365 - 90

Dandelion, ready to be picked and wished upon and blown into all the neighbor's yards to propagate hundreds more. I like the way it turned out. To me it looks like one of those movies from the '60's, or there abouts, when every monster on the big screen, was, well, big. You know, spiders and monkeys and ants and all manner of ordinary beasties.

365 - 89

Sometimes I have nothing to photograph and so I look around and then you get photos of my desk clock. Lucky you!

365 - 88

I know, not great. But, still cold, rainy, wet, damp, windy and uninspiring outside. I wanted this to look bleak, but, I think it turned out burnt looking. But, am tired, need to get ready to try to sleep for the night. Ok, so, the above photo was the result of about an hour of processing and adjusting and starting over and trying again and again. And I posted it. And I couldn't get it out of my head - I really didn't like it at all. So, I went back to it and the photo below is what happened in about 9 minutes. And I really like it. At least 1 million times as much as the one above. There you go. Seriously, off to brush, floss, rinse, wash, tone, moisturize and that's just the beginning. I am so much happier with this one!!

365 - 87

When the weather is cold and rainy, you (I) take photos of the cat. I go outside, or I look outside and I'm just not that inspired or maybe just cold. Photo totally (obviously) played with and processed to death. But, had fun. And I thought it might make an ordinary kitty photo, more, fun.

365 - 86

Didn't really have much time for posting photos over the weekend. Bestest was in town so we hung out, ate, drank and chatted and walked and biked and chatted a ton more. *sigh* If only all the time could be guilt free girl time. I saw the red against the blue sky (which was amazing all by itself) and HAD to take a photo of it. I really hoped it would turn out and I think its ok. Maybe not great, but, I like it. I hope you do too.

365 - 85

Passenger train. Not sure if its still in use or not. My guess would be no, but, what do I know about trains.

Just Watched: Crazy Heart

All I can say is, WOW.

Ok, I do have a few more things to say. This isn't a film that I had much interest in seeing. It looked a bit dark and moody and just not something I had an immediate interest in. Then, Mister and I watched the Oscars (or whatever they are called) and we put it on our Netflix queue. If Jeff Bridges won for best actor, its probably not a bad movie. Then, my bestest from Sonoma was here this last weekend. Sunday was rainy and cold so we decided to go to a movie. We ended up choosing Crazy Heart and the next thing I know, I am really liking this film. As soon as the film starts, the color of it (for lack of really knowing what to call it) but literally the colors and hues and tints in which it was filmed, completely set the tone for me. I am drawn, at this point in time, to the slightly washed out and over exposed quality of the film. I hope I can learn how to do this, properly, to some of my photos. I just adore it.

Then the acting starts and the plot and the settings and the bleakness and my heart was in a pinch for most of the film, waiting for the inevitable 'other shoe' to drop.

Totally recommend this film.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

365 - 84

I'm in the throes of wanting to take "UP" photos. You know, like my 'up' tree shots. Well, this is my orange, Murano Glass necklace. I love it. Fortunately for me, I wear a significant amount of black, so it really goes with most things I have in my closet.

I bought this piece last summer while in Italy for my sister-in-law's wedding. I knew nothing about Murano Glass until we were planning the trip. I didn't get to atually make it to the Island of Murano, a bit bummed about that, but some things just don't work out like you'd like them to. Delicate and prized glass in one billion different shapes, sizes and forms. Not just jewelry.

And that's that. Have a great weekend.

365 - 80

You may have notice that I missed uploading a photo for #80. No? You didn't miss that? HA! Can't believe you aren't paying more close attention. LOL! Anyway, I didn't have a photo that I liked for that day. In fact, I may not have even taken a photo that day. That's the more likely scenario. So, I went back to the days close to that day and chose a photo, just so I have a full set of 365 when the end of this project gets here. PS - Have you noticed I take a fair number of 'up tree' photos? What's up with that? Maybe I don't post them all so you don't know that. Maybe I just take an inordinate number of them, then think, "wow, I have a lot of those" and don't post. Ok, moving right along. Have a great day.

365 - 83

This tiny little flower is so funny looking. I did capture it at an odd angle, but its still a very non-symetrical bloom. I decided to break all the rules with this photo. Why, just because I can. The subject is dead center. Its photographed straight on. There's really nothing interesting in the background. Ok, so maybe not all the rules were broken, but, I really don't know all the rules. Impatiently waiting for things in our yard to bloom so I can photograph them. Next year I hope I remember to plant more bulbs so I have stuff to photograph earlier in the year.

Just Watched: Star Trek

I know, I'm late to the party, as usual. I'm okay with that. When the episode of Star Trek first came out, I wanted to go see it in the theater. I figured it was one of 'those' films you just need to see big screen. Mister didn't. So, I sort of forgot about it and lived my life just fine.

Then! Then, we were watching the Oscars a few weeks ago, something Mister and I have inexplicably found ourselves doing the last two years. Not the red carpet part, but, you know, about half way through the actual awards when we sit down and realize there's nothing else on and whilst flipping through the channels, find it.

Anyway, Star Trek was (obviously) nominated for some awards. Mister and I will have pad and pen in hand and write down the movies which were nominated. This way our movie repertoire is expanded. We just aren't big 'go to the movies' people. And then we forget to put them on our Netflix list, well, we just don't see a lot of movies that main stream America sees.

So, back to the movie, I really like Zachary Quinto of Heroes fame. He's interesting and not hard on the eyes and plays one mean bad guy.

At least in Heroes is where I first noticed him. And I really like Star Trek. It may be my age or my fondness for kitchy teevee (or maybe even both) either way I liked this movie. No, it does not have a new or thought provoking plot line. What it does have is some really great special effects, talented actors and a great director (JJ Abrams). I liked that Chris Pine, who played James T. Kirk, had enough respect for the the character to adopt some of William Shatner's mannerisms. (At least, that's how I have chosen to look at it.) I liked learning how the Star Trek "crew" got together. Every time one more member of the team arrived on the scene I would cheer, "Whooooo! Its Scotty!! Beam me up!." And Mister would look at me like I was a Klingon or something similarly non-human. That's ok. I realized through all this I'm not a Trekky, but I am a fan.

365 - 82

Yet another view from the deck outside my office. Our offices are located very conveniently on TriMet's light rail line. Oh, and on buslines too, but its the light rail that I like. Mostly, if I'm honest, I like the light rail because I know where its going. Yes, I'm a mass-transit dork. Its not that I've not taken buses, its just I get confused about where they are going and what if I get on the wrong one and it takes me the opposite direction of where I should be going. Ok, I should maybe clarify, if I have a route all planned out and I take it on a regular basis, I'm all good with that. It becomes routine, you see the same people all the time, there's a cadence to it. But just hopping a bus because its there and I am too and I need to get somewhere, freaks me out. There, I said it. I'm a dork, live with it, I do. With the light rail, really the worst that can happen is you pass your stop. So what! You get off, walk to the other set of tracks and catch the light rail going the other direction. Oy, on to something else a bit less pathetic. Hmmm, I've got nothing. Enjoy today, its officially Spring. Cool and wet will be slowly replaced with warmer and wet and then warmer and dry and then too hot.

365 - 81

The bronze wrist watch on the arm of the statue of the man holding an umbrella in Portland's Pioneer Square. I have been trying to get a photo - that I like - of this guy for awhile. Still haven't accomplished taking one that I like. So, for now. his watch.

365 - 78 & 79

I walked into the house yesterday and this shadow / light thingy caught my eye. This is the photo for day number 78. I sure hope, for your sake as much as my own, that I'm more inspired than this for the next year.

Mister and I got in our first, well my first, ride of the year. This is the Springwater Corridor path, of which you've heard me speak in the past. Nothing exciting, but, the view is pretty.

Lots of people out enjoying the sunshine today.

365 - 77

I know, I was a staunch SOOC gal. I'm learning to embrace the post processing. I think its because I'm actually learning about so many things "photographic".

I've learned there are all these different types of film cameras out there all of which produce different results in the finished photo. Some of it accidental, some of it on purpose and some of it just due to poor quality of the camera itself. I've learned that there are cult-like followings of these cameras and hence so many people who have learned how to reproduce the results, digitally. Lomo, Holga and Diana are just a few.

I've learned about textures, how to make them and maybe more importantly that there a tons of them on-line for free. People share the textures they've created. Its wonderful.

I've learned about actions, basically similar to a macro in Excel or Word (or whatever) a preset set of directions that PhotoShop 'plays' asking you questions along the way for a complete personal touch to each photo.

I've learned just tons. I realize its the year 2010, but I'm just starting to get into the learning and teaching and on-line tutorial thing. Up until now, I've pretty much just used the internet for research, shopping and email. Am I weird. Notice, no questions mark at the end of that question, no answer needed.

So, the photo above was processed, by me and its a far better photo now than when I started. Heck, I'll just show you the original and you can be the judge. Let me know what you think.

Here's the original.

Before and after for comparison.

Better, right? Feel free to answer this one.

365 - 72

This photo is from one of Mister and my City Walks which we walked last weekend.

So are the rest of these photos in this post. You must know by now, I'm not a journalist. I take the photos, I talk about the walk, I try to include photos I've taken along the way to illustrate. These photos have very little connection with the narrative, other than they were taken on the walk. Nice, huh. There will be some talking, then a random photo with caption. Good luck!

We walked through Lake Oswego, what is considered a bit of an affluent area of our fair City. We started off in George Rogers park which used to be a mill and smelter for mining iron ore. The companies back in the 1800's would come into an area and basically rape the land to get what they wanted. What is now a beautiful man made lake (who knew - not me) used to be a swampy area with a little lake called Sucker Lake. Due to mining and people moving to the area to work and shipping on the river and brilliant ideas by the major land owners at the time, the entire area was slowly converted into an upscale, over priced City with lake front properties, expensive restaurants and a beautiful Sur La Table, but I'm biased on the kitchenware stores.

This is the smelter which was used in the iron ore production. Its now in a park and had construction barriers all around it. So, not entirely my fault the photo lacks a frame of reference. Let me just say, its large.

You have to know that when Mister and I hike, even if its an urban hike, bring a camel back with sports drink and/or water and snacks and kleenex for me and cameras and wear our hiking shoes - walking on concrete and asphalt for a couple hours can kill your joints and wind breakers and well, you get the picture. We dress basically the same as if we were in the wilderness. At one point while Mister and I walked, we passed a woman who gave us the most bewildered look and said, "are you hiking?" Mister responded in the affirmative, showed her our City Walks book and in the 15 seconds it took for us to pass each other, explained we were doing an urban hike, learning about Lake Oswego. It was rather hilarious, you may have had to been there. We just looked at each other and realized, yet again, yes, we are dorks.

The walk was just over five miles and took us from river front park through old two, around the lakes, through new town, down into up town and ended on a trail by the river.

This is some art in a park where we stopped to use the port-a-john. :-) No, not a park restroom, they didn't exist, but an outhouse. Necessary by the time we'd been walking for a couple hours though.

This is an elephant in a little park setting which was also all cordoned off due to some type of contruction.

We learned a ton and had a great time. I would say that probably the last mile-ish that we were hiking on the trail was my favorite part. While I am adoring these City Walks, I prefer the wild, wild west.

The end. Lucky you.

365 - 76

Train tracks two houses away from where I live.

You might think, "Holy Shmoly! Why would you live that close to rail lines." And the answer would be, the tracks on the right, well, the end about 20 feet behind where I am standing to take the photo. They are inactive, not use, out of service, so not a big deal. The tracks on the left are used, but they are used by a guy who runs an engine just for fun. He gives rides, (or something like that) to people, he hauls minor freight (maybe?) and he pretty much does it during the day, randomly, while I am at work, so, don't really care much.

We have this Spring Water Corridor which is a bike, walk, hike, roller blade, whatever you want that is not motorized path that runs the length from past Gresham to downtown Portland. There is a small section of a few miles where the trail is not connected to itself, a break in the trail, if you will. If you are using the trail in this area, you have to leave it at a point very near our home in Sellwood, meander through the neighborhood and the reconnect with the trail on the other side of Sellwood. That is because this guy, owns this span of land and he won't sell nor will he give access to the City to finish the trail in this section. I hope that makes sense, I sometimes have trouble getting across what I'm trying to say why writing it all out. Anyway... there you go.

365 - 75

I made this rock. Well, I didn't make the rock, but I did paint it. I call them (I made many) Affirmation Stones. 2009 was a particularly difficult year for me in a lot of ways. During the Summer and Fall, I was looking for ways to buoy myself up, to drag my sorry emotions out of the cellar and into the daylight, and during that search I ended up making these stones.

I plucked river rock from our yard. Painted it with brightly colored, sometimes my own mix of colors - which was rather fun, acrylic paints then with a paint pen, upon them I wrote positive, uplifting, affirmative words. They were sort of like Easter eggs in the end. Brightly colored and fun to look at. I am convinced that creating these little positive objects actually helped my attitude, pretty much my soul. I gave quite a few of them to my friend in Sonoma, she loved getting them in the mail. And I gave the lion's share of them to my gal pals at our annual beach girls weekend a few weeks ago. I figured they had given me so much joy, that I needed to spread it around. I keep one that says joy on the shelf above my stove where I can see it daily and I keep one that says joy by my computer monitor since I sit at my computer way too much!

I'm hoping this little rock of Joy will bring you some Joy today.

What do you do to bring joy into your daily life? I would love to know. I can always use more joy and more ideas about how to keep it flowing in my life. Seems silly to say it out loud, but, I struggle with keeping joy. Any suggestions are welcomed.

365 - 74

Just trying out different stuff.

365 - 73

This is Sunday's photo. I'm waiting until I have some time to write about Saturday's photo. So, that will come in a day, or so, hopefully sooner than later.

Jake the Crab.

I was downtown Sunday morning because my friend Michelle, who manages a bar, asked me to take a marketing photo for her. Did I tell you this already? So, I felt all professional and stuff as I got my tripod out of my car and slung it over my shoulder as I've seeen Art Wolf do oh so many times on the teevee. I walked the couple blocks feeling pretty fantastic, seeing all manner of people dressed in green as they had (most likely) been involved in the St. Patricks Day run. Did I take any photos of them, ahem, no. I feel all cocky with my silly tripod slung over my shoulder and then reality sets in when I have to pull out my tiny little point-n-shoot camera and feel like a total dork tourist. Morale of the story, don't get too cocky or it will come back around and bite you in the buttinsky and you won't get any "day appropriate" green St. Patty's day photos. OY!

Anyway, as I walked back to my vehicle from the bar "gig" (ha, couldn't resist there...cocky just must be in my stars this week), I see Jake the Crab sitting lazily atop the Jake's Famous Crawfish building. Its St. Patty's weekend and I don't really understand why they put it up this weekend other than a marketing tool to get people in the door. Its a great place to go, by the way, if you are wanting atmosphere and good cocktails and great food - all at a premium price. Hence, Mister and I not really going there all too often. Its a place where the white shirt and tie crowd gather on Friday nights. I've got nothing against that, its just a bit of a meat market and not my thing as I have my Mister ;).

Ok, long story being shortened here, saw the Crab, walked the few blocks, tried to get a photo without drawing attention to myself (see paragraph above).

Not a great photo, but an iconic one if nothing else.

Enjoy your Green Week. Drink some green beer, wear some green clothing, get pinched a bit, listen to some bagpipes, watch some Irish dancing, what else do you do to celebrate? Fill me in, would love to know.

365 - 71

Mister and I spend some time in our yard when the weather turns nice. This tree is from a couple yards over, its a very big tree. The other evening, as we sat in our yard enjoying the evening, I looked over (camera always in hand) and saw this tree, and the sun was hitting the side away from us. It just seemed to glow. I hope that comes through in the photo.

PS - After re-reading this, exactly how many times can I say "this tree"?!

365 - 70

Happy Friday! This is the Thursday photo, taken late yesterday. This metal planter in the shape of a rooster was a birthday gift to Mister from his sister. Its just the cutest, happiest rooster I've ever seen. Made completely of metal with little glass bead eyes.

Ok, wish me luck finding something to photograph today. I have trouble finding things that interest me when I am stuck indoors. I guess that's my issue.

Have a wonderful weekend!! Its supposed to be rainy and cold here. Unfortunately, I'm a fair weather outdoors person, so, will be indoors, on my elliptical, maybe watching Star Trek? You may have a movie review next week.... Oh, yes, I know you can't wait for that. Have you seen the newest Star Trek?

Ok, I'm done rambling, for this week.

xo

365 - 69

My friend Melinda, who has been unemployed since something like May, brought me these lemons. They are the size of softballs, huge! I'm not really sure what I plan to do with them, my guess is they'll end up in a cocktail.

I love yellow and I love lemon and I was desperate for something to photograph. Its cold and rainy outside and you may be tired of flowers. I'm really sorry if you are, because, I love flowers. And I love photographing them. I'll try to find other stuff to include too though.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week. I am missing you a bit today.

365 - 68

I'm trying to take photos of things other than flower macros. I just really love flower macros. Maybe I'm just scared that I don't have an eye for anything larger than that. You know, not being able to see the forest for the trees. So, I'm sort of focused on textures and patterns. I guess its a small step outside my little macro flower box. I'll just keep baby stepping into photographing new and different things and some day, I'll be able to photograph just about anything. That's my goal anyway.

365 - 66 & 67

Yes, as you will see, I've been playing around with post-production (I think that's what its called... please correct me if I'm wrong). I am having a bit of fun. I don't think it will be my default, but, for now, since I'm going through all the learning of it, it will probably get posted here. Anyway, Mister and his mom and I were walking to the grocery Sunday and we walk by this tree, no idea what kind of tree, but it has these fuzzy balls all over it. Had to stop and take a photo. Then go home and process it a bit and here is the result. Not too bad, in my opinion.

And, yesterday, the sun was out, the sky was blue and I went back to the corner of the yard with the clematis and got this little photo. I uploaded it and there it was, a little alien with her hands in the air. Clapping away to some unheard by me chant in the air. Mister thought it looked like jumping jacks. But, I thought it looked more effortless than exercise. Something more joyous.

I hope you are having a great week.

365 - 65

Saturday evening, Mister and I were hanging out in the yard with Harley. Talking about stuff. I had my camera in hand as I hadn't taken a Saturday photo yet and daylight was waning. I noticed my clematis had small leaves and even buds! Very excited. For some reason, I just expect that the clematis will die each winter. Not sure why I have that in my head. Anyway... I carefully walked through the new growth of other plants on the ground to the fence where this clematis grows. It has new leaves and buds and at the same time it still has the puffy remains of last year's blooms. They were so interesting and the photos turned out, in my opinion, really neat. A bit ethereal, a bit under the sea-ish a bit outer space-ish. (How's that for a description.)

I took several shots. This is maybe my favorite so ends up being my official photo of the day.

But, I also reallly, really like this one. Mister pointed out the 'heart' in the upper left. (He's so wonderful.)

A Curve Ball - Photoshop Elements

I've told you over and over that I'm a girl who really prefers SOOC (straight out of the camera) photos. I don't want my photos to be all touched up and airbrushed like a super model in a magazine. It doesn't seem very authentic to me. It feels like cheating. It feels like I'm trying to get away with something, something wrong. In that light, ahem, I'm learning to use Photoshop Elements. I mean, everyone else is doing it and I feel like I'm at a decided disadvantage. So, learning. And I've only been "learning" for a few days, WOW!

This is the original photo:

Autumn leaves. In realy life, it was pretty enough for me to stop and take a couple photos. I never really cared for the photo though. It did nothing for me. Very lack luster.

Here is the photo after its been coerced. Its bright and vibrant and interesting (if not award winning). You actually might stop and look at this photo. Yes, it looks a bit 'fake' to me too. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing. But, easilly a more interesting photo.

Now, this is my first week playing around with Photoshop Elements and I'm sure someone who has been using the program would have done a better job, but, hands down, the second photo is actually interesting. The first, not so much.

Here they are together for side by side comparison.

I'm thinking you may see more touched up photos here on the blog, if only a teensy bit touched.

365 - 62, 63 & 64

A ring from a girlfriend on my recent girls beach getaway. She purchased it on Etsy. I'm thinking about opening an Etsy shop to try to peddle my photos. Should I do prints or postcards or greeting cards? Do you have an opinion? Would you shop at Etsy for any of these types of items?

Morning steam.

A weed growing on our deck at work. Just liked it.

A Follow Up (my "go to" salad dressing) and a Catch Up

I have to follow up on my last post, the dressing recipe. The first night I made it, I had in the avocado and spices and citrus and it just didn't taste right. It needed 'something'. I added the olive oil, its a good-for-you fat but it was still not quite right. Much to my chagrin, but full well knowing it would help the flavor and texture, I added the mayo - Perfect! As you can see, the good-for-you fat was my first choice. But it doesn't always impart what I want it to, you know? Mayo is magical that way. Well, I made the recipe again last night. I knew the recipe wasn't quite right with just the olive oil and I wanted to find out if it made any difference in the taste and/or quality of the dressing if I left the olive oil out, it did not. I made the same recipe, omitting the olive oil, and it was just as tasty and wonderful. The second version, slightly fewer calories without sacrificing taste or texture. Again, we had it over cabbage, cilantro, scallion and brocoli. I'm having leftovers for lunch. And now, the catch up. What have I really been doing these days.... nothing too exciting. Hence, not my usual "on the edge of your seat" blogging. (heh heh) I have been watching the internet for places to win Canon cameras. I really, really want a Canon DSLR. Ahh, I can dream. I've been diligent about taking photos. That much you can see. Very pleased that I have stuck with it so far. Its true that the longer you do something, the more it really does become a habit. This is a great habit. I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow. Yes, exciting, don't fall over or anything. I rode my bike last weekend for the first time in months and months. A short ride, but I've got to get my booty 'saddle ready'. It takes a few rides. My goal is to ride my bike to work all Spring and Summer - turning it into an addiction, a habit, something I'll not dread when the weather is nice much less when the weather is cold and/or rainy. I'm reading a pretty funny book. Its called "Bright Lights, Big Ass" I'm not that far into it, but its pretty good. Its less one big story and more a lot of 3, 4 or 5 page (so far) little stories. All about the same woman and her life, but each can be read separtely of the others and still be funny and complete. Did that make senses? I'm also reading (did I tell you this?) Michael J. Fox's book "Always Looking Up". Very good. Not easy to read, its about his Parkinsons Disease (PD). My dad was diagnosed with PD in the last few years. The book is funny, timely, informative and has given me some peace about the disease. Someone just handed me a book called "Garlic and Sapphires". Sounds very promising.

365 - 61 & My "Go-To" Salad Dressing

I just can't get over how beautiful the sunrise can be. Every day different. Honestly, I don't really want to get over being able to appreciate that kind of beauty.

And a recipe with a story, 'cause, that's how I roll.

I have a go-to 'dressing' recipe I use for fish tacos and cole slaw. It's one I made up that is different each and every time I make it - I never measure - and Mister and I love it. Mayo, vegan sour cream, lemon or lime juice, Tapatio, cayenne, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, pinch of sugar. I change it up every time. Sometimes I use rice vinegar instead of the citrus, leave stuff out, add other stuff that suits my fancy at the moment. But, its always delicious. So . freakin' . good . on . fish . tacos!! Anyway, last night, I really wanted to change it up and lighten it up too. I only like regular Best Foods Mayo. Yes, yes, I know you like the 'lite' versions. Not the same. If I can't have the stuff I like, I don't want a poor imitation. That's just me.

In that light, I took 1/2 an avocado (yes, has fat, but less than the mayo and its considered healthy fat as opposed to the animal fat in mayo), zest and juice of 1 lime, 2-3 Tbsp olive oil (also a good for you fat) 1 tsp onion powder, a shake (or two depending on your personal taste) of cayenne pepper, S&P and 1 Tbsp Mayo. Yes, yes, there's that stinking mayo again, but its only a Tbsp. The original version of the recipe has like 3/4 cup, or more, depending....I didn't say this was a no-fat recipe, its a lower and healthier fat recipe than the original.

So, you take a whisk and whisk until its a consistency you like. I served it over shredded green and purple cabbage, julienned red pepper and chopped cilantro. It makes probably a bit less than a cup of dresssing and if you eat less than half of that, its not that bad. Right? Maybe I'm just talking myself into it.

Wow! Really good.

We were also having rice, and the dressing was good on it too.

Epiphanie Camera Bags

I have literally been drooling over these Epiphanie Camera Bags since they were first mentioned on ShutterSisters.com. EpiphanieBags is now having a contest / giveaway and if I post about it here, on my little blog, well, I'm entered to win a Canon EOS 5D. A dream of mine to own something so precious!! Check out their bags here at Epiphaniebags.com and check out the contest here. Maybe you should enter too! Nothing like some good competition to make things interesting. Wish me luck. As I am wishing others luck too!

365 - 60

The stairs in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Also known as Portland's Living Room. Its a community gathering place not only for lunch time, but for the city Christmas Tree and they fill it with sand for sand castle building contests and holy monkey just tons of things. I can't even begin to think of them, much less list them. Totally check out the Wiki link. There is a really fun panoramic view of the entire square there.

This photo was taken just before lunch time and I can't believe I got a shot without people in it. People will gather on their lunch time (and other times too) to read and eat and hacky-sack and well, just lots of stuff. It helps that the weather isn't sunny and warm. Let it warm up a few degrees and these steps will be filled with people enjoying beautiful downtown Portland.

How happy are you that I am actually (what, twice now) getting out of my office during the day.