art & soul...finally...

It's taken me a while to get back in the swing of things since returning from Portland. I think it's a combination of wanting to spend time with the family after being away, the post-art retreat funk and now a bunch of other life stuff that just muddles things up.

I had a wonderful time at A&S...classes were great. Took classes with Lesley Riley, Beryl Taylor and Traci Bautista.

Janice is the perfect travelling companion...and the best part was no hassle crossing the border this time! Woo hoo!

Janice and I took the MAX into downtown Portland. We went to Powell's Books. That place rocks!! I thought it was very strange that downtown Portland should be so quiet on a Saturday morning, so much different than Vancouver (BC). We puttered around. Looked in shops, grabbed a Starbucks and took the train back out to the hotel. We also got the shuttle to visit Alberta Street. Wasn't as exciting as I thought it might be but there were a few cool shops and great murals. Reminded me of Commercial Street (for you local folks). Here are a couple pics.


Got to catch up with friends. Especially grateful for being able to spend some catch-up time with Shari! Met some new friends from Minny...great to hang with you Laura and Jacque! April and Nanc...always a treat!

Drive back home was very smooth. We made it back to Bellingham in four hours, did a bit of last minute shopping and then headed back over the border.

Fun time.