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If you happen to pass Tokyo’s famous Roppongi Hills this month you will have the chance to 66 different life sized Doraemon figures, all over the square in front of the main building. Doraemon as comic book and anime character is to Japan what the Mouse is to the USA. There is basically no way to over estimate the importance of the blue cat in at least two generations of Japanese and possibly more.

Why so many figures? Doraemon is a wonder cat and has access to all kinds of strange and wonderful stuff to help him and his friends in their daily lives. Often the premise of the stories is that the characters express a wish to avoid something or concern over something and Doraemon will produce the seemingly perfect object for the occasion, for example a piece of bread that gives the eater amazing math skills or a…

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I’m excited to get away for a few days. I don’t really live such a fast-paced, hectic life, but it still is good to take a step away from the everyday things & take some time to breathe & relax. It not only recharges one’s body, but it also gives one a moment away from the same ho-hum repetitive schedule. Next week, I will be jetting off to Portland, Oregon. It’s not quite an exotic locale, but I’ve been wanting to visit Portland for a long time, to really take some time to explore the city.

Of course, the popular IFC TV show Portlandia has increased my interest in visiting the city, but it’s by no means the main reason I want to go there. I’ve driven through this city a few times on my way to Seattle & Canada. I’ve even stayed overnight once, but I’ve never actually seen this city for myself. I am very excited that I will get the chance to do so, next week.

There are three main things I must check off my To-Do list while I’m in Portland.

1. Drink plenty of coffee
Although Srumptown & Sterling are my favorite coffee roasters, there are plenty of other coffee roasters to try. I’d say that over Seattle, Portland is the true city of coffee.

2. Drink plenty of craft beer
I’ve been watching Esquire TV‘s shows Best Bars In America & Brew Dogs, & those two shows really opened my eyes to craft beers. Portland’s got tons of local craft breweries that I can’t wait to check out.

3. Drink plenty of whisk(e)y
I am making my way to Multnomah Whisky Library. I am not leaving until I’ve had my fair share of fine whisky. Did I ever mention that I’m a pretty big whisky drinker? Oh, well…now that cat has left the bag…

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An impromptu fashion shoot at a bookstore brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk.

Tonight I revisited an old but favorite movie on Netflix, a very, very classic (& iconic, if you ask me) film from 1957: Funny Face. Starring Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire as the main love interests, as well as co-starring Kay Thompson. The storyline sets around a naive bookstore shop girl who inadvertently gets mixed up in a high fashion photoshoot for a prestigious fashion magazine. She is immediately discovered by the lead photographer who sets in motion her future career as a model for that very magazine. A trip to Paris for an exclusive photoshoot & fashion show fans the flames of love between the two lead characters, with a few relationship hiccups along the way. But in the end, as always, everything turns out S’wonderful!

This is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is most certainly on my Top 5 list of favorites. It’s also one of my most favorite Audrey Hepburn starring movies (my first favorite being How To Steal A Million, not Breakfast at Tiffany’s as one would think as the obvious answer.) I just absolutely adore Audrey Hepburn; I practically idolize her. I am also a big fan of Fred Astaire as well (I would choose his dancing skills over Gene Kelly any day.) Every time I watch this movie, it makes me smile & swoon all over again. I will never get sick of watching Funny Face. This movie packs all of the greats: actors, plot line, acting, humor, singing, dancing, drama, iconic fashion, &…ROMANCE. What more could you ask for???

I adore Audrey’s innocence she portrays in her character Jo Stockton. She’s both naive & strong at the same time; her heart is filled with pure passion & love. I love all of the characters Audrey plays in her movies. They are always so adventurous & end up falling madly in love with the handsome rake who has swooped in to steal her heart in a flourish. I also love Fred’s character Dick Avery in this movie as well. He’s always looking out for Audrey’s character & protecting her, guiding her to find her shining light as a model. Dick is able to crack Jo’s tough exterior & help turn an awkward duck into a graceful swan. I also like Kay Thompson’s character Maggie Prescott. She’s the head of a leading fashion magazine in the 1950s (among many headstrong men of those days, I assume). She really eludes power & influence with style & flair. Kay’s character reminds me of a softer version of Ms. Anna Wintour.

These are my favorite scenes from the movie. All photo credits belong to Paramount Pictures.

The iconic red dress down the staircase shoot

Take the picture, take the picture! – Jo Stockton

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The “Bonjour Paris” song & dance

Livin’ is easy. Livin’ is high. All good Americans should come here to die. – Dick Avery

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The wedding photoshoot & dance number

Darling, he loves & she loves & they love. So why don’t you love me, as I love you. – Dick Avery

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I’d definitely recommend watching this movie. It’s 1 hours and 43 minutes of pure bliss. Hollywood sure doesn’t make movies like this anymore. Cheers.

Today’s song of the day:
“S’wonderful” by Fred Astaire
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