Stained Glass Staircase

I took this photo months ago, but just recently rediscovered it in my files.

Fidhlear and I took a mini road-trip to Hood River, and stopped at Crown Point on the way (actually, I posted a separate blog about that trip called Simple Sundays: Breathing in the Autumn Air if you’re interested). I remember now, I was so enraptured by our stop at Bridal Veil Falls that I forgot about the shots I’d taken at the Vista House.

Anyway, the Crown Point Vista House “houses a museum, gift shop and interpretive display of historic and geologic points of interest in the Gorge.” It’s also apparently the most photographed icon of the Columbia River Gorge. Of course, I’m guessing that refers to the outside of the building. I, on the other hand, enjoyed the architecture inside, such as the gorgeous Tokeen Alaskan marble stairs and greenish opalized glass windows. You can find out more about the specifics of the building on the Vista House website.

Sad day for a shoe-a-holic

I’d just walked into my office building this morning when my boots broke

Granted, the heel of the right boot had been breaking away from the shoe when I acquired them (hey, they were free!)  But a little creativity and a bottle of super glue seemed to solve the problem.  I wore these boots … trendy, chocolate brown, pointy-toed leather ankle boots with a slim three-inch heel and fun stitching details across the vamp … all day one day last week, and didn’t have any trouble.  Actually, I got a few compliments.  But as I said, this morning my good luck ran out.  Sad day.

Unwilling to trudge back through the rain just yet for the tennis shoes in my car, I carefully tiptoed the rest of the way to my desk.  I logged in and surveyed my ever-growing inbox.  “Hmmm,” I thought, opening an email from the Being Five comic. “Maybe this will help me feel better.”

Ha, there’s no “maybe” about it.  I actually laughed out loud at this one, and I’m betting it will at least make you smile, too.

Jennifer King: Author, Photographer, Speaker

About a month ago, I wrote a post about an inspirational, devotional book I’d just started called The One Year Mini for Busy Women.  Shortly thereafter, I also reviewed the book on Amazon.  Then, just this week, I got an email from author Jennifer King thanking me for the review!  She wrote,

“I am sincerely and deeply moved that you think enough about my book to write a very well-written and inviting review. As an author, it is immensely gratifying to hear of readers connecting with the thoughts and prose I was inspired to write. Thank you.”

I was, quite frankly, slightly shocked, humbled, happy, and curious to know more about her.  She’d included her web address, so I went to www.jennifersgardens.com and discovered that, not only was The Mini for Busy Women her first book, she also has another under review for publication. It’s called “Silver Stilettos” and that title alone is enough to put it on my wishlist!

And writing is not her only talent … her photography is stunning as well.  With my penchant for butterflies, I’m sorely tempted to order some of her greeting cards.  Her landscape shots are gorgeous, too!  The photo to the right is from her backyard garden, one of several displayed on her website.  She also has a variety of scenic shots … but hmmm, none from the Northwest.  I wonder if I should contact her about all the beautiful locations in Portland and encourage her to visit here sometime!