Monday, November 8, 2010

Lola on the town...Part 2

As promised, here is Part 2 of my weekend gallivant about the lovely city of Portland. Today's installment is about my solo jaunt to down town for Little Winter, a handmade market.
Perhaps you are asking yourself, 'How on earth did she get so much free time off on her own, to do as she pleased? No little rascal tugging upon her arm or playing bull in a china shop? No Mr. impatiently shifting his weight from one foot to the other before finally announcing he'll go wait in the car? How can that be?'
Let's just say I owe a big thanks to The Engineer. He took Pony Girl off on other adventures or got her ready for bed whilst I was out and about. I think he saw the glimmer of madness in my eyes, knew that the cabin fever had struck, and very graciously (and wisely) said to me, "Go for it!"

Created by Abby Powell Thompson of Abby Try Again and Chelsea Fuss of Frolic!, Little Winter is a handmade market featuring 20+ artists and craftspeople from Portland and beyond." The market ran for 2 days this weekend.
So, on Saturday I put on my best pair of stripey socks, my good luck necklace, and threw caution to the wind as I headed down town. As I approached the building, I could see that already there was a buzz of excitement and a general milling about. The place was styled beautifully. I wish I could have grabbed a decent photo of the place, especially the black and white gingham curtains...I'm a sucker for a nice gingham you know. The space had a sort of stylized old one room schoolhouse feel. I liked it.

There was so much pretty going on. All the vendors wares were quite lovely and it was nice to see in person and up close, what I have seen only in blog land. For a list of vendors go to the web site and it's on the sidebar.

The item I was most enchanted by, were these wonderful tiny wooden houses with wee plants growing out of them, by my house party.

There were a couple of drawbacks to the market. One was I think, a matter of timing on my part. I went right after opening and the place was jammed. Good for the market but, not so great for one trying to get a good look at everything. I might have been better off waiting till later in the day or, gone the 2nd day. Because it was so tight, I couldn't imagine staying too long.

The other downside, it would have been the perfect outing to have along a friend, an artsy-craftsy gal pal to peruse and discuss with. Afterwards sharing a pleasant lunch and trading our observations. That would have been most nice. Still, I did enjoy myself and I wasn't entirely alone, I brought Nadine the Nikon with me and she took some sweet photos.

Afterwards, I took myself to lunch at one of Portland's most excellent food carts. It was delish!

I have learned that I need to make it a point to get out on the town more often, maybe I can swing it once a month or so. I live in an amazing place and I don't want to take it for granted.

What are some of the great things about your home town?

13 comments:

- said...

I know what you mean. I don't like it when it is so crowded and you are elbowing people either side of you and it's hot! It good to get out and about and see what's new and exciting and to treat yourself like you did.
Good stuff!

Aussie-waffler said...

I'm so glad you took Nadine with you, I do love perusing your photos. I am with you, those little plant houses look fabulous. If only I didn't live a plane trip away, on the other side of the planet, for I would surely have found some stripey socks and put my hand up to come along :) x

Unknown said...

There are the same great things in abundance in my town as yours. Go Portland! I, too, need to get out and about a little more often. It's too amazing here to miss out.

abby try again said...

Wow, this is such a beautiful post.
Thank you so much for coming!
Your photos are gorgeous, thanks for sharing.

Colette said...

Oh you lucky lady - two outings in one weekend, I'm a little jealous. I love the Modern Domestic place - it's a wonder you haven't taken up residence in a corner!
This market looks wonderful too, so many gorgeous things to tempt you.

I'm hoping to get out and love my city this week - I will share if I make it out! Glad you shared these gorgeous photos, x

. said...

In my home town there is a Sunday market that reminds me of every travel blog I have ever visited. Asian women sell vegetables from rugs on the ground, whilst the stripy stall next door bows under the weight of Portugese pastries. The old Kiwi bloke selling tools from his shed is opposite the German meat stand and beside the Turkish hummus and flat bread man... I could wax lyrical for hours, but I won't, suffice to say it is my most favourite part of town at the moment x

Wendy said...

Thanks for sharing your adventures. Love your new banner up there! Portland IS my hometown--wish I could make it there more often--so much fun!

dottie angel said...

it would appear Carlos has his first crush... and who could blame him :)

lifeshighway said...

Every girl needs a day on to escape and explore. A little pampering and me-time is good for the soul.

Sherri B. said...

I love the food carts. I have heard about them, even food shows have talked about them but I have never been, another thing to put on my list...I wonder if those plants are the ones that don't have to have soil?...I don't care to be in places with too many people, I feel like I can't breath and then I realize it is because I am holding my breath.

Thanks for taking us with.

Sabrina said...

I know what you mean about having a gal pal along. I still enjoy myself alone, but I end up doing a lot internal dialogue along the way. Then suddenly, in a panic, I'll wonder ... did I say that out loud — or in my mind? Whenever sanity is in question it's better to have someone along.

Pia K said...

i read about this over at frolics, it sounded and lokked delightful indeed. i hope they got to sell lots and lots of stuff too, because that's such a major flaw with fairs in sweden, people are just not the least bit willing to pay for handmade, unique, lovely, creative things with no big brand name behind it. (the curse of the land of ikea and h&m...).

i would indeed have loved to be your companion to that fair! portland does sound like a fantastically creative place to be, so on my -to-one-day-visit-list.

diane said...

love love love portland!

your photos always make me smile :)