art, Photography, poetry, portland

art photography portland

Tillikum
Bridge
Night View

these pictures show three different settings on my phone. I like all of them, let me show you more of my captures. Clear skies after the rain. Long walks through downtown Portland. Young people everywhere, live music under the bridge. Venue for anyone and everyone. City full of charm.

Bokeh
Hawthorne
Bridge

notice the difference, which one is the best in your opinion? I think we should all build bridges instead of putting fences for our defences.

tonight the air is fresh and warm, no wind, no pressure, just perfect weather for an evening walk and a long talk. Spring is green, March is smart.

spring break is here, so far and do near. I open a new page in my book, I want to see what it took. some pain and a bit of sacrifice, no fear, just don’t open your eyes. we can make it through, if you have faith in what you do.

cooking, music, Photography

Best of February, 2024

Oregon Ballet is showing Peter Pan this February, the show is really fun, I would say it’s more of a fairy tale for adults. The story line is full of twists and turns so you will never feel bored watching it alone or with your kids. I highly recommend checking it out, my rating is five out of five for creativity, special effects and amazing story line combined with excellent acting performance.

Swan Dive live music was low key, chill, jazzy pleasant night out with our friends performing. I will definitely go back to see / hear more of the music there.

Laurelhurst Theater was showing Poor Things this month , the theater is art deco styled historic building, we had a blast watching the movie and enjoying the ambience. The neighborhood is also very cool with lots of character and charm. About the movie, you have probably heard mixed reviews, it’s a really unusual fairy tale for adults very open for interpretation. Opinions split 50/50.

Lunar new year in the Chinese gardens of Portland was bright and colorful. Tea ceremony and red envelopes making made us feel warm and cozy. The garden itself was small and homey, nicely decorated for the occasion. The year of the dragon is already going well, fingers crossed, it will grow to its full potential of promised success and prosperity.

Home-cooked stir fry was great but traditionally you have to have fish during the new year celebration. We baked some fish as well which turned out just perfect, tin foil is what you have to have for the best outcome. And balsamic vinegar of course.

Another thing I baked is apricot jam biscuits, they turned out really well, I have to try them with another filling next time, maybe citrus jam and nuts. The dough is savory and this is why I love the recipe, not too sweet, just perfect.

Well, I have to admit that writing this has made me so hungry. Taking a lunch break is what I am going to do before finishing up. Hang in there!

Finally, a book recommendation this month is Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman, I was given it by a school teacher who uses it in the classroom. The book is a compilation of vignettes, each story teller is an immigrant in the US, the common ground for each character is a public garden. I loved the book, it felt way too short leaving you wanting more of those stories written from the heart.

Almost forgot to mention the band we discovered recently , I got the tickets for the battle of the bands at the Barrel Room, music venue. The winner, Lucid Isle, got the $500 prize for the first place, the prize was well deserved. We voted for them, it was great to hear them rock. They are alternative rock / psychodelica kids. Looking forward to seeing Lucid Isle perform some time soon in Portland, Oregon.

The trio blew us away, by far the best music experience in February. You can find them on social media if you are interested. I’m stoked!

What a crazy busy month, I can’t believe I survived it. Licensing, full moon, leaving my old job, starting a new one after an interview and a demo. All the new bosses… Transitioning from an android to a mac is a real pain. I don’t recall it being that hard last time I had to face all this. Cumulative effect probably. It’s not just getting older, right? it’s getting better as well, every day well-lived is a day closer to the dream.

Snow moon this month was wonderful, have you seen it? I’m grateful for the month of February and all the blessings it brought. Opening new horizons is always a bit intimidating but in the long run pretty great. Looking back I realize how rewarding all those days and times were, moving from Donetsk to Kyiv, moving from Kyiv to Denver, and finally Denver to Portland transition. I want to sing with Freddy: My makeup maybe flaking but my smile still stays on…