you crafty cupcake, you

* since I am more than behind on my blogging, here are 3 posts of catch up; keep on scrollin’ friends, if you are so inclined

Weekends are for suckers like me. Suckers who like secretly feeling the thrill of the “weekend”, where you can get away with having a little fun and putting off work you most certainly should be doing. I won’t trade that feeling anytime too soon I think. Jena and I finally had a much needed hen session at brunch at Detour Café with blood orange and pineapple mimosas with a lot of catch up. Afterward, we went to Crafty Wonderland at the Convention Center. About 200 crafters presented at a somewhat poorly attended show (according to what the vendors echoed; which often resonated with the generic and commercial venue), displaying their love, in what was typically a little 5x5 booth. Mostly delightful work, but of course a few little faux fur neon pink hats crept in here and there.  With empty pockets, my eyes did most of my shopping, but it was really nice to see people working in what they love. It inspired me to get my lazy creative bones moving again. My only purchase, though not my only wishlist item, was a very very affordable wood block mounted letterpress print of a rooster. Feeling like a little reward was due for our effective purchasing restraint, Jena and I made our way to Saint Cupcake, located in Noun (a little gift shop on Belmont). It and it’s miniature little cupcakes were adorable; not so adorable I couldn’t stuff them in my mouth and devour them, less two little vegan guys that I saved for my vegan sweet, Jesse. That evening Jesse and I went to see an Indie Pop band that the former drummer in their GNR band was currently in. Nice little divy bar and the music was OK.

The next morning, I met my girl Maria at Gravy, a way-too-popular-for-its-own-good breakfast place, for an early-to-me meal. After getting the boot because they hold sacred their quick turn around (understandable with crowds waiting outside literally allll day; though I am liking these hipster spots less and less for that reason), we walked a block to a coffee place and invested four hours of much needed girl time. Afterward, I headed home to get a few things done before Jesse came over and we attended the restorative yoga class. It was amazing! It was restorative in every sense of the word and a positive way to end a heart nudging weekend.

Though with all of my jubilant splish splashing, I feel more and more like a clogged drain. Water is filling the basin because nothing is getting through. I think this means that I am stifled creatively and need something….something to yank me out of my weird little unproductive funk. I have way way too many things to be doing and I think the overwhelming prospect of organizing and starting ANY of them has me gridlocked mentally. I need to find the little part of myself that I tucked away for the last two months and invite her to the party again, still keeping balance a priority. In the meantime, I celebrate and express soulful gratitude for the people and the place that has and continues to help shape the woman I am and the woman I am becoming. With everything that I am, thank you so much for being a positive, loving and inspiring figure in my life. You make my world go ‘round.

what'd ya think mom?

No one wants to land in another country only to fall flat on her face.  That just plain sucks! My poor mom. After traveling for hours from Prague to Portland, the first thing she did, in her words, was kiss the ground after not being in the states for over a year. Literally. She tripped over some precariously placed luggage and really hurt her knee. So, the first week and a half of plans I had lined up would have to wait until after I came back from Minneapolis and her knee was hopefully healed.  Instead, we spent time with my peeps at dinners here and there, which sort of worked out with shabby weather looming.  She was able to meet Jesse, Sara and her husband Jesse and Jena and Justin for a celebratory home-owning outing in their new neighborhood.

After a couple weeks of flying solo in Portland and my return from Minneapolis, we were happy to see one another and have a nice remaining week together before she flew back to Prague. The bad part was cramming in the things I had planned over a five week period into one, but we did most of what I wanted, less a trip to Reno/Tahoe and Seattle. Next visit. We did manage a trip to Cannon Beach, the Japanese Gardens, the NW 23rd area which has a nice little shopping area, the Rose Gardens, various parts of the Arboretum, Multnomah Falls, the Tulip Festival, Saturday Market, Mobile Eats and sampled a few of my favorite restaurants.  I think she left with a little part of Portland still tugging on her heartstrings. She (meaning Portland) will most certainly do that to her visitors. This city has that affect on its residents in yet another and deeply profound way.  I think mom had a splendid time here and got a pleasant picture of my life here and the people that matter the most in it.

I already miss you mom!

Multnomah Falls, Cannon Beach above and the Tulip Festival below. Phew! We did a lot that last week!!

Mom, Jesse, Sara and Jesse at Mobile Eats and Jesse and I at Saturday Market.

The Rose Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Saturday Market and the Tulip Festival above.

PDX to MSP

disclaimer: this is a long one folks; symptom of not blogging in over a month; to bypass the words, you can always just visit my flickr and check out captioned photos instead

Though weeks behind me, I felt it important to share my time in Minneapolis because it always has a profound effect on my soul. Whether that be through friends, familiarity or some other unpronounced measure, I always feel like I am coming and inevitably leaving a special place.

A couple weeks before my mom came to Portland, I was asked to come out for work at my old job for two weeks during a transition period. This was a great opportunity to help out the people who have become very important to my life (you know who you are), as well as see my friends and enjoy what was an unseasonable display of glorious weather. My incredibly kind friend Ryan offered to let me stay with him for the duration of my trip. As a result, my uncustomary presence apparently invited the naughty side of his dog Pete to come out, with two sets of torn sheets (courteousy of the nest he made himself in Ryan’s and my guest bed), and about five pairs of underwear, consumed. Well, the crotch part anyway. Yeah, dogs are disgusting creatures (mine used to eat my roos all the time when they were puppies). I actually thought it was hilarious and a good marker for this particular visit and a perfect excuse to go shopping, so really, thanks for the opportunity Pete!

The first night I was there, we did my favorite thing. We grilled at Ryan’s house and chilled in the backyard. The weather was near 70 degrees and clear. What better chance to enjoy some grilled veggies and a cold beer? The following day was Easter. I had no concept of this, even well into Sunday, when flocks of families in their Sunday best were walking the Isles and Calhoun. I met up with Tom and we took a walk around Lake of the Isles, my absolute favorite place in the twin cities (since it was a short and delightful 15 min walk from where I used to live). It was immaculate weather. So sunny, I actually got a little sunburn. After this, we headed to Old Chicago (where they have my favorite Chicago-style deep dish veggie pizza) and then we walked back to the Isles and headed to the neighboring lake, Calhoun, and walked its perimeter. In time for dessert, we then proceeded to the Wedge Co-op (my favorite grocery store which also housed my beloved dessert, the Boston cream cupcake).  A new development sparked as I walked away with a cupcake half its normal size and price and proceeded back to the Isles to enjoy it.

Then, Monday came. Driving to work was a little weird. I really hadn’t expected to ever be taking that road again, but it went really well and ended up being very productive. The best part was seeing the peeps. Jessica had some lovely sunflowers waiting for me, which ended up lasting the entire two weeks I was there. The workweek was generally punctuated with a great meal. Monday, Jessica and Marissa made me a lovely veggie-inspired meal at Marissa’s place.  On Tuesday, I met with Marcia and Clay at Pad Thai in St. Paul for my and Marcia’s favorite Thai food. Wednesday, Ryan and I went to Salsa a la Salsa, a tasty Mexican Grill with well-made margaritas. Thursday, with a failed grocery-shopping attempt, Ryan and I ended up bumping into one of his friends at Midtown Global Exchange and had, what was my first experience, with tamales (apparently the best around). Continuing to procrastinate, as we both had work we could have otherwise been doing, we decided to do a late night happy hour at Corner Table, a locally sourced friendly restaurant with a knock out changing menu. We had some wine and sat at the bar and “enjoyed” what was vinyl Thursday; Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin and Weezer spinning. It was wrapping up and being in Ryan’s hood, he is a known regular so in the vein of time and place, we also received some comp’ed and amazing ice cream and maple glazed popcorn. Love those places where everyone knows your name.  

Friday is always the token day of the week, so I started and ended at Bulldog for my well-remembered black bean burger (they are well known and praised for their meaty burgers that come from top notch cows). Mine came from top-notch beans and it was delicious, though I regret not getting the taters; another thing they are known for.  Aside from Clay and Marcia who also called it at ten, Ryan and Tory decidedly burned the candle at both ends, while I embarked on a phone date with my hun back home. I was thoroughly excited to sleep in on Saturday. Ryan made a tasty breakfast and then Marcia came over and joined me and my friend Patricia and her kiddo Quinn for a nice walk around Lake Harriet to catch up on yet another spectacular sunny day. Afterward, Ryan and I went to dinner at Joe’s Garage, a staple for me in my old hood and then I dropped him at a hip hop concert before calling it a night. Usually, when working a nine to five, Sunday blues creep in, but I think we debunked that norm with the full day we had. After brunch at Bad Waitress, we finally went grocery shopping at the Wedge, stopped at Liberty Custard and then met up with Marcia for dinner at Psycho Suzie’s for what I would say might just be my favorite pizza of all time. Love the tiki style patio and gritty staff too.

On Monday, I met up with Rob, Robert, Jessica and Scott for some Italiano in uptown and it was so great to see them all in the same space.  Jessica, a brave pioneer in the culinary world, without batting an eye, ordered squid ink infused pasta with sea urchins. Rock on, ultimate foodie friend of mine. Her courage in food is inspiring! On Tuesday, I went to my favorite favorite favorite restaurant in the twin cities, French Meadow with Marcia for some much needed girl time. We used to regularly enjoy our little dates there, often after Pilates, with a half-priced bottle of wine and a decadent dessert. I had the most incredible meal; house made organic butternut squash gnocchi with wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, garlic and organic arugula. It was amazing! I have no words to really describe. AND, it was actually a vegan meal and my favorite out of everything I had my whole trip there. French Meadow never disappoints. On Wednesday, Ryan and I ate at Victor’s Café 1959, a local Cuban favorite in his hood. It was my first experience with Cuban food and particularly with plantains. It was a wonderful meal in a charming atmosphere, with walls coated in testimonials to Victor’s, to love, dedications and tongue-in-cheek comments.  On Thursday, I wanted to take Tom out to celebrate his MFA and so we went to a place I had wanted to try called Barbette. I was surprised to find that it wasn’t really as great as I had hoped it would be, but we then went to Sebastian Joe’s for some ice cream after, which made up. Being the last night in the twin cities and everyone wanting to do seven million different things, I was worried my tired ass was not going to be able to keep up so I was more than thrilled when it ended up being an amazing low-key night with Marcia and Ryan. After I got back to Ryan’s, Pete and I had another walk together on a warm spring night. Afterward, Ryan, Marcia and I had an incredible meal, with fantastic wine, champaign and dessert at Corner Table. It was a wonderful way to spend my last night.  On Saturday, we went to Rudolph’s, the most celebrated BBQ place in the twin cities before rushing to catch my flight, for brunch. Weird to have brunch at a BBQ place, but it was on the corner of where I used to live so a staple in my eating repertoire. The cornbread never disappoints.

So, that wrapped up my two weeks in Minneapolis. I had a chance to see all of my friends, enjoy some of my favorite food and lake spots and get some work done. I don’t think this would have been possible if my mom wasn’t in Portland visiting and could stay with my pups while I was away. So, thanks again Mom for being such a trooper and taking the reigns while I was back to the grind. And, as a token of gratitude, my amazingly talented and wonderful friend and colleague Jessica made some incredible thank you gifts for those that were so sweet to let me go. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and inspired creative soul, Jess! More pics are in my craft set on flickr.

And, thank you for being such an incredible host, Ryan. I really hope this means that I don’t have to wait a couple years to repay the kindness with a visit to my world in Portland.  Gratitude abounds to all of my friends who made my visit as amazing as it was. I really enjoyed seeing you and hope that you all plan on a visit westward soon!

up roots

I have been forgetting my camera at every corner so here's another thoughtful interpretation of the Farmer's Market at the Portland State University campus that Jena and I took in on opening day on Saturday.

Last week was well spent. On Tuesday, I inadvertently played matchmaker between two of my friends that had not yet met. I won't name names, but I don't think I have stumbled upon two people better suited for one another...well, actually, I take that back...two other people come to mind that knock it out of the park.  ; )

On Wednesday, we went to Proper Eats for some vegan fair where I was properly and pleasantly pleased with the meal. Afterward, we went to see Alice in Wonderland and I must admit, I was slightly disappointed. I can only say that it was charming and the visual representation stunning, but other than that, eh. A couple beers to close at another McMeniman's venue whose name is slipping my mind right now.

On Thursday, my pal came over and made some pretty delicious split pea and barley soup. It really shows that vegans can eat well, though I think being a veg is as far as I care to go, at least for a while.

Friday was a day of play in the sunshine with the kids after art club where we drew the stars, those of the nebula that is. They were quite literally bouncing off the walls and after breaking up a few modest fights (you know, throwing markers, grabbing, pushing...the usual) we went outside where my arms grew weary of carrying the tots and rollerblading around the playground. I came home lovingly exhausted and took a long and well deserved bath.

On Saturday, Jena and my friend Leah and I met early in the morning for the opening of Farmer's Market. Portland couldn't have asked for nicer weather and the masses paid tribute. I can't wait to go again with my mom and go for some full on produce shopping. I absolutely love and love some more, farmer's markets. After I came home, I worked for a bit, listening to the heart soothing sounds of Billie Holiday, watched Coco Before Chanel (have I mentioned that I adore French films) and savored the solo time that I have recently reintroduced into my schedule.

S is for Sunday and Sewing.  It was nice to make progress on a larger scale sewing piece that will be ultimately functional. All that's left is the handles, final construction and an embellishment and viola: the first tote is complete! On to another little motivational present for a dear friend and then finally one for me: a yoga bag for my mat! In addition to this, I hadn't seen my friend Alexis in a while so we went and shot some free pool at Back Stage and grabbed a few beers. The practice served me well!

All-in-all, I was grateful to let my soul rest for a bit before my mom comes and solo time will be long abandoned for a while. Not that I am complaining.

carte blanche

Ahhhhhh. That is the only way to describe the last four days. And since I have been allergic to my camera lately, here's a little throw back: circa 1981. A pretty characteristic picture of my mood lately.  (My clothes were bomb-ass (my favorite MJism)!! What the hell happened?)

Last week was ridiculous and something I don't think I'll do again anytime soon. I'm not even going to go into it here, but I decided that committing myself to someone/something every single day is exhausting and something I am consciously going to be pulling away from now that I feel like I've finally found a reason to. Got to sample a couple new spots though. Oba had some pretty kick ass crab cakes (going to miss having crabs: ha!...ewww) and Blue Moon. I must admit I just don't dig the McMenamins menu (there are just too many other yummy places to try). Though I will say that it was really nice to be on my side of town for a change.

I took in the "Portland Love" art show at the commerce center with a new pal. It was an open call and non-juried so there was some shitty and some exceptional work to look at, appx 260 pieces. Afterward we went to Hungry Tiger (said new pal is vegan) and then we went to Bonfire for a Guinness. Lovely Thursday. I was so tired that I decided to effectively cancel all of the weekend plans I had committed to and just play it by ear, but as consciously as possible, keep alive, the idea of flying solo. So on Friday, I went and did "Get Artsy with Refugee Kids" again which was fun. I feel like my committment to them and the regularity of my participation is what is going to reach them more than anything, so I am going to do my very best to go as often as I can, while I still can. After that, I came home, watched Food Inc., made dinner and resolved to indefinite vegetarianism. On Saturday, Sara and I went and sampled the city-famous waffles at one of the 2 million food carts they have here, Flavour Spot at Fremont and Mississippi. I had the nutella and peanut butter (duh!) and Ms. Sara had the maple and sausage. They were Y.U.M.!! Though I have to say that my salty little heart was also craving the 10 different options at Mississippi Marketplace that we walked from. In all of my Portlanding, I had totally forgotten about the Mississippi area and what awesome stuff it has to offer. I told Sara that we would have to dedicate at least half of a future Saturday just to sampling the rad stores and a couple of the food carts.

As we were waiting for our freshly made juice from one of said carts, the sun soaking into my pores, I told her that it was the picture of euphoria to me and how I feel this same intensity, even after more than 4 months. I know that it is still so new, but there is just some kind of mojo that Portland has that is hard to describe and even harder to beat. I've never felt a place in this way. I think the closest I can think of is traveling to Venice for the first time in my adulthood. It had a very enchanting quality, though I am certain that would have capsized as quickly as it surfaced. And the thing is, this love affair with Portland came on strong in the winter months. I can only imagine the feelings that will form in the spring/summer, which Portlanders boast about with unsequestered enthusiasm. I am really looking forward to it.

After waffles, we headed to Bishops on our side of town and got our hairs cut. I have to say, I am a bit disappointed with the technique behind my haircut (not a whole lot of precision), BUT, I really enjoyed the experience and my stylist and am so so happy to have a fresh cut. Might still try to find that magical salon and stylist (I tend to befriend the ones I love and don't go anywhere else once I do). And after wandering a bit on 23rd, I came home and had the solo time I have been really needing. I don't even remember what I did, only that I was alone and really really satisfied with this non-plan plan. Today was laundry, cleaning, a stop at New Seasons for a few fresh ingredients for the crepes I intended on making and got some replacement fabric from JoAnn's for a project I am working on. Sara, Jesse and Danny came over and I made four cheese herb crepes (goat cheese, gruyere, parmasean, ricotta) with cherry tomatoes and basil. They kicked ass and got rave reviews all around. I can't not make sweet crepes, so I made my simple signature strawberry/chocolate/walnut crepes with freshly made whipped cream (which turned out a lot better this time and solidifies that I will NEVER buy ready-made whipped cream again!). Another round of great reviews. I  LOVE making crepes for people, especially when they enjoy and appreciate them as much as I do making them. So that ends a really nice and quiet weekend which was just what I was needing. This week is starting to fill up, but with meaningful people and events, so no complaints. AND the best news of all, my momma is coming to visit me in 8 days! Let the planning begin!

booked

I used to enjoy down time a lot. I mean, I still do, but it seems that the opportunity to have time to myself has recently become emaciated. What a funny little life I lead. Sitting here, working on microsite stuff at midnight, scratching my mosquito-bitten hands and soaking my itchy feet in a tub of warm water under my desk while I type. I counted about 15 mosquito bites per foot. Battle wounds from Saturday night's shenanigans with a new pal. I have to say that it was a stunner, Saturday that is: breakfast at Detour Cafe with Sara, a walk in the blooming arboretum with P+B on a stunning 67 degree and sunny day, fresh blueberries and chocolate on Mt. Tabor at sunset with said new pal, lovely lemon drop at Avignon, a delightful meal at Nuestra Cocina, an education and tasting of herbs I have never heard of (specifically Stevia) at People's Co-cop, carrot cake to split from New Season's and then finally, hot tea at Palio Dessert and Espresso House with a little pop quiz on Czech and French vocab from language books on the shelf. Phew!

Probably the most rewarding time spent was on Friday and Sunday with the two awesome volunteer events I signed up for. On Friday morning, I met with my friend Maria for coffee/tea, came home to work for a bit and then headed across the bridge to "Get Artsy with Refugee Kids", predominantly Somalian. What a fun event! I got to design and make paper airplanes with kids (most with some form of social issue or another: some extremely introverted and others overtly contentious). After we finished making them, we got to fly them outside, which the kids loved! A little Indian girl barely left my side, insisting that the organizer Mike and I swing her around and this came with little effort as she was so tiny and light as a feather, in both weight and disposition. I am going to try with great effort to make this a weekly fixture in my volunteering while I still can. In the evening, Sara and I took in some Thai and then I made some sweet crepes: what else?

Sunday started with breakfast at Wild Abandon with Maria and Jordan and then I headed downtown to O' Bryant Square Park for Potluck in the Park. About 40 volunteers show up every Sunday to set-up and distribute a hot meal to between 300-500 hungry folks with loads of donated food. As far I learned today, they have not missed a Sunday meal in 19 years! THAT is dedication. So, I enjoyed my time with hands-on work with recycling and garbage duty. It's certainly not the most glamorous job, but someone's gotta do it and next week I know to come even earlier to switch up and do a slightly less smelly job. : ) As soon as I got home, I got back to work on projects that I have on deck and now, here we are: sorta tired.

And there is no repreive this week. I have something scheduled every single night and work allocated all day, every day. Tuesdays have become my only day to do something just for myself which includes yoga, a staple in my weekly planning: so much so that I schedule around it. I am quickly learning that although it is great to keep a full schedule and stay busy, you can't forget the importance of a little solitude from time to time. Maybe next week, I'll try to remember that!

should i? shouldn't i?

So, it's 11 and I still have blog mock ups to work on. I'm tired. I'm still sick (this f'ing cold needs to vamoos already), but I am so very happy about the results of today. I have been hard pressed to say anything because I am so damned scared to jinx the good juju. I figure that no one reads my blog anyway, or well, a select few, so I guess it's OK to unfurl my results.

I had an informational interview with Ziba (a VERY large design firm in Portland) that also has remote offices in San Diego, Shanghai and Tokyo. They cater to really large clients like Nike, Philips and Microsoft just to name a few. In fact, the Wacom Intuous tablet that is sitting on my desk beside my keyboard is a Ziba design. They're big. I thought too big for me and so I never got the nerve to contact them. Instead, another person I interviewed with in December passed along my resume and acted as a referral for me. Boy am I grateful (I am off to personally deliver a bottle of wine tomorrow and properly express my appreciation to said referrer). Grateful to even have the opportunity to step foot into the ultra modern, creatively charged powerhouse that made me, as my favorite Aussie TV meanie stylist says, gob-smacked. The wierd part is, that once I got upstairs, which sort of feels like you are going to heaven (or what the commercial picture of heaven is anyway) with the floor to ceiling windows, clinically white walls and vast open space, I wasn't nervous at all. I was extremely comfortable. And as soon as I met my interviewer, a lovely senior communications designer, I was totally and utterly at ease. She gave me a tour of their breathtaking and fairly new HDQ. I was thoroughly impressed not just with the space, but with the floating energy within the space. After a really informal and wonderful exchange of information we discussed where I see myself going.

Where am I going? Didn't I just get here? And since they don't have anything open in the design sector anyway and since my work just isn't at the level to compete, the idea about a position that is available in client relations came up. Bingo! Something that I am extremely well suited for and with a design background makes me valuable to both the clients and the design team. My interviewer offered the promise of a good review to the the Recruiting Director and so, we'll see where next steps take me and if there may be room for me in heaven (loaded, right?).