Powerless: a diary of the blackout in Oregon

Friday

The freezing rain started thursday night and continued into friday evening

I took some macro pictures and scraped the layer of ice off of my car so I could make a quick run to the pharmacy

We lost power at 530pm on Friday night, just as dinner was being prepared

We ate cold left overs instead

The power company fixed some of the power and said our apartment would be fixed the next day

We read books and tried to play guitar by candlelight 

Saturday

A heavy ice storm hit saturday morning damaging many trees, power lines, buildings, cars, and more

The world looked like an ice sculpture

I resisted the urge to take photos and helped to clear branches and a tree from the road instead

Glad we always have at least one hand saw around

We collected ice that fell from the trees and bagged it to keep the fridge and freezer cold

We also drove a short loop to see damage and charge phones

Dinner was cold leftovers again

Vegetarian sloppy joes are pretty good cold

We read books and I played solitaire by candlelight and flashlight

Outside the air was thick with haze and smoke as people with woodstoves burned wet wood

Sunday

The next day tens of thousands of people lost power, even more than saturday, as the ice melted and more trees fell

We heard transformers blow like several gunshots

It was valentine's day

We got snacks at the store, and a bottle of champagne 

On the drive we saw the power company making their way down the neighborhood, block by block

Much progress was made, several street lights came online, less four way stops to worry about

We went on a walk to stay warm

The apartment temp was as cold as outside by now and we were wearing several layers of clothing

A family member with power ordered us pizza and we were extremely grateful for the hot food and good pizza

If they need help with damage repairs I hope they know we are there for them

We listened to music and drank champagne while playing rummikub

Monday

Monday morning got warmer, which was good for morale and health but bad for our food

The food started to go bad in the fridge, the freezer still had some good items and we started to eat them

My parents very kindly let us take showers at their place and lent us a cook stove

We were so grateful, hopfully we can help them with their roof damage if they need it 

We shopped for a lantern or some sort of light, more food and searched for wifi, then grabbed burgers as it was getting dark

We heard power might be out for the whole week

I am grateful for water and candles as well as gas in the car and family

I hope my sister is doing okay as I just heard she lost power and water a couple days after we did

Maybe the power will be on tomorrow

Tuesday

The day was a blur

We hoped for power, but after we heard that our powerline was restored the power company marked our complex as having power

It did not have power and so a neighbor called management who thought it was only our building and we called the power company who said it was the entire complex

This prompted my parents to call the power company and they found that they were marked as having power restored when in fact the whole street was without power

We read books most of the day

Then we cooked chili by camp stove on the balcony

The temperature got colder again tonight, I could feel it

I fell asleep reading my book by lantern light

Wednesday

This morning I woke a few times to trucks and chainsaws

The tree service and landscapers came back to do more work

Brian thought he heard someone talking about power outside, asking when it will be on and they said they can't really say but could get to it today after fixing a downed powerline nearby

We went for another walk

I noticed that one of the apartments has a daily letter board with short odd messages throughout the blackout, I don't always understand them but they amuse me

I found out my sister had her power turned on earlier today and my parents power came on tonight

We went to my parents house to get warm, heat up food, go online and watch movies

Their cable is spotty but the internet works so I caught up on the week's news and emails and the warmth felt good

Hopefully the power will be on tomorrow, and hopefully management can help

We called them to tell them about the loud crack we heard when the power went out which might have been one of the power boxes on property and how long the outage has been

The street sweepers were sweeping up the road gravel at 10pm, a clean road is one step closer to normal I suppose

Thursday

And Ode To The Trees After A Storm

Stumpy winter tree , grown straight and tall as an overgrown coat hanger

Windswept trees reaching for the eastern sky catching precarious branches within their grasp

Trees laying down where once they stood

Fragile trees blown apart under duress

Cut up circles of trees 

Sawn off branches in neat piles

Tall proud mountain trees unafraid of the weather

Come spring buds will blossom, leaves will grow, but the memory of ice will remain

Cold today again and rainy, snow-like rain that hits the car windshield like a melted flake, but no snow thank goodness 

Called the management for an update, nothing new

Went for a charging drive and got warm too

Called power company to see if they had all the info about what happened just in case later on and they said nothing much new, just that we were in a hard hit area and there had been 400 calls from our complex, which makes sense

We are still the only large place without power in our immediate area as far as we can tell, with the exception of a house here and there

Got more chili and snacks at the store

We read, ate dinner, and waited for a package that never came

I was chilled during the night, probably need to move around more

Friday

Slept late, still no package which is our weekly food delivery

The bread, peanut butter, dried fruit and seeds are great to have for breakfast, sometimes I have avocado instead, but I'm out of them now

I stretched really good and got the blood flowing again, no more chill

I wonder how people stretch on a snowy mountain climb if they get chilled, in all that gear and in tiny tents? 

I'm really starting to feel it today on day 7

I miss warmth and hot water

Glad I live in a temperate climate though

I think the temperature has stayed between 34 and 50, mostly in the low 40s.

We hiked the croisan scenic trail as far as we could and there were less downed trees than I imagined, except a patch of beautiful old maples or oaks which are now gone

We passed a two person crew who cleared much of the fallen limbs

Found a nearby neighborhood with no electricity, so we aren't the only ones without power back in this area

It is a neighborhood known for its tall trees and many of the oaks came down or lost limbs

Came home and read

Went to parents again to heat up soup, take showers, and do a little laundry

We got to watch some tv, which was nice

Apartment parkinglot was half empty last, so people are finding other places to sleep

Saturday

Another day

Temperature rose to about 48

Was able to get public wifi on a street corner nearby

Got our food delivery, which included as much nonpareshables as they had available

Read most of the day until there was a flash of light from the light bulbs for a second in the bedroom where we were reading by windowlight

It was 5pm, hopefully this is a good sign

For dinner we got fancy and combined chili and italian soup

As dinner was cooking outside, the electricity came back on for good

I was way too excited, but it had been 8 days with no electricity or heat, except for the car and the couple visits to family

I feel for others who are in a poorer situation, I am very aware this could have been much much worse

As of this post, there are still ~27,500 homes without power in Oregon

P o e t r y

~1~
Come Out And Play

When will the sun come out and play

The sun has hidden beneath a shroud

Heat radiates from behind a cloud

It suffocates an open wound

Why won't the sun come out and play

Like it did the day before

The light casts a sickly hue

Not dusk or dawn, but muted grey

I asked the sun, "Please, come out and play"

"No," came the distant reply

Echoing like thunder in the cloudy sky

Boom, flash, away birds fly

Light came trickling softly, slowly

I did not say a word

The sound of wetness undeterred

Just rain drops, drip, drop

~2~
Conversation

Let us walk and

I will talk with you.

How I should move my mouth?

I can't recall.

Nervous, heart pounding

Drowning out your voice.

I forgot the words

To my favorite song.

I hear a sound;

Shouts and screams in shrill nuance.

Silence is preferred.

I can't remember how to speak,

I forgot the words.

~3~
5 Haiku For Modern Times

A Summery haze

Blankets the perfect valley

Forests are burning

Gentle breezes drift

Fall fragrance filling the air

Masks cover noses 

The Winter Finch perched

Softly chirping a sweet song

Far away from home

A bountiful spring

flows freely from the mountain

And is bottled fresh

A beautiful mess

Healthy fungus breaks down wood

Natural decay

-2020, L.A. Miller

New Times, New Habits

It's been 147 days since Covid-19 lockdown began for me; 2 more months and that's half a year. I started thinking about how my life has changed and what new habits I started because of the new normal. Not all of my new habits are a direct result of the pandemic, but I made changes for better or worse to adapt to a new way of life. Most of us have a few new habits that are obvious. We wash our hands when we come home, after unpacking groceries, and after touching any new or foriegn surface. We wear masks like we wear pants; they are necessary for decency and hygeine. These odd or tactful habits are fitting to new situations. 

I formed new habits without the consultation of the WHO or CDC, and sometimes I wonder what led me to that particular habit. For instance, I use paper towels now. I dislike paper towels for various environmental reasons, but now I am an avid user of the product. One reason is that I do not have a clothes washer or drier, I have access to a comunal laundromat. So, this disposable product found its way back into my life. The other reason for the paper towels leads me to another new habit: I clean with bleach now. I have not used straight bleach to clean since college. I recently used a combination of vinegar, lysol and clorox wipes. The latter of those products are like diamonds, very rare and expensive. (And, yes Clorox wipes are disposable, but less waste than buying multiple products.)

Other habits that intrigue me are my new clothing habits. Aside from mask wearing, I now wear more head coverings when I go outside. I used to wear baseball caps, but now I wear them more often. I also wear bandanas on my head. I tuck my shirts in too. I used to hate tucking in my shirt, having grown up in the pop-punk era of skate boards and surf wear. But, now I feel all clean and put together when I tuck my shirt in, don a cap, and mask.

I love my hobbies more. I have always had numerous hobbies since I first banged away on my parents piano, picked up my pink 110 camera, drew rainbows and sunsets in watercolor, and rode my bike around the neighborhood. But recently, hobbies seem like important sanity savers. The world is burning and corporations and tyrants are playing chess with our lives; we deserve a little sanity to get us through. And so, I make an effort to draw, write, photograph, and garden every week.

Speaking of sanity, my most helpful new habit is listening to calming music. It helps me think, breathe easier, and be calmer. These times make me want to be an angry punk. Relaxtion is necessary so I can get angry when I want, and not stay angry. 

Last of all, I get grocery deliveries. I never thought I would do a food delivery service, but here we are. I kind of love it. I get fresh veggies, some new foods to try, and I feel healthier. I hate shopping, so this was a great change.

Change can be good, if we are able to adapt with ease and flexibility.

A song for the times; A song written for Covid

A song for quarantine / covid-19.

If You Pick A Package Up / Wash Your Hands - [If You're Happy And You Know It]

[verse 1]

If you pick a package up, wash your hands. [clap, clap]

If you touch a foreign surface wash your hands. [clap, clap]

[chorus]

If you want to stay real healthy, germs can be really stealthy, so if you pick a package up, wash your hands.

[verse 2]

If you go out in public, wear a mask. [cover your mouth]

If you visit, shop, or party, wear a mask. [cover your mouth]

[chorus]

If you want to stay real healthy, germs can be really stealthy, so if you go out in public, wear a mask.

Lyrics CC for use in classrooms L.A. Miller copyright 2020

Day 109, June 29, 2020

Day 109

I sit here listening to the large construction project next door. The earth movers are back. I think the siding is up on most of the buildings. Maybe this is a sign that they are getting close to the end.

The covid numbers keep going up in my state and all over the country. There is a solution, but a large group of people are ignorantly fighting the solution. 

"I'm being anti-racist." "I want to apologize for my past." "They should be fired." "It is a diversion!" The BLM movement online is filled with arguements and statements that many cannot agree on. I think it is a process. A messy process, because it is an explosive movement, just like me too/time's up. 

Anyway, wasn't it Black voices we white people should be lifting up? And here we are fighting amongst ourselves.

I am deciding to be less vocal. I try to speak what I believe is reasonable and I usually am ignored and at worst called names. Not to say there is not some support and agreement, however... It is better to speak with actions and, to listen.

So, I am taking a twitter break. More time for processing news, listening, reading, exercise, volunteering and other things.

Getting through

Personally, I was pretty prepared, on many levels for life during a pandemic. Of course there were a few adjustments such as cleaning, pandemic hygiene, and being creative with food. But, I know a few things that have helped greatly such as how to stay fit, how to stay mentally occupied, how to destress, any a few other things that have help.

For excersise, I found that squats and calf raises (near) daily are extremely important when stuck inside. They engage your feet, legs, buttocks and core if I do them correctly. They are excellent exercises to do even in a top floor apartment. I feel much better when I do them regularly.

Also, stretch! I keep thinking back to all the stretches I learned in elementary school. I mean yoga is great and all. But, those generic stretches work wonders from sitting all day.

I also walk, but not as often as I would like. Neighborhood walks are good for mental and physical health. I walk when I feel stressed or tense and it helps me feel better.

For activities, I want to play video games or watch tv when I am bored. They are easy and don't cause me pain to do. But, I feel better if I make a to-do list of things I need to do and projects I want to do eventually. That way I can slowly work through the list inbetween mindless activities.

Also, reading and writing. These activities do not hurt, unless one has a migraine. Reading and writing engage the brain and make me feel productive. As do other hobbies like photography, drawing, painting, building mechanical objects or repairing old items. Accomplishing something makes me feel like I did something productive and so even working on a project feels good.

Stress is still an issue. I mean, have y'all seen the news lately? I have listened to so much calming music lately. Instrumental music that is usually in a major key and as slow as 70 bmp is perfect. If you do not like the calming music on youtube, try Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, or Handel.

Lastly, get outside or look outside everyday. This is important. There are birds and trees and flowers. The seasons are slowly changing. Nature is beautiful. And, I need my vitamin D. Eating healthy and getting the right vitamins are helpful for a good immune system.

Expertise

I often feel like I should be doing more with my life. I want to do more. Depression sets in if I overthink needing to do more activities or being more involved in life.

I started feeling unwell when I was in college. It may have even been before that, but I really noticed it at that time. I was getting headaches and stomach aches. I was not sleeping well. Anxiety, a doctor said. Sure, fine... They put me on a happy pill which helped the symptoms a little, but not really. I tried everything, from books to yoga to deep breathing to meditation. I believed the doctors. I also knew that I was stressed from a bad relationship and being away from home.

Eventually I got away from the bad relationship. I did not feel as anxious. And, because of the relationship I did not get my teaching degree, only a BA. I gained experience in retail and data entry and eventually IT and databases.

As time wore on my other symtoms grew worse. I still had trouble sleeping and eating. I had headaches. I was told it was still anxiety or grief. This was starting to not sit well with me, but doctors were not listening. They would try an allergy med for my sinuses and that was it.

Evetually, after about 6 or 7 doctors, I started not trusting them. They were not listening and I was getting more relief doing exercises I found online. Chiropracty was helping at least. It was taking me years to diagnose myself, but I was learning that it was not just anxiety... It was TMJ and migraines and bruxism (yay for the dentist). But, I could not afford a specialist...

Now, 15 years later, I have all of this knowledge about my health but not much work expertise, no family of my own. And most of all, no formal diagnosis, except the dentist, because I am broke. I had to quit my job in the middle of all of that because my health had gotten to a point where I could not eat very well, had jaw pain and had a hard time concentrating. I used my savings on those 6 or 7 doctors and my move back to my home state.

Now, I want to be able and be involved in life. I wish I could have a family. I wish I could have a job again. But, l make due. I do my best. That is my expertise: doing my best. I would rather something in science or history... But such is life. 

I have learned many technical things on the job before, held several jobs in fact, for a while. I even managed an IT department. Not to mention my volunteer work, writing, and photography. I shouldn't sell myself short. But, as of now I feel helpless because of my body.

I will keep trying to take care of myself and be a good person. I hope I can be more than that, eventually. I miss my life.

Day 4: March 16th, 2020

The Decemberists

Today started off fairly normal. I did chores and took care of my elderly cat by which I mean I cleaned her bed by hand because that is how being a cat nurse goes. I decided it was time to take the recycling out to the big blue bin and took the trash out too. Then I walked around the parking lot at my complex. There were many cars parked. By the time I walked a forth loop I noticed no cars or people interrupted me. This was a good sign, but it still seemed eerie.

My boyfriend went to work today but said he would likely work from home from here on out. It is nice that he has that ability. We can do our part by staying home and away from others as much as possible.

I started to see the positive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic today. There is something in humans that makes us fear radical change and so we tend to bind together in times of hardship. Humanity is often at its greatest when the situation is at its worst.

The musicians and other creative artists began to entertain over the internet. They are lifting spirits and, hopefully, keeping their careers afloat. I watched a concert the Colin Meloy from the Decemberists streamed from his home in Portland on Instagram.

I watched the "Decemberists" concert from my couch while sipping a beer and vegetarian curry. Colin Meloy said it is their 20th anniversary. He played ten songs, the first if which were Make You Better, Raincoat Song, On The Bus Mall, and Your Red Right Ankle. The comment section was filled with happy and heart filled emojis, people yelling lyrics, thank yous, and song requests. His kid brought a chicken in near the end and the bird photo-bombed the last song. It was a nice concert and retreat from the madness.

Retailers are closing up or going on a restricted schedule. Some restaurants are switching to carryout only. Wallstreet, the courts, and the private sector are struggling to adapt to the pandemic's needs and constraints.

Ground Breaking - A Short Salem Story

This was written in honor of the NEW ground breaking at Riverfront Park, for the Minto-Brown Island Bridge - I give you this first hand (slightly satirical, but true) account from viewpoint of an 8th grader of the Riverfront Park ground breaking.

Judson Middle School Concert Band, Director Shira Fadeley

It was Spring of 1994, and our middle school band was asked to play for the most important event many of us had played in our lives, up to that point -- the 1st Salem Riverfront Park ground breaking ceremony*. Now it seems adorable how excited we were, but at the time it was historic; monumental even.

Sitting in the low brass section of the Judson Middle School band, for such a central community ground-breaking ceremony, was very exciting for 13-year-old me. I remember everyone was trying to be on their best behavior. But, you know how it is with overly excited middle-schoolers. We needed a reminder every 30 seconds to settle down. What can I say? We didn't get out much? :-)

The highlight of everyone's conversation was the Boise Cascade donated acid ball. What was it going to be? Many had heard it would be an art project, and talked about how exciting that would be. Most of my band mates were a little concerned with the term "acid ball". I mean, acid + ball = what-unknown-horrors? Of course some of that confusion was cleared up on the carpool ride home by my Dad, but it caused quite a bit of controversy among us very P.C. '90s era kids.

At the moment of ground-breaking, it became too hard to keep the excitement in. This was happening, an historic moment. (Remember, thirteen years old.) So, I did what any dorky 8th grader with too big an imagination would do. I unscrewed the bell of my trombone, and waited for the precise moment of action. When the mayor struck ground with his shovel, my trombone bell also struck earth. Yes, Mom and Dad, I used my old Yamaha student model trombone as a shovel... briefly.

Me, center, playing with the Judson Concert Band at the ground-breaking ceremony, 1994

In my defense, I thought the whole act would be symbolic and "stuff". At least I had fun! Plus, it didn't do any damage, nor did anyone notice. It did make the trombone bell quite dusty. To whomever owns that little trombone now, you own a piece of Salem history.


*NOTES There was another dedication ceremony in 1996... Yeah, we felt a little less important after that, but still, it was very nice to be invited to play at such an important city event at such young ages. Thank you.

Three Little Birds

Nuthatch

 

About a month ago, two women came to my door. It was the usual door-to-door salesperson bluff covering for hopeful religious conversion. I told them a version of what I usually say -- that I'm not Christian, wasn't raised that way and despite doing my research I don't plan on changing. I probably tell them more than they need, but I'm talkative when I'm nervous.

The older of the two women decided she was going to have me read some scripture. I cautiously obliged. The passage was on grief. She asked me what I do during times of grief. I told her, without blinking, that I look to examples of other people. She then asked me to read the next passage. It was more of the same. Maybe I missed the nuance, because she then asked me, as the younger woman stood nervously behind her, how does one suffering from grief overcome it?

All I could think at that time was that I overcome grief by looking inward and hearing other people's stories. I told the older woman as much. It was as close to the truth as I could find in that awkward moment with two strangers standing outside my door.

A bit later,  after I had time to myself. I remembered a few weeks earlier when I was in quite a bit of pain. Life became difficult due to a series of accidents, mine and those around me. I recalled how I dealt with the pain and difficulty by watching these little birds outside my doorway. They gave me joy and relief every time they fluttered towards the feeder in a swarm and happily fed and bathed in the water I set out for them. These little birds...outside my doorway...

Bob Marley's song, Three Little Birds, is about just that -- three little birds that gave him joy as he saw them nearly everyday outside his door. They inspired him so he wrote a song. The song is so meaningful, many people think it is about much more than birds. Maybe it is, in a way. Every time I found myself in pain in those next couple of weeks, I found myself singing that song because "Every little thing is gonna be alright."

What I Didn't Learn In High School PE & Health - Marching Is Great

For several years I've had a bone to pick with the rigidity of the physical fitness classes and health philosophies taught to me while I was in High-School. The reason for this is, I believe, many of our ideas for how to keep in shape are formed during this time, and to build a solid foundation of health and fitness it is imperative that a good solid understanding of how to exercise is learned. The key here is there are many roads to get to that one healthy goal.

At my high school it was required that we take basic health and PE as Freshmen and then continue with supplemental credits to fulfill the rest of the requirements. For PE, that requirement was often satisfied with credit with sports participation or individual study. My issue stems from the exclusion of specific activities as "active" and "beneficial" to a healthy lifestyle. Also, that we were not taught how to evaluate an activity for its healthy benefits such as working muscle groups, intensity, and cardio versus anaerobic. These are things I learned in college and only in relation to weight lifting.

"...it came to our attention students were bowling and golfing for PE credit, and the cheerleaders and dance team were credited for their activities as well. So why weren't the marching band and color guard?"

Something interesting happened my senior year of HS. Many of my classmates were scrambling for PE credit. We were very involved with music and had little time to fit in all the credits we needed because of scheduling conflicts. A few of us began a philosophical discussion in health class, because the teacher in charge of PE was our health teacher. The philosophical discussion became a tangible investigation when it came to our attention students were bowling and golfing for PE credit, and the cheerleaders and dance team were credited for their activities as well. So why weren't the marching band and color guard?

As a small group we started talking with our teacher. We told him about the abdominal breathing. We told him about the playing while marching. In length we went into how much each instrument weighs and how we lift and lower the instruments with force and hold them up high for long periods at a time. Then we went into the marching; the endless controlled marching. He wasn't buying any of it. The teacher claimed we just stood and played and walked. We offered for him to visit practice, maybe sit in on a rehearsal with a tuba around his neck. For some unknown reason he kept denying our hard work and athleticism and wouldn't let us apply for independent study. It was ridiculous.

Fast forward to today. I've marched in 4 marching bands for a total of 8 years. I took weight training in college to help fill the gap of physical education I lost in high school due to my bad luck with teachers, or whatever happened. Even with the knowledge of how to use gym equipment and how to do burpees, I still got stuck in a desk job and relegated myself to walking loops around a parking lot for my exercise. My hips slowly lost their strong marching muscles. Also, I went through a few years with a few life traumas... and that certainly didn't help me.

"It wasn't until recently that I found some exercises that are helping me to strengthen the muscles that were hurt or depleted. Guess what most of that exercise is? Marching in place."

Now, here I am recovering from some stress injuries and, low and behold, it is my hips/knees causing the bulk of the problems. I've been going to a chiropractor for a while now and tried many different exercises to strengthen my core over the last 4 years. It wasn't until recently that I found some exercises that are helping me to strengthen the muscles that were hurt or depleted. Guess what most of that exercise is? Marching in place. Yup! There is a reason soldiers march so much. Not only is it a quick way to walk, but it strengthens your core, yours hips, bones, and all those walking and sit-muscles we should be using but don't because...you know, plopping down is so much easier! Oh, the irony.

 I'm repairing my hips and shoulders (and jaw) from all the trauma I put them through during my bout of stress. And it is helping so much! So, I know it is 15 years too late, but Mr. Health Teacher, marching is GREAT exercise. I've gone down a size in pants and gained muscle back. So, don't judge it until you've tried it or at least researched it a little. Try it! :-)

Film Reels: Lover Come Back

Film Reels - In which I catch up on my classic movies and then talk about them.

Lover Come Back -  Romance/Comedy, 1961

In the midst of the finale season of Mad Men, I feel like I normally do when a beloved TV show, book or movie ends; there is a tiny hole in my heart where the characters resided shortly. It must be a trait of the artistic person or the overly nostalgic, but I get it every time. To fill this hole in my heart, I turn to research; who was the real Don Draper? And then I remembered a movie from my childhood, Lover Come Back.

My mother adored Doris Day growing up, and she shares that love with my sister and myself.  In the movie Lover Come Back, both Rock Hudson and Doris Day play Ad men (women), much like Don Draper, Peggy Olsen, et. al. Now Mr. Hudson's character acts a bit more Roger Sterling-esque, playing the ladies more than the actual advertising, but the setting is still Madison Avenue in 1960. And boy is it familiar after all 7 seasons of Mad Men. I felt like I was watching the movie with fresh eyes.

When I first watched Lover Come back, I was probably a pre-teen, and focused on the silliness and comedic execution. Now that I'm older, wiser and have all that advertising knowledge under my belt, the movie is just that much funnier. Also, Tony Randall and Ann Davis are both treasures. Both have excellent comedic timing and a penchant for one liners and great character work. Its too bad Ann Davis didn't get more work. As for Tony Randall, I may need to revisit the Odd Couple here soon.

Lover Come Back is a slightly dated, but well done, time capsule of a movie, with great colors, slapstick, art, outright silliness, obligatory "Doris Day soft-focus," and a bit of romance. The best moment comes 3/4 the way through with their "new product." In the right hands, this could be a very interesting movie to remake. But only in the right hands... Regardless, you'll love Vip! And I hope you'll enjoy the movie as much as I always have. And maybe it will cheer you up after Mad Men ends too... (Available on iTunes, Amazon, Googleplay)

Places To Take Your Own Family Portraits In Salem, Oregon

The Best Places To Take Your Own Family Portraits In Salem Oregon

or How to Avoid Bokeh Roulette

Saturday afternoon I was asked what the best places to take your own family photos in Salem were. I thought about where I would go if I were going on a photo shoot for a family portrait in early Fall and mentioned places with gorgeous trees and warm scenery. I suggested a few places; a couple that are a 15 minute drive outside of town but are gorgeous this time of year and my two go-to parks for central Salem photographic beauty, Deepwood and Bush Park. Then I went out to do some shooting myself and that's when I realized my mistake.

I drove out to Bush Park, staying on the NE corner, near Deepwood, and then crossing over into Deepwood Estate. I'm a member of Deepwood, like many other Salem photographers. It is my favorite place in Salem to take photos, hands down. The only downside is, it is everyone else's favorite spot too. When you go, a photo shoot turns into a game of "stay out of each others background." Or Bokeh Roulette, as I like to call it.

I was able to get some decent shots, but it wasn't the same as having the park to yourself, as I often do, on a weekday afternoon. However, if you are on a shoot with someone who has a 9 to 5, or even 3 to midnight M-F job, a weekday afternoon isn't an easy option. So after the stress of my favorite Salem parks, it was time to think outside the park box.

Here are the places that thinking outside of the box took me, plus some other potential family portrait ideas:

1. State St. - On one side is Willamette University's beautiful campus, on the other side is Wilson Park and the Capitol. There can be a few people here, but the good news is there are so many trees, plants, statues, brick walls, and waterways that you are sure to find a backdrop that is people free.
And if the university or government buildings look too foreboding for a family photo, aim for a fluffy sequoia tree or Mill Stream with its adorable ducks as the background. Or, wait until spring for the flowers to bloom. There is never a bad season (except maybe Winter) to take photos here because of the varied plants and trees and with two campuses to choose from you will not run out of backdrops for your photos.

2. Pringle Park - If you are at Deepwood and Bush Park and having no luck, head on over to Pringle Park for some peace and quiet (as long as a Frisbee game is not on). This little green space is near the hospital and it is conveniently situated by a trail that goes into downtown for further exploration. The park itself, is filled with lush greenery and is inset by lovely concrete bridge work from an earlier decade and Pringle Creek gently flows from downtown to the side of the park and eventually to Deepwood Estate.

3. Downtown Murals - There are beautiful green spaces in Salem & Keizer everywhere if you just know where to look. But what if you want color and a city feel to your photos? My second favorite place in Salem to photograph is downtown, and not just for street photography. Each alley-way has new and old art formally and informally installed as well as beautiful vines creeping up the sides of vintage brick walls. I remember using the vines in high school for practicing portrait photography. Find an alley-way you like, be aware of service vehicles, and shoot away. Each alley is unique. Pick one that best expresses your family's style.

honorable mentions.... Ankeny NWR View Point - Take Liberty all the way out South until you reach Ankeny Hill Rd (stay left for hill view, straight for wetlands) HILL VIEW: There is a view point just up the hill, with a giant Oak tree  (boo! it died) , (still) beautiful views and light. WETLANDS: There are several spots on Liberty and nearby roads with access to the wetlands area. On the left, coming from Salem, is the main wetlands lot.
I highly recommend timing your photo shoot for an hour to two hours before sunset on a day with low haze/dust and a couple clouds in the sky. You will not be disappointed.
Joryville County Park - is a beautiful nature hike, with many scenic areas to take small group photos both at the bottom of the hill and at the top. Directions: 14 miles out Liberty Road, then two miles to Jory Road, then one mile west to park entrance
Willamette Mission State Park - Is an expansive, but beautiful park out past Keizer on the Willamette River. It costs $5 for the day, but if you bring a picnic lunch and spend sometime exploring, it is well worth the cost. There are many beautiful areas to take photos. My favorites are the tree groves.

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Salem, Oregon's Places To Photograph

Bush's Pasture Park, Salem, Oregon - photo by Lisa Miller

Film Reels: The Little Prince

Film Reels - In which I catch up on my classic movies and then talk about them.

The Little Prince -  Musical, 1974

It has been many years since my first encounter with The Little Prince. As a very young child I remember Nickelodeon playing the 1978 French/Japanese cartoon, The Adventures of The Little Prince, in the mid-80s. It was one of my first tv obsessions. The child prince alone on the moon, taking care of his rose friend and later going on adventures. I may have been a very small child while watching the show, but the memories stuck with me. I knew that someday, I'd find my little prince again, and I did...

While browsing Netflix for musicals to watch, my sister and I found The Little Prince from 1974. With a cast that includes Gene Wilder, Bob Fosse, and other familiar faces, we decided to give it a watch.Tthe first thing to keep in mind is this is a musical from the 70's and it is a bit dated. The second thing to keep in mind is that the book, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, can be very dark in nature and deeply philosophical. Its not typically the stuff that kid's cartoons or movies are made of.

After the initial shock from the memories of my 5 year old self wore off, I started to really get into the allegories for war and politics as the Little Prince moved from planet to planet, as well as the touching story of the Pilot and the Prince. The movie was magical and heart-wrenching at the same time. Some scenes were still silly and dated, but I started to forget all my qualms about campiness and focused on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's message and beautiful phrases, even when translated from French. And how often do you get to see Bob Fosse dance like a snake!

My favorite scene has to be Gene Wilder's. As much as I love the Little Prince, the Fox stole the show. That man is so talented. He took a small animal and embodied the shyness of the fox and fragility of his and the Prince's relationship to a tee.

I won't spoil the ending, for those that don't know the story, but don't expect to be dry-eyed when the movie is over. And if you are like me, expect to have an intense urge to buy a copy of the book for when you are feeling lonely, political, or just in need of some literary beauty.

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.” 

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Film Reels: Mädchen In Uniform

Film Reels - In which I catch up on my classic movies and then talk about them.

Mädchen In Uniform -(remake 1958)

There are two well known versions of this movie from Germany, but only one available on Netflix right now. I'd love to see the original sometime.The original was set after WWI in a Prussian boarding school for girls. So is the remake, but because it was made in 1958, some of the styles don't quite match the era.

The movie was very emotional and lovely. Historically, it is touted as being the first pro-lesbian movie and is important for having an all girl's cast. Personally, I was more affected by the main character, Manuela's, reaction and inability to adjust to the harsh Prussian school environment. She was known for being a sensitive and shy girl and the traumas of being in such a harsh place worked against her ability to mourn and deal with her grief over the death of her mother. This led her to become obsessed with the affections of the only kind teacher, and slightly forbidden attraction the two shared.

Setting the sexual attraction aside, it is very common for shy mild mannered people to become enamored with a specific teacher that shows them kindness. Especially in high-school, which can be a very rough place for shy people. I've seen it with myself and with others. I remember how devastated when my favorite teacher, the one I looked up to and felt was a positive role model, got cancer and died. I noticed a huge drop in my grades after that time. I also had a few friends who had their own personal favorite teacher that they felt they were almost friends with in high-school. It might be like finding a protector and confidant in a hellish scary place when you are not fitting in. For me it was a boost of confidence that someone thought my work was good and noticed my intelligence.

What I took from the movie, essentially, is that acceptance and love is more important than strict rules and guidelines in developing good adults. Rules have their place, but you need  love and compassion too. I recommend watching this movie, or the original 1931 version if you can find it.