Have you called the bride lately?

The bride is in mid-air as I speak. The group has tallied to Tiffany, Cammie, Teresa, myself and Allyson of course. Michele who designed her wedding invites will join for dinner and Abigail a friend since age 13 will join breakfast.

The fabulous-5 hit the road at 9 am tomorrow morning. Off to the Gorge for lunch at Skamania Lodge, up to Hood River to hit a couple of wineries and then past Multnomah Falls on the way back into Portland. A little UCLA final four while we get ready for dinner at the Sheraton Hotel at downtown riverside. Dinner at 8:30 pm at Ten-01 with a few arrangements made to surprise. Afterwards it's off to where ever we go - martini bars and dance clubs in the Pearle or possibly across the river to the Doug Fir for music. Lots and lots and lots of pictures will be taken and posted asap on Sunday or Monday for all who are here in spirit.

If any of you have a fun, wild hair to call and leave messages, possibly even catch Al on the phone during this whirl-wind tour, please do. Her cell is 203.1495 (for safety I've left out her area code, should be easy for all of you to find as you know her home town). Mine is 646.644.8037 if anyone really wants to track her down!

Have a great weekend all. IMPORTANT: Just to clarify for all - the mosaic will not be given this weekend. So please do not spill the beans! We'll keep you posted on when it's done!

*pamela

It's amazing! I love the sepia/color mix also. I would worry about parts being obscured by grout too, so maybe we can give her the unadulterated version for record. I still think it will be beautiful no matter what; how could it not be? Kudos to the people with the ideas and talent!

Pam - That is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!!! I agree with your choices but beyond that I am so impressed with how wonderfully it turned out. It has the perfect balance between scenery, quotes, people, places - it is truly outstanding!
I talked to Allyson this weekend and confessed to her that I was afraid to talk to her because I didnt know how much she knew about any of this! So, for the record: I didnt blow it and she will be floored when she sees this - it will be a great surprise!!!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with Allyson - my little bachelorette party items are on the way to Pam, but its no substitute for touring Portland with all of you!

Allyson's Bachelorette: Fantastic

It looks great! They all look beautiful. There is no clear grout option, but I’ll figure something out. Maybe I could decoupage the images on the reverse side of the frame so she could see them? I’m especially worried that portions of the quotes will become obscured. Maybe you could do a second version where in the center you say something special and list everyone who contributed? Perhaps something like: “Congratulations! We hope the future brings as many glorious memories as those we’ve shared in the past. Made with love by…” What do you think?

Fantastic

I love it! I agree with your first choice, Pam. You did an outstanding job of putting the mosaic together and the color combination is perfect.

Wow!

I can't think of anything else to say! What marvelous work. I can't imagine the time and effort that went into this. My preferences are the same as yours, Pam. I think the sepia with color is very intriguing - not as overwhelming as total color might be but has the depth and interest that the sepia and black and white alone lack. The differences in sepia and color images allow each of them to stand out but also to blend. Kudos!

Mosaic Colorway Vote!

Voila! The mosaic options are attached in order of my preference. Missing full-color option as I got carried away on a new idea combination of "sepia with color highlights". I continued my tweeking to this file as my base, so my full-color file needs to be updated. If anyone would like to see it let me know.

The sepia with highlights achieves both the antique look as well as showcases the most vibrant color photos submitted. I love the balanced but also organic arrangement of color accents. It fell into a nice z-formation direction of eye movement over the arrangement - more interesting and gives more depth. The sepia and black-n-white colorway images I find blend into each other, so the viewers eye does not catch as many details. The color highlights contrast and pull the eye to more detail and separation.

It is difficult to see the image details and font here. These are jpeg files, full size of 11.5" X 14.5". They can be easily drag-n-dropped to a pdf or doc page if you'd like to view details. I can also email the files to anyone by request. *pamela

Sepia with Color Highlights

Sepia

Black & White

Hello Everyone!
I have missed so much! Since Pam requested, I'll post my two little 'shamrocks' in this message. It doesnt look like I'm going to be able to make it to Portland (and I know that Allyson will be THRILLED to be showing everyone around her favorite stomping grounds!) but I would really like to be included in the card sending so that she knows we were thinking of her. I'll get one in the mail asap. I know that for Allyson's parent's anniversary she gave them a party in a box with cards and notes from family and friends who werent there to celebrate. Perhaps we could do the same (just add some confetti to the box and include the cards) so that she gets the feeling of celebration from us!

I LOVE the tucson photos and think that including the logos is also a great idea. I'm guessing its too late, but you might consider including an IU logo as well - if there is still time and space (of course I am quite clear on Allyson's loyalties as played out in our recent March Madness when UCLA handily defeated IU!). I'll defer the artistic decisions to those of you with more talent in that area - I have none!

Ok, here are my two guys celebrating their Irish-ness!

Kim

I'm writing for both me and Cammie - she has not yet logged in as a blogger - regarding the Portland weekend. Our vote is more wine tasting-type stuff, less physical activity! It is not just our physical laziness leading to that thought but also our packing laziness. The fewer outfit changes the better!

A little out of it...

I have been a little absent on the blog, but am glad to see life goes on without me! I love all the ideas and am excited to see the mirror layout. I believe the final decision on color will probably be made when looking at the finished layout (i.e. if it is too busy with color, etc.). I do like the idea of color in general though, so I would lean that way.
Thanks for the address, Pam. That way those of us who cannot be there can send our best wishes. If anyone is thinking of doing a 'Tucson' version, I am very interested in that. We still have a little time left...

I can't wait to see the mosaic. If you have pictures, Pam, go ahead and use whatever you think looks best. I am excited for the Portland trip and to meet new friends. Whatever is on the list, whether it is wine tasting, hiking, or visiting a favorite lodge will be great. I will get my airline ticket and send you the info. Pam. See you soon!
-Teresa

Top o' the mornin to ya!

Happy Monday Ladies. Did everyone enjoy their St. Patty's Day? Kim, thanks for sharing the fun pics of your little shamrocks! If you have time, you should post on the blog for fun!

Portland-bound crew... any feedback on the itinerary below?

No montage to post yet! I have a couple of expected additional entries to add. In the meantime an interesting idea popped into my head as a 4th alternative to the color arrangement! I will post asap - this week I expect.

Teresa, glad you like the mirror too! I stumbled on my favorite picture of you and Allyson together in Florence/Pisa centered at the front of a cobblestone palazzo that diminishes into an archway in the background. You look like sisters with your curly hair from the humidity and your beautiful Italian shoes. This would be a great add with the close-up of you two in NY. OK with you to use these two pics?

*pamela

1 vote mirror, 1 vote wine tasting, 1 vote Pearle

I love the mirror mosaic (sorry I am a little late to respond). Pam, let me know if you need more pictures. The other picture I am looking for is Allyson and I with the leaning tower of Pisa. Maybe I should just send you a picture of the leaning tower?

Anyway, onto the latest questions. I love the winetasting idea. Is there time to go to the Willamette Valley for wine tasting? My next vote is for the Pearle and for Sunday morning, I love Papa Hydens and will join those that can make it for brunch.
-Teresa

The Oregon Trail

PORTLAND TRAVELERS
Give your honest feedback and preferences!
- It's definitely warming up here, just chilly in am & eve.
- Lots of sunny days recently, could be rain though - usually refreshing, never humid.
*pamela

SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST
12 noon HIT THE ROAD! - hopefully
1 pm lunch at lodge

Option 1: Mt Hood, Timberline Lodge, www.timberline.com



Option 2: Columbia River Gorge


A: Skamania Lodge, www.skamania.com

- OR -

B: Columbia Gorge Hotel, www.columbiagorgehotel.com

3 pm - afternoon activity options, DEPENDING WEATHER CONDITIONS

Option 1: Mt Hood
A: Wine Tour, Wasson Brothers Winery, www.wassonbrotherswinery.com, $? cost tbd

- OR -

B: Snowshoe/Cross-Country Ski around Trillium Lake, www. , - $12 rental for equipment, I have extra coats, layers, pants, etc if needed.

Option 2: Columbia River Gorge
- Hike

A. Dog Mountain (steep with panaramic view of gorge, little muddy)

- OR -

B. Multnomah Falls (magestic falls,path, windows of view of gorge)

- OR -

Golf at Skamania Lodge, $? rent clubs or bring your own?

5:30 pm-6:30 pm drive back to Portland

6:30-8:00 pm get ready for eve

8:00/8:30 pm Dinner

probably at Ten 01 in NW Pearle District downtown, www.ten-01.com

AFTER DINNER...

Option 1: WANDER in the NW Pearle District downtown, www.explorethepearl.com

Drinks

ie: Olive or Twist, http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/41961761/portland_or/olive_or_twist.html

Dancing

- DJ, pi-rem, http://www.pi-rem.com/, www.http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/41928361

- HIP HOP/80's & 90'S, aura, www.auraportland.com/, http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/36208500

Option 2: A BRIEF DRIVE across the river to live music venues

- 10 pm, Storm Large and the Balls (fromRock StarSuperNova!!!), $15, Wonder Ballroom, www.stormlarge.com, www.wonderballroom.com

- 9 pm (we'd arrive late), Jupiter Hotel & Dougfir Lunge (funky renovated motel and restaurant/bar, music venue), "A special co-headline of dark, lovely orchestral rock." - Woven Hand and Calla, $12, www.dougfirlounge.com

**********************************

SUNDAY, APRIL 1 - BREAKFAST (before everyone's flights out)

8:30 am Papa Haydns, Upper NW downtown Portland, www.papahaydn.com

For the stragglers with extra time before flyingout.... SHOPPING/ROAMING after.

First, another big thanks for the hardworking Pam and Nicole. It is really wonderful of you to take on making the mosaic mirror. I guess I would vote for color photos because they (yes, including mine - and glad you like them, Pam!) have so much color in them and give a lot of life to the scenes and people in them. I am not an artist, though, so I can't picture what B&W or sepia would do to photos that are originally in color, particulaly sunsets or stained glass windows.

I think everyone is right that there are a lot of neutrals in Allyson's decor (I've never seen Bubba's) but accented by bright colors. In which case, a color mosaic may very well be able to work just about anywhere (if sofa, walls, etc. are neutral). If you also think that the mirror will be most likely hanging on a wall that is itself likely to be neutral, a color mosaic could really make a wall like that pop and be a nice accent.

Anyway, my vote is color but artist's prerogative should rule the day!

Cards and Tiles and Grout, Oh My!

Cards are definitely welcome and a great idea Tania. My address is noted below. We can pass it on to Allyson when we first all meet-up in Portland or wait for dinner that night? Love Nicole's creative ideas with varying tile and grout options.... it's like being in a candy store! I'll try to complete the mosaic this week to upload for all to see in different colorways. *p

Pamela K Butler
1940 NW Miller Rd E117
Portland, OR 97229
646 644 8037

Sending card for allyson

Thanks for all of the work on the mosaic. B&W, colour and sepia all sound good. I'm curious to see the final product.

I'd like to send a card to Allyson even though I won't be able to make it. Would that be okay? If so, who should I send it to?

Mirror Mosaic

I could go either way on color or black and white. However, black and white photos with black grout would look really pretty. Or what about sepia tones with off-white or tan grout? With color photos I would probably stick with white grout, but colored grout is still an option. Bubba's decor has been really beachy with a lot of light, neutral colors, but who knows what will happen when Allyson moves in.

Mirror Mosaic and Bachelorette Itinerary

Sounds like Nicole likes the mirror too! Thanks to everyone for the input. We'll get to work.

Nicole,
I'll work on the montage this week. I'll try to get it to you before the weekend, but at least by Sunday. Let me know if you need it by a certain day. It would be great to add pictures of your family if possible!

Everyone,
Thank you to Tiffany, Tania, Diane, Janelle and Kim for the pictures, image references and quotes! Teresa, do you want me to use the ones from NY? Late submits I can still work-in over this week everyone. Again email me at PamMelaKate@yahoo.com or post on the blog.

B&W OR COLOR?
You know, I was originally thinking a black & white arrangement would look more tasteful and give that antique look. But there are so many beautiful colors in your pictures ladies! Look at Diane's!... isn't she the trickster photographer!? Tania had a great submit of a restaurant they all dined at in Amsterdam with rich warm colors and I think a stained glass window. I'm not sure about Mike's decor style, but Allyson has a history of using bright vivid colors to accent a mostly white interior. Hmmmm... if anyone has an opinion on this let me know. I'll do the collage in color and then save another copy of the file in B&W. If there's time before Nicole needs to start the frame, I'll upload both options to the blog.

BACHELORETTE ITINERARY:
For those of you working on travel plans to Ptown, please advise your arrival and departure times for us to plan around. I've talked to Al about her preferences for activites for your visit. She's reviewing these now and I hope to get feedback to make reservations in the next day or two. Initial ideas are wine tour or hiking or snowshoeing. Bite at a lodge - either Timberline or Skamania. Then back into the city to get ready for dinner - most likely downtown in the Pearle with walking distance to many places afterwards for drinks/dancing/music. There's also the option of either of two interesting band venues I've told her about that would be a brief drive across the river. Next morning breakfast in the city for those who have time before flying out. Any questions, requests or ideas!?

Have a great week everyone! *pamela

Mirror mirror

I think we should go with the mirror. It has a larger surface area than the frames, so I think it is a good option. Plus, it's flat which will make my mosaicing life easier.

Pam - The rim is three inches wide. Are you going to send me a digital file of the photo collage? Don't worry about it fitting into a grid because I probably won't put the tiles in a simple grid formation. I'll probably use round tiles and other shapes to make sure you can see the best parts of each photo. How are we with photos? I don't have any digital ones, but I can scan a couple if you need more.

Diane's Vote

I like the meaningfulness that you attached to the mirror, Pam. And it is probably a much more practical thing to find a place for than a table. I do like the table, too, though - because it would allow for more room, depending on how many photos and quotes and things there are for the mosaic. Either one would be fine with me. Nicole and Pam, since you two are the ones ultimately putting this together...which one do you think works best with all things considered?

I couldn't find any photos of Allyson, but I have some photos of sunsets and cactus flowers that I took in Tucson that might work. I also sent you some quotes, Pam - in case any of them sound good. Alas, I don't have any pictures with Allyson in them that I can upload easily.

I will have to bow out on the Portland trip even though I would have loved to have gone. That weekend is my husband's birthday (and it is a milestone so I can't miss it). I will just have to think of something I can do with her in Tucson on my own. This way she'll have even more fun things to do. For those of you who are going, I hope you'll let her know how much I wish I could have come along. I know how much Portland means to her and I would have loved to have seen it through her eyes!

1 Mirror Vote!

Thanks again Nicole! Tough decision with great options. At first I liked the table idea, then I realized a mosaic on a horizontal surface would be more difficult to read multiple picture/word details. It seems chunks of color blocking are better on a flat surface?

If it stands or hangs vertically it will be positioned to be viewed. A framed picture might get lost in the mosaic - unless that is the intent to incorporate it? A mirror is usually hung at eye level which would be viewed more often to appreciate the details. Every time Allyson would look in that mirror, she would see her friends and memories surrounding her mirrored image. And her reflection would show her how far she's come from those memories. That's nice.

What does everyone else think? We need to decide by the end of this weekend! Please vote!
*pamela

Allyson's Bachelorette: mosaic options

mosaic options

I gave the wrong dimentions for the mirror. It's actually 14.5" x 11.5". Sorry about that.

1 vote for a frame

I'd vote for one of the frames. Hopefully it would be able to blend in with the decor of their home, even when it changes over the years?

Tania (even though it says Karen)

mosaic options

Here are some options for the mosaic. I like the table the best, and the mirror second. The plates would be a little tough because they aren't flat, but it would still be doable. Let me know what you all think.

oval plate, $48, 18.5"x15" or $38, 15"x11.5"
square plate, $22, 11"x11"

frame, $18, 12"x12"
frame, $25, 12"x12"

mirror, $40, 11.5"x8.5"
table, $60, 15.5" diameter

Portland....here we come!

Thank you, Pam, for organizing this trip. It will be extra special for Allyson to come home and I know what a special place Portland is for her. Not to mention the pre-wedding things she can accomplish while she is there - I think it will be perfect! I have been busy working on my schedule because I don't want to miss this. I am now open any of the 4 weekends mentioned. Count me in, and whichever date works best I guess wins.

Teresa

Finalizing Trip Location

Thanks Nicole! Tucson does sound really good - especially for those of us anxious to escape for some sun! And as it turns out, Tucson would really be more cost effective for the majority. Although the blog was created to be democratic, everyone has been really great about expressing the intent to make this convenient for Allyson. She did not expect such an interest for a bachelorette gathering and is thrilled.

I advised her of the group's consideration to her schedule and suggestions to piggy-back on one of her pre-existing trips. Given the 3 city options of Tucson, Portland and San Diego, she gave this her usual thoughtful consideration for everyone. The dates requested early on the blog correspond at the same general time she needs to return to Portland for her final dress fitting. You should have seen the way her face lit up about celebrating in her hometown.

I agree a surprise really would be so much fun... for us. With every weekend pre-booked with wedding preparations, unexpected visitors could really throw her off. Even if we stayed at a hotel, her generous hosting instincts might take her over. Since we asked her for the city and date range that would be the most convenient for her, I think we should stick with her answer.

I will bend over backwards to ease and enable this for anyone who wants to come! I will look for cheaper airfares through my employer's travel agency for anyone who asks. I can offer for someone to stay with me at either my apartment or my family's house. And I am happy to chauffeur as much as needed. Email me at PamMelaKate@yahoo.com for anything at all.

So what is the verdict on March 30th in Portland? This is an open forum so please continue to voice your honest thoughts everyone! My apologies for managing the direction on this. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it!

*pamela

Allyson's Bachelorette

Allyson's Bachelorette

Hey - I don't know if you guys have already planned your bachelorette party, but have you considered surprising Alyson and doing it in Tucson. Maybe everyone who is attending could meet at the hotel where you would all stay that night. You could then pile into a limo, show up at Allyson's house, and kidnap her. I know you guys were considering going to Portland, but I think this might be easier for her. I remember how stressed I was right before my wedding and the last thing I wanted to do was plan a trip on top of planning my wedding. Plus, this way she can get wasted and not have to fly all hung over. It's just a thought. I'll send out info about the mosaic soon. I just need to download some pictures.

Hi everyone. The only weekend that will work for me is March 30th (my plan would be to fly up on the morning of the 31st and home the next day). I understand that there's no way we will be able to make it work for everyone, so just let me know what date wins. Have a great day!