Bench 1: Green Lake, Day 27

Today I look @ the pond. I eat 3 bushels of strawberries, saw 1s fighting squirrels and beagle. Africa visited today, a familiar, that friend was DEATH

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[stars, flowers, heart]

By Tatum

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Here I stand head in hand…
Hey! You’ve got to hide your love away…

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I won’t be defined by one person. I define me stripped away by everything. –M

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There are some things worth more than independence. –S

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Single urban family = Hurrah! 4/27/07 … 8:52

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Now we love “Green Lake” more than Ever! Thank you for your HUMANITY.

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Hi. This is rosie and Susan. We stopped at this bench cuz we’re looking at a guy holding a corsage in a tux w/his parents, waiting for someone to come. We’ve read this whole notebook and he’s still waiting!!! We want to know who he’s waiting for. For ppl reading this – PLEASE WRITE NEATER! WE couldn’t or didn’t read some of them. OK, here’s an update on the guy w/the tux. They met up w/another bunch of ppl. WE are going to find out where they are going. They are walking out to the pier. They’re taking pictures out there. Anyway, it’s 5:30 pm and we are going to finish rollerblading. It’s getting too cold to sit on the bench. Just want to say this is an awesome idea. And we enjoyed reading some of the entries. Have an awesome day!

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Everyone needs to take time to frolick in the daisies. Forget the smelling, frolicking is the new cool thing to do! We just really enjoy frolicking! Best wishes!

Maryann and Wanda!

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Make a point of loosing yourself and do it often. The road back home will always be bittersweet. M & R. [Arabic]

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What’s Up!!! J

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Cyrus was here with his broken leg on his birthday. 4/29/07.

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I am here with my beloved family. Great place, great people. Don

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Meadowbable Soccer! Cyrus #6
EWH sucks!

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Life right now is hard. I come to Green lake with my best friend Natasha and play Frisbee to get away from decisions of what to do with my life. Play music and compose or be the business woman my parents wish. NYU is my dream but UW or Western is reality. So my words of wisdom are be all you can be, don’t let anything stop you. Not even a fish running with shoes on! Love always & forever, Michelle G.

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Hi, I’m Natasha, mentioned above. I used to write so I’d imagine I’d come up with something good and brilliant but I haven’t in months. Maybe I’ll come back in a few months and have something brilliant come out of this pen. Love, Natasha.

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It’s cold & we ate ice cream.
[ a drawing of france maybe and a leg or a bridge and an ice cream cone]

Bench 1: Green Lake

Wheels in motion –

So many bodies

Thinking once again

About Oinertia

Thinking once again

About Ogravity

Resisting the tendency to fall…to collide

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Alpha

Now may not be the time, but the opportunities that the future may hold are limitless… That… That is beautiful.

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Jacob

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This would be A

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Blaine – Walk to Canada – couldn’t handle “War Room” KIRO – guilty Mt. Wa Tower beaming bamma raw/help from overlake hosp to mutliate. Or I like to say George W Bush cannibalizes on the American people. My blood. If you would kindly look at a donor’s application – you greedy self absorbed maggots of Seattle or county you will see a typical ass{illegible} a two yar old would figure out. 1977 – A date a simple associated for dub shits to figure out. I was graduate from high school meaning my blood of which I promised your NAEIA associated pres. Can cure all diseased. I’ll leave that at that. Canada knew it the second time I went [illegible] maid you.

I walked some 400 miles for patriotism, patriotism the human beings seem to see out of Seattle. I have be mutilated for 27 years. Canada was letting me in. George W. /Bass sent to Guam across the border. Causing indisition.

“Poisioning our brain –

WA shed mads”

They sent me back, because I needed $75.00.

George W. Bass murdered the 30 soom student. On [ ]. The other day. I’m going to throw these facts out. There are too many to examine. [illegible] you can study ADD. It rips my heart out to concentrate or read. That is the gov. reason. Believe it or not to obliterate methamphetamines. Because of my coming.

I am all. I am the equation that began human life. Some would call me the God. I prepher Henry T. Baken. All my emotions – pain, ect, are in direct association w/earthquakes, weather, all/weather, volcanoes, ect.

There is a man at Micro Soft. Maximillion or Milked or one of the same. We have deleted his programs. After being sold from Boeing. They Microsoft has deverted huge earthquakes ect to poor country like India and so on.

All you have to do is look at my pain the last two weeks. My blisters, feet, Solomon Island Mexican earthquake, Japan ect. We as Americans have an (including myself) incredibly accountability to the world.

People look in the almanac for instance. My name is Henry Trowbridge Baken. I was born 1-29-59 same day as my granda. I died at the hands of [illegible] Ourlake hospital 1995 – May 15 same as Jerry Garcia. Be amazed at the weather systems. Look at assassination for Bush.

1984

1981

My ex Wife 9-11

Hello

I was fed a human finger at ourlake hospital.

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Raindrops

Pitter patter comes the rain

Streaking down my window pane

With dimpled puddles all around

We must be close to Puget Sound

But think – we don’t need garden hoses

Let’s go out and smell the roses

The sun came out and brought relief

And we’ll find diamonds on each leaf.

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I leave my mark

At Green Lake Park

On this cool April Day

A big hello and wishes well

To all who pass this way

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I’m a hopeless romantic and my name is Ted but the only one who will sit here with me is ol buddy Fred.

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My son & I drove down from Stanwood to visit w/uncle mabey 3 minutes go by and he lays into me about cracked windshield. Short visit. Ed * Ireland

Green Lake

Hits	Misses	Debatable
The trumpet guy in the parking lot	Duck itch	The bubble man
The marimba man	Leering	Inadequate athletic support
“Spanish Lessons”	Wolf whistling
Capoeira, brazillian martial art
The Rabbit Lawn

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I always wonder how people who fish here can be OK with eating their catch. Aren’t the fish sucking up sludge all day or are we all just to paranoid about keeping things sparkley clean. The ominous cloud left. Now we can stroll.

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4/23, 10:30pm

never too late for a stroll. Something abou the way the lights sparkle across the water… Phinney Ridge, Green-wood… wonder what’s going on in the lives of all those homes. Open sky, deep water, cool breeze, muffled conversations, jumbled thoughts… I’m here to be still and sit at the creator’s feet, soaking in his handicraft and looking for meaning.

(I hope 1.2 makes it to retirement!) – Skyroller

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Overcast again. Big surprise. The lake is full of ruffles and people are rollerblading. Yes rollerblading. I haven’t done that since new kids on the block were rockin in the eary nineties! –Ry

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I should warn people about duck itch. Especially with the warm season approaching. The lake is full of doody! WARNING I repeat: turds. They make you itch.

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What a wonderful place to meet new friends. This place brings out the best in everybody. Biker Al

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Taking 4 Days off. Almost finished. Come join me at Lighthouse Roasters. –Owl

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I am dead David. [drawing of long hair] My guitar is my only friend. I am so alone.

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Sat down to loosen my shoelaces – had to contribute. What a nice community building activity/experiment. I love Greenlake & this walk around, in grey weather. We are so fortunate to get to enjoy such a lovely place on Earth.

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I crossed the ocean to get [illegible] again. I hope it will end soon.

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They say look before you leap

Just don’t look to long that

You forget to leap

The man that said easy come easy

Go! Never had to work for a

Living!

Just because Jesus is your co=pilot

Doesn’t mean the devil

Won’t hijack your plane.

If you have to sale your self

Don’t sale your self short

When you become an adult

Follow the example of children

Make funny faces, skip instead

Of walk once in a while. Climb

A tree for no rason at all.

Smile at strangers. Eat a

Booger when your surround by people

Who take them way to serious

Do any of these things and you’ll never

Get old.

Fayeking206@msn.com

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GL Crew

Novice girls 07 OR

Yeah baby!. We’re on a stupid run to the community center – right… haha we’re walking most of it. Yay! Rowin the Miller @ Brentwood tomorrow-ish. TA [heart] forever

Go Greenlake Novices! We’re gonna kick ass @ Brentwood! Yeah! –ES

Frances manancis

J. Rinkeydink.

I hate running! Bitch! CL

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On my own pretending he’s beside me. All all alone. I walk w/his beside me with out him the world around changes. And all I see is him & me forever & forever. I love him I love him, I love him, but only on my own. Jule Jimson ‘07

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Today I look @ the pond, I eat 3 bushels of strawberries, saw [] fighting squirrels and one beagle. Africa visited today, afamiliar that friend was DEATH.

Bench 1: Green Lake

We are Starbucks baristas and we ask you to:

--Not Bite the hand that feeds you

--Not ask for free Venti H20. (Why?)

--don’t put your grasy nasty hands on the glass of our pastry case

--Speak up, don’t point ot the pastry you want/we are not mind readers

--Do not give us attitude. We WILL give DECAf

--Say Thank you

--Don’t say Your welcome

--Don’t talk on your cell

--Don’t mumble

--Don’t count out the exact change

--Know what you want before you get to the counter

--Always remember to TIP.

Love Your local barista

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Whatever! Disgrunteld baristas. Its part of the customer serice job scope.

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The aqua is purtiful. I see a woman who is jogging, who desperately needs a bra.

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What should I write about? Well I am sitting at this place looking at the people and playing a kind of spy game

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I love dookie so much!!!

Fuck America!

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This is a map. “Go by the river & through the trees & then find the treasure” (Kane 4 years old).

I like sheep!

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Earth Day! LOTS of people out, talking sports, teaching their younguns how to ride a bike, running, walking, talking, loving and hating on this sunny and beautiful day—which to me is a gift.

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I [heart] Greenlake. Where else do you see a goth drum circle competing for space with hippie knights in full armor dueling with each other?

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Hunting for dandylion wishes around the lake – such an odd juxtaposition from working in Afghanistan with my National Guard Unit.

I am off to help a 4-yr-old to make a black bird nest out of dandy lions.

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I use this book to read when I’m stretching – Great IDEA!!

Thoughts today – we as people need to be honest w/each other. If you like someone give them a hug, if your sad ask for a hug and if your ticked off run a lap around Greenlake. Toodles!

Capitol Hill: Post 1

April 14

Hello Chicken

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Friday the 13^th Hope no one has run into black cats and such. Keep it safe and such, cowboy. I bet no one has tried to write on this in the rain. Til now. It is proving quite difficult. Thank you Seattle. Good night. Love Belinda & Sandrine

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Before long the clouds will sing again and the moon will reunite with the sun. Until then, be blessed in all that guides you on this trail called life.

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2 pm

I think that only in Seattle would you find a little notebook chained to a park bench just to capture your thoughts. Did you bring a pen?

A metaphore for life – gifts come but you need to be prepared.

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Beautiful, sunny, warm, clear. I always sit on this bench and watch the fathers with their children. My father hardly ever played with me. He died last April. I am a medium. I talk with spirits. My father sits with me here on this bench. He spends more time with me here than when he was alive. I never thought I'd miss him, but I do. It's April 14, 2007. A friend, another psychic, said something magical would happen today. Maybe this notebook is it.

--Spookie

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Hi. I’m Ciscero Jones, a small kitty with pointy whiskers. I’m about 14 months old, which is pretty old in cat years. I’m basicly a teenager. I usually party at home but today im chillin in the park thinking about later when im gonna bbq some mice. Nice! The end

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Scott & Heather were here rambling through the park in celebration of our sixth wedding anniversary.

Mr & Mrs Scotty Don’t!

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I am so fast and desperate. F

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Joe, Alex, Stephanie me, and my cousin hung out all day. I love Joe so much. Even though he got mad at me last night. Seattle is great.

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15th

We walked back from Dick’s right now. Cheap greasy American food still makes my stomach churn. I was living in India for the last 5 months. It’s good to be home. To kiss the one you love. To tell them in person where before the only words they heard were through a telephone with people layered over speaking Hinidi. If you knew what it’s like to take a trip leaving the one you love behind then maybe you know where I’m coming from. I’m only 19. I live in Olympia. I’m moving up here in November. I’m a cook in an Indian restaurant. Life is ridiculous. I haven’t been to Seattle since before I left. I love sunny. Life is good. I fall more in love every day. I love her.

JJSS

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It’s dark. Me, nick and our big black rott mutt and we stumbled upon the journal attached to the bench. I’m wearing tennis shoes. I never wear tennis shoes. Writing is difficult because my wrists are bruised and battered (thanks to nervous habits). I’m in love with Nick and I love Oki. This night is beautiful. Now off to frolic in the water.

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A great idea. I hope this notebook makes it back to you with love, goodwill, and peace. Cal Anderson is a wonderful park. I come here every day with my two dogs. Love to all.

April

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Did anyone see that movie 'The Notebook?' This is pretty much nothing like that.

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Come on Summer!

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Green Pepper! Beans! 4 tomatos. [drawing of a dog and a camera]

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Once in this park there were drugs? Now just yuppies. WHY? Addict searching

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Im at this place in time between yours and mine. I guess that makes it ours. How sweet it is.

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I like the park. I like the sun. I like the dark. I like to run.

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hey we had to stop (cuz I made everyone) here and write in this book. I still aspire to get high. Mobbin around with a bunch of bags like a pack mule & really I should be home now. My mom has been in the hospital for like 5 days. Now yesterday they moved her out of ICU but my sister just called & said they moved her right back. It’s freakin me the fuck out so before I do go home (to Auburn) I want to get fucking high & fuck my new friend. I want help. Anything as far as my fears about my mommy (she is only 44) but I think it will occupie my mind a while (plus hes hott). So now I’m off. They’re whistling for me.

Get well please Mom! I’ll die if you leave me. I love you!

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Come from N.A. back to share here. Easier. Good meeting. Nice park! Back next weekend Monday I mean. Josh

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Equis, I took the page so no one else will email you. Thanks. William.

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Rose & I had lots of fun playing in what is now this beautiful park. I wish it looked this way when I loved across the street. Jen & Rose.

[somewhat circular drawing] Art by Rose S. Age: 2.75 years

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Bright/Blue/Windy. First thought upon seeing this book: “ho must that belong to? It’s chained to the bench!” It’s funny – the human mind gravitating towards possession. Need to control but to control ourselves. This is why we have rituals and myths and religion – to harness nature. Where does this book fit in? A necessity to connect with others because the modern world is so fragmented. Part of writing in this book is reading what was written before (so that their communication isn’t WASTED). Anyway this could go on and on and on. (I think yuppies and drugs can co-exist) – EMMA [20 yrs]

This book is a fragment too.

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Daina and Jules V sit waiting to shit. All the mass amounts of bean & cheese. Hold your breath little sister. Enter sandman.

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Coworkers/friends Sam n Dave and I decided to come up to the hill and walk Cal Anderson. Goregeous, sunny, cool breeze. They did a nice job with this public space. It was a reservoir before. Sam asked, “Is that a big hole?” Sam’s obsessed with holes. Dave asks if I want to go camping but I can’t. This weekend is the NW Bear weekend, gotta hunt me a “Bare”.

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MR. T

Check my Chain Bitch.

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Gnomus left her homus
Now sitting in the park aloneus
Enjoying the afternoon sun
Thinking about future loved ones…
The spring wrestling her way forward
Planetary projects encuring
Momentous experiences
Eyes open for great change
Great change the future of all this
Let my actions be effective
Let me effect this change
Let this change move us into who we are…
No this happened before!

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Dana leisy & jules vezzetti
Rock your socks off

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Sort of Day 10/11

Love and beauty are everywehre.

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If you are feeling blue, go into nature with your honey and sit on a park bench.

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Contemplate the miraculous ordinary. DP

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15 April 2007
Living next to Green Lake since 1969 I have spent tons of time on, in & around the lake. No time trumps the promise of a blue-sky day early in the spring.

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Hello! My name is Miles. This is a very nice place here in Green Lake, but I still don’t know why so many people walk here.

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I’m sorry I stole your book.

Bench 1, Day 8

We are braving the elements with our 6 little girls!!! Are we silly or what?? We have 2 Speedy Gonzales, 2 medium, and 2 slow pokes! Eventually we will get there.

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I’m here from W. Seattle – been walking here for a week now & may I point out that very few people smile, say hi or… very unlike W.S. – yes, I know – just stay in W.S. if I don’t like it, but still it seems strange that people are not more outgoing in such abeautiful place. DS

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Wow, that’s a lot of entries for 5 days. I read through everything so far. It really does feel like a blog – anonymous but much more personable. Knowing that its local, handwritten, accessible makes it all that much more intriguing. I think I’m going to add it to my favorites in my firefox browser.

Anyway, this is a nice diversion from filling out mind numbing applications and the ever-elusive job hunt. These fruity snacks I am finishing are running out and my fingers are freezing so, hasta la vista.

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Ej, za Bosamsvraju – pozdrav svima. Necete valjda zamjeriti sto sam zapravo iz. Purger-town
Zagreb?! Drz’te se I nedy da vam ikad ova kultura uzima vasu dusu. Cao. Stef.

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I love this place. It’s where I know the world. It lives in my dreams. And I sleep a lot. Geoffrey the Poodle

Bench 1, Day 7

Raw Feed
(Full posts available at www.estamosaqui.org)

Venture along
Venture with
Trust venture along
Like a lion or fox
Mwa ha haaa
Ruby, Age 10

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The day after
Easter and it
blusters and blows
here in cold park
on cold bench,
my heart warm
with love of my husband.
Next to me.
A warm heart on a
cold cold day.
Theresa 4/9/07

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This Book
Sucks Dick!

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You should change the font colors on your webblog so all notebook entries are, I don’t know, red, an all the stuff you add is black, like a donkey or dolphin I respond to colors.
Ian M
(Good idea. Consider it done.” – The Corp, Alpha)

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I love walking in the morning. Evering smells so fresh. A good way to wake up & get your endorfines moving & get some exercise & meet friends.
Steve Lockitch [sumthin]
Alexander Enterprises
www.webnow.com

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Easter Confession

Yesterday I took my dog for an Easter morning walk from my house in remont to the U District Big 5. On the way, my dog pooped so I cleaned it up and desposed of it in my neighbors garbage can left out for the garbage man. Big 5 was closed for Easter. DAMN, I really wanted a carribeaner. On the way back my dog pooped again! This poo was of equal size or greater than the original. My pradinkadink was that I only brought one plastic bag with me on my Easter conquest. So I look left, look right, Shit! There are people who may have seen, or may not have seen my dogs stinky loafs dropping. Think quick. I lean over the pile, pretending to grab something from my pocket, and pretend to be picking up the poo until the pedestrians pass. Phew. Then I walked home.

To any new readers in search of some vigilante justice, the poop at hand is located on the north side of 43^rd between 11^th and Brooklyn.
Ian M

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TUESDAY 10 April @ 0900. My vacation bank at work is full, rather than donate to the mega-corp, decided to burn a few days. The dog + I, on patrol at the Lake looking for furry creatures to watch. “Bob” the dog will not eat them, but has an affinity for them. Noticed your notebook, having my coffee in hand, sat for a while, soaked up the local wildlife + caffeinated the body. Slightly overcast with a hint of chill, the sun trying to emerge with some success. People jogging + walking. One can only guess are they running “to” or “from”.
Ken?

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I’m dying to tell you I’m dying

What day isn’t as beautiful
As everyone that came before or after
When should a smile be not in your [couldn’t figure it out]
When the birds fly above you
And the conqueror worm below you
Everything in the world dies
And I wouldn’t want it any other way
What else could make the sun so warm
On living skin that knows its end
Is always at hand, always just beneath the surface
The wind that kisses your face
Will one day carry you into oblivion
And it will be the most beautiful passage
Into the object of creation
The ever present artifact that we are put on
To learn its purpose, our design
And that you are here ‘til you are gone.
“God appears and God is light
To those who dwell in realms of night
But does a human form display
To those who live in realm of day.”
--THA (and a William Blake quote)

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I’m taking a break to sit on the bench w/my brother. We have been walking around the lake to get some exercise and look @ girls for me, doods for him. I live in Eastern Washington and I am a heroin addict. I kicked two months ago with only 1 fuck up this time, so im optimistic. I will be moving to Seattle in the next few weeks to get out of Eastern Wa and the likelyhood that I will be a junky forever. Also, I want to make new friends and write graffiti.

BLESR

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Day one of power walking… Never thought it did much for you but already sore. My best friend + I just walking and talking! Both of us w/the no direction. Keep you posted! Enjoy the lake!

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I can see a skeleton tree that reminds me of fall. When will it be arm and sunny! Lame Seattle… Lame. P.S. Don’t drink water from Greenlake or you’ll get rabies and locust will devour your soul.

[A page of pictures… Ice Cream, a flower, a sun w/quotes “Sun is wrong L Go to Arizona”, a heart, block lettered LOVE yourself maybe, and a fuzzy monster that sez “Rawr!”]

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What up.
Well pretty men I am entering a koi competition with a sweet ass fish named nypny. Soooo cool. Nice and… I like cake. Man thank gawd for this journal it was pecial.

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This is a pretty place.
Embrace it.