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Portland Blog: This Week in Portland January 4 - January 11 2014
Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get back into the swing of things. First off, recycle that Christmas tree if you haven't already! Second, find whatever ways are necesary to keep you true to your new year resolutions. Maybe it's a love note from you to you that you keep in your wallet or a bathroom mirror stickie that reminds you that you really need those 30 blissful minutes of exercise in the invigorating Oregon air...no matter what the weather brings, right!? Perhaps it's as easy as telling a friend who can help keep you on the right track. People laughed when I recently said this, but I can already feel spring in the air. Maybe it's just a distant rustle, perhaps. My favorite time of year is by far, spring- the rebirth of Portland. Unbeknownst to most though, Portland is full of life now, even in the winter. My Oregon Grapes are in full bloom and smell incredible. The Daphne have budded and are several weeks away from their incredible, delicious bloom. In late February, I bet you the first cherry trees and plum trees will come into bloom just like they have the last few years. A great place to spend the month of January is down at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. To me, their month of events is an exciting build up to the Chinese New Year celebration of the Year of the Horse which, this year, will come on January 31st. Explore the month of Lan Su events and perhaps we will see you down there!
Winter at Lan SuWinter at Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of the most loved times by volunteers and members. The sight of bright orange persimmons on bare branches, the sounds of rain dripping from roof tile edges and the warmth of tea in the teahouse are all on display during the cold and sleepy months. Exploring the Elements of Lan Su: Poetry TourThursday, January 9, 2014Learn about the poetry in Lan Su Chinese Garden, and the historical and aesthetic traditions of poetry in Suzhou-style Chinese gardens. Eight Free Days Food DriveSaturday, January 4, 2014From January 4-11, 2014, receive one free admission to Lan Su Chinese Garden for each non-perishable food item donated to support Lan Su’s neighbor Transition Projects, Inc. Chinese New YearFriday, January 31, 2014Chinese New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of the most popular things to do in Portland. Experience the most joyous two-week celebration for families and individuals with lion dances, glowing lanterns, cultural activities, and more. Make Your Own "Happy New Year" Greeting CardFriday, January 31, 2014Share the fun of Chinese New Year by making your own “Happy New Year” card. Rolling in the WealthFriday, January 31, 2014Celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse with a tradition for ensuring a prosperous new year. The Chinese Wishing TreeFriday, January 31, 2014Make a wish at Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland for Chinese New Year 2014, the Year of the Horse. Lion Dance PerformanceFriday, January 31, 2014See lion dancers up close as they move throughout the garden welcoming the Year of the Horse to Lan Su Chinese Garden. Meet Portland's Mounted Police Patrol UnitFriday, January 31, 2014See the horses and meet the officers of Portland’s Mounted Patrol Unit at Lan Su Chinese Garden. Martial Arts Performance: WushuFriday, January 31, 2014Watch an exciting martial arts demonstration by the highly-trained students of Summit Wushu Academy. Zodiac Calligraphy DemonstrationSaturday, February 1, 2014Watch an expert calligrapher paint the character of your Chinese zodiac sign. Meet and Greet: NW Miniature Horse ClubSaturday, February 1, 2014After your visit to the garden, see the prize-winning miniature horses of the Northwest Miniature Horse Club. Today at the Garden2:00 pm - Music in the TeahouseListen to music from students and teachers of the Wisdom Arts Academy as you enjoy tea in the Teahouse. Requires purchase of tea. See our Full Event Calendar » Portland Oregon's Powell's Bookstore
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Serving up Seasideby Rachel Carlson
Taking FLIGHT In 2014 What's YOUR adventure... Well then, here we are, a new year...are YOU ready!? At the start of a new year, I find it very necessary to return to the place that brought you where you are currently as a reminder as to why you are where you're at...say that FIVE times really fast!! That, for me, is the Oregon Coast. And while I have many favorites along the coast I opted for a more EPIC start to the new year. We are talking about Lewis and Clark after all, the first American explorers on expedition in 1804 from the Mississippi River in St Louis to the Pacific Coast. Never mind the crazy and insane perils and other unmentionables that occurred along the way to acquire the land ahead of British and European entities. GULP. And historically, many versions of many stories have been told, retold, modified or the like. What a treasure it would be to 'see' the journals that came from this journey.
I stood there at the 'end of the trail' monument and in frozen silence took it ALL in. For a very.long.time in fact. I simply stood in that one space. I closed my eyes and imagined evoking Lewis and Clark as I stood where they once stood. What were 'they' thinking when arriving at this one location on the Oregon Coast. It's off season on the Oregon Coast but that doesn't mean that the people don't come. The people, they always come. It was a holiday after all and families visiting families were rushing about, shopping, eating, shouting, arguing (?), meditating, holding hands, hugging, the list goes on. The one thing they were not doing was 'slowing down', taking it ALL in, celebrating journey or adventure. Or maybe they were and I wasn't aware of it.
What must Lewis and Clark think of all the progress and modernization (I'll stop right there) of what we have become, what we've experienced, what we've lost, what we've saved...that is one long list and THOSE would be some journals to write, read or experience.
I found this wee one ENJOYING the innocence of sand, of surf, of calm, of beauty and hoped that he too will journey on a great adventure of his own one day. At the same time, it was a reminder to me to do the same. Suffice it to say, I am simply grateful that places like this DO exist. That I can/will continue to make efforts to be reminded of what brought me to the Pacific Northwest. That I now get to write about it and share it with people. Slow down enough to ENJOY all that we have available to us. Stop, look AND listen to your surroundings. Cheers to EPIC adventures ahead! Rachel ....notes from a nomad.
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