Dabball Launch for iPhone

Artist Cole Gerst checks out the pop up Virtual Gallery

Dabball launched for iPhones everywhere the beginning of September. A free app that marries dexterity games with great artwork and an option to own. World get ready to see some really sweet art! 

Along with this launch on iTunes, a pop up, virtual art gallery appeared in the Pearl District of PDX on first Thursday's anniversary and definitely had people talking.  Lynk snap created the QR codes that led to an amazing array of talented artists and many of them local to Portland and beyond. 

Seems pretty cool to take local... global.

Along with a very mixed crowd of tech savy and curious newcomers, Dabball artists Brooke Weeber, Santiago Uceda and Cole Gerst showed up to see their work translated.

Check it out for yourself... for the free app click here:http://www.dabball.com/ 

Here's  links to some of my fave atists du jour (all Dabball artists):

Brook Weeber: http://brookeweeberillustration.tumblr.com/

Michael C. Hsiung: http://michaelchsiung.com/#news

Cole Gerst: http://option-g.com/art_paintings/s/

Santiago Uceda: http://santiagouceda.com/

Sarajo Frieden: http://www.sarajofrieden.com/

Hutch: http://chrishutch.com/

Party Arty for First Thursday ! QR code Treasure/ Art Hunt!

A very cool collaboration from Ecopop, Option-G & EYEMAGiNE is going on in Portland, where iphones and Art hang out! Do yourself a favor get the free scanLife app and check out this QR code! (or you can just txt the code: dabball to 503.991.4474).  The event location and more details will be revealed for this one of a kind event! Hope to see you there!

Wish I Was There@ Land Gallery

Sweet Mary & Joseph...what a nice collaboration between Driscoll Reid & Amy Ruppel at Land Gallery.I thoroughly enjoyed this show and practically skipped along as the monsters frolicked in such beautiful scenery.

The show runs August 5th-28th

To buy or see more of Amy's art go to  http://www.amyruppel.com/ & for more info on

 Driscoll Reid http://driscollreid.com/

or check out Land http://landpdx.com/

Sleep Walkers Arise

With the sunny days of July finally, waking us out of our slumber in the great North West,  I decided it was high time to see what was bubbling up from the ground inside our yard. One day, if all goes well, I will have created a tranquil, delicious, and dainty gardening oasis. Well, maybe I shouldn't get too ahead of myself...

What greeted me upon my arrival, at said location, was a combination of snakes, thorns, and deer droppings. If only you could have seen my face as I greeted each one individually and heard my shrieks.... or rather gasps.  But bit by bit, I took my gardening sheers and chopped, yanked and stomped my way to freedom, one item at a time. Once things got going (and I had more scratch marks on my arm then if mauled by a rabid tomcat),  I pulled out the big guns, and grabbed my handy dandy battery powered weed whacker and never looked back.

 I never knew how liberating weed whacking could truly be. I mean, I'm hoping for Olympic recognition one day... why not, there's curling... and certainly landscaping combined with topiaries should garner some notice especially if there's a time limit involved... C'mon, let's just call it a dream people! Not that I create topiaries ... but I'm sure there has to be some sort of additional skill added...ahh but I digress...

By the end of all that yard taming, weed juice all over my shoes, plant particles infiltrating my teeth... I uncovered a delightful surprise... Grape vines and strawberries. What tasty sweetness those little berries produced. They definitely made up for the deer pies and snakes

Weeds and plants doing their thing... mainly weeds but ok

Don't mind me

 no strawberries there ....because I ate them all!

Willamette Valley Tasting

Antica Terra's tasting table

Ahh venturing into the Willamette Valley with my mind on my money and my money on my wine ... Wait.. no need to get gangsta ... cue the classical music...... preferbly Vivaldi... now then as we drove through the graceful arches of the land, the tasting room, and vineyard slowly, separately, came into view.  Both boutique and both by appointment only.

Antica Terra: had a special tasting that day and the splendid wine, music, lush setting, and Clyde Common catering made it an enchanted afternoon among the barrels of juice in process.
Nate their wine sommelier made passionate introductions about the chardonnay, and rose', we delicately savored. Typically, chardonnay is not the first wine I embrace, but Antica Terra's was down right huggable. Maggie, the wine maker introduced their Pinot Botanica and we learned of the Estate's unique rocky lands and history. This creative endeavor with a mission straight from the heart did not fall on deaf ears and we fell in love instantly with every little piece, Pinot, Rose' and Chardonnay. We heart Antica Terra!
http://www.anticaterra.com/html/place.html

Prive': You were our next stop. The rolling hills and scenic beauty of the land made tears well up  in our eyes. Your yummy pinot's and 8 year old (still in barrel) port seemed to make the heavens sing.
Mark and Tammy's kindness and family approach to their vineyard also made this such a special stop.
We heart Prive'
http://www.privevineyard.com/

Prive's south field

Ode to a Rhododendron

The Rhododendron's are in bloom ....
and I just can't stop myself from gushing over their beauty... gush gush..

go have a "calgon take me away" moment and surround yourself in these magical beauties at the 

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in pdx

http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=27&action=ViewPark

Michael C Hsiung

I can't get enough of Michael's mermen, serpents, and furry man creatures. 

Looks like he has yet another great piece of art in Neon Heathens show in North Carolina. Opening May 27th

check out his website:  http://www.michaelchsiung.com/#s-h-o-p-s-h-o-p

 and take a furry creature,chubby moustached man, or centaur home!

On the confusion and fury of a recently born man-serpent.

"Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Cat Man" / random street finds

You can not escape the cat man!

Please Sir may I have more @ Public Domain?

Just when I thought my life with coffee was complete along came Public Domain....
Apparently these folks have been behind the scenes  as a wholesaler, roasting coffee for  a very long time and have just gone public. They have some serious passion behind their process.

Yummy Mocha!

 Noah was kind enough to recommend this  Ethiopian  coffee which  I enjoy as I alertly type away

Public Domain is located in downtown 
603 SW Broadway
Portland, OR
Oh and ck out their website for info on cuppings and home brewing demonstrations!

http://www.publicdomaincoffee.com/

Some Sugarcubes Planet to kick off the day

Since my video posting of the planet got a copyright smack down enjoy this live unofficial version

Things you transport in the Pearl / random street finds

Look closely in the van ... here Kitty Kitty ..... Nice Kitty..

Option-G Daily Cartoon on Tree Hugger.com

Who could go without the "Wildlife Mothra"?

I'd hate to meet that thing in a dark alley but, would love to hang it on my living room wall.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/04/what-would-emerge-earths-cocoon-cartoon.php

something for the garden variety nerd herd

As spring continues to showcase budding trees and plants in my area, the gardening itch is grabbing hold.
I partially blame my parents (isn't that always the case) for raising me in a family gardening business but, enough psychiatric evaluation and blame.
What's a garden without a plan? So, I'm in the midst of trying to figure out gardening space and I stumbled upon this garden planner at Mother Earth News.

I think it's a neat idea if you are trying to figure out garden space, ideal time for planting and visualizing what's to come.... besides who couldn't use a little more organization in their lives?

http://www.motherearthnews.com/ 
http://www.motherearthnews.com/garden-planner/vegetable-garden-planner.aspx

Yay Crafty Wonderland Sale is a comin PDX!

Even though I wasn't the most crafty lass growing up,
(you should have seen my sad macrame owl attempt, or the baby doll dress I made that looked more like a sleeping bag)
there's a place for the craft challenged like me where I can peruse and purchase items from people with tons of talent. Oh, sweet relief.

http://craftywonderland.com/

Happy Love Your Mother Earth Day!

Seems like there are a lot of ways to get involved this year  ... although honestly don't cha think everyday should be earth day? Whether you are using a reusable bag, planting a tree, or switching out old light bulbs for more energy efficient models... it's so easy to do something to help clean up this little planet we call home.

 I especially like that this year more corporations are getting involved like Starbucks (bring a mug get some free coffee), Caribou, Old Navy and Lowes (free Trees)! (click the link below to get more deets)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/22/earth-day-freebies_n_852247.html?ref=fb&src=sp#s267910&title=Starbucks_Coffee

If nothing else get out into nature. After all fresh air never hurt anyone..... at least not that I've heard.

These pictures were taken on a hike over at the Collins Sanctuary Nature Trail near the Audubon Society (Portland).

Inhale ... Exhale .... Ahhhhh

The Audubon Society of Portland has a volunteer day on April 23rd so if you're in the Portland area this is a beautiful place to volunteer or sponsor Finnegan the Falcon (a beautiful falcon with a deformed foot)
http://audubonportland.org/about/events/green18

Finnegan 

Sunny mid century modern memories

Who can forget the images of  the iconic Stahl House, Koenig's Case Study House #22 in Los Angeles. I was there with my boyfriend not too long ago on a private tour and recently found some pictures from our visit. We were fortunate to hear Mark Stahl speak and see him and mom Carlotta on property enjoying the day.
It's still amazing to think that the Stahl's managed to raise three kids on that precarious perch without any incident.
As the rain continues to sporadically fall ... these pictures of a sunny day, exploring a magnificent structure warmed my soggy little heart.
Take a look and let the sunshine in.
Or, if you find yourself headed to Los Angeles click on this link below to schedule a tour of this amazing piece of architecture and beautiful view.
http://www.stahlhouse.com/viewings



(all photos on this post are by Cole Gerst)

Carlotta speaking with guest

one of the bedrooms just next to the pool

The spice rack hasn't changed a bit

The bathroom was really awesome in a fuzzy carpeted way

Carlotta speaking with Mark

visitors soaking it up

Frodo Baggins strikes again / random street finds

Sometimes the things you see are inescapable. Try as I might to avoid Frodo apparently he's around town and very much alive. I didn't realize that his following was so strong in these parts... until now.

Sometimes things are just a "force of hobbit"

So, I almost forgot that Frodo is cool now a days... silly me when I was thinking of the hobbit I was going back to the days when I was in the Hobbit musical as a kid! But here's a video that's the best of both worlds. Bilbo Baggins music by Leonard Nimoy visuals a la Peter Jackson.
Peter  will undoubtedly make Elijah Wood and co. just as cool and handsome as can be in the upcoming Hobbit movie, yet again, as in lord of the rings... so maybe it's time I get on the hobbit band wagon.
The above license plate is a sign.

down the street or in your own backyard

Out for a walk today, I am reminded that there is potential for adventures around every corner.

you just have to get out there

The Submarines rocked the Doug Fir last night

Blake Hazard from the Submarines

If you haven't heard these guys live you're missing out! Check out their new album Love Notes and Letter Bombs. Get yourself started with a free download of their song Birds here:

http://tinyurl.com/3l6zeyj

Good stuff from Option-G on the Sundance Channel

Ever wonder what it might be like to peek into someone else's dream life ?

 It seems like that's exactly what the creators behind Option-G's Dreamstates had in mind. 

They chose an eclectic mix of talent 

(Will Forte, Questlove, Malin Ackerman,Sebastian Younger, and Mike Gordon) 

and dove into the pool of each person's subconscious with the help of 5 talented animators.

Dreamstates teaser

http://www.sundancechannel.com/sunfiltered/2011/04/dreamstates-coming-in-may/

Experimental animation at Grand Detour this Saturday night

A good buddy of mine is coming to town to curate two hours of experimental animation at Grand Detour  this Saturday night. She'll be showing some of her work plus much more. 

The Video below is one of my favorite collaborations that she did with the band Fol Chen. 

still from "No Wedding Cake" by Nancy Jean Tucker

Music by Fol Chen video by Nancy Jean Tucker

for more deets on this event click here: http://vimeo.com/21904052

Uchu Fried Chicken and sushi

I think if I had to figure out what my last meal would be, it would be between
fried chicken and steak (medium rare thank you) and some sort of potato (cause I am a potato fiend).
I must have had a previous life during the potato famine ... because I've never met a potato I didn't like
(I've even had them au natural)... eh ok, back to the topic at hand.
But, Fried chicken and sushi?

Yep, you heard me right. Word is that Portland is getting it's very own sushi and fried chicken restaurant in May (but, wait it is actually open now)!! I have to admit, I'm a bit skeptical but very curious indeed. I'm sure I will be there salivating with others ... after all, there's fried chicken involved and oh, yeah sushi too. If Miss Delta's nearby hadn't sucked me indoors first, I would have hit Uchu up... ahh next time I'm in the NE hood I'm so there.

Photo by cpricework

http://www.uchusushi.com/north-portland-restaurant-n-mississippi-sushi/

Earth Day is quickly approaching

Since sustainability is (hopefully) on a lot of peoples minds this month, I thought I would share this cool art work that greeted me at a local whole foods near NE Freemont. What these artists are doing blew my mind. The bits and bobbles that we let loose into our ocean (at an alarming rate) are now on display, as art, at various sites. Check out their website to see amazing pieces, donate, and learn about the beach sites where they find these discards that wash onto our shores daily.
http://www.washedashore.org/

tires, shoes, spoons, shovels, and more make up this Giant Bird!

Love Love Love National Geographic wallpapers

I am officially a full fledged nerd.
Having these on your desktop is like having a tiny adventure at your fingertips!

Here's just one beautiful example from National Geographic

Photograph by Enric Adrian Gener, My Shot

Nat Geo wallpapers
http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/wallpapers/?source=NavPhoWall

The Submarines are coming! The Submarines are coming!

One of my favorite bands is coming to PDX!

The Submarines Monday, April 11th at the Doug Fir!

Here's one of their new tracks Birds

Also, you can stream their new album on Paste click the link below:
Love Notes / Letter Bombs

Our boy Rockie had a toof ache

Warning to the squeamish ... don't scroll to down if you are afraid of teeth.

In the pic below ....you see that little thing that looks like a crab claw?... well it's actually rockie's tooth.
He's our german shepherd mix doggie.

We took him to get his teeth cleaned and he had a real big problem... but since that mean old tooth was taken out he's been recovering very nicely.

He just wanted everyone to know that he's feeling so much better .

tooth impersonating a crab claw

What a good boy!

Cupping in Portland

We had friends in town recently and they suggested that we go to a cupping event at Stumptown Coffee Roasters. It took me a brief moment to connect the dots but, once I did, I was practically running out the door.

Tasting coffee sounds fun plus it gives the experts a chance to really show their stuff. I consider myself  relatively aware when it comes to understanding flavors in coffee beans but as usual I found out there was a lot more to consider in my quest for a great cup of jo.

The water is being poured

our friend Annie smelling the sweet aroma of coffee

For example: as we stood there slurping the coffee then spitting it out into our paper cups ... I noticed, there was no cream sitting out waiting to be dispensed, and to be honest I happen to like a lot of cream or milk in my coffee. But, the flavors are much more distinct when there's no disguise of sugar or milk to overwhelm them with. I vaguely remember  people telling me about fruity coffees (and I'm not speaking about the flavored coffee here either) perhaps, now if I lighten up on the milk and sugar I can let the true nature of the bean reveal itself. 

Please don't get me wrong here, I will still drink my coffee with sugar and milk but maybe not all coffee... just some.

And with that, I happened to fall in love with a funny little bean called Indonesia Sulawesi Toarco Peaberry.

And this little bean wasn't like the rest I was informed .. it's a bit of a mutant.

the two beans in front are the "mutant"peaberry beans

These little guys are nutritionally deprived and instead of both seeds being fertilized (that make up the whole bean in your typical looking flat beans), only one seed is fertilized, resulting in one strange looking bean. It kinda looks like it's trying to embrace itself.

This was the real prize I took home, aside from seeing good friends in fun places. Actually, I think it's about time for a cup right now!