Saturday, March 20, 2010

Girl's Night



I'm visiting my daughter in Portland this week and one of my favorite places is the Northwest 23rd, or alphabet blocks, part of the city. Full of old victorians and posh condos, it has plenty of shopping and restaurants of all persuasions. My daughter and I met one of her best friends and her mother for dinner tonight and had the best time! Our dinner at The Matador was wonderful, and the drinks were well appreciated. What is it about getting together with friends of the same sex that allows for a sense of renewal? My husband, happy back in the mountains, is hosting his annual get-together with the boys for four days of skiing, wine, and red meat.

I guess we just need time once in a while to talk about the things that are interesting only to others who noodle on the same thoughts. We talked weddings, hair, makeup, friends, and shoes. None of the things my husband and his friends are talking about, I'm sure. They're talking finance, politics, snow, and skis!

36 comments:

alaine@éclectique said...

I love that pic of the city. And to think I passed up the opportunity to be in Melbourne tonight with a lady friend; a trip to the Gallery and the market on the esplanade at St. Kilda on Sunday morning! I need my head read!

Enjoy your time with the girls! ♥a

P.S. I've just learnt how to do these keyboard symbols; only after 16 years on the computer!

Natalie said...

Fantastic! Sounds like a lovely evening. Gorgeous photo too, by the way. :)

Shrinky said...

I know exactly what you mean, yes, it is renewing isn't it, to have some girlie time out together? I am escaping for a long weekend with my two sisters soon, and I can hardly wait!

Delwyn said...

Hi Nancy

I hope you have been having a fun girlie time...

I liked your 'step into the space' phrase...and will remember it...it helps to have a reminder or cue like that at times...

Happy days

Anonymous said...

Portland sounds like a place to visit, though I'm not too sure about the intro on the Matador's website lol. I hate bullfighting, even though I have Spanish roots.

As for girls nights, yeah I know! It's just like you say, it's just so much fun to be talking to "others who noodle on the same thoughts".

Thanks for inspiring me (I might throw a girls night myself within the next couple of months), and I'm glad you're enjoying your time in Portland :)

luksky said...

I have an old friend who lives in Portland. She is always encouraging me to come for a visit...maybe one day.

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

I love Oregan... have fun, party like a rock star and it's late March... your husband and friends are talking Basketball

DJan said...

You should have a wonderful day today. Up here in Bellingham and Seattle, it's going to be in the high sixties! I do love your new layout and think to mention it every time I comment but I think I forget.

Joanne said...

There's nothing like a great Girls' Night Out, so rejuvenating. I'd have liked to hear your wedding talk. Though we have no weddings in sight here, we've been gabbing about the current trend for sleeveless gowns, thinking every one looks the same! We opt for sleeves ...

CrazyCris said...

Sounds like fun!

It is nice to get together with just "the girls" from time to time... although in general I prefer mixed company in part because I really can't do the "shoes, makeup, clothes etc..." conversation for very long! I'm more politics, economy, sports, movies! :p

Whitney Lee said...

I agree completely! I try to do a monthly girls night out and find that I feel like a woman again afterwards. I think it's particularly appreciated because I spend so much of my time without adult interaction. I'm glad you had fun; enjoy the rest of your time with your daughter!

ellen abbott said...

I love my girly get togethers too.

Nancy said...

The Matador had great food and drinks, but I'm not into bull fighting either! I really can't think think of many things I dislike more. But the tequila bar was nice! :-)

harmony said...

Portland is one of my favorites too. I get lost in Powell's Books.
Spending time with gitls is always fun. A few weeks ago, I met a girlfriend from college, my older sister who had met her and Brian's mom for a weeked in Seattle. It was fantastic and I am still remembering our topics when it was girl's only conversation. I am glad that you enjoyed yourself!

Land of shimp said...

What a gorgeous view of the world that picture is, Nancy.

I don't know that it has to do with gender, but I do know what you mean about how restorative it is to sit around with the people with whom we have a deep affinity. It shores us up, carries us forward feeling stronger.

If you get a chance, don't forget to listen in the dark to the streets in that area. I'm being entirely serious -- take a good look around for would-be muggers, make sure the area is free of them and then stand perfectly still near a street light in the dark, and open your mind to the stories of the area. Just tell the universe you are inviting it in.

I know that just sounds incredibly flakey but give it a try. I used to know a shaman who told me about that, how to invite in the good energy of a place, and to carry it forward with you.

Just tip your chin up a bit, hold your arms out from your body, palms up and breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth three times.

Here's the funny thing -- nothing much will seem to happen (well, some people get a wee bit lightheaded) but when you return home, it can help inspire dreams of the place.

Like I said, it sounds flakey as can be, but the strangest thing is that it seems to work. Just a fun way to carry that restorative quality with you :-)

Trish and Rob MacGregor said...

Sounds like fun! You going to stop by Powell's? My favorite bookstore.

Friko said...

there's nothing cosier than a girlie-get-together over a bottle of wine. Laughter, serious heart-to-hearts. a bit of gossip and possibly a memory or two, bliss.
Good friends are worth their weight in gold.

Brian Miller said...

wonderful pic...sounds like you had a great evening...we all do need those times of conection...

Marguerite said...

Your night out sounds like so much fun, Nancy! So glad that you're enjoying yourself! Cheers, cher!

Rosaria Williams said...

Love Portland! I can't get enough of all its fabolous neighborhoods.

gayle said...

It is so much fun to be with girls. I had 2 such times this week!!

California Girl said...

I was thinking of my girlfriends late this afternoon, missing our get-togethers when we were young. I live away from them all now and try to see most once a year if I go home to CA. There are things you speak of to women you just won't speak of to men. It's so comforting. Better than psychoanalysis.

ds said...

Sounds like a lovely evening. Enjoy your time with your daughter.
And the photo is spellbinding!

Al Bossence said...

This is one of the things I miss the most in my life.

Kelly

Lori ann said...

Awesome! have a wonderful time with your daughter! I LOVE Portland. That is a gorgeous photo Nancy.

Reya Mellicker said...

That's funny - the guys drink red wine and eat meat while you dress up and head into NW Portland.

That was the funkiest district when I lived in Portland in the late 1970's. The Couch St. Fishhouse was the ONLY cool place.

Well, except for Powell's books. Perenially cool!

Lillian Robinson said...

It's so important to maintain those relationships. They are very cathartic.

Anonymous said...

It sounds great, I love nights like that... and the picture is fabulous.

Mike said...

Sometimes we need to have time away with same sex friends just for the simple fact that certain interests are stronger with certain genders. For example, most women are not into catching sharks, while most men are not into scrapbooking!

Deborah said...

That would have been sheer bliss, Nancy! In a funny coincidence, The Matador is my daughter's and my favourite place to eat - in Calgary.
Great photo - now I'm eager to see the city as we're going to take a little road trip in that direction this summer.

GYPSYWOMAN said...

yes, nothing quite like kindred noodles and an evening and/or day out together! i know you're relishing every moment!

fabulous image!

Lillian Robinson said...

Back again...

I can't remember if I already told you that I've moved my blog, Blahwg! There is a link to the new location on the old page. Might as well UN-follow the old one... I won't be posting there anymore. Didn't want to lose you.

Stella Jones said...

I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves. The conversation sounds just right for a girls get together and the restaurant looks very exciting!! I love the photo.
Blessings, Star

Erika C. said...

I feel like I would love it out there from everything I have heard of the area. Some day!

And I know what you mean about the difference between girl or women's talk and boy or men's talk. As much fun as it is to spend time with my husband, there are those times when I just need to hang out with other women!

Thanks,

love,
Erika

Lindz said...

We had a WONDERFUL time too! Would love to see you again before you go. Oh we also talked tea and travel. Can't forget those.

Jo-Mama said...

And remember that you have a wonderful teacup to sip from and feel a great connection to "P" town when ever the mood strikes! Look forward to seeing you again in May.