"Behold"

I started painting again and it has probably been over a year. Sad. I knew I needed to start again I was sort of in angst about it. I am currently painting a still life that is based off of one of Matisse's earlier works. Master studies are a nice way to improve your skills and also paint and mix colors you normally wouldn't. I tend to use lots of cadmium red and yellow and then just end up using every color. This just shows that I am an amateur. Soooo I am being stretched working with the naturalistic palette that Matisse chose and all the different whites. But I rather like it. White is nice because its a cheap paint!

But while I have been at the different still lifes they aren't just stuff set on a table to paint they tell a story. Each still life is a vignette of that time and that place and what was going on. I love how eclectic they can be too, with whatever is around thrown on the table in an aesthetic arrangement. There are few that enjoy and appreciate the subtleties of still lifes. Do you?

Much has changed in my life since I wrote that silly little fall poem. As the seasons continue to change and spring is upon us so do the seasons of my life. I thought that I would be settled for a while but again I am a nomad. I am content with that.

So I was laid off from my job in Portland and now I am in Boise, ID living with my family as I save up for Euro Adventure '09. I assume there will be more trips over there in the future. If interested, one can view my wayfaring experience.

I've learned that the only constant is change and I rather enjoy it. I like going to knew places and dwelling as local dwellers do. After I return from Europe, that is if I do : ) I may stay in Boise and work and truly dwell here for a bit. It isn't my first choice for living but if it's temporary I can make the most of. Right now I don't feel like talking it up but to be honest there is a lot going on here. A great downtown, cycling community(less urban more spandex), an impressive art culture, great local wines, several stellar mountains to ski/shred, big deal National Parks (Yellowstone & The Tetons) and it truly is the gateway to all outdoor adventures. When I give that list I'm sold! But when I'm here I don't feel at home, it's not my place. Probably the main drawback for me is that Boise and it's surrounding areas (Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Cadwell....the list goes on) have merged together as one huge urban-sprawl/suburban mess. Every few miles are glittered with your standard white and right family strip-malls. You know what they are, they all include a Wal-Mart, Kohls, some office supply store, geek out computer store, and your slew of lame chain eateries. It makes me ill seeing the culture drowned by the America we all cringe at.

So, there are some pros and cons. I think I could be here for a while and enjoy my time but will look forward to the season that takes me somewhere else.

Lake Cascade

It was recommended to me by my brother to watch AMC Original Show, MAD Men. I was curious when he was explaining the setting and characters, I like period pieces. This is the 1960's. I give props to the writers for the script, the actors, the set, all is done very well. I enjoy the finer details like the afghan on the back of the Draper's sofa in the living room is identical to one my grandma has. It must have been a popular crochet pattern (my grandma's was unfinished but same colors and everything!). I'm not going to try and write a witty or stellar review on this show. Just watch it for yourself. Anyway, my friend sent me to this girl's flickr account and she has done illustrations based on the characters and scenes from the show. If you have seen and are a fan of MAD Men, I think you'll enjoy this...

Joan Deluxe

Since I have moved to Portland I have had more visitors than my whole adult lifetime. Granted that's not a very long period of time....I've had quite a few visitors. I have been here for a month this Wednesday. I have had different friends in and out and I thoroughly enjoy it! The other weekend my Dad came through, as well as one of my best friends. Before that different friends here and there. This weekend my brother, Carson is going to be staying with me. I am excited, I want to make sure I show him a good time. I will be looking for a fun thing to do, like a cool restaurant or something. I know he like McMennamin's and there are several in the Portland area. I might take him to the St. John's ...or somewhere else, who knows. This is not the most interesting post but I wanted to introduce you to my brother.

Chuck Norris

So my blog is morphing into my leisure & adventures in Portland. I'm ok with that, I enjoy sharing the goodies I find. I am going to share the find of all finds...probably the best resource ever! I am really into happy hour here in Portland. It's cheap. It's long. It's everywhere. So as I was trying to decide on a restaurant for last friday night I stumble upon a website call urbandrinks, just click the link and see the wonder for yourself, only a few cities are able to enjoy the splendor. And just for fun here is a picture my brother took. I like it...

Lucy

So tomorrow I will have officially been in Portland a week. The move has been much easier than I thought. There are good peeps here and I haven't even had time alone!? I am looking forwarding to getting a little more settled, I have my things in three different locations....no fun. I am the most excited to have my bike with me, we've been separated and I think it's time we get back together.

This morning I went to a cute coffee shop in Oregon City, called Singer's Hill. It looked like the building was once an old garage because two sides were garage doors opened up. The beverage options were satisfactory, Stumptown Coffee and I think they are open late and serve wine. The baker there used to work for Papa Haydn, if that tells you anything about the quality of baked goods and desserts. I approve and I would definitely go back on a future saturdays.

I guess I enjoy working full time....I like the weekends because they are for reals. I don't have anything thats due on Monday, except me. I like my job. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

    Tonight is my final night in Eugene. My home for the past 20+ years. I have had a delightful week and the most splendid evening to end on. Some of my closest friends and I went to King Estate and had a full tasting and then decadent deserts and appetizers (french fries in truffle oil....need i say more?). I love being in Oregon's bounty. I went home with a full belly, rosy cheeks, and a bottle of their siganiture Vignonet and NxNW Cabernet Sauvignon.

Daniel Joel Streckfuss.

The Vino

Just some Fly Mofos

*Photos provided by Kaela May Lee

Margherita Pizza

Last night I went up to my roommate's mom's home and made pizza. It was delicious! So delicious that I made the same tonight. It's so easy, I got dough in a bad that was ready to bake and then all my ingredients were fresh and from the farm. Summer's are a treat especially in Oregon's bounty. Here is the recipe...

Ingredients

Trader Joe's whole wheat dough in a bag
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 Roma Tomato sliced thin
Fresh mozzarella, cut into small pieces
Fresh basil
1 small scallion
1 tsp minced garlic
dash of salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. Brush olive oil and sauteed garlic & scallions over Pizza Dough. Arrange cheese, roma tomatoes, and fresh basil over the dough leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with parmesan cheese and salt & peppper.

3. Bake at 500° for 7-9 minutes or until crust is golden.

I hope this inspires you to taste and explore seasonal and local vegetables that you my not have tried before!

We also had this great wine that was from a local winery. I suggest you try it! It was Evesham Wood- 2007 Pinot Gris (something like 85% Pinot Gris and 15% Gewurtztraminer) It was flowery and crisp, I really liked it.

I have finished my stint as an organic, biodynamic vintner for the summer and moving onto urban endeavors. I am moving to Portland, OR this weekend and starting a new job. I am excited for all that will be new. I have a new neighborhood, new roommate, new job...friends...clothes....who know what else. I am excited to be urban but keep my farmer flair. There is sure room in my backyard for a fancy little hen to lay eggs. The neighborhood I am moving to is Sellwood. I love it. I like to describe it as a perfect Saturday morning, there are coffee shops, antiques, a small library, and a farmers market of course. I am have easy access to a bike path that will take me to any part of Portland until my heart is content. I look forward to sharing my urban adventure.