Kendra May 14th, 2008
I think it’s funny that there is a lot of discussion about creating neighborhoods and urban density that foster a sense of community. Before cars and urban sprawl this was the norm. Before the age of cars people could not pull into their garages and disappear from sight. The neighbors would notice the comings and goings of their neighbors and friendly exchanges would occur with local news discussed on a porch stoop or over the fence. This neighborhood communication led to grass roots activism and was the impetus for improvements in the neighborhood and created a forum to discuss other less than positive changes.
Ballard, which is currently in such a state of transition, needs the civic involvement of its residents and most Ballardites are probably unaware that this kind of civic forum is available and open for their participation. I didn’t know it myself until a few years ago when I stumbled upon it by accident during one of my frequent visits to the Ballard Library.
Have you ever heard of the Ballard District Council meeting that takes place the second Wednesday of each month in the meeting room at the entrance to the library? I am guessing most reading this are shaking their heads “no” right now. That’s a shame and it’s my goal with this post to let Ballardites know …
Keith May 12th, 2008
I recently posted on Ballardite Blog about some of the exhibits I was drawn to at the second Saturday ArtWalk held last Saturday in Ballard, May 10th. One of my favorite installations of the evening, by Jim Wilkinson, an Edmonds photographer, was at KISS Cafe. The exhibition entitled “Normal Sometimes Naked People” featured large grids of bold, beautiful color photographic portraits on stretched canvas. The photos were striking, especially grouped as they were in the space, which features a high loft-ceiling and bold wall colors that really made the photos pop. Some of the pieces were erotic; there were nudes of women and of men with a couple photos of nude men posing together. In an interesting angle a couple of the photos featured strikingly tatooed KISS co-owner Amanda Whisler
After the show I decided to look for more information on the photographer, who was erroneously referred to in ArtWalk materials as John Wilkenson. I eventually tracked down his Flicker page. Under a picture of one of the pieces from the show he wrote:
The Artist’s Reception Sat May 10th was great. On Sunday, one of the owners of the cafe called me and told me that he had taken down one of my 2 photo pieces, and he wanted me to chop off the bottom third of this piece. All because of the nude guy (bottom right corner). [...] I of course immediately removed the entire show [...]
Wow. …
BallardGuy May 11th, 2008
Erin writes:
I grew up attending the school of hard knocks in the big city of Marysville, WA – now known for the massive structure of a casino and outlet mall central. Ventured east to Washington State University. Learned to drink beer. Graduated and moved to Seattle in search of a career path. Learned to drink wine, fell in love and woke up with a headache/stained teeth. Working in wine and writing on the side. Cherishing every moment in Ballard with Swedish heritage and cheap bars with the lovely, class-act people that fill up the Avenue. Down for coffee or wine at anytime, especially if you’re buying.
SeattleMeg May 10th, 2008
Depressingly, my antique glass measuring cup chipped and for safety’s sake, must be replaced. I decided to stop in Kitchen-N-Things at 2322 NW Market Street in Ballard. (Corner of Market and 24th) This place is a real treat for the serious cook. From lovely linen aprons to stainless steel measuring spoons to Le Creuset ovenware in a rainbow of shades, Kitchen-n-Things has the kitchenware for you if cooking is your passion. Apparently, they even have a “Knife of the Month” according to the paper taped to the door. May is a serious German steel chef’s knife for less than $60! Alas, no Pyrex or glass measuring cups here, only polymer or steel.
So I then ventured across the street to the cozy little Cookies in Seattle. Admittedly, I forgot about the measuring cup. While most of the aprons really were too small for my frame, they were terribly cute. I was distracted by the over 1,000 cookie cutters… All sizes and shapes to fit your fancy. The 4″ copper one in the shape of a hairdryer might be fun for a girl’s slumber party, or she may prefer the music notes, or even the saw and pliers cutters if she’s inclined to build things. They also have cookie stamps, cookie jars, mixes, cookbooks… Eh, I’ll find the measuring cup at Fred Meyer’s this weekend. I had to leave before I spent the rest of my evening in a snickerdoodle frenzy. Make sure and drop into this cute little …
Erin May 9th, 2008
There I stood – or staggered – on the cobblestoned paveway of Ballard Avenue, several glasses of wine down with a confused frown deciding which Ballard wine bar got the best of me. I did some serious research on the Avenue’s wine bar circuit for the rest of us Sweds who get lost when it’s something other than schnapps with the smorgasbord.
With the recent restaurant/bar trend featuring small plates/tapas, Portalis WIne Shop/Bar and diVino fall right into the grade. However, I can wholeheartedly say that my experiences with both wine bars was far from middle grade.
My Wine Trails of Ballard began at Portalis (www.portaliswines.com), home to former German ER doc Jens Strecker, with their vast selection in retail wines originating from Chile to New Zealand and South Africa, as well as a couple local favorites.
The menu gave a few small plates to choose from – all with fancy titles that essentially translate out to fish spread on crusted bread – and an intricate tasting menu for the evening (it was a Wednesday). I ventured out to Italy and tried their version of the Pinot Noir grape, also known as Nebbiolo. I found it to be a little hallow and flat but drank it anyway since it was just under $10… Only to find out 7/8 through the glass that the bottle I was drinking from was corked… The bartender quickly retaliated, giving me a …
BallardGuy May 7th, 2008
Cameron writes:
I’m a Northwest native, hailing from the City of Roses, Portland, Oregon. I
graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor of arts degree in Middle
East Studies and Islamic and Jewish studies, and shortly after graduation I
moved to Seattle with the intention of pursuing an advanced degree in this
field. Three incomplete master’s programs later, I have managed to dodge my
academic commitments, and have instead focused on my career in the non-profit
arena and hula hooping. As a dance and gymnast veteran, I spend a lot of my time
attempting to relive old dreams as a dancer, choreographer and artist. I also
own a boutique event planning company, called Gracenote Events (gracenoteevents.com),
which specializes in performance art and mixed media art installations for
private events and parties. When I’m not busy being a kumbayah-singing,
community-building, non-profit sell-out, I spend much of my time wandering the
streets of Ballard in search of fashion, music and culture and a
rockabilly entourage.
Kendra May 5th, 2008
The choice of handbag is a form of self-expression and a projection of what image we want to give the world on any particular day. Laura Bee Designs, a Ballard shop, understands that.
BallardGuy May 5th, 2008
Kendra writes:
After living all over the world, I chose Ballard as my first permanent home. In the Pacific Northwest I found the best of the best: water, mountains, natural beauty, an urban lifestyle, interesting architecture, a literate population and a high quality of life. Even the rain is OK with me (well most of the time). I tell people I am a little bit like Goldilocks, some cities I lived in were too hot, some were too cold, Seattle was just right. It’s why I am excited to blog about my favorite place. That, and it’s nice to get some use out of my Master’s in Creative Writing.
Ballard how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
The Ballard Library – between it’s green roof, interesting architectural and the amazing fact that I can check out all the books and movies I want for free this is my favorite spot.
Sunset Hill Park – a walk over to this postcard size park with its magnificent view always brightens my mood.
Ballard Farmer’s Market – I get to support local farming practices, eat healthy fruits and vegetables, stroll the old brick streets and people watch. It reminds me of the open-air markets in Europe.
My neighbors – They are the best thing about living in Ballard. I live on a street that is a throwback to the 1940’s, where we know each other’s names, watch out for each other and come nice weather when we see one of us outside the others all come …
