Fabulous Desserts.....

Sometimes a gal just needs a late night treat. Thankfully, Papa Haydn is close by. Last night's dessert - beautifully displayed on colorful plates that mix and match with each other - was a delicious lemon cake. A perfect latte to go with it....and I was as happy as could be. If you live in the Portland area, Papa Haydn is known for their desserts (click to see beautiful pics of their dessert menu) I hope the photos look as good as they tasted. Buon apetite!

An Early Preview of Fall...

This morning, in Portland, it looked like fall....smelled like fall....and I even found a tree that started to change colors. But by this afternoon, the skies were gorgeous and tank tops were back on. But, before the sun made an appearance, here are some photos from the farmers market on the campus of Portland State University...oh, and the last picture is of course Dolce. He is preparing for a long winter's nap!

The Adventures and Mishaps of Dolce....

Yesterday, I spent my lunch break enjoying delicious coffee with a wonderful friend. Our plan was to sit outside...to enjoy what felt like early-fall here in Portland. However, Dolce and his behavior wouldn't allow us to have a calm, quiet coffee break. So, in a rush to get out of the car, add the parking meter sticker to the inside window and shut the car door without him getting out, I did something I've never done before. I left the keys in the car with the car engine running (thank you Mitsubishi for making such a quiet engine) and locked Dolce inside. I'm very grateful the temps weren't triple digits as I didn't realize my error until the last drop of my latte when I went to get my car keys. The lovely owner of the cafe and his friend, attempted creative ways to get Dolce out. Interesting that while they were using a coat hanger (and kitchen tools) 2 police officers and a fire truck went by...and either no one noticed....or no one bothered to stop and offer help. Thank you mom and dad for racing to their home to grab the spare key. Dolce had quite a day....and here are a few pics of the rescue attempt. By the way, I'll be skipping coffee today.

The Columbia River Gorge

A beautiful Labor Day weekend in Portland: a visit to the Gorge and a wonderful brunch at The View Point Inn. I'll write more another time...but for now...enjoy the photos below from my weekend adventure.

Taking a Risk....

I just saw the film, "Eat Pray Love". Movies that focus on the emotional and spiritual side of life always resonate so deep within me. I always come out of those films asking myself a million questions: why didn't I do that? why can't I do that? etc...

But why can't I? Ok...maybe I am unable to leave my job for a year.....and my puppy. But, as I am on the cusp of turning 40 (and you will hear more about that in the next few weeks!) I ponder my life and the many experiences I have had. I've met some who have said that I have had a charmed and privileged life while others have said I have barely lived. You know, some people just aren't shy to offer their opinions! I ask myself, "am I afraid to take a risk"? I find comfort in my home and being surrounded by the things I love - and Dolce and my family. But, as I get older, I'm recognizing more and more that risks need to be taken in life....otherwise, we are always asking ourselves "what if"? And isn't life about experiences and taking risks? My life has been charmed in many ways. I've experienced a lot - some good - some not so good. I've always been a firm believer that things happen for a reason and people come into our lives for a reason....some stick around for the long haul while others are in our lives for a purpose and sometimes its short-lived. I've opened up my heart to a lot of people over the years. I learned something from each of them - otherwise, why would they have come into my life. Hopefully they learned something from me as well. I think every time we open our hearts, its a risk. Risk of rejection, pain, getting hurt. Life itself is a risk, especially these days. But, we are here on borrowed time, and none of us knows how long that is. We should make the most of everyday, of every moment. What one person perceives as a risk is a walk in the park to the next - we each have our limits and what constitutes a risk. For me, I feel I am taking steps and planting seeds and once that new decade approaches and I am officially 40, I will take more risks. Some risks will be small....but I'd like to see where life's path will take me next. Two years ago, I would have laughed if someone told me I'd be living in Portland....but alas, here I am. I'm curious and excited to see where the next chapter will take me. I'm writing more, and although its what I love, I risk people rejecting my works. But, at the end of the day, its worth the risk. I recommend the movie, "Eat Pray Love." There is something in this film for everyone. Where will life take you next? Is there a risk you want to explore but haven't? Live for you and make every day count....and wherever you go....always take a photo of a loved one with you. La pace ed ama (peace and love)

To hot too Blog....

The one thing I don't miss about living in the Bay Area is the hot, hot weather. When its hot, sometimes my creativity goes south...so, the best I could come up with are these photos of Dolce who is fresh from the groomer (and not thrilled about it) But, in the end, he will feel cooler and more comfortable. Hopefully I will too.

May-December Romances....

I'm really not sure why relationships with an age difference are called May-December romances, but they are and it got me thinking...

I recently read an article in the August issue of Vogue about the author, Leon Bing and her relationship with a younger man. I was captivated by her words, her emotions and her experiences. I was also troubled by the fact that when an older woman dates a younger man, society has to put a label on it. And when celebrities are involved, tabloids love to get in on the action. Is this where our belief system comes from - sensationalized journalism? Why, in 2010, does society still lift an eyebrow at the older woman with the younger man? Part of me says its jealousy. Part of me says its a slow news day. And why are we still judging people? Personally, I've dated older men and younger men and at the end of the day, I just want to be with someone where there is a shared connection. Does it really matter if that person is 2 years older or 20 years younger? I think the ultimate goal is the same for most: to share our lives with someone - to be loved and to love in return. We need to live our lives for ourselves and ignore the judgments and labels of others. And if they are going to put a label on it....they better make it Chanel.