More than a month ago I left my little studio apartment and found another one for the month of May only. I have been trying to figure out how to survive in this economic downturn since I arrived here in November. Things have not worked out as I had predicted they would. It is as if I went from the frying pan into the fire, so to speak. I thought I was leaving a major economic disaster (Florida) for Ecotopia. Well, I was half-way right.
Portland is a vibrant, civilized and most "green" city I have ever visited (and lived in for 8 mo. in 2003). There are a number of things to do on any given night or day in this city. The list of active organizations here are too many to count but you can find them (one way is through Craigslist under the "community" listing) on just about any local coffeehouse bulletin board or front door window.
This city is so civilized. I know that is an unusual term to use, but it fits in this case. You rarely hear people in their cars honking at other drivers in traffic, for some stupid reason like not flooring the gas pedal after the red light turns green to race to the next stop light. Also, as a bike rider I don't experience car drivers getting impatient with me as I maneuver down some narrow streets. It is virtually impossible to go hungry in this city. There are numerous soup kitchens and food pantries to help the homeless & poor. And if I ever become physically handicapped, this city is extremely friendly with services & mobility options for people with needs. I recently watched a movie called "Music Within" (2007) which documents a man from Portland, OR (Richard Pimentel) who, after suffering his own physical disability, worked to craft the "Americans with Disabilities Act" and worked for the Governor of OR to teach employers how to hire & work with challenged people.
As far as "going green" is concerned I am very impressed with the continued efforts people in this city go to to cut their carbon foot-print and become more self-sufficient (especially when it comes to food). There is a huge push right now to grow food gardens and the City Council just passed an ordinance to allow a food garden to be grown on the City Hall property (around the rose plants). People are building chicken coops in their yards to produce their own eggs and an event is coming up in July "Tour de Coops" for a guided tour through a neighborhood to see some spectacularly built chicken coops. Pretty cool I think.
Now, my housing situation is not so good. I am trying to scrape together enough money to purchase a really sweet, but small, camper trailer. This way I can travel more and take my little home with me wherever I go. I am hoping to secure $1,500 (the camper price plus tag fees) in the next two weeks (I have until 6/14 to pay the seller). If you are interested in helping me acquire my little dream home please call for an appointment or if you wish to pre-pay for a meeting at some point in the future I am happy to keep you on my list of friends to thank properly ; )
Anyone who would like to contribute...please feel free to send your contribution to the following address: M.S. PO Box 1132, Portland, OR 97207. I hope you can help : )
Thanks!!!!
xoxoxoxoxxoxoxoo
Blissfully yours,
Emma : )
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