Extraordinary Movements: Ordinary People

"From the places that you have been instructed to ignore or rendered unable to see come the stories that change the world, and it is here that culture has the power to shape politics and ordinary people have the power to change the world."  -Rebecca Solnit from her essay "A History of Shadows"

Women's-history-hits lists direct our focus to the grand and dramatic milestones and subtly encourage us to ignore what surrounds us: the lives of ordinary people, and their potential to make an impact. This month we invite you to be on the lookout for the seemingly small but meaningful actions of the people surrounding you. When you see them, acknowledge them so that all of us can begin to notice the ground beneath our feet again instead of perpetually staring at the horizon in anticipation of the next Superhero.

In the spirit of acknowledging direct action by ordinary people, we turn your attention to a few of our own local women who picked up the proverbial megaphone and started talking about...Menstruation and Menopause...two taboo subjects we have always been taught were not ready for prime time.

Portland Dining Month

If you've been hankering to try out a new restaurant, Portland Dining Month makes it easy and fun to do that without breaking the bank. All participating restaurants are offering three courses for $33 for the entire month of March.

Looking to support women in the culinary profession? Here are a handful of restaurants owned and/or operated by women where you can participate in the Portland Dining Month fun:

Aviary.  Bar Avignon.  Kachka.  Nonna.  Ray.  Xico.

See the full list of participating restaurants here>>

Support Your Local Woman-Owned Bar

Have a pint of beer or cider on Us at Saraveza anytime from March 8th to March 15th.  Just say the magic words "Location, Location, Location". 

Be sure to check out their never-ending tap list, enjoy their Wisconsin-inspired vibe and dig into the homemade pasties and pickled devil eggs.

And if you're looking for a great spot for a good time in the form of a private party or event, check out the Bad Habit Room–it's right next door.

National Association of Realtors (NAR) Data

Each month, NAR compiles data on real estate market activity. We want to introduce you to the Pending Home Sales indicator; we find it useful in understanding activity in the housing market.

This is the NAR description of Pending Home Sales data:

"The Pending Home Sales Index (PHS), a leading indicator of housing activity, measures housing contract activity and is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos, and co-ops. Because a home goes under contract a month or two before it is sold, the Pending Home Sales Index generally leads Existing-Home Sales by a month or two."

Here is the recap of their most recent report:

"Pending home sales were up slightly in December for the third consecutive month. In 2018, existing-home sales and price growth are forecast to moderate, primarily because of the new tax law’s expected impact in high-cost housing markets."

Take a look at the Pending Home Sales data here>>

Chinese New Year: 2018 is the Year of the Dog

Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration that begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice (February 16th) and ends when the full moon arrives two weeks later (March 1st). 

Public Chinese New Year festivities include elaborate dragon and lion dances and often fireworks. Individuals spend time with family and friends and also focus on cleaning out their homes, preparing for a fresh start in the new year. 

Each new year is represented by an animal symbol in the Chinese Zodiac; the characteristics of that animal are thought to represent the tone of the upcoming year.

Learn more about the origins of Chinese Astrology and predictions for this Year of the Dog>>

Participate in Chinese New Year activities at Portland's Lan Su Chinese Gardens>>

a love letter...

I know of only one duty, and that is to love. 
- Albert Camus

Dearest Valentine,

Valentine’s Day is about more than hearts and candy, it’s a reminder to me of purpose, our real purpose. Especially in this time when it feels as if we’re losing ground, moving backward, finding it harder to believe. At just these moments you, yes you, remind me of all the love there is in our little world. Our little world, the one we’ve created, here and now, in our neighborhoods, our city, our community joined together by common beliefs and values. The search to belong, to commit, create, to find purpose. For some inexplicable reason, some stroke of luck, you give this to me and I love you for it.

So, on this Valentine’s Day, know this, I am grateful and humbled by your belief in me, your goodness, your kindness. I am buoyed by your grit. Because of you, I am able to do what I truly love, what I was meant to do. You’ve taught me my purpose is not my work, my purpose is you. You are my most treasured Valentine.

With love,

Yours Trul