Lawrence Halprin's Open Space Sequence THE SOURCE

Across the street from my condo is a small fountain known as "THE SOURCE".  It is the first in a sequence of fountains that were designed by the famed architect, Lawrence Halprin.  

Because it is by far the smallest in the park walk-thru areas we tend to ignore it - but today, the fall leaves and bright sunshine could not be ignored and I realized how beautiful it is in its simplicity.

ROSA ROSA at the Dossier Hotel on Alder in downtown Portland

After watching the movie, JUDY, I walked over to the Dossier Hotel on Alder to try the new downtown restaurant, ROSA ROSA.  The restaurant is advertised as being Italian but I found the menu to be more mediterranean with a sprinkling of items from Spain and Italy.  The atmosphere is relaxing with wrap around windows to let in lots of light even on a rainy day.  I arrived right at the cusp of luncheon ending and happy hour beginning so I was able to still order lunch.  They offer a three course lunch special that gives a choice of soup or salad, an entree and a dessert - all for $15.

Today the salad had a mixture of baby greens, endive and hazelnuts.  The entree was pasta with scallions and arugula pesto and the dessert was baklava.  The portions were so generous that I'm having a repeat meal at home tomorrow from my take-home boxes.  Portland restaurants just keep getting better and better ...................

The Movie JUDY - an emotional roller coaster !

Watching JUDY today was a mixture of tension, adoration, and pity for this unique woman.  The movie is exceptional in every way - sensational acting and, of course, some great music.  When you leave the movie, plan on spending some quiet moments of reflection - your emotions may overcome you.  DO NOT MISS THIS ONE .........

THAT'S NO LADY - DARCELLE, THE MUSICAL

http://darcelle-themusical.com

The musical at Lincoln Hall was really enjoyable - great music, great dancing and singing and lots of funny and sweet moments.  Walter Cole is almost 89 years old and he's known as the oldest cross-dresser showman in the world.  The story is one of love and acceptance - and ultimately, success.

There were lots of laughs and a few moments of tears while we looked back at his amazing life and unique experiences.

Currently the show is completely sold out but, if it should be extended you need to RUN and get tickets.

DARCELLE at Oregon Historical Society and HIGGINS Restaurant

It's Friday, our favorite day to enjoy lunch at a downtown restaurant.  Today, my friend, Rae, and I chose Higgins for lunch because it's right next to the Oregon Historical Society where we stopped to view gowns from the collection of "Darcelle", a famous Portland personality who has been a female impersonator for over 50 years at her showplace near Old Town,  Darcelle, (Walter Cole) is 89 years old and she is the holder of the Guinness World Record for World's Oldest Drag Queen Performer.  

The gowns at the Historical Society exhibit have amazing beaded details and some dresses weigh as much as 35 pounds.  According to publicity, Darcelle has over 100 gowns that she wore through the years.





Sunday, Allison and I have tickets for an original play about Darcelle's life "That's No Lady" and we're looking forward to the experience. The original show has huge raves and there's already talk of it going to Broadway.


Neither Rae or I have eaten at Higgins for many years, but after today, we'll be returning soon.  We both enjoyed Pork Schnitzel with Polenta, local green beans and farm fresh tomatoes and it was a fabulous lunch.

LOVELY AUTUMN IN PORTLAND

There is so much beauty in downtown Portland and I have the good fortune to live right in the center of it.  Today on my walk home, I went by the Lovejoy Fountain where I stopped to just breathe in the beauty of the afternoon.  

As I left the fountain area, I walked through the golden leaves that are already drifting down from the trees.  It was another reason to stop and reflect on past years when little Bella was still alive.  She loved walking through the leaves because they made a soft rustling sound as she walked through and a few would stick to her paws which confused and delighted  her.

Another lovely year is almost gone - but the beauty survives and the sweet memories will remain ...........

IN THE HEIGHTS at Portland Center Stage

"In The Heights"  is being performed at Portland Center Stage at the Armory until October 13, 2019. I love matinees so today I hopped onto the streetcar to go to the 11 a.m. production.

I highly recommend it.  It's a musical with a live orchestra, latin rhythms and talented dancers and singers.  Like many musicals, the story is pretty simple but it still held my attention and the 2 1/2 hours went really fast.

At least a dozen fabulous restaurants are within an easy walk from the theater so I had a difficult decision - - well, maybe not too difficult because the first place I walked by was "Little Big Burger".  Without any difficulty, I scrapped my plans for an elegant lunch and enjoyed a bleu cheese burger with truffle fries.  Penseys Spices is right next door and Sur la Table is only a short block away so this was a perfect way to spend a Thursday.