The Amerivespa 2007 Scooter Rally was held in Seattle this year. There were countless lust-worthy bikes and much drooling was had by all. My Superstella held her own, though she's no cotton-candy-pink Hello Kitty themed scooter with a sidecar.

This is my nutty, nutty neighborhood. Boys who like girls who look like boys. Goth, gutter punks and Dicks Drive-in. Vendors wedge burning sticks of incense in the bricks of their storefronts. You can buy a vintage coat and some bondage gear while you're waiting for your take-out sushi. The grocery is open 24 hours, and on Saturday nights, loud music from the bar above pours through the open ceiling, creating a rock and roll produce section. Ahhhh. God bless Capitol Hill.

These photos are from the Seattle Aquarium and feature me attempting to use the macro setting on my camera -- at times successfully. It was Octopus Week at the Aquarium, and although the octopus exhibit was not nearly as exciting as the baby otters, it was an apt way to celebrate my birthday while not aboard our vessel, The Octopus of Loooove.

Seems before I moved to Seattle, every time I heard someone mention Ballard, it was followed immediately by "... of all places." Such as, "There was a punk showcase last night. In Ballard, of all places." Or "I went on a really hot date. In Ballard, of all places." Or, "we ran into Michael Jackson. In Ballard, of all places." It sounded like Ballard was full of surprises. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into this place. Turns out that this Scandanavian neighborhood of Seattle hosts some seriously cool establishments and beautiful watery views. Oh, and the Tractor Tavern is there too, where we saw Andrew Bird and the Damnwells play. Not together, silly. Plus there's apparently a local obsession with bunnies, enormous outdoor art installations, a farmer's market, and lots of good doorways and windows. Look.