enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

oh, Portland.

Fromwds4

Do you want to know something HILAROUS?

Greatnamaste

On my July editorial calendar I had planned to post a WDS recap on Tuesday 7/15. I thought I would be able to sum it all up in a post. HA!

Portland

I'm in the middle of sharing the behind the scenes of actually speaking (hopefully the final two parts will be shared next week), but I wanted to post a few photos from our visit to Portland. I was too nervous to appreciate the great food, but I SO enjoyed walking around and taking in downtown Portland.

Portland3

What a rad town. Sure, we were there in the summer. Sure it was warm and sunny (except for the random Sunday afternoon thunderstorm). I get that it's not always like that. But still, amazing. Paul has a week off next February and I'm already planning a family trip so we can go back when it's raining and see if we're still in love.

Fromwds5

I am SO GLAD that Paul was able to come up on this adventure with me. Partly because it was just awesome to have my teammate nearby to provide support and some distraction. Partly because I needed him to hear my speech. And partly because there is NO WAY I could put the event into the proper words or context for him to understand. "You had to be there." is sort of the gist of the weekend.

Portland2

Paul was asked a few times what he did for a living and he responded by saying "I work for the man." Paul has a conventional job. About as conventional as it gets. And yet, he got a lot out of the whole thing. Much more, he told me, than he expected. #rad

Portland4

When I got asked to speak, I asked Chris "Who goes to this? Who are these people?" I don't even remember his response but I know it was something like "people who are looking for something different." You can't categorize this group in any other way because it's such a vast array of backgrounds, ages, experiences, career paths and stories. The mission of WDS is to answer this question, "How do we live a remarkable life in a conventional world?"

Fromwds14

And in so many ways, the event did that.

photos were taken with my iPhone5 and edited with the VSCO app.

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35 responses to “oh, Portland.”

  1. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    The cool thing about Portland is that even in the winter there is a lot to do since it’s pretty mild. The only part I struggle with living here (I was born and raised in San Diego and stayed there through college.) are the short gray days that happen through March. Vitamin D helps a lot but I ALWAYS contemplate moving during March/April. Then May hits and I’m fine. And the fall? So totally my fave.

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  2. casie Avatar
    casie

    What an awesome event … I was wondering what the actual theme behind the event was 🙂

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  3. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    I’m going out to Bangor, WA sometime next year with my family (my brother is stationed there). Your pictures and comments about Portland has motivated me to plan a few days there during our trip! I’m thrilled to see you’ll be heading back in February. Can’t wait to hear all about it!

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  4. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Hi Elise! I’m in live with Portland too. Have you watched “Portlandia”? It’s a funny show, I think you would luke it. xoxo

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  5. Kelsey, Esp. Avatar
    Kelsey, Esp.

    I was raised just outside of Portland and it is SUCH a cool city. I moved away when I was 19 and don’t have any plans on going back (it isn’t “ME” at this point in my life), but the city is really, really awesome. So glad you were able to experience it (WITH PAUL!), even if just for a few days.
    🙂

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  6. Elise Avatar
    Elise

    Yes! Love it!

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  7. Elise Avatar
    Elise

    Totally. I think I have a mild form of SAD and I would for sure need special lights in the winter.

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  8. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I’m so glad Paul was able to come with you. I know you’ve flown solo (and done fantastically, of course) for a few careery events in the past (maybe I’m thinking of the Queen Bee Market?). So it must have been awesome to have him there for such a huge milestone.
    Also, I’m headed to Seattle in a couple weeks and am so excited for my first trip to the Pacific Northwest. 🙂

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  9. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy

    Glad to see you loving Portland. I’m a recent transplant here and this winter wasn’t so bad! (Although we did have three freak snowstorms back to back to back that was like omg!snowpocalypse.)

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  10. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    I only been through downtown Portland to grab Amtrak, but I just know I’d love it there.

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  11. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    *I’ve

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  12. yours truly, melissa Avatar
    yours truly, melissa

    I just feel like this also such a happy Yay Marriage post. I love that.

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  13. Brittany Avatar
    Brittany

    Everyone likes to harp on Portland for it’s rain, but in my experience (I’ve lived here for 5 years) it’s really not that bad. It doesn’t so much as rain every day as mist everyday. And we are lucky to have mild winters as far as the cold goes. (I grew up in Colorado so I appreciate a winter that doesn’t go below zero)
    I’m glad you enjoyed it!

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  14. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    I love Portland! We did our babymoon there, and I’d never been to the Pacific NW before. My husband used to work at an architecture/urban planning firm that specialized in green transportation, and was in love with all of the options – walking included. Love the light rail!!!
    Did you get a chance to go to the International Rose Garden? Stunning!
    Reliving our time there – Voodoo, Powell’s, Goodwill, Little Big Burger, Mother’s, Salt & Straw – YUM!

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  15. Meghan Avatar
    Meghan

    I’ve always loved Portland. I spent a summer there doing an internship and my in-laws live there so we visit about once a year.

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  16. Libbi M. Avatar
    Libbi M.

    I love Portland. My folks live there & it’s totally awesome. Thanks for sharing your WDS story.

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  17. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    So excited we will get to hear your speech too!!!
    You are so inspiring Elise!!

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  18. Jessika Avatar
    Jessika

    As a San Diego, then San Francisco, then Oregon (permanently) transplant (having grown up in San Diego), a move to Oregon is possible. And I LOVE it. There are seasons, but not too crazy. Rare are the deep freezes, so they are still “neat” when they happen. Yes there’s rain, but just plan a “get out of town” trip around Jan/Feb and you’ll be fine. Rivers and lushness– I truly love love love it here.

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  19. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Have lived in a PDX suburb for 8 years now and this whole area is fabulous. We will never leave! The winters are dark, but there is so much to do around here that it doesn’t matter too much. Though I do always wish for a tropical vacation in March. But things are always green and beautiful! And the people here really are great, despite the Portlandia-ness of it all! And that show is spot on!

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  20. Jessika Avatar
    Jessika

    Oh also? I am almost never on a freeway, and if I am it’s usually for about 5 minutes. I can’t remember the last time I was in traffic. Granted, I live in Eugene (which is spectacular on SO many levels). But, if I want to go to Portland, it’s a quick hop skip jump up there (which then requires a little more time on the freeway).

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  21. Shahnnen Avatar
    Shahnnen

    I live in Portland [been here almost a decade, what?!?]and I can attest, it’s the best. The doldrums of March are rough but it’s never too cold to do stuff– you just wear a raincoat. Lots of big hospitals for Paul and a very active DIY crowd. Portland is the best. I’d totally share my locals-only fave list with you. 😉

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  22. Brittany D. Avatar
    Brittany D.

    I love that you have a whole blog post just about Portland!!

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  23. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health Avatar
    Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health

    visiting portland is on my list.

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  24. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    I love Portland so much! I lived in Seattle for years and I still miss it.

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  25. Janis Avatar
    Janis

    I loved your presentation at WDS, Elise!
    Now that I’m back home trying to get caught up on work, I had to check out your site. And, of course, it’s addicting!
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  26. Welcome Home Taylor Avatar
    Welcome Home Taylor

    I hear it’s gorgeous in Portland and I can’t wait to have the chance to check it out sometime.
    xoxo
    Taylor

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  27. Ami E Pilon Avatar
    Ami E Pilon

    Elise, Please don’t plan a trip to Portland without a day at Powell’s. The most amazing used book store ever. The place takes up a city block and is such fun to explore. I’m a born and raised Seattlite, but we love visiting Portland.

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  28. Jessika Avatar
    Jessika

    Elise! I have a ton of free succulents for you, but there’s a limited time window– check your gmail! 🙂

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  29. Melissa Marie Avatar
    Melissa Marie

    I enjoyed Portland, because there was plenty of knitting stores! 🙂 Next time you go you should try the fruit loop which is the outskirts of Portland. It is a really fun experience, because you get to visit beautiful farms and fruit stands! The fruit and vegetables were delicious and the view of the mountains and trees was spectacular!

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  30. Casey Avatar
    Casey

    Wow, what a fantastic mission statement! So inspiring.

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  31. Kaelyn Avatar
    Kaelyn

    Portland is pretty awesome! I have lived here for almost two years now and let me say that I fell in love with it the same way you did when I first visited. The downsides are the job market, dark winters, and expensive real-estate. The first winter here wasn’t so bad, but this past winter I was wondering when it would end! There are a lot of fun things to do in spite of the winter mist like skiing and all that jazz and you can always run out for a quick day-trip to the coast if you want! I love all that this area has to offer and if you like people watching this is the perfect place!

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  32. Pink Ronnie Avatar
    Pink Ronnie

    So stoked for you that Paul could go along. Must’ve made all the difference.
    Ronnie xo

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  33. Lindsay Overbey Avatar
    Lindsay Overbey

    We LOVED Portland in Feb. My husband + I got engaged that trip. I’ve never felt more “home” on vacation. It’s our dream city.

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  34. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    I can’t wait to visit Portland one day! I’ve heard such good things from everyone who has been/lived there.

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  35. Jenn Avatar
    Jenn

    Any suggestions on where to stay in Portland!? We are heading there in October!

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