Takeout from Kona Kitchen

 

Open Mic at Cocoa Legato

 

2/15/26 Cocoa Legato, Greenwood neighborhood

A couple of weeks ago when I was in the Greenwood neighborhood, I dropped into a newish café that I had read about in the newspaper. The owner of Cocoa Legato, formerly an employee of Theo’s Chocolates, opened the venue to combine two of his passions: chocolate and music. According to its website, Cocoa Legato’s mission “is to create delicious bean-to-bar chocolate while fostering a home for Seattle’s vibrant music community.” Offering chocolate bars, coffee and chocolate beverages, pastries, and an intriguing menu of unexpected entrees (Chocolate grilled cheese sandwich! Chocolate avocado toast!), not to mention weekend live music, it’s a unique venue, indeed.

Although I only had time to grab a mocha to go that day, I could see the sketching potential: The chocolate-making facility in the next room was entirely visible through glass windows.

Feeling adventurous about the menu, Ching and I decided to check it out for lunch. I had been thinking about that chocolate grilled cheese sandwich for two weeks, and my anticipation was well rewarded! How could you go wrong with two favorite substances melted between bread? The not-too-sweet dark chocolate balances the cheddar perfectly. (I sketched it from imagination because I knew it had to be eaten hot!)

We were surprised to find that we had walked into the café’s regular Sunday afternoon open mic, where several performers got up to sing original and popular covers, even some favorites from the ‘70s. It was a fun time that I hope to repeat some other lazy Sunday afternoon. Maybe someday I’ll come back on a weekday, too, to catch the workers on the other side of the windows.

Chocolate grilled cheese sandwich!

On my first visit, I got this T-shirt, which
reads, "Eat Chocolate - Abolish ICE."

Workers making chocolate are visible next to shelves of bar chocolates and free samples.

Matching Mugs

 

Bolex H16 Reflex

 

11/6/25 (photo reference)

In the deepest, darkest recesses of the attic were things Greg had shipped here when he initially moved from the Twin Cities. First in the basement and then later in the attic (after the attic was built, along with the second story), the relics from his young adulthood got stored away. Other, newer stuff piled up in front of them until eventually they were completely concealed from view. My archaeological excavation that began a few weeks ago finally unearthed them: Filmmaking equipment in big, heavy cases.

With an art degree in cinematography, he made numerous short films in the ‘70s with a camera that was old even back then: a Swiss-made Bolex H16 Reflex. According to Wikipedia, the model was first produced in 1956.

Hauling the leather case out, I couldn’t believe how heavy it was – more than 11 pounds! How in the world did filmmakers carry and use cameras like that? I started remembering stories he had told about all the equipment that was necessary even for a short film (and a small crew of friends just to haul it all).

The burden I felt then was not just of his history; I also felt the weight of his dream unfulfilled. He had always wanted to continue making films, but all the usual grownup barriers got in the way: The need for income; lack of time, money and space for production; lack of energy once the day job work was done.

I didn’t feel ready to get rid of the camera, but what would I do instead? I certainly didn’t want to leave it in the attic. Display it in the house (and worry about it getting dusty)? Maybe if I sketched it first, I’d feel better?

The thought I kept coming back to was that the object itself meant nothing to me. Although it was obviously a cool-looking antique, I wasn’t interested in drawing all those tiny knobs and levers. The camera was only important to me because I knew what it meant to Greg.

I took the camera with me on my next visit. He recognized it immediately as he fiddled with the mechanical parts. I asked him to tell me about it, but he doesn’t articulate much anymore. It was enough for me, though, to see him hold and recognize it one last time.

It was the closure I needed. Now I can let it go.

The Last Space

About 20 years ago, I was making abstract paintings, collages and fiber works to sell in group shows and galleries. Everything had to be ready to hang to show, so I started using three-dimensional canvas-covered boards that didn’t need expensive glass framing. I sold some, but not enough to make a dent in my sizeable collection. They took up a lot of space.

After I decided to stop selling, I stashed them all. I didn’t have a plan, but I also wasn’t ready to dump them.

This week I began tackling the last space needing downsizing during Phase 3: The small attic behind my original studio where that old work has been all this time. One thing I’ve learned from downsizing these past two years is that much of what I held onto decades ago is now easy to let go of. I unceremoniously added the artwork to the heap that will be hauled away by my junk guy next week.

As the heap grew, I realized I still appreciate the process that was behind the work – without having to keep the work itself. That’s what made it easy to dump it. Making the work brought me to where I am today and will continue taking me on my creative journey. Whether that work exists is not related to the growth it represents. It was a good feeling to acknowledge that.

Actually, I didn’t get rid of everything. I saved four collages that I still like and that have meaning for me. Instead of putting them back in the attic, I went through the house and took down some other old collages that I had tired of long ago. I tossed those and replaced them with the ones I hadn’t seen in decades. They seemed fresh again.

Portland, Part 5: Walk-Sketches and My Sketch Journal

 

9/22/25 St. Patrick Catholic Church, Alphabet District, Portland

(My Portland series was interrupted by more exciting news, but now it resumes.)

As I did last year in Portland and this past spring in L.A., I stuck with my daily walking routine even when I traveled. On days when I had a fairly packed agenda, I didn’t always sketch on the walks, but when I had time, I took along my A5-size Hahnemühle sketchbook in case I wanted to use color.

I would simply set off in a direction from my hotel, then turn a corner at some point, eventually working my way back to the hotel. Along the way, I sketched whatever caught my eye. It’s absolutely my favorite way to sketch on location, especially when traveling: Wander aimlessly until I’m compelled to stop and sketch. I love the sense of discovery coupled with the urge to draw!

9/23/25 William Temple House, Portland

The two color sketches shown above were among my favorites of the whole trip. Both buildings were discovered when I turned a corner I hadn’t walked before, and suddenly there they were, demanding to be sketched – and I was delighted to oblige.

As always, many of my sketch journal pages also document food and beverages consumed. Meals are always part of the fun of travel, right?

9/18/25 Lacey and my drive to Portland

9/19/25 Breakside Brewery, Portland

9/19/25 Hachi restaurant and Breakside Brewery

9/20/25

9/20/25 Scottie's Pizza Parlor

9/23/25 My last Portland neighborhood walk and a rest stop where I had lunch on the drive home.

Again and Again

9/17/25

Memory

 

9/17/25 (Reference image from Unsplash)

Your Recliner

 

9/5/25

Three Maple Leaf Stories

 

8/27/25 Macrina Bakery, Maple Leaf neighborhood

I hadn’t been to Macrina Bakery in ages! Partly it’s because I haven’t been indulging in pastries as much, now that I’ve run out of ways to reward myself (but downsizing activities will resume in the fall and winter, as will the rewards!). A larger part, though, is that Macrina is often so crowded that I can’t get a seat. After dropping off the Subaru at Chuck’s Auto for routine maintenance, it was early enough that I found seat – one of my favorites by a front window. It gave me an easy view of one of the many knotty linden trees on Roosevelt Way (I had sketched another one a couple of years ago).

Walking home, I spotted not only an urban couch but two additional chairs waiting to be “re-homed.” A free, instant livingroom! In fact, even as I sketched, an interested party pulled over to examine the goods. The look on his face said that the price wasn’t right.

A couple blocks from the couch, I was shocked to see an empty lot where a house once stood, not too long ago. There wasn’t much to sketch there, but I noticed a couple of large pickups, likely belonging to contractors on site. As I sketched, a man living in the house next door to the empty lot came out, so I asked him about it: In place of the single-family home that had been there, four new houses will be built.

We both frowned at the prospect, but he had an upside: His two-year-old son was thrilled by the earth movers and other demolition equipment he’d seen so far, and surely more to come. At least the two-year-old and I have that in common.

Flowers, Music and Peach Pie

 

8/2/25 Art in the Garden at the Ballard P-Patch

Art in the Garden, the Ballard P-Patch’s annual neighborhood fair, hasn’t always been on my radar, but after last year’s fun, I have decided to keep it on my summer calendar. Now in its 23^rd year, the event offers arts and crafts vendors, live music, a barbecue, beer garden, and a walk through the community garden’s lovely blooms and produce.

I was surprised to find myself sketching the Sølje Sisters again – I had just sketched them at Phinney Farmers Market a couple of weeks ago. And then I wasn’t surprised: I learned that the violinist shown second from left is a gardener at the P-Patch.

Now an annual tradition!

Colorful flowers, art vendors, music – plenty of reasons to enjoy Art in the Garden. But let’s be honest: I was there for the peach pie (and since I’ve done it for two consecutive years, it’s now an annual tradition).

FOB Poke

 

7/25/25 FOB Poke Bar and some light rail sketches

I love poke, especially when served in the “build your own bowl” style: You get to pick all the proteins, sides and toppings, usually for one price. Just Poke is my favorite local chain, and I knew one was nearby when I was on Capitol Hill around lunch time the other day, but I wanted to check out a different place that was new to me.

When I was in middle school in the early ‘70s, FOB (“fresh off the boat”) was a derogatory term we used to refer to the mostly Chinese immigrant students at our school. I guess it’s not derogatory anymore, as it is the name of this small poke chain. FOB Poke Bar is distinctive in that it offers quite a few interesting toppings and extras that I don’t typically see elsewhere, like takuan (sweet pickled radish, which I love), tamago (egg cakes) and a delicious cilantro aioli that I wish they sold in a bottle so that I could pour it on salads.

As you can see from my notes, I wasn’t enamored with the ambiance inside (and other patrons must agree, as I was the only one dining there the whole time), so it’s better for takeout. But I certainly devoured that bowl easily, so I have no complaints about the food.

Playing Tourist in West Seattle

 

7/2/25 Water taxi from downtown to West Seattle

Last month when Mary Jean, Roy and I explored Pioneer Square Habitat Park at the waterfront, we were all reminded of the water taxi service as we sketched a boat there. Operated by the Washington State Ferries, it’s typically off my radar, but the pedestrian-only service between downtown Seattle and the east side of West Seattle is well used by commuters who want to skip West Seattle bridge traffic. With the fare being only a little more than a bus or light rail ride, we decided it would be a fun sketching excursion.

Feeling like tourists!

Meeting at the Washington Street Boat Landing pergola, we caught a mid-morning taxi. The ride across Elliott Bay takes only about 15 minutes, so we all sketched quickly from the deck. Accompanied by more tourists than commuters on that sunny ride, we definitely felt like we were in vacation mode, too!

On the other side, West Seattle offers some of the best skyline views of downtown Seattle from Hamilton Viewpoint Park and Seacrest Park, both short walks from the ferry terminal. It had been 10 years since I last sketched in the area, so it was familiar but felt fresh to me.

The view from Seacrest Park. This may be one of my favorite sketches so far using Caran d'Ache Neocolor II crayons. I'm finally feeling comfortable using them on location and getting into the color palette available in these water-soluble crayons. 

Mary Jean sketching at Seacrest Park

I made this sketch in our current round-robin sketchbooklet.

For lunch, we got a nice shady table at Marination Ma Kai, a Hawaiian-influenced seafood restaurant. *

Light rail riders, my lunch at Marination and coffee after the ferry ride home.

On the short ride back to downtown Seattle, we all agreed that it was fun playing tourists for the day on this easy getaway.

* The site of the Marination Ma Kai restaurant has personal significance to me and my family. It was the location of the former Seacrest Boathouse, where Seattle’s Tengu Club fishing community launched their boats. My father was an enthusiastic Tengu for many years. This article tells the story. A recent documentary tells the history of this club and how its Japanese American members were affected during and after World War II. The Tengu Club is recognized with a plaque outside the restaurant (below), and derby awards are displayed inside.

This plaque recognizes Seattle's Tengu Club, begun by Japanese Americans in the 1930s.

Reignited

6/20/25 Green Lake

It’s been well over a year since I first became interested in the concept of on-location comics, inspired by Drewscape. Ever since, I’ve been intrigued, challenged and motivated by trying to capture the story of a location with multiple small sketches on a page in comics style. I’ve also enjoyed watching my process evolve into my own current style.

Just lately, though, my interest had started lagging because I felt I had pushed the concept as far as I could go. Whenever I try something new, I seem to eventually hit this point in the process when it starts to feel less challenging, like it’s coming too easily, and then I look around for something new.

5/13/25 Roosevelt neighborhood

This recent YouTube from Drew came just in time. Showing his approach live, he reignited my passion for this unique approach to urban sketching. Once again, he talks about how combining multiple small sketches on a page tells a more complete story of a place than one sketch could. For me (and these are my own thoughts, not his), not knowing what the next sketch might be and not being able to plan it means I have to trust the process. That’s what creates tension and also excites and motivates me to keep going.

Sometimes this approach leads to a dull page without much story, and I’m disappointed. But how is that different from a single sketch turning out less appealing than I had wanted and feeling disappointed by that? It’s exactly the same. I still love the comics approach, and I’m grateful to Drew for once again inspiring me.

Maybe my challenge now is to find a way to push it in a direction that I’m not yet aware of. Or not. In any case, I just have to trust the process. 

4/25/25 Pike Place Market and Seattle Art Museum

Change of Plans

 

6/25/25 Richmond Beach neighborhood, Shoreline

When USk Seattle arrived at the garden where we had planned an outing, it was closed. We quickly pivoted to nearby Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, but I was dressed for a wooded, sheltered garden, not the harsh breezes of Puget Sound. I toughed it out for one quick sketch before Natalie and I decided we needed a coffee warmup. Ahhh . . . a hot zebra mocha (dark chocolate and white chocolate) hit the spot.

On the Waterfront

 

6/18/25 Pike Place Market and waterfront

When Seattle’s Waterfront Overlook opened last fall, a key part of that major renovation project was still in progress: the new Waterfront Park itself. In time for the summer season, the park is finally complete (or almost; some pieces still looked unfinished). Roy, Mary Jean and I decided to check it out last week.

Beginning at Pike Place Market, we walked along the Overlook down to the waterfront and kept going south all the way to the newish Pioneer Square Habitat Beach, “a man-made beach supporting the waterfront ecosystem, including enhancing the salmon corridor by adding rocks and nearshore vegetation.” The beach is landmarked by the historic Washington Street Boat Landing, which has also been restored – and is now the home of a Molly Moon’s ice cream shop!

Although I tell you all this, ironically, I didn’t sketch any of what I mentioned! We’ll be having a USk outing there later this summer, so I saved all the highlights for then (but you can see photos below). Instead, I sketched other things along the way, most notably the bricklayers who were repairing part of a Pike Place Market street. All of us were fascinated by how the workers applying mortar between the bricks used a cone that looked just like bakers piping a pastry with frosting.

The three of us have started another round-robin using single-sheet sketchbooks that Roy made. We switched books at the end of the day, and next time we have a play date, we'll use that book to sketch in, then continue the rotation.

Sketchbook note: The past year, I’ve been using A5-ish “wide” landscape format Uglybooks at outings when I want more space than my daily-carry A6-ish size Uglybook. But often I find the landscape format awkward to use, especially when I want to work across a spread.

Thinking about this as I was heading out, I grabbed a Stillman & Birn Zeta sketchbook for this outing. I wanted the same A5-ish size but in portrait format, which I find to be more flexible. Indeed, I like working with this format better, especially with my comics style, but then I missed the colored page. Sure wish Uglybooks would make some larger portrait-format books!

A George Tsutakawa fountain, formerly elsewhere on the waterfront, has been restored and reinstalled in a new location.

These giant swings (with the most comfy seats I've ever sat in on a swing) are made of reused materials.

Still incomplete and behind fencing, this interesting structure seems to be some kind of playground attraction.

Perhaps the most exciting attraction of all are the brand new, much-needed public restrooms -- first time ever on the Seattle waterfront! My tax dollars put to good use at last!

OK, the restrooms are exciting, but we all know what the MOST exciting thing is -- a new Molly Moon's ice cream shop! The shop is under this historic Washington Street Boat Landing, which is the former ferry landing.