FAQ's
Do you really like Madonna or are you obsessed with the ’80s or what?
I like to think that I can reinvent myself periodically, but I don’t need a coned bra to do that. I am, however, a child of the 1980s, and this is a film I was never allowed to see. My writing is not motivated by desperation, but I believe we all feel it a little bit when looking for things to do in Salem. This blog is about figuring out Salem’s essential character.
Are you, like, a full-time blogger?
No. I write magazine features, columns, novels, and profiles of big corporations in Europe (that’s where the money is). Blogging is just one more way I engage with the world, and it’s pretty damn fun.
How much time a day do you spend blogging?
Way too much time. As in, I spend a lot of time thinking about what’s interesting enough to blog about. I am a perpetual editor.
Do you make money blogging?
Um, does anyone? Wait, some people do… remind me to look into that.
Are you pro-Salem or anti-Salem?
I am neither nor. As my husband will tell you, I tend to love what I have, but I’m not a booster by any means. I am a storyteller and chronicler, I do not seek to take sides.
Have you heard about the [insert place/restaurant/food] in Salem?
Maybe, maybe not. Tell me all about it!
Do you really run past the State Hospital almost every day?
Yes. I like to get my inner fright on. That place is the best one in the city for leaps of the imagination and I find running past it very soothing.
What kind of culture are you interested in?
I am an equal opportunity cultural commenter interested in high and low culture — making for one mean, crooked unibrow of culture.
Will you blog about my [insert place/restaurant/food]?
Maybe. Tell me about it and I’ll add it to my list of things to do. Please do not ask me to go anywhere boring or to eat anything that tastes like licorice.
Why did you review my restaurant/place so poorly?
If you read the posts carefully, you will notice that they are not traditional reviews, or really reviews at all. Most of the food stories present a very specific perspective — mine. If you are interested in service reviews about food in Salem, there is a site called eatsalem.com. But if you want a story, or jive with my worldview, read on.
You seem to eat out a lot. How do you do this without gaining 300 pounds?
I save up any extra money for restaurants where the servings are the size of an egg. Or I eat once a day. Or I go running past the State Hospital. Fear burns calories.
Hi Emily,
I just read your “so-lame? are we willing to settle for that?” in the salem monthly and I LOVED it!!! I moved here in late Dec. from MI and when I read your article I laughed out loud. Your list 1-5 is EXACTLY what I hear everyday from my co-workers. I work in south salem and am the only employee that lives in salem the other employees drive in from Portland area. They all tell me that I will move out of salem when my 6 month lease is up. I am so happy to read your article and know that other new-bees feel the same way about salem. I want to love it here and I want others to love it to! I have bookmarked your blog so I can read it throughout the week. I am always looking for things to do in Salem! Thanks so much
Vanessa
You’re very welcome. I would never begrudge anyone a move to Portland — I really do love that city. But if you want to live the local lifestlye, and eat organic and grow your own food and watch your footprint and all those things Portlanders seem to want to do, that shouldn’t involve driving 2 hours a day to work. We could easily have moved to Stumptown but we refuse to spend our lives commuting. I hope you like it here, and check back in often!
Hello Emily,
Would you be interested in coming to a Chemeketa Community College writing class? I am going to ask my students to read your July piece about travel writing and Salem. They are going to do a similar piece, but I thought it would be neat if you could come to my class. We could discuss this in advance. I am a part time writing instructor. sandy resis
Letting people know about the new FACEBOOK Page and Twitter. “SalemThingToDo”
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-Things-To-Do-Oregon/108017062566143?ref=ts
My dearest sweetest Emily,
The moment I saw your picture I recognized your lovely face! What a treat to find you and learn about all your accomplishments! Do you sometimes play piano or teach your son? I live in Southern California, so we are not that far away from each other. Love always, Tanya.
Love your blog! I’m new to reading it but have spent some time doing just that. I of course am also here to blast my website, drinkinsalem.com cough cough, which I would invite you to, but it does not serve food, unless you’re on an e-diet. Cheers!
Emily, I’m a big fan…I’m involved in the local Public Relations Society Chapter and remember when you came to chat with us… are you interested in coming back sometime next year?
New topic: I noticed a cat early on one of your blogs (January?);you should visit our Willamette Humane Society shelter sometime (um, I’m on that board, too). Lots of second chances happen there.
Like you, I’m also hoping for a first chance with KMUZ. (and any excuse to eat Marc’s hummus and grape leaves). Thanks for supporting independent radio. No more rambling!
P.S. I love Salem, too..I live in a house in an old neighborhood around the corner from one my grandfather built in 1920. Some folks call it Felony Flats, but we prefer Capital Park!
Hi Emily,
My husband and I recently moved to Salem. We live in South east salem and have been looking for fun things to do. I’m glad I found your blog.
Kelley
Emily, I love your writing. I saved the quilting column. It really made me smile because the symptoms of the quilt crazy fit me to a T! I walked into Greenbaum’s on a whim and am now completing my first quilt top.
I’ve always wanted to make a quilt and have walked into many shops in the past and walked out intimidated and frustrated.
Greenbaum’s is so different!
Anyway, thanks for the column.
I’ve been looking at the horizon and imagining it in fabric for some months. Nice to know I’m not the only one.
I’m also a recent (unwilling) transplant from the Midwest. I admire the way you’ve handled your move!
Sincerely,
Rebecca