Photo Friday: Halloween In Seattle
I sometimes hear people claim that our American cities lack a sense of community or somehow imply that city dwellers aren't "real" Americans. In my view, nothing could be further from the truth. I love my urban life. Limited real estate means that there are few big box stores, and I spend more time in independently owned markets, bakeries, toy stores, and book shops and getting to know the owners and employees. A tight knit parenting community means that I often run into friends and acquaintances when I am out and about. My kids grow up interacting with all kinds of people, from recent immigrants to families who have lived in the area for generations. From people so wealthy it kinda makes your head hurt to people just struggling to get by. They're all here, and very little separates us. That might make some people uncomfortable, but it suits me just right.
Nothing brings people out of their houses more than Halloween, though, and I thought it would be fun to share a few photos of what Halloween looks like here in Seattle. You tell me if this looks like a heartless, cold city (ok, I'll admit the cold part - we definitely picked costumes for their coziness)
Our neighborhood is too hilly for short legs, so we like to Trick-or-Treat in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Our city's founders thought that the state capitol would be located here, and built their turn of the century mansions on this hill. The old mansions double perfectly as haunted houses, and almost everyone goes overboard with Halloween decorations.
As the sun sets, the streets become clogged with trick-or-treaters, and it can be overwhelming for the little guys. This year, a few of the streets were closed to traffic, and kids were invited to join in an early evening Halloween parade. D & E loved showing off their Halloween finery.
After the parade we started trick or treating, and hit about 15 houses before their little legs gave in. We were back home counting our candy just as it got dark.
Come join me next year. The city really isn't so heartless afterall - even on the scariest day of the year.
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20 comments |
Posted on November 5, 2009 |
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Comments
Tim Marks on November 5, 2009 at 10:18 p.m.
Very cool, the bathtub shot is great
amida on November 5, 2009 at 10:19 p.m.
I love when people go all out with the Halloween decorations. It makes trick or treating so much more fun. This year, we found a new trick or treat sweet spot, where people dressed up and sat outside to pass out candy and one even passed out gut-oozing toys... to the adults! It was a great night.
Kymri on November 5, 2009 at 10:31 p.m.
The peacock costume is too cute, I love it!
TheWordWire on November 6, 2009 at 2:33 a.m.
I have never heard anything unflattering about the people or lifestyle in Seattle. Now that I've read this article, I love your urban life too! Thanks for sharing. And thanks for the Photo Friday forum -- I enjoy everyone's stories.
Abi on November 6, 2009 at 4:12 a.m.
I love how Halloween is such a big deal in the US - it always reminds me of ET - my favorite childhood film ;)
RennyBA's Terella on November 6, 2009 at 4:36 a.m.
What a great contribution!
Looks more like warm hearted to me - lovely photos!
Mara Gorman on November 6, 2009 at 5:13 a.m.
That peacock costume is terrific! I've always thought that Seattle sounded like a friendly place to visit.
Cate on November 6, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.
This is a really nice post to read first thing over a cup of tea. I think Seattle would be a little different than other cities, all those independent stores and markets give you that community feel. I love your house, it's how I've always pictured American homes to be.
jessiev on November 6, 2009 at 7:55 a.m.
WHAT fun! i love that peacock costume, too. we visited 7 houses in our neighborhood. gosh we live in the country. it took 45 min!!
maria on November 6, 2009 at 8:28 a.m.
I love those Halloween decorations, great community effort. The house really looks spooky and the bath shot is really original. Cute costumes too!
Sarah V. on November 6, 2009 at 9:16 a.m.
Seattle is definitely on my list!
Sara on November 6, 2009 at 12:55 p.m.
I live in Seattle and now I know we will be heading to Cap hill next year for Halloween! Looks awesome. Up here in Greenlake we don't get many trick or treaters and it think it's sad!
Jen@TwoKidsandaMap on November 6, 2009 at 2:07 p.m.
My and my daughter's birthdays both fall right next to Halloween. We LOVE going all out for Halloween! This looks like a great neighborhood to go trick or treating in!
Carolina on November 6, 2009 at 6:42 p.m.
You're making me miss Halloween already. Love the shot of the skeleton, looks likes he's swimming in fall wine.
Lorraine on November 8, 2009 at 12:26 p.m.
One memory I have of visiting friends in Seattle was the great time we had relaxing on their front porch. It made me appreciate the whole concept of "porch" - and you've captured a great one there in front of this home. I really like your post, it's a welcoming way to present the Fall season.
diane bowe on November 9, 2009 at 8:31 p.m.
UHG, now I'm really homesick! There's no place in the world I'd rather live than Seattle. Thanks for reminding me why.
Toby on November 12, 2009 at 8:03 p.m.
Very cool set of Halloween photos.
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Toby
http://blog.gowaza.com
http://www.gowaza.com
car hire rio de janeiro on November 16, 2009 at 3:48 a.m.
Its scary, especially the one in tube :D
BookingTeam on April 28, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.
Great, very cool!!! :)
Elephant on February 4, 2011 at 10:07 p.m.
I think Seattle would be a little different than other cities, all those independent stores and markets give you that community feel. I love your house, it's how I've always pictured American homes to be.