My Life Is A David Lynch Movie

When I get off the MAX train at my neighborhood stop, the first thing I encounter, & I mean this is right at the train stop, is Dancin’Bare, our neighborhood strip joint. The sign is amazing to me because, not only does this business have a name based on a not so clever pun (like so many of Portland’s Thai restaurants & nail salons), but do they have to really spell out the joke for you on the sign? Funny, huh?


As I cross the street where N. Interstate Ave & N. Denver Ave meet, I am greeted by a giant Paul Bunyon (recently added to the Nation Register of Historic Roadside Landmarks). He was built for a 1959 Lumber Expo held in the neighborhood. I think he is kinda hot. He was recently given a new paint job as part of a new neighborhood street improvement in my Kenton’s little downtown, which includes widened sidewalks, a bike lane, street art & new trees & plants.


I then cross N. Denver Ave to 7 Bucks a Whack. The Husband & I both get our haircut there by Darlene. Miss Darlene is in her 70s, with bleached blond hair piled high on her head. She wears a great deal of makeup, painted on brows & wears a satin black tube top & hot pants. She cuts hair with a cigarette dangling from the corner of her mouth. As she puts on your apron she will announce in a deep cig & beer voice- “…what’ll it be baby? A number 1 buzz cut? You sure got a lot of hair for a bald guy.” Darlene lives nearby on a houseboat & has been in the neighborhood forever. She will give you a running commentary on the politics in the Kenton neighborhood. Her little dog –Elvis hangs out in the shop & is dressed up in a variety of outfits, including full biker gear. She told the Husband that she likes to have lunch at Dancin' Bare because- "baby, they got a delicious burger with fries for just $5!". Darleen does my hair, goatee & eyebrows, plus a floor show…. all for $7!



Other neighborhood highlights include a Victorian mansion that is lit up with Christmas lights all year, but sometimes not at all around Christmas & the lovely Laundro Mat. I am including a few other choice pieces of signs, graffiti & a note I found posted at the MAX stop. When I get off the train, I think- “ah, it is great to be home”.