June 12th marked the second day of my "picture a day" project. After work, I met a friend at Pikes Place Market downtown Seattle and while I was waiting, I sat in this area of the market where I had never been before. It jetted out the back facing the Puget Sound, the ferries, and the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Usually when I am by myself in a crowded area I feel somewhat oblivious, however, this evening, I remember I was reflective and aware of my surroundings.
I was sweating awkwardly. Names were carved into the wooden countertop and there was a small family sitting behind me eating dinner together. I didn't even have a revolutionary thought or a moving experience, I just remember "being." It could have been because I had just finished seven hours of data entry, but it was almost refreshing being amongst quite a lot of people with no obligation or agenda.
About 10 minutes earlier however, you would have noticed I was at a booth, money in hand, picking out my dad's father's day gift. The woman was about to clean up her booth after a long day, but still was warm and eager to explain her product. "Pick any of these out," she told me. I stood there contemplating. She told me they were able to go in the dishwasher and gave me a book giving directions to play "hot cross buns". I chose the bigger of the four and looked at the picture behind the display. Yes, I was buying an Ocarina. Have you heard of Zelda? Well, it's a video game and Zelda plays this eerie sounding flute to open doors, to distract a freaky enemy, or just for his (or is Zelda a girl?) own enjoyment. My dad has beaten the game (about 10 years ago) and for his reward, we felt he deserved an Ocarina of his own.
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