Our time runs out: Portland roundup

Routines, reflections, and favorites from three months living in the same spot

In two days we will move out of the small, brightly lit apartment my phone’s location services finally recognizes as “home” and pack ourselves back into Hermes the yellow van.

This summer has been everything we hoped for and more: a refreshing break from road-life logistics, a resounding affirmation that the tradeoffs of full-time travel are still worth it overall, a robust well of creative capacity, and—most unexpected but also most joyful—the origin of what I think will be some lifelong friendships.

Bittersweet has scarcely been a more fitting word.

My writerly morning routine

I wanted to take full advantage of waking up in one place. No moving the van from a parking lot before the sun rises or getting a head start on the day’s driving—just stepping onto the same sidewalks day after day?!

5:30 — Get outside

Quality sleep does not come easily to me. I’ve optimized and adjusted (and reoptimized and readjusted) at length to figure out what helps, and top of the list are 1) waking up at a consistent time every day and 2) viewing morning sunlight as soon as possible. Ever since we moved into our studio, Noah Kahan’s “Maine” sounds at 5:15 and we set off on a family stroll before the neighborhood rises.

I love this habit. For one thing, Scout’s favorite time to sniff is when the sidewalks are minimally crowded. (She handles being a city dog but does not prefer it.) For another, waking with the sun makes me feel like the morning is endless in the best possible way. There’s so much time to fit in so much joy!

6 ish — Exercise, breakfast, ready ourselves

After fulfilling Scout, Sean and I might head back out for a humans-only jog (our aging heeler no longer keeps up, especially on pavement) or just stretch inside. I’ve also gotten in the habit of taking a quick cold-as-the-dial-goes shower before breakfast. (It feels miserable at first but incredible when I get out. I’ve never been so alive awake alert enthusiastic!)

Scout eats kibble soaked in bone broth or fancy wet food if she’s lucky. Then she begs for a few bites of whatever Sean and I are having, and we almost always oblige.

8 ish — Journal and deep work

By eight, Scout is ready for another bathroom break followed by a lengthy nap—and Sean and I are ready to dive into work. I’ve been trying a handwritten journal with four daily prompts:

1. Things I’m grateful for (ranging from core securities like being in a healthy relationship to small joys like noticing a bright flower)

2. My loose plan for the day (less to-do list than visualization)

3. Things to watch for (helps me get ahead of likely insecurities or frustrations)

4. Things to strive for (“joy” and “energy” have come up a lot)

Then, on the ideal days, I spend a few hours in my Paws and Reflect manuscript doc before checking email or anything else. (In the last few weeks my own book dreams have taken a backseat to a different project I can’t wait to share publicly!)

Afternoon — Wherever the day leads

Because I focus best in the morning, we’ve prioritized consistency in the first half of the day and flexibility in the rest. We try to fit in one or two longer outings with Scout (like playing tug at the park—something more fulfilling than a quick bathroom walk) and more creative time. I’ve loved collaging with colored construction paper!

Pending our meeting schedules, weekdays and weekends are pretty interchangeable. The opportunity to do whatever’s best for our deadlines and momentum on a given day is almost always on my morning gratitude list.

Carrying steadiness into road life

Scout will be thrilled to move back into the van (this apartment stint emphasized just how much more comfortable she is in her home-on-wheels) but my own feelings are mixed.

I’m going to miss spontaneously meeting up with new friends. (City community is unmatched.) Travel logistics mean it won’t always be possible to devote my most productive hours to writing. (The prospect of querying agents and actually getting my manuscript published continues to feel like fantasy.) I’ve loved the comfort of a single place. (For the first time in years I watched spring ease into summer on sidewalks I knew by heart—cherry blossoms giving way to lilacs, then lupines, roses, sunflowers…)

Still, I long for the novelty of traveling. The energy. The inspiration! And much of what I’ve relished about our mornings in Portland can be adapted for life on the road. I’m committed to blocking out focused creative time and building my ability to work more efficiently in a range of environments.

Here’s to holding the routines we love most and leaning into fun chaos everywhere else. 😁

Some Portland favorites

Coffee shops

• Double Great Coffee: So much natural light! An ideal writing spot.

• Radial Coffee Co: Also lots of light.

• Smalls: All-day cafe great for afternoon visits.

• Novel: Bookstore, coffee shop, and event space in one. Where one of my weekly writing workshops meets!

• The Proper Cup: Okay, I definitely have a thing for big windows. (Also, the baristas regularly complimented my colorful outfits, which does not hurt.)

Bakeries and treats

• ZUbakery: There is no better ham and cheese croissant.

• Willard Scoops: There is no better mint chocolate chip ice cream.

• Scratch Baking Co: Not only delicious but also one of the most efficient serving setups I’ve seen in a to-go bakery.

• The Baker’s Bench: Worth the drive for their cinnamon rolls.

• Smiling Hill Farm: Ice cream and more (including goat yoga)!

Restaurants

• Empire Chinese Kitchen: Our most-visited restaurant. Who knew green beans could taste so good?

• Yosaku: Sushi with a massive patio.

• Lil’ Chippy: Excellent fish fry and weekday happy hour.

• Izakaya Minato: Heaven = their chef’s choice courses!

• Hot Suppa: Breakfast comfort food galore.

• Hi Bombay: Our go-to takeout spot.

• Nom Cafe: Some of the best lunch ever.

• And too many more to list—Portland’s food scene is phenomenal!

Breweries and hangouts

• Root Wild Kombucha: Happy hour is perfect for an afternoon change of scenery.

Bookstores

• Longfellow Books: One of my favorite bookstores even before we lived here, just from previous visits in the van. (I got my copies of Several Short Sentences About Writing and The Crane Wife from the staff rec shelf!)

Pet stores

• The Fish and Bone: Natural chews galore. Also, the owner’s red heeler sometimes hangs out behind the counter.

Beaches and parks and hikes

• Eastern Prom: If you know anything about Portland, this one probably goes without saying.

• Rewild Maine: Educational walking tours around the area!

• Deering Oaks Park: Hosts the farmers market twice a week.

• Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park: Classic Maine coast and wildlife a short drive away.

• Willard Beach: Excellent community atmosphere.

• Pine Point Beach: The closest to a “real” beach we found in the area. (Don’t blame me for previously living in Florida. 😅)

Tattoos

• Broken Crow Collective: Josh gave me an incredible seahorse inspired by Katherine Rundell’s Vanishing Treasures. (See also: My essay for Opposite of Nihilism about wonder!)

Writing resources

• Create With Emma: My summer writing workshop was great, plus Emma hosts a bunch of community events.

• Maya Williams: Maya creates the softest atmosphere each Sunday morning.

• Portland Public Library: Accessible downtown space with regular programming.

In case you missed it

Last week’s morning reflections about slowing sensitive (still lovely and beloved) Scout Finch.

I hope we have years of still becoming