Music Makes My Heart Sing

It's been quite a while since I've been to a live show here in Portland. Going to concerts was something I did a lot in my early 20's and kind of seemed to fade out of my life for a bit. Last October, when I decided that graduate school wasn't going to work for me, I also decided that I had to go back to my roots and start doing the things that really make me happy. Sound familiar? It's the same vow I made just recently on my 29th birthday. Well one thing that has always made me incredibly and utterly happy is music. Now, there is a lot of different music out there, and I love almost all of it. In fact, I'll even admit that I used to adore country music, and have held on to a little bit of my high school hick girl obsession as an adult. Yes, country is a fun genre of music, as are reggae, rock, jazz, folk, and even bluegrass (although I do kind of draw the line at heavy metal), but it's more than specific genres that actually draws me to some of my most favorite music.
For me, it's all about lyrics, and the amazing vocalists and songwriters behind those lyrics. Enter Tori Amos, probably one of the most talented singer/songwriters of our generation, not to mention a brilliant pianist. I first met Tori in 1992, riding in the back seat of a hunter green mini van. I can still remember that hot summer day in Virginia Beach, heading to the beach for a picnic lunch with my Mom and 9 year old brother. The three of us busting out to Tori's first hit "Crucify" must have been quite the sight for those passing by. After all, anyone who knows Tori's music also knows that you wouldn't quite classify it as "family". Then again, we are talking about my family, so...
It's 17 years later, and I'm about to see Tori live for the fourth time, this will be the second time I've seen her here in Portland. Much has happened over the course of these years, it's the beginning of the Sinful Attraction Tour to promote Tori's tenth album 'Abnormally Attracted to Sin". Portland is the second stop on the tour, and the venue, The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, is perfect for Tori's soaring vocals and intricate melodies. I can't believe I am just as giddy as I was when I saw her for the first time on my 16th birthday. I also can't believe this is her tenth album and that her songs have served as the soundtrack to my life for so long. I am seeing the show with a friend and his friend. The friend-of-a-friend thinks I'm a groupie, and keeps looking at me like I've totally lost my marbles. I tell him to be prepared for the screaming that is going to take place once "She" appears on stage. I don't think he understands mine and Tori's relationship one bit.
The opening band, One Eskimo, was entertaining, but the audience only has eyes for Tori. Finally, it is time. The crowd at the Schnitz erupts into thunderous applause and screams of excitement, "everyone else's girl" is here, and she looks amazing. The show, as always, is kind of a blur. This time I brought a pad of paper and a pen so I could write down each song, but as usual Tori decided to improvise. For die hard fans that want names, highlights include, Little Amsterdam, Black Dove, Little Earthquakes, Carbon (first time seeing it live!!!!!), Icicle (played live with a band for the second time ever), and the most beautiful version of Winter I have ever heard (almost brought tears to my eyes). Of course, my camera decided to die during the second song, otherwise I would have video and lots more pictures. I did manage to get a few pics though, the view from our seats in the first balcony was pretty amazing.
The show ended too soon, just like it always does, and left me wanting more. There are just too many wonderful songs and not enough time in one concert. Looks like I'm going to have to start going to more concerts to get my fix. For anyone reading this blog that doesn't know Tori, I suggest you check her out. She is a truly amazing artist and performer.

Sunshine on My Shoulders Makes Me Happy

Well, it's July and officially Summer in Portland. Needless to say there are a lot of smiley happy Portland people holding hands around here. For me, summer means a reason to be outside everyday and an excuse to soak up all that highly valuable sun that we don't get enough of here in the Northwest. From working in the garden to hanging clothes out on the line, summer makes it incredibly easy for me to be outdoorsy, not to mention very happy.
Another benefit of all this sunny weather is that it motivates me to be more active, and to find ways to get a great workout, outside of the gym. Those of you that know me can easily predict what I will say next. It always amazes me that there are so many beautiful places to walk, hike, bike and explore right here within the Portland city limits. I'm a long-time fan of Mt. Tabor, and this year there's already been a few days when I've gone walking and gotten lost up there for hours. Forest Park and Washington Park are also gorgeous spots with lots of trails and foliage to explore.
This year there's a new favorite on my list that's right around the corner from my house which is always a plus. Better known as a bicycle path, the Spring Water Trail and Corridor is a 40 mile multi-use path that now has a special place in my heart.
Yesterday, Shawn, Royce and I embarked on an absolutely gorgeous 6 mile walk down the corridor. We met the trail just around the corner from our house (on SE 88th Ave), followed it across SE 82nd Ave., and then headed all the way down Johnson Creek to end up at the Tideman Johnson Nature Park (which I didn't even know existed). Due to a tired puppy and the 90 degree weather, we decided to stop there and headed off the trail at SE 39th, which we then followed to meet SE Woodstock Blvd. Before the last leg of our trek, we stopped at Otto's Sausage Kitchen, one of our favorite spots on Woodstock, where everyone, including Royce, gained some energy from deliciously cooked sausages right off the grill.
This excursion is only a small part of what the Spring Water Trail has to offer. Following the trail in other directions or starting from different points could lead you to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge or Powell Butte Nature Park, as well as the Leach Botanical Gardens. The trail is paved and easily accessible, but still highlights lots of Portland's natural beauty. Walking along Johnson Creek, stopping for Royce to have a drink or get splashed in the creek in order to cool down, it was easy to forget we were still in Portland and not out in the middle of the forest.
The Spring Water Trail is extensive and has an interesting history that is too much to include in this post. If you want to learn more about the trail I suggest visiting www.40mileloop.org/trail_springwatercooridor.htm. This site includes history, maps and more. If you are like me and love exploring all the natural beauty that Portland has to offer, this is definitely a spot worth checking out; especially if you need to tire out your dog, or your boyfriend.