K(Now) Justice, K(Now) Peace

This post is snapshot of the BLM movement in Portland. The city isn't a battleground as the media portrays.

Covid Confidential: Vol 3

The third installation of my Covid confinement. To date, it has been more than 18 weeks since I’ve stepped foot into my (our) Northwest Portland, China Town office. It’s been a bit surreal. Let’s face it, 2020 is becoming the year that should be reset back to 12/31/19. Any celebrations planned after March 13, 2020, … Continue reading Covid Confidential: Vol 3 →

Seeing Red

This piece is dedicated to members of the board (past and present) for your tireless efforts, and to the volunteers , sponsors, photographers, DJs, and thousands of attendees for supporting the wonderful beneficiaries along the way. All nonprofits are not created equal. In 2000, shortly after I moved to Portland, Oregon from the Netherlands (Amsterdam), … Continue reading Seeing Red →

COVID Confidential: Vol #2

Well, it’s been over a month since Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown enacted the “Stay at Home” aka Shelter in Place rule. Like other states, Oregon and its residents have been enduring the rapid and viciously unpredictable nature of the Coronavirus. Our Portland economy, with its trendy food carts and amazing restaurants are also casualties of … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #2 →

COVID Confidential: Vol#1

All I can say is wow. This epidemic is our generation’s global Black Plague. The difference this time is that it's a global pandemic and not just a disease isolated only in Europe. The US is sadly late in the game with a plan to combat this intrusive and deadly invader. Some people are treating … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol#1 →

The Bitter Taste of Politics

Politics are not a favorite part of my regular diet. I don't crave the civic satisfaction some of my more enlightened friends and colleagues do. I actually never really have. When I do try and digest the platter of ballot measures, bond amendments, and candidate profiles, I feel nauseous and unsatisfied. Photo credit: Sommer Martin … Continue reading The Bitter Taste of Politics →

No – thing Needed

This weekend, whilst going about my normal non-work rituals, I realized that I have accumulated a lot of stuff. Over an unknown period of time, I have amassed clothing that I haven't worn in years, copies of copies, birthday cards from various milestones in my life ending with a zero, and employee handbooks from jobs … Continue reading No – thing Needed →

Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy?

It’s official! The holidays are here! When Eric and I do our grocery shopping, we go to a market we affectionately call “Freddy’s”; a Kroger brand store. This store is huge. It not only sells produce, but has home furnishings, electronics, and apparel. For major feed holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, we plan as … Continue reading Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy? →

My Inheritance

When I was younger I really loved to dance. I would get lost in the rhythms, moving with the highs and lows of the music. It allowed me to express myself; it still does. Though, I can no longer move at the level of a professional dancer, I can clear the dance floor when I’m … Continue reading My Inheritance →

It Comes in Threes

This text is dedicated to my mother and all mothers, natural and otherwise, with a special shout out to the daughters: Lisa and Sandy, Deirdre, Danielle and Kimberly. Ladies, thank you for sharing a piece of your hearts. It’s only a myth that bad things come in threes right? Events of this year have really … Continue reading It Comes in Threes →