Sex and the City...

I knew that would catch your attention! I saw SATC deux, last night with a very dear friend of mine. The film did not disappoint. But we, the committed fans, go to the film with different expectations than those pesky critics that were not always so kind with their reviews. SATC has a deeper meaning for me. For one, when I first moved to Portland, I didn't know anyone (except for my best friends who are related to me - mom and dad!) And, working from home, my opportunities to meet people, especially in the beginning, were hard to come by. So, every night, I would watch some of the series that I have on DVD. And every night, I felt like my 4 best friends were right there with me, in Portland. (they wear Manolo's in Portland, right??) This made me feel less alone until I had the opportunity to make friends in my new city. I still pop in a DVD when I feel lonely or when I just need to hear what that best girlfriend has been up to lately. And those ladies never disappoint.

What I love most about the show (and now the films) is the close friendship. To have a core group of four, female, best friends who will always have each others back, is a rare finding. (not that they didn't have a few ups and downs over the years). The men are amazing, the clothes are exciting and gorgeous, but the friendship and the topics they felt free to discuss amongst the four, is what really captivated me. It gives female friends all around the world, something new and exciting to talk about, while sipping a cosmo. I love the line where Charlotte says that we can be each others sole mates. I think it made them feel safe and loved. That no matter what happens in life, especially as we get older, no matter where life may take them, men come into our lives and then they might leave, but that friendship was for life. What a wonderful gift.

The films have been wonderful to see because, for those of us who followed the fabulous four during the series, we are able to continue to follow their lives, loves and fashion. Honestly, did we ever think Carrie and Big would marry? I had my doubts. But I was hopeful. This second film showed us what life was like for Carrie, two years into her marriage. For Charlotte, what life was like with a toddler and a screaming two year old. For Miranda, what life was like with a young son and a demanding job where her voice didn't have a say. For Samantha, well, let's just say we get to see how she handles her fifties. We can all take away something from their experiences. We've all been there, at least in some capacity. I'm fascinated by watching how others handle similar experiences. I love seeing them with their families as much as I do when its just the four ladies, having a cosmo. And after the film was over, my fabulous friend and I went to Mint and discovered the guava cosmo.

As I sit at my desk, in my home office, and look out my window into the west hills of Portland, its like day 20 of straight rain. And as much as I want to see the sun, maybe all this rain is just helping to create prettier flowers for summer. Summer in Portland is quite pretty. It may not be New York, but for me, for now...its my New York. And yes, sometimes we do wear Manolo's in Portland. Go call a friend and have a cosmo and a great conversation!

Book Recommendation...

Just a quick note before I call it a night. I just finished reading: First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria, by Eve Brown-Waite. The title caught my attention! If you enjoy books about adventure, risk and learning about one's day to day life in the fast-lane, I highly recommend this book. The author has a great sense of style - great wit and the book has very clever writing. I'm trying to select my next read now. This is always the tricky part as there are so many wonderful books out there. I think I will start "Vintage Didion". Its a selection of essays and chapters from several of her books and essays. Joan Didion is one of my favorite writers, so I also recommend her books as well. Books are a great gift. I enjoy lending my books out to friends (and hope they get returned to me!) If you have a book recommendation, please feel free to leave a comment. I always appreciate learning about new books. Happy reading...

Pictures from Boston and Cape Cod

When in Boston....

I tried to do everything I could to have the full experience of Boston and its surrounding areas. Its my favorite city to visit (I know I previously said that about NYC, but I am starting to have a change of heart) Now, don't get me wrong, NYC is fabulous, exciting and full of wonderful cultural events and history. (not to mention the Manolo Blahnik boutique!)But there really is something about Boston. The history and the culture runs so much deeper and richer then NYC....and that's really what the east coast is about for me. On my first day, I rode the T (subway) to Harvard University. Established in 1636, Harvard is rich with history and culture and I felt smarter just walking through campus! The beautiful buildings and stunning grounds made me wish I was 18 again. What would I study this time around? Probably Creative Writing/English. After walking through Cambridge for the day, my evening was spent at the Boston Pops. What a thrill to see guest composer John Williams and the Boston Pops perform "Horray for Hollywood". It was a magical evening filled with some of the best composed music in film today.

Thursday, I was on a witch hunt! Not literally, but I spent the day in Salem, MA. Salem is one of my favorite places to visit. Its filled with excitement and charm and is rich with history. The Salem Witch Trials are fascinating to learn about. One of my stops was at the Salem Witch Museum. There are many witch museums and places to visit and I've enjoyed each one I've been too. Most will do either a reenactment or a tour, walking you through various events of that time period. The House of Seven Gables is also a wonderful place to visit while in Salem. Don't forget to visit Nathaniel Hawthorne's home, located just next to the House of Seven Gables. Its a charming Georgian home full of intrigue and secrets.

Friday was spent in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is the home to the most beautiful mansions in the country. These elegant homes are filled with gorgeous art and decor belonging to some of the most prominent families in history. On previous trips to Newport, I have visited and would highly recommend Marblehouse and the Breakers. These were summer homes for the Vanderbilt family. On this particular trip, I toured The Elms, which had exquisite gardens and beautiful french art in an 18th century style french mansion. I was hoping they would rent me a room for the summer, but I struck out! One of the quirkiest finds on my trip, don't leave home without your Red Sox cap! Men in suits, leaving the office for the day, briefcase in one hand, blackberry in the other hand....and always their Red Sox cap on. I've traveled the country and I've seen many cities whose lives revolve around professional sports. But the passion and commitment of the Boston Red Sox fans is very palpable, even to this Yankee.

My last venture was exploring Cape Cod and especially Hyannis. I walked along the water and picked seashells from the sand. The wind was wild and the waves were rocky and I wished I had time to set sail. It was a beautiful day and my timing was good because it was a bit early for tourists. I drove to Hyannis Port and drove up and down the streets in search of the Kennedy compound. After entering many streets marked "do not enter", I finally located the beautiful area where they make their home. I felt honored to catch just a glimpse of their home....the final step of my Kennedy fascination. Having just finished reading Senator Edward Kennedy's Memoir: True Compass, I felt even closer to this family that I have admired for so many years. I highly recommend his book. His feelings are honestly shared and I was able to learn more about his personal life and especially his childhood. A wonderful summer read. Well, this ends my Boston journey. Up next....maybe a new adventure in Portland. And in June, I have a brief trip to DC planned.

This is Dolce. You'll hear a lot about him.

I'm a little late....

I said when I left California, in September of 2008, that I was going to start a blog and write about my new adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Well, I'm 20 months late. But better late then never. In Portland, I have discovered my favorite place to have coffee. This is a must. Coffee is an art here. They take pride in making the coffee and I take pride in enjoying each cup! Cafe Umbria, in the Pearl District, in my opinion, makes the best latte in Portland. If they aren't playing opera, they are showing an Italian film or soccer game and for just a brief moment...I imagine that I am in Italy. I still have so much to see and so much to learn in this new city that I call home. I will post about the great things I find: places to eat, great wine bars, etc... I will also blog about my travels and my great finds outside of Portland. Enjoy and feel free to leave comments. Next week, I am headed to one of my favorite cities, Boston. I'll let you know what I do in a city that has so much history - I never know where my feet will take me. But you can be sure, wherever I go, there is always a latte in my hand. Ciao.