I grew up in the PacNW (Pacific Northwest) and transplanted to Utah after college. There are many reasons I miss it, and for several years my heart pulled back there and I cried a bit inside when I drove back to Utah after a visit to my family who still live there. Many things mean Portland to me, that nowhere else seems to have, not the least of which is the city's anthem: "Keep Portland Weird." When thinking of architecture and doors, the Craftsman style came to mind immediately. I know Craftsman isn't a Portland exclusive, but this door was fun for me to make, since it reminds me of the West Hills above downtown, and I framed it in green for the moss that drips off of roofs there. Inspiration pictures can be seen here and here.
Ode to Portland Then
The celebration of differences.
People trying to look different to be different, not because they were scary.
No school on ice or snow storm days.
The smell of coffee houses.
Being so close to the beaches.
Knowing ten different berries.
The origin of Grunge.
Powell's Bookstore.
Old VW Bugs.
The Rose Festival.
Waterfront Park.
Bumper stickers.
Cleansing rain.
Home.
Ode to Portland Now
The celebration of differences.
Grass that doesn't die in the winter.
Being unique for having three children.
Colorfully painted houses.
Not pumping your own gas.
Fresh air in the forests.
Too much rain.
Food trucks.
Safe drivers.
Humidity.
Hipsters.
Cycling.
Donuts.
Home.
I may not choose to live there anymore, but I did marry a guy from Colorado, which might be the next best thing, and he understands that some days I need to throw on a hoodie and jeans and my old Nikes and just read a good book. When it rains, and it doesn't do that here too often, my kids can be overheard informing their friends that they too are afraid they will melt in the rain, but that for some weird reason their mom loves it.
