Voices around town

What’s made you happy lately?

The Portland Upside
November 2009

“My fantastic relationship, and the fact that we almost have our music studio done.”

–Michelle M.
Portland, Oregon

“I started running this past summer, and surprisingly enough, that makes me pretty happy.”

–Doug Rosser
Irvington neighborhood
Portland, Oregon

“Being with my 2-year-old has made me the happiest. I also really enjoy being home, in our ‘hood’, hanging out with our neighbors.”

–Rick C.
Beaverton, Oregon

“The relationship I have with my family. It’s been really special and very supportive lately.”

–Kathy Lee
West Linn, Oregon

“My fireplace. My sober community. My 3 dogs and 2 cats all with names that end in ‘ee’ so I can make up funny songs for them. My spiritual community. Dark roast coffee. My hot tub with rotating LEDs with my sweet baby on misty cool, wet evenings. The Spa Channel on satellite TV.”

–Darren Littlejohn
SE Portland, Oregon

“My oldest daughter called me the other day and needed a ride. It’s nice to still be needed.”

–Ellen McCarty
Lake Oswego, Oregon

“Spending quality time with my family! We spent the last few nights doing holiday stuff together. Eating regular meals, carving pumpkins together, cooking together. I love taking time out for stuff like that.”

–LaVica Parsons
Damascus, Oregon

“My neighbor just took in a rescue kitty that was abused. He’s often sitting by my door, and when I open my door and see him, it makes me smile. Knowing where he came from, and yet he’s still out there trusting and opening his heart to everybody, that makes me happy.”

–Althea Vandries
Woodstock neighborhood
Portland, Oregon

“Friends and family. Spending time with friends and getting to know people.”

–Lea Andrews
Irvington Neighborhood
Portland, Oregon

“Going to the beach and spending all day in the sun. It was very restorative.”

–Katherine Ball
Old Town Chinatown
Portland, Oregon