How do you measure the success of a trip?
Is it the time you spent laughing?
Laughing out loud at Fabric Depot. We don’t have anything like this at home. It’s an acre of fabric and sewing notions
Posing with Marlene in her lovely home with Pauline King’s original art work in the background
Trying to find our good side.
Perhaps it’s the wonderful meals you’ve shared?
Breakfast at Bob’s (see Marlene behind the piano player)
Can you define success by the unexpected moments (for instance going out for breakfast, only to discover you’re at a birthday party for Bob Moore)?
Bob Moore, CEO of Bob’s Red Mill on his 89th birthday
Maybe it’s the “eye candy” spotted along the way?
BBB = Big Beautiful Building for lease. I love the colors and shapes
Plants of Portland
As I write this I’m reminded that some of the best moments aren’t captured on a camera chip, but stored in one’s heart.
I’ve been following Marlene’s blog In Search of it All for nearly six years. We’ve followed each other around the blogosphere, too, gathering like-minded friends along the way.
The stars aligned on Valentine’s day and I got to meet the marvelous Marlene in person. I boarded a plane from San Jose to Portland, and finally delivered on that promised squishy hug.
Portland bound: San Jose Airport, Valentine’s Day, 2018
We recognized each other immediately. Steps after leaving the gate, I wrapped Marlene in a long embrace and I don’t think either one of us wanted to let go.
We spent our time together talking about family history. Marlene has a rich and interesting past, much of which she’s shared on her blog. What you get in person, though, are the rich details that deepen understanding and expand friendships. Who doesn’t love the give and take of a good conversation?
If you follow Marlene’s blog, you know that she has a devoted younger sister and a loving daughter and son. They’re always checking in by phone or text, looking out for one another in an endearing way. Marlene is a mama extraordinaire.
Marlene’s sister drove us to downtown Portland for an afternoon. We spent over an hour at Powell’s City of Books, which is like saying you spent an hour at the Louvre. Powell’s City of Books occupies an entire city block. It’s the largest independent book store in the world! Powell’s has three floors with color-coded sections to help you find what you’re looking for on the map. Yes folks, if you’re looking for a book on crafting or art or…well, anything, you’ll need the store map. It’s the kind of bookstore that requires lots of time and a pair of comfortable shoes. Be still my heart. I can’t wait to go back.
Powell’s City of Books: a multi-story, new and used bookstore. It’s so big you need a color-coded map.
Marlene’s sister lives in Washington, but drove down for the day. She treated us to lunch at her friend Sheryl’s restaurant, then drove us around to some of the sites. It was cold and damp so we didn’t venture too far, but I’ve been making mental lists for future visits.
Marlene and her sister refer to this as the “mushroom house”.
Mushroom house windows
A spectacular view from the hills of Portland
I met Marlene’s lovely daughter Saturday. Marlene made us breakfast, and then we spent the day hanging out at home and doing a few organizing projects before my all-too-quick visit ended.
Together we moved this bookshelf into Marlene’s craft room. Check out her gorgeous button collection on the top shelf
Marlene also blogged about our time together. You can read her post here. I’m almost embarrassed to share it as to hear her tell it, I walk on water. My ego may never deflate. (Oh wait…I still live with a teenager. I’ll be back on the ground in no time.)
Thank you, Marlene for your generous hospitality including rides to and from the airport, the satisfying, home-cooked (vegetarian) meals and for all those shared cups of tea.
Have you met a blogging friend? Are you planning a gathering in the near future?
Gardening Nirvana 