Whimsy and Wonder #68- Just Walking Around (Nineteen)

Today's Whimsy and Wonder is walking through a winter wonderland. There's something special about experiencing the first snowfall of the season.

 

Whimsy and Wonder #67- December Days of Delights, Three

I always enjoy showing people around some festive sights during the holidays- like The Benson's gingerbread masterpiece...,

... Pioneer Courthouse Square's Christmas Tree...,

... and the Christmas Ships Parade.

Whimsy and Wonder #66- December Days of Delights, Two

  

A whimsy and wonder walk today saw a miniature Christmas display- festive!...,

... an interesting looking house..., 

 

... and a couple Little Free Libraries.

 

Whimsy and Wonder #65- December Days of Delights, One

Today was a double dose of whimsy and wonder. I enjoyed walking past this display of giant bears in Sellwood. It's as they say, festive.

Whimsy and Wonder #64- Share-It Square

On my walk today, I found myself in Sellwood where I was able to stop by one of my most favorite places Share-It Square (Sherrett St. intersection) which is definitely a source of whimsy and wonder.

 

 

Whimsy and Wonder #63- Delicious Delights

 

I went to Matcha Cafe Maiko PDX because they have ube back for a limited time. I got the mixed Matcha and Ube Maiko Special (description below) which reminded me a bit of Halo Halo. It added a bit more of whimsy and wonder on this already nice day.

 

 

Maiko Special (Mixed)- Both matcha and vanilla cream together along with matcha chiffon, chestnuts, and shiratama mochi

For breakfast, I was intrigued with Doe Donuts' savory special- spaghetti and garlic bread (description below). It made me want someone to make fresh pan de sal brushed on top with butter and garlic served with Filipino spaghetti.

 

 

Spaghetti + Garlic Bread- it's savory! filled with spaghetti noodles x house made marinara x garlic butter breadcrumbs x parsley

Whimsy and Wonder #62- Vending Machines

 

I'm sure I've mentioned Pix-O-Matic, the 24-hour dessert vending machine, before.

 

 

 

It currently has a temporary companion with Gastro Obscura's "World's Most Unusual Vending Machine."

 

 

 

I decided to check it out and see what they were offering. Fortunately for my wallet, there wasn't anything that caught my eye.

 

 

Whimsy and Wonder #61- Just Walking Around (Eighteen)

The day started out so wonderfully. I was enjoying a long walk to work on a sunny autumn day listening to a great audiobook. I was feeling confident and there were a couple of whimsy and wonder sights along the way. The world (at least, my world) seemed full of possibilities.

 

Whimsy and Wonder #60- Small Wonder

Sometimes it's the day itself that's the whimsy and wonder...

With a surprisingly sunny fall day, I couldn't help but treat myself to some delightful donuts from Pip's Original. I got their seasonal sweet potato pie flavor and also Nutella and peanut butter. For my drink, I got the King & I.

I love hearing their customers' excitement when it's their first time experiencing it or claiming their very generous birthday dozen which I've definitely taken part in over the years and I try to go other times throughout the year to support them.

What's brought you whimsy and wonder in life recently?

 

Whimsy and Wonder #59- Just Walking Around (Seventeen)

I love it when a Little Free Library matches the design of the main structure whether it's a house, a school, or something else. In this case, it's the Gresham History Museum which originally housed the Gresham Carnegie Library.

I think it would be cool if all the repurposed Carnegie libraries (as in they were once but aren't anymore) had a little free library in front as sort of a commemoration.

 

Whimsy and Wonder #58: Halloween Book Giving

 

I was able to help the Halloween Book Lady hand out books again. I've been doing it every year since 2012 and, of course, skipping last year. If I remember correctly, she's been doing this for thirty years!

 

After an extremely busy day at work, I didn't think I'd be up to this but I'm always glad to have done so. Admittedly, things were a bit off in the sense that some of the kids (mostly teens) didn't want a free book at all. But I really loved it when people appreciated the novelty of the situation. A customer even recognized me and she had nice things to say which I'm grateful for.

 

People might be surprised to learn I don't even like Halloween but I look forward to this every year.

 

 

Whimsy and Wonder #57- Just Walking Around (Sixteen)

I'm grateful that despite all the rain we've been getting here in Portland that I got to take a walk this morning and i ran across this (Toy) Car Library that definitely brought some whimsy and wonder.

 

Whimsy and Wonder #56: Cute Food

I couldn't resist how cute these "Bunny Halo Halo Buns" were. From the restaurant's menu, "These are gluten free giant sweet potato bunny dumplings filled with traditional Filipino halo-halo mix, sweet beans, ube halaya, macapuno, kaong palm fruit, sweet jackfruit and coconut jelly!"

 

Whimsy and Wonder #55: Columbia Children's Arboretum

I checked out the Columbia Children's Arboretum. You can do a lollipop loop (is that a term?) and experience the splashes of color. There was even a bridge. I hadn't even known about this place until a week or so ago.

Anytime I see a "Children's [Anything]", I always think there's going to be an extra element of whimsy like they'll have something to do with kid's books.