About the Innkeeper

No frilly curtains, teddy bears or potpourri 

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Originally from the East Coast, I moved to Mendocino, California in 1974 where I lived for 26 years. Among my past lives, I owned a small coffeehouse, was director of a mail order department for a coffee company, had a jazz radio show, produced the Mendocino Jazz Series, worked as a veterinarian assistant, gallery owner, coffee cart owner and currently, an Innkeeper.  In 1994, I moved to the town of Healdsburg, California, where I started Options, a gallery of ethnic and American crafts, which I ran for 10 years before moving to Portland in 2004.  I love the Portland area, and am always eager to share my home and growing knowledge of Portland with visitors.  I'm a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.  I enjoy kayaking, music, cooking, biking and exploring Portland.

My 15 seconds of fame and first job in Portland--sold the cart 6 months later....

Morning Edition, August 17, 2005 · It's an oft-told tale: the exodus from California to the Pacific Northwest. For years, people have been selling their houses in often extremely inflated markets and moving north for a more affordable life.

Terry Rusinow followed this well-trod path, selling her home and craft gallery in Healdsburg, Calif., in favor of a new life in Portland. Despite her varied work experience -- in retail, restaurants, galleries and even a long stint with a coffee company -- she could not find a job.

Motivated by necessity, Rusinow conceived the idea of a mobile espresso cart in one of Portland's parks. She convinced local authorities to allow her Duck, Duck, Brew coffee cart into the city's Laurelhurst Park. Now she does business between the duck pond and off-leash dog area.

But foot traffic through the park is slow. And the work turns out to be physically demanding. Rusinow must set up and take down the 1,600-pound cart every day.

Two weeks into the venture, she isn't convinced she's made the right decision. NPR's Ketzel Levine will be checking back with Rusinow over the next few weeks to see how her reinvented life is turning out.                                               

     To hear Ketzel Levine's report on NPR click on this link: Grinding Out a Living with a Coffee Cart

"Terry's passion for Portland is only exceeded by her love of fine art and music.
The warm fireplace and friendly cat complete the cozy atmosphere !"