342) This photo really makes it look like the box and I are out on a stroll together. This is, of course, an absurd idea, because everyone knows that boxes walk alone.

334) When I was in the early stages of this project, it was full of “firsts.” The first box in the University District! The first box that’s next to a green relay box! But now that things are winding down, I’m noticing a lot of “lasts.” For example, this box is the last one to be shot in the International District. Although I found this to be a fascinating bit of news, the box itself was rather unimpressed. It was much more concerned about when all those leaves were going to be cleaned up, because hey, it’s got an image to uphold.

328) This was a very elusive box. It’s not the box would hide from me, but like the desert lizards that evade predators by crouching among the thorny cacti, this box has escaped capture by living in an area with essentially no available parking. Nestled among hospitals and clinics, the limited on-street parking in this area was always full whenever I was on the prowl. Finally, I got wise and visited early one Saturday morning. As I triumphantly plopped myself on the low wall next to the box, he let out a resigned sigh and just said,
“OK, let’s just get this over with.”

312) This box exists in a strange transition zone. In the area immediately around it we have low apartment buildings and even a selection of single-family homes. A very short distance away, however, and the buildings scrape the sky. Barely visible in this photo is the ribbon of I-5 that delineates the two, keeping one from encroaching upon the other. This mailbox doesn’t care about any of that. He just wants that green relay box to move over a step or two and give him some breathing space, man.

309) To kick off the new year I visited this dedicated box in the heart of Pioneer Square. I asked the box if he had any resolutions for the new year, at which point he simply started weeping. The weeping gave way to full-on sobs. I backed away, knowing that I had crossed a line that was best left uncrossed.

298) This may be the most single influential mailbox in the entire city. What makes me say that? Well, just have a look at the background in this photo. It’s a bit tough to see here, but beyond those red lights you’ll notice that the box’s likeness is cast one, two, THREE times in that huge concrete wall! When they built that wall, they could have left it a bland, flat surface. But someone had a vision, a vision that led them to immortalize the box that was watching from across the street.

284) I really have no idea why I put my hood up for this shot. It looks stupid. I really shouldn’t have done that. Maybe I was trying to distract from the unfortunate graffiti on this box? Maybe my head was cold? Whatever the reason, I shouldn’t have done it. I’m so sorry I embarrassed this box.

278) I approached the box and asked if I could get a picture. The box agreed. The box complimented me on my posture. I returned the compliment, because it was true. I also acknowledged how clean and graffiti-free the box was. This made the box very happy, as it takes great pride in its appearance. The box did a little dance, but I didn’t capture that in the photo.

274) Me: “OK, for this picture I want to be sure to show me and mailbox… oh, and make sure the dragon is visible, too.”

Carol: “I got you, fam.”

270) The day after Thanksgiving is a perfect day to get in some much-needed exercise! If you’re ready to do some dips, this Pioneer Square duo is ready and waiting for you!