Birthday, “On The Town”

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Yesterday was my friend Susie’s birthday! We celebrated by going out on the town—Central Oregon style—for dinner and a movie. Dinner was Japanese—sushi and a California roll. Then we headed to the Tin Pan Theater, tucked away in an alley and showcasing art films. Last night’s feature was a selection of Oscar-nominated short films.

Our favorite short, Perfectly a Strangeness, followed three donkeys meandering through the Atacama Desert, eventually making their way to an observatory. The donkeys wandered through a barren, futuristic landscape, but they seemed familiar with their surroundings, even when encountering a wild, beautiful coyote. What stood out most was the film’s poetic and visually stunning style.

The movie conveyed a theme (at least, if I “got it” right) that’s a bit unsettling. The donkeys—perhaps representing an ancient life form—seemed out of place in the industrial, mechanized world of the observatory. Watching this lovely yet thought-provoking film, I couldn’t help but think of Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times. Both films deliver strong, poignant messages about the clash between nature and the modern world.

Susie’s birthday gave us the perfect excuse to hang out together. It had been a while since we’d caught up, mainly because she’s always so busy with her family’s business. Our “date” was special, though, since she’s leaving soon to travel east for a family wedding and to handle some business matters.

As always, we spent part of the evening capturing memories with photos. My fun, busy jacket was a hit!

After the theater, while heading to our car, nobody ever could have guessed what we’d be bumping into!

Thanks to Karl Lagerfeld for creating such iconic, always fun designs.

Thanks for sharing your birthday with me, Susie, my dear friend. And for the lovely evening—full of learning and surprises.

— Diana