hiking at Ecola State Park

Last weekend, Marcus, Elena, and I headed west for a day at the coast. We wanted to hike and enjoy a walk on the beach in the unseasonably warm and sunny weather. The last time we were at the beach together, Elena was just a few weeks old and a view of the Pacific Ocean was long overdue.

Learning how to take advantage of the weekend while leaving enough time for Elena to nap is still a work in progress. We decided to make sure she got her first full nap at home while we got our gear together, prepared food, and packed the car. When she woke, I fed her and then we left, timing it so that she would be able to nap during the last half of the drive.

The mornings in Portland have been dense with fog and, as we drove over the Fremont Bridge and out of the city, we could scarcely make out the cars ahead. The city and Willamette River had completely disappeared. As we drove over the West Hills, we rose above the fog and into the sun. When we arrived two hours later, the sun was warm overhead with a light fog still hanging in the trees and just above the water.

We parked at Ecola State Park and started out on the trail towards Indian Beach. The trail was thick with deep, slippery mud. I love the challenge of finding the right footing, but at one point we saw someone fall who was carrying a baby and my nerves nearly got the better of me. We passed a fallen tree that looked to have been the victim of a recent slide, crawling over it to reconnect with the trail. We made it to Indian Beach, then took the road back with a steep incline that felt like a punishment as we neared the end.

After reaching the car and peeling off our mud-covered boots, we headed to Cannon Beach for a bowl of clam chowder and a walk on the sand. Elena hadn't fallen asleep during the hike as we had hoped, so we knew our time on the beach was limited. After a short walk, plenty of photos, and Marcus walking through the waves, Elena's eye started to droop and we headed back. She slept nearly the whole way home and went down easily for bed. Our legs were smiling from the hike and we felt a little more confident that we can make Elena's nap schedule work with weekend excursions.

New Year's Eve at Mt. St. Helens

On the morning of the last day of 2014, we put on our hiking boots and headed out as the sun cast a pink hue across Portland. We were aimed for Mt. St. Helens, the volcano in Washington that erupted in 1980. Just 50 miles northeast of Portland, I had never been and we wanted to end the year with an adventure. And snow. Elena had never seen snow, so we threw her nap schedule to the wind and headed east through the Columbia Gorge then north at the Bridge of the Gods.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and, as we drove towards the mountain, the temperature dropped until we eventually hit snow. I love living close enough to snow to be able to enjoy it during the winter, while not having to deal with it on a daily basis. Infrequent encounters have left me with a sense of awe and respect, especially when it comes to driving in the snow. The moment tires transition from pavement to ice and the trees around weigh heavy with snow, I am filled with a sense of calm - and apprehension.

We drove through several snow parks until we came to the first lookout point with a clear view of the peak. Many of the roads on the north side of the mountain were closed and we missed the view of the crater going in from the south. We drove past lakes and reservoirs and people sledding down large hills. We eventually made our way to the side of the mountain and found a trailhead. Preparing to hike with a baby is something we still have to fine-tune and, by the time we had prepared ourselves and fed, changed, and bundled Elena, there wasn't time for an extensive hike before we needed to head back. Still, we enjoyed the time out, hiking among the snowy trees and watching a red-nosed Elena gaze at the white world around her on the last day of the year.

Morning rituals

Morning time. I love the early hours with the day stretched ahead, full of moments not yet experienced, the promise of a fresh to do list, and the luxury of time in which to pause before diving into the day.

When Elena was a newborn, the morning was my chance to catch a couple extra hours of sleep after a restless night. I would hand her over to Marcus around 6am and crash until 8am, then groggily wake as he headed out for the day. Those days (okay, months) were all about survival and I missed being able to savor the morning.

Now that Elena is sleeping through the night (!), I have reclaimed the morning. Not all days unfold as planned and sometimes the snooze button is just too tempting. But I love having a framework for the start of the day:

Water. I start each morning with a glass of water. While pregnant, I couldn't drink enough water. I was always thirsty and nursing Elena has a similar effect. Drinking water wakes me up and gets my digestive system in motion. I've also heard great things about starting the day with a glass of warm water with lemon. Maybe that's the next step.

Reading. I have a certain activity (ahem, pumping) that requires me to physically pause each morning. It's easy to jump right into email and social media, but I enjoy the excuse to pick up a book and read a chapter or even just a few paragraphs. Spending time on a daily basis with a book in hand makes me feel like my life is on the right track. When I take time to focus on something I enjoy as the day is just beginning, it frames the day in a positive light and jumpstarts my productivity.

News. Listening to streaming radio (usually NPR) in the morning has been a daily occurrence since we moved to Portland. It makes me feel connected to what's going on in the city, nation, and world even if I spend the rest of the day working from home. I love that we can listen as we prepare breakfast, feed Elena, and get ready for the day.

To do list. I'm a big fan of lists and planning. The thing about to do lists though, it's not fun when they start to haunt you. I try to keep it simple, adding things I must finish, as well as small tasks for in between larger projects. It's just enough to envision a productive day ahead without feeling overwhelmed.

Breakfast. I've never understood how some people skip breakfast. Not just because of that 'most important meal of the day' stuff, but I'm always seriously hungry in the morning. During the week, I usually have a bowl of steel cut oats, muesli, or a soft-boiled egg on toast with a side of yoghurt or fruit. On the weekend, we bring out the crêpes, French toast, and poached eggs on a bed of greens.

The best thing about having morning rituals is that you don't have to be a morning person to enjoy them. With an established routine, habit propels me forward when I wake no matter how soft my pillow might be.

What do you enjoy (or wish you enjoyed) doing in the morning?

a new year

The new year has arrived, a breath of fresh air and anticipation for the months ahead. The last three years all held life-changing events. Getting married in 2012. Moving to the States in 2013. And having a baby in 2014. As we sit here on the cusp of 2015, there are no major changes in sight and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm ready for a year where I can focus on embracing exactly where I am at this moment. Life might throw an unexpected curveball, but I'm hoping for a slow year, where we steadily change and grow while holding tight to the things that make up our core. My resolutions for the year are:

Travel and explore. Years ago, Marcus and I set the goal to travel to a new country every year. In 2014, we failed at that for the first time since I was 20. We also spent a lot less time hiking, camping, and exploring - one of the main draws in our move back to Oregon. On New Year's Eve, we went to Mt. St. Helens for a snowy adventure. On New Year's Day, we booked tickets for a spring vacation in Amsterdam and Berlin. Small steps to start introducing Elena to two of the most important aspects of our lives.

Food and feasts. A few weeks ago, we started introducing Elena to food. We are excited to help her discover flavors and textures. We signed up for a new CSA and have started documenting the amazing dishes that Marcus creates. Except more recipes and food photography to come.

Yoga and walks. Two things I love, which I have neglected in recent months. The days are getting longer and a new yoga studio opened just around the corner (!).

Love and joy. The most important resolution of all. My relationship with Marcus and being a mother to Elena are central to my life. I want to embrace these roles with mindfulness, dedication, determination, and most of all love and joy.

Cheers to the New Year!

books of the year

The year has been filled with a lot of reading, much of it related to pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby. There also have been books for pure pleasure, my favorite kind of reading.

Longbourn by Jo Baker. While the tale of Pride and Prejudice unfolds upstairs, this book imagines what went on in the lives of the servants downstairs through the eyes of the housemaid Sarah. I'm intrigued by anything with traces of Jane Austen, and this did not disappoint. Lovely and thoughtful, you almost begin to prefer the servants to the masters of the household. 

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. A fun read, perfect for escaping into an unfamiliar world. Rachel Chu joins her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, on a trip to his home in Singapore and discovers that he comes from a very rich family. Crazy rich.

Great with Child: Letters to a Young Mother by Beth Ann Fennelly. This book holds a special place in my heart. I read it in the third trimester of my pregnancy and was moved by the letters exchanged between two women about the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood. It built my anticipation for the pain and pleasure, joy and heartache that was to come. Once Elena was born, I began to read it again (even though I had finished it only weeks before), to find comfort in the words that described the joy and the difficulty far better than I could at the time.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. A wonderful portrait of a character that I still feel I only just know, the author describes the life of Zelda as a young adult, how she met F. Scott Fitzgerald and their rise in renown as the artist class rose to the top of the world.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. A completely engrossing story of a man accused of killing his wife, whose diary unfolds the story of their life in parallel to the investigation. Twists and turns of a tale that you've probably read. If not, you must.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. A simply beautiful tale of a wife and husband who live a solitary, quiet life in rural Alaska. Their experience of losing their baby in childbirth left a rift in their hearts and relationship. After building a child in the snow one evening, the next morning they meet young Faina. They grow to love her, although can't be sure if she is real.

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida. A glimpse into the mind of a boy with autism. Thirteen-year-old author Higashida describes his experience of daily life and how he perceives and interprets interactions with others.

Bringing up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman. The trendy book that sheds light on how the French raise children that are patient, engaged, and eat and sleep well. The popularity of the book made me hold off for a while, but in the end I was won over. It presents a balanced approach to child rearing that feels closer to the values I attained while living in Europe and that Marcus grew up with in Germany.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. After living for 25 years in Arizona, where everything to sustain life had to be shipped in from other parts of the country and world, the author and her family move to Virgina, determined to consume food they either grew themselves or bought from their direct community for the next year. A favorite book of mine and a timely reminder of the importance of buying local and seasonal.

What books have you enjoyed this year?

ten months

Blog silence. Something that often incurs apologies and excuses when the silence is broken. After ten months of not writing in this space, I'm happy to push the publish button once more with a different platform, a new domain, and an updated look.

In the last ten months, I have been able to refocus, determine the next phase for my blog, and also give it room to breath. small sight was so much a part of the Me that lived in Amsterdam for seven years, that I struggled with how to define it when I moved home to Portland. Blogs change as time passes, but the complete overhaul of my life, as I moved from one continent to another, left my blog more than a little undefined. And there were the small matters of having a baby on the way and starting my own business.

Welcome to the new small sight, a space to reflect on life in the Pacific Northwest, motherhood, my work as a content creator, and the inspiration that draws me back to the world of blogs, online content, and the communities that they bring together. You'll also find a collection of my work, a little bit about me, and how to say hello.

weekend links

Here in Portland, we have a sunny, three-day weekend stretching before us. I haven't been sleeping well lately, so we have kept our plans quite simple: dinner with my sister and her family, prenatal yoga, testing new recipes, and perhaps a drive to the beach. And, of course, a new book from the library that I plan to curl up with on the couch. Enjoy your weekend and these links!

1. A guide to organics shows which produce is most affected by pesticides 2. Wondering if it's safe to eat fish with radiation from Fukishima spreading across the Pacific Ocean 3. Looking forward to an exhibition of Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis' collaboration for the Wildwood books and The Decemberists 4. Enjoying Commissary Cafe, the latest addition to NW Portland 5. How to create a more productive working environment 6. Beautiful unconventional shelving 7. Great tips on public speaking 8. A guided meditation app for expectant mothers that helps with sleeplessness 9. Which city should you actually live in? (My result: Paris) 10. Share the experience of reading with A Book for Two (pictured below)

From 2013 to 2014

What a year! 2013 took us from Amsterdam to Portland, past our first wedding anniversary, to Mexico and Canada and all across the Pacific Northwest, and on the path to parenthood. I learned a lot, grew as a person, and was challenged to go beyond my comfort zone. There were missteps and tears, but also new opportunities, the chance to see things differently, and room for love to grow.

As we stand at the beginning of 2014, I can't wait to see what this year holds and am so thankful it won't involve an international move. I set goals for myself on a regular basis, so making New Year's resolutions is a familiar task. This year, I aim to expand my freelance work, explore new areas in Oregon, and do my best to prepare my mind, body, and relationship for the arrival of our baby in June. What are your goals for 2014?

We had a fantastic beginning, ringing in the New Year with our friends Tom and Candy in Bend, a small town in Central Oregon. The day started with a beautiful morning, a delicious breakfast of sweet potato and wild salmon hash, then a short hike along the Deschutes River to Steelhead Falls (pictured below). On the drive back to Portland, Marcus and I talked about our personal, professional, and financial goals for the year and answered the first question in this journal for two. It was a perfect start to the year. Happy New Year!

plus one makes three

I am sharing our Christmas cards before most people have received them, but we couldn't keep the news quiet any longer. A baby is on the way! We are so excited about this big (little) change that will arrive in June. This past year has held so much transition as we left our life in Amsterdam, moved across the world, and began to make a home in Portland. It has been a whirlwind of a year and the changes keep coming, but we couldn't be more thrilled.

When you announce you're pregnant, a barrage of questions usually follows. Here are some of the most frequent ones:

When are you due? June 23! It seems like a lifetime away, but good things take time. Right? It also happens to be right during the 2014 World Cup, so we're looking forward to having an extra cheerleader for the Deutsche Mannschaft.

How are you feeling so far? The first half of the first trimester was amazing. I almost didn't even feel pregnant, which was perfect for our trip to Mexico. Since the beginning of November, the evenings have been tough with nausea and exhaustion. At times it pretty intense, but overall I was relatively lucky. Now, I am almost at week 14 (one-third of the way there) and soon I should be able to stay awake past 9pm.

Were you planning to get pregnant? Ehm, well. We were starting to think about it and then it suddenly happened. Very quickly. Marcus and I thought maybe sometime next year and definitely after allergy season because there is no way I thought I could survive without medicine. Well, I guess I'm going to have to.

Did you always want children? No. I know many women who always knew they wanted to be a mom, but I wasn't one of them. In fact, for most of my life if you put a young child in the same room with me, I would gravitate to the opposite side. My mother always said, "You'll love your own", but I didn't think it was for me. Then my older sister had her first daughter seven years ago and her second four years ago and things changed. Becoming an aunt to my two sweet nieces, getting to watch my sister grow into motherhood, and watching friends enter motherhood with grace has been a joy. About one year after my first niece was born, I met Marcus. He was amazing, sweet, and was excited to be a father someday. As our relationship grew, I realized that being a mother was something I couldn't picture for myself alone, but us, together as parents, didn't sound so bad. And now, I can't even describe how much I already love the little baby growing inside me. Nine months seems like an eternity.

Where are you giving birth? Home births with a midwife are quite standard in Europe, but just starting to pick back up in the US. I definitely do not want to give birth at home, but will have a midwife deliver our baby. Marcus and I were both born with midwives and we both prefer a process that anticipates minimal medical intervention.

You're a vegetarian, do you think you'll eat meat? Actually, I eat fish, eggs, and cheese (lacto-ovo pescatarian), I just don't eat meat. I have heard that some vegetarians suddenly crave meat when pregnant. So far, the smell of cooking meat generally has me rushing out of the room. In fact, writing about it even takes a strong stomach. I have been trying to find more protein-rich recipes and I would love all recommendations.

Only 186 more days (or so) to go!

weekend links

The holiday festivities are in full swing and I'm looking forward to a weekend filled with friends and celebrations that will take us to Seattle and Silverton. What are your plans for the weekend?

1. The Garden Edit is a collection of products for, and inspired by, the garden.
2. The New York Times story Invisible Child looks at child homelessness through the eyes of a young girl in Fort Greene. Highly recommended.
3. This guide to winter cycling will keep you biking through the winter months.
4. The mulled cider at Crema in Portland is my favorite thing to sip these days.
5. Season 2 of House of Cards looks intense.
6. Celebrate the holidays in Oregon State Parks.
7. Listen to the sounds of the Roaring Twenties in New York (via Open Culture)
8. Portland photographer Kevin Russ talks about his images of the landscape and wildlife in the west (pictured below, via The Quiet Farm)

sunrise in Baja

Our two-week holiday in Mexico at the beginning of November didn't turn out quite like we planned. When people ask about our time south of the border, inevitably the focus shifts to Marcus' windsurfing accident, booking an early flight home, and the tale of a two-week holiday cut in half.

But I choose to remember the sunrises.

I am an early riser. I enjoy waking up with the maximum amount of the day stretched out before me. However, that doesn't mean I am a morning person. I get up early so that I can take my time preparing for the day, to be quiet before facing the noise of the world. Rushing outside a few minutes after opening my eyes is not part of that routine.

The sunrises in Baja Sur changed that, at least for a week. I would wake and see a golden glow leaking through the edges of the curtains that I couldn't simply ignore. When I pulled back the curtain, I was met with the most glorious sunrise. I would nudge Marcus and then bolt out the door, camera in hand. Wild-eyed and half-dressed, completely inappropriate to the world outside, but I didn't care.

We had seven days to catch the sunrise. Some were more breathtaking than others. And someday, we'll get more when we return to climb the Sierra de la Laguna and witness the sunrise from the top of a mountain.

a weekend of thanks

For the last eight years, I have celebrated Thanksgiving abroad. Some years this meant preparing a full dinner for friends who were just learning about the holiday and other years it entailed a last-minute search for a restaurant that served apple pie. Not only did this Thanksgiving bring traditional food, family, and a four-day weekend, but Marcus' longtime friend Florian flew in on Wednesday and we spent the long weekend showing him the best of Oregon.

Thursday took us to my parents' house in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The sun was shining, the food was abundant, and we gathered around the table with 25 friends and family members. Early the next morning, we headed to Mt. Hood for a hike around Trillium Lake. Just a few miles past the ski resorts, Trillium Lake offers a fantastic view of the mountain. The lake was frozen enough to walk along the edge, but other than a few patches of ice here and there, the ground was clear. The walk around the lake was easy and parts of the trail even had a wooden walkway. A level of difficult well suited to the day after Thanksgiving.

After Trillium Lake, we headed to Timberline Lodge for lunch. The restaurant was busy and the food was less wonderful than usual, but the atmosphere more than made up for it. We gave Florian a quick history of how the lodge came to be built during the Great Depression, then we headed up the mountain for a walk in the snow. The next days took us to the beach and then the sights in Portland.

The weekend was the perfect occasion to be thankful for this beautiful state and our easy access to its natural wonder. After a long period of settling, it's starting to feel like home again. But even more than that, I am thankful for the friendship of these two. They met in Berlin and both moved to Amsterdam around the same time. Music was the initial bond that brought them together and the reason that my flatmate invited Florian to bring his band to one of our house parties in 2007. Their friendship created another relationship, and for that, my heart is thankful.

weekend links

A collection of links for you to enjoy over the weekend! I'll spend my time testing a few cranberry recipes in preparation for the Thanksgiving festivities on Thursday, hanging out with two dear friends visiting from Seattle, and celebrating my mother's birthday. What will you do this weekend?

Things I've enjoyed lately: 1. Revisiting the fascinating collection of images on Everyday Africa 2. Ordering a new bike bell (pictured above, via Iva Jean) 3. Bookmarking this baked apple recipe 4. Anticipating my first trip to Cottonwood Canyon to explore the +8,000 acres of the newest state park in Oregon 5. Listening to an a cappella group sing Beyoncé's top hits (so good!) 6. Reading The NSA Files: Decoded on The Guardian 7. Experimenting with more grains and finding inspiration from this article The Complex World of Grains, Made Simple 8. Adding Sarah Copeland's new cookbook Feast: Generous Vegetarian Recipes for Any Eater and Every Appetite to the top of my wish list (pictured below) 9. Gettin' happy! (via simonvano) 10. Tasting the delicious spiced cider sorbet at Salt & Straw 11. Booking tickets to see The Christmas Revels: Christmas in Old Europe 12. Celebrating Marcus' 32nd birthday with a tasty dinner at Le Pigeon <3

the things of autumn

Yes, it's really a new post! I can barely believe it myself. The last two months have flown by with many good intentions to write in this cherished space, but all my writing energy ended up going towards other projects. But here I am, is anyone still out there?

We're now in the midst of November and on the brink of the holiday season. The weather in Portland was incredible all October, endless sunshine and warmth with a hint of chill in the air. All this led to extra crunchy leaves, pleasant bike rides, hiking every weekend, and lots of gatherings with friends.

At the end of the month, we flew to Mexico for the wedding of two friends from Amsterdam. It was a perfect dose of sunshine, sea, lounging by the pool, and reuniting with friends from the Netherlands. After the wedding, we headed north on the Baja Peninsula to spend the second week of our holiday in La Ventana, La Paz, and finally hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna. Unfortunately, the trip was cut short when Marcus sprained his knee windsurfing and we had to head home early. Bummer! But we're happy for the time we had and to be home again.

Anticipating: My first Thanksgiving with my family since 2004! Marcus' best friend from Berlin will be visiting us over the long weekend. He actually lives in New York now. And lived in Amsterdam while we were there. They like to follow each other around the world, I think.

Studying: I'm currently taking the NovoEd course from the Stanford School of Business The Finance of Retirement and Pension. It's completely outside my normal area of interests, but it has been really interesting to learn about life annuities, coupon bonds, and how to make smart choices to ensure a financial future. Important stuff!

Reading: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. The first book of a trilogy that was quite popular in 2006. I'm a little late to the party, but am enjoying it so far.

Watching: You guys. This documentary about ducks is so great. Not only because they call it a DUCKumentary, but also because it takes a unique look at one of nature's most familiar creatures.

What have you enjoyed this autumn? Any reading tips for the coming winter? It's good to be back, friends.

Images from my Instagram (clockwise): leaves covering Director Park, banana pancakes for breakfast, pappardelle with chanterelle mushrooms foraged in the Willamette Valley, a waterfall found while hiking in the Tillamook State Forest.

six months

"You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place, I told him, like you'll not only miss the people you love but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way again." - Azar Nafisi, Reading Lolita in Tehran

Six months ago, I said farewell to Amsterdam, my home for nearly seven years and a city that I came to know as my own. It's amazing to receive something so unexpected. The Netherlands. Who knew that I would end up feeling at home in that little country in Northern Europe.

I miss it and I miss who I was there, Carly in Amsterdam. Much has changed, but that's what life does. I am thankful for the experience and the fact that Marcus boarded that one-way flight to Portland with me. If I could bundle up my favorite things about Amsterdam, I'd happily pay an extra baggage fee for these:

The people. My friends, colleagues at World Press Photo, the friendly waitress at our favorite restaurant, the neighbors who safeguarded my packages while I was at work, the Turkish grocer and his family, the Dutch in general. Pragmatic and refreshingly, brutally real.

The lifestyle. Biking everywhere. Coffee with a cookie on the side. Customer service without frills. The rhythm, routine, and slow(er) pace of life. The ease with which you could find yourself in Cologne, Brussels, or Paris. Waking up every Saturday morning to a delivery from De Krat. The Kinderboederij.

The social system. I would happily pay much higher taxes to live in a society that takes care of its people and infrastructure. Where people see themselves as a community rather than isolated individuals that need freedom above all else.

The ongoing sense of wonder. Amsterdam is so beautiful and not a week went by where I didn't stop to appreciate it. The canals, the architecture, the history. As I would ride along, sometimes I just couldn't believe that such a place exists and that I knew all the small alleys and bumps in the road.

There could just as well be a list of things I gladly left behind. Or a list of things in Portland I wouldn't want to give up again. But at this six-month milestone, I'm happy to reflect on what it was and why it meant so much.

Norquay Co.

A brand dedicated to camping vibes is a brand after my own heart. Norquay brings a love for the outdoors together with great design in their collection of canoe paddles. The Montreal-based company selects the 100% cherry wood paddles from Teal Paddles in New Liskeard, Northern Ontario, which are then hand finished, marked with a cow brander, and topped off with a leather harness. I can see their paddles fitting in perfectly on the lakes of Oregon or simply mounted on a wall, a reminder of summer when winter has descended.

in August

In May, I set a few goals at the beginning of the month. Having small goals is something that helps me take incremental steps towards something bigger. So, with the goal of enjoying the month of August to the fullest, here are three things I plan to do in the last month of summer.

1. Indulge in summer fruit Undoubtedly, my favorite thing about summer is the abundance of fresh fruit. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Peaches, plums, and cherries. I can't get enough. But, for as much as I love baking, I rarely make desserts with summer fruit. This might be due to the fact that it's too delicious not to eat immediately. Another aspect is my hesitation to turn on the oven and make the apartment even warmer. I have been eyeing recipes for a summer peach tart and a cherry clafoutis and think it's time to branch out. Do you have any favorite summer fruit desserts?

2. Visit Crater Lake The past months have been focused on making the most of the warm weather with trips to the coast, gorge, and forest. Our sights are now set on Crater Lake and a camping trip in the Umpqua National Forest. Crater Lake, created when the volcanic mountain collapsed, is one of Oregon's most beautiful attractions.

3. Find a doctor This might seem like a silly goal, but while living in the Netherlands, I struggled to find a primary care doctor that I felt cared about my long-term health. This could be attributed to the requirement that you had to register with a doctor in your neighborhood. Having moved three times, I also changed doctors as often. Now, I am determined to find a caring physician in Portland. Recommendations are welcome.

What will you do in the month of August?

Photo by Hannah

Suttle Lake

  At the end of May, Marcus and I drove to Central Oregon to spend my birthday weekend at The Lodge at Suttle Lake. The resort has a beautiful main lodge and boathouse restaurant, with private cabins scattered around the premises. We rented a small cabin a short walk from the lake and dined the first evening at the restaurant. Due to a mixup, our reservation was lost, so the manager opened the second floor and gave us a private meal with a view over the lake. The ambiance was amazing, complemented by delicious food and a bottle of wine. After our meal, we headed back to sit around the fire and roast birthday s'mores. The next day, my parents joined us for a hike around the lake, although the water was too cold for a swim. In the evening, we cooked a meal of chili, cheese sandwiches, and roasted kale over the fire. With s'mores for dessert, of course. On Sunday, we headed to the nearby town of Sisters, an Old West style town with a mountain range for a backdrop. We visited a few antique shops, enjoyed lunch on a sunny terrace, and grabbed coffee at the legendary Sisters Coffee Company. And then, we headed over the mountain and back to Portland.

weekend links

Life has been a whirlwind lately! I'm three weeks into an exciting project, two weeks into another, and have been meeting up with new and old friends all across the city. We spent the last two weekends at the beach and plan to head in the opposite direction this weekend to explore the Columbia Gorge. What will you be doing this weekend?

1. New-to-me Portland places that I've loved: Canteen, Produce Row, and Ned Ludd (pictured above) 2. The three-part Nature series Bears of the Last Frontier is worth watching 3. This recipe for garlic scape pesto is just delicious 4. National Geographic has a Tumblr for unpublished work in its archive 5. If you ever find yourself near Newport, Oregon, I recommend taking this kayak tour through the Beaver Creek wetlands 6. All hail the arrival of cherry season 7. Cinema 21 is still showing Joss Whedon's fantastic Much Ado About Nothing 8. My ears are perked to the music of Kate Boy (below)

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the things of summer

Admiring: Solarium by William Lamson, a greenhouse with 162 windowpanes made with carmelized sugar on a hilltop in Mountainville, New York. Love.

Reading: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. 'A reflection on time, aging, memory, and remorse'. I'm taking full advantage of my library card and the wonderful Multnomah County Library app, which allows me to reserve books endlessly with the touch of a finger.

Baking: Granola with dried apricots and blueberries, strawberry shortcake cake, and bread with zucchini fresh from my sister's garden. It feels great to be in the kitchen again, mixing and measuring while NPR plays in the background.

Anticipating: A long weekend at the beach, time to enjoy family, reading, and exploring. And also a chance to stare at the waves and think about how I'd like the next months to unfold. Sneak peeks on instagram.

[vimeo vimeo.com/42978999 w=500&h=400]

Photos: Storm King Art Center