Meeting Places:
Inklings, where do you want to meet?
Possible Locations:--Indu's House: West Portland (Contact Indu for more details).
--Portland Farmer's Markets: http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/
Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University: http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/markets/psu/
Dates
Saturdays, March 17th through December 15thTimes
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – March thru October
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – November & December
Location
The Saturday Market is located at Portland State University in the South Park Blocks between SW Hall & SW Montgomery. A close street address to this market is 1717 SW Park Avenue.Winter Market at Shemanski Park: http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/markets/winter-market-at-shemanski-park/
Dates
Saturdays, January 7th through February 25th
Times
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Location
The Winter Market is located in the South Park Blocks at Shemanski Park between SW Salmon & SW Main. A close street address to this market is 1037 SW Broadway.
--The Saturday Market by the River: http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/
--Somewhere else?
*New Location Ideas:
--A Park in Portland:
- Washington Park: http://washingtonparkpdx.org/
- The Japanese Garden at Washington Park: http://japanesegarden.com
- International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park: http://www.rosegardenstore.org/irtg_gallery.cfm
- Amphitheater at Washington Park: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=841&action=ViewPark
- Hoyt Arboretum: http://www.hoytarboretum.org
- Council Crest Park: https://www.google.com/search?client=ubuntu&channel=fs&q=Council+Crest+Park+Portland&oe=utf-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=WxFEUJLbAeqbiALWhoGwDg&biw=1366&bih=678&sei=ZRFEUNbTPOTdigL-oYDIDw & http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=24&action=ViewPark
- Pittock Mansion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittock_Mansion
--A Coffee Shop or Bookstore in Portland:
- Reading Frenzy: http://www.readingfrenzy.com/
- One of my friends is the proprietor, so I'm sure we could work something out. :) My most favorite coffee shop is right next door (the place is on Oak), and the West Side Sizzle Pie is next to that. Powell's is just around the corner.
- Courier Coffee: http://www.couriercoffeeroasters.com/wordpress/
- Sizzle Pie (West Burnside): http://www.sizzlepie.com/
- Powell's Bookstore (Main Branch): http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books/
- Powell's Bookstore (Ceder Hills Crossing): http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-books-at-cedar-hills-crossing/
- Stumptown, downtown: http://stumptowncoffee.com/location/stark/
- Voodoo Doughnuts: http://voodoodoughnut.com/locations.php
Are we still meeting the 8th at my house?
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this. I think this would be a good place to discuss. The idea is to avoid spamming everyone's email. I also edited the welcome message on Google Groups, asking people to discuss on this blog rather than the Google Groups.
Once we discuss here and get a consensus, I will still be sending emails that are the official invites. Is that right?
I want to clarify this to avoid confusion.
Indu
Indu, you are very welcome. I just hope a blog makes things easier.
DeleteI'm not sure if we are meeting at your house or otherwise. I'll have to await to see what Katie and crew feel up to. Perhaps, some other folks may wish to attend? I know Kate said that she didn't want to go to someone's house. Perhaps, a meeting with a nice view on a Saturday would inspire her to attend?
Yes. I'd also suggest you post the general announcement in the format of an announcement [wording intentional]. I can show you sometime how to accomplish this via Skype [if the explanation below isn't clear enough], but on the Google Groups website, there is a drop-down menu when posting a new thread which says, "start a new discussion". If you click this you can set it to "announcement". This should make things (hypothetically) easier to find.
Furthermore, I also suggest that everyone who uses Gmail, use the website search feature i.e. by logging into your webmail through the Gmail website user interface and then searching through there (as opposed to just searching in your third party mail client). I've found it to be far more powerful at searching my webmail email accounts than Mozilla Thunderbird--given my email is IMAP and not POP3, and Google is primarily a search site.
If that sounds like Geek Speak (and you need a more clear and detailed explanation), please let me know. I'd be happy to offer one. I just noticed a great deal of us use Gmail.
I think we can both send invites if it makes things easier. I invited one of my close friends from Seattle, although, I don't know how much time she will have to join us. 10:00am is very early for her to get up.
If you want to strictly handle invites, I think that is fine. It's really a matter of technical formality for me at this point, although, it may help keep us organized by having a single gatekeeper. Although, I like how we've made a big effort (at this time) to get people to know more about each of us, and have welcomed new people in with open arms--i.e. by sharing contact information right off, etc. Even if you continue the trend of inviting people as the gatekeeper, we should make a diligent effort as a group to welcome new people e.g. communicating whose new, and inviting them to share a little bit about themselves, their writing, etc. and then we can start talking about ourselves. That way folks have some idea of what's going on. :)
Exactly. I know how to post general announcement. I think I'll handle that. Someone should send the "official" invites to the whole group.
DeleteThe only thing is...didn't we all agree on the last writer's meeting to meet at my house this Saturday the 8th?
Why don't we do that and then change location and see what others want on the following week, the 15th? I'm open to other locations and new things but want to avoid flip-flopping and want to keep things consistent, clear, and avoid confusion.
That sounds good. I think Katie's suggestion was related to the weather, which may turn sour in the near future. Plus, a lot of good farmer's markets may close soon.
DeleteThen again, we could always meet at your house, and then head over to a farmer's market or a park, or something cool.
I posted a large number of possibilities.
At a park somewhere
ReplyDeleteWherever we meet needs to have a great view.If we write, I want it to be with a spectacular view.
ReplyDeleteThere is George Himes City Park, Terwilliger Boulevard Parkway, Marquam Nature Park, Portland's International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Pittock Acers Park, Washington Park, and Council Crest Park (which can be hiked up to--about a 3.8 mile hike (700 foot gain) via the Marquam Trail (although, you can drive up too.
I suggest everyone do some research on the views, but I like Council Crest Park, Washington Park, and International Rose Test Garden.
Washington Park (from what I read) is the largest urban park in the US and is like Central Park in NYC (only larger). So, it's very easy to get lost, although, there is a lot to do and see. The International Rose Test Garden has beautiful roses and a wonderfully classic amphitheater built out of the ground. Looks to be based on Greek Designs. Council Crest Park hands down has the best view (from what I read) if you like mountains. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Park_%28Portland,_Oregon%29
It appears upon further research that Washington Park has the Zoo & the Rose Garden. Everything there is self-contained. So, it might be a good place.
Personally, I enjoy the parks in the UK, as they are a wonderful place to be inspired. I think if we do write, it might nice to just sit down somewhere and take in the view--capture it, and write.
That said, Katie, please feel free to bring drawing supplies if you'd like. The views in either of these places are going to be spectacular.
Thanks Indu for suggesting a park. I was thinking along the same way! :)
We should enjoy the weather while we still can! :)
Here's some more info on Council Crest Park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_Crest_Park
Here is a view from Council Crest park of Mount Hood (likely, with a telephoto lens): http://tylerblue.com/wp-content/uploads/mthoodarticleimageofmtn.jpg
I'm sorry the links aren't set as hyperlinks. In any event, just copy and past and they should work. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I first learned of this group starting, I was told it was to meet at Indu's house. I thought, and still think, it seems like a pretty convenient location for me because of where I live. I did enjoy the meeting at the church this past Saturday, though; I stayed for the entire day and got to do a lot of creative stuff and meet a lot of great people. But this talk of having all different possible locations frustrates me. I would rather stick to one that works than keep guessing and checking back about new places. Why doesn't Katie want to meet at someone's house? A view is nice, but I come to write, not to space out at nice scenery. And if we set it at a park, what if it rains? I can't imagine where we would meet at the PSU farmer's market, either. Don't mean to sound grumpy here, but just saying...I vote we stick to Indu's or the church.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Indu's house is convenient on some levels, but I also think that having some "fun" meetings or outing days would be fun too.
DeleteAs a writer, I find peaceful surroundings & fresh air helpful in inspiring the creative process. But, people are different.
I think Katie suggested a place (other than Indu's House for a meeting or two), because she enjoys hiking and fresh air. Also, there is much to explore and do here in Portland. I don't want to cause anyone needless anxiety.
Um, Robin, but didn't you also say that you wouldn't be able to make every meeting, because of another writer's group?
Maybe, (since you don't like the idea of meeting anywhere but Indu's house/Church), we could schedule days we go other places on days you have your other writer's group--that way we wouldn't cause needless confusion & frustration?
Also, for days we go outside in a park, etc. maybe someone might have a tent cover? Like outside camping gear or an awning we could rent for cheap (with chairs) that would allow us to be protected in case it rains? Katie, as a hiker, I don't suppose you might have any ideas on this?
Christopher
Sorry I was so disagreeable. Yes, it is true that I will normally come every other week. :( "Torn between to write groups, feelin' like a fool," I sing. And I'm feeling better now that I managed to give myself a name on Blogger. But for everyone's sake, please note that some of the places suggested charge (rather high) admission. The rose test garden doesn't. I do like nice places, don't get me wrong. I was just thinking about what would work best. How do you fix breakfast at the rose garden, for instance? Do you cook it all ahead of time and then eat it cold? Seems to me there was a desire to have a kitchen available.
DeleteVery true, Robin! You make an excellent point! :)
DeleteI'd gather that Washington Park probably is old enough to have those campground charcoal fired grills. That, or I could bring a gas BBQ along. We have one of those at home. :) Steak & Eggs! Vampire Style! ;)
I'm not sure about the parks. Do you know which ones charge? Like the Japanese Garden, etc.? If we go to Reading Frenzy downtown (for example), we wouldn't be charged (unless we buy coffee next door). Since I know the owner and all. Although, I should probably ask ye old propriatress Chloe before I open my big gaping mouth about the whole idea of invading! :P Although, she might like the idea and want to join us in our dark and mystical art of prompt writing! Muahahahaha! :D
Glad to see you got a name figured out! :D Awesome!
If you had any suggestions for places you think we could go on a day out (or after our group meeting)--please let us know! I think the whole idea of spending time together is great fun! It makes me look forward to my Saturdays! :)
Japanese Garden charges. Zoo charges, of course. Pittock Manshion charges, and I don't think people use it for meetings. It's a place you take tours of. Zine Frenzy is a pretty small place, if I remember right, so I don't know whether we will be able to have our meeting there if there are other customers. I could be mixing it up with the coffee shop when I think about size. As for the bookstores, I don't know that we can have meetings there unless we are a book reading group; that's the only kind of group I recall seeing on their list. Indu and I used to meet at Java Nation, and that worked out well, but they might be more crowded on a Saturday morning. They have pastries but not full breakfasts. By the way, what is a traditional Indian breakfast like?
DeleteI am warming to the idea of getting out and adventuring with you guys sometimes, as long as we also have time to do serious writing. My time may be more limited once my next online class starts on the 11th, though.
The rose garden does have benches.
I am exhausted and going to bed.
Um, why am I published as unknown? I signed in as Google user. How do I create an account? This is Robin.
ReplyDeleteUh, not sure at all.
DeleteYou might need to Title Yourself. On Saturday, we can check your account and see what's going on. I'm not sure from the web what it could be.
DeleteSorry about that.
All you need do is sign your comments "Robin" for the time being, and we should be good.
Hope that helps! :)
Christopher
At least the rose garden is easy for me to get to. I don't know about some of the other parks. I do need to sit on some kind of seat or bench, not on the ground, because of a past injury and related surgery. Please keep this in mind. -- Robin
ReplyDeleteWill do Robin. I don't particularly like sitting on the ground. I'd prefer sitting somewhere with a nice park bench & a nice view.
DeleteChris, I remember all of us agreeing to meet at my house this Saturday, Sept 8th. Since we all talked in person, how about for Saturday, Sept 8th, we meet at my house to keep it consistent with what was said last Saturday?
ReplyDelete***
This blog serves as a brainstorm board. We're making suggestions for future meetings and the group as a long term. Let's discuss details in-person cuz it's easier that way. I want to say a few things but we can discuss this in person when we meet this week.
1. LOCATIONS: Keep in mind that for locations, we want something that's not too loud and helps us focus on writing. The PSU farmers market is busy and it's too distracting to write. The point of this group is to have time to focus and write. A nice quiet park would be nice or a cafe but let's avoiding a hard trail.
2. CONSISTENCY: I agree with Robin. Robin has good points. Inconsistency doesnt work and can be very frustrating to everyone. Too many changes and locations can be confusing.
My original suggestion was that we pick one home base location (which was my house) and go there at least 3 times a month and once a month go on a field trip to another location to mix it up. For example, let's designate every 3rd Saturday for a field trip. This type of structure gives the group some predictability and consistency, yet once in a while we can do something different.
3. DISCUSSIONS & INVITES: Secondly, the way we did it this week was confusing. That is why we are discussing here. Let's avoid using Google Groups to discuss because it spams everyone. But I will still send an email official invite to everyone on Wednesdays. A short and simple official invite is helpful to everyone.
BTW, you all may email or call me individually. If you reply to the google group, it'll go to everyone.
Thanks Indu.
DeleteThis is clear and to the point.
I think we should keep this in mind for the future. My suggestions are merely that "suggestions", and should not be taken for anything else.
Also, I agree with you that we should keep a "home base" and then go out once or twice a month. I think it really should depend on the weather & on people's schedules. If you won't be in town, then it really doesn't serve us to plan to meet at your house. Last week was confusion, because we used email and people's couldn't just check the blog.
This should help make things easier. Also, I'll keep the blog updated as we change our ideas/consensus (as I did with your suggestion).
I've got to get my mom her evening medication, but before I head to bed I'll amend the blog-post again to represent your comments & suggestions.
Ack! Edit: "Last week was confusion because our communication system caused things to get lost."
DeleteFurthermore, I also remember what Katie had said about there being a lot of different meetings for a hiking group she was interested in joining via the church.
I think whatever we choose to do, we should make it consistent & we should get group consensus about availability. Robin has made it clear that she has some physical limitations about locations. I agree we need a quiet place to write.
Perhaps, a better question would be whether we just want to meet at your house and then go and do something? Like, have an "after-writer's hangout" or "activity"?
For example, this Saturday I went with Katie and Suzi to the two Saturday Markets downtown. We walked all over the city. I (at least) had a blast! But, I don't know what other people would be up for?
Maybe, we should keep things in mind.
Let's talk further on Saturday about the ideas we've generated. I think, even if we have some points we should think further on, we have a lot of material from which to draw & discuss on.
Thanks Indu, Katie, & Robin for the ideas. I look forward to chatting Saturday.
Chris
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DeleteOne more question, slightly off the topic: What time does the meeting end? (I forget what time it ended this past Saturday). Because I get home about 1 p.m. from my other group, and I have been told that I can get Skype for free. If you are still in meeting at that time, I would like to join in from my home PC. (If not, I may go on to the church instead of going home on those Saturdays because I really liked that atmosphere.)
ReplyDeleteWe generally end at noon. But often some choose to stay later. We designed it in such a way that people can leave early if they have other commitments or stay later. Most likely we are done by then.
DeleteI did suggest to Katie and Suzi (since Suzi has Karate on Saturdays--and lives in Bend) that she might consider doing a Skype session on Wednesdays to give herself the opportunity to meet up and join in on the sessions.
DeleteIf we so choose, and enough folks get Skype preimium, we very well could hold a Wednesday Skype session and write and chat depending on whose available.
I don't know if Katie still wanted to do that or not, but I thought it might be an option--depending on folks' schedules. It sounds to me like Robin wants to get in on all the action she can.
Perhaps, this might be another option? I still like the physical meetings best, but whatever works. :) The more discipline the better, aye?
Again, these are just proposals. We should definitely talk about things in person before we decide to start jumping all over the place. At this point, it might just be a Skype session between Katie and Suzi letting her share in on the fun. I don't know if we really want to add additional times.
DeleteLet's discuss this on Saturday when we can provide more time and thought on the matter--whether additional Skype calls, are something we might like to consider.
I like physical meetings best, too, but I'll do what I can. Wednesdays are normally committed to something else for me, unfortunately. What is Skype premium? Does it cost anything, and what are its advantages over some lesser form of Skype? I don't want to spend money on that because I am a "starving student." But then, I spend money on food when I go out places, too, so it all depends...
ReplyDeleteSKype Premium is a telephone service (in effect) through Skype. It allows calling anywhere in the US and Canada for only ~$4.50 a month for a 12-month subscription. This works from any internet hotspot (you just need a mic & speakers of some kind--headphones work). One of my college friends uses Skype (where I got the idea) with his Ipad. He can call his friends at school via Skype. It also allows for limited texting. I find the sound quality superior to most cellular telephones.
DeleteThe third advantage comes down to linking it with your cellphone. This way you can appear to be calling from your cellular telephone (without using your cell phone minutes). I realize for a lot of people this isn't a major issue.
You can also get a killer deal on a Skype ready webcam.
Finally, you get group video chat e.g. conference calling via Skype, which is what allows us to call multiple people at once. Without Skype Premium, you cannot conference with web video.
I'm not sure how many people have to have Skype premium.
I should also check the status on my account.
Let me know if you would like more details. I've been using it for some time now and found it a killer deal.
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/prices/premium/
BTW, only one of us may need Skype Premium. It looks like Saturday didn't work, because my Skype Premium subscription expired on August 28th. :P
I'm resubscribing. It's about $53 for a year.
I just updated my subscription. Let's test Saturday if that fixes the problem for us all. Kay?
DeleteI may be the only one who needs a premium account to initiate conference calls. :)
Assuming that you can initiate the calls because you have Premium, are you saying that with the free version I wouldn't have video but I would have audio? Because the guy I was talking to at Imago Dei said that without my having a webcam I could see you but you wouldn't be able to see you.
ReplyDeleteYes. Actually, you may be able to do both if I have premium so long as I initiate the Skype conference. I can't remember if it requires a certain number of people to have Skype premium or if just the initiator must have it. I can't precisely remember; however, I do know that Skype calling in conference will send the audio over, even if you do not have a webcam. Actually, there are very nice (and quite affordable) webcams that are available via Skype's website--provided, you think you might be interested in such a luxury. :)
DeleteI looked on their website, and apparently the free version doesn't include group calls. I will think about whether I want the paid version. If the meetings are over at noon, I wouldn't be able to take advantage of them after my other meetings, anyway.
ReplyDeleteWell, whether we "end" at noon is kinda up for debate at this point. I think Indu doesn't want to "formally" have us keep going so that she has free time to write, along with others. We might end up heading someplace else if people want to keep going. I really don't know. At this point, it's really up for debate. I think we should see how things go and decide from there. :)
Delete