(“Bernal Heights” by Leah Giberson)

What are you all up to this weekend? I’m celebrating a friend’s birthday, working in the garden, and driving out to a local farm to look for another duck to keeps ours company. I’m also still thinking about a special dinner at my friend Diana’s house last night.

So first, the backstory: A few months ago, Diana was taking a trip east by train, and she met an Amish family from Wisconsin. She’s one of those warm lovely people who talks to anyone with ease, and so they all got along famously. Diana invited the family to come stay with her if ever they came to Portland. And what do you know, just yesterday they did!

So the whole adult family, Mom and Dad, their adult children and spouses are all staying at Diana’s house, and we had the most fun dinner together. The family all wear traditional Amish dress, and don’t drive or use computers. Our life experiences couldn’t have been more different, and yet we had so much to talk about.

Besides being a blast, the evening was a such a joyous sharing of cultures, and I was so thankful to be pulled out of my little comfortable Portland bubble.

Thanks for listening to my story, and with no further ado, some favorite links to keep you busy:

   Check out Leah Giberson’s etsy shop. She has some wonderful, affordable prints like “Bernal Heights”    above.

   Did you know that Apple had a clothing line in the 80s? If only I could pop my collar with such    conviction.

   This cool universal leg system can transform any old random thing into a piece of furniture.

   I’m nominating this for outfit of the year. Just gorgeous pattern mixing.

   Waveform necklaces designed from a recording of your voice.

   These little succulent candles are the sweetest! Perfect hostess gift.