fun times

Tuesday Night:

Llyw and I did end up going to the Roxy after he arrived. Had a nice little late snack. Nicole was there as well, the first of many people we ran into that showed just how popular I actually am. It was raining a fair amount during our walk back to my place but if we let the rain keep us in, then we would not have had any fun this weekend. We went home, dried off, set up the spare mattress, hung about and chatted and caught up. My bookshelf matched up to his in more ways than just me reading what he has suggested to me (going way back when to Neil Gaiman). We both had the Kurosagi something something manga in Japanese and The Stars My Destination (I had to read it for Politics and Literature).

Wednesday (Yesterday):

We woke up to a gray day. Or maybe it was sunny, but it later became gray and wet. Anyway, it was a day of mixed weather but we still went out. After a delicious breakfast of french toast (that Llyw made, what a guy!) we departed out into downtown Portland. There was mostly just a plan of going to Powell's and then going to PNCA and decided where to go from there once we got done with those things.

We caught the streetcar down to Powell's. Such an easy way to travel.

Powell's was Powell's. Huge but not so crowded. Decent selection in some areas, better in others. I took note of what comics to buy at Floating World instead(I get a discount there). The science fiction section had William Gibson's Neuromancer for only a couple bucks so I took the chance on the paper back. We ran into Rachel(painting class Rachel, not one of the printing Rachel's) at the store, who had lost her mother to the Powell's bookshelves (her mother was being shown around during Spring Break as well). Llyw found a few good deals on a philosophy hardcover and a comic. Departing the store we were happy to find that the rain had stopped.

The PNCA tour was short. Some of the art was off the walls due to painting. The alphabet show looked only about 1/6 of the way done. Sort of a bummer that a great deal of the gallery space did appear to be in a transition stage between shows. Robin was in the computer lab and she came out to say Hi and give me a hug.

After PNCA we went to Tea Zone for tea and scones. Quite tasty. I love that place, such a nice vibe to it. And my spot is always open. Just need to become a regular and stake it out now. For a little time, Llyw showed me his XO laptop which is quite awesome. It is one of those "buy one for charity, have the chance to buy one for yourself" laptops, where it is designed for the children of lesser developed nations. So it is small and durable, solar powered with great wifi detection, and just generally cool for hanging around in tea shops typing away and checking your email. And you know, being generous.

Next up was to show off my lovely little comic shop, Floating World Comics. No new issues were in for me but I just had to pick up the second volume of Scott Pilgrim (have to admit, I got into it in the last few chapters even though the character designs are annoying) and the sixth volume of the Invisibles (also addictive and Chris Weston is in this volume drawing so that rocks).

Oh wait, we went to Compound Gallery before Floating World Comics. Yeah. Llyw spied some prints by Kana Ohtsuki that we more than reasonably priced. He and the gallery manager got to talking about Osaka. That conversation went a little over me but Craig and his (also in town visiting) friend Avi showed up and we chatted a little. Gave Craig the "what I have been reading/watching" list and we talked about the show at Elizabeth Leech. Wandered around the gallery revisiting the Alice in Wonderland themed show. And THEN we went to Floating World Comics. Yeah, that is how it happened.

We backtracked a little and caught the max back. As it was the yellow line we left it in Pioneer Place and meandered back, stopping every now and then to marvel at the architecture. I knew Portland had a nice design to it but all the OOOOing and AHHHing from Llyw brought it into a new light. When we were walking to FWC I pointed out the 511 building that PNCA now has and that was the first major OOOOHHH that lead to more photo taking of the local scenery. Churches, apartments, some houses...all had their photos taken. I was in a few shots as well, so it wasn't all about the pediments and keystones.

It was nice and dry for the rest of the day after the Tea Zone (excluding a short time at night). We dropped our stuff down at home, snacked, relaxed, and unwound. The daylight and clear skies were still with us so we opted to walk around some more, but this time mostly in my neighborhood and not down town.

It was pretty much the same walk that Karen and I did about a month ago, but this time with a little more light. Revisited the great and fancy houses. Sat on the swings. Looked out on the overlook bridge at the city. It started to sprinkle so we went back. Didn't come down too much, so that was fortunate. The four story apartment complex shoved into the hillside was beautiful at night with the light inside illuminating the stained glass. Lovely!

Robin stopped by to say another brief hello. The rest of the night was spent inside. We had omelets for dinner (not made by me or Lindsay).

Part of my final for painting is a series of portraits and Llyw was very willing to sit and be painted. He held his pose extremely well(some of the PNCA models could learn something). Last night I just got the sketch done, with the intention of painting it tomorrow (instead of going out). The sketch didn't look like how I see him but it has a decent amount of resemblance and accuracy when it comes to form and fabric. Finished drawing, we put on our jammies, chatted a little, then went to sleep.

Thursday (Today):

Llyw made yet another meal, but this time it came from a can. Tasty and delicious cinnamon buns with orange icing. Mmmm. We woke a little early so that I could get a jump on painting (I wasn't about to paint him sleeping, that's creepy). After breakfast and the morning routines, the rest of his short visit was spent with him being painted. I'm not done but most of things left are parts like fabric and I can invent that easier than I can the skin tone. Right now it looks like him a lot more than the sketch did. I can't wait to finish it. I would like to say I am getting faster at painting but it still takes me a really long time. He was very good and didn't complain. The time passed all too quickly and before I knew it, it was time to go to catch a train to catch a train.

On the max were some ticket checkers but they were not talking to people. That still was very close. We arrived right as people were getting seat assignments. Excellent timing. We hugged and said our goodbyes and then he was on his way back to Seattle.

These days went by so fast and were oh so fun.

I took a leisurely stroll back to my place and about 10 minutes after I got home the fire alarm went off. The loudest noise I have ever heard! It was just horrible and painful and auuughhhh. Had to stuff Ibanez in his cat carrier and leave the building. Got down to the lobby to find that it was just a glitch with the system and the alarm would be off shortly. Still waited around downstairs, away from the brute of the noise, petting poor Ibanez.

The fire alarm, yeah oh so not fun.

Now I guess I'll go read comics. Mom, Dad, & Co. are not coming down so it is just me kicking back for the next three days. THREE DAYS! WHAT? Dang. Well, it has been a great break. Fun time with a friend and days to sleep in and rejuvenate.