For the love of Ramona Quimby

Last Sunday we packed the kids and our bikes up and headed to Portland to the Beverly Cleary walk tour. 

I think I was more excited than my kids to immerse myself in the world of Ramona and her fictional stomping grounds.  The Ramona books were some of my favorites growing up not only for the endlessly entertaining antics of Ramona and Beezus themselves, but also because the series is set in the rainy Northwest.  As a child it was easy to imagine Ramona's world because it was so similar to my own.  Imagine my delight then as Ella has discovered Ramona for herself and gobbles the books up faster than we can make it to the library to check out more! 

Our self guided tour began at the Hollywood branch library in Portland where a helpful librarian gave us a map and encouraged us along in our endeavour.  We set out on our bikes and peddled around the beautiful old neighborhoods that make up the Hollywood district.  I had seen a photo earlier on the Internet of Beverly Cleary's childhood house and since it was painted a brick red it was not hard to find tucked in amongst the streets.  We stopped to admire the statues of Ramona, Beezus and Ribsby in Grant park - which the kids declared were "creepy", played and ate our lunch.  After lunch we finished our tour which wound us past the elementary and high schools which Cleary attended.  As we finished our ride the rain began, so ducking in a cozy coffee shop to warm up was the perfect ending for our day.  As we left Portland to head back home to Salem we made a point of driving down Klicitat Street to try and find Ramona's house.  We found a gracious bungalow that we thought might likely be hers and curiosities were satisfied.  All in all we had a wonderful time!

If you're interested in checking out this tour for yourself go here to find some info.  Please note that the map is part fiction and part real and quite a bit of imagination must be used to make this tour extra special -  but that's what makes it so fun and charming! 

p.s.  If you are looking into either buying or checking out the Ramona series I would encourage you to check out the original pencil illustrations done by Louis Darling  some of which I've posted here.  I think they are amazing!

Wordless Wednesday: Beverly Cleary Neighborhood Tour



It's kind of a funny story

Last Sunday for my birthday Tom and I got to go on a date up to Portland.  Our plan was to have lunch and stroll around the fun artsy area of Mississippi avenue.  And that's where the story begins....

The night before our date we had watched the latest episode of Portlandia which featured this hilarious skit.  Throughout the day we'd heard people joking about "bird's on things" as we looked through the various shops.  Near the end of our afternoon we ducked into a little store selling mostly local artists work.  We were happily browsing around when another couple entered and asked the gal working there if she had anything "with a bird on it".  They were snickering and joking about the whole thing and frankly the girl didn't seem that amused.  She sort of gave them a blank look as if to say "yeah, you're not funny....I get that a lot".   The couple proceeded to confirm that this was indeed THE store the Portlandia skit had been filmed in , to which the very weary and now annoyed cashier affirmed "yes, this is the one, ha, ha...(get the hell out of here), ha!". 

By this point although the whole thing was highly entertaining , I was starting to feel bad for the poor store keeper.  I had a feeling she'd had this very same conversation MANY times and she seemed to be gritting her teeth and trying to hold onto some form of politeness, although I knew she was going to loose it at any moment.  Finally there was somewhat of an awkward pause for the couple had finally stopped joking around and it was at this point that the woman asked her final question:  "No, really - can you please show me something with a bird on it?  We have some friends visiting us from out of town and we really want to find them something from THIS store with a bird on it". 

And that my friends is why I never want to work in retail again!

All joking aside, part of the reason this spoof is so funny to me is that I happen to love things with birds on them!  In fact in my house right now there are several items with birds and that doesn't even count the things I'd still love to buy.  Here's a few of them.....

via Rachel Austin



via Creative Thursday



via the suspect shoppe



via Matte Stephens

See how cute things are when you put a bird on them?

Wordless Wednesday: a week in late January...

Food Hangover...

This past week and weekend I've been spoiled with some of the yummiest, best food and drinks ever!  And as a result of the gluttony I've realized a few things:  1.  The people in my life are serious foodies - I surround myself with people that not only love food but know how to make really good food!  2.  It's a really good thing I've started running.  The End.
Here's a little overview of my week of stuffing my face! 

Brioche and Coffee with Jessica ~

This is an almondly, orangey creation that Jess has made twice for me now.  I know it's a process to make and I totally appreciate the labor of love she puts into it.  It's one of those special treats and unique tastes that sticks with you and can't be replecated.  Beautiful and amazing!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini and Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Panini at Carol's ~

Carol never ceases to amaze me with her drink concoctions!  She's the one who introduced me to martini lunches and now I am hopelessly hooked.   This lunch was delicious and I've been craving the pineapple martini ever since!



Chicken Enchilada Dinner and Chocolate Birthday Cake at Mom and Dad's ~

Unfortunately I forgot my camera to document my mom's amazing dinner but here's a cheesy shot dad got of me with my cake.  The enchilada's mom made were from Pioneer Woman and were delicious!  And the cake was moist and full of deep dark chocolate flavor.  Thanks mom!

Birthday lunch with Tom at Por Que No? ~

This is a great little lunch spot that had been recommended to us by several people.  The pomegranate martini and chips and salsa were incredible and the atmosphere was super fun and interesting.  People watching is the best in Portland!

Alright, now I'm off to detox on carrot sticks and take a jog! 

Have a Happy Monday!:)