road to ashland . somewhere in oregon . polaroid sx-70
Hello again, Oregon.
puffy clouds . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
rain in the hills . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
rain in the hills . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
over 30,000 miles . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
expressive clouds . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
the light . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
ivy . eugene, oregon . sx-70
sheep . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
rail . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
on the way . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
mist in hills . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
sunset . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
sliver of light . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
an oregon sunset . somewhere in oregon . polaroid sx-70
towards the sun . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
farewell light . somewhere in oregon . canon 5d mk2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
So, here I am, back on the road again. This time I was heading back down south, towards home. But before reaching home, I had a few more stops to make. My next stop was namely Ashland, Oregon.
I’ve said before in the past posts about this trip that there is something about Oregon that just feels good to me. I think in large part is it due to the fact that it was where everything began for me.
And I’m going back to the beginning.
My next few posts are a bit hard for me to formulate, I really almost don’t know what to write. Half of me wants to write nothing at all and just let images talk. I haven’t quite decided yet.
Either way, here are the images from the part of the trip where I travel through Oregon again, this time on I-5. I especially enjoyed the fact that I had clouds & rain to entertain me the entire trip down. :)
*
Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. | patrick’s point . film. | seattle . part one. | seattle . part two. | the man in the alley. |
the man in the alley . seattle, wa . polaroid 420
. . . . . . . . .
One of my most absolute favorite images from the road trip, I thought it deserved it’s own post.
To wonder who this man was, where he has been & where he was going.
I hope he is well.
*
Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. | patrick’s point . film. | seattle . part one. | seattle . part two. |
geraldines & sweet potato fries . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
ammmmazing french toast . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pioneer square . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
salumi . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
salumi . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pioneer square . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70
such a wise face . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
ornamo . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
rooms 75 cents . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
cadillac hotel . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70
ivy & socks . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
a collection of guitars . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
globe bookstore & bookworks studio. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
elliott bay cafe. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
amusing store writings . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
books books books . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
the elliott bay book company . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70
taping of a movie. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
public boat landing . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
rain . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
refuge from the rain . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
fremont troll . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
etg . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
mel & matt’s place. seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
& commences part two. :)
A few things I enjoyed & saw:
+ geraldine’s.
The yummiest french toast resides here. And I can never say no to sweet potato fries. :)
+ salumi.
The yummiest cured meats resides here. There was a pretty large line when we went – definitely a place to visit while in Seattle :)
+ fremont.
A really cute, hip area, where the famed Troll lives and where the best vintage mall in all of the world is. (This is probably not true, there are other ones out there that I’m sure are more amazing, but this has been by far the best place ever. I spent wayyyy longer in here than I intended). Another great vintage store is also in this area, as well as the cutest tiny coffeeshop (with a working vintage cash register!) where I took refuge in while it rained.
+ wasabi bistro.
Awesome sushi place where I met up with the very lovely Sarah Rhoads & her husband, Chris. I had such an enjoyable time meeting up with them for the first time, and the sushi was pretty awesome too ;)
+ pioneer square.
Known as the oldest part of Seattle, it’s got lovely brick buildings, and I also witnessed people filming a movie (which I found out later was the movie called The Details). They also have underground tours here, but I always seemed to miss them because of the timing with parking just never worked out. There is also a really great antique shop here, where I found a great typewriter for Mel ;)
+ elliott bay books.
I just love bookstores, and Elliot Bay is the oldest in Seattle. I loved the feel of it – it’s different than Powell’s in Portland, the floors creak, the nooks are a bit more hidden, and it just feels older. I love it.
+ vintage/antique malls.
Can I just say how I love the way Seattle sets up vintage/antique malls? People can buy space and sell their things at whatever price in that space in the ‘mall’ so you can find things at varying prices. So likely you’ll find some bargains, or at least, some really reasonably prices vintage/antique items. The vintage mall in Fremont was especially amazing – the prices were really quite fair, I thought! I found a lovely blue fan there and a gorgeous grey clutch that I love! :)
. . . . . . . .
Thus ends my northernmost portion of my trip, and I begin heading south. Heading up north, going through all the cities and landscapes, I saw a lot and experienced a lot. Next in my journey would be the most personal part, the part where I learn the most about me.
Ashland, here I come. :)
*
Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. | patrick’s point . film. | seattle . part one. |
seattle from kerry park . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70
Seattle! I have finally arrived. :)
sunset . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
seattle from kerry park . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
5 spot . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
molly moo’s . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
molly moo’s . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
molly moo’s . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
a random dodgeball game . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
locks at ballard . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
foliage . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
flowers . pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
broccoli romanesco . pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . polaroid 420
peppers . pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
first starbucks . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . polaroid sx-70
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place fish . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
awesome guys rockin out . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
rockin out . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
to and from pike place market . seattle, washington . canon 5d mk2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upon arriving Seattle, I first went to my friend Mel’s place where I was staying while I was there. I really enjoyed being able to spend time with her and her husband Matt (whose wedding I photographed too way back in 2005!) Since I was staying with them during mostly weekdays, I did most of my exploring on my own, which I feel produced a different feel of images versus my Portland set.
A few things I enjoyed:
+ kerry park.
When I first got there, Mel & Matt took me to this park, which has a wonderful view of Seattle. On the way there I also finally got to view a sunset! I don’t know what it is about sunsets. I think I enjoy them because it signifies a transition from the day – much like I enjoy early mornings (I just hate waking up for them!) The view form the park was beautiful – I was even fortunate enough to see Mt Rainer (how lucky I was to see both mountains during my trip!)
+ 5 spot.
A restaurant that apparently changes their menu & decor every few months to a certain theme or location. While I was there, it was Puerto Rican themed. Unfortunately it seemed we got there a bit too late, and most of the food was gone, but we were still able to dine. And they had live music! :)
+ molly moon’s.
Ice cream! Who wouldn’t love it? I enjoyed the lavender lemon sorbet which was delicious! I absolutely loved the decor of this place, and while we were enjoying the ice cream, we were also trying to see who could make their trash into the trashcan from halfway across the room. And while Matt wasn’t looking – I totally made the shot. :)
+ portage bay cafe.
Famed for their breakfasts, I met up with my friend Nickie here and we enjoyed lovely breakfasts here, & watched as Nickleback enjoyed their breakfast from across the room as well. lol. (we went to the Ballard location)
+ pike place.
If you’re familiar with Seattle, then you will notice that the majority of these images are from Pike Place. There is just so much there! I was in awe of all the colorful flowers (and so cheap!! $5 for a beautiful bundle with dahlias and everything!) and perfectly displayed fruit and of course the entertaining fish throwing. I wandered around a lot, there are many nooks and crannies that you can look into. And the food! I was able to try a mini doughnut place that is near the front of the market – by the time I got there they were about to close so they gave me a bunch of doughnuts for insanely cheap. Even though they weren’t warm they were still delicious, and I would imagine taste amazing when they are warm & fresh! I had to stop into the first Starbucks as well, just to do it. :) Pike Place is a really touristy area though, and it’s obvious, but it’s still fun. :)
+ a modern dance class.
While I was there, I decided to try & take a dance class to keep a bit in shape (I was able to take a pilates class in Berkeley while on this trip) & asked Mel if she wanted to come with me since she dances as well. I really enjoyed taking the class and getting my feet dirty so to speak. Dance just feels so good for me to do, and I love moving to music as well. Unfortunately I’ve slacked off since coming home from my trip, but I always tell myself I need to get back into class! There’s really nothing like it for me.
. . . . . . . .
Seattle reminds me a lot of San Francisco in some ways. Mel noted that when she first visited Seattle, this was her impression as well, and she LOVES SF, so it was a done deal for them to move there from California. It’s definitely much more of a city vibe than you feel in Portland.
More images are coming up – I had to split Seattle into two posts because I took so many images! And I just want to share so much with you all. :) So part two is up next.
*
Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city. |
patrick’s point . film. |
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
I finally got around to getting some film developed recently, including the ones I took on my roadtrip. Here are three favorites of mine, from Patrick’s Point. Taken with the Hasselblad 500CM. I love, love, love the feel of the first one especially (as well as the last one) – it brings me back to being there. :)
*
Previous road trip posts:
the beginning. | day one. | day two. | day three. | day four. | portland . the home. | portland . the city.
the pearl district . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
menus . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
trees. portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
carton service . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
oblation papers & press . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
je pense a vous & je t’aime . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
water tower . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70
modern confectionery lofts. portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
hunt & gather in b&w . portland, oregon . polaroid 420
pearl district . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
flower . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
vespa & sushi . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70
crockery . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
pearl district . portland, oregon . polaroid 420
pella. portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
electric . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70
mini cupcakes & coffee . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
a french lunch . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70
me & common table . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
amy & her coffee . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
chandelier . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
mt. hood . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
washington park . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70
emily at living room theaters . portland, oregon . canon 5d mk2
tacos . portland, oregon . polaroid sx-70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portland, oh, Portland. I fell for you. Hard.
Instead of describing exactly what I did, I will share with you what I loved, as well as a few things I noticed.
+ the pearl district.
Oh, oh. How I loved this area. Most of these images are from the Pearl District – I loved it that much. Plus that was the area I spent the most time exploring on my own. It reminded me of a cross between Chicago’s buildings & Sacramento’s midtown feel.
+ powell’s books.
It’s book heaven. And I could’ve lived there. Three floors filled to the brim with books? The possibilities are endless. It is also where I purchased my Heart in Oregon sticker because yes, my heart is in Oregon.
+ living room theaters.
What a lovely little spot! I met up with an old high school friend of mine here, we watched Amy’s friend Michalangela sing live jazz (she has such a lovely voice – I bought her CD while I was there) & drank delicious spanish coffee while catching up :)
+ restaurants & shops.
. isabel pearl . Coincidentally, the owner resides here in San Diego, and also owns other restaurants here :)
. cupcake jones . Had the most adorable key lime coconut mini cupcake here. Yum!
. st honoré boulangerie . The most charming french boulangerie, & had the most delicious lunch there! I love places that have common tables – it’s a very fun way to eat :)
. ipnosi . bought the most adorable blue coat here ;)
. sapphire hotel . this is actually a restaurant, but it formerly a seedy hotel where rooms were rented by the hour around the turn of the 20th century. Pretty awesome location & delicious brunch food!
. oblations paper & press . unfortunately it was closed when I passed by, but I did droll through the window ;)
+ the people.
One of the things that struck me the most about Portland was definitely the people. On my entire trip, it was probably the most welcoming, warm & comfortable locale; random strangers would compliment my clothes, and I just felt like I was accepted. I got the impression that people genuinely cared for each other – even strangers. One of the things that I noticed immediately when walking around the city was people looked at one another. People were looking at me! I was actually quite self conscious about this in the beginning, I thought there was something wrong with me or that I stuck out strangely, but I then realized that this is just how Portland people are. The way people look at one another isn’t a mean way either, like some cities do – they’re not looking at you to judge you or size you up in any way – the way people look at one another is a comfortable, gentle curiosity. While I was there I noticed myself looking at others more – and looking strangers in the eye more – something that I don’t feel like I can necessarily do here in San Diego. In Portland, I felt like I was actually a part of their community, even though I had been there only for a few days. It was pretty amazing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In short, yes, I love it & want to move there. I had never felt so immediately comfortable in a city like I did in Portland. I loved it. In my head, I’d like to think someday, someday. Portland. You are in our future.
Someday. :)
*
Up next, Seattle!
*
Previous road trip posts:
the beginning.
day one.
day two.
day three.
day four.
portland . the home.
Another placeholder! This one will be much shorter. Check back later this afternoon ;) Okay, so I totally lied on this one! and to make up for it, I replaced it with a different image :)
My lovely friends Cyndi & Josh are currently on their honeymoon in Vancouver – I keep seeing facebook images of their adventures up north in the snow and I am jealous!! ;) I hope you guys are having a beautiful time – here’s a little something for you to enjoy while you are soaking up the fun :)
More to come later :)
Josh & Kana (& daughter Lilia) are very, very dear friends of mine, and I was very happy to be able to photograph their lovey little American wedding early last year. (Yes, this is hard far behind I am on blog posting!) A very simple ceremony, with just the closest friends & family, but it was a day filled with love, joy, and life! :) Lilia is nearly two now, and Josh & Kana are actually expecting baby #2 very soon! :D
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
- Vivian Greene
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain feels good. When I was younger, I used to take an umbrella into my backyard and just stand in the rain, dance in it, and let it fall on my face.
Sometimes I still do that. :)
To be honest, I wish it would rain more in San Diego. It’s not that I don’t sometimes enjoy the fact that we have beautiful weather 95% of the time (it’s great for shoots!) but it’s those rainy days that make us appreciate the gorgeous days more. One of my favorite parts about a rainstorm is actually the day after, when the world feels brand new. The ground is still damp, the air feels fresh & clean and you can see tiny sprouts of new life that wasn’t there before. It’s the cycle of life – without the bad, we wouldn’t have good. We have life and death, joy and sorrow, winter and summer, and the transitions in between. There needs to be a ‘bad’ (death, sorrow, winter) to have a ‘good’ (life, joy, summer). It’s all a balance. It’s all a cycle.
I especially love the above quote because I know it’s easy to hate the bad things in life and just want it to go away, but how much better would it be if we learned to dance in it? Move with it, adapt to it, be flexible with it? Our life quality would surely only expand. :) We would be happier people overall. Welcome the rain with open arms, knowing that this, like everything else, shall pass.
We’ve had five consecutive days of rain down here, thanks to El Niño. I am sad to say today is forecasted to be the last day of this storm. So why not go out there and enjoy this final day – go dance in it - cause tomorrow the sun will come out again. :)
Sushi sounds lovely just about now, thanks.
I haven’t been to a whole lot of sushi places here in San Diego, but the place with the freshest fish would have to be Sushi Ota (thanks Apryl & Tim for the tip long ago). I hear good things about RA Sushi downtown (I love crazy sauces), and of course, for the best bang for your buck (aka pretty good sushi for the money) is Sushi Deli One (two or three) ;)
I love sushi :)
Now I want a crunchy spicy tuna roll!
tell your story . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
boots & wellies / chairs & bike . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
the kitchen . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
breakfast . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
the dresser . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
piano maps . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
the room . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
where to? . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
prepping . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
milk glass typewriter . portland, or . canon 5d mk2
. . . . . . .
& the polaroids.
that blender . portland, or . sx-70
the cursive typewriter . portland, or . sx-70
the dresser top . portland, or . sx-70
miss amy seeley . portland, or . sx-70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portland, oh Portland. But before I begin on you, I must begin on Miss Amy Seeley (along with the lovely roommate Emily)’s home. My dear friend Amy was gracious enough to allow me to stay with her while I was in Portland, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to see Portland with her, through her eyes. After leaving Astoria, I drove inland towards Portland and arrived later than I had planned. Immediately once I entered Amy & Emily’s abode, I fell in love. It’s so charming in every. single. way. See that typewriter? It writes in cursive. I’ve wanted one ever since now. That blender? So 1950’s perfect. The chairs and bike? The boots and wellies? Can we talk about those?! I am green with envy, if only it rained enough here for me to justify buying a pair (of course, I can justify buying ten thousand coats though. lol) I especially love how Amy arranges her room, with pockets of inspiration everywhere. Her dresser top is filled with treasures, things that you can tell she adores. (And it’s hilarious that she and I have the exact same milk glass pedestal vase – I found mine at a thrift store here in San Diego, hers in Portland). And her beautiful, beautiful piano, where she creates her lovely sounds. My favorite spot in her entire home would probably be right above her piano, where she has lovingly arranged some clear bottles, a compass, a feather, and my favorite part of all – a typewritten phrase – tell your story.
I wish I had taken more photos of their home, cause there were so many things I loved about it. I loved the morning light that streamed through the front in the morning, and cascaded down the back of the house and into Amy’s room in the afternoon. I loved how cozy it felt, I could have stayed for so much longer!
Obviously this isn’t all that I experienced of Portland, but I did want to separate it into two posts to feature the home & then the city. Oh, the city.
That will come next.
*
Previous road trip posts:
& the clouds parted just in time.
. . . . . . . .
I love *love* love stormy skies. There is just something about them that say so much. Yesterday’s stormy day was amazing since it had been so long since we’ve had one & what was more amazing was the sunset that came. I looked northwest just at the right time, and saw everything bathed in a golden light. The clouds decided to part just enough to let some light in. It was still raining when I took these, and it was pretty magical. :)
I’ve done very little editing to these, and the polaroids were straight scanned. I was so amazed when I saw the polaroids appear – they captured it all so vividly. & polaroids don’t lie. ;)
I originally had planned to make a large blog post since it’s Monday & all, but this week & weekend just kicked my butt.
So you will just have to enjoy this polaroid of a bowl of tomato soup with goldfish.
Which I wish I was actually physically enjoying right now.
mmmm.
As promised, here are the polaroids from my birthday picnic.
See the original post of images here.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend so far! Since it’s been a while, I thought I’d share with you all a few of the things that I have been enjoying.
+ avatar. just saw this film and thought it was amazing. i stayed until the end of the picture credits just to enjoy the rest of the 3D scenery. :) it also reminded me to reconnect with everything around me – something i think we all forget to do regularly.
+ something like this would be so, so lovely in a home.
+ let’s pack a sleeping bag & lunch & camp out in the backyard.
+ i so, so need to make these! isn’t the recipe printout so charming?! and i’ve fallen in love with eva juliet’s illustrations. i want one myself!
+ quite possibly one of the best gingerbread houses on the planet. inspired by UP. :)
+ a french macaron recipe to try!
+ if only it snowed in san diego… i’d make these.
+ how charming is this?!
+ and finally, the eight irresistible principles of fun! now, go out & have fun. :)
{
