Painting a Song with Prose

Some people paint. Some write and perform music. Others ply the power of words. How I wish I could do something like that.

The other day I heard a beautiful performance of How Great Thou Art, which had been arranged by the performer. The song gave me chills.
Earlier today I read a blog that nearly moved me to tears.
Some paintings play on the strings of my heart.

I love the ability art has to effectively convey and compel thoughts and feelings. I wish I was able to do that. For now, I will continue to flounder in the depths of inarticulate babblings, desperately yearning to share the joy I feel.

Saturday Market

Last week I went to the Saturday Market in Eugene with Jacie, my roommate/daughter of the family I am staying with. It was a lot of fun. I thought it was going to be like Fair on the Square from back home, but it was a lot bigger than that. There was also a farmers' market in addition to the craft booths. In true Oregonian fashion, it was misting/drizzling most of the time. My guess is that it wasn't as crowded as it would have been on a sunny day, but I figured while in Oregon, I should experience spending some time outside in the rain.

I got some cool/useful things that will act as my souvenirs from Eugene. I got a hair comb, hair sticks (chop sticks for your hair--I am still not entirely sure what the difference is), and some cool earrings. I also picked up a really awesome gift for my friend who is getting married in July. I hope she will like it.

After the market, we walked over to Voodoo Donuts. They had some pretty cool donuts with different toppings, including my favorite, an Elvis (or a maple bar with bacon on it). It was neat to see the different donuts, and they tasted pretty good. I am not sure I will go scrambling to buy more anytime soon, but it was still fun to experience.

Euphoria Chocolate Company

On one of my first days in Oregon, after I had been showed around town by the mom of the family I am staying with, I went into Eugene by myself. I had some paperwork to fill out at work, and I thought it would be good to just make sure I knew how to get to work and church and what not. While, in my drivings, I stumbled across this store. At first I didn't see it, since it is squished beside another building and the entrance is on the side-road side, but I am ever so glad I found it. They have so many delectable treats, including one of my favorite snacks of all, chocolate-covered blueberries. Yum! I especially like the name of the store, because I think it is just great.

Spencer's Butte

For FHE, we hiked Spencer's Butte. It is on my list of things to do before I leave Oregon. I was excited when I heard I would be getting a chance to do something I already wanted to do. The hike was beautiful. I really enjoyed it, although it was a not so gentle reminder that I should work on my cardio. Here are some pictures from my hike.

Trip to the Coast

I had a day off, and I went to the coast with the family I am staying with. The kids didn't have school either. They had a four-day weekend for Memorial Day. So, we headed to the coast. I am so grateful I have a tour guide and company for the trip.

First we went to the sea lion caves. Apparently it is one of the largest sea cave in the US. It is where a bunch of sea lions come during the winter and to have their young and what not. It was cool to see the sea lions, and I particularly liked the view from an upper crack where we could see the Heceta Head Lighthouse.




Next we actually went to the Heceta Head Lighthouse. To get there we had to take a short little hike. It was quite beautiful. The lighthouse itself wasn't that pretty, but it was still interesting to go inside and hear about the history.





After the lighthouse we grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to the beach! We had to climb up a big sand dune, and then the view just opened up to us. I was very excited to see the coast, since I have heard so many Oregonians rant and rave about it. Well, it lived up to everyone's boasting.









We rounded the day off by going and seeing the new Pirates movie. Overall, it was an awesome day.

I am sorry I included so many pictures, but they are just a lot better than words.

Why I just might fall in love with Oregon...

Here are some pictures I took on my drive out and during the first few weeks here.

A waterfall just off the scenic/historical highway outside of Portland.



Some of the sights on my way to and from work.