Envisioning a World That Has Never Existed

"In every age, no matter how cruel the oppression carried on by those in power, there have been those who struggled for a different world. I believe this is the genius of humankind, the thing that makes us half divine: the fact that some human beings can envision a world that has never existed." 

- Ann Braden, Activist

This weekend, we had the chance to work with volunteers and organizations who are brave enough, creative enough, and maybe crazy enough to envision a community center where a strip club previously stood. This location, once associated with prostitution, human trafficking, and money laundering, is on its way to being a force for good in the neighborhood. It's still a work in progress, but the team of nonprofits is determined that this building will be a source of economic development for its community. The first tenant, a locally-owned taqueria, just opened its doors. And on Saturday, we ripped out the last remnants of the Safari Room. Smashing stuff never felt so good.

Feeling humbled, daunted, and inspired as we work toward realizing the world envisioned by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." 

...and a Happy New Year!

My New Year's Eve celebrations over the last decade have ranged from greeting midnight surrounded by thousands of people singing at a conference to falling asleep at 11pm, waking up at 12:30 to mumble "Happy New Year," and promptly going back to bed (that was last year). On December 29th of this year, we decided to host a low-key fire pit + snacks + games NYE shindig, and ended up having a great time with a fabulous group of people. I was so busy laughing, sipping mulled cider-wine, and happily freezing around the midnight fire pit that I failed to take pictures of that lovely evening. 

The festivities continued to the next day, when we were joined by good friends for what was our second annual New Year's Day Forest Park Hike (this year, Ridge Trail). It was still chilly (see frozen waterfall below), but the sun was out, and we Oregonians - from California, Michigan, Kentucky, Spain, and yes, Oregon - couldn't have been happier after the deluge of the last month. 

Yes, that says "Vegan Gnomes" - I didn't spot any on the trail, but they are notoriously skittish.

About five seconds after this picture was taken, Chris put his foot through the ice while conducting a science experiment (the experiment being, what will happen if I put my foot on this ice?).

All of our favorite mountains were out in full view, right behind our favorite Portland Bridge. Couldn't ask for a better way to welcome 2016!

A Very Cool Christmas...

This Christmas was marked by an abundance of good food, good coffee, and good times with family and friends in what felt like a short-but-sweet trip home. We explored new trails, read old letters from high school boyfriends, and played lots of fetch. It was the most relaxing holiday season I can remember, and I'm so grateful for that time of rest and just getting to hang out with my family. 

Native fauna - some of whom are more cooperative models than others

We checked out the Cronan Ranch Trails Park, which is just down the highway. With time, age, and distance, I'm better able to appreciate the beauty of the foothills, and this park is a great way to do it.

And continuing that theme: what a surprise to find out that The River is now a state park: Auburn State Recreation Area!

And finally, a fire pit for a very cool night - with some extra magic thrown in. A perfect last evening!

Fall Retrospective

This is the first year since moving to Portland where I haven't spent the fall months buried under papers, textbooks, and deadlines - oh my! I've enjoyed this season of:

• Growth - I took huge leaps (and risks) professionally, and feel amazingly fortunate to have landed in a place where I get to pretend that I'm on the West Wing (though it usually feels more like Parks & Rec) while helping shape policy and programs that make a difference in our city. I'm incredibly grateful to those who convinced me to try out this totally unexpected career path.

• Play - after such a lonely start in Portland, I've gradually found an incredible community of friends from all walks of life. These are public servants, critical thinkers, and excellent beer drinkers: what more could you want?

• Exploration - while Monday through Friday has been packed, weekends have been for adventure. both locally and up the road (like here and here).

Wakheena Falls, from this trip

Most of these snapshots are from small moments - a lunchtime stroll, walking home from getting groceries, a hike with a friend. I love how having a camera with me at all times via my cell phone helps me look at the world in a different way. I'll have to keep working on that attitude as we approach January, AKA the month in Portland where the whole city is in a bad mood.

The persimmon tree in our background on one of the first days of fall - remember sunshine?

The newly-opened Tilikum Crossing

In the Downtown Park blocks, heading to the (now-closed) Farmer's Market on a lunch break

Still a few blooms left at the Rose Garden; lots of other foliage in full glory (below) - this particular day started out gray, and ended with a complete downpour

Loved this bouquet from Spellbound Flowers

In addition to flowers, leaves, and produce, I'm also a sucker for brick buildings (although I am constantly reminded that we are all doomed)

Photos couldn't capture the true brilliance of this sunrise...

...or the clouds gracing this sunset (photo snapped while walking along a dreary section of Highway 10!)

Boyfriend and I talk a lot about how stupid-lucky we feel to be in this place in our lives, and we're trying to be mindful of what this means in our city and our world. Sometimes the contrast is too great, and I'm paralyzed by guilt (or wondering when the other shoe will drop, as it is wont to do). I'm trying to find the balance of appreciating the beauty and opportunities around me, and working to ensure that my neighbors have access to the same. 

Feeling grateful, hopeful, and humbled in this Advent season.

These photos are a mixed of as-yet-unshared pictures and snapshots previously posted on instagram. Still waiting for my mom to get her account :)

Mosier + Hood River

It's tough to capture the wild beauty of the Gorge during a storm (especially with a camera phone, while in the passenger seat), but it was a sight to behold - mist rising above the trees, patches of snow still sparkling from last weekend, wind rippling through the river. We were headed to Mosier, a few miles past Hood River, to join friends for the day.

This is the Mosier City Hall/Fire Department headquarters, a fittingly tiny building for a tiny town of about 430 residents on less than a square mile of land. Understanding firsthand the challenges of living in a small town, I hate to overstate its charm - but it's hard not to gush. 

We headed to lunch at Pfriem Family Brewers in Hood River, which we definitely recommend both for the beer and for the food. (Great vegetarian and vegan options, which also got thumbs-up from the meat-eaters in the crowd!) The Winter Ale was especially delicious on such a chilly day.

So different than last time, no?

If you keep driving on Historic Highway 30, you'll wind your way up to Rowena Crest. There are other vistas certainly worth stopping for along the way.

We ended the night by grabbing takeout from Rack & Cloth in Mosier, listening to a bluegrass duo while we waited for wood-fired pizza featuring local produce - the apple/blue cheese/balsamic vinegar pie was our favorite. We have it on good authority that Rack & Cloth makes the best cider around, so I guess we'll just have to come back and verify!