Several major things have happened:
In July, my mom was diagnosed and successfully treated for Hairy Cell Leukemia. It was a scary time but I think we handled it pretty well. Just took things a day at a time, tried not to look too far down the "road" at would could happen and just focused on what we knew. Surprisingly, I got very little emotional support from family but tons from friends, go figure.
At the end of July, I went to see Iron Maiden again at White River Amphitheater. Another rad show that focused on a lot of material from Seventh Son and before. I stayed the night in Auburn, WA. Incidentally, I stopped in Olympia on the way up.
Iron Maiden, July 30, 2012 - White River Ampitheater - Auburn, WA
the "pit" at White River Ampitheater (July 30, 2012) - I'm in there somewhere :)
Olympia Film Society in Olympia, WA
In August, I went to the Northwest String Summit... We had a great Camp Behzt. Also, Karl Denson played a freaking awesome late night set.
Hanging out at Camp Behzt - NWSS'12 - Horning's Hideout - North Plains, OR
In September, for TBA12, I worked as a House Manager at Lincoln Hall and the Mark Spencer Hotel for Andrew Dickson's "Life Coaching" sessions. I also shot video for several performances and many of the coaching sessions.
Later in the month I reprised my role as Harpo Marx in the Portland Opera's Big Night pre-show celebration in front of the Keller Fountain.
Groucho and Harpo, before the Big Night at Keller Fountain, Portland, OR
That same night, I headed over to the Aladdin Theatre to see Portland Cello Project's performance of Radiohead's "OK Computer".
Portland Cello Project @ Aladdin Theater - Sept. 22, 2012
In October, I saw some great shows: Beth Orton at the Wonder Ballroom, David Bryne & St. Vincent at the Schnitz, OBT's "Body Beautiful" at the Keller (which I was not a fan).
Beth Orton at the Wonder Ballroom, October 17, 2012
David Bryne & St. Vincent at the Schnitzer, October 18, 2012
In November, I marked my 10th year in Portland, Oregon on Nov 3rd. I also attended Don Giovanni at the Keller and A Midsummer Night's Dream at PCS's Gerding Theatre @ the Armory. I also say Susanna Hoffs (from the Bangles) at Mississippi Studios. I finished the month of shows with Eric McFadden at Dante's; what a freaking amazing guitarist.
Susanna Hoffs and her band, Mississippi Studios, November 18, 2012
Eric McFadden at Dante's, November 30, 2012
I also "made" my mom join me to do some volunteering for Meals-on-Wheels' program called Donate-A-Dinner to help feed homebound seniors during the holidays.
My mom and I at Whole Foods on SE Division for Donate-a-Dinner volunteer shift
Also, on Nov 24 I had my 8th session with Ms. Mikki. I'm guessing I just have about 5-7 hrs left to finish my sleeve.
my sleeve, in progress
