Day 259: Farewell My Mandolin, More Books on Writing, Fine Brew Pub Cuisine & A Thankful Haiku

Sunday, June 1

Well, June opened with a cool, crappy weather day.  I got up with some really good intentions for how I should spend my day.  I thought about going to either a yoga or a pilates class at Yoga Pearl, followed by a sauna and steam at Löyly.  Then, I was going to meet a Craig’s List buyer to sell my bluegrass mandolin.  Then, I thought I’d go to the Writer’s Dojo.  But, my day unfolded a little different.

I met the Craig’s List buyer at Powell’s downtown and we made the exchange.  He was very nice and we chatted for a bit about the instrument.  He wore an Oriole’s jacket and I told him I was born in the same hospital as Cal Ripken, Jr.  That was a good sign!  He’s from Bethesda, Maryland – not far from where I grew up.  I told him that I tend to get attached to things and that I was a little sad to sell the mandolin, but, I was happy it was going to someone who was going to play it.  It’s a pretty instrument and should be played.  It was just sitting in the corner of my aparment, silenced.  He was sweet – he said he’d email me to let me know how the mandolin’s doing.  Then, a nice quick cup of coffee at Peet’s to chat about mandolin classes and music books.  The money I made from the sell, which was a bit less than what I paid for it, will go into my savings account.

I then went back to Powell’s to peruse the writer’s section.  I finally picked up a copy of Elizabeth Lyon’s book Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write.  I have heard much praise about Anne Lamott’s book on writing, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.  I also picked up a used copy of The Art of Nonfiction by Ayn Rand.  And finally, I got a copy of Barbara Kingsolver’s book of essays, Small Wonder.  I really dislike writing short fiction and so I want to develop my essay writing skills.

As I was walking down 11th Street in the Pearl, not sure where my footsteps should take me, I approached the new Deschutes Brewery Pub and noticed my co-worker and her husband.  They waved and I smiled.  It was a pleasant surprise!  I went inside to say hello.  They kindly asked me to join them.  It was really wonderful. 

The design was very spacious, open with great seating areas.  There’s a large, round table on top of a barrel with cool barstools around it.  There were a few wooded arches between seating areas with really cool carvings.  It was very rustic and yet very beautiful.

Deschutes did not have their low gluten beer available anymore – to my dismay.  So, I ordered a glass of Oregon Viognier.  I was handed a gluten-free menu, which was nice.  I ordered the sausage, duck prosciutto and salami appetizer with pickled veggies and a side of french fries – that were cooked in a fryer that does not fry breaded foods.  So, it was all safe and very good late lunch.  Probably the best pub food I’ve ever had, next to Old Dominion Brewery in Ashland, Virginia.

My friends ordered a beer sampler and really liked the brews they tried.  They each ordered a different brew with their food.  After we settled the tab, I went to the front concierge and asked if I could fill out a comment card to request they keep the low gluten brew (it’s like 90% gluten free) on the menu, and even pleaded they create a 100% gluten free beer to have available.  They sold out of their brew in two weeks – I would say that indicates there’s a market for it!

After, I drove back home and headed to Whole Foods at Bridgeport Village.  My mom had sent me a nice gift card.  I picked up my cosmetic night cream, daily moisturizer and toner, since I was running low.  I found gluten-free mini blueberry muffins by Kinnikinnick.  I also found cinnamon raisin bagels by Enjoy Life, which I’ve picked up there before.  Amy’s Kitchen has a new product, too, the gluten-free Tamale Verde in two versions – black bean and cheese.  I was so excited!  Amy’s also now makes a gluten free personal pizza, which was very exciting, as well.  I also picked up Yogi tea in Cammomile and Stomach Ease.

I had the Tamale Verde in black bean for dinner.  It was fantastic!  I made a cup of Yogi Cammomile tea and kicked back  while I flipped through my new books.

My sister informed me she was sending me a check for my L.J.S.W. Fund -which made me laugh, but I honestly appreciated.  I worked on a customized haiku for her, which I am going to put into a design and then frame it for her. 

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Day 244: From Loyly to BBQ – The Start to a Promising Summer

Saturday, May 17

If this weekend was any indication of what my summer is going to be like, it’s going to be a great one!

I woke up and stretched and loved every drop of sunlight coming through the blinds.  I opened all the blinds and kept the windows open while I balanced my checkbook.  I went to charge my camera’s battery and when I went to return it into the camera, it got jammed.  So, I couldn’t operate my camera and I’ll now need to go to a repair shop to remove the battery.

I was running behind for my appointment at Löyly.  I had been wanting to go to this place since I first heard about it a couple of years ago.  Löyly is a sauna modeled after the sauna culture in Scandinavia.  I arrived at the southeast Portland facility, located off of Clinton and SE 21st, in a gorgeous sustainable wooded building and upgraded my massage to The Reviver package, which included a 3-hour stay at the facility, a 30 minute massage, a rejuvenating mask, cleansing tea, single serving salt scrub and sparkling Voss water. 

I went to my locker, undressed, grabbed a robe, spa shoes, and two towels.  I took a warm shower and then put on my robe and went to relax in the tea lounge and enjoyed a relaxing cup.  I flipped through some magazines while my friend Kerry was getting her massage.  The tea room was open with minimalist decor and lovely fresh flowers and votive candles. 

I had my 30 minute massage with Kim, a kind young woman with a gift for deep-tissue/Swedish blend therapy.  It was amazing.  I could feel the tension melt away.  I had been so wound up, and I couldn’t even remember when I had had my last massage.  She had a bowl of steaming aromatherapy in sage and rosemary below that added to the indulgent relaxation.

After my massage, I drank some Voss sparkling water and then went into the sauna.  It was glorious.  I closed my eyes and meditated while my skin opened up, expelled toxins that had been loosened from my massage, and felt my skin slowly moisten with sweat and soften.  I sat there, meditatively, for about ten minutes.

I got out and continued to drink more water.  After a nice conversation with Kerry, I went into the steam room which was infused with an invigorating sage-lemongrass aromatherapy.  Again, my skin responded to the healing, cleansing steam.  I closed my eyes and meditated through this experience. 

After a ten minute steam, I drank more water and then went into the locker room to apply my Dr. Hauschka rejuvenating mask.  It smelled wonderful.  I returned to the tea room and sipped on another cup of delicious cleansing tea.

I loved just sitting back and relaxing, not being rushed, taking my time.  I loved the minimalist decor, the pale wooden benches, the sunlight entering from the high windows, the soothing sense of time lapsed, of being in the moment.  I could feel wellness brimming within.

I finally returned to the locker room and took a warm shower with th salt scrub.  I got the sage mint scrub which swell divine and sloughed off dead skins sells with superb exfoliation, then melted into the skin like butter as it hydrated and rinsed off.  It was amazing.

I washed my hair and then dried off, got dress, dried my hair, put on some make-up and headed toward the Pearl for a lunch appointment.  As I drove in the sunny gorgeous day, I decided I would return to Löyly for 2-3 times a month.  It’s a steal for only $20 if you just want to use the facility without a package or massage. 

The Löyly experience reminded me of how civilized Portland is – it’s more European than any other American city I have been to!  This sauna reminded me of how Eurpeans live.  Then, this city has amazing cafes and restaurants dedicated to local, seasonal, sustainable provisions.  Its boutiques are full of local designers, the downtown isn’t just lines of typical USA chains.  It’s truly a special place.

I met the agent/editor who has been helping me get ready for publication.  After a great conversation and a nice lunch, and a couple of glasses of wine, we agreed that we’d like to work together.  I have so much confidence in this person and I think she believes in me and my abilities as a writer.  I pretty much laid my cards on the table and told her my intentions – that if she liked my novel and felt it was something she would love to work on and promote, that I’d love to work with her.  I am so delighted and grateful to have such a great contact here in Portland, rather than have to fish through a ton of agents in NYC, where my queries end up in the slush pile of about a few hundred inquiries coming in each day.  I was psyched about my writing future.  It’s all coming together beautifully, not effortlessly, but as it should.

After my lunch meeting, I was so elated that I went into Anthropologie, my favorite non-Portland-based-boutique (yes, it’s a chain).  I bought a pair of green seersucker pants, three cute Bohemian sleeveless shirts that were on sale (made with incredibly soft cotton blends)  and a great summer hat.

I went to Whole Foods to pick up salad fixings, gluten-free Andouille sausage, gazpacho, wine and cherries for a barbecue at Shirley’s house.  I went straight to her place, changed shirts, and we headed over to Fred Meyer for more provisions.  I bought two bags of chips – Kettle Chips in Salt & Pepper and Terra Chips in Red, Stripes & Blue with a natural BBQ flavor.  We got back to her place, poured some rose and began prepping the food.  I made an organic mixed mache salad with red grape tomatoes, red, yellow and organge sweet peppers, red onion, pumpkin seeds, a trio of shredded cheeses (Asiago, Parmesan and Fontina) dressed with Annie’s Natural’s Lemon & Chive dressing.   

Shirley’s friend Julia, a massage therapist, came over first.  The three of us ate a bowl of gazpacho while we sipped on Elk Cove’s Pinot Noir Rose.  Her neighbors came over next.  We got the grill going and had bean salads, cole slaw, pickles and veggies out.  I had a sausage, that was delightfully spicy, with mustard and a bottle of Green’s Amber Ale, which I had picked up at Whole Foods.  It’s my favorite gluten-free beer. 

The food was good, the company was great.  Shirley has an amazing back yard.  Tiki torches were lit, a string of white lights lined her fence, a cluster of grape lights hung by her shed – it was the perfect summer yard!  Kerry and Claudia soon came over.  We had grilled asparagus and I had another helping of the mixed green salad I had made. 

By now it was dark out, more candles were lit and we emptied the bowl of sweet cherries and chocolate.  Shirley soon started the fire pit and we moved around it.  She brought out marshmallows, Hershey’s chocolate bars and graham crackers.  I was designated the role of marshmallow roaster.  I had just the marshmallow-chocolate option, but passed along the S’mores for the group.  Julia’s friend, Alita, another aesthetician, with her boyfriend, a guy who owns a very cool shoe store off of Broadway, along with Shirley’s neighbor, Thomas.

It was two in the morning when I finally left!  There were still a few stragglers.  I had such a great evening, such an amazing day.  It was a transition.  While there are likely more cold and rainy days ahead in Portland before summer really starts – it’s a well-known fact that summer doesn’t really start here until July 5, I was still happy with this amazing weekend, feeling as if I had been on vacation for two days!  I was relaxed and happy.  This summer is full of promise!

 

 

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Day 240: Steps Toward Balance, A Sinking Economy & The Year of the Rat’s Ominous Predictions for 2008

Tuesday, May 13

Today was one of those days that seemed like there’s just not enough hours in the day to get everything done that I wished to accomplish.  I’ve been juggling a lot of time-sensitive projects at work, and then had a lunch date with a couple of ladies of the press.  We met up at Tina’s in Dundee and had a lovely lunch.  It is invaluable to develop relationships and get to know friends of the media – local, national, syndiated or not.

I signed up for a Scandinavian-style sauna-steam for this Saturday morning at Loyly, which I intend to write about for my next blog post on theantitourist.com.  I’m psyched to check this minimalist Euro styled spa.

After work, I spent my evening doing some yoga and abs strength training.  Due to my recent health issues, I’ve been committed to trying to get back into practicing yoga and meditation.  I would like to attend yoga classes, but I really need to get my finances in order. 

I’m spending money on different things for my writing – blog upgrades, writing contests (yup, most require $10-$15 fees to enter work), etc.  I would like to attend a few summer workshops, as well, either at Sitka Center for Arts & Ecology or Fishtrap.  I have limited funds for that, too.  With the gas prices soaring, it makes it even difficult to figure in when I can sign up for a tour and occassional daily usage of a writing room at Writer’s Dojo in Portland – it’s about a 30-40 minute drive from  my home.

I decided to set up advertising on my blog – it’s another way to make money.  I am aggressively looking into other means of marketing my blog and getting it out to more readers.  I’ve even added the subscribe button – keep scrolling!  It’s after the Archives…after the Blogroll, Recent Comments, and Stats – and yup, there it is!

I learned on ABC’s Nightline last night that a stay-at-home mom, who’s blog Dooce is a huge success, makes a good deal of money from advertisers.  I’m slowly dipping into this opportunity.  Sidenote – I love this blog.  I think it’s funny, honest – and not limited to mommies.  As a single woman I appreciate and enjoy Dooce blogger Heather Armstrong’s candid posts.

After working on these opportunities I tuned in to what’s going on in the world.  For one, I am happy that Hillary took West Virginia, but I am disappointed in our nation’s women, the leading gender in our population, for denying this incredible opportunity.  Statistics show that single women support HIllary – it’s the married women who are backing Obama.  I find that to be really, really weird.

What is making me even more sick right now is the devastation in the Far East.  As if Myanmar’s cyclone wasn’t bad enough, followed by a ridiculous government that would rather see its people suffer than allow global aid – because, God forbid that would show their people how kind, generous and effective the rest of the world is.  The leadership there wants to keep its people ignorant of that kind of aid. 

And then there’s China.  I don’t even know what to say about that earthquake.  The 7.9 scale is unimaginable!  I have decided to emulate the Tibetan Buddhists and pray for peace and the end of suffering.  It is my hope that lives will continue to be saved, that medical care, food and water will be available, that shelter will be available and that rebuilding will soon take place.  I will meditate on this and pray.  I hope the global response for aid will reach the Chinese people as soon as possible.

In February, with the coming of the Chinese New Year, the year of the rat, I remember reading an article about the possibility for natural disasters.  I remember thinking about Katrina, the Tsunami in the East (Dec. 04), and I just couldn’t imagine any more distruction.  But, the prediction for disaster was beyond ominous:

The start of the new lunar year, the most important national holiday for China’s 1.3 billion people, followed three weeks of ice and snow storms that crippled transport and power supplies in many cities.

But even though power has been restored to 162 or the 170 worst-hit counties, millions are still without electricity or heating and the China Meteorological Administration warned that the warmer temperatures and melting snow could bring natural disasters, including landslides, in their wake.

And fortune-tellers say that caution will be the watchword for the Year of the Rat, for which they predict financial and political rumblings, tsunamis and epidemics. The reason, they say, is that water and earth – two of the five elements Chinese mystics believe are at the root of all things – are in conflict in 2008.

Text from: ‘China Welcomes Year of the Rat’ by Philippe Naughton, TimesOnline, Feb. 7, 2008.

 

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