During our first year together, Sharon and I explored Washington State—a journey that took us from the misty cliffs of Snoqualmie Falls to the coastal serenity of Puget Sound. We stayed in the hotel perched above the falls—the same one that played The Great Northern Hotel in Twin Peaks—and made our pilgrimage to Twede’s Café for cherry pie and, of course, “a damn good cup of Joe.”
Nostalgia in Roslyn
On one of our scenic drives, we stumbled upon Roslyn, Washington. Something about it rang familiar. When I saw the mural for the Roslyn Café, it clicked—this was Cicely, Alaska from Northern Exposure. An unexpected thrill for fans of classic TV.
A Moment on the Ferry
We ended our trip with a couple of nights in Seattle and a ferry ride from Bremerton back across Puget Sound. While standing on the upper deck, I noticed a seagull gliding effortlessly below. The low evening sun cast a golden light that seemed to follow its wings.
Light, Form, and Gesture
I took the shot instinctively. The curl of sea foam below mirrored the arc of the bird’s flight, creating an elegant balance. Though the color version still lives in my files, it was this black-and-white treatment that captured the feeling best—stripped to its essence.
Simplicity That Resonates
When I posted the image to Facebook, the response was overwhelming. The simplicity of the composition struck a chord. It was a reminder that sometimes, preparation and timing align for a fleeting, perfect moment.
Graceful Flight is available as a Limited Edition of 15, with 2 Artist Proofs.
