2004-07-19 - 10:15 p.m. - friendly gatherings

I just returned from a wonderful potluck for friends who begin their own journey tomorrow. They’re spending a year in the Czech Republic and leave first for a family reunion and then will be doing some traveling to see other family members before leaving in August to go abroad. If I wasn’t going to be in Venezuela myself, you can bet your house I would have gone to see them next year.

What made this potluck so great is that I knew EVERYONE there! Given that I had lived with these friends for five years, their friends became mine (or at least my acquaintances) and I had a great time getting caught up with some people I hadn’t seen in a while. In fact, I didn’t even get a chance to grab a drink or some food until almost 45 minutes or so into the party because I was talking so much. It’s such a wonderful community – some of these same people will be able to attend my farewell party in a couple of weeks while others I had to say farewell myself tonight.

That closing door can weigh heavy on your heart at times….

This weekend was great. Friday night I saw Spiderman 2 with a friend of mine. I am in love with Toby McGuire – he’s such a sweetie. And the sequel is better than the original! While it may be advertised as a super hero flick, at its heart it’s really a love story. I won’t say anything more as to not ruin it for people, but one word of advice… GO!

Saturday afternoon was spent at another barbecue thrown by my realtor. She’s the only realtor I know who throws yearly parties for her current and former clients. She and her husband live on 20 acres of property outside of Portland, own a few horses and mules, and live above a barn in a space that could be featured in those home magazines….just gorgeous. I termed it "rustic elegance". There was a band, great food and a fabulous time with friends on a beautiful piece of property – what more could one ask for.

Sunday afternoon was spent briefly in downtown Portland to see the results of a sand sculpture contest done by various architectural firms here in Portland. You would not believe what these people can do with sand – all brought into the city and deposited in Pioneer Square which is like the city center meeting place. If I still had a gold membership, I’d post some pictures here I took of the winning entries – just amazing. And, of course, I got to see Mr. Married Right performing. He was painted blue, green and silver today and spoke with me despite the numerous people around. My friend who was with me said the other onlookers were saying, "wow – he’s talking!!" I spoke with him about seeing him before I leave for my journey – I want to get a picture with him as well as a hug before I depart. Of course, if he was willing, he could get much more from me! HA! (Gee, that picture of me next to the definition of "nice" seems to be fading!)

Amongst all this fun stuff I still managed to get some things checked off my long "to do" list, although not nearly as many as I had hoped!

One month…and I know it’s going to go fast!

30-something - 2005-03-01
the holding back the the flow of tears - 2005-02-20
song survey - 2005-02-15
song for the day...or perhaps the year... - 2005-01-25
something new - 2005-01-24
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