Hollywood vs. West Seattle

By Emily Williamson

Here is the reason that I want to write this column...

I am tired of movie stars. Aren't you? I don't care about Brad and Angelina, or Britney, or Paris.

It is time we honor our own. It's time we shout hooray for the local postal worker who remembers our name, not the glossy magazine that is in our mailbox. It's time we praise the mom whose child says please, instead of wondering what Britney is going to do next.

So sorry Hollywood, but you're "out."

West Seattle is "in."

Tabloids of movie stars kissing on yachts are "out," Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center is "in."

Hollywood rehab is "out"; hearing about our Girl Scout troupe activities is "in."

Wondering who Jennifer Aniston is really dating is "out," honoring the nurses that live in West Seattle and care for people every day is "in."

What else is "in"? Mini grocery carts (don't you just love them?), new crosswalks in the Admiral District, cupcakes, local art, bank tellers that cash your checks even though you left your wallet in the car (thanks Karen and Mary Lou), dog friendly stores (especially those that have dog treats behind the counter), the Admiral Theatre, used books stores, Funky Jane's and Many Moon's Trading Company (a blatant plug, but what can I say? They are great stores and they are like family).

Home is "in." A wonderful community is "in."

So, West Seattleites, raise up your West Seattle flag (do we have one?) and shout hooray, because we live in a very special place.

For the next few weeks, (maybe longer?) I would like to honor our locals by writing about the characters that live in our own neighborhood. Some will be interviews, some just observations.

It's time we pay tribute to us, the West Seattleite!

OUT

IN

Hollywood Drama

Hokum Hall, Art's West, the Admiral Theater,

and anything Mary Springer is involved with

Hollywood Couples

The elderly couple in the parking lot that let a young mother

take their parking space

Starlets

Nurses

Hollywood Nightlife

Husky Deli ice cream on a late summer night

(and a beer from Elliot Bay for the grown ups)

Red Carpet Gowns

Decent fleece that doubles as pajamas

Hollywood Diets

Coconut cake from Coffee to a Tea, Mac and Cheese from West 5,

honey glazed walnut prawns from Lee's Asian, and passion fruit tarts from

Cafe Nouveau (or the twice baked almond croissants.)

Paparazzi

West Seattle Herald

Hollywood Moms

Soccer Moms

Award Ceremonies (Emmy's, Oscars, Golden Globe)

Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center, WestFest,

West Seattle Street Fair

Emily Williamson has lived in West Seattle for 10 years and she can be reached at fuzzycaterpillar@comcast.net