Rainy concert in the park

The first time I heard Portland Taiko was completely by accident. Liesl and I had been hiking in Hoyt Arboretum 4 summers ago and stumbled upon a concert. It was a group of amazing drummers at the Rose Garden at Washington Park. We had no idea what we were walking into, but we decided to sit down and enjoy (until we had to find where the car was parked before it got dark). I started doing some research the next day and found out the name of the group. Since then I have sort of "followed" the group and have seen them perform whenever I've had the chance. For this years Washington Park Summer Festival they were performing again. I called Liesl and asked her if she wanted to join me since it was the same group in the same venue we'd seen 4 years ago. We decided we'd do a picnic dinner and enjoy the music. Not only did we experience the music, we also experienced the rain, and lots of it over the two and a half hours we sat in it. We weren't sure if the opening group (Mizu Desierto Butoh Theatre) for the taiko group would perform, and they did. Portland Taiko was then able to perform thanks to the donation of pop up canopy like tents from one of the food vendors. Their show was altered due to limited space and room to move around because of poles, but it was still good. Most people stayed through the rain for the concert and I am glad I did, even though it was touch and go for a bit! :) Thanks for sitting in the rain Liesl!

Portland Taiko performing.

"Volunteers" mopping up the stage before performers could go on. They had to wring the towels out after going across the stage once.

All the umbrellas that were being used to proctect people from rain.

Liesl and I, before we got too wet.

Quote of the Day

This is from the quote of the day that I get via email and today's was very touching:

"There is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation, of one's self, the very meaning of one's soul."
~ Edith Wharton

Violins meet Roses!

I love Portland, and I must say I love Portland 10-fold in the summer months. It has been such a busy summer, and I've LOVED every minute of it. I vowed at the beginning of summer that I was going to have fun this summer and do as much as I could, whether it be a new or repeated experience. I've had lots of both! This weekend was the first since the end of May that I didn't have something scheduled, though I knew the weekend could fill up rather quickly, even without scheduled events.

The weekend started out nicely...breakfast with a friend at Bob's Red Mill, one of my favorite places for gluten-free goodness. Then the rest of Saturday is a blur, probably because I didn't do anything too outrageous...did buy a purse-I was way past needing one. Sunday was good, church, hanging out with Ezme, and "attempting" to tackle my list of things I needed to do around my apartment that I have neglected the last couple of weeks. At 5 I decided that I was going to a concert in the park that started at 6...why spend time inside when the weather is so beautiful? That is what I asked...then assured myself that all the things I needed to do would most definitely by waiting for my later tonight, or tomorrow, or next week. So, spur of the moment, like so many decisions I make, I headed to North Portland to one of my favorite parks...Peninsula Park and Rose Garden. You see, every summer, the Portland Festival Symphony has free concerts in the park. They have 6 different concerts in 6 different parks. This year it was down to 5, so I couldn't miss out. Once I got parked I was walking towards the park, which has a huge rose garden and I could smell them. It was wonderful! I meandered through the roses, by the fountain and made my way to the concert area. I got myself all situated and sat down with the crowd of people. There was a group of kids who I think must have just performed. There was an Einstein looking man interrogating them. I felt for them, but could also tell he was just a little quirky. Shortly the adult group got up and was setting up to perform when their conductor was introduced....as that Einstein looking man, Lajos Balogh. He was quirky, but this symphony has been his life since he moved to Portland from Hungary. He was passionate about the music and was wonderful with kids. Below you can see a picture of one of the girls being "interrogated". My favorite was when he asked one girl if she knew how much time t.v. took away from practicing her instrument. Her response was..."do you know how much time homework takes away from practicing my instrument!" You go girl!

At the end of the performance Maestro Balogh invited all the kids up for the "Toy Symphony" and they all got instruments (recorders, rattles, etc) to play with the larger group. It was fun for them all.

While the symphony was performing the kids loved to dance...ahhh, life through the eyes, and with the energy of a child, especially a child in the summer. Enjoy! I sure did!

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." - Kahili Gibran

The title quote of this post was the quote of the day in my email box...how perfect. You see, I did just that today! Went to the beach and walked around barefoot in the sand, and the wind most definitely played with my hair by blowing it all around. What a wonderful day. Mary was in town for a variety of things, baby shower being one of them. When she first got to town Wednesday she mentioned that she may want to go to the beach, which was sort of happenstance because I had today off from work!! Woohoo! So we got up and headed to the beach. The weather was wonderful, especially after the heat wave Portland experienced last week. I actually got cold and wore long pants and ended up putting a sweater on. Refreshing!

Mary and I on the beach at Cannon Beach.

At Seaside

This is the Lucifer Crocosmia flower that I absolutely love! Someday this plant/flower will be a my yard!

Haystack Rock

Thanks for the mini-vacation to the beach Mary! Much fun!

Baby Isaiah, we are excited to meet you!

Feet
Someday I’ll jump through puddles
Take a stroll or run a race
Someday I’ll walk across the street
Or maybe walk in space
Someday I’ll scale a mountain
Or I’ll join the ballet corp
Someday I’ll walk a tightrope
Or explore the ocean floor
Someday these little feet will do
some things that only heaven knows
But for today they’re happy to just
wiggle all their toes.
-Unknown

The above poem is what I put on the front of the invitations I sent out for Holly's Baby Shower. I want to be able to easily find it again, hence including it in the posting. We had the shower today, and I would say that it was an overall success. I didn't count exactly how many people were in attendance, but it was a good sized group. Holly & Brian-congratulations on the upcoming little one. Can't wait to meet him!

Some pictures from the event...

The rocker was given to Holly by her grandma, it had been her mom's.

Holly wanted people to be able to paint onsies for Isaiah, so onsies they painted. People paired or tripled up and showed their creative side.

Mary, Holly, Elisa, me!

Holly and I post shower! Look how cute she is.

Thanks to all who helped...Mary, Elisa, Nancy and Joyce for opening her house to us! All is much appreciated!

Obonfest 2009

The Japanes Buddhist Obon Festival is also known as the "Festival of the Dead". Depending upon which "sect" of Buddhist tradition determines the time of year that the festival is held. Most often it is in July or August. The festival is a week long celebration honoring the spirits of dead ancestors. This is also the time where the spirits return home for three days. This festival has been celebrated since the 7th century and includes festing, dancing, and special services. The previous information and any more that you would like to read can be found at Japanese Obon Festival of the Dead. Annually, the Oregon Buddhist Temple hosts the Obonfest in SE Portland. This year I decided to go and experience it. Besides being curious about the Bon odori dances, I also was very excited to see Portland Taiko, which is an AMAZING Japanese drumming group. I first stumbled upon this group performing at the Washington Park Amphitheatre a few years ago while hiking with a friend. They are phenomenal. I enjoyed seeing all of the kimono, food, vendors, and of course the drummers and dancers.

Lanterns are a prominent item seen during the festivals.

Portland Taiko drums

This was a demonstration swordsman.

I didn't know what to expect when I walked into the temple, as I haven't ever been into a Buddhist Temple. I was surprised by the gold and beauty. The above picture was taken of a fixture inside the temple. I decided it would be nice to go some Sunday to experience a Buddhist service.

Portland Taiko group performing.

Bon odori dancers. Loved the kimono.

The obi sash and belt. I'd love to see an individual actually being dressed in a kimono, I think it would be facinating to see all that fabric become a beautiful ensemble.

Kimono on people were dancing by.

Check out those shoes, also called geta sandals. I would most definitely fall flat on my face. In watching the dance I can see how they would be helpful though!

Below is a video of Portland Taiko. Enjoy!

"Mom, it's hot...."

That is what Ezme would be saying right now if she could speak the English language. Her version is more like... "meee..." without getting the "...ooowww" out. Portland is HOT right now. Downtown temps read 107 today, 103 yesterday, and it looks like the end is not in sight, at least not in the 10 day forecast that has been provided. Yes, we will experience a "cool down" by Sunday, to an oh so cool 90-95 degrees. After this, that sounds like heaven. I cracked and bought an air conditioner today and I already thank God for making one available. When I arrived home today the reading was 103 in my nice hot apartment that is trying to impersonate an oven. As I was setting the AC up in my room I was dripping...and I don't drip. Ezme hung out on the ice pack, which was room temp (normal room temp, not current apartment room temp) within 15 minutes. I felt for her. I have the luxury of working all day in air conditioned building and then coming home to melt. She is home to melt all day. My room is already becoming more bearable, but in the meantime, I wanted to share Ezme's thoughts on the heat.

"Can you turn down the heat?"
A sentiment borrowed from Linda's cats (a friend from work).

The blue thing poking out from under her chin-yea, that is the ice pack.

If anyone has cooler weather to send, we'd appreciate it! Mom already said she'd try, but thought that if she could box up cooler weather it would be warm but the time it got here...bummer...

Hoyt Arboretum 7/9/09

Megan just sent me this picture from when we hiked Hoyt Arboretum a couple of weeks ago. I love the intricacy of the root system of the tree. Amazing!

Mental note: try to go back during the autumn to see all the deciduous trees changing colors and for the blooming Dogwoods next spring. I'm sure it is an amazing show for each!

Wedding Bells Are Ringing

The way Melissa and I became friends was and wasn't so unique, but nonetheless, I'm glad we did become friends. My Sophomore year in college my roommate, Jen, decided college wasn't the thing for her right at the moment, so she packed up and went to work at Disney World. This left me roommate-less in a 3 person room (Jen and I were designated a "host" room for prospective students to stay in when they visited campus so we had an extra bed). Jen, bless her heart, went on a search for an 'appropriate' roommate for me to replace herself once she left. Coincidentally, Melissa was a Freshman and lived right across the hall. I don't remember the exact circumstances, but she was close to desperate to get out of her roommate situation. So Jen settled it, Melissa was going to be my new roommate, mind you, she will be roommate number 3 in only 1.5 years of college. Jen went to housing and told them "the plan". Melissa even started moving her stuff in before Jen moved out completely.

I think that it was meant to be, truly! Melissa and I just clicked. We were both quiet, had similar study habits, that is when she studied...I barely remember her cracking a book in my presence. We would lay in the dark room at night and whisper across at each other, many times we would start laughing hysterically, and then we could never remember why (except one particular incident involving a Caramello bar). We'd set-up her laptop on one of the chairs and watch a movie on a tiny, tiny screen and I always fell asleep watching and she never gave me too hard of a time. At the end of the school year we decided we'd had so much fun we'd do it again the next year. And we even ended up in the same exact room: East 407!

I have been reminiscing a lot as of late about the time Melissa and I shared since I received a "Save the Date" card and invitation for todays event. Melissa was finally marrying Thomas. They were almost inseperable in college and I spent a lot of time with them and lots of time playing devils advocate in those late night, in the dark conversations with Melissa as she was navigating their relationship. The wedding was beautiful and so many were glad they were tying the knot!

The mixing of the sand.

Introducing the happy couple!

First dance as husband and wife.

Myself and the beautiful bride!

The wedding reception was at the World Forestry Center and was lots of fun for all. It is the first reception I've been at where they requested a group photo, but what a grand idea! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. So glad I was able to share in your special day! Here's to many years of happiness for you both!

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner."

Ahhh....one of the famous lines from one of my favorite movies. Courtesy of Pioneer Courthouse Square and their summer "Flicks on the Bricks" series I was able to see Dirty Dancing on the big screen last night. I knew that the movie was being shown, but after the last week and still not catching up on lost sleep from the previous weekend, I anticipated not going. After coming home and taking a nice nap though, I decided, spur of the moment (the way I make some of my most favorite decisions) to head downtown for the movie. I got a super sweet parking spot, and with blanket and water in tote, headed to the square. I loved the buzz and energy that "Portland's Living Room" had with all the people, the music and the wonderful weather on tap for the evening. I settled in and watched and enjoyed. Mental note: go back again for another movie this summer!

The big screen with the courthouse in the distance.

Lots of people in the square!

The next movies are Jurrasic Park and Anchorman...not really my thing, but the last movie is voters' choice and I am hoping for Sixteen Candles, Footloose, or even Ghostbusters....I'll keep you posted!

Whirlwind Weekend (Part 3) Dave's Installation

After getting back home from downtown we changed and got ready for Holly to arrive so we could head to Sellwood for Dave's installation to his new church, Immanuel Lutheran. It has been so nice to have the Zemke's back in Portland! Congratulations David!

Stasia (Pastor's wife) and Myles, Megan and husband Steve.

Holly and baby Isaiah, Mary and Stasia in the background!

David receiving his stole.

Myles loves to stand so after the service in the warm (brick building+90 degree temps-AC = brick oven) church he enjoyed standing on my lap outside in the breeze.

It is great to have them back and get to spend time with and support them! Happy day to you David and family!

The installation was the last "scheduled" event for the weekend. Then I had to get ready to go back to work....hmmmm....not so sure about that!

Whirlwind Weekend (Part 2) Sand in the City

Every year there is an event called Sand in the City in Downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square. They bring in like 4,500 pounds of sand and 450 galloons of water and groups build sand sculptures. The last time I went was a couple of years ago, so I thought I'd head down this year again. Because Mary was staying with me she joined me!

Me and Bigfoot!

Mary and I, I'm not so good at the holding the camera and taking a picture with myself in it, but it isn't too bad.

Dog getting a bath-the sand version. I like the rubber ducky! You can even see the water running down the side of the tub and bubbles.

Ducky!

The event was smaller this year than in the past, but it was still nice to go. On the way back on the Max we stopped for lunch and Mary's earrings at Saturday Market! Then off and running again!

Whirlwind Weekend! (Part 1.5) Play Ball

So, as you see by the title this was a whirlwind weekend. The first .5 was Friday night with the concert at the zoo, which you read about in a previous post. The part 1.5 was post-concert. My friend Mary, whom I went to college with and is currently staying with her parents in central Washington came down for the weekend to look at potential living situations for this coming school year when she comes back to the area for her job. She arrived at my apartment before I got home. Once I got home we stayed up and talked until the wee hours of the morning, which, for Mary isn't unusual, for me, on the other hand it is VERY unusual. We got up the next day and went to breakfast/brunch/lunch. We went to Old Wives' Tales, a good choice for us because she is vegetarian and I am gluten free. I got the best sandwich and it was so nice to actually order a sandwich at a resturant! After that we came back to my place and I had some down time while Mary ran some errands! Woohoo! Later in the evening a group of us met up at the Historic Reserve in Vancouver for an old fashioned 1860's baseball game. We picnicked on veggies, hummus, crackers (regular and gluten free), fruit, cheese, and salami....yummmmm and watched the game! They followed the rules of baseball as they were in 1860- no gloves, wood bats, ringing a bell when you got to home plate, etc. The sunn was right on us, but there was a lovely breeze. A great evening enjoying a great American past-time! Here are some photos!

One of the teams before the game started!

Holly (and baby Isaiah), myself, and Mary.

In action

The bat boy was so cute! The bats were taller than he was!

Brian, Holly's husband had fun playing with my camera!

I couldn't tell you the end score, but I can tell you we are going again next month!

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

So, the story goes...there was a Good in the 'Hood parade in N/NE Portland a little while back and Amanda, my Co-chair for our Diversity Committee at work and I, had decided that we needed to "bribe" fellow staff to come and represent our site. Amanda had thought it would be fun to buy 2 tickets to concert in the Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series as a bribe, so we did it! After the parade at work we did the drawing for the tickets and I won! Who would have thought? I rarely win anything, but I won tickets to the Ladysmith Black Mambazo concert at the Oregon Zoo. The concert was last night and Megan went with me. Thank you Megan for joining me in the hot summer sun for the concert! The group was an a capella group from South Africa and they were enjoyable. There was also another group after them, Los Lobos, which was also a good group to listen too.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The venue was an outdoor amphitheater at the zoo and it was packed. People arrive early and lay out blankets, set up chairs, etc to enjoy the concert. We (along with everyone else in attendance) were sitting in the sun (temp about 95 degrees at the time). Shortly the sun went down behind some trees and a building and made the environment much more comfortable.

Megan and me at the concert.

I can't make a trip to the zoo without seeing the elephants. When I first went over they were all inside. Megan went back later and they were out and swaying to the music. I went back to see and it was so much fun to watch! I have video, but my computer doesn't approve of uploading it, so a picture will have to do for now.

Happy beginning to a busy weekend! I can't believe it is past the middle of July already. How time flies!