Portland mural update, (aka: an ode to Joe)

A lot of people have been asking for an update about the mural Joe has been working on in Portland. I talked about it a few weeks ago here.
The mural still has a long way to go, but I do have some updated pics.

First, though, I thought I would talk a little bit about my husband, Joe.
(Here we are in a rare photo together. Thank you Laurel!)


Joe is a fabulous artist, specializing in oil painting and print-making. I really do not think I am exaggerating when I say he is amazing.




As you can see from the images above, though, Joe tends to focus on more, um, emotionally-charged subject matter.

So, in a way, it's kinda funny that he's painting this French-inspired mural. But that's the thing about him...he seems to be able to do anything. I, on the other hand, have, like, one talent. But, Joe is this amazing person who is so kind and funny, who puts people at ease and is overly generous of his time and energy. He is an awesome musician and creates hilarious song lyrics about ANYTHING on the spot. And he can cook!
Joe inspires me every day, and I feel so lucky to be married to this man.

Below are a few more details of his current mural project. I promise to post again when the project is complete, but these will have to suffice for now.





Since this post has become all about Joe, I may as well tell you a few more things.

Joe worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. Some of you may remember him managing the bar at Maximilien, or working at Stars when it existed in Pacific Place, or when he worked at 727 Pine, before Ruth's Chris took over the space.
Anyway, he worked in restaurants for a good long while and was VERY good at his job. But, those of you in the industry may sympathize when I say that the hours in restaurants are TOUGH. Especially when you are in a relationship with a person who does NOT work in the industry, (like yours truly.)
So, for the past 4 or 5 years, Joe has been branching out on his own and exploring his other skills.
I am so proud of him for taking this leap because, as everyone knows, leaving an industry that has been profitable is a very hard thing to do, (as I am learning first-hand these days!)
This is one of the reasons I promote Joe every chance I get. As a self-employed married couple, it is our job to support one another at every turn.

With that in mind, I have to tell you about Joe's OTHER job, (when he's not doing murals or portraits or commissions):

Joe is also a handyman, and a damn good one, if I may say so myself!
This means that he is available for ALL KINDS of home projects, ranging from something as small as painting a room or installing a light fixture to something as large as refinishing a basement or installing a hardwood floor.
If you are looking for a handyman, then drop him a line. His email is joebarboza68 at yahoo dot com.

If you are in need of a bigger job, (like a remodel for your home or commercial property) you should look into Sunde Builders.

Joe works with Peder Sunde on larger projects and, I must say, Peder is fantastic. He has a passion for sustainable building and he is an incredible artist and craftsman. Check out his website!

So, thanks for reading all my ramblings about my husband. I just think he's awesome, and I think you'd like him, too.

In conclusion, I would like to leave you with two final images of Zoe the bulldog.
Remember those scalding days in Seattle last week? Well, it was even hotter in Portland, (107!!)

Below, Zoe is donning her ice-water soaked towel.

It's a hard life.