This morning I helped a friend move into her first apartment, which happens to be right near the gorgeous Nettelhorst School (more information about the art here). I’ve been wanting to take pictures at Nettelhorst for ages now, but when I worked in the neighborhood, I was only there on school days–and I didn’t want to be the creepy person skulking around a playground, and besides, I was always busy teaching in my own classroom down the street. But today, of course, was a day off–and therefore a perfect day to finally take pictures at this beautiful school.
A few more pictures from December: wandering through my hometown downtown, taking long walks back home in Chicago in the last of the sunlight, reflecting on the past year and dreaming of the year to come.
As usual, here’s my favorite New Years wish, courtesy of the great Neil Gaiman:
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”
Much love to all of you, and best wishes for a wonderful 2010.
I’m officially on vacation, which is a funny thing to say when you’re only employed part-time, but it’s also true. Here are some pictures of holiday happenings over the last few weeks, in our home, our neighborhood, and just slightly beyond. Lots of love to you and yours.
Scenes from Thanksgiving weekend in Rochester and Buffalo, NY.
Written Thanksgiving morning, at the Wegmans cafe:
Today I am thankful for warm blankets, sunshine and herbal tea and chocolate chip muffins. I am thankful for bright red berries and golden leaves. I am thankful for peppermint mochas and chocolate oranges and cheesy Christmas music on the radio. I am thankful that Neal and I still have jobs, even if his is stressful and mine are only part-time. I am thankful for my brilliant and hilarious and supportive friends. I am thankful to be rebuilding our church community. I am thankful for amazing kids and the chance to watch them learn and grow–and to play some small part in this–every day. I am thankful for mp3 blogs and TV on DVD and tablature websites and old pictures on Facebook. I am thankful for the promise of two Thanksgiving dinners that can’t be beat. I am thankful for being, I am thankful for being here, I am thankful for being here with Neal and making a beautiful life together.
It’s been an unexpectedly busy few weeks: I left my job, promptly found two new ones, and dove headfirst into National Novel Writing Month for the first time in four years. Already pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple cider drinks are making way for peppermint mochas, but Chicago spent all weekend thinking it was summer. I’m looking forward to life getting a little more peaceful and steady soon. In the meantime, here are some pictures of fall.
I thought I already knew most of the amazing places in my neighborhood, but a few weeks ago, I found myself wandering through Architectural Artifacts for the first time.
Labor Day weekend: Seneca Falls, Taughannock Falls, my husband’s beloved Rochester Red Wings, Ithaca and the Moosewood Restaurant. Back home in Chicago: Renegade Craft Fair, neighborhood apple festival, turning 31, concerts and parties and chai. I promise to be better at updating.
Hello! Work stress and laptop failure have been conspiring this month to prevent me from posting, but I am still around, still having adventures, and still taking pictures. When I have a little more time, I’ll share some more of September with you, but right now I’m just poking my head in. See you soon.
