My Birthday Getaway

This year's birthday was one to remember.  After Aaron whisked me away to Portland, I enjoyed a 1 1/2 massage at Dosha on NW 23rd.  Oh, what a much needed treat this was!  We then enjoyed a mouthwatering dinner at Typhoon, which was just up the street.  Now, this is when it got exciting.  I was sitting at our table enjoying my plate of Drunken Noodles, talking with Aaron, while gazing out the window watching people walk by.  I love to people watch.  I think humans are fascinating creatures.  And that is when it happened.  As a couple walked by I admired the woman's red coat and black little hat.  Then I narrowed in on her face.  But this was no ordinary face.  I recognized those features: the cute little nose and pouty red lips.  "There's Emily Martin!" I exclaimed to my hubby.  "I have to go get a picture with her!".  After all, it was my birthday and I was entitled to do something crazy like that, right?  You see, most Oregonians might get excited when they spot a Portland Trail Blazer, or perhaps Phil Knight, the owner of Nike.  But not me!  You show me an amazing crafter/artist and I'll be on a happy high for hours! (Okay, now all the Etsy people reading this will know her, but for those of you are not familiar with her work, she is the owner of The Black Apple, a shop full of unique and beautiful creations.  You may have seen her on the Martha Stewart show. She is the inspiration for the creation of the girls' favorite dolls.  Also, for a visual treat, do visit her amazingly creative blog.) Lucky for me I had my camera in my handy dandy bag and I rushed outside to meet her.  Fortunately, she walked into Urban Outfitters right next door, so I didn't have to run too far.  

And can I just say she was the sweetest lady ever?  Here's a picture of her holding her new book which is available at Urban Outfitters.

Of course I bought the book and had her sign it.  It will be a gift for the girls when they are just a wee bit older.  I love what she wrote to them.  

This book is amazing. AMAZING.  Her attention to detail is beyond impressive.  Her writing is just as enjoyable to read as her drawings are to look at.  If you're a paper doll lover, or you have young girls, this is a must have book.  And if you happen to live in the Portland, Oregon area visit Powell's bookstore December 13th for a book signing!  

And here we are.  What a wonderful birthday treat!

After I calmed down we headed to our hotel, The Nines.  What a beautiful place!  We couldn't resist a few shots.

(blurry elevator ride)

(this picture is for you, Summer!)

Yes, this place was swanky.

I fell in love with this chair.

Here is a cake Avey made for me.

The next day we traveled to Anthropologie.

Now, I know in a previous post I wasn't very positive about this store, and my opinion still stands about some of their low quality clothing.  BUT, this store is full of creativity!!  And for this reason alone I will always love it.  I love their clothes too, but I'll just have to be very careful about what I buy, because  big prices do not always equate high quality!

But look at these beautiful window displays.  LOVE them.  See the cakes made of yarn?  What about those stools?  EEEEEEEEEE!!

Here's the other window...

I love that door.  I want to make one.  How cute would this be in a playroom??

And their indoor display...

Tree Trimmings...

And another display...

Yes, it was a great little weekend getaway, but I couldn't wait to get back to my little girls.

 xo,

Pamela, a very thankful gal

p.s. Ketti--Emily commented on how she liked my camera bag! You truly do amazing work.  Thank you!  :)

Comments

[Summer]

Haha...I love your posed shots! I love that picture you took for me! It looks like some of my moss and BROOKLYNrehab's porcelain Branch ( http://www.etsy.com/transaction/37617251 ) had babies.

Thank you for thinking of me and Happy Birthday!

[Pamela Susan]

Ooooooohhh, very cool branch! Hugs to you.

[[email protected]]

How sweet!! I'm so happy you had a wonderful time. However, next to trip to pdx has to include Karmin buying you dessert!

Much love,
Karmin

[photojoy]

Thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures and your exciting encounter with the amazing artist. It sounds thrilling and I feel happy for you. It's great that you asked her to take pictures together. Happy belated Birthday!

[Anna]

Love the picture of you on the white couch! And what a lovely weekend you two seem to have had, congrats on a great husband (and on your belated birthday!). Hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving, all five of you.

Big love,
A.

[ketti]

That is a dream of a birthday weekend; I am envious!
Thanks for the shout-out too :)