Quirky? Serendipity? Both.

I'm going to Powell's on West Burnside Thursday after work. That's where I found this quirky sight to photograph on June 7, 2013, in the women's restroom inside an entire-block-sized downtown business, a Portland icon, a must-see for book-lovers who visit the city, as well a every-day Portlanders who need to own books.



I'm not going to the store in search of something quirky. I'm going because Alafair Burke will be there for a book reading/signing in conjunction with her newest novel, All Day and a Night. Can't wait! I've been to several previous Alafair events--always a great time. Oh, I'll have my camera in my backpack, just in case serendipity rears its splendid head.

From the Powell's Events e-mail:In Alafair Burke's All Day and a Night (Harper), a new murder case with ties to a convicted serial killer leads Detective Ellie Hatcher into an investigation with explosive and deadly results. All Day and a Night is a superb mystery from "one of the finest young crime writers working today" (Dennis Lehane).

What do you think made me take these photos?

Cropped close-up. Gives you a great big clue, right? Across the street from her, I rushed up the sidewalk towards the intersection, hoping I'd get close enough to be able to stop, zoom, focus and get a decent photo of that golden, spiked backpack. Since I had noticed it before on a walk around my work building, I figured that I just might get a chance to take a photo of it another time. But, why take the chance that I'd have my Nikon in my hands? So I said to myself, "Step out, ol' lady!" With the traffic signal on my side, I caught up with her and her quirky backpack!



Co-existing successfully, the joys of city commuting. Car stopped at traffic signal, waiting to go north. Bicyclist going east, pedestrian and her fascinating backpack going west. But, how far west?



Ah, there she goes on the Hawthorne Bridge ramp. Downtown? Tom McCall Waterfront Park? This girl has options for enjoying the sunny afternoon.

What could these be? Look all the way to the last of the post and see.

Clue 1A
 

Clue 1B
 

Clue 2A



Clue 2B



Clue 2C
 

Clue 2D
  

Clue 2E
 

Da-da! Here for you to see.



And here, too. Which clue gave it away for you? I'm curious. Thanks!



And most unbelievable of all, this price tag! I couldn't see the one of the green chair from out of the sidewalk where I stood, gawking and photographing. I'm guessing it was a twin, if not identical at least fraternal. Note, the word consignment on the tag. I have no idea if these two ever sold. Nor can I imagine sitting on either. Have you had the opportunity to sit on something like either one of these? I am still curious. Thanks!

Seen downtown, No. 4

Not your everyday headwear for sunny Saturday in May. Naturally, once I saw the young man and his hat through the viewfinder, I had to keep clicking.
  Oops. Busted.
 

He turned to his friend, no doubt explaining that there's a crazy woman over there on the corner taking my picture.
 

His friend smiled and they continued walking south across West Burnside.