Voices around town

What has inspired you lately?

The Portland Upside
September 2009

“I’m inspired by random displays of kindness. I work in a Starbucks drive-thru, and at least once a week, someone will come through and pay for the order behind them. The initial reaction from the next car is always shock, and then the level of gratitude that comes after is uncanny”

–Jenni
Woodlawn neighborhood
Portland, OR

“I’ve been inspired watching the Wordplay documentary. It’s cool to see things that bring people together instead of drawing them apart, because you can get so much more accomplished that way.”

–Matt Brockman
Forest Grove, OR

“I’m inspired by my friends who came down from Seattle to see me while I’m in Portland. It’s a good feeling to know that you have people who care about you like that.”

–Matt K.
Houston, TX

“I’m inspired by just getting out and seeing people. Seeing everybody doing their thing, and yet, somehow coming together without being told to or required to and having a good time.”

-Tim S.
Vermont Hills neighborhood
Portland, OR

“I’ve been inspired by Barack Obama getting elected. I’m Canadian, and I didn’t think I would see a black man elected to the White House in my lifetime.”

-Penny
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

“I’m inspired by the willingness of newfound friends to explore Portland with me as if it was all new to them.”

–Drewcifer
Kansas City, MO

“I’m inspired by watching my kids grow and change before my very eyes. Also, reading a really well-written book inspires me.”

-Tonda Burgin
Gresham, OR

“The nature outside my door teaches me and inspires me. When things are simply being themselves, following their own nature, they are so beautiful and healthy.”

-Cindy
Sauvie Island
Portland, OR

“I’m inspired to build mopeds, because mopeds are a reliable and economical mode of transportation. I like to take junk and put it back into use.

-Philip Patrie
Seattle, WA