#pdx imagine

[commiepinkofag]

“This law risks conflating terrorism, and all its political baggage, with long historical tactics of climate and environmental activists, as well as some instances of street protests.” — Sarah Alvarez, an attorney with the Civil Liberties Defense Center

[seattle-d-0-m]

Have you ever shaved your partners bikini area? My Dom has asked to shave me and I'm like "...wut". I guess I don't see the attraction to it and I thought I'd anon ask a random Dom on the Internet!

😅 Perplexed in PDX

Well, we sure don’t want you to be perplexed 😋

Imagine these two groups were paint colors to be mixed to achieve a specific color blend to paint with. Each artist will choose differently.

Romance, Intimacy, Trust - Vanilla - To earn your trust & to warm you up to them being down there, &/or to take care of you—like tying your shoes—only more intimate, since it happens to focus a very special little private place.

Power, control, & ownership - Kink - The darker & kinkier motivation is an assertion of power & control down to a detailed level; not only control over you, but control over your holes. Ranging from them simply doing it for you with your input, to them deciding for you & perfectly sculpting you entirely at their pleasure.

[butchdreams]

Fuckk I just saw this insta post of a PDX missed connection and immediately thought god…. I wish that were me. But all the comments were like “what a terrible day to read”/“I cannot imagine why anyone would do that at all”/“This makes me sick” ….. like 😭😭 I’m sorry I’m a freak

[livthechoochieslayer]

505

When two people meet in an unexpected way, love is usually not something that comes out of it.

Story warnings: Nothing crazy, mostly fluff but the end does feature 5k words of smut. HA.

Summary/intro: When Lia went on a girls trip New York, she never thought writing her phone number on a bathroom wall would lead to a relationship, let alone meeting a man she has only seen on camera. Dominic would have never imagined he would be catching an airplane across the country for a girl, especially one he has never met.

Chapter TWS: self pity lol

4 OF 9

Link for part 1

_____________________

He can’t stop replaying the entire scenario in his mind. He crumbled when he heard her voice crack, knowing she started to cry. It was the worst thing he could have said, and he knows it just made her day worse than it already was. He’s itching to apologize, but doesn’t know how to and, well, even if he wanted to, he can’t since she won’t answer the damn phone.

3,000 miles away, Lias sits on her bed, glaring at the small little blue rectangle that’s flipped upside down on her sunset bed. 

He knows how much she hates when he does that, and he did it even after she told him not to! Everything seems to settle and hit her then, her few tears turning into a downpour. The familiar ache in her chest that was already forming half way through their call, and only got worse as it went on became too heavy.

She cries because she feels violated, cries because her day has been so tiring, cries because all she wanted from Dominic was comfort and she got judgment instead. She understands that he means well, but she already figured it out and told Jack, her boss, about the situation. 

Jack made sure to contact the local police and banned Tim as well as some of his friends from the restaurant permanently. Sometimes it just feels like Dominic thinks she can’t protect herself or think on her own. She can do both, and can do them without anyone's help.

Maybe if she sleeps she would feel better, but that’s not what she wants to do. She sits in her bed, tears stinging her eyes, and chest tightening, letting all the emotions run through her to get rid of them. 

She groans angrily remembering what Dominic said, trying to smear the tears off her cheeks with her purple painted nails. They had been such a drama-free couple since the start, never having problems, so this felt like a big deal to her and hopefully to Dominic as well. 

She’s keen to keep him silenced until morning and if she doesn’t see any texts of apologies or begs for forgiveness, she is genuinely going to lose her shit. 

There is no way she is going to date someone that thinks he was in the right in this situation or has things to share when she firmly says she doesn’t want them. She wants to scream or punch something to ease her emotions, but all she can do is cry.

Lia goes to brush her teeth in the dark, not wanting to even catch a glance of herself in the mirror. She snatches Sunni from the couch in the living room and pets her as she walks them into her comforting bedroom. 

“It’s bedtime.” She states, turning off her light, plugging in her phone, and throwing the warm comforter over herself as well as her cat. 

She kisses Sunni’s head and holds her close, listening to her purr as she slips off into sleep with a stuffy nose and puffy eyes. Lia was mentally and physically exhausted from the day, needing every bit of peace she could get. 

Plus, she has a big day tomorrow, but doesn’t know it yet. 

3AM NEW YORK

His mind is awake, unable to shut off. He’s replaying and rethinking the earlier events, angrily shoving his face into one of his many silk pillows. 

‘Goddammit,’ he thinks. He’s supposed to be dying from excitement right now, 4 hours away ‘til his 7 hour flight to PDX and a simple 45 minute drive to his girlfriend’s house. 

If he did all the calculations correctly, he should get there around 6 pm her time, and Lia won’t be off work till 7, so that gives him an hour to explore the town she calls home. 

He decides he’s been tossing and turning in bed for too long now. Might as well get up and start getting ready for his, give or take, 8 hours of travel, right? 

Peanut his beloved goldfish won’t be left alone while Dominic is on his trip since his best friend, Ryan, will be staying in his apartment for the 2 weeks he won’t be here.

Dominic thinks about how he is going to miss Peanut as he feeds him an early breakfast, sprinkling the food down into the dark water like stars splattered in the sky.

Dominic twists the top of Peanut’s food closed, looking out the bay window that stretches almost the whole wall in his beloved bedroom. He peers down to the streets and even at 3 in the morning, the roads aren’t abandoned. He studies the cars for a few minutes, watching where they go and even catches glimpses of flashing police lights as they color the buildings. 

He sighs and closes his eyes. He just needs to see Lia in person, and then he can figure everything out from there.

Dominic walks away from his window and goes to take a quick shower, wanting the bad memories to wash down the drain, only if the silence lasts for a couple hours. 

By the time he gets to the airport, the sun has woken and he watches the busy people doing busy things with the limited space they have. 

Some are in work clothes, quietly speaking into their phones with a passion Dominic doesn’t understand, while others are walking with purpose to their gates, suitcases close to their bodies. 

His hood is up, and he’s slouching in his chair feeling bad for himself. His headphones are in, and he’s tapping out the beat of the song on his phone he holds in his hands.

He has his glasses off, tucked away in his backpack so everything is slightly blurry which calms him. Things don’t matter if they are blurry so, in theory, nothing matters in this airport at the moment. He likes the peace of not being able to see all the details on people’s faces. He can’t hear their voices or see their expressions well and it’s like a blanket covering the world for him, keeping him safe from everyone. 

He often feels untouchable when he does this, not in a way that makes him feel big or powerful, but in a way he feels safe, like no one can disturb him. Of course, he can be disturbed very easily, but putting headphones on and taking his glasses off feels like he falls into a haze of a pure silent and blurred world.  

The only thing that this method of calming can't do is shut up his thoughts. 

The plane should be boarding very soon, and Dominic can’t seem to decide if he should be terrified for the day ahead or be extremely thrilled. He’s feeling both, plus a splitting headache of course, created by his pitiful situation and maybe, his lack of wearing glasses. 

He vaguely hears his flight number get called and stands up on instinct, walking to the boarding door slowly, placing his glasses back on his nose. There’s no rush, he thinks as people are quickly making their way over, cutting in front of one another. He would rather be last on the plane so he doesn’t have to sit there for any longer than necessary.

Dominic belongs to the majority of people who hate flying, but instead of hating it for the fact that airplanes violently shake in the air, he hates it for the memories it brings. 

He would go on tour with his dad 8 months of the year when he was a kid, and it caused him to feel like he didn’t belong. He barely had any friends, didn’t have a house, a city or state to call his own. He didn't feel comfortable anywhere or connected to anything for years which caused him to grow up lonely and constantly uneasy. 

For his 20th birthday, all Dominic wanted was an apartment far away from his parents that he could call his own and never have to leave. His dad granted his wish as a way to apologize for his childhood, but it wasn’t very meaningful. 

A letter was slipped under his college dorm room door the night of his birthday and it had all the financial paperwork for a high rise apartment in Manhattan. 

Ever since he’s lived there he’s loved it, but the idea that it’s his fathers way of apologizing has always irked him. So, he’s been saving up enough money to buy it from his dad for years now, and once he gets back from his trip, it’s the first thing he’s going to do. 

“Boarding pass, please.” The lady in a navy shirt and skirt uniform spoke warmly to Dominic. He fumbles, forgetting where he is for a moment, and quickly pulls out his phone to give her. 

She scans the barcode and smiles, waving her hand as a sign to move forward. He gives a small smile back, walking down the blank cream hallway to the plane door. 

He's never had the idea to go and visit Lia to be honest. It was only a dream for Lia to visit him since her finances aren’t as stable as Dominic’s. While receiving a little over minimum wage at the diner is enough for just her and her cat's needs, it’s not enough for her moms needs or for saving. Her tips help out with her mother, but the remainder of them immediately go to her car fund. 

While it would be fun to go, she’s had no financial opportunities to even think of visiting New York again. 

The first time was lucky when her old California friend paid for everything. 4 girls were invited to her birthday bash and the birthday girl, Erika, was nice (and rich enough,) to fly them all out just because she wanted her 19th birthday in New York.

For Dominic, the chance was never there because his work has always been extensive, and his company rarely gives out long vacation breaks. He just recently got moved to a position that allows him to be able to almost work full time outside the office.

When Dominic learned about this position and the possibilities of less time spent at work, he immediately took the deal. Once everything was signed, he booked a flight and date to see Lia.

It was almost instinctual when he did it, there wasn’t even another thought in his brain. Dominic just did it, no second guessing himself or worrying about how it could go wrong. 

He doesn't regret it at all now as he stares at the lady in the middle row of the plane giving her flight safety speech. He’s happy that he did it even if Lia wants to cut off his balls right now. The lady in the navy blue slowly fades out of his vision, and he falls asleep feeling the slight rumble of the plane’s take off. 

___________________

crazy stuff!!!!!!!!!

[grooveland]

They removed the #breezeblock and she no longer lights up at night, I imagine the wrecking ball is gonna start swinging on the Palms Hotel soon to make room for the Luxury Apartment Lofts, they are keeping the sign tho. . . #portland #pdx #palmshotel #palmsmotel #portlandphotography #pdxdesign #photography #portlandoregon #urbanphotography #portlandphoto #portlandphotos #oldportland #portlandsigns #motel #pdxmotel #signs #pdxsigns #thepalms #neon #neonsigns #pdxneon #motelsigns #interstateave (at Palms Motel) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqBSjZ8PIxq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jimhair]

If I’m lucky I’ll meet friends for coffee on a Saturday morning. Yesterday @oldtowncoffeepdx I was able to spend and hour with @saljaramillo1993 and @ted.mishima and Nicole, the owner. As the sun came out mid-day I was grateful to meet a few people as I wandered through Old Town, and especially enjoyed meeting Earl who teaches art to middle schoolers. It is such a gift to hear someone share stories about their life and experiences, and must be the most subversive threat to the people who want to encourage strife in America. “For millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals. Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination. We learned to talk and we learned to listen. Speech has allowed the communication of ideas, enabling human beings to work together to build the impossible. Mankind's greatest achievements have come about by talking, and its greatest failures by not talking. It doesn't have to be like this. Our greatest hopes could become reality in the future. With the technology at our disposal, the possibilities are unbounded. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking.” Stephen Hawking Earl, Portland, February 11, 2023 🇺🇦💔🌎💔🌏💔🌍💔🇺🇦 #earth #america #human #family #people #documentary #street #portrait #artist #teacher #photography #mediumformat #4x5 #camera #bnw @ilfordphoto #film #blancoynegro #blancetnoir #Hēiyǔbái #siyahbeyaz #白黒 #shirokuro #blackandwhite #istillshootfilm #photojournalism #pdx #portland #nw #northwest #oregon 230215 HP5 1947 Graflex Super D Kodak 190mm 5.6 Ektar https://www.instagram.com/p/CokcLxkpPx6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ainulindaelynn]

Top 10 Bands/Musicians

Tagged by the wonderful @aeide and @sleeplessincarcosa <3

Some of these are temporary and some are always. Aaand I’m breaking the rules to go off the rails because it’s late 😂

1. Def Leppard - it’s always Def Leppard. On every music list I ever do, it will always be Def Leppard. Foolin’? Animal? The BEST.

2. The Black Keys - one of you suggested this ages ago and I fell down the rabbit hole never to be seen again.

3. Joseph - this is a local PDX band that’s gone a bit bigger, but they KILL at this very airy sound and have some lyrics that are just 🙌. Whirlwind, Honest, Canyon, Wind… there are so many good ones.

4. John Denver - Being honest here 😂 My dad grew up VERY rural, packing horses into the mountains on the weekends, and his dad used to play this on the radio when he was a kid, making breakfast, so he’s always done the same and it conjures alllll of that for me. And he writes with a lot of texture. Experiential. You hear the flight patterns of The Eagle and the Hawk. You see the sea spray in Calypso. These days, I do a lot of gender-neutralizing with his music, but he was very much a hippie (see Rhymes & Reasons 😂), so I think he’d do that himself if he were still writing today. He has so many I love: Matthew, To the Wild Country, Poems, Prayers, & Promises… Among all his famous ones. I mean what other songwriter leaves after a fight and returns with Annie’s Song? It’s just absurd 😂

5. Ingrid Michaelson - She never comes to mind when I think of artists I love, but I have 30-some songs of hers. She just never misses the mark. Her old stuff. Her new stuff. It’s all fantastic.

6. Dean Lewis - Half his songs were written for Thalexios. Change my mind.

7. RAIGN - both of these last two are for a handful of ship-specific songs (likely short lived), although I’m coming to love RAIGN’s style more and more.

8. Imagine Dragons - immediately puts me back in a very specific era. They don’t swear in their songs and usually I couldn’t care less, but when I was doing mental health support in schools that made them one of the few bands we could listen to and they were ALWAYS on, especially Whatever It Takes. I love the person I was then - I was very myself, despite the fact that things were WILD 24/7. I sang a lot of Start Over on my way to work 🤣

9. Mumford & Sons - Don’t know as much about them as I should, but this is an era too. Awake My Soul especially, but there are a dozen at least. And in lieu of a 10th, I’ll do Story Time, because this has me nostalgic and it’s way too long and tumblr is something of a void, right…? 😂 When I listened to them most, I was super young, had started working with a nonprofit, and my worldview was being blown apart. I was also “not-dating” a guy I’d known my whole life - a marine stationed overseas at the time. Before he reached out, I’d noticed a pattern of hometown SOs he’d start up with and then ghost when he came back. I knew his game. He just wanted an anchor. We never talked about it and I never felt compelled to tell him I’d NEVER date him, because I knew he was bullshitting me. But things got out of hand. We talked twice a day for 10 months… with a 16hr time difference… during a HUGE time in both our lives. Him processing his life. My revelations. Love, but not as a partner? But we never talked about what we were doing. And at the end, he started scaring me, getting all weepy about me when he was drinking and I felt like an awful person. We talked about him coming home, but I always kept conversations pointed at him, the family he’d see, what they were like, the places he’d go... If he cut ties, I didn’t want broken promises. I wanted it clean. And sure enough, his plane landed and we never spoke again - all that sap, a strange goodbye. He’s a stranger ever since, walking around with a year of my mind tucked inside his, and I smile when I remember him, because it was what we both needed and it ended when it needed. I hope, somehow, he knows that.

Buuut I’ll never break the silence to make sure, so good luck, buddy. Best wishes 😅

—————

No pressure tagging @desperate-confidence @merelyafigment @milfeivor @newengland-shrike @blue-mono :)

[doomedandstoned]

PDX Sludge Beast VIRAL TYRANT Cuts Loose New Music Video

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

By Billy Goate

There's a new voice of doom echoing from dank halls all around the Rose City. Met VIRAL TYRANT, dubbed "a new breed of sonic, sludge-laden force from the mixed temperate rainforest and concrete jungle of Portland, Oregon."

Tapping into the Dungeons & Dragons and horror films, extreme metal and video games for inspiration, the band rails against "dehumanization and group think" with a potent blend of doom, sludge, thrash, grunge, prog, and even black metal. Let's be clear: this isn't an album covering different genres, but one unique strain of metal "woven cohesively together to forge a sound of complex, yet grounded blackened, psychedelic sludge."

Today, Doomed & Stoned brings you the third single from the band's upcoming album, 'Vultures Like You' (2023). "A Savage, Ensnared" introduces us to a place where there's no justice, no peace, no mercy, and is so beautifully accompanied by a music video from Dark Sprite Video

Viral Tyrant bassist Casey Martin reflects on the meaning of the song:

When I approached the idea of lyrics, I started with the way the song sounded. It reminded me of this lone warrior/gunslinger sorta character trope and ran with it. It was approaching the elections at the time and the BLM protests were winding down here in Portland. I wanted to take the opportunity to write a protest song.

I always thought that we need more messages of revolution and catharsis interwoven into our popular culture that reveal the truths of the world and not just a bunch of songs so focused on ego and shallow ethos. I wanted to instill a mood of pessimism and angst. Of frustration and anger. Of cathartic vengeance for freedom and human rights.

I imagined a disembodied narrator like in the Conan The Barbarian film telling a tale that keeps repeating time and time again. The Everyman character of the song is inspired by the struggles of the disenfranchised and the working class from whom imperialism keeps the truth buried.

Viral Tyrant's brand of heaviness pierces deep into the modern psyche, with razor sharp riffs, gruff vocals, and tales not soon forgotten. Vultures Like You comes out July 21st on multiple formats via Ripple Music (pre-order here). Stick it on a playlist with High on Fire, Phantom Hound, Serial Hawk, and Cough.

Give ear...

Follow The Band

Get Their Music

[consistantly-changing]

[Image descriptions in order: a Reddit comment by u/pdx-wholesome which says "I'm glad you don't mind doing the cleaning, but it's still not so great for the people of the city. I couldn't imagine trying to explain the profane and pervasive graffiti that's all over downtown to my kids. Pic attached has been up for at least 5 days right in the heart of downtown. Can't get to the Hawthorne Bridge without seeing it, and this isn't very unique." Below is an Imgur link to a photo of the graffiti.]

[A photo of a small brick building, a public washroom, next to what could be a park. There is a brown metal door in the centre of the wall facing the camera, and white graffiti to the right of it. The graffiti says "cops drink piss, and not in the cool way". Below is an upside down pentagram. The building has more graffiti on all visible sides.]

i’m crying laughing about this

[nwbeerguide]

Hosted June 16th Gigantic Brewing Company and Loyal Legion PDX presents "Snackdown VI:Snacking Never Dies!"

https://bit.ly/3KFOwOU Press Release Portland, OR – PDX Beer Week, Gigantic Brewing Company and Loyal Legion are thrilled to announce SNACKDOWN VI: SNACKING NEVER DIES!, a lively and entertaining food and beer pairing event set for Father's Day, Sunday, June 16th, at The Evergreen event space above Loyal Legion. SNACKDOWN! brings together 8 of Portland's finest chefs and 8 renowned Oregon brewers, pairing them into 8 dynamic Brewer/Chef teams. Each team will craft their ultimate snack and beer pairing, vying for the coveted SNACKDOWN Belt. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample all the pairings and vote for their favorite, adding an interactive element to this one-of-a-kind event. Unlike your typical beer dinner, SNACKDOWN! promises a more relaxed and playful atmosphere, reminiscent of a WWF-style Smackdown. Brewers and chefs will take the stage to hype their pairings, possibly donning wrestling-themed costumes such as luchador masks, spandex, capes, and tassels. DJ Big Tim Slade will be spinning tracks to keep the energy high throughout the evening. Tickets for the event are priced at $49, which includes all 8 small plates and 8 x 5oz beer pours. Guests are encouraged to embrace the wrestling theme and dress up in the most outrageous outfits imaginable. To enhance the festive mood, there will be old WWF wrestling footage projected throughout the venue. All proceeds after expenses from SNACKDOWN will benefit P:ear, a local charity dedicated to building positive relationships with homeless youth through education, art, recreation, and job training. P:ear's mission is to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives for young people in the community. 2024 SNACKDOWN BREWERY/CHEF TAG TEAMS: Gigantic Brewing + Morchella Von Ebert Brewing + Pizza Thief Brujos Brewing + Machete Breakside Brewing + Salt & Straw Block 15 Brewing + Loyal Legion Vice Beer + El Viejon Cerveceria Del Norte + The Pie Spot SteepleJack Brewing + Prime Tap House Join us for an unforgettable Father's Day celebration filled with creativity, fun, and fantastic food and beer pairings. SNACKDOWN VI: SNACKING NEVER DIES! is the perfect way to enjoy top-tier culinary delights in a uniquely entertaining setting. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.pdxbeerweek.com/schedule/snackdown-vi-snacking-never-dies.  SNACKDOWN VI: Snacking Never Dies! Sunday, June 16th, 1-3:30pm The Evergreen above Loyal Legion 710 SE 6th Ave All ages  LINK TO THE PROMO VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67LLg1Az7qE About PDX Beer Week: PDX Beer Week is an annual celebration of craft beer culture in Portland, Oregon, featuring a diverse range of events, tastings, and activities that highlight the city's vibrant brewing community. About Gigantic Brewing Company: Gigantic Brewing Company is an independent, artisanal brewery located in the Southeast quadrant of Portland. We hold ourselves to a simple principle – Never Give an Inch. We vow to start small and (stubbornly) stay small, focusing our efforts on making exceptional beer, rather than a lot of beer. When you drink Gigantic, know that we didn't just put our names on the label – our effort, imagination, and dry wit are in every beer.   from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/4bWe1HJ

[autistickaitovocaloid]

I know it doesn't really have a plot other than "have fun with miku + her friends :)" (excluding pdx which has an actual story) but the canon implications of Project Diva sure are something. Like imagine if you went to work one day and a 16 year old version of yourself from an alternate universe was there what would you do?

[jaidenbarstad]

My experience as an exchange student in Spain from USA

I’ve been an exchange student in Madrid, Spain for almost 5 months now. My life has changed in so many ways I could have never imagined. My mind is filled with countless memories that I will never forget. Learning to live in a new country, with a new family, friends, language, and surroundings is something not many people get to experience, so i’m very grateful to get this opportunity. 

THE BEGINNING

Leaving everything and everyone back in the USA to come to a foreign country by myself was, to say the least, scary. But also extremely exhilarating. The feeling of not knowing what lied ahead was something i’d never experienced before. 

My last days leading up to my departure were filled with so many emotions. I was saying goodbye to all my close family and friends, knowing I wouldn't see them for 10 months, knowing I would miss out on everything at home. But I also knew something great was ahead of me. A new chapter in my life. 

On September 15th, 2022, my mom and I got up early to go to the airport. So many thoughts were running through my head. 

I flew out of PDX (Portland, OR, USA) and even though I had flown out of there many times before, this time I knew I wouldn’t return for almost a year. After a long goodbye hug to my mom, I boarded the plane. There was no turning back. 

Everything went smoothly. I had a layover in Texas which went well, I talked to a few strangers about what I was doing and where I was going. They all thought I was very brave for doing it, which gave me comfort. 

Then it was time to board my last flight. To the airport of Madrid, Spain. My home for the next 10 months. My mind was racing with questions and wonders of what my life was going to be like there. 

After a total of about 17 hours, I was landed in a new country. I got in touch with my host family to see where they were. They said they were waiting for me just outside of baggage claim. I made my way through customs and all of that went pretty swiftly. I just had to grab my luggage. 

After I had my stuff, I made my way out to my host family. My host mom, Lucía, and my host dad, Antonio, were waiting to greet me with a welcome sign. They were amazing from the start and so kind. They were impressed with my Spanish which was a nice compliment. I felt so welcome and felt like I belonged. 

It was only about an hour ride to the small town I call home, Moralzarzal. Along the way, they pointed things out and showed me the natural beauty of Spain. 

As soon as we made it home, my host mom helped me get my things to my new bedroom. She made sure I felt comfortable and that everything was in place. She had an idea of what it was like for me because one of her three sons was in the USA at the time doing the same thing as me. 

Throughout the first few days, I was introduced to many new people. Including my two host brothers, Gonzalo and Rodrigo, as well as some of their friends. They showed me around town and we started getting all of my stuff prepared for school. 

I was a little sick for the first week so that made things a little difficult, but overall the start of my time in Spain was absolutely amazing. I knew I made the right choice to go. 

HIGH SCHOOL IN SPAIN

Coming from my high school in the USA, I didn’t know what to expect. I had little to no knowledge of what the education system was like here. 

My first day, I was introduced to my class and my classmates that I would spend the rest of the school year with. Everyone was super kind and willing to help with anything and everything I needed. 

The first few weeks were good, I was just trying to figure everything out and adjust to all the new things. Most of all, I was adjusting to the language. Even though I spoke Spanish from the start, I definitely had to get used to speaking it all the time. 

The education level is much higher in Spain than it is in the USA. Therefore it has been hard for me to study and do my work at the level of my classmates, but i’m trying my hardest and enjoying myself. I also know that any hard times I have, my friends and family here can help. 

I go to the same school as two out of my three host brothers. Even though we don’t have classes together, we always greet each other when we cross paths in the halls. 

From being here the past 5 months, I can say that there are many differences between high school in the USA vs here in Spain. Classes are shorter here, there are more tests, the students are more open, the subjects are different, etc. It’s hard to say which I prefer. Just the same, I love it here.

I am able to participate in all of the school activities and excursions which makes me enjoy my time even further.

HOST FAMILY

My host family consists of my host mom, host dad, and three host brothers. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better host family. They are all immensely friendly and have been nothing but welcoming. 

Over the months, my host brothers and I have connected more. I come from a home of three sisters, so having the opposite has been quite a change. Nonetheless, I enjoy my time with them. My second day here, one of them asked if I wanted to go out with him and his friends, that made me feel very welcomed. I went and we had a really fun time. All of us are around the same age so we can relate to things more. We find ourselves making jokes and laughing together. I have grown to really care for them and we will definitely stay in touch. 

My host mom has been the most amazing of all. She always makes sure I’m cared for and that I have everything I need, i’m treated like one of her own kids. She is a stay at home mom, so I spend a lot of time with her. Whenever she is going to do something outside the house, i’m almost always invited. I enjoy the time with her and she is now like a second mom to me. 

My host dad has also been great. He works a lot throughout the week so I see him less than everyone else, but still we are still able to connect and get to know each other. He treats me like his own daughter and has a very caring personality. He helps me practice my Spanish by having me tell him things about my day (or my life back home). 

Everyday we all sit down and have lunch together, this allows us all to talk about how we are and connect even further. I am learning so much about Spain from them and they are learning many things about the USA from me. 

Not only do I have them as a part of my new family here, but I have been introduced to many other people in their family. Once again, everyone is tremendously kind. They all treat my like I have been a part of their family forever. 

I have traveled a little bit throughout Spain with my family, and it's been eye opening to see how much natural beauty Spain has. As well as all of the marvelous structures. 

It will be hard to leave them all when I go back, but I know that we will stay in touch and that I will come back to visit them when I can. 

FRIENDS

Making friends here has been a lot easier than I thought it would be. From my first day at school, people were wanting to befriend me and let me into their friend group. My first week, there was a town fair and I went with my new friends and had so much fun. 

I have a few different friend groups and I love them all. Having people I can connect with makes being away from home a million times easier. They help me improve my Spanish and teach me many things about life in Spain. 

Since I live in a smaller town, I’m able to go out with my friends a lot. We go out on walks, go to basketball games, go out for dinner, go to the movies, go shopping, and so much more. I’m able to enjoy my time here to the fullest when I’m around them. I’m able to live the full experience as a teenage girl in Spain. I am nothing but grateful for them and this opportunity to be here. 

HOLIDAYS

This has been my first holiday season away from my family. I missed them but I was also very happy to experience holidays here.

I spent Haloween with my friends here, we dressed up and walked around town for a while. It was very fun to spend a holiday in my new home with people I have really grown to care for. It is celebrated a lot less here, but I was happy with any version of it. 

I spent the majority of Christmas break with my host family and their extended family. Christmas Eve is very big here, they get a lot of family together and have a big dinner (its similar to how we celebrate Thanksgiving in the USA). We had octopus as a main dish, I personally don’t like fish, but I tried some anyways. I didn't like it but it was interesting to see that it was a tradition here. 

On Christmas morning, we all gather around the tree to see what presents there are. After opening them we spent the day together and enjoyed each others company. 

For New Years, at midnight, here the tradition is to eat 12 grapes as the clock tolls for good luck. I had never heard of that or experienced it so it was fun to learn about it and do it. 

On the 6th of January, they have Día de los Reyes Magos which is basically a second Christmas. It is also spent with family, and the day starts off with opening presents. Once again, I had never heard of that so it was great to learn about their traditions.  

ME

Even though I have traveled by myself before, this is by far the longest and farthest I’ve gone from my family. I won’t lie, it hasen’t all been easy. Coming here has probably been one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I don't regret anything at all and I have grown tremendously as a person. I know I made the right choice to come here. 

The beginning of my time here was the hardest, I experienced extreme home sickness. But all the people in my life, both here and in the US assured me it would get better and easier. They were right. I am now fully happy that I am here and wouldn’t change a thing. 

As a person, I've grown to be more independent and confident. I have so many experiences from being here that I never would have obtained from anywhere else. Going on an exchange year is something I would recommend to everyone. 

[diabetesinsider]

Artichoke Capers

Artichoke capers...well yes - both meanings ring true in this flavorful pasta dish. Artichokes added to capers and kalamata olives add a tart flavor to the whole wheat pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese.  Or as I whimsically imagine anthropomorphic artichokes and olives capering about diving in and out of slippery strings of spaghetti noodles.  Either way this makes a great side dish served with fried pork chops and cantaloupe chunks on the side.  It also works well as a cold salad the next day providing you have any left over.  See what you think...

4 c. water

8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti pasta, dry, broken

1/4 c. oil

1/2 c. kalamata olives

3/4 c. sliced almonds

1 - 14.5 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained - reserve liquid

1 - 4 oz. jar capers, drained

1 t. salt + to taste

1 t. pepper + to taste

Optional:  1 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

In a large pot, bring water to a boil.  Add pasta, boil until just tender.drain off excess water.  Toss in oil coating thoroughly.  Add olives, almonds, artichokes, and kapers.  Toss again to mix all elements including salt and pepper.  If you're going with the cheese option this is the time to do it - add cheese, toss again until cheese is softened.  Add in some of the reserved artichoke liquid if you like your pasta a little creamier.

Once I’ve done a quick clean up from a fast and easy meal for the family, I scamper down the stairs to my basement sewing studio to stitch deep pocket chef aprons form my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or, I’m putting the finishing touches on hand knit hats and scarves for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns - worked by me from upcycled recycled yarns sourced from my favorite creative reuse shop - SCRAP PDX.

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers for your leisure and party moments.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she works upcycled recycled yarns into eye catching funky boho striped scarves.

[jimhair]

My favorite color has always been red, and as I wander, I have also enjoyed day-dreaming and thinking of what I photograph as a spark for imagination. A Tree may also be our oldest metaphor. From Wikipedia: “Vortigern (Welsh: Gwrtheyrn) King of the Celtic Britons from Powys is interrupted whilst attempting to build a fort at Dinas Emrys. He is told by Merlin/Ambrosius (Welsh: Myrddin) to dig up two dragons beneath the castle. He discovers a red dragon representing the Celtic Britons (now Welsh) and a white dragon representing Anglo-Saxons (now English).” The Tree, Portland, April 2014 🇺🇦💔🌎💔🌏💔🌍💔🇺🇦 @portlandjapanesegarden #earth #america #human #family #photographer #documentary #japanesemaple #japanese #garden #wales #cymru #dragon #tree #portrait #photography @kodak #mediumformat #ektar #film @kodakprofessional #pdx #portland #nw #northwest #oregon #photojournalism #crown #graphic #4x5 #camera 140409 Kodak Ektar film 1963 Crown Graphic 135mm Xenar Press lens https://www.instagram.com/p/CmZrTX-PltD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[heartoclock]

[3:56 pm] “i am soooo tired...”, you huffed as you and sihun walked back to your apartment. “oh come on! we only walked 4 blocks lazy pants”, sihun replied. you laid on your couch and motioned for sihun to come and cuddle with you. “you know we have dinner reservations right? we can’t just take a nap.”

“just cuddle me~~ who said anything about taking a nap?”

he just smiled to himself and cuddled closer to you, “only for you.”

[vaspider]

This is not the first stripper strike in PDX in the last few years. I hope this ends with a union - the owners of this club have made a lot of hay out of their "diverse dancers" while also apparently treating labor like shit.

Imagine having to put Bitter Yuck on your body at work so customers wouldn't fucking lick you because your boss won't provide adequate security.

Gross.

Trouble is brewing in America's strip club capital, where dancers from one bar have been on strike for nearly four months as they attempt to become the second unionized strip club in the country. Most of the 33 strippers employed by Portland's Magic Tavern launched their strike on April 4, citing "dangerous working conditions," Willamette Week reported. "We’re fighting for basic safety and respect in the workplace, just like any other industry expects," Nyx, one of the dancers on strike, told the outlet. The dancers say a slew of safety concerns spurred the strike, ranging from a lack of security cameras, an unstable pole, unmarked and uneven stage flooring, the scent of gas and more. They accuse management of retaliating against dancers who complained, and naming an official club group chat "Anus Tarts."