So our little house is getting put together and all set up. This is what the living room looked like while I was trying to organize our books.
30.7.08
The House
So our little house is getting put together and all set up. This is what the living room looked like while I was trying to organize our books.
29.7.08
25.7.08
From Papers to Boxes
Allison is done with her papers! Hooraaay!
That means today (and henceforth) is free for packing and cleaning. No studying hanging overhead. (Though those library books really need to be returned...)
That means today (and henceforth) is free for packing and cleaning. No studying hanging overhead. (Though those library books really need to be returned...)
19.7.08
Bibliotheque
Thursday morning, my Capstone class went to a special lecture in the Rare Book Room, hidden away in a mezzanine level at the Central Library. I found this room by myself once, about three years ago while doing research on the artist John Doyle (illustrator of many original Charles Dickens' works and contributor to the 19th century magazine "Puck"). This time, as my class walked into the cold, climate -controlled haven for book lovers, we were greeted by a Gutenberg Bible facsimile. It was quite impressive laying there on its foam stand, surrounded by awed students (who were probably not quite as used to looking at really old, famous books, or visiting libraries that hold actual copies of the Gutenberg Bible, as I).
Throughout the hour we were treated to a Commentary on the Psalms by St Augustine, the Digest of Justinian (dated to the 1470s), a 1473 manuscript of St Augustine's City of God, and a 1493 publication of the Nuremberg chronicles, complete with woodcut illustrations, some of which are likely to have been created by the publishers god son Albrecht Durer.
It was quite a fantastic start to an English and Art History major's birthday. The rest of the day kept up the pace, too, with hugs from friends, text messages, coffee with my sister (and free cookies from Costello's!), relaxing with Josh, dinner with the parents, and a movie with Mike and Lisa.
It was a lovely start to being 24.
Throughout the hour we were treated to a Commentary on the Psalms by St Augustine, the Digest of Justinian (dated to the 1470s), a 1473 manuscript of St Augustine's City of God, and a 1493 publication of the Nuremberg chronicles, complete with woodcut illustrations, some of which are likely to have been created by the publishers god son Albrecht Durer.
It was quite a fantastic start to an English and Art History major's birthday. The rest of the day kept up the pace, too, with hugs from friends, text messages, coffee with my sister (and free cookies from Costello's!), relaxing with Josh, dinner with the parents, and a movie with Mike and Lisa.
It was a lovely start to being 24.
14.7.08
Here is our King
From wherever spring arrives
To heal the ground
From wherever searching comes the look itself
A trace of what we’re looking for
So be quiet now and wait
The ocean is growing
The tide is coming in
Here it is
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus
And what was said to the rose
To make it unfold
Was said to me here in my chest
So be quiet now and rest
Majesty, finally
Majesty, finally here
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus
Majesty, finally
[David Crowder Band]
To heal the ground
From wherever searching comes the look itself
A trace of what we’re looking for
So be quiet now and wait
The ocean is growing
The tide is coming in
Here it is
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus
And what was said to the rose
To make it unfold
Was said to me here in my chest
So be quiet now and rest
Majesty, finally
Majesty, finally here
Here is our king, here is our love
Here is our God Who’s come
To bring us back to him
He is the one, he is Jesus, Jesus
Majesty, finally
[David Crowder Band]
13.7.08
City Girl
I was reminded this weekend, oh so bluntly, that I grew up in a city and am a city girl. Now, this is a true statement, but a totally unfair judgment: I said a particular tree branch was too thick to cut with my hedge trimmer tool whereby Josh said "you just don't know how to use them right" and hacked the branch off. Whatever man - I just was not strong enough and at the wrong angle.
However.
A few hours later I found myself standing in a barn with three goats, watching two of them get sheared - something I've never witnessed before. Also, I learned that goats eat baking soda, get lice that people don't share, and like to stand up on their back hooves and fall over, bashing each other on the head, when they are happy. Between the goat experiences and making sure I kept a healthy distance from the chickens (I also learned how to tell if an egg is eatably fresh, and what duck eggs look like), I can readily admit that I am a city girl.
But I would like everyone to know that while I am a city girl, I can go to the country and have a good time, work hard, and come home covered in cuts and bug bites (aka I am not a wus). Of course it was fun.
Thank you.
However.
A few hours later I found myself standing in a barn with three goats, watching two of them get sheared - something I've never witnessed before. Also, I learned that goats eat baking soda, get lice that people don't share, and like to stand up on their back hooves and fall over, bashing each other on the head, when they are happy. Between the goat experiences and making sure I kept a healthy distance from the chickens (I also learned how to tell if an egg is eatably fresh, and what duck eggs look like), I can readily admit that I am a city girl.
But I would like everyone to know that while I am a city girl, I can go to the country and have a good time, work hard, and come home covered in cuts and bug bites (aka I am not a wus). Of course it was fun.
Thank you.
9.7.08
Excerpt: Reading on Reading
Preface: I love books with very literary characters, or books about books, or on reading. Maybe it's because I so love reading, and books, and anything literary or paper, that I enjoy self-aware books. This is probably why I really enjoy post modern lit. Books from the Romantic era and whatnot that insert phrases like "dear reader" do not count, but books that are not overtly self-aware but contain lists of words simply because they are beautiful do.
This book does a lot of both.
...I know only that I was reading in a wild, disorderly fashion.
I did not read everything word for word. Some books and magazines I skimmed as though I were flying over a landscape, and as I did I was aware of already knowing what was written in them. As a single word could summon back a thousand others, or could blossom into a full-bodied summary, like those Japanese flowers that open in water. As though something were striking out on its own to settle in my memory, to keep Oedipus and Don Quixote company. At times the short circuit was caused by a drawing, three thousand words for one picture. At times I would read slowly, savoring a phrase, a passage, a chapter, experiencing perhaps the same emotions sparked by my first, forgotten reading."
-p.117, "The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana", by Umberto Eco
This book does a lot of both.
...I know only that I was reading in a wild, disorderly fashion.
I did not read everything word for word. Some books and magazines I skimmed as though I were flying over a landscape, and as I did I was aware of already knowing what was written in them. As a single word could summon back a thousand others, or could blossom into a full-bodied summary, like those Japanese flowers that open in water. As though something were striking out on its own to settle in my memory, to keep Oedipus and Don Quixote company. At times the short circuit was caused by a drawing, three thousand words for one picture. At times I would read slowly, savoring a phrase, a passage, a chapter, experiencing perhaps the same emotions sparked by my first, forgotten reading."
-p.117, "The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana", by Umberto Eco
8.7.08
Tuesday's With Tracy
[Or, Things I Love About Portland.]
-It can be hot in the sun and still cool in the shade.
-PSU feels much more crowded during summer session because it's actually nice out (so people actually interact and congregate outside).
-Cars stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
-I saw a guy with a 3-ring binder talking to some girls in the park blocks about the difference between poverty and dire poverty.
-You might hear this said: "We used to care about the environment and stuff and then we were like 'give us some chemicals!!" (in other words, people here have been interested in the environment before it was popular to "go green", and also know where to draw the line).
-Hooters on Stark closed.
-Coffee shops have happy hour.
-I can go downtown wearing whatever I want, and no one will notice or really care (exception: tourists).
-Three white pickups in a row are noticeably out of the ordinary.
-I can hang out with my sister - not just over the phone.
-It can be hot in the sun and still cool in the shade.
-PSU feels much more crowded during summer session because it's actually nice out (so people actually interact and congregate outside).
-Cars stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
-I saw a guy with a 3-ring binder talking to some girls in the park blocks about the difference between poverty and dire poverty.
-You might hear this said: "We used to care about the environment and stuff and then we were like 'give us some chemicals!!" (in other words, people here have been interested in the environment before it was popular to "go green", and also know where to draw the line).
-Hooters on Stark closed.
-Coffee shops have happy hour.
-I can go downtown wearing whatever I want, and no one will notice or really care (exception: tourists).
-Three white pickups in a row are noticeably out of the ordinary.
-I can hang out with my sister - not just over the phone.
4.7.08
"There will be showers of blessings!"
Bridal shower - yay!
A few things to note before moving on:
-I have so many loved ones.-The 5 hostesses created a fantastic little party.
-All the guests were wonderful, encouraging and generous.
-Photos are compliments of Mary Fox - isn't she amazing? (They are in no particular order - it's entirely too much work.)
My ribbon bouquet. I only broke one, but it was sort of three in one and I had to cut it. Everyone decided that meant triplets.
The hostesses: Alyssa, Vera, MB, Jane, Lisa (they rock).
Me and my lovely assistant - all the way from Seattle - Rose, taking down the names and gifts.
Something tickled my mom's fancy.
Leanne did my devo - a hand made book!
My cute sister - this is one of my fave pics.
Roses from Vera's lovely garden.
The gifts! And they are all my colors! The hostesses even had all the table decor in metallics.
Faithy liked to come and say hi. PS- note the tiara. Someone brought that for me to wear. Very cool.
Vanessa and Danielle were my awesome helpers.
Leanne telling the story to Tracy, Rose, Me, Mom and Grandma.
Mmm... cake. There was so much cake. And fruit (they know me well).
A few things to note before moving on:
-I have so many loved ones.-The 5 hostesses created a fantastic little party.
-All the guests were wonderful, encouraging and generous.
-Photos are compliments of Mary Fox - isn't she amazing? (They are in no particular order - it's entirely too much work.)
My ribbon bouquet. I only broke one, but it was sort of three in one and I had to cut it. Everyone decided that meant triplets.
The hostesses: Alyssa, Vera, MB, Jane, Lisa (they rock).
Me and my lovely assistant - all the way from Seattle - Rose, taking down the names and gifts.
Something tickled my mom's fancy.
Leanne did my devo - a hand made book!
My cute sister - this is one of my fave pics.
Roses from Vera's lovely garden.
The gifts! And they are all my colors! The hostesses even had all the table decor in metallics.
Faithy liked to come and say hi. PS- note the tiara. Someone brought that for me to wear. Very cool.
Vanessa and Danielle were my awesome helpers.
Leanne telling the story to Tracy, Rose, Me, Mom and Grandma.
Mmm... cake. There was so much cake. And fruit (they know me well).30.6.08
A Dream
Last night I had a slightly varying repetition of this dream where half of my teeth fell out overnight. Or, more accurately, got loose or mushy and orange, over night and fell out when I got up.
In one of the dreams, I was a character in Gray's Anatomy. I do not even like that show, nor do I watch it.
In another, there was two of Josh.
Every scenario was disgusting and upsetting.
I was pretty happy to wake up for real, brush my teeth, and find them all there. But all day I keep feeling my teeth, just to make sure.
In one of the dreams, I was a character in Gray's Anatomy. I do not even like that show, nor do I watch it.
In another, there was two of Josh.
Every scenario was disgusting and upsetting.
I was pretty happy to wake up for real, brush my teeth, and find them all there. But all day I keep feeling my teeth, just to make sure.
27.6.08
Medieval Portland Projects
2 weeks into my summer session, I finally have both my objects. I am now ready for research. So far, I have not decided what I will be writing on. With bibliographies due next week, and full drafts a week and a half after that, I am feeling the pressure. I think once I have some books to look at I'll be able to dive right in.
My first object, "Leaf from an Italian manuscript: Palm Sunday processional" (Florence, Italy, 15th century), was a bit of a surprise and set me a tad nervous for the class.
My second, "Female Martyred Saint", which I had the pleasure of making a trip to the Portland Art Museum to view, looks much less intimidating.
We'll see what I come up with.
My first object, "Leaf from an Italian manuscript: Palm Sunday processional" (Florence, Italy, 15th century), was a bit of a surprise and set me a tad nervous for the class. 
My second, "Female Martyred Saint", which I had the pleasure of making a trip to the Portland Art Museum to view, looks much less intimidating.We'll see what I come up with.
23.6.08
Running and Roses
Running through my neighborhood is so pleasant this time of year. Roses are everywhere. There are two houses in particular that have incredible gardens - I look forward to running past them most.
These roses are not in my neighborhood. They are across the street from the Portland Art Museum. I walked past them on the way from PSU to the Central Library on thursday.
They smell so nice.
Weekend Adventures
Saturday morning Alyssa and I set off to scour the metro area for "treasures" (wedding decorations and household items at estate sales). We shared a pint of frensh, Hood strawberries and sauntered through rows of antique dishes, old clothes and various kitch. Alyssa was drawn to old dictionaries and decanters while I gravitated toward lamps and old prints. It was quite lovely. We laughed at odd junk and wondered at the amount of dishes people accumulate over a lifetime.
Our great finds of the weekend included a small sofa bed, 2 ceramic bowls, a large antique milk container, 3 glass vase-type items, a dictionary from 1950, a large bookshelf, and two vintage chairs that need a little love.
Now all we need is an apartment...
Our great finds of the weekend included a small sofa bed, 2 ceramic bowls, a large antique milk container, 3 glass vase-type items, a dictionary from 1950, a large bookshelf, and two vintage chairs that need a little love.
Now all we need is an apartment...
20.6.08
It's Official
Usually the last day of school announces the arrival of summer. The last day of school came early this year for me, and, while I was in South Carolina, it was summer. But then I came back to the North West and it was sort of Spring again; I became confused and wondered how I would know when summer arrived.
I am pleased to announce that summer arrived yesterday.
I realized what it was I had been waiting for - why summer wasn't quite here. Josh and I had a little time to kill downtown yesterday, so we wandered into Central Library. I came out with a stack of books, large enough to make Josh laugh, and heavy enough for me to pass them off to him.
So I have my Summer Reading List, and summer can now really begin. (Note: this list may grow.)
Tar Baby, by Toni Morrison
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
The Pearl, by John Steinbeck
The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, by Umberto Eco
When We Were Orphans, by Kazuo Ishiguro
I also know it's summer because I was hot when I ran in shorts at 9:30 this morning.
I am pleased to announce that summer arrived yesterday.
I realized what it was I had been waiting for - why summer wasn't quite here. Josh and I had a little time to kill downtown yesterday, so we wandered into Central Library. I came out with a stack of books, large enough to make Josh laugh, and heavy enough for me to pass them off to him.
So I have my Summer Reading List, and summer can now really begin. (Note: this list may grow.)
Tar Baby, by Toni Morrison
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
The Pearl, by John Steinbeck
The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, by Umberto Eco
When We Were Orphans, by Kazuo Ishiguro
I also know it's summer because I was hot when I ran in shorts at 9:30 this morning.
17.6.08
Summer School
I just got back from my first Summer class. I think it's probably the best Capstone for my major and interests, which makes the whole Summer school less tragic (in the Tom Sawyer sort of way).
But when six weeks of libraries, art collections, in depth research, and two papers with presentations is sounding fun, it does make me start to question my sanity. My professor summed it up when she made a certain disclaimer about the class:. "Some people aren't really sure what to expect when they sign up for this class... it is really geeky. So if this class just isn't for you, please, I won't be offended, just let me know in the next two days." Sometimes I forget how geeky art history actually is. Particularly Medieval art history. Also, when my prof was explaining about how we will need to know terms, styles of text, and how to correctly identify and group styles and regions of manuscripts and so on - to remind us how much research we will need to do - she said, "Most of us don't go around with that kind of knowledge in our heads. I mean, if you do, well then great - welcome home! This is the place for you!" And I realized that I do know a lot of regional styles, contextual matter and a fair amount of terms.
Geek heaven, I'm coming home!
But when six weeks of libraries, art collections, in depth research, and two papers with presentations is sounding fun, it does make me start to question my sanity. My professor summed it up when she made a certain disclaimer about the class:. "Some people aren't really sure what to expect when they sign up for this class... it is really geeky. So if this class just isn't for you, please, I won't be offended, just let me know in the next two days." Sometimes I forget how geeky art history actually is. Particularly Medieval art history. Also, when my prof was explaining about how we will need to know terms, styles of text, and how to correctly identify and group styles and regions of manuscripts and so on - to remind us how much research we will need to do - she said, "Most of us don't go around with that kind of knowledge in our heads. I mean, if you do, well then great - welcome home! This is the place for you!" And I realized that I do know a lot of regional styles, contextual matter and a fair amount of terms.
Geek heaven, I'm coming home!
9.6.08
Portland-ness
This has been such a Portland day. The weekend was also quite Portland-y. And I guess since we've returned it's really been a week just oozing with Portland.
We came home and then promptly ran by the Buffalo Exchange on Hawthorn, to be met with a store full of emo hipster wanabes, bad parking, and the need for sweatshirts.
The weekend brought the Rose Festival festivities, a BBQ with Temple friends, and more rain.
Today, a party cloudy Monday, we wandered on a wild goose chase around Portland State including groups of Asians, Chipotle, labyrinths of construction, walking for blocks to canceled appointments, a guy guy singing to himself, and multiple anti-Bush sticker - how more typical a day at Portland State day can you find. It was not bad at all however, as it didn't rain, someone knocked on my window as I was pulling into my (perfectly manouvered parallel) parking spot and gave me their 3 hour parking sticker, and we got a coupon for free Starbucks!
We take that as a welcome home from the North West.
We came home and then promptly ran by the Buffalo Exchange on Hawthorn, to be met with a store full of emo hipster wanabes, bad parking, and the need for sweatshirts.
The weekend brought the Rose Festival festivities, a BBQ with Temple friends, and more rain.
Today, a party cloudy Monday, we wandered on a wild goose chase around Portland State including groups of Asians, Chipotle, labyrinths of construction, walking for blocks to canceled appointments, a guy guy singing to himself, and multiple anti-Bush sticker - how more typical a day at Portland State day can you find. It was not bad at all however, as it didn't rain, someone knocked on my window as I was pulling into my (perfectly manouvered parallel) parking spot and gave me their 3 hour parking sticker, and we got a coupon for free Starbucks!
We take that as a welcome home from the North West.
4.6.08
Apartment Browsing
For the Portlanders,
Alli and I have done some apartment browsing and have a few promising locations. Which of these do you like best. Vote!
Alli and I have done some apartment browsing and have a few promising locations. Which of these do you like best. Vote!
3.6.08
Graduation
Well, we made it back to Portland! We haven't loaded the pictures we took on the road yet, so here are a few from before we left, at Emily's graduation. Congrats little sister!
24.5.08
Moving
Gas: $4.00 per gallon
New Tires: $300
Ski rack: $50
Stickers: $15
Arriving to Portland in style and representing: priceless
New Tires: $300
Ski rack: $50
Stickers: $15
Arriving to Portland in style and representing: priceless
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