From the Editors

By Sara & Rob Bednark
The Portland Upside
September 2009

“What has inspired you lately?

There were many answers to this question last night as we walked along Waterfront Park in downtown Portland (“Voices from the street”).

When we ask the question of ourselves, our thoughts turn to The Portland Upside. Over the last seven months we’ve been inspired in numerous ways while working on this paper.

First and foremost we have been amazed at the touching and heartfelt stories that have emerged from the streets of the Portland metro area.

In “Hearts, minds and bodies nurtured at p:ear,” Faye paints a picture of an organization that really cares about giving dignity to homeless youth. Briena helps us see that the stereotype of the homeless doesn’t fit every person living on the street (“Homeless man uses creativity for cash”). Mary Clare (“Listening to America”) inspires us with her initiative for going out, listening to people, and finding the threads that unite us all.

We are continuously inspired by the many volunteer writers who donate their time and talent to reporting the positive news of Portland.

Nicole has written for all five of our issues on a variety of topics, and this month she writes about a personal experience in “Yard sale brings in more than just money.” Our copy editor and occasional contributor, Carrie, has been here from the beginning, encouraging us and volunteering many hours to make the paper shine. Her story of an encounter with the Daffodil Lady (“A wealth of flowers”) inspires us to plant more flowers next year.

All the feedback we’ve received on behalf of The Portland Upside inspires us to continue to search for articles that celebrate the positive side of the Portland metro area. You can now go to the new “Articles” section of our website and comment on any of the individual stories that have been published. Or feel free to add a comment about what has inspired you to this month’s “Voices around town” section.

Inspiration is contagious!

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Contact us at editors@portlandupside.com or 503-663-1526 and visit us online at www.PortlandUpside.com