Discoveries from Portland

Someone mentioned to me after worship on our GA Sunday that they had thought I would be sharing some reflections. While there wasn’t time on that Sunday, I am also aware that I have the pulpit most of the time, so I will share with you items of pertinence as I am able. But I suppose it’s only fair to tell some of the most memorable experiences, even if they are about what I ate and what I saw.

I was impressed with Portland ’s cultural climate featuring a green convention center complete with the most artistically beautiful restrooms I’ve seen, each designed by a different artist. The men’s and women’s rooms at one end of the center feature earth colors, glass tile and a wall imbedded with blown glass vases set behind a colored glass screen. Described as “A celebration of our interconnections to the natural world,” they were called “Ode to a Men’s/Women’s restroom.” In another not-initially-so-impressive restroom closer inspection revealed framed tiles honoring various women who had made an impact on history. In the large public spaces I found a huge dragon boat, a gift from Portland ’s sister city in Taiwan , and a fantastic pendulum swinging above a blue terrazzo floor, a fantasy solar system. If you simply visited the Oregon Convention Center as a museum, it would take a good two hours on the walking tour provided.

While scurrying about during the week at GA, one tends to get a bit peckish; on a limited budget, one needs to find the most for one’s money. So when my friend Roger Jones told me that the burger joint I’d been walking past for three days paid employee health benefits and had natural beef, I got suddenly hungrier. I stood in line at Burgerville behind ministers and lay folks from across the country who wanted a nutritious burger or a gardenburger (regular or spicy black bean) and a yummy chocolate monkey shake or smoothie (with yogurt). That was lunch. For dinner, I realized I could eat there again and have fish. The next day, just repeat. Burgerville’s motto is “fresh, local, sustainable.” I think it’s brilliant.

At the end of the week, I’m glad to return home to my beloved bay area, but I’m wondering how it is we can let Oregon have all the cool, progressive stuff. Don’t we believe in local, public art, green buildings and sustainable business practices? I loved Portland , without even mentioning their wonderful public transportation. But I’d like to import some of their easy wisdom and beauty here. I hope you’ll remind me of all the cool, progressive places we have here at home and help me discover some new ones too.

I’m off to vacation land! See you in mid-August. Love, Katie.