The Kiss

Last weekend, practically by mistake, we found ourselves in Olympia, the state capital of Washington. I'm saying "by mistake" because our plan was to visit Tumwater Falls (my 2016 post HERE and 2015 post HERE), which is on the way to Olympia, and when Justin mistakenly took an exit just a few feet apart from the exit to Tumwater, I said, "Let's go to Olympia, then!" I am saying it was "almost" by mistake, because Olympia has been on my mind for a while now, and I think we haven't visited since we took a tour of the Capitol when my parents were here two years ago (lots of pictures and historical information in my 2015 post HERE).

Olympia didn't disappoint at all, it was as lovely as ever, with all its charming murals, 

street art and classy Capitol building with some new fountains.

Some of you might recognize this quirky sculpture called The Kiss (1991) by Richard S. Beyer (1925-2012). This sculptor made over 90 large sculptures that you can find in Oregon and Washington towns, and I definitely recognized People Waiting for the Interurban in Seattle when I visited the artist's website. Made in a similar style, as an everyday couple in love casually smooching by the bay, The Kiss became an iconic place for lovers of all forms, shapes and ages to stop by and kiss. 

The Kiss by Richard Beyer

“Art is seeing common things transformed by love, 

and the best public art belongs to the story of a community.” 

~ Richard S. Beyer

Olympia definitely agrees with Beyer and brings a lot of beautiful public art to its community, such as the bronze sculpture Midori Spring by Ann Fleming that you see below, and another of my favorites, Motherhood by Simon Kogan, an artist who was born in Russia and studied art in Moscow, which I only just now discovered. There is much more public art along the Percival Landing, as well as a wonderful children's playground, views of the Capitol, Olympic Mountains, marina, and fine seafood restaurants.

Midori Spring by Ann Fleming

Motherhood by Simon Kogan

When we were here a couple of years ago with my parents, we had fun taking pictures of the two of our couples kissing. This time, we didn't have anyone to take our picture together, but we soon were approached by a couple who also wanted their kissing photo taken. That's an easy favor to return!

Photos of Olympia by Justin and me

Top - eShakti

Embroidered trousers - Eloquii

Hat and sunglasses - Lane Bryant (old)

Purse - Old Navy (old)

Shoes - Dansko

Shell necklace, wooden earrings - thrifted

Linking with Visible Monday