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Tag: Salem

Cória Estates: A Review

Sunny vineyardThat particular Tuesday was an Adventure Day, which means I pack up a small bag of essentials (typewriter, book, pen, paper, sunscreen and sunglasses) and follow the call of my wanderlust muse, wherever she may lead me. On this particular summer day, I knew my destination would be wine country–the sunny, cloudless sky just begged for it. When most Salemites think of local ‘wine country’ we immediately imagine the West Salem hills, which are famous for their numerous small-batch wineries offering Oregon’s staple Pinot Noir.

But today…today I am introducing you to a little boutique winery (without the boutique price tag) in the South Salem hills by the name of “Cória Estates.” I will be reviewing and discussing their wines, their tasting room and amenities, their event options, and a few other notable tidbits I experienced during my visit.

Pop Up Poetry 04.18.2015

Better late than never! I wanted to give you guys another peek into my event this last weekend during our glorious 70-degree sunny weather. 🙂 I set out to perform Pop Up Poetry at two locations on Saturday: first at Broadway Coffeehouse in the late morning/early afternoon, then to Archive Coffee & Bar in the evening. My first time performing a Daily Double, I am merely thrilled that I managed to survive! It was incredibly fun, as always, and I got to meet some wonderful people who were so kind to share their stories with me. Thanks to each of you for giving me a priceless gift time and time again! Hope to see you again soon!

Some Pop Up poems below in order of creation…Hope you enjoy!

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Pop Up Poetry Event: Artists’ Reception at Broadway Coffeehouse

I had the pleasure of being invited to do #PopUpPoetry this Thursday for Broadway Coffeehouse‘s Artists’ Reception, featuring the Friday Artists (showing off their paintings and artwork currently displayed at Broadway) and Branches Company (a local acoustic musician).

This was my first live gig, and can I just say how how humbled and awed I am by how my city is welcoming me with open arms?! Thank you, Salem! It was incredible; the evening had a slow, laid-back pace (rather than the rapid pace I’m used to), but I was grateful for it–I had the opportunity to engage in deeper conversations with the people asking me for custom poetry. We laughed and networked and exchanged stories and business cards. Now this…this is what life should be about–being intentional and authentic with the people around you. Busking is hard, SO hard, but now that I know what I know…I don’t think I can stop. Thank you to everyone who made Thursday night such a wonderful evening for me and for supporting your local artists. Thank you to my dear, dear husband for being the best personal assistant! You made this night seamless for me! See y’all on the streets! (And a special thank you to Eddie Cabbage. I’m the luckiest jedi-in-training in the world!)

Images of Pop Up Poetry pieces are below!

Local Event: Artists’ Reception

It’s legit. This Thursday at 6:00 PM @broadwaycoffeehouse will be hosting an Artists’ Reception for our local “Friday Artists,” whose works are currently hanging in the urban bar of the coffeehouse. The event will  feature music from Branches Company and #PopUpPoetry from yours truly, #JessicaMurdoch the #RhetoricalRedhead. Come hang out with me and support your local artists by kicking back for a relaxing evening! See ya there! ❤

Pop Up Poetry: Hopeless Romantic Child

Another #TipYourBartenderInPoetry for my dear friend Josh at @archivecoffeeandbar. ❤ An excellent prompt, Josh! So honored to have the chance to put a smile on your face! ☺ Cheers!

Writer’s Oasis

The beginning of a new chapter for #RhetoricalRedhead. I don’t believe in coincidence when things line up so perfectly, and when I begin meeting people I didn’t even know I needed on this journey. I have to take a step back, breathe, and tell myself, “Yes. This is happening.” And embrace it. On that note, I have waited for a year for Archive Coffee & Bar to open, for I desperately needed a place to host my creative mornings, afternoons, and evenings. They are doing something incredible here, and I’m honored to witness it. IMMENSE gratitude to you all at…

The 2014 Boys & Girls Club Civil War Dinner & Auction: A Rhetorical Redhead Report

A last-minute invitation from a dear friend awarded me the chance to attend this year’s annual Boys & Girls Club Civil War Dinner & Auction at the Salem Convention Center this Thursday evening.

Being Civil War-themed, attendees were encouraged to fly their colors to support their favorite Oregon university: University of Oregon with their green and yellow, or Oregon State University with black and orange. Naturally an Oregon Duck, I ran home after work to hurriedly don my loud, bright yellow Oregon volleyball jersey and throw on my running tights before dashing back downtown for the festivities. Surrounded by friends and a hot date on my arm, I waltzed into the Convention Center to see what the hubbub was all about.

Sisters Irish Bistro Review

Another St. Patrick’s Day came and went this past Monday, and in true, own-your-ginger-heritage style, I chose to don green, tame my redhead mane, and go out to partake of all the Irish fare possible. Irish food and spirits run aplenty in the rainy, emerald isles of our Willamette Valley. I was thrilled to hear that there would be a new Irish Restaurant opening in downtown Salem just in time for the festive holiday.

Sisters Irish Bistro is co-owned and operated by a mother-daughter team, Judith Moss and Tena Khonizy, respectively. The Bistro is located in the Reed Opera House and offers small plate appetizers, salad, soup, lunch and dinner entrees, and dessert. The bistro also boasts a full-service coffee bar.

Upon entering the restaurant in its quaint location on the bottom floor of the Reed, I can instantly see the potential. Lit by bright yet tasteful lamplight, I take in the old stone-and-mortar walls, vintage-style stained glass windows, rustic mahogany beams and tables, and fancy faux fireplace; they have carved out the perfect location for an authentic Irish Bistro in the heart of our capital.

Moss and Khonizy share their heritage with pride in providing genuine Irish cuisine from recipes that have been in their family for generations. The simple menu includes the traditional Irish meals: Corned Beef & Cabbage, Bangers & Mash, and Irish Beef Stew, all averaging around $10 per entrée. Appetizers include salad and soup of the day, while the dessert bar flaunts four different Irish-style cakes (Irish Oatmeal, Apple Rum, Carrot, and Irish Fantasy).

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