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.
