Monday, May 14, 2007

Day three, Portland OR

I'm sitting at my dear friend's computer writing this entry while sunshine pours through the window of her home office (who says it rains in Portland all the time?!). Today's plan is to search for a place to live and make some initial work enquiries, as well as get a city map!

I arrived on Saturday afternoon. We hung out for a little while, then headed downtown to see a dance performance by the Jefferson Dancers, a high school dance troupe. They were simply amazing! Their age was all that gave them away as high schoolers. They danced as well as any professional dance troupe I've ever seen. The pieces they performed were complex, fun, and beautiful. As we watched them perform I thought about the gift of having that kind of passion in high school. To know so young what you want and pursue it with the enthusiasm they do. It's inspiring and reminds you of all the good and beauty in the world that we so often don't focus on.

Speaking of beauty, did I say this place is amazing? I took a walk early yesterday morning. Unfortunately I can't post pics because I'm not at home (I will do so once I get back). The trees, the flowers, the green! Walking under huge canopies of trees in the neighborhood I'm in, seeing the birds and the squirrels (I've missed squirrels!). Just luscious! My friend's home is in a lovely neighborhood full of old turn of the century homes, each with so much character and charm. I feel so lucky for the opportunity to stay in this wonderful area.

And I met many really nice folks yesterday. My friends through a little open house/meet Kathy party. Sometimes those types of events can be kind of stressful - a room full of people you don't know, small talk, all that. But this wasn't like that. It was very easy and fun. I felt welcomed by all of them and look forward to spending time with them again.

Today I'll make my phone calls, take a walk, write in my journal, then head out to Powell's bookstore to buy one of those detailed city maps so I can get myself around without getting too lost. I'm cooking tonight, so I'll be finding the local Safeway as well. Wish me luck!

2 comments:

Vicki said...

I'm glad you're having such a good time. It didn't hit me when I came over Friday night that you were leaving the next morning. Duh. Quick as usual. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to say good bye. I know the time is going to fly by for you, but I'm missing you here already.

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

hee. you're learning fast that it does NOT rain all the time in these parts. :) It rains more on the east coast than it does here. People always ask me if I get depressed living in Seattle because of the rain...and i'm like, um no, not at all. You've come at a good time though. The summers are gorgeous. But very dry. Go figure!