I’m going to write another post about movies.  I know that this is the second in a row about movies and we really do have more going on in Portland, but the weather has been decidedly lousy.

Anyway, we, because Keith is with me on this, have to speak up one more time (until the next time) about what has to be the premier movie event in our fair city. I’m talking of course about the Portland International Film Festival.

It’s the biggie, and they’ve got an absolute United Nations of movies to keep you occupied till your eyes fall out of your head. The trip gets under way on Feb. 9 and doesn’t land until the 25th. So get cracking.

Later,
Emily (& Keith)

Maybe music is your bag. Maybe movies are your bag. Maybe movies about music is your bag. If so, you’re one lucky cineaste. We’re right near the end of the NW Film Center’s Reel Music Festival.

I have to give credit to Keith. He got me to go. I’ve already seen a couple over the last two weeks. Exodus has been the highlight so far. About Bob Marley. And I don’t even like reggae.

The series has been great so far, but it’s almost over (only runs till Jan. 31)! Check their calendar. Maybe you’ll find a last minute show that grabs you.

See ya,
Emily

Shopping and stores are usually Emily’s domain, but I just learned of this new spot that deserves mention.

It’s on the other side of the Hawthorne Bridge on Madison and is called the Retro Image Apparel Company. The place has some of the coolest, most unusual cycling jerseys. Stuff I’ve never seen before. A lot of the images are taken from what look like old posters. But there are others with the Grinch on them or Popeye.

They share the huge space with BicyclingHub.com, which itself has a huge selection of clothing, gear and whatnot for the bike-minded person. But Retro Image is worth checking out. So ride on in. And there’s stuff for men and women by the way. Forgot to mention that.

And thanks to bikeportland.org for pointing me there.

Later,
Keith

I trust everyone’s New Year’s revelry had fewer lasting effects than fair Keith of the wee hours. Mine was decidedly understated. I didn’t watch Ryan Seacrest, because that’s no way to start a new year, but it was quiet nonetheless.

Since then, I’ve had time to do some idle web surfing and ran across this Portland art festival that I’d never heard of. Anyone know of Fertile Ground? Its secondary title is “A City-Wide Festival of New Work”. A curiously named event.

The story is its 10 days of world premiere plays as well as workshops, readings and what they call “happenings.” Never been to a happening so that’s got me piqued. If you need some happening in your new year it starts Jan. 23 (till Feb. 1) at different locations around town. I’ll let you know if I learn more.

See ya,
Emily

Oh, I do remember one thing from new years and that is celebrating that it was the last night for smoking in bars and taverns in Oregon. Hallelujah. I’ve been avoiding certain places forever because of the smoke.

It was actually a pretty big topic of conversation during the night. And a couple of people said they thought certain places would just take the fine. But I really think they’re only going to get more business. They’ve not seen me in there for months. The bartenders can’t dig it either.

Once it’s had a chance to air out a bit the first place I’m looking forward to going would have to be Horse Brass. That means there’s an espresso stout in my future. Happy new year.

Later,
Keith

Well, I think I’m recovered enough to try posting again. Man, that was a new year’s. I won’t tell you where we went because my lawyer has advised me against it. I’ll just say we gave 2008 a right and proper send off.

It’s taking good olde timey mountain music to get me out of the house. I guess it’s been around for a couple of years but I’d never heard of the River City Bluegrass Festival. But just now it seems the perfect antidote. A little fiddle music will fix you right up.

The event takes place at the Convention Center. I’m not hot on the venue but for Ralph Stanley I’m willing to give it a shot. It runs from Jan. 9 through Jan. 11. Plenty of time to get the spirit in ya.

Later,
Keith

I think I’ve mentioned we usually try to get out of town on New Year’s to hit the mountain, or at least go find some snow. It’s got to be one of my favorite traditions we’ve started out here.

This was the third year we did it and this time we just packed some food and thermoses of lifesaving coffee, Irish’ed if you like, and headed up to Trillium Lake and spent the day cross country skiing. Great snow, great day. Highly recommended.

I think I like doing it because it starts the year off right. Reminds you of the important things. Don’t let yourself get stressed by the little stuff during the year. Maybe it’ll work for you. Trillium is only about 1.5 hrs away if you’re interested. Mirror Lake is another good option. Have fun.

Later,
Keith

I wish I would’ve known about this place before all my Christmas shopping. Though actually maybe it’s better to do it now. I’m talking about Talula’s, which thankfully is just a stone’s throw from us.

They have joined the ranks of those who married peanut butter with jelly and gin with tonic. Talula’s combines a shoe store, with labels from designers like Miss Sixty, Bronx, Vince Camuto and DKNY, and a foot spa. I know.

You’ve shopped. You’ve toiled at a hot stove. You’ve endured in-laws, or are still and need an escape. You deserve a reward. Thank your feet with a new pair of shoes and a bit of ped pampering. I don’t even have any in-laws and I deserve it.

See ya,
Emily