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Labyrinth

I didn't come to Breitenbush for the Labyrinth . Last time I was here, I didn't even bother finding it. But when I see that the field is completely empty except for me, I decide to see what all the fuss is about. I remember reading something about these kinds of "labyrinths" being some sort of physical representation of a spiritual journey to your inner self or some shit like that. So I stand at the beginning of the path and say a little prayer about helping me find me, I take a deep breath, and I take one intentional step on the little gravel path. A few paces later, I realize I'm on the wrong path. This path is NEXT to the labyrinth, not part of the labyrinth. In case anyone is watching, I decide to pretend like I meant to go this way all along and follow the gravel path down to the river bank. I stay a few moments before going back to the REAL labyrinth to try again. I look around to make sure this is in fact the beginning of the labyrinth. I pause to pr...
Recent posts

An Open Letter To Officials Serving North Portland, Oregon

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Why Columbia Pool Matters to North Portland Families

UPDATE: There will be a press conference at Columbia Pool at 10am at Monday January 13, 2025. Neighbors and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend.    For generations, Columbia Pool has been more than just a place to swim—it has been a cornerstone of community health, safety, and connection for North Portland. As a lifelong resident and parent, I have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of its closure. My oldest daughter Evie swam for Roosevelt High School’s team, then worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Columbia Pool. Her younger sister Kaylie joined a swim team when she was just seven. But my youngest children, Ellie and Blake, have never had the opportunity to learn to swim. The closure of Columbia Pool and the limited access to other public pools—combined with overcrowding and hour-long bus rides to reach them—make it almost impossible for families like mine to teach children this essential life skill. During the summer, we’ve made the trek to Matt...

You Made Love Leave

She poured every ounce of her soul into loving you. She would have stood by you and loved you forever.  But you couldn’t take it. Pure Love was too much for you. But instead of finding healing for yourself to be able to accept Love, you left her. You left her for years. Decades even. You left her in a thousand little ways every single day. You left her in such big, undoable ways that no one would have blamed her for leaving you back. But she stayed. And is he loved hard enough to make up for what you couldn’t give. She stayed because that’s what Love does. She turned towards you because that’s what Love does. She held you while you confessed and cried because that’s what Love does. She saw her partner in distress and she loved you and she stayed.  And in repayment for her affection and steadfastness, you made her cry. You broke her heart. You broke your vows. You broke your home. You broke your promises. You broke her hope.  You didn’t believe you could be so thoroughly l...

Let It Burn

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From Unhappily Married to Happily Unmarried

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Evil Lisa Loeb and the Chinese Dive Bar

A post-coitus craving for Chinese food led my husband and I to Happy House Chinese Restaurant and Lounge , where their website boasts, "Happy House Happy Bar Happy Food Happy friendly People!" As we approach the weather worn entryway and sticker-clad front door off the parking lot, I realize I need to adjust my expectations. This is not a date night destination kind of place. This is a neighborhood watering hole where North Portland folks come to get more-bang-for-their-buck Chinese food. We place our To Go order in the bright restaurant portion with a petite, soft spoken woman with silky black hair and a sweet smile. We decide to wait with a drink in our hands, so we walk through a set of saloon doors leading us to the noisy, dark lounge. Video poker screens light the path to the bar where the lone bartender sports a messy bun, red lumberjack flannel, and modern, thick, cat eye glasses. Her hardy laugh glides over the noise and stands out. "She's like an evil ...