September 2025 + You Belong Here

In September, it was announced that federal troops were to be sent to our city to “protect War ravaged Portland.” Portland showed up, sometimes in inflatable frog costumes, to resist and many judges along the way agreed. Like many big democratic cities, we have challenges. However, we are a city full of foodies, nature lovers, and sports fans. Here is a snapshot of my month in this “war zone” full of beauty, kindness, and welcoming hospitality …

Some beyond delicious dinners at Han Oak and the Love Shack, plus tacos at the Timbers Game (and yes, they won)!

Attending the Maurice Lucas Foundation Annual Gala, where kids come first and where they teach life lessons through education and sport. Dame is back and he was there this year. Portland loves him and we are so happy he is back!

And art is aways alive in Portland! I had the opportunity to attend the Black Matter panel discussion at The Reser and was so in awe of the artists.

And here are my favorite books that I read this month …

Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor 4/5 Stars - Harvard students Zoe and Jack are thrust into the exhilarating world of biotech startups after announcing they’ve discovered a potential cure for aging. Working in secret, they begin to see promising results and soon bring their findings to an investor. Fueled by ambition, they drop out of Harvard and launch a startup that quickly attracts fame, funding, and national attention. But just as their success peaks—with magazine covers and media buzz—a shocking accusation threatens to unravel everything they’ve built, including their partnership. The story is beautifully written, deeply engaging, and filled with both brilliance and heartbreak.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean 4/4 Stars - I grew up spending countless hours at my public library—a magical place where I could explore new worlds and journey to far-off lands without ever leaving my hometown. The Library Book by Susan Orlean beautifully captures that same sense of wonder. The book alternates between a true-crime narrative about the suspected arson that devastated the Los Angeles Central Library in 1986 and a broader history of the library itself. Woven throughout is Orlean’s personal reflection on her lifelong love of libraries, especially the cherished memories she shared there with her mother. For travel lovers, it’s also a captivating exploration of Los Angeles, of libraries as destinations of discovery, and of the boundless human curiosity that fuels every great adventure.

The Pivot Year: 365 Days to Become the Person You Truly Want to Be by Brianna West 5/5 Starts - This year-long guide is a thoughtful companion for anyone in need of a little extra motivation. I read it through the eyes of a mother looking for inspiration to help my kids as they step into adulthood. It left me feeling deeply inspired and equipped with new tools to guide them toward their goals. I discovered fresh perspectives on how to encourage them—whether it’s finding the motivation to finish that project or the confidence to land that first job—simply by helping them see things in a new way.

You can find all of the books that I’ve read on goodreads.com