Walk #7, neighborhood sidewalk surrounded by lush greens

OK, so it rains a lot here in Portland. But look what the rain brings us. Beauty in all shades of green, plus in the distance another flowering tree. I am blessed. And that's the tallest hedge I've ever been around, there on my left. Tall, well-trimmed, healthy hedge.

I took this photo last Sunday while out on a neighborhood walk.

I think it's fitting accompaniment for my news. I see the tender buds and the sunshine as representing faith in the future and the nurturing of that faith. My Daddy's baby sister, my 77-year-old Aunt Baker, died suddenly last Sunday afternoon, a few hours before I went on my walk. I needed to clear my head and my heart, if only for a few moments, and to take time also to appreciate the ongoing beauty that is there for the seeing. I loved that woman so very much, as did everyone who knew her. The only peace I have is that she is reunited with those who loved her whose deaths came before and that I know I shall some day join them. I pray for my uncle, her daughter, grandsons and great-grandchildren that they may eventually find that same peace.

Walk #6, interesting spot in the neighborhood

For years I've noticed this house which appears to have been converted into a business. Now I live within walking distance, so I finally got to take a photo of it. And look at the serendipity--that front bumper of the car matches the paint on the house.

Walk #5, interesting concept

As I walked around the neighborhood last Sunday, I remembered that I wanted to take a closer look at the windows at this corner store. Recently I'd noticed the painted signs from the bus window. But what caught my eye as I snapped this shot wasn't just the "Sleep Better ... Buy Local" painted across the outline of the state of Oregon.


Nope. It was the red and white printed sign leaning up in the lower left corner of the window that caught my eye. Deliver a mattress by bike? Interesting concept. Do I ever wish that I'd be outside to catch a glimpse of one of these deliveries so that I could take a photo to share!

Walk #4, what's this?

Last Sunday morning. Clothes in washing machine. Out for a walk. Heard it coming. Looked left. Picked up camera. Got off three quick shots. Here's the first one.


And here's the third one. I've cropped it so that you can get the full impact of the Spunky Monkey van. I don't drink coffee, but I dig this van. How about that statement in the lower right corner of the back doors? Help us play all local music: Bring your own recording and get 10 free coffees! Hey, y'all local PDX recording artists! Y'all know about this? Who's done it? I'm curious.

Walk #3, swinging while distracted

The first few photos I took of the young woman swinging, she faced forward and in one even appeared to be singing with her iPod. In this one, what could have all of a sudden distracted her? is it that she all of a sudden saw what appears to be a giant paint ball splatter high up on the wall? Or did she notice me with my camera?

No matter, I particularly like how the playground equipment framed her swinging.

Walk #2, playground equipment in neon

When I saw this playground equipment, I immediately thought of changing it to neon in Picnik. Success.


The playground as I saw it.

The playground itself is at the east end of the da Vinci Middle School campus. The school is at 2508 NE Everett Street.

Walk #1, blustery encounter at the corner

Sunday afternoon I decided to take a walk around my new neighborhood. Prior to this I had only walked to and from either the bus stop or the Zipcar. I had a great time, despite the chilly temperature, the sprinkles of rain, and the gusts of wind.

While I had my camera hanging around my neck, I had to keep tucking it inside my coat, then pulling it out if I saw something that I wanted to photograph.

The people you see here, walking their dogs, came together and passed so quickly that I almost missed getting any photo at all. But for the tugging efforts of the dogs who so desperately wanted to prolong their encounter, I would have had nothing. Thanks, plucky little dogs!

Autumn Stepping Out

Couldn't get focused quick enough 'cause she was steppin' out! I sort of caught the essence of that with the photo--look at the diagonal lines of the back of her coat. She's got that vivid auburn hair that matches so the autumn leaves. She's walking south on NW 23rd, just past its intersection with NW Flanders. Notice the upward slope? This corner is just a couple of blocks from our place, and the grade has already increased this much and more. These changes in elevation make for a good place for me to walk, right near home. I am blessed.

Europa on Park

Yesterday after work I rode the bus to the west side of the river, got off next to the
First and Main building site, and walked a few blocks west to the last Music on Main of this summer. Photos will be posted soon, I promise--I took so many that I need some time to look over them.

Anyway, after listening to some fine music outdoors, I walked a few more blocks to catch a bus home, looking here, looking there, like I always do. Of course, I must also own up to the fact that I look down a lot, making sure where my feet are going.

On SW Park, this vignette at the Europa caught my eye.




All of you photo bloggers out there will find this as much fun as I did, I think. Yesterday Jill at Salem Oregon Daily Photo commented, Do you really go to work or just wander around the streets? You have so many great street shots!!

Here’s my answering comment: Thanks, Jill, I do work a 40-hour week, but walking is so easy here, what with these super days of good weather that are so comfortable after work, with well-maintained sidewalks, the sun shining, a breeze blowing, and a TriMet ride home nearby. I can't help myself, I often take walks around downtown, camera at the ready. It's purely paradise.