In Praise of Portland: Performance, not Politics

I’ve known a few dancers in my life. As a Theatre Major at Butler University in Indianapolis, we hung out with the dancers (and one English major) at Butler University. But I’m not sure I’ve ever seen any of my dancer friends dance professionally. That changed when I met Lauren Flower – a friend when I met her and now a professional ballet dancer with the Oregon Ballet Theatre.

Portland Art Museum
The first time Lauren’s mom Carrie and I traveled to Portland to see Lauren dance, we stayed at the Heathman, a lovely hotel about 2 blocks from the theatre. The best part – a huge, well-stocked library where coffee and comfortable seating made for a delightful morning ritual. That first trip included a visit to the lovely Portland Art Museum – we walked over from our hotel for the “Monet to Matisse” exhibition, and it did not disappoint. 

Lauren Flower (credit OBT)
Lauren is a character dancer– all long muscular legs, strong arms and distinctive features. She’s often cast in the fun roles and sometimes as a villain. Two years ago, her memorable role was the lead crow. I was awestruck by her beauty and grace on stage. Check out her Instagram here. 

This year, Carrie and I went back to not only watch Lauren perform, but to see a piece she choreographed. Again, I was giddily proud of this amazingly talented woman. And happily, our second visit included even more of the delights that Portland has to offer.

OMTAAMB!
On Saturday, on the corner right outside our hotel, we found ourselves smack in the middle of the Grand Floral Parade, a cherished highlight of the Portland Rose Festival. Who doesn’t love a parade? Marching bands showed off the immense diversity of Portland’s high schools and neighborhoods (I Love Tibet, Panama Folklore); the Rose Queen, her Court and queens from years past; equestrian units, drill and dance teams, vintage vehicles – even llamas! A personal favorite: the Carl’s Jr. One More Time Around Again Marching Band, composed of senior citizens, their instruments and their very casual marching style. And get this: it’s a TWO-MILE parade route!

Veggies at the PSUFM
After the Parade passed us by, we continued our stroll to our original destination – the Portland State University Farmers Market. Right downtown, throughout the PSU campus, walkable from the Heathman. I’ve been to some farmers markets in my day, not the least of which was right in Downtown Santa Barbara, where Julia Child shopped. I like to think I know from a fabulous farmers market when I see one. From Sauce to Nuts, cheeses and veggies, this one had it all, and all in a lovely, walkable setting.

Dragon Boat Racers
The Parade is but one (huge) event during the Portland Rose Festival – we stumbled our way to another after a short walk to the river. We found a huge crowd in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, cheering on the teams in the PRF Dragon Boat Races! For more than two decades, this event brings the excitement of this Chinese tradition to Portland racers and fans. It was absolutely thrilling, and we cheered along with the crowd lounging on blankets and chairs alongside the Willamette River. I mean, have you ever?!? I have never – and it was a blast! 

We headed back to the hotel to change for dinner at our favorite nearby restaurant, Higgins, and a dash to the theatre a block away, for a second night of ballet.

Sunday = Brunch, so we did…and I forget where. But again, we walked to it from our hotel! We returned to the theatre to watch the corps de ballet warm up and then present the matinee performance. After the show, Carrie and I tagged along for the end-of-season party (again, so close by!) at Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House. Highly recommend!


Lauren & Carrie among the roses
And just like that, it was Monday and time to go home. But Lauren had one last surprise for us – a pre-airport visit to the Washington Park International Rose Test Garden. We didn’t have much time to spend there but discovered many lovely paths for strolling among the glorious rose bushes. 


I found Portland to be walkable, inclusive, community-orientated, very supportive of local businesses, loaded with culture, friendly people, fabulous restaurants, public art, and with an all-around delightful vibe. In short, it is absolutely not “burning down.” If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, tell them: 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
 Well. See above blog post of a couple of week ago. How fun! I was heading to Jerome, AZ, for my 2nd Annual Lew Wilson Remembrance Trip. I promised to write about a few topics, including travel and Millie. It never occurred to me that those things would merge, in a very scary way. There I was, sitting in a patient room at my vet's office, awaiting word about...but I'm getting ahead of myself.  Friday, July 18th     The plan was to meet a friend for lunch, make a quick shopping stop, then home. Dinner that night with my friend/pup-sitter, George, after which I planned to slip out, leaving Millie in his capable hands (with his dog, Snowy) for the weekend.  Things did not happen the way I planned it.  I got back from lunch around 3pm or so. Millie was not herself. To be more specific, her breathing was a bit labored, and she was looking at me like she was...scared, maybe. Or worried. Or asking me to help her.  I called George and asked him to come over, t...
Read more
Image
Always Looking Forward to the Next Adventure  This was the advice from my boss, when my retirement was confirmed: “Don’t let the door hit you on the butt on the way out.”  Just kidding. What she really said was, “I want you to always be looking forward to your next adventure.” Luckily for me, she meant more “travel to places,” rather than “jump out of a perfectly good plane!” adventures.  Cinderella Mosaic Last year, my best friend Christine (already an old hand at the retirement gig - years!) invited me to go to Walt Disney World Resort with her family, for their somewhat-annual trip. I pooh-poohed the offer. Why would I go to Disney, I’ve been to Disney – both World and Land!  First Class! When I texted her months later that I was retiring in December, I started the countdown in my head, “Three, two, one…” Her response was that quick: “Well, if you’re retiring in December, you can come with us to Disney World!” Tough argument to beat, so that’s how a January 2025 t...
Read more
Image
On the Passing of Robert Redford In 1969, my mom went to the movies with a couple of girlfriends. First - how rare! A movie with friends, not dad! She had six  kids at home, what was she doing?!? The next morning, she told me all about “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” enacting the “I can’t swim!” jumping off the bridge scene - it cracked her up. I think of her every time I watch that movie. Four years later, my dad took my brothers and me to see “The Sting.” I’m certain my mother would’ve vetoed that one fast, if she’d known. I was 13, Mike and Tom were even younger - it was a comedy, sure, but a bit violent. A quick shout out for the poker playing scene with my dad yelling out loud, “Four Jacks!” a moment before Paul Newman laid down his winning hand. My brothers and I are now longer mortified by it, but it has become part of our family lore. Anyway, we were a few minutes late (it was years before I saw the actual opening scenes), so we tip-toed in, found seats clutching our...
Read more