Don't leave your butts behind!

After a quick stop to farmers market (for amazing coffee, music, and purchase of baby artichokes) we changed clothes and hopped on bikes for “Cirque de cycling” parade/event/ and cargo bike race. These Portlandians are really big on bicycles!!! In the drizzle we enjoyed the massive crowd of enthusiasts and cheered on our intrepid favorite (Andrew) as he loaded up the “Big Dummy” with bulky hardware,  He won the hearts of many as the only contestant with the cohones to opt for the porcelain commode (over flex vent tubes etc.) He of course came in last (after dumping bike on hairpin turn) but was clearly the “favorite” on his triumphant final lap.

Another beautiful day and good times in Portland. Spun the bug over to “Petite Provence” where we got the last parking place and last table before their big “rush.” Enjoyed “Smoked Salmon hash” with poached eggs/ hollandaise (yum) accompanied by perfect sourdough toast. From there Marseile and I dashed to the 11 am services at “Unity Portland.” The message there was “dead on” for me, addressing fear (and the reptillian brain) and growing beyond your comfort zone. Rev Billie expertly wove poem “a new beginning” by(John?) O’Donahue (which could have been written by/for me) into her beautifully done and inspired sermon. I purchased “Course in Miracles” for additional guidance on the road and we headed off for more fun and adventure…

Happy Happy Happy to see dear dear friend (Marseile) in Portland! Hugged and Hugged, heart happy to be in the same space again! Thai to-go for din, good wine and easy conversation before hitting the sack. Omelettes in a.m. followed by Spa (soak and sweat!) Spent beautiful (sunny) afternoon: sprucing up the roadsplattered “bug” charging her battery (surprisingly dead) shopping for BBQ potluck (Sun.) much needed hair cut followed by a ride on the “Big Dummy” back to the house with M’s beloved (Andrew.) Ended 2nd eve. curled up on the on the couch watching “muppets.” Simple, good, relaxing.

The drive into Portland was exciting. The views out the windshield absolutely incredible. Giant firs 40+ ft tall standing shoulder to shoulder- packing hills and mountain sides. Mighty gusts of wind pushing van-n-bug crosswise. Stopped to see Indian burial island (Mamaloose?) and scenic falls (Multnomah and horseshoe) along the way. H.B. sleepy and unexcited by the landscape but still an excellent companion. Familiar (and exotic) plants all around: Aspen, Blue spruce, buttercup, Queen Anne’s lace, rhododendron, azalea, weeping fir, golden chains, dogwood, Japanese maple and more. Thought about the origin of the word gorgeous and am convinced that it is a small reflection of the beauty of a gorge.

While sorting to leave for Seattle I came across my notes from the Boise Art Museum. Although disappointed that theirs was not part of the N. American Museum reciprocal (I had to pay) the let down was fleeting upon viewing their permanant collection and “Shoe Show.” In the permanant collection I enjoyed 3 very special pieces: a porcelin by Chris Antemann “Domestic Balance” “Red Willow Fall” by Katy Stone (acrylic on mylar) and a whimsical kiln cast glass/raku ballerina (entitled “thank Goodness.”) “Shoe Show” was a well rounded collection addressing this accessory in a variety of treatments. Serious: “Tolerance” (my favorite) was finely crafted and sewn pieces of grapefruit peel and cantalope rind. Omar Angel’s “til death do us part” (bandsaw blades/ bows on wedding shoes) beaded: “babe rainbow skates” (Tom Wegman)and “Sweet heart shoes” Cindy Wrobel, Oragami “pursuit of happiness” (Marguerite Belkin)  humorous “ottoman empire” by Rebecca Tracey (a collection of footed ottomans) “fancy finwear” (M.L. Van Nice) sculptural assemblages “Sole protector” (Mahakala protector made of black shoes) by Willie cole, “Shoe Wheel” by Nina Fletcher and Judy Haberl’s “Baby Opera” (comprised of 416 bronzed baby shoes with soundtrack) as well as notable jewelry entries: S/S Barbie shoe bracelett entitled “if the shoe fits”(Margaux Lange) and James Thurman’s “trophy”  “Lothario’s neckalce.” Emerged from show to find staff excitedly clamoring around Bug. I appreciated the warm welcome, helpful staff, and will definitely make a point to see more of their city center and enjoy their “green belt” if ever in Boise again!

This morning my host, Chuck, and I went to check out the mysterious, intermittent noise coming from the bugs rear passenger wheel. We counseled with VW mechanic from Orlando, jacked up the bug, spun her back wheel and not seeing see any problem we put her back down. It was then that I noticed 1 lug bolt was missing (out of 4.) Could that be the problem? Chuck suggested that I hop in the van and drive slowly while he ran along side to listen. I opened the drivers door and noticed a small black round object on the seat. What could it be? I looked closely and saw it was a tire from my key fob (a red VW) strange enough. I then went to replace the tiny wheel and discovered that it was the left passenger rear. Nuff said.

A great big thanks again to Roberta Lavadour (and helper, Gregory) for their hospitality… while I attended the “main street whinos” Roberta offered up Stink-bug “merchandise” and gave the art car  “rock star parking.” The bug got her photo taken by local paper, turned a few heads and (rumor has it) caused a minor “fender bender” between amazed (and later embarassed) teens. I got to catch the 2nd set of music played by talented (African) musicians after which I took the old gal home to host family and said good night to Pendleton.

An inelegant and somewhat inappropriate name for this playful group of individuals meet each Thursday for wine, appetizers and comradarie. These tight knit neighbors represent bike enthusiasts, the Local farmers market, Dr.s, scientists, knitters, re-sale enthusiasts, and retirees who have all become very good friends.  Hosted in a beautiful Italian Renaissance B&B (Pendleton House) by the lovely M.J. all enjoyed a special celebration of several May/ June birthdays (which included my delightful hostess Suzi’s.) Much giggling, merriment, joke telling, delicious food and of course, wine, ensued, to the delight of all… despite the winter cold, this group could possibly make living here worthwhile.

Contacted Gary Hildebrand DMT in regards to T.m. meetings here in Pendleton. Just 2 to choose from- a Wednesday noon (I’d already missed) and a Thursday evening meeting that he said I might not be interested in. Upon further inquiry and conversation I learned the evening meeting is held at the correctional facility here. That participants are motivated, purposeful, growing and have much to teach, learn and say. Count me in! What a wonderful opportunity to attend a very different and rewarding meeting! Alas, the LED (background check) paperwork necessary, took too much time and I was unable to attend. Maybe next time?

Rolled into town around 8 and was warmly received at dear friend’s family (Victorian) home, downtown Pendleton. Was delighted with hot and yummy Chicken Cacciatore, a glass of red, a hot soapy bath and a sweet, clean bed (with a homemade quilt.) What could be better? Next mornings trip aound town, to thrifts, garage sales and an invitation from Roberta Lavadour (wife of painter James Lavadour) to display the bug at the Pendleton Art Center for the day while hostess (Suzi) and I lunched at the local Thai restaurant. There I got to hear about her facinating family history (which was full of intrigue, mystery, violence and mayhem) and rivaled any “Soap” ever written!