Ode Magazine
Ode Magazine
Ode has been one of my favorite magazines for years. It’s awesomeness on paper. I heart Ode.
From their own website:
Ode is a print and online publication about positive news, about the people and ideas that are changing our world for the better.
Enough said.
Pix Patisserie
Treats at Pix Patisserie
If you’re in for a divine treat, Pix Patisserie in Portland, Oregon, is THE place to go. Actually, the 2 places to go, as there are two locations to get your Pix fix.
Where else can you get such deliciousness presented so beautifully as the Concord (chocolate meringue, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ganache are hidden by sticks of meringue and tied with a red ribbon – far right) or the Queen of Sheba (Moist chocolate almond cake with bittersweet chocolate center. Warmed slightly for molten chocolate center and topped with ice cream)? Add a couple champagne cocktails and you’ve found nirvana, baby.
Kate Munger
Kate Munger from Threshold Choir
Kate Munger helps people heal and find peace through the power of song. In 2000, she started Threshold Choir, a group of women who sing to people, often at their bedside, who are struggling–some with living, some with dying. Kate got the idea to start Threshold Choir after caring for a friend who was dying of AIDS.
As is stated on their website, the singing is their gift, they do it for free. Donations are accepted for this non-profit that started in the San Francisco Bay area and now has choirs in 14 states and the UK.
Music for the soul, to be sure.
Guido Daniele’s Handimals
Guido Daniele is an Italian artist. He describes himself as a multimedia artist and body painter. And it is his body painting that came to us from Lynn Flickinger of Ketchum, Idaho.
Guido Daniele's Giraffe Handimal
The beautifully painted animals, combined with hand positioning are remarkably realistic. And simply awesome.
Community Vision, Inc.
Last week I was introduced to an awesome organization that as known as “Portland’s Best Kept Secret.” According to its website,
“Founded in 1989, Community Vision is the largest nonprofit
organization providing individualized housing, supported living,
employment and homeownership services to people with disabilities and their families in Oregon. Community Vision has proven that assisting one person at a time to live in their own home provides the stability they need to work, live and thrive in the communities of their choice.”
Want to help? You can visit the Community Vision website to volunteer and donate.
Awesome Spandex
This suggestion comes to us from Allison Schmidt of Portland, Oregon. Thanks Allison!
Last night I decided to dress up and go roller skating. I, personally, feel there aren’t enough dress-up opportunities for adults. So I created one. Part of my outfit was a pair of totally awesome spandex tights that I inherited from my mother in the 90s.
Awesome spandex
Not only are they fashionable, and head-turning, I’m pretty sure they made me faster.
Sesame nougat
Sesame Nougat at Cacao
Once a week Michele, Celia and I hit Cacao, our favorite chocolate spot for “Treat Tuesday.” Last week, in addition to the customary drinking chocolate, I asked the clerk what his favorite piece was in the case. “Sesame nougat,” he said without pause in a very serious tone.
It was pretty, to be sure, with its polka dotted, printed pattern. I’ve never had anything at cacao that I didn’t like, but this thing was amazing. It was about the thickness of a thin mint cookie, and a little smaller around. The filling was a dark chocolate truffley substance, which, on its own was pretty darn good. But the most amazing part was the crispy sesame wafer on the bottom. It reminded me of the sesame candy I used buy in packs of wafers. Reminded me. But this was different. It was crispier, and had a fantastic, smokey taste. The three of us sat there, nibbling away and making little noises of contentment. It was an awesome thing.
Arnica Gel
I discovered arnica gel about 15 years ago, when doctors told me I would need to stop playing softball in order to heal my elbow, which was suffering from serious tendinitis. When I went in search of something to help with the pain, the woman at my local homeopathic shop handed me some tablets, magnets, and a tube of arnica gel.
Arnica Gel
Arnica plant extract works to relieve bruising, swelling and soreness. Even though I had to go to my herbalist initially, you can buy it in many grocery stores now. It really works wonders on ugly bruises. And it helped me to continue playing softball. For 15 years.
Soaking Tub at the Kennedy School
Part of the venerable McMenamin’s family, the Kennedy School is housed in a 1915 schoolhouse that was once part of the Portland school system. In addition to 23 classroom/guest rooms, the property includes 5 bars, a huge, interesting restaurant, a theater pub and a soaking pool.
Kennedy School Soaking Pool
Located where the teacher’s lounge used to be, the soaking pool is a beautiful, tiled courtyard area. The water is the right level of hot, with bubbles running down one length of the pool. The pool welcomes a good mix of Portland-style, tri-athlete-looking folks, Rastafarians, steam rising from their hats and dreads, and young families sporting matching racing goggles. For $5 you too can enjoy an hour in the steamy awesomeness (kids are allowed in the pool until 8PM, so plan to go later if you aren’t willing to move aside for them).
SARK
There are those writers whose work is so unique that most people can identify it across the room. For many, SARK is one of those writers/artists.
SARK
Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy is well known for her creative writings, including “Succulent Wild Woman,” and “Living Juicy.” Not only is her writing style delicious, but her words come through her brightly-colored handwriting, to convey equally bright messages.
Her fantastic website offers insight into her world, including coaching, or “couching” as she calls it, “radiant resources,” and of course her famous products. She even has an “Inspiration Phone Line” where you can call to hear the latest message.
If you need a taste of succulent awesomeness, check out the “Ask Jupiter” area. You can ask her cat a question and get an answer – kind of like a furry, fabulous magic 8 ball.
