Burning Man

One of these years I hope to make it back to the playa.  My experiences at BM were transformational, and I often reflect on them with awe and gratitude.  I have a strong desire to return. One of these years . . .

Rapture, Bliss, Burn

Gina Gionfriddo's Rapture, Blister, Burn  adds a comical edge to the old question of whether a woman can have it all.  This is well tread territory, but the dialogue was fresh and the debate definitely struck a cord.  Same cast that performed of Broadway.  Fantastic.

Gregory Crewdson

Recently saw Brief Encounters, a documentary about Gregory Crewdson's phenomenal photography.  I've been a fan since I saw his images several years ago in the New York Times magazine.  I'm even more enthralled after seeing how his images come to life. 

Bones & Bits

Went to work with my brother today.  Left the house by 630am, stopped at three food stores, and was in the cart prepping by 8am.  Was ready to open by 11am and had a steady flow of customers from 12pm to 130pm.  Took orders, processed credit cards and washed the pots and pans.  A big departure from how I typically spend the day, but a fun day nonetheless.  Unwound at 330pm with a cup of coffee and the paper. I like Portland's entrepreneurial spirit.  Something interesting is definitely happening in this city.

Mt Hood

Mount Hood.  Never saw the peak during my entire trip.  Even the day we drove to the base it was veiled in thick clouds.  The rain stopped long enough to take a small hike along the Zig Zag river to a waterfall.  Lush green leaves and moss, so different from the arid landscape I'm used to.  Magical.

Portland

Portland  has changed since I last visited a dozen years ago.   Had a fun day exploring the ever-changing, and expanding neighborhoods -- walked across bridges, lush park trails, city streets.  A misty morning gave way to sunny day.  Visited the museum, saw a documentary and ATE.

Coastal Hike

Astoria

Cannon Beach

A Day At The Beach

A sundress and flip flops were an optimistic choice this morning as I embarked on a 36 hour road trip from Portland to the coast.  Temperatures hovered in the mid to low 60s.  The strong ocean breeze and banks of fog didn't make the day warmer.  I slowly added layers and by the end of the afternoon I was in jeans, boots, a sweater, sweatshirt and scarf.  So much for a day at the beach!

Although I loved the haystacks at Cannon Beach, I was absolutely charmed by town of Astoria.  The city is important for several reasons:  it is situated at the mouth of the Columbia river, is named after John Jacob Astor whose American Fur Company founded Fort Astoria in 1811, and Lewis and Clark barely survived the winter of 1805 here. As the fur trade gave way to fisheries and logging, the town prospered, evident by the Victorian homes and stately hotels which still remain.

Hydrangeas

Echo Park

The ever-changing east side landscape.  Strolling and snapping.

Newly Renovated Echo Park Lake