the sunshine kind

2.25.2014


We played beneath a seemingly endless blue sky and bright sun at the coast over the weekend.  The ocean was sparkling and calm as we explored tide pools, climbed rocks, and found a cave on its shore.  Much-needed nature therapy of the sunshine kind.

hello, mr. wright

2.21.2014


I don't even remember when I first became aware of Frank Lloyd Wright, but it was probably in the late '80s when I was discovering art and design and fell for the aesthetic of early to mid century modernism.  From Paul Klee to Bauhaus to FLW, it must have been.  What I love about Wright's work is that it is modern yet organic.  He, in fact, coined the term organic architecture, which he said was more a philosophy than a style.   I love the combination of modern design + natural elements and the thoughtful relationship of a building with its natural environment.  I also find his personal story and temperament very intriguing - the real man and the persona he cultivated.  

I was thrilled to discover that Gordon House was nearby in Silverton when we moved to Salem.  Though I have never been there at the right time for a tour of the interior, we stop by occasionally when in town to say, "Hello, Mr. Wright." 

Gordon House was designed by Wright in 1957 but not built until 1963, four years after his death, for a farm near the Willamette River in Wilsonville.  In 2001 when its current owners planned to destroy it (!), FLW Conservancy stepped in to dismantle it and move it to The Oregon Garden, where it lives on today.     

FLW FTW.

riverwatching

2.21.2014


Riverwatching.  The Willamette at Independence, February 16, 2014.

wintered souls

2.18.2014


Stormy winter winds and soaking heavy rains hit us hard this weekend.  I loved them. 

We had planned to drive up to SE Portland Saturday, but my husband and I both woke up feeling less than adventurous.  Having promised Thor a day in Portland, we rallied as best we could and, though we didn't do what we had originally planned, ended up having an unexpectedly dreamy day at Washington Park.  I've taken Thor to the Zoo and Children's Museum several times but haven't been to the Rose Garden or Japanese Garden for years.  (I still half expect to see OMSI, its blue and green geodesic dome that was the planetarium, and that big old airplane up there, just like it was when I was little.  Sigh.)

The Rose Garden was very rainy and magically misty.  We saw a few other people, but for the most part we had this beautiful place to ourselves.  Hellebores were the only blooms we saw, but the lack of flowers didn't bother us at all.  Besides the gorgeous trees, shrubs, and vines dripping silvery raindrops, not to mention the beautiful brick and stonework, there were buds everywhere and little bits of bright spring green starting to show here and there.  Just enough to feed our wintered souls. 


by mlekoshi