I find that when I go through change I retreat, into myself, into my studio, but that is when my best growth comes out of me. I can honestly say I have changed so much over my 38 years. Or maybe change is not all that has gone on, I have discovered so much about myself, who I am and who I want to be. Not always an easy road for me.
Recently I have been wanting to get my tattoo for Teague. And the only person I want to do it is a old college friend, Cheyenne Sawyer. He gave me my arm band in college…. I love that piece no matter how simple it is. I think about who I was in college….I was….uummm, in my 20’s and still trying to find myself. I was a bit of a basket case at times and I really went through a ton of growth in college. But I am so different now than then. Really only recently can I say I have truly found myself….REALLY….38 and finally feeling secure in who I am, loving who I am. Finding my balance and feeling grounded. And with this new found confidence my creativity has soared.
I have been in a “retreat” mode for several months…..thinking…….but still trying to get work done. As I come out of my cave I realize how much I have neglected my blog and my photography, my art, painting etc….just been off. Time to rectify that….
Step One - start blogging again rather than just thinking about blogging and then not making the time for it just do it!
Step Two - Find your love of Photography and Painting again.
To accomplish both of these Ross and I have gone away for the weekend....we find ourselves in Portland. We are sitting 7 stories up at the Vintage Plaza on the corner of Washington and Broadway. Working….Yes, working. I have a fabric deadline and worked this morning on them but this afternoon feel the need to blog. Show some of the cool city shots I have taken with the new addition to my family….the PEN.
My new camera.....LOVE!! It is compact but packs a punch - the Oympus Pen E-P3.
Our drive over Mount Hood. We traveled over this pass because there was a landslide on Hwy 20 - Santiam Pass. Nice to have a change of scenery.
Yep - THE STAG.....we were so tempted to stop!
Of course there are some Hipstamatic images included...just can't help myself!!!
Foggy, rainy, beautiful Portland! I really do love this city!
Mother's Cafe is one our favorite places to eat. We decided we would sit in the bar because we don't get to do that much...I didn't have to ask for a booster seat and I got to enjoy my meal with out scolding a child. We are on vacation!!! WOO HOO!
My beautiful, wonderful sister-in-law, Stephanie got us a suite at the Vintage Plaza downtown. WOW! Love!
Our View.....
I love the grey light of the city in the winter...sounds funny but the color is amazing and the rain can be great to shoot in. I don't miss living in the rain but LOVE to visit.
I find the city to be a new source of inspiration one that I haven't explored in a long time.
See Ross worked! I swear he is not on Facebook!
This is what I worked on......
Then we had afternoon cocktails.....
So I will leave you heading up the spiral staircase to get dressed for dinner in the city.....
with thoughts of water named FRED......and....
little metal moose on the wall......
Sweet Dreams!
XOXO
Valori
If you have time, for a drink try the Vault Martini bar at 226 Northwest 12th Avenue btwn Everett and Davis. Fabulous spot. Especially if you are a fan of the Cocteau Twins. Have a great time!
Posted by: Kae | January 21, 2012 at 07:47 AM
I understand! Part of the artist job is to retreat, just be still and think. Its laying the foundation for something magical.
Posted by: Melinda Bula | January 23, 2012 at 09:58 AM