These days I typically come up with an idea for a blog and words roll around in my brain like marbles in a maze. Then I form the bits into some verbal slush and dictate a few paragraphs as I walk, before shaping them into (hopefully) interesting paragraphs on this blog. But occasionally I have disparate items to share. Like today’s mishmash.

KBOO

First, in case what I shared yesterday was lost in social media cyberspace. I was excited to be interviewed by Ken Jones of the Jonesy Hour, hosted on Portland’s KBOO radio station. If you are unfamiliar with KBOO, do listen in sometime, either by radio at FM 90.7 or streaming. This community radio station (yes, donations matter) airs a diversity of hosted talk shows and music. I’ve come to enjoy Saturday morning Bluegrass and Friday afternoon Alternative Americana and Roots shows. If you missed my interview Thursday morning, you can stream it. Pay attention to the intro song perfectly chosen (by Ken) to match my interview (Bread and Roses by the English folk group The Unthanks). Thank you Ken for the invitation for this (just over an hour) interview and support for all my books, including A Map of Her Own. And the great work you do sharing authors’ works.

Listen to the audio clip direct from KBOO The Jonesy Hour

Or, visit KBOO for the description and link.

Visit Portland’s Chinatown Museum

Now that I’m no longer commuting to work, I look for opportunities to visit downtown Portland. I do this both to bring support back to this city so many of us love, and because – yes – I love this city. I enjoy walking along the waterfront, across the Tilikum Bridge, visiting the library, finding a place for a good snack or meal or drink. Yesterday, though, I had a mission to donate my family’s original pastels by Chinese artist Wylog Fong’s to the Portland Chinatown Museum.

Yes, the entrance to the Chinatown Museum is on Northwest Third Avenue, in the heart of Old Town. Yes, Portland struggles as do so many cities with houselessness and other societal problems, and we need to bring a healthy dose of compassion along on trips like this. (While we too do what we can to advocate for the health and safety of all members of our community.) I had my daughter and grandson along and we were all amazed at the extensiveness of the museum; a spot that looks a bit like a hole in the wall from the outside. I can’t wait to return to view more of the protected history and art; and of course to one day see our donated work on the walls too. Do also take time to visit the nearby Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Wylog Fong (or Wy Log Fong) was born in San Francisco in 1894 and died in Los Angeles in 1974. He attended both high school in Portland and the Portland Art School and was known as a successful painter and illustrator in the 1920s and 1930s. Prints of his original work were produced by the West Coast Engraving Company in Portland where he was under contract in the 1920s. He is known for creating genre portraits of Chinese men, women and children in styles that often stereotyped the characters to perhaps appeal to non-Chinese audiences. Learn more.

Other Old Town Destinations

Dan and Louis Oyster Bar

And finally, since the little guy was along, although we had already eaten lunch, I insisted on walking him through nearby Dan and Louis Oyster Bar. You may have seen my previous blog (Support Local and visit Dan and Louis Oyster Bar) about this longtime restaurant. This time, I spied a photo I hadn’t remembered from before –of course there are SO many interesting photos on its walls. As I stared at the faces of this group family and staff photo, I knew it had to be taken around 1978-79, the years I too worked first, hostess, and then waitress shifts for I recognized nearly every one of the waitresses and a few of the cooks. Oh, and yes, I wore that uniform too. Such good memories! They were all so kind to me.

The Oregon Maritime Museum (Steamer Portland)

Although we were unable to get a tour of this steamer (and yes, trust me that someone in our group wanted to badly!), I never tire of staring at it from the Portland Waterfront. It is open on Saturdays for tours if you want to plan your trip accordingly!

Independent Bookstore Day tomorrow!

While I advocate supporting independent bookstores every day, tomorrow is a perfectly special day to do it. Most shops have events or promotions; so find one (or two or three) to stop in and check out.

And yes, I too am always a library fan. Multnomah County patrons: I have recently learned that the Multnomah County Library system now has five copies of A Map of Her Own! Wow, I was just hoping for one or two. Go ahead, put one on hold or go pick it up from the shelf. (Clackamas County residents, not to worry, this system has two copies and at least one or two of each of my other books.)

Learn about my books