Portland, Oregon
Written by hootenannie on August 10th, 2010What a place, huh?
Last night, I zig-zagged the downtown streets on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of Stumptown. Seattle may be my first love – but I have a warm, fuzzy fondness for her hippie kid sister.
Eventually, I wandered into Powell’s Books (how could I not?), and spent way, way too much time browsing the endless aisles. When I’m in a bookstore, I feel a mixture of buoyant possibility (all of these stories are just waiting to be read), and frantic panic (but there’s not enough tiiiiime!). If I could, I would hold each story in my hands like a cloud, and wring it out like the rain.
When I returned to the hotel from my walk, the doorman greeted me, “Welcome back, Ms. Parsons.” And when the elevator doors slid shut, enclosing me in privacy for my ride up to a room with floor-to-ceiling drapes and a king-sized bed, I grinned out loud.
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That is exactly how I feel in bookstores, endless opportunities, yet a panic that I’ll have to leave eventually.
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OOO, that sounds DELICIOUS!!
Also,well-written blog! “hold it in my hands like a cloud and wring out the rain.” Great descriptions, throughout, AP. :) (Can you tell I’m gearing back up for school to start…? Ugh.)
If I didn’t know you were going to be at my place of residence in t-minus 1 week, this blog would make ME feel frantic, knowing that you were so close and I was still so far!
Also: 23rd for shopping. (Prob best to ask someone a good cross-st to start at.)
Cafe Vivace for crepes, great coffee, and a good blogging/reading/writing atmosphere
Papa Haydens for desserts.
Just in case. :) LOVE YOU! Have FUN!
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glad to know there are others that have the same conflicted urgent comfort in book stores.
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You went to Powell’s and didn’t call me?!? :) Did you buy anything? I cannot go in without getting a book. It’s an addiction.
And the doorman knew your name?? SWANKY.
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Oh Annie.
Portland is actually my first love. Powells and the Rose Garden and the millions of places to eat pizza, all that great beer, all that great rain…I could go on.
Your night sounds like just the sort of thing one could get used to.
Enjoy it for me. Give Portland my love.
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Just got back from my first trip to Portland. It’s such an awesome place! You hit all the spots I visited. I felt that same feeling Powells. Did you go to Voodoo donuts?? That place is a gold mine. As is Ground Kontrol. I highly recommend both!
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Annie, you are so cute.
Portland is my first love, too (agreeing w/ Whitney). I grew up wandering the aisles of Powells (and Powell’s technical bookstore, just up the street). I don’t get into downtown as often as I’d like, so now I live on their website, and relish the opportunity to go to the airport, so I can wander the mini-Powells :).
Have a great time!
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that “wring out the rain” bit, sheesh. you’re just so writerly.