On the Road, Monday 4 May 2015

After eight nights in the Doubletree, Portland, I managed to nonethless to cram everything into one large case, one carryon, and my crossbody bag. My roomie, Ann, was a bit astounded I think as I'd had my stuff all over the place. Quite a few bits and pieces were left behind, though (magazines, map of Australia, gift chocolates...)

I was so lucky to have Ann as my room mate - from stranger to friend in a few short days.

At the airport I found Alamo, did all the paperwork and was shown to my shiny new car - SO EXCITING!

You won't be surprised to learn that I was a tad nervous - not too much though. I found route East 84 without any mishaps and I really cried for joy. Such an adventure!

This part of Oregon is truly stunning. Misty mountains, trees and bodies of water. I pulled over to try to capture the beauty

There was a lot of driving on the agenda today. I decided to go to Pendleton for the Woolen Mill. It's a quiet place, but very proud of being the 'real' west! A bit of fun in the Information Centre.

At the Mill, the looms were in working mode, a nice rhythmic sound. I scored a lovely offcut. Right side

 wrong side.

I saw this at the Mill and elsewhere in town.

Accommodation tonight is at the Quality Inn, Spokane. The young woman on reception has to be the NICEST person on the planet. There was a pile of cookies in the foyer, and I was just in time for hospitality hour: wine/beer/drink plus hotdogs. I was going to be soooo good, but......

Portland, Sunday 3 May 2015

It's the last day of Conference. There were two great sessions, yet again, of members sharing their experiences and their work. After lunch I did a class with Ana Lisa Hedstrom, and in the 3 shourt hours we did so much! Ana Lisa is a shibori expert, and she taught us how to create shibori using a domestic sewing machine. Here are my pieces - I am so happy with them!

Dinner was at Noble Rot - as the name suggests, there was wine! I tried something new - a 'flight' of three pino noir from Oregon, and then the 'Botrytis flight aka noble rot flight'. I loved having a sampler of wines to try.
There were urban  across the rooftops, plus we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

Portland, Saturday 2 May 2015

The day started with some fabulous information from Maria Shell about all the elements that work together to snap great opportunities. The student panel that came next was so thought provoking and interesting, and we were all excited about the future for these artists.

The afternoon spent in the Alberta arts precinct, on Alberta Street, was just fabulous. First, there was lunch at Petite Provence, and then we were free to wander. Some snippets of what I saw -

The Conference dinner and auction rounded out the day.

Portland, Friday 1 May 2015

I had 'Bunkhouse Vittles' for breakfast (verdict - superb)  at the Cadiallac Cafe a few blocks from the hotel. Check out the full menu, including their range of breakfast martinis!
http://cadillaccafepdx.com/breakfast

I loved the punny shop names on the stree - 'Furever Pets', 'Trade Roots' and 'Thai Pod' - and also loved the surprise of a bit of street art. This is 'In the Tree Tops' by Margarita Leon.

These little critters are super fast, so this is all I could capture. I know how annoying the locals find them, but I still they are gosh darned cute.

 It was a chockablock day at Conference. There was the opening speaker, two breakout sessions, an international artist panel and a general meeting (which I forgot about - oops). Before the evening Maker Space, my room mate and I had a delicious dinner at a Mexican place - and I could not resist a classic margarita - yummmm!

Portland, Thursday 30 April

Today I didn't leave the hotel. I had a SAQA Representatives' meeting from 9 to 4.30.

My head was spinning with all the good ideas. I thought Oceania was a large region - but one rep's area covers the UK, Europe and the Middle East! We each got a lovely token of appreciation (a dark chocolate bar).

Most of us raced from the meeting to the vendor's hall which packed up at 5pm. I was super well-behaved and enjoyed without spending.
My next job was to put the Oceania postcards on display on a large board. Just over half of the members contributed, and the diveersity of work is wonderful.
I indulged in some room service, and finished this fabulous book which every artist should read at least once!

Around Portland

Portland definitely has a strong commitment to protecting the environment. These cute cars are dotted around the city. I've seen a couple of people activate entry through their phones. Cool. Notice the bike rack.

Solar power is used to compact trash.

There are plenty of sculptures and art to enjoy. This is called Little Prince

I like these curvy shapes

I also like the carved leaves

and the friendly wildlife.

Portland, Oregon, Wednesday 29 April

This morning I found a few pods (groups) of Portland food trucks. There was a good variety of interesting food, but it was a bit too cool to stand around eating takeaway in the open.

I enjoyed the Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland's 'living room', a big open area. There was a fun sign nearby. I was pleased it showed Alice Springs -

and this was on the reverse - 

 This made me smile

as did this, when I passed it later on.

At Voodoo Doughnuts I bought one with maple glaze and bacon strips on top - it tasted pretty good!

The shop was funky and fun - 

I enjoyed a long trip on the light rail out to Beaverton, and popped into a Joann's I saw, which is very similar to Spotlight. Another goal for today was to have some local icecream.

Salt and Straw partners with a local primary school where the kids devise and name flavours. I couldn't resist trying the 'Gummy Wummy Surprise' along with the pear and blue cheese flavour. This part of the city has a lovely calm vibe, and I enjoyed soaking it all in.

Sweet potato tater tots with a chili flavoured cocktail rounded out the day.