Today's Lesson - Mona Lisa (Lisa Gherardini) - "La Gioconda"

The Art History class today focused attention on Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and also included versions of the painting that were made by other artists.

Below you'll see another that now is believed to also be painted by Da Vinci (or possibly by one of his students). When found the background was solid black but new technology revealed a background which was exposed using chemicals and patience.

Main article: Isleworth Mona Lisa

A version of the Mona Lisa known as the Isleworth Mona Lisa and also known as the Earlier Mona Lisa was first bought by an English nobleman in 1778 and was rediscovered in 1913 by Hugh Blaker, an art connoisseur. The painting was presented to the media in 2012 by the Mona Lisa Foundation.

It is a painting of the same subject as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The painting is claimed by a majority of experts to be mostly an original work of Leonardo dating from the early 16th century: a survey of all published opinions shows that 22 experts are certain that the major parts of the Isleworth Mona Lisa are the work of Leonardo da Vinci.

In 2015 and 2016, peer-reviewed academic publications concerning it confirmed its attribution to Leonardo da Vinci.

PORTLAND'S GRAND CENTRAL BAKERY

Living in Portland opens up the opportunity of making a choice from a huge variety of bakeries.  I tend to stick to the "basics" so that's why I've chosen "Grand Central Bakery" as my "go to" place for breads and pastries.  I shop at the bakery on Hawthorne Blvd., so at least twice a week you'll see me early in the morning "sleep driving" to the bakery for multi-grain breads, a Piccalo, and at least one quiche and a couple of pastries.  They know me so the bread is sliced before I even get to the counter.  Grand Central has several locations so check them out when you're in Portland.

American Plaza, Portland, Downtown Condo For Sale

Are you looking for a new home in Portland?  If so, you must see the beautiful units currently for sale in one of the three towers on the property.  Built between 1970 and 1980, the construction is solid with amenities that are rarely found in newer buildings. There are two lounges for private parties, two pools (one, indoor, and one outdoor), two fully equipped exercise facilities, underground parking garage, ample outdoor guest parking and a concierge.  The buildings are close to the Willamette River, Portland State University and the MAX transit is right outside the door.  

Currently, units priced between $350,00 and $1,195,000 are for sale.

Check them out at:

www.americanplazatowers.com

or call Jan Huffstutter at (503) 515-3344.

A STAR IS BORN AND LUNCH AT PORTLAND'S JAKE'S CRAWFISH

What better way to spend a rainy day in Portland than to go see the new release of "A STAR IS BORN" followed with lunch down the street at Jake's Crawfish Restaurant.

Then....... to make the day even better, I stopped at Whole Foods for some artisan cheese and salami for a "snack dinner" tonight.

The final pleasure was a short shopping trip to Powel's Book Store.

To make this day even easier, I took MAX to within a four blocks walk to the theater and took the Portland Streetcar home.  Living in downtown Portland is pure JOY ..........

The movie is entertaining - great acting, great music and great story.

FALL PORTLAND'S FARMERS MARKET

This lovely tree is on the Portland State University campus and it gets more beautiful each year.  Today I enjoyed a walk to the Saturday Farmer's Market on the park blocks and I want to share the beauty of fall colors.

The market is much different in the fall and winter - it's more basic and it features only fruits and vegetables that are in season.  Also offered is fresh caught fish and salmon that is fished by the local Native Americans.  I was surprised to see strawberries and blueberries still for sale but the most prolific items were tomatoes, corn, squash, pumpkins and apples. 

We're enjoying perfect fall weather with temperatures in the mid to high 60s and an occasional shower so trees are dropping leaves and the ambiance of downtown has slowed to a more gentle pace.  

Roger and I LOVE fall weather in Portland!  Timberline is already getting dustings of snow so we're ready to embrace cooler weather, fireplaces, and comfort food..............

The golden walkway is on our condo property.  I have lovely memories of walking Bella through the leaves that she loved because she could kick them and they made a rustling noise.  Our sweet little girl is so very much missed but happy memories continue.........

 

Fall Term at Portland State University

Yes, it's school time again.  I just enrolled in my 16th term and now I'm studying "Art of the Italian Renaissance, c. 1490-1580"

The Professor is Jesse Locker.  We started with an in-depth view of Leonardo da Vinci, and now we're studying the art of Michelangelo.

It's a wonderful opportunity to look back Into my memories of trips to Rome and Florence and the exciting times when we were able to view these amazing works of art.  

For those who live in or near Portland, Oregon, and over 65 years of age - please consider attending classes at the university.  You'll soon discover the joy of lifetime learning and it's also a wonderful way to relive memories of your world travels.  No tuition - No exams - PURE JOY!

A Weekend With Helia

Roger's daughter, Helia, has been visiting for the weekend so we've been busy enjoying some shopping and a fabulous lunch today at "Q".  Portland is beginning the Rose Festival celebration so there will be festivities the entire week at the River Front.  Tonight is the Starlight Parade and people were already taking room on sidewalks when we went downtown at noon.  Weather is perfect so that's also cause for celebration.

Robot Exhibit at OMSI

https:/omsi.edu/robots

Take a look at this website to get an overview of the current exhibit at the Oregon Museum and Science Industry in Portland.

Roger and I spent a couple of hours at OMSI this afternoon to see what the future will bring for those who live in the not too distant future.  I played Black Jack with a robot, took a bomb robot through a maze looking for dangerous items and so much more.  A lot of the exhibit is "hands-on" and the children were especially having an exciting time.

The robot shown here is programmed to wash windows in high rise buildings.  

The best part is that OMSI wasn't as busy as usual and we were able to hop on MAX to get there.

REMEMBERING GARY FRIEDLI, Husband, Father and Friend

4 a.m. on a Saturday morning, 
May 24, 2008.  

After ten years it still seems like a dream.  I remember the disbelief, the loss and the emotions.  

Time heals the hurt and the happy memories remain.

Rest in peace, my darling Gary.

CHRIS BOTTI Concert at the Schnitzer

Last night, Roger and I enjoyed a spectacular evening of music at the Schnitzer Theater, a beautiful concert hall that was converted from a vintage theater many years ago.  Now it features the Oregon Symphony performances and also special guests that include Johnny Mathis and Tony Bennett, who will be performing there in June.  

We both love Chris Botti's music and he featured two great singers and Caroline Campbell, a violinist, who also plays for Andrea Bocelli.  Both Chris's musicians and the Oregon Symphony accompanied the trumpet solos and singers so it was a memorable evening.

JUDEE MOONBEAM STUDIO Fashion Show

Yesterday, I had a unique experience modeling in a fashion show designed to highlight fashions for women over age 50.  It featured many custom crafted clothing items, hand  made purses, scarves, jewelry and hats.  SWITCH in Multnomah Village was the featured store that specializes in clothes and shoes from Israel.

It was a joy to see how vibrant we older women can look by wearing unique and fashionable clothing.

I only modeled one item, a lovely jacket with a small matching handbag.

The show featured women who sell cosmetics, health items, homemade soaps, healthy food and much more.  It was a great way to spend a Saturday and to meet some really "swinging" mature women ........

In the photo below, Judee is in the center, wearing red.

If you'd like to see more of her wearable art, make friends with her on Facebook and/or check out her website at:

judeemoonbeamstudio.com

Woodburn Tulip Farm and Festival

Today we enjoyed a short drive to Woodburn to see the huge fields of tulips that belong to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.  We're enjoying 80 degrees and sunshine so it was a perfect day to celebrate the beauty.

This photo is Roger and Bella and me seven years ago.

The rest of the photos were taken today.  The farm has hay wagons that take people through the fields and there are lots of play things for children.  They will be open until May 5th and it's a wonderful experience !

Custom Painted Dog Portraits by Aaron Hatefi

Artistic talent clearly runs in Roger's family and now a new generation is starting to produce beautiful paintings and portraits.

Aaron Hatefi is Roger's grandson who is advertising acrylic on canvas pet portraits.  For the time being, they are only $100 and measure somewhere from 24" to 30" in size.

This price is an introductory price and all you need to provide is a couple of your favorite photos.  Generally, you'll have a finished product in two weeks or less.  At this price, shipping is not included and you'll be charged actual USPS or UPS fees that are dependent on your location.

If you're interested in a portrait, send me an email to me at: 

goldturtle@comcast.net 

I'll forward it to Aaron.

Bella's portrait is on the right and Duffy, a gorgeous Doberman is owned by my good friend, Allison Leak.

Judee Moonbeam Fibre Arts Studio in Portland

Portland is home to a fabulous fibre arts studio.  Judee Moonbeam is an innovative seamstress with original and creative techniques.  I provided the needlepoint and she created a beautiful tote bag (even the lining is gorgeous).  

Check out her website to see her designs at
judeemoonbeam.com

You can also see more by being her Facebook or Instagram friend.

Thanks so much, Judee.  I've already received numerous complements while using the bag for the first time.

Cannery Pier Hotel and Bridgewater Bistro in Astoria

This is one of the views from our room at the Cannery Pier Hotel.  Several weeks ago I booked one of their rooms for an overnight stay to celebrate Roger's 82nd birthday.  Yesterday I received a call asking if we would accept a room change to one of their suites.  Well................ yes............

We had a corner room with a separate living room (flat screen TV, sofa, chairs and dining table, a large bathroom with a separate shower and a huge jacuzzi tub. and a bedroom with another TV and King size bed.


We enjoyed watching the numerous container ships enter and leave the Columbia.  Roger quickly got used to relaxing so between his phone, iPad and huge TV, plus the wrap around view he had a relaxing afternoon.

Dinner was a short walk down the pier to the Bridgewater Bistro.  Dinner was by a window overlooking the river, listening to a guitar player and enjoying a delicious meal.  Yes, a perfect weekend that ended with a tour of art galleries in both Astoria and Cannon Beach.  We're home now with wonderful memories of a perfect weekend.

WOODEN SHOE TULIP FESTIVAL

Woodburn is the home of a huge tulip farm that features 40 acres of fields of blooming tulips.  This year (2018) the festival runs from March 23rd to April 29th.  Oregon had a colder winter so we're going to wait another week or two before going to see the flowers.

The photo was taken on a hay wagon three years ago.  Sweet little Bella always got to go with us when we went to the farm so this year will feel much different without her.

Celebrating NOWRUZ - Persian New Year

Persians celebrate New Year at the moment that Spring arrives.  In Portland the time will be 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, March 20th.  This custom goes back at least 3,000 years and there are rituals that accompany the new year.  Many symbols are used to celebrate rebirth, fertility, sweetness of life, health and beauty, love, good health, patience and age.  

We wish you all a Happy Nowruz and we welcome the beauty of Spring.

The American Plaza has two trees that start to bud in the winter and as soon as there are a few sunny days in a row, these beautiful waxy looking flowers start to appear.  This photo shows the very first flower so the tree will be completely in bloom by the end of the week.  Portland weather is beginning to evolve into Spring. 

Now we're looking ahead to celebrating the first day of Spring which is Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

SOUTHPARK SEAFOOD

SOUTHPARK SEAFOOD is a popular downtown restaurant that is a convenient walk from most of the hotels.  It was the first restaurant that Lori and I dined at when we visited Portland about 11 years ago (and promptly fell in love with the city).  After seeing a movie at Fox Tower this afternoon, I walked over to the restaurant for a late lunch.  I got there at 3 o'clock so I was able to order their fish stew off of the lunch menu and a great red house wine for the happy hour price of $6.00.  Oysters are their specialty and they offer fresh Oregon and Washington Coast fish in season and lots of other good stuff.  They are also close to the Schnitzer Theater if you're attending a symphony performance.

OLD TOWN PIZZA on Oscar Night...........

It's Oscar night so it's time for Old Time Pizza on Davis Street in Portland.  If you're in the area this is a "must" place to visit.  You'll hear a lot of history, see some ghosts and a tunnel downstairs that goes all the way to the harbor.  The best thing is the pizza and craft beer - all fabulous!

My favorite is the house special - basically salami, Italian sausage, olives, peppers and red sauce.

HENRY'S FRESH ROASTED COFFEE BEANS - MY FAVORITE BREW

My dear friend, John Hagy, introduced me to Henry's House of Coffee in San Francisco many years ago and I have been enjoying their fresh roasted blends ever since.  Yes, Portland also has wonderful coffee but Henry's holds a special place in my heart.  Check out their website - they ship for free if you purchase at least two pounds.  Henry's Blend and Bella Finca are my personal favorites so about every two months I just reorder the same two and they arrive here in Portland in two days.

ZOEY AND ............. SNOW !! .................

SWEET LITTLE ZOEY IS ENJOYING PLAYING IN THE SNOW.  SHE'LL BE THREE YEARS OLD ON APRIL 1st.  WATCHING HER GROW AND ENJOY LIFE IS A TRUE JOY.

THE POST At Living Room Theater

Friday was a "me day" starting with watching this great movie at the Portland Living Room Theater on 10th and Stark, followed by lunch at Kenny & Zukes (across the street from the theater) and then a manicure on my walk back home.  All this was possible using the downtown streetcar and I got some much needed exercise walking, so it was a carefree way to enjoy my afternoon.

I was in my late 20s when the Pentagon Papers were revealed and the movie gave me a much better understanding of the turmoil and hatred of the Vietnam War.  Needless to say, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks do a spectacular job of making this movie "real".  Please see it if at all possible.  

More Snow Overnight in Portland

We are continuing to enjoy snow - perfect because it snows at night, melts during the day and then we get more night snow.  We're expecting more snow tonight and then things will change to a snow and rain mix for a couple more days.  

SNOW In Portland -Loving It !

This photo was taken this morning from our back balcony.  We're not accustomed to having snow this late in winter so we enjoyed the quiet beauty of falling snow.  Surprisingly, it continued, on and off, throughout the day and now at about 9 pm there's snow cover throughout downtown Portland.

This afternoon was the first time in my life that I have driven a car in the snow and it was great fun.  I stopped for groceries so now we're ready for another several days of intermittent snow and good eating.

I love to light candles on the balcony when it's snowing to light the way for those who are still out on the street.  They add to the ambiance of peace and quiet.

Another visit to Q Restaurant

Q Restaurant is only a short walk from the Apple Store so it was a great opportunity to enjoy brunch.  This salad is a cross between a BLT and bacon and eggs (but, maybe a touch healthier).  It's butter lettuce over a grilled slice of cornbread, garnished with chunks of bacon and topped with a poached egg.

Rochelle is my favorite server so I always ask for her.  If you're in Portland, please add "Q" to your list of places to dine.

APPLE iPhone Class in Downtown Portland

Roger and I just upgraded our iPhones to an 8 and one eight plus so today I enrolled in a free class at the downtown Apple Store.  The phones do so much more than make a phone call.  I'm finally taking advantage of Siri (and I love using her) and we rarely go anywhere without using the navigation apps. I use it for banking, weather, notes, calendar, and a bunch of creative phone apps.

The class was very beneficial in regard to the many options that the phone offers.  It was amusing, though, to see that every one of the seven people attending are over 70 years in age.

When I upgraded my phone, I also had to buy new OlloClip lenses for the camera (the old ones only fit a 5S).

Today I had fun experimenting with the Fisheye lens.


The MAX leaves from our condo and goes within one block of the Apple Store so I'm planning to revisit the classes, especially the one on how to use and manage iPhone photos.  No matter what version you have of the phone, please take advantage of these classes.  There's so much to learn ........................

OlloClip IPhone Camera Lens

Roger gave me a unique gift of four lenses that fit onto my iPhone.  One lens is a ten x macro, one is a fifteen x macro, one is a fish eye and one is wide angle.

These are my first attempts at using the 15 x macro and I've already learned how even dust shows up on the flowers.  The first is an orchid bud and the others are primroses.

ROGER'S PAINTINGS NOW ON VIEW AT THE HILLSBORO CIVIC CENTER

Yesterday eight of Roger's paintings were hung at the Hillsboro Civic Center and three more were hung in the Walters Cultural Arts Center where the community can view the gallery, attend concerts, classes and other special events.