Down the Hole

A dear friend of mine offered up an adventure early this week.  A photo shoot for a year class; the theme "ODD".  Well, we know how much I love to be in front of a camera, and how much I love to be odd... so we arranged to have a photo shoot Wednesday night.  It got off to a rough start with a sudden case of running late! But Amy was oh so gracious and we spent some time at dinner catching up about our lives (we grew up together, and live within minutes, but somehow only see each other every couple of years).

We then headed to my place to grab ... well, props, of course.  I always like to keep a few things handy for impromptu costumey things - so we started throwing jewelry, makeup, towels, masks, etc, into a bag.  And then the question, "Can you do something weird with your hair." Oh, yes, yes I can.

SO with NO makeup and my faux hawk set in place we headed a few minutes into the country to an old town (Of about 3 houses, but you know it has a Post Office, so it IS still a town) to Huston.  There's the old school there and even with some "No Trespassing" signs we thought it would definitely be worth the effort.

As we pull up we notice two VERY... ummmm, interesting men hanging around outside the school.  We decided it would be best to see if they minded us crashing the place.  The two gentlemen were obviously a bit awed by seeing me in sparking blue sequins and high, high hair.  And asked if I always went out and about looking like that.  I admitted it wasn't too far from the truth.  And I think we each thought the other party to be, well, odd.

But we had to get to the photo taking... And it was easy.  She just had me throw on some lipstick.  Who new all natural could look so pretty with the right photographer! The location was gorgeous, even if possibly dangerous in places.  And I had sooo much fun.  Amy has posted a few of her photos, which have completely blown me away. 

So here's a peek...

You can see MORE of her amazing photos HERE

And I'm looking forward to getting more from her soon.

But for now, hugs and kisses from Idaho's latest supermodel!

Order in the Owlery

Aurora and I had a lovely stayca break last week.  It was much needed after the summer conference season and just a week before Aurora starts elementary school!

We were able to visit friends at some birthday celebrations like Justin's Dirty 30 at the lovely Lazy Dog Gardens:

 

 

And visiting with my long time friend, Amber and her kids and family, on their summer trip to Idaho:

And THHHEEEEENNNN, because the public schools now have some RIDICULOUS dress code (nothing but solid shirts without logos and only wear blue or black bottoms), we dyed Aurora's hair....

 

BUT.. I would like to say "Semi-permanent my AUNT FANNY!"  Apparently we spent so much time in the water (because she's a water witch and loses all her magical abilities if she doesn't)...

 

The color came out after three days.  Grrrrr.. So we're attempting again tonight (since school starts tomorrow).

But we had lots of relaxing, like watching "The Never Ending Story," "Barbie's A Mermaid's Tale," AND "Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader." 

I would like to say "Dawn Treader" is one of my favourite in the Narnia Chronicles, and I was NOT in the slightest disappointed in the movie.  I bawled like a baby every time Aslan came on screen (as usual) and was sobbing through the whole end.  LOVED the actor they found for Eustace! He was amazing!  Ben Barnes is much  more enjoyable with his usual Brit accent and not that crazy Inigo Montoya Spanish thing he had for the last one.  And Skandar.... well, what can I say except I still think he is absolutely beautiful and the most perfect Edmund.

Found time to eat yummy treats at "Bacon" with the delectable Hannah; hang out with Sunny and Gavin; setup Aurora's tent in the living room; play at Nana's; visit Papa Dennis; and organize.

And I couldn't help myself.. I warned you.  After digging out my journals and seeing all my boxes of books (even though when I moved I got rid of 6 boxes!) I just HAD to bring them in. 

Yep... see the great thing is that Second Stack of books.. they're all books I HAVEN'T read yet! Yea!

And also, whilst cleaning, we've christened the apartment (clearly): The Owlery.

Don't ask me why it took so long.  Seems entirely obvious.  But until I got my books and papers and pens all in order around me I just didn't feel it.  But as a place for passing on messages, writing, reading, sending, dreaming, and housing (Owl)ies, well - what could be more perfect?

Look forward to a few more adventures soon, like my Wednesday night model shoot with the wonderful Amy.. who is working on the theme "Odd" (not at all strange she would pick me, is it?), and the Repent Movie premiere is fast approaching!

Not So Much Sketching

as ripping and painting and gluing, but it's getting the job done.  After finishing my last bound journal (not including my current one and before moving on to HGI) I decided that although I had ripped out everything I mean to keep, to revise for stories, or to place in other journals as reminders, there had to be SOMETHING else I could do with at least bits of them.  I mean, they're shite.  Yes, I guess, they were supposed to be to a certain extent, but some of those pages still bring me to tears, or made me giggle, and that's worth something.

So I flipped quickly through them and found a few more uses for some pages out of momentous times in my life. And decided to add to my "In 10 Minutes" Sketchbook project:

Like a post about crying which ended in a very long scream

Or some Shakespeare I had felt the melodramatic need to copy down

HOW ABOUT the pages I wrote all about coincides.. except we all know there are no such things

And old letter I written in college that was waiting to be sent

Or my sketch of one of the most horrific moments/places I experienced in Auschwitz

This is Your Life!

My journaling homework is not quite complete, but I've reached a good pausing point.  I have ingested, over the last week and a half, my self from 14-24. 

It was mostly unpleasant. Decidedly embarrassing.

It was not at all the history of things I thought it would be.  Or rather, for clarification, it was NOT at all what my 14 to 22-year-old self imagined I was capturing for future reference, but almost what my 31-year-old self imagined, except worse.

I am disappointed with myself for not noting all those moments that mattered so much, moments I can still recall; they floated around my mind around the words I was reading, searching for some sign of the significant things in my life.  I imagined someday I would let my daughter read all my about my crazy antics. 

Instead all (but a few torn out quirky episodes, starts of stories, mini-chapters to my someday novellas, and EVEN some amazingly poignant and insightful heart/pen bleeds) are now thrown behind my couch, out of sight, and awaiting a ritualistic letting go of all the idiotic things I did, said, obsessed over.  I have no doubt now it WILL contain flame.  Can't release all that into the universe in any form but ashes.

I am happy (? no, not happy, relieved) that after college my journaling became less obsessive, more filled with daily tasks, cares, worries (not always related to boys), and more stories and self-insight.  I kept the most from my last two journals (being 22/23 and beginning 24-years-old).

And I have many people to thank and to whom I owe apologies, those who stuck through it all with me (Sunny, Angel, Samantha).  How did you ever (do you still) put up with THAT?  I owe us all an apology.

I think also to those who did give up on me. I can't blame you.  I am So Sorry.  I think you have distanced yourself even beyond reading these pages, but I hope the Universe signals you somehow.  Perhaps just a kind thought about something happy and hopeful we once shared.   That would be enough.

I have another leg to go - starting with being pregnant.  I think, now, I am most scared of this journey.  This immediately painful past that, although I am certainly in a brighter and more cognizant portion of the path, is looming just behind me.  But it has to be for the best.  To see one's faults and to stare them in the eye and try to make amends - isn't that why I have been driven to write?  My own presentiment for loss should now be turned towards gaining peace.

I Heart Portland, Ore., Part IV

Meet Mr. Eyebrows, in case you haven't already.  He is my adorable pet rabbit ring.  He's incredibly quiet and adorable.  Just like his namesake, Eyebrows, who we "met" after a lot of drunkenness and fries on our previous PDX trip.

I was quite obviously ecstatic to be heading back to nel centro and perhaps, if lucky, to see Eyebrows again - I mean, I was wearing my ring.

We enter the restaurant and let the hostess know her 10 top has arrived.  As I'm standing there, turning towards my friends, who have just entered, Eyebrows walks by us.  I'm not going to lie to you.  After a day of drinking (well, I probably would have done it anyway, but for now let's pretend it's because I was sauced), I start jumping up and down, "HE'S HERE!"

And, yes, poor poor Eyebrows (whose real name is either Paul or Michael, but I prefer my nickname so didn't bother to find out which) had to deal with us all evening.  You see, he was our water boy. Mwahahah.

Fortunately (or perhaps more accurately, UNFORTUNATELY), Adan concurred I was absolutely correct: Eyebrows is beautiful.  So we seat ourselves, and Eyebrows is pouring our water, and I'm commenting to Adan how very very hot it is outside.  Adan agrees.  Eyebrows turns towards me with a smile, "It is very warm out here." HE SPEAKS!  I almost faint.  Adan, not one to be stunned for long, quips, "I don't think it's the temperature."  I agree, "Definitely not the temperature making it hot." Adan gets an evil grin, "I think it's your menopause."  Me, "I think you're confusing menopause with experience."

Poor, poor, beautifully young, Eyebrows

And it begins, our evil and not so subtle tug of war for Eyebrows attention.  Adan kept pouring his water into my glass, which I refused to throw on the ground but instead would quickly try to guzzle.  Eyebrows to Adan, "You sure are thirsty." To which our table erupts with laughter.

Eyebrows walks by (he walks by a lot, very attentive that boy) Adan asks loudly, "So, Tracylea, did you get something FOR YOUR DAUGHTER?"  "Yes, Adan, yes I did get something for my daughter.

Whilst I excuse myself to the bathroom for about the second or third time, thank you Adan; Adan announces to Eyebrows we're there celebrating my 40th birthday.  Ahhhhhh.  It was hysterical.

I was pretty sure some of the table was going to explode from embarrassment, but I think Eyebrows enjoyed it.

But let's not forget we were there to eat (and drink more).

Delicious hazelnut crusted goat cheese

The Best Gnocchi I've EVER Had

I HAD to have dessert when I saw cannoli on the menu

And all my treats were accompanied by the amazing Oakshire Espresso Stout

And after three hours of wining and dining and outrageously awkward flirtations we decided we should call it a night.



And thus ends our 12 hour day of drinking.

XOXO

I Heart Portland, Ore., Part III

After Brew Fest I woke up feeling less than fabulous, but it's a passing phase.  I threw on an inappropriately low cut dress (as always), some mascara, and call it "about as good as it's going to get without some sort of cosmetic surgery".

We walk through the early morning and an incredibly gorgeous neighborhood of Victorian houses.  We're on a time line, because we have to stop at the store for sustenance as well as catch the 8:27 am Max.  As we're walking, we spy a woman scurrying along on the other side of the street.  Her pace keeps quickening. We wonder what she's missing.  We think maybe church, a doctor's appt. (oh, but it's Sunday, so if it is it isn't something we want to discuss), maybe she, too, is trying to catch the Max; I'm decided she's on the run and clearly with our strut and amazing good looks she knows we're the new Charlie's Angels.

We find the store; I stock up on bready treats, like a giant cheese bagel and vitamin waters. And then we catch the Max.  Since we're pretty sure we've maybe grabbed the wrong line, Frances asks a nice lady which is the best point to remove ourselves.  She's a slightly spunky lady with grey/yellow hair and tells us she's getting off at "Cooch".  Our eyebrows all raise, we didn't know that was an option.  I mean, we WERE contemplating the "Couch" stop, but hmmmm, should we attempt "Cooch" so early in the morning. And when she left we giggled, because we're not sure if it's just general PDX lingo to prounce Couch in that manner or if she was just crazy.

But we walk just a couple of blocks and see the Fish Grotto, and ACE hotel (YEA), and Stumptown (where I can finally get a coffee, because the last store only had that Ickily famous brand of coffee which I refuse to drink).  We see our group and, of course, I get their attention a block away by yelling, "CA-CAH! CA-CAH!"  While Jake and Katie were not at all surprised, I think poor Alan and Lo probably forgot (or maybe never knew) with what they would be dealing!

And then Adan arrived and all bets were off!

(Frances) - Adan and Suzi-  (Me)

We boarded our lovely EcoShuttle, and Adan and I immediately head to the very back, whilst a lot of others who I won't name but you can guess all sat in the front.  Sheesh.  So Adan made a rule you couldn't sit in the same seat twice, because life is more fun with rules.

We talked for a little bit, you know with it being 9 something in the morning, but then we got bored and decided we should probably be drinking wine since it was a wine tour.  Alan graced us with his expert pouring skills (we won't mention any spills) and read us the label for Evolution, which sounded a lot like my life.

We reached Sokol Blosser to find they were all ready for us...

ohhh, OUCH!  Not the Ducks!

But we'll forgive you because you're giving us wine and that's all we care about...

And they were delicious wines; although I must admit I was a little crushed as one of the servers (damn, is it Ryan or Adam?) poured a tasting and walked way from my out held glass.  I maybe teared up (from giggling so hard) and cursed to the heavens that ONCE again a cute man, with alcohol, was walking away from me, and I was even PAYING him to pour for me.  Poor guy, I think he might have felt bad if he hadn't been laughing.

 

Adan is having all of what we're dishing and Jakie *CLEARS THROAT* I mean, JAKEY, is having absolutely nothing of it!

Then onto Erath, for some more yummy wines.  Goodness, we're so spoiled. 

Thank goodness I was with people, like the Fujishins, who could tell me things about wine because I really have not much of a clue.  I know when it is too dry for me, too sweet for me, too NOT what I'm looking for, or just perfectly delicious.  But I don't have much of a clue about strawberry overtones (until it's mentioned).  But I can usually detect some oak or pepper; other than that, however, I'm not the person you want to be stuck with while wine tasting - unless, of course, you only want to hear about asinine things that have nothing to do with wine, OR YOU want to talk about wine.

And then...

I knew you would be super excited to see my third dragon pose.. except they changed the sign finally.  Sad. (First pose & Second.)

And we got to see one of our favourite servers.  And Adan decided to LOUDLY ask us if we'd been there before (thanks), so that the server states, "Oh, yes! I remember them. They have been here at least more than twice!"  We are pretty loud and obnoxious... wait, maybe that's just me.

And we have a delicious lunch and sit on the grass.. and Adan and I managed to sit in a wet spot. But decided against capturing those moments.

And soon down the mountain to another winery. BUT FIRST, we try to stop at DuPonte and a very long trek of turning around and driving and turning around and driving and turning around and, well, you get the idea.
 and our last stop.. but I don't want to talk about it (I liked the other places better)
But soon we're back on the bus and discussing dinner plans.  For Nel Centro.  I have no idea - until someone mentions it's the restaurant in Modera. WAIT! You mean where Eyebrows works?  (scroll to bottom of the post).  Why, yes, where Eyebrows works....

To Be Continued
XO

I Heart Portland, Ore., Part II

And although I had no idea it was also Brew Fest this weekend, after leaving dinner at Por Que No, we had our super PDX resident chauffeur drive us to a parking lot to catch the Max.  We walk a bit to the event and pass a really creepy sidewalk loo - not a port-a-potty.  It had slants in it and I could see feet inside.  I, not oddly, turned my nose up at it and wonder out loud who in the hell would use such a creepy thing...

We get IDs checked and look around hoping to acquire a mug because there are TON of lines and a TON of people.  So many people, in fact, we can't see the giant sign pointing us to the ticket/mug tent, but it was fate, because the slightly bleary eyed couple we stop points us towards the tent and hands us their mugs (which are $6 each, and tokens are $1, 1 token = sample, 4 tokens = filled mug) and we are stoked, because only two of us are really going to drink much anyway.

So we get tokens and find our first drink, or, more accurately, get into a giant line of people. And I'm pretty happy because at least I'm in line for a Lompoc.

So what better to do in line (if you don't have a beer) than to take pictures?

  

And ruminate on the event setup.  I'm not a fan.  It was congested and crazy and there has to be a better way.  SO I juts kept pondering if it were my event how would I do it.  But then finally, because Chels is looking at me like I'm crazy and driving her crazy, I shut up about work related things like event logistics.

I'm thinking next year I might have to plan to go to PDX so I can try ALL the beer (and not just five)!

FINALLY!

I was very excited to be in line next for Fearless Scottish Ale - doesn't is sound delicious?  Perhaps only because I love most things that are Scottish; unfortunately, it was horrible.  Chelsea tried it and I won't repeat what she said it tasted like because even I don't want to be that mean.  But it was so bad that I rushed into line for another and found a boy with an empty mug to drink it.



This is Scott.  He was the only person within a 4 foot radius with an almost empty mug.  So I grabbed him and begged him, "Please drink this.  I'm sorry, it's horrible, but I can't just throw it out!"  So he chugged it with a bit of a grimace and then we marched up (because this line was much shorter) to try Zombie Flanders from Rock Bottom. 

Mine was filled first and I was completely surprised to find this dark brew to be sweet like a cider.  The shock showed on my face and Scott's eyes get really wide, "Oh no!  Is this one bad, too?!"  When I explained it tasted like cider he got really suspicious.. so before he spent his tokens on it I let him have a try (I mean, he did save me moments earlier).  We both mulled it over and decided while it wasn't something we would drink on a regular basis it was worth tokens for the evening.

On a very important note: next year I will be wearing a hat.

 

Next came more lines, because we traversed to another large tent (nearer the music) and met some more lovely people.  I got to try Hale's Supergoose IPA (delish) and Elysian's Idiot Savin (not my favourite, but drinkable). 

In line for Hale's a tall, good looking gentleman behind me touches my back and says, "Please tell me you live in Portland because I love your work."  To which I had to give the disappointing answer that I live in Idaho but I have the best artist around. And then we blathered a few more minutes about how amazing my back art work is.  I would like to point out that considering ALL the AMAZING ink that is EVERYWHERE in Portland (and at the Brew Fest, because even I was doing some double takes) it's pretty impressive to have someone ask about your work (way to go Zack)! 

After a bit we found a place to copasquat and chill for a bit and after darkness hit we figured we'd probably hit the Max.. and a loo.  Yep, the creepy loo.  But I had to!!

It was all lit up inside with blue lights, the super weird thing is I couldn't see anything outside, but KNEW everyone could see MY feet. 



I'm directionally challenged in Portland. So I didn't think beer would help and figured my job as documentor was much more important. And then we got onto a VERY crowded Max - I would think with brew festers, but only saw one mug other than ours and that was being held by a 4 year old. hmmmmm.

And then we made it home and went to bed so we could go on the Sunday wine tour!

XO

To Be Continued







I Heart Portland, Ore., Part I

I'm always worried Portland is going to realize how much I love her, and then start get nervous when I think about visiting.  But one of the reasons I love her so much is because she's way too cool to get nervous about something like that.  Instead of that really crazy girl who is so obsessed I blog about her, I'm just one of millions.  Although she will leave me with some great photos, because, you know, she loves her fans.

There is something magical about going to Portland.  So magical that before I even arrive I'm suddenly cooler. 

I had a couple of work things on Saturday, so I, unfortunately, couldn't make the Friday road trip (Frances, my life-partner of road trips was so upset she floated me the money to buy a plane ticket.. I KNOW - my friends are amazing).

While driving down the freeway to the airport, music blaring, windows down, I can hear Harleys headed my way, and fast.  As I brace myself for the thunderous drive by I suddenly realize one of the riders has slowed down to keep pace with me. 

Trying to be nonchalant, I turn to look out my window and am faced with an incredibly attractive 40-something in leathers.  He's grinning at me. I giggle, shake my head, and turn forward.  But that doesn't last long because he yells, "HEY HONEY!" I turn back to him and he finished, "SMILE!"  So I flash him a toothy grin, which he returns (with perfect white teeth), nods, and drives on. 

Very nice way to start the trip.  As usual, I'm hurried through security, they never x-ray me, or ask questions. Must be that silly blank look I get on my face in line, or perhaps they just totally trust Fluffy isn't filled with explosives.

Anyway, I board the plane ready for an hour and 10 minutes of reading "Water for Elephants".  I make it 3 pages (very enjoyable book, by the by, really, it's why I packed it and forgot clothes for Monday) and fall asleep.  Wake up 45 minutes later when we land.

No baggage so head towards exit, expecting to wait because (I love you) Frances isn't always timely.  Instead I get a text saying she and Suzi are awaiting me and she's right in front of me.  Except I can't see her.  So I stop, in front of the escalators, in front of about 15 people who have to dodge quickly to go around - my vacant smile came in handy here, too, since I didn't mean to be such an ass.  I still can't see Frances, so I do what anyone would do in my situation.  I give our emergency call, "CA-CAH, CA-CAH!" and look around awaiting the response.

I don't get one, just a lot of very startled expressions.  So I catch an escalator and try it again, "CA-CAH! CA-CAH!"  So far my bird impression is only getting people to hurry by - anyway, turns out they were in their car on the curb - so much for having an emergency call.

We stop at IKEA (which is why women were created to have multiple orgasms). And then head to Por Que No for dinner. 

Chels texts she is able to meet us, so we wait in line, flirting (but subtly, for once) with the hatted gentlemen in front of us.  A car drives by and I almost wave at the girl with my hair cut who looks exactly like me.  Suzi goes, "Oh! She looks just like you!"  Yep, yep she did.  But that wasn't Chelsea.  In fact, after Chels arrives we decide the girl who drove by looked more like me. 

Me & Chels

This completely confirms my long standing belief I'm a clone.  Every time I meet someone they go, "OH! You remind me of my best friend from New York {Seattle, Sydney, Toronto, etc}!" 

We order delicious food and drinks, find a seat and discuss, oh god.. all sorts of crazy things, like being sisters, and family and how awesome we are!

Suzi, Frances, and Chelsea

 And then we get ready to immerse ourselves into BREW FEST.

To Be Continued....