Sitting in Stumptown on Belmont. Visiting an old friend from Ohio. Finally getting started on a comic book series I’ve been trying to find time to write for the last several years. Enjoying the free WiFi that seems to be everywhere, drinking an imported Mexican Coke with real sugar after two lattes. (I’ve had enough caffeine that my skin may peel clean off any second, but that’s nothing unusual. Caffeine is my favorite molecule.)

Outside, the homes all have porches and the traffic is thin and the air is clear and the people may wave when you walk down the street. I had an incredible dinner last night (more shortly on that, too, when the restaurant’s website is done), and later on we’re heading to Powell’s and probably a show or just a long walk in the park.

Unless you are happy exactly where you are, whatever you do, do not visit Portland. Not for a day. You will be tempted to start rethinking your life.