BLOOD, SWEAT & BEERS

PDX SOAPBOX DERBY ~ 8.22.2009

Check out the Big Crash of ‘09 from the drivers’-eye-view:

NOW watch from where I was standing:

“It’s a Ruff-Ruff Life.”

Lounging on the couch this morning, leaning back across Peaches, I chuckled as she sighed her doggie sigh.

“It’s a ruff-ruff life,” I said.  (It was more like a woof-woof.)

“Is that Peaches’ rap song?”  Asked Megan.  It certainly is.  I’d fallen into a familiar rant of mine earlier at my brother about how no matter how stressed we are, we’ve got it pretty damn good.

I was stoked:  Violet found my camera, I found a Hood 2 Coast team and I went kayaking for the first time, all in the last 48 hours!  On top of that, Violet and I hit up the Mt. Tabor Concert Series, Peaches and I got to harass some secret service agents AND I made some new bug friends.  Yeah, I know – I’ve been way into bugs lately.

What happened with the Secret Service?  Funny you should ask!  Peaches and I were killing time until meeting a favorite professor about Grad School.  I noticed government vehicles and a news van outside before ducking into Smith Hall, headed for the coziest bathroom on campus.  It was there that a woman came in, grumbling about a run in her stockings.  I chatted her up as she peeled them off and found out what was going on.  She was there with Senator Wyden.

“Sometimes you just gotta adapt,” she said.

“That’s what life’s all about.” I replied.  “You’re better off without those hose anyway.”  It was hot.  She giggled and introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you Loretta – I’m Audrey.”  Much to my surprise she invited me to check out the presentation.  I looked at Peaches.  Really?!  We made our approach.  She’s only a pit bull – after all – only the most beautiful, well-behaved pit bull in the WORLD!  Anyway, despite getting past the local guy, the federal security team was all in a tizzy.

“That was fun,” I quipped as we were escorted out.  And we were right on schedule!  Moments after, I got an invite to go kayaking (pictured below).  Just a few steps further, I noticed a plump green caterpillar on the sidewalk (also pictured below).  Naturally, I brought it with me to show the professor, where, naturally, it took a big dump which, naturally, blended in immediately as it hit the floor (not pictured below).

Doesn’t get much better than this (’til next weekend, that is).

Shots from last weekend:  hit up the the Rose Gardens at Washington Park for a free performance – a killer collaboration courtesy of the Portland Cello Project, Run On Sentence and Oregon Ballet Theater – such talent!  The next morning was kickball playoffs, followed by the end-of-season party.

GOOOOOOO MUD MUCKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Back Summer!

Aaaaaah yes, the back deck is an ideal place to be on days like these.  It’s going to be perfect.  I’m reminded that not everybody gets to enjoy their time like I do, and I’m thankful.  The sun is shining – might even get a tan while moving wheelbarrows full of compost into my new vegetable bed.  But first, I’m just chillin’, feet up, while digesting my granola and yogurt, oddly discovering that I can consciously stop my mosquito bites from itching with simple mind-power, when with a tiny thud, a not-so-tiny moth lands on my knee.

Of course I didn’t have a camera.  So I watched it watching me.  Slowly moving my knee closer to my face, I zoomed in on it’s delicate features.  From the downy golden brown fur to its bulging triangular eye patches, that thing was ADORABLE!

I looked back at my brother and considered yelling at him to get my camera.  Then I imagined what that would sound like to my six-legged friend and stopped myself.  Nope.  This moment was just for us.  That no-so-little moth and I stared at each other some more while it washed it’s face like a cat does after a delicious breakfast.

Naturally, if I could fly away, I would, but since I’m Earth-bound, I’ll stay around…and blog.  Here’s a few more goodies from the last weekend. However, I’m already done with last week – MUCH more excited at what’s to come.  Saturday is all sorts of fun, starting with the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby from 10am-4pm at Mt. Tabor Park.  (This is ALWAYS one of the best events of the year.)  As if that’s not cool enough, there’s also Last Splash (swimwear fashion show/pool party) from 6-9pm!  Throw in the Montavilla Brewfest down the street from my place (noon-9pm at SE 79th & Stark) and you’re due for a solid blackout good time.  Only a party-ninja like myself could even DREAM of hitting all three.  Are you up to the challenge?!

Anyway, the pics are taking FOREVER to upload.  I’m gonna go outside and get dirty for a while before (showering and) heading down to the coffee shop to finish this at a more rapid speed.

BACK IN ACTION

This week keeps getting better. I finally got my camera back!  Not only that, but they’ve quit making the one I initially bought the warranty on so I’ve got a free upgrade!  On an unrelated note, Dad’s write up in the Huffington Post rocks!  YEEEEAH BABY!  It’s about time ’cause the last week’s been a dooooozie: got a fatty-fat lip, an impressive collection of bruises AND my first broken bone.  So what if it’s just my pinkie toe?!  That’s tough stuff!

Anyway, as Portland’s weather cooled, things settled down a bit.  I found myself longing for those crisp autumn nights when sometimes you can chill out on the back deck and actually feel like you aren’t missing anything.  But this?!  THIS?!  This is summertime baby!  PLAY ON.

Speaking of play, the Mud Muckers are having a blazing comeback as we wrap up summer season – can’t wait for playoffs tomorrow!  Here’s some shots from the last 48 hours or so (since I’ve bee reunited with said camera).  Life sure is beautiful.  I’m just happy to share it.  *SIGH*

ART SMARTS

I’ve been known to dabble in paints.  Here’s what happens when I get my hands dirty.  Prints available.   Inquiries?  Email: audreygoldfarb@msn.com

Scribbles

Great Kate (42" X 37" acrylic on tar paper)

I Wish (28" x 21" oil pastel)

Hot August (22" x 16" acrylic)

work-in-progress (48" x 24" acrylic)

The Nanny (28" X 22" acrylic)

Ladyface (close-up, acrylic on tar paper)

untitled (20' X 12" acrylic)

Details (acrylic 16" x 24")