Discovery Monday

Ah, the feeling of discovery! Heady stuff really, enough to make the pulse quicken and the heart to leap. Unless of course it's the other sort of discovery; like what the neighbors cats left in the veg garden (more of a pulse quickening, stomach lurching) - let's not speak of it.

Anyway, I thought I would share a few of my latest discoveries with you on this fine Monday.

Discovery #1 Shop:
The other day I was feeling a little smudged about the edges so, I took myself on the rare adventure known as, 'Lola on the Town'. I made my way to one of my favorite French bakeries and took a very long time to eat a pastry and sip a coffee. It was heavenly. As I was going to leave, I saw this little shop that I had noticed and wanted to go in for years. Well, no time like the present. Hollywood Senior Center Handcraft Shop – Golden Treasures & Thrift...doesn't it sound exotic? (Hollywood is the name of a NE Portland neighborhood, not to be confused with the one in California with the movie stars)

As I walked in the door I was greeted by two very lovely seniors whom I would come to find out, were volunteers Shirley and Gladys. The tiny shop was filled with handcrafted items and a few thrifty treasures, all on consignment from folks at the senior center. Now I know just where to go for a lovely and very reasonably priced crochet or knitted baby blanket, sweater, hat etc. Wooden trucks at half the price of the fancy toy store and all hand made. Had I more cash in my pocket I would have undoubtedly walked out with more loot but, I did end up with a bundle of 8 vintage handcrafted hankies for a steal, a red crochet pot holder and a very ingenious crocheted pot scrubber all for a song.


I also had a chance to chat with the very sweet Gladys and the super spunky Shirley. We talked about tatting, embroidery, the senior center...which is behind the shop. They gave me a tour of the offices, kitchen, and large room where a group of seniors were in the middle of a yoga class. I left with a smile in my heart and wishing I had stopped in earlier (the shop has been there for 30 years)!

If I were you, I would check out the senior centers in your area and see if they too have a shop, or many will have seasonal bazaars or craft fairs and some run thrift stores (or op-shops). Not only will you find handcrafted treasures at bargain prices but, you may get the opportunity to chat with some folks who know a thing or two.

Discovery #2 Music:
Have you heard of the band Black Prairie?

Unless you are a deeply devoted fan of The Decemberists, it is quite possible that you have not...yet. No, I didn't just discover the band, for our long time and very dear friend, Jon Neufeld is the guitarist. Jon has played with my brother in-law for years. He, along with a couple members of The Decemberists and a couple other major local talents, make up the band. They play wonderfully interesting music, many instrumentals...think Gypsy, Appalachia, Folk...

What I did discover, is that along with a small feature on NPR, they have just been signed to Sugar Hill Records! I am so pleased for them, they are all deserving incredible musicians. Hooray and congratulations! Go check 'em out.

Discovery #3 Food:
I discovered just how much Pony Girl loves sushi!

I do hope you have enjoyed my tour of discovery today. Next time I will tell all about what I found by the side of the road! Suspenseful no?

So my dears, what is your latest discovery? I'd love to hear.