have seen it SO many times....along with 'You've Got Mail', 'One Fine Day' and many many others that are similar.
I adored Kurt Cobain, still adore Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters and many more of the residents of Seattle that you mentioned ( probably because our children played their music throughout their teens !! )
Love the photo of you Deb.....I'm sure that I could fish one out of me in a coat like that too !!
I feel that there is some movement on the house selling front....I really hope so. Scotland is calling although, it's rather wet there at the moment but, I bet you could do with some rain.
Will be in touch soon....keep smiling. XXXX

Julia Christie said...

What a wonderful post!!! I thank you for your sweet comment and for making me feel a little better about being a blogger flake this summer - with so much to do! Are you headed off to live in Scotland??? What fun if you are!

So funny to think of your daughter being here in the rainy city just an hour and a half from me...small world. I know what you mean about missing them - my son is in Spain and France for the month and I am missing him terribly, even though there are still 4 left here to keep me busy! :-)

Oh this movie defines a period in my life and will stay with me forever too...Thanks for sharing and also for putting up all of these lovely pics of dream houseboats!
(love the pic of you too :-)

Smiles and good luck with the house sale!

Shelley said...

Now that I've lived in NE England for over 15 years, I expect I could cope with the rainfall in Seattle and the cooler temperatures there. I have visited once, when I applied for (and was offered) a job in Portland. I took the job in England instead. Not as great for my career, that decision, but much better for my life as it turned out. I can't think of a more opposite place from Houston (I've been there, too; loved Galveston to bits) than just about anywhere in Scotland. Be sure to bring your long underwear, your wellies and your woolen and/or waterproof everything. It is frustrating to not be able to make concrete plans when waiting for other things to happen. On the other hand, that's more time to prepare!

Erica said...

Cool! beautiful post...

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French Basketeer.com said...

I have never been to Seattle but your post makes me really want to visit! Hoping & praying the house sells, Deb....

Lisa Porter said...

Oh Dutchess I feel your emotions in this post as I do in all of them actually but you are really tugging at my heart strings tonight.
I'm being completely selfish when I say please stay.... But then I think about you. You are like a beautiful bird and I say stretch your wings and fly as high as your heart desires and if you need a net, I along with many others will always be right here.
Love ya!
Lisa

Parisbreakfasts said...

I've been to Scotland several times where they make cashmere.
Seattle - only nearby , not actually in it - what a mistake.
Houston - one weekend
Houseboats - in London briefly.
I love the two sketches at the top.
They make me want to go to Seattle...
Bon chance with Scotland.

quintessence said...

I was in Seattle once, right after college and it seemed like a charming place to live. I love your fishing analogy , your picks from the movie, & your selection of house boats - you are an inspiration of self expression!! And that's one of the many reasons I like you!!

katiedid said...

My brother lives in Seattle. And my Mom used to live right on the water on Vashon Island (Heaven!) I love it when there is sun, but I am afraid too much rain makes my mood soggy.

I am wishing you all good things with your new adventure in Scotland! I am very Scottish (Mom's Maiden name: Scott) but have never been....but I will never forget marching around the house when I was little with my Dad playing bagpipe marching music.

Happy travels!

La Petite Gallery said...

You look so good in that photo. Thanks for the kind comment. Yvonne

Karena said...

Deb I am so excited for you and your new life ahead in Scotland now come true!!

What will be wonderful is your postings from abroad, and I know you will do so occasionally!! Too many friends here to leave behind without writing!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

The enchanted home said...

I don't think I have ever been to Seattle but if I have it was when I was young. This post with the way its told and through your pictures is making me yearn to visit, I imagine going to quaint little coffee houses on a rainy afternoon and of course Sleepless in Seattle makes an awfully compelling reason to visit too! (one of my favorite movies)
Exciting about Scotland!! I know the pangs that tug at your heart strings when the kids leave to go in their separate directions, I have my "baby" home (15) and cherish every single day, I know all too well how time seems to evaporate into thin air. Best of luck with the sale of your home as well:)

annechovie said...

Deb~
You're a sweetheart and I hope and pray that things start picking up for you soon and that your dream to move to Scotland is soon realized! xo

Unknown said...

REally hope you get the house sold..SCOTLAND.. so jealous! I love Scotland. :-)

Renée Finberg said...

deb,
i am happy about 'house' news....
i can't believe you will be moving there.

and
another thing we have in common...
houseboats.
i have always wanted to have a weekend houseboat to run away to.
we could RUN TOGETHER!!!!

xx love you

helen tilston said...

How exciting for you. All those changes and your have an excellent plan. I will be praying for a quick sale of your home and a smooth transition to Scotland.
I was in Seattle on business for one week a long time ago (West Tours & Holland America) I was treated royally and had the best time. It is a magical city.

Helen xx

Haven and Home said...

I am sorry the summer blues have set in, maybe good news will be just around the corner to cheer you up again!

I have never been to Seattle but I am dying to go. I LOVE S.I.S. It was like.....Magic. Such a great movie!

SpryOnTheWall said...

I LOVE Seattle! There, I said it. It was one of the few places that I have been that I said to myself "I could live here", it reminds me a lot of Asheville, NC so it felt very familiar and warm to me. I'm glad you are feeling a bit better, you know that I know how depressing the process of selling (or not selling - in my case) your house can be and how much stress is involved. I know you all are anxious to be in Scotland. Limbo sucks. I'm sending virtual hugs and I'm thinking about you! xoxo

La Boheme said...

You will have wonderful adventures in Scotland Deb, I'm sure of it! Change is scary but usually turns out to bring great and exciting new memories! Many hugs to you

DolceDreams said...

I smell a big adventure and bagpipes ! How exciting, I hope!! SO happy to hear that the house is possibly sold??? Cannot wait to hear more, will stay tuned....
xo and fingers crossed,
nathalie

Decor To Adore said...

Oh the line about tiramisu just slays me. I could watch this movie all the time. A true favorite.

I've been to Seattle just once and loved it. Took the duck tour and every other goofy tourist touch. Loved it all!

Jg. for FatScribe said...

what a fun post. that was all things rolled into one big fat bolus of fun. great pics, wonderful pop-culture reference w/ sleepless in seattle (i love that you love that place and that your wee little one is going to school there to continue your family's nexus to northwest hearth and homestead).

big ups on your oppty to come. cannot wait to get your first update from across the pond, ms. deb.

;)

Notes From ABroad said...

I was in Seattle once .. over New Years, many years ago. I really liked Seattle. I lived in Portland, Or not long ago and kept meaning to go to Seattle and never did. My son lived there but I was somewhere else. See where this is going ? I need to visit Seattle !!

I think the city that has called to me the longest is London. Paris is trying to catch up .. but for now, Buenos Aires is not so bad.

Selling a house can be a pain in the arse .. I am happy for you that that is over ! Now on with the Fun Stuff !!
besitos, C

annechovie said...

Here's hoping your weekend is terrific, Deb! xo

La Dolfina said...

Hi Angel...
So nice to have your spirit back in blogland. Every post you write is a treasure. You really should turn your blog posts into a book and sell it, then you won't need to sell your house:)
I've only been to Seattle once but I've never forgotten its charms. I can totally see you thriving there.
Miss you and love you,
Terri

C.J. said...

Hi hon, so happy that your house sold. I took mine off the market after three weeks (guess I wasn't ready to sell after all). I am putting it back on the market in March. So, Seattle bound. When you get there I will meet you at the Pink Door in the market, booze is on me. Love you kiddo. By the way, I would love to live on a house boat.

La Petite Gallery said...

I could live on a houseboat there
looks great. The houseboats for sale are interesting, long trip to tow it to Maine. Who did the scetches at the top??
yvonne

pixelimpress said...

what a great tribute to seattle. i'm reading this surrounded by boxes in my new home in prosper, tx (just north of dallas) after having driven cross-country from seattle (!) just last week. good luck in scotland. pam

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

If I didn't already want to visit Seattle...I would NOW!

La Petite Gallery said...

Hello Hello!! How are you doing. It's only me -Yvonne

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

I hope that all went well with the sale and your preparation for Scotland, I am looking forward to hearing all about your adventures there.

Love Seattle, love the San Juan islands.

Barbara said...

Fun post, Deb! And I loved reading that perhaps your house is sold. I'm going to try again this fall. It IS discouraging!

Jeanne Henriques said...

I am playing late catch up Deb...I gather you have moved from Seattle to Houston? Either way, I feel your pain. Kinds leaving home, new house...new state?

Loved your post...as I love all the others. I just popped on a trailer to You've Got Mail...I am feeling that bouquet of pencils now that September has rolled around.

I look forward to what comes next...
Best wishes Deb as you settle in...hoping Sleepless becomes Restful.. :)

Jeanne xxx

Jeanne Henriques said...

Opps...I can see by the other comments I am off by a month! Better late than never? xx

The Devoted Classicist said...

Glad things are looking up!

Red Boots said...

Yay for Scotland being in sight! We will be so pleased to have your here as our newest resident!! x

Shelley said...

We're just back from two weeks in Belgium, so I've just found your comment on my blog. Just two days now until you're in Aberdeen! How exciting! I'll look forward to reading all about your new adventures!

Pinecone said...

We just had to move from the Seattle area about a month ago for a job. I miss it soooooo much!!! It is the best place I have ever lived. It is such a beautiful place with Puget Sound - Mt. Rainier etc...I felt like I was on vacation everyday SIGH!

Good luck with your new adventure. Ashlyn

Francine Gardner said...

I loved that corny movie! and am planning to visit seattle, especially after your glowing tribute to this city.
Hope you are well, my friend, the process of selling a house and packing is daunting at best.
Does that mean I will have to fly to Scotland to finally meet my virtual friend and have coffee?
Well, I may just plan my next trekking trip in your new neck of the woods...
xo francine

red ticking said...

hi darling friend... thinking of you and hope you are well... pls check in... xo

La Petite Gallery said...

One of my all tome favorites.
The two of them are a good match.. It's Oct. 15
the leaves are at their peak in Maine..
Do you think you will pick up a scottish accent? Love Yvonne

Sell WoW Accounts said...

sleepless in seattle is one of my fave movies of all time!<3

*Chic Provence* said...

Hi Deb, hoping Aberdeen is lovely to you! stopping by to see how you are, thinking of your long journey to Scotland, waiting for tales only you can tell!


xoxo

Kit

A Perfect Gray said...

thinking of you! donna

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

What a great post! Beautiful pictures of Seattle!

Barbara

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