Friday was not too hot, and as usual, there was no rain. The clouds burn off by mid-morning, giving us a 50s start and an 80s finish for our summer days. We are now on the other side of summer, and the wasps and other bugs seem to be in a hurry to be ready for the rains and gray that is our winter here in the Greater Portland Area.
I decided that Friday morning would not be laundry day at the local Laundromat at 185th and TV Highway. I spent much of the morning writing and chatting with Deborah, an excellent distraction. As the morning ran on I decided I had stayed in the house enough and I needed to get out. I served myself a banana and 1/2 a pot of liberal Equal Exchange brand coffee. I was bouncing now!
It was still morning, and I took the Air VW to the nearby MAX station, scanned my virtual card, and was soon on my way to Portland. Today’s MAX car had no drama or passengers arguing with themselves. Some folks process by speaking, and you get to hear their struggles with the world. I feel for them.
I read my book and was oblivious. I looked up and a woman had left a large bag on the train. I called to her and she waved and said it was OK. She then, as I have done, popped off the train, scanned her card, and hurried back on. Yes, sometimes I forget too, or I did not scan; you have to check. However, it did cause my survival instincts to kick in. Some of the other folks in the MAX looked concerned when I called it out, and were visibly relieved at the favorable resolution. Nobody likes it when someone leaves a large bag on the train next to you!
I went back to reading. I brought a book I purchased from the author, signed, at the UFO Festival in McMinnville, Oregon. It was the thinnest of the ones I bought and had larger print too. Yes!
The writing is bright and friendly about a slightly corrupt younger woman living in Paris, selling antiques that are of questionable provenance (or simply looted). It is written in the first person, and the woman describes her clientele as wealthy, enjoying her ability to often get what they want; she admits she is a fence for looted antiquities. I have enjoyed the start, but it has taken a strange direction, and I will see how it works. The writing is fun, if not playful. I have something to learn from this author if the book works for me. More to come.
I got off at the Library stop and met a little boy who told me he was proud to be 2, and I could tell this was a big trip for him with his father. His father, I could tell, was proud of how well his son was handling the MAX. Just wide-eyed and happy.
I saw them disembark and then head towards the library, I think, while I headed towards the Portland Art Museum (PAM), yes, Dear Reader, we call it ‘PAM’ like the name. I walked through the park built over a deep, newish parking garage, and learned that the fountain is dedicated to teachers. It is a wonderful, welcoming dancing fountain for hot days. I also saw that the chessboard was set up, but an orange cone was in place of a missing pawn on the black side.
Passing on chess and saw a pair of men play cornhole, Portland sets these games up for folks many mornings. I headed to the museum and soon was enjoying the French Impressionists. I was happy that the European collection, although modest, was on display upstairs. PAM is undergoing a significant rebuilding process, as are many museums, as they strive to find their future. I am not involved enough in PAM to understand the planning. I just know that many works were in storage for years, which led me to let my membership lapse until last year.
I have decided to return and pay another $80 for another annual membership. I also raided the gift store during a 50% off sale, as it is moving (again). I send a card to Mom Wild every day and need some new ones. I stayed for only an hour or so, enjoying the Impressionists (well, many are more formally Post-Impressionists), and saw my favorite artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s sketch. He was born a bit more than 100 years before me, but I always imagine drinking with him and living a bohemian lifestyle in late-1800s Paris. Much like a Woody Alan movie, Midnight in Paris.
PAM, never having the money for oils, focused on paper and has an excellent collection of sketches and prints. Monet’s practice sketch of sailboats was on display, too. PAM’s collection of Japanese prints and comic books is impressive (and yes, they have The Wave).
I did see the dark on dark ox and cart by Van Gogh, which is one of the worst paintings on the walls, likely worth millions. The docent informed me that the painting is an early work, and the dark style hints at the Dutch masters he was trying to copy. Rembrandt’s and others’ dark shadow works. Here. I am happy to gain a better understanding of the work.
Next, I headed back to the center of Portland and then took the Green MAX for a single stop. There I found Grits and Gravy for lunch. I had another breakfast there. The place was busy, and I took a seat at the counter. The food was terrific; I had the so-called small breakfast.
I had no change, and I walked by a man whose clothing and hair suggested he was homeless. He was just standing there. I felt bad that I had nothing to give him; he had not asked for anything. I walked by him again when I realized I had left my at in Grits and Gravy. I nodded to him. Next, while I am waiting for my MAX, he is swearing and yelling profanities and is close to violent. He directs this at folks having breakfast at Grits and Gravy. He calms as folks start to react, reach for phones, and leave. My instincts were right not to interact. Hmmm.
Next, I headed again on the Green MAX under a free transfer to the mostly defunct Chinatown. There, I tried The Society Hotel and scored a $5 margarita and a seat in their roof garden. Excellent! A new place. Sadly, there was a party at 2ish, and I had to give up my shady seat, but I was finishing my drink.
My membership at the Chinese Garden had run out. I re-upped it (remembering to keep the recipe) and walked the peaceful garden and pond. It was sunny and hot now, and the dragonflies were cutting paths in the air just above the water. One sat long enough for a portrait to be taken!
The Koa were swimming here and their. There was music; an erhu was being played by the pond. It was so peaceful (except for the loud train whistles that are non-stop in Portland).
Calm and relaxed, I found my way back to the Red MAX that would take me back to my local MAX station and read on the train. It was not yet busy as it was still mid-afternoon. I soon returned home.
There, I managed to get my old gas grill working again. Only a few burners are working. I grill some chicken thighs (skinless and without bones). I make couscous and wilted beans to go with dinner. I sliced and cooked mushrooms to go with the beans. I pour a jar of North African-style couscous sauce into a pan and heat it. It was a bright and happy meal for a bright day. Corwin later drops by and finishes the leftovers.
It is nearing 11 after Corwin leaves, and I crawl into bed after the dishes are started in the dishwasher. Laundry is planned for Saturday morning. Thanks for reading!
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 