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Skinworks Review

Last week I took some time for myself and participated in self-care. For over two and a half months my time has been spent at home except for essential trips for groceries and a few times for dinner, to support the local food truck. Businesses are starting to open back up after the mandatory shutdowns and I decided to have a spa day. Skinworks by Jessica Kompas is a new local business located in downtown Lebanon, Oregon. Kompas is a licensed esthetician and pedicurist who graduated from College of Hair Design Careers in Salem, Oregon in February. Jessica opened her business in March inside Current Trends Salon and Tattoo , where she currently provides her services. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic Kompas was only able to work for two weeks until the pandemic forced businesses to shut down. “It was heartbreaking because I didn’t know how long it would last,” said Kompas. “I worked so hard and got this far and then I felt like my dream was going to be over. Thankfull
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Ten Questions with Joey Helpish

Joey Helpish writes, teaches and produces music. To some, Helpish may be better known as Unkle Nancy, from Unkle Nancy and The Family Jewels -- a favorite of the Eugene, Oregon music scene. Since taking a break from Unkle Nancy and The Family Jewels, Helpish has been focused on constructing creative and healthy outlets for those who may be struggling.  Helpish started offering music lessons and established his own studio called Dandlyland . Dandlyland Studios has been operating since 2016 helping numerous people of all ages and intellect speak the language of music. With the help of his partner Kirsten Muir, Helpish developed a unique technique called “Root Motives,” chords that translate to an emotion. While teaching others to play and write their own music the duo discovered they were able to listen to someone’s story and apply their method to translate the story into a song, becoming “song therapy.”  Joey Helpish appeared on my phone-screen with black-framed glasses, la
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Part III of my reaction to "On Writing," by Stephen King

In "On Writing" Stephen King takes his own advice and shows the reader how to write well, unlike most textbooks that just tell. King's specifics and details allow for easy comprehension and a smooth read. It's like he took the reader into account... For me, this is a book I will keep in my writing toolbox. There is relevant and crucial information King shares with the readers/writers. Regardless of where someone is in their writing path I would recommend reading "On Writing," by Stephen King. What I learned from Stephen King (Three most important things): Writing with the door closed and rewriting with the door open/Rewrite formula. I feel these two pieces of advice from King go hand-in-hand. This has been one of the most difficult things for me.I think due to my last writing classes requiring more technical style my sory telling ability is lacking. I find myself having to go back on the second draft to fill in a lot of parts that need impr
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Postcard from the Future: Over the River and Through the Woods to the Oregon Coast We Go!

Beach access is closed, parks are closed, restaurants and salons, too. The list of “don’ts” is long. For many, summer plans have been canceled. Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon.  Me and Harlow. Once travel is permitted I will wait a little longer. I anticipate a large crowd of ocean lovers flocking to where the water meets the sand. I will trail behind.  Most of my favorite memories take place on or around the ocean, from childhood and beyond, from California to Alaska.  My flip-flops are packed. I can almost smell the salty air, damp and clean. We don’t have to travel too far. I will burn the tank of gas that has been waiting to be used and take the winding road over the Coast Range to Newport, Oregon. My daughter, Harlow, will make a wager with ice cream, on who will see the ocean first. Our first stop will be the Newport Bayfront for our traditional purchase of seafoam candy and a handful of salt water taffy at the Newport Candy Shoppe. From the street we will he
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Stick A PORK In It! -- A Food Cart Review

One bite of my Porkadilla and I was hooked! A quesadilla filled with smoky pulled pork, cheddar jack cheese, and topped with your choice of drizzle, ranging from mild to slightly spicy. I chose the zesty sriracha drizzle and it was the perfect amount of spice. Stick A Pork In It, is a small food cart, with big flavor. Currently, the cart is located in Rife’s Home Furniture parking lot in Lebanon, Oregon. The family-owned business specializes in Cuban-inspired dishes, and has been a local favorite in the Lebanon and Albany area since starting their business in 2016. In an interview published in the Albany Democrat Herald in 2016, Neysi Von Ruden acknowledged her Cuban heritage as being an inspiration for the dishes they serve. Neysi also mentioned that two of the recipes they use are her mother’s, who also owns a restaurant, in California. Recently the husband and wife duo, John and Neysi Von Ruden, have found their business more in demand. “We  have had a 30 percent increa
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