Washington is beautiful and Portland has a fabulous vibe. Kudos to the residents, old and new. While my heart will always be in Little Rock, I will definitely be returning to Portland in the future as a sojourner. I did nothing but eat from the time I left LR! I stayed at Skamania Lodge for the conference, and they had amazing buffets for every meal (complete with local brews and lots-o-salmon)! It was motivating at least to hear stories from other non-profits on the challenges and successes they encountered in putting their ideas into practice. Portland was quick, but fun. Peter made sure to expand my culinary horizons (Lebanese stew and Turkish coffee), Sarah ensured I clocked maximum Starbucks & shopping time (even if she thought my shirt was a skirt) and Ramon introduced me to Palio's (complete with Jolie Holland, partially-used cupcakes and a touch of ginger). I don't speak French. We attended Imago Dei on Sunday, and the lovely Debbie Comin joined us for lunch. Ramon and I briefly explored Powell's books (which should be a vacation in itself), before meeting my cousin and his wife at a pub - who convinced Ramon to throw caution to the wind and pursue a freelance career writing music reviews (if you would like to encourage this endeavor, please send him $$$). I experienced sunshine with intermittent hail storms, tree lined streets covered in autumn leaves, rose gardens in traffic circles and rain that somehow doesn't bother you even as you're getting wet. Oh, and long conversations about whatever came to mind. That's my favorite part ~ sharing stories and drinking coffee and just being in the moment.