I remember the first time I ever drank coffee from a French press.  It was ten years ago, and I was working at the OSU Food Innovation Center.  I had traveled to Seattle for a conference at the Westin, and was staying at a delightful B&B near Pike Place Market called Pensione Nichols.  There were amazing European duvets on the bed, which the owner acquired herself while traveling abroad.  The common room faced the Puget Sound and the windows overlooked the market, with window seats where one could linger with a cup of coffee in the morning and watch Seattle wake up.

The breakfast portion of bed and breakfast consisted of orange and banana slices, freshly made scones, accompanied by jams and marmalades, and a French press of coffee.  She placed it on my table, and said, “Wait until you’ve finished your fruit and then slowly press down on this plunger,” indicating the long prong-like device protruding from the glass carafe.  As the carafe was glass, I could watch the color of the coffee change as it steeped in the hot water.  Finally, I pressed the plunger, amazed at the resistance, and poured the coffee into my waiting mug.  I smelled, then sipped, and my eyes flew open.  Now THIS was coffee!  The flavor was so smooth and rich and deep, it required no sugar or cream to enjoy.  I sat up straight in my chair, buttered my scone with my pinky out, and suddenly felt very sophisticated and grown up.

That was the beginning of my love affair with coffee and my entrance into the coffee culture.  Fast forward five years, and I was managing a Starbucks in Gresham.  However one may feel about Starbucks, if offered me a tremendous opportunity to learn about every aspect of coffee—from preparation to production, buying and roasting, single-origin and fair trade.  I worked very hard to become a Coffee Master, and I still own my black apron.  My palate changed as I tasted more and more coffee, and soon I could distinguish the subtle flavors of earth, water, air and sunshine.

I no longer work at Starbucks, and now prefer an even higher quality bean.  I love places like Barista in the Pearl District, where you can buy coffee beans from several different roasters, and have them prepared exactly to your liking by people who care as much about coffee as you do.  As I write this morning, I’m drinking a French press of Guatemalan coffee that I purchased when I visited the Filadelphia Coffee Estate in Guatemala.  Every coffee lover should have the opportunity to see how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed at the source.  Just like my first French press, it is a magical experience I shall never forget, and one I remember each time I drink a great cup of coffee.

What will you remember about drinking coffee in Portland?

Related Posts

• February 21, 2010 -- 30 Years of Loving Portland (3)
• January 7, 2010 -- 17 Years Flies (8)
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• April 10, 2009 -- Hey, Portland? Let’s talk over lunch… (1)

Simon and Helen Director Park is only a block from Pioneer Courthouse Square, but it resonates to a completely different vibe. Quieter, and somehow more private, sunlight shines down between the FOX tower and the Paramount Hotel to illuminate the park with surprising warmth. In the shadow of the buildings the brisk breeze sucks away the heat, and steals napkins and wrappers that aren’t held down.

The park is populated with folks on lunch break. They’ve brought their brownbags, snagged a cup of tomato-orange soup at Elephant’s Deli, or a gourmet hamburger at Violetta, and they eat in the sun while still bundled for the chilly temperatures. Winter hats frame sunglasses, and sensible leggings are worn under short skirts. It’s not warm, by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s warm enough, just barely enough, to sit outside for lunch because you can’t stand being trapped inside for another day.

The fountain is now in operation, and the cleverness of its design is become apparent. What first seemed to be a low semi-circular bench is now the edge of the reflecting pool, a pool clearly intended to be easily accessible to all, and which is already a magnet for small children.

Gradeschoolers move across the park. They’re chaperoned in small packs, hopping up and over obstacles, instead of walking around them. One boy proclaims to his buddies “I got skillz!”, and none of his homies contradict him. They are a burst of noise and life threading through the noontime diners.

It’s a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful park. You can purchase slow food from a van, admire the public art, and enjoy a break from work in an indubitably pleasant public space.

It’s another spring day in Portland.

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• May 21, 2009 -- Red coach is OPEN (2)
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• September 16, 2008 -- What happened to O’Bryant Square (1)

Look what I found chained up in downtown — it’s the Tripod, a three-wheeled velomobile made by Columbia Cycle Works, LLC. And it’s a mighty pretty thing, in my humble opinion.

If you want to go truly green with your commute, you should walk or ride a bike. Unfortunately, for a lot of the year that means cold, dark, and wet. With an enclosed velomobile, you stay snug and dry, and the addition of twin headlights certainly helps with visibility (as does that paint job – wow).

The typical downside to riding a velomobile is its additional weight, which is usually enough to make going up hills a nightmare. The Tripod however has a 500 Watt electric motor to provide an assist. Sweet!

Oh yes — I want one.

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• February 22, 2010 -- “I Thought Of That While Riding My Bike”* (2)
• October 13, 2009 -- Portland Pedal Power (2)
• June 19, 2009 -- Survivorman Speaks (1)
• June 19, 2009 -- Father’s Day on a bike – Sunday Parkways (0)
• February 27, 2009 -- Oh yeah. People use bikes here too, don’t they? (2)

Sounds like a children’s book, doesn’t it?

Well, it’s not.

OK raise your hands if you’ve seen/ are a fan of Facebook’s “Portland was built on an ancient unicorn burial ground” ?

Mmm-hmm. That’s what I thought.

The claim is:  “It is common knowledge, that Portland Oregon was built on an ancient unicorn burial ground, and is clearly why Portland is as artistic and magical as it is.” I have evidence that it is getting out of hand!

Apparently EVERYONE in Portland is inspired by Unicorns.

Perhaps this masterpiece was put there to show that no aspect of Portland has been untouched by the magic of the ancient unicorns.

Whatever it is… do you really want a Thug Unicorn in your neighborhood?

…

Well… I do kind of like it there.  It makes me giggle.

Still, let’s get one thing straight — this doesn’t mean I’m becoming a member of  “Portland was built on an ancient unicorn burial ground”.

Related Posts

• February 21, 2010 -- 30 Years of Loving Portland (3)
• December 9, 2009 -- Wanted: All Crazy Neighbors (0)
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• March 22, 2009 -- Food Cart Social Networking (13)
• December 2, 2008 -- Will social media kill the local pub? (6)

2010 marks an auspicious moment in my life–I have officially been a Portlander for 30 years.  Learning about Portland is somewhat of an obsession for me, and has hit a new height recently, when I was hired as a Travel Advisor for Travel Oregon.  I work at the Oregon Welcome Center at Portland International Airport, and spend my time there helping people with any and every question they ask me.  For someone who loves Portland as much as I do, there is nothing better than to have someone ask you, “Tell me what is unique about Portland.”

As a Travel Advisor, it is part of my job to direct people to places that are not only uniquely Portland, but easily accessible via mass transit, and simple to locate.  I spend a lot of time talking about Powell’s, Mills End Park, the International Rose Test Garden and Japanese Gardens, and VooDoo Doughnuts.  Sometimes people ask about museums or art galleries, and occasionally I’ll get a unique request, such as the best place to fish near downtown Portland (I directed him to Sauvie Island).

But only rarely do I get a traveler who has the time and interest to listen to the things I love about Portland, and when they do, it is the best part of my day.  I have so many diverse interests, that my favorite places span many neighborhoods and cross all types of people.  I love eating at Clyde Common and Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen, or getting Bhan Mi at the Food Cart pod on 10th & Alder.  I also love the Food Cart pod at 12th & Hawthorne, which is great when you have late night munchies; poutine at Potato Champion and fried pie at Whiffies.  Tin Shed Garden Cafe on Alberta & 14th is an old favorite, and definitely the funky kind of place that makes Portland so unique.

When I need to sit and work on the computer or read, I go to the library at McMenamins Edgefield, or Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop on 97th & Sandy Blvd, or New Deal Cafe on NE Halsey & 52nd.  Portland is a haven for coffee lovers, and there are too many places I love to name them all, but I’m drawn to places with the friendliest people, like Palio Dessert House in Ladd’s Addition.

No one enjoys a sunny day like a Portlander.  When we get weather like we have had recently, everyone begins scurrying to get outside and enjoy it.  I went to Home Depot to get some supplies for the raised garden I’m building, and it was a hive of activity.  I love the off-leash area at Normandale Park; there is plenty of room for my small bichon frise Puka to run around and tire herself out, and plenty of dog-loving Portlanders with whom to talk.  A short drive up to the top of Rocky Butte is always a favorite; I never get tired of that beautiful panoramic view.  And I’m always willing to stroll through the park blocks, where the scenery always changes, and I’m especially excited for the Portland Farmer’s Market to begin again on March 20.  When I’ve had a rough day, I love to get a cup of coffee and drive along Marine Drive, pulling over to watch the planes take off and land, and keeping an eye out for herons.

Although my friends call me “Queen of Portland”, I am the first to admit that there will always be things I need to learn about my city.  My goal for 2010 is to individually research each neighborhood in Portland, including its history, unique shops and restaurants, parks and community spaces, and any other identifying characteristics.  I started with Montavilla, and have nearly completed Sellwood, both of which I will recap soon.  One of my favorite things is to explore places I’ve never been; I recently visited Cacao for some spicy drinking chocolate.

My request to all of you is this:  What would you do to celebrate 30 years in Portland?

Related Posts

• March 20, 2010 -- Falling in Love With the Bean (0)
• July 21, 2009 -- Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? (1)
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• January 13, 2010 -- The Writing Was on the Wall (2)

Hi there, OurPDX readers and fellow Fanadus!  This is morganpdx!  CamiKaos and I are back again, fresh from the Broadway production of Xanadu.  Remember our last blog post, where we announced the winner of our little Xanadu ticket giveaway?  Yeah, we’re gonna do it like that again.  Two OurPDX bloggers.  One blog post.  More fun than a bucket full of glitter!  Or a stage full of disco balls!  (Yeah, you’d get that if you saw the play last night.  What, you didn’t see it?  What are you waiting for?!)

morganpdx: What a night!  We seem to have survived our Xanadu adventures with only a mild hangover and…well, I don’t think I did anything too embarrassing, did I?  Cami?

CamiKaos: You mean aside from going out in shimmering clothing covered in glitter and quietly squee-ing from your seat?  No.  Not really.

m: Hey.  I’m not the one who brought a canister of glittery powder stuff.  And I seem to recall that you were a bit overzealous with the glitter on the left side…

c: I brought the glitter to share in case for some reason I was the only one wearing sequins and big hoop earrings.  Oh and the necklace.  And the bracelets.  And the glitter….

m: And the jacket…it was pretty damn sparkly too.  And silver.  No I mean SIL. VER.  But we should probably talk about the show, and not the fact that we could probably be spotted from space.

c: Fine… you want to talk about the fact that the cast could probably be seen from space?

m: Yeah.  The cast actually out-glittered you.  YOU.  You and your silver sparkly flashy glittery big earring-y getup.  Seriously, I don’t want to give anything away, but at one point there were probably 30 disco balls on the stage.  AT THE SAME TIME.   But guess what, Cami?  I actually interviewed people!

c: YES!  YOU DID!  And do you know why you did that?  Because #morganisasocialite…  or because aside from the whole “watching the show” part, that’s why we were there.

m: I don’t know why you’d think that.

c: Why I think you’re a socialite?  Or why I thought that’s why we were there?  You kind of walked around shoving a voice recorder in peoples’ faces while I thought about my shiny jacket…  that’s why I think that.  I mean the only people I talked to before the show were @dieselboi and @Anna_V.

m: I can see your point.  I didn’t think I was shoving my voice recorder though; more like gently placing it close enough to capture their precious impressions.  So what where people thinking before they stepped into the fantabulous world of Greek gods and demigods, roller skates, bad 80’s fashion and true love?  Well, we, or at least I, interviewed some people.  There were lots of season ticket holders, some of whom had seen the movie ages ago and didn’t remember it (which is probably why they were there) and some of whom hadn’t (ignorance is bliss?)  One young theatre-goer named Lizzy, when I asked her what she thought it would be like, said “Um…it’s in a roller disco?  And there’s gonna be some legwarmers.”

c: Yeah… Lizzy was particularly insightful… I have to say though aside from one other Fanadu that you spoke with I don’t think a lot of people knew what to expect outside of disco balls and roller skates.  What I want to know is what you thought of the production.  I mean I was sitting there so I know you giggled and sighed and made faces…  You got some post show reactions as well, didn’t you?

m: Well, since Robin and Dave (@mizd and @chefchopper) were sitting right next to us, I asked them what they thought.  Robin said it was “Xandalicious!”  And Dave said  he was “Xanadoomed”.  I expect because since he liked this, Robin is going to drag him to all sorts of musicals now. 

Some of the other audience comments:

“Great, ton of fun, very exciting!”

“Exceeded my expectations”

“We want to rent the movie now!”

“I didn’t expect to be sitting on stage – it was fun!”

“I like the show better than the movie.  I loved the show!”

c: How many of those people did you offer to loan your copy of the dvd to?

m: Not all of them.  Only the ones who didn’t own it already.

c: I think that WAS all of them.  But now… the big question: How did it measure up for you?

m: Oh I see how it is.  Putting me on the spot, are you?  I thought the play was hilarious.  There were definitely a lot of inside jokes that would make sense to someone who’s a fan of the movie.  One that I’m sure a lot of people have heard about is the super-contrived Australian accent that Clio/Kira — the fated muse — used to “disguise” herself from the mortals.  And of course the 80’s references were super funny, and they certainly took advantage of the generation gap between Sonny and Danny.  The only criticism I’d have is that the sound quality at the Keller seemed to be a bit off, as it was hard to distinguish what the cast was saying at times.

c: I don’t think they really had the levels worked out…  But the show?  It was a 90 minute giggle fest.  It was made to be silly.  And MAN, can a disco ball light up a room or what?  Wait… not that I like disco. I mean it seriously was really bright.  I think I was temporarily blinded in my left eye.

m: Probably from all the over glittering you did on the left side.

c: I was trying to blend in.  You know… not draw attention to myself.  Be at one with the show.  I don’t know about these things…  I went because you made me.

m: It’s true.  I did make you.  And soon I will make you watch the movie too, just so you can get the Full Xanadu Experience™.

c: I thought you said I didn’t have to watch the movie.  We wrote a post the other day… I’m sure there is something in there about me not having to watch it.

m: I only said you wouldn’t have to watch it before the show.  I said nothing about afterward.

c: And by afterward you mean…?   That’s anytime later, right?  Like next year for your birthday?  That’s still after.  I don’t have to watch it now, do I?  Shouldn’t you wait to watch it until after you’ve seen the stage production again?

m: Oh, I have a feeling it will be MUCH sooner than that.  But we did have a great time after the show too, didn’t we?  There were more interviews!  And more martinis!

c: Yes there were both of those things.  With friends, and fans and you even had a chance to reconnect with Annie Golden!  I can’t believe I’m telling you this, and you better not repeat it to anyone…. But Ihadagoodtimelastnight…

m: It’s ok.  I won’t tell anyone.

You heard it right here folks!  Cami LIKED IT.  And she doesn’t like disco, hasn’t seen Xanadu, and truth be told, she is not a big fan of crowds.  Shhhh, you didn’t hear that from me.

c: You’re a good friend Morgan.  I appreciate you keeping that between you and I.  And in exchange… I won’t show anyone that photo I have of you in my basement.  With that thing.  You know the one.  Maybe I’ll just burn it.

m: Yes, I think you should burn it.  Didn’t you tell me you already had?  I could have sworn you said you would.

c: Well, to be fair it’s a digital image.  If I burned it, that would mean I put it on a CD or something for safe keeping… you know.  In case you ever went back on your word.

m: Crap.

c: On that note, shall we let these lovely ladies and gentlemen have their days back… I mean they already know we think Xanadu is worth going to see, what else is there?

m: Just this:  GO SEE IT!

Related Posts

• January 9, 2010 -- Xanadu: And The Winner Is… (4)
• January 3, 2010 -- Free Inspiration! (6)
• January 8, 2010 -- Xanadu is Muse-ical! (1)
• January 6, 2010 -- Did You Know… (0)
• September 25, 2009 -- Pre-Show Backstage Tour at La Boheme (0)

Hallo Internets. I’m having such a very busy week this week. I’ve been TRYING desperately to give away a free pair of tickets to Xanadu’s opening night at the Keller Auditorium! (Congratulations to @taradublinrocks, @blabbey, @ladygeek, @stevenguymcdade, and @divebarwife for getting the correct answer, and getting a shot at the free tickets on Saturday!)

For all my hard work, I got a prize!

Yes, yes, I did get a pair of tickets. @camikaos and I will put them to good use however, and blog our little hearts out to let you know how awesome a time it will be. It will almost be like you’re there with us! Almost. And then you’ll feel like you missed out on something amazing, and will go get your very own ticket. Because you don’t want to miss this much awesome. Seriously, people.

But that’s not the prize I’m referring to. No! I got to interview Annie Golden, who plays Calliope in the musical, to get a first hand feel for what the show is like. I know, right? How lucky am I?! So without further ado, here’s our conversation:

morganpdx: Ok, so first of all. Would you consider yourself a fan of the original movie? It’s become quite the cult hit these days. Did you watch it when it first came out?
Annie Golden: I actually didn’t watch it when it first came out, because I wasn’t a disco person, I was actually more of a ‘death to disco’ person. If you know anything about me I was discovered at CBGB’s. So I never really saw the movie when it came out. In preparation for the show – I was part of the original Broadway cast — we had a screening of it. I actually watched it recently, like at 4 o’clock in the morning, and it was just so hard to watch, it’s just…really not happening, whoever put it together. I felt that Olivia Newton John was beautiful, she always was, and Michael Beck…I remember when I did “Hair” in 1978, he had just finished “Warriors”.

mpdx: Yes, I heard that “Warriors” was a great entrance into movie acting for him, it was really well received.
AG: I know, so to do Xanadu next, it was like “What? What happened there?”

mpdx: ::laughs:: I saw a quote from Michael Beck that said “The Warriors opened a lot of doors in film for me, which Xanadu then closed.”
AG: Awww, oh boy. Well, the music is fantastic, so that’s the best.

mpdx: Right, right. How did you get involved with the Xanadu Broadway production?
AG: Well, I’m a Broadway actress, and a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn, so I got involved when they were putting together actress auditions and readings for the show. I was involved at the very beginning. Douglas Carter Beane wrote this screenplay, and it originally had 9 muses, and I was one of the 7th-8th-9th muses, which eventually got cut. I represented 80’s icons like Patti Smith and Tammy Faye Bakker in the original concept. There were so many configurations that we tried, but ultimately Douglas Carter Beane started to trim down the script, and Chris Ashley, our director, started to get a concept for it, and when they went to Broadway it was Jackie (Hoffman) and Mary (Testa) as Calliope and Melpomene. So then they asked me if I would pit sing so they could have my voice on all those rock songs, and if I would cover the two evil women. I was so happy to be asked along, and I had never understudied before, so I said you know what? If you’re ever gonna do it you should do it with people who love and respect you. So that’s what I did, and Xanadu continues to be such a good experience for me, because Jackie is doing Addams Family, so I’m out here doing the role that she created on Broadway.

mpdx: That’s awesome. It’s always great to do things with people who you really enjoy working with.
AG: Absolutely.

mpdx: I haven’t seen the play yet, but from what I hear you play one of the evil muses. Can you tell me a little more about that part?
AG: Yeah! The setup is that there is Father Zeus, who is the father of all the muses, and he has a favorite daughter, and her name is Clio (Cligh-oh). And as with all families, there’s gonna be jealousy, and there are two sisters who are very jealous because they’ve been passed over, named Calliope and Melpomene. They’re the two evil women. They start to put a wrench in the magical works of Xanadu, and a love story ensues, and they try to set Clio up, and basically keep trying to make trouble for her.

mpdx: Isn’t it true that there’s a prohibition against falling in love with mortals, and that’s what they try to do to Clio?
AG: Exactly! There’s a lot of forbidden things, and some of them are that you’re not allowed to create art, you’re not allowed to create music, and you’re not allowed to fall in love with a mortal.

mpdx: That’s interesting. I studied greek mythology in school, and if memory serves that is actually pretty correct – the muses were allowed to inspire but not to create.
AG: Yeah, exactly. So, I think you’d be very impressed with how Douglas Carter Beane has adapted the movie into this silly, delightful, entertaining musical play! It’s very clever and he does use mythology – just when you think the mythology is written in stone, he’ll do something twisted with it. If you do know anything about Greek mythology, some of the things in the play are right on.

mpdx: That’s awesome. I think that would make the play that much more enjoyable, for me at least!
AG: Oh yeah! If you’re a Xanadu fan, you’re gonna just love this play.

mpdx: My next question is a little different. Portland is known for being a pretty social-media crazy town. We have blogs and Twitter and Facebook all over the place. What is your take on all that stuff?
AG: I don’t even have a computer, Morgan.

mpdx: ::laughs:: That pretty much answers that, doesn’t it?
AG: Doesn’t it? It certainly does!

I didn’t even have a cell phone until a couple of years ago! I’m one step behind in everything, I really am; and so the texting, and the twittering, I just don’t do it. In fact I visited with a friend of mine from Costa Mesa on my day off on Tuesday, and when she was driving me back to Santa Monica her husband asked her to investigate something, so she handed me her iPhone and asked me to google the answer. I had to hand her the phone back and say “honey I’m sorry I just don’t know how to do that.” If she’d had a different person sitting next to her she could’ve been multitasking!

mpdx: Well, I have a friend who still doesn’t have a cell phone, so you wouldn’t be totally out of place here.
AG: Wow…

mpdx: So the show itself. What is your favorite part about it?
AG: My favorite part about it, aside from the music, because we have some really strong singers – not everyone from Broadway can sing this kind of music – what I like about it aside from the music is the presentation of the piece. I also like the choreography, which is based on Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan, and was nominated for a Tony for Best Choreography which is just amazing. I love the costumes – they’re very diaphanous, very delicate and pretty. I love the makeup, it’s specialty makeup, very glittery and shiny, a lot of glitter and gems. It’s a very heavenly show, really very heavenly and otherworldly, with a rockin soundtrack!

mpdx: That’s awesome. I do love the soundtrack, that’s my favorite. The music is one of the things I like most about the movie.
AG: Yeah!

mpdx: Another question I have is Portland tends to get written up in the NY Times a lot, at least recently, so we’ve gotten a big head about how cool we are. Have you ever been to Portland before, and what are your impressions of it?
AG: I’ve never been! I can’t wait, I hear such wonderful things about it! All the kids on the tour, they – this is my first tour, like I said I’m a native New Yorker, so I’ve always worked on Broadway or off-Broadway, so I’ve never toured – so the kids on the cast who have toured before, they *all* love Portland, and they all talk about how they can’t wait to take me around. Actually, everywhere I’ve been on tour so far – Costa Mesa, I had friends come from LA, and then in Sacramento I had friends coming from San Francisco; Portland I don’t have anybody coming, but then in Seattle I have friends, and North Carolina I have friends, Pittsburgh…everywhere on the tour I have friends to come and see me, but not Portland, Oregon; I don’t know anybody there. So, I’m so looking forward to just…being on vacation, as it were.

mpdx: Right, well if you need any tips on where to go or things to do, let me know.
AG: Yeah, that would be great! So now, why are you a Fanadu?

mpdx: Oh heck…I grew up with this huge crush on Olivia Newton-John.
AG: Oh, well that says it all then!

mpdx: It does, really. I loved her music, and I really loved that 50’s style grand musical feel that it tried to bring back, with having Gene Kelly involved. My favorite scene is the one with him and Olivia Newton-John when they do that dance scene…
AG: Oh, “Whenever You’re Away From Me”?

mpdx: Yeah, I love that song, it’s my favorite scene in the movie.
AG: You’re gonna love it in the show! It’s like an MGM musical, that moment. You’re gonna be so excited! Xanadu the musical will not let you down.

That’s pretty much it. Interviewing Annie was an absolute pleasure, and as she put it when I told her I was somewhat new to interviewing, “Don’t worry, I’m an old pro.”

Thanks so much to Ms. Annie Golden, and the whole cast of Xanadu for bringing some sparkly glitz and flashy glamour to Portland. We’re gonna soak it up!

Related Posts

• January 3, 2010 -- Free Inspiration! (6)
• January 13, 2010 -- There Were Disco Balls and Legwarmers of Power (3)
• January 9, 2010 -- Xanadu: And The Winner Is… (4)
• January 6, 2010 -- Did You Know… (0)
• September 25, 2009 -- After the Performance: Did I Cry at the End? (2)

(Consider this my introduction.)

Yesterday, I woke up and had a stark realization.

I’ve been here for 17 years.

On January 5, 1992, I drove a beat-up Chevette (is there any other kind?) into Portland from Denver. I remember it well. I actually screamed out loud when I saw the “Entering Portland” sign on I-84. I had no plan — had no idea what I was going to do but, dammit, I knew that Portland was the place for me and I was excited.

My first week here included: Tavern and Pool, Pub At The End Of The Universe (twice), The Hotcake House (at what time, I really don’t recall), Forest Park, Mount Tabor and constant hanging out on Hawthorne, where I was living at the time. The first job started a couple of weeks later. Come on, I was 22 years old and too busy having fun.

So, here we are 17 years after falling madly, deeply in love with Portland.

I now have a family and so many incredible friends here. To say it has been a blur would be an understatement. To say it has been sublime would be one as well. It’s sweet to wake up every morning and know that I live in a place where possibility is encouraged — where taking chances is appreciated. This is where you can stub your toe, maybe trip a little and have an army of people help you pick you up and shepherd you on to the next thing you believe in. The communal, entrepreneurial spirit here is unlike anything I’ve seen.

And we need it now more than ever.

As I write here, you’ll find that I’m a bit of an optimist and I think that 2010 will be something special for all of us in Portland. There are some days when it’s hard to believe — but I can feel it.

And I’m certain that I’ll wake up next year on my 18th anniversary here with just as big a smile on my face.

(Editor’s note: We’re happy to welcome Zanger to OurPDX. Happy anniversary!)

Related Posts

• March 20, 2010 -- Falling in Love With the Bean (0)
• January 6, 2010 -- Portland and Curling (4)
• July 22, 2009 -- PDX vs. 503 (2)
• April 10, 2009 -- Hey, Portland? Let’s talk over lunch… (1)
• October 10, 2008 -- You’re living in your own private Writaho (8)

Has your writing been weak? Do your paintings lack pizazz? Did the last 200 digital photos flop? Are your jam sessions just not jelling? Is your podcast pathetic? Or maybe your film is a feature length failure?

In other words, is your creative juice-maker dried up like a Saharan riverbed? (I was gonna use another analogy with strippers, jello and a couple hamsters, but we try to keep it *somewhat* PG-13 here.)

Well you are in luck, Portland, because I have just the lube all us creative types need to oil up that artistic muscle. That’s right! What you need is a little inspiration of the divine kind! Just a touch of demi-god artistic intervention. And for a few lucky ones, it’s free!

You’re probably wondering just where this inspiration will come from. Have you ever heard the phrase “kissed by a Muse”? Well it just so happens that those 9 stimulating sisters will be making an appearance at the Keller Auditorium when the national Broadway tour of Xanadu opens on January 12th and runs through January 17th.

Xanadu. Seriously.

Now wait. I know what you’re all thinking. “Xanadu? OMG that was the worst movie! Wasn’t it some sort of disco roller dance thing?”

Well yes, yes it was. But this is Xanadu, the Broadway musical, nominated for four – yes, FOUR – Tony awards in 2008! The New York Times called it “Heaven on Wheels!”. And we all know what good taste the NY Times has. Look at how much they love Portland, right?

But then you’re thinking “Heeeey waitaminit. Aren’t you that chick who had a Xanadu-themed birthday party a month ago? Are you biased much, hmm?”

Yes. Yes, I am a fan of the movie. Yes I love its lame plot, its fabulous music. Yes I have had a huge crush on Olivia Newton John. Yes, tickets went on sale on my birthday! (How’s that for preordained? Ha!)

Did I mention Douglas Carter Beane, the screenwriter for Xanadu, wrote To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar?

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!

I and my lovely fellow OurPDX blogger and fantabulous podcaster Cami Kaos will be at the Keller on opening night, grabbing on-the-scene pre- and post-show crowd reaction for an amazing OurPDX first: an OurPDX blog-uet! (That’s blog + duet. Work with me here, people.) Yep, Cami, a Xanadu newbie and I, a tried and true Fanadu, will be co-blogging about all the glitz, glamour and gloriousness of Xanadu’s opening night. If you’re going, keep a sparkly eye out for the OurPDX banner and come say hello!

Go now. Go get tickets!

AND NOW, FOR THE FREE.

You’ve been waiting for it. You read through this whole post lookin for the Free. YES, Portland. I’m gonna give away free stuff! On the Twitters. Free Inspiration in the form of two tickets to the show! This is how it’s gonna work:

We’ll post a Xanadu quiz question at NOON every day this week, Monday through Friday. The first person to respond with the correct answer gets their name in a hat. On Saturday, we’ll select the name of the lucky winner! And that lucky winner will get to go see Xanadu for FREE. How’s that for inspiration? So start studying up, all you PDX Fanadu’s, and watch the OurPDX twitter account for more info.

Olivia Newton John in her fabulous Xanadu outfit. Sparkly!

Just be sure to remove the roller skates when you get to the Keller, ok? I don’t need you rollerskating me over, I might spill my wine. Those little plastic cups are not very resilient, you know.

Fred Meyer Broadway Across America Portland presents
Xanadu
Keller Auditorium
Tuesday, January 12th – Sunday, January 17th
Tickets $28.75 & up

Related Posts

• January 13, 2010 -- There Were Disco Balls and Legwarmers of Power (3)
• January 8, 2010 -- Xanadu is Muse-ical! (1)
• January 9, 2010 -- Xanadu: And The Winner Is… (4)
• January 6, 2010 -- Did You Know… (0)
• September 25, 2009 -- Pre-Show Backstage Tour at La Boheme (0)

Whew. I’ve been to a lot of malls in the last month. Usually my goal this time of year is to avoid all shopping malls like the H1N1. I hate crowds and loud noises. I’m also not a fan of pushing, shoving, grabbing, kicking and biting — and doing all of that just to buy someone a gift tires me out something dreadful.

Of all the shopping malls on my Santa visit list, I was dreading Bridgeport Village the most. Going to Bridgeport Village always seems like such a huge undertaking. I have to drive down I-5, make sure to take just the right exit, and then drive around the sprawling Italian Villa layout in search of parking.

And let’s face it, there is just something douche-y about the place. Who builds an outdoor mall in Portland, Oregon anyway? At every other shop or so there are little bins of bright yellow loaner umbrellas that just scream, “We admit it. This was a bad idea.”

Much to my surprise, however, Bridgeport Village has far and away the best Santa experience. Hands down and without a doubt.

First of all, Bridgeport Village Santa lives in a house in the middle of Center Court. Right next to Santa’s house is a large gazebo where various artists perform holiday tunes for your enjoyment. Next to the gazebo is a caramel corn vendor and behind Santa’s house is an old timey candy shop.

Everything in Center Court is lavishly decorated with trees, garlands, boughs, twinkly lights, ornaments, ribbons and these nifty teddy bear topiaries.

Bridgeport Village is not messing around. Even better, they manage to post Santa’s hours and prices on their website. Not many shopping malls do that.

Santa was very busy with visitors and I was a little bit concerned that I would not be able to get a decent photo of him. It’s very hard to see into Santa’s house and it seemed kind of creepy to take photos of Santa and the little ones through the windows of his house.

I took the photos anyway, but I didn’t feel great about it.

I was milling around outside when Santa came out of his house for a little fresh air. I mustered up the courage to go over and talk to him. Not all Santas like being approached on their downtime and I didn’t want to piss Santa off so close to the Big Day.

I greeted Santa and asked if I could take his picture. Santa smiled and said, “I don’t know, can you?”

Hmmmm. This Santa is a bit of smart ass. I like that.

I explained to Santa that I’ve been blogging about the various local Portland shopping mall Santas and that a lot of places frown upon taking photos without a little money up front first. Santa laughed and gave me a little side-hug. We chatted for a bit and then Santa graciously posed for a photo in front of his house.

“Make sure to tell your readers that Bridgeport Village has the best Santa,” Santa kidded as he hugged me again and wished me a Merry Christmas.

And I can tell you in all honesty that Bridgeport Village really does have the best Santa. He’s warm and generous and cheerful but he doesn’t take himself too seriously. I loved that about him. Some Santas get a little too caught up in the celebrity of it all, in being a Big Deal. Nothing is more annoying than someone who thinks they are a Big Deal.

So there you have it. I’m done with my Behind the Beard series. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I would have liked to make it out to Mall 205 and Jantzen Beach Center – but there is this little matter of my day job. Maybe next year.

I wish I had some words of wisdom to close with, but I don’t. Instead – I’ll wrap this up with my favorite Santa photo this year. It’s my adorable little nephew and his first visit with Santa.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and wish you nothing but the best for 2010.

(Special hat tip to Barry Johnson for the Behind the Beard headline. Thanks Barry!)

Santa Out!

Related Posts

• December 21, 2009 -- Behind the Beard – Pioneer Place Santa (2)
• December 23, 2009 -- Behind the Beard – Portland Macy’s Downtown Santa (2)
• December 17, 2009 -- Behind the Beard – Washington Square Santa (4)
• December 15, 2009 -- Behind the Beard – Lloyd Center Santa (4)
• December 7, 2009 -- Portland Shopping Mall Santas – A Comparative Study (0)