thankful : day 22

Today I am thankful for photography.  I have always needed a creative outlet and even though I work in a creative field - photography has become a real passion and expression for me.  I am so thankful to have discovered my love for being behind the lens, it's something that really fuels me. I took up the hobby in 2004 and have grown so much - but there is still so far to go!  Practice, lots of practice!

I printed a few of my photos via Artifact Uprising - they arrived today - and could not be happier with the quality!  AU also just came out with an app for the iPhone to make photo books from your mobile device - genius I tell you!  I will be making one of those for sure! 

the happy show

Back on my staycation I took in The Happy Show by Stefan Sagmeister and LOVED it! I am only sad that I caught it on it's last week, so most of the interactive things were gone.  That aside, I just love Stefan's take on the everyday and his handwritten display felt conversational, collaborative and personal - like he was standing right there talking to me.  I don't typically feel this way about art - and I've seen a lot of art - so it was refreshing and I am really happy  (ha) that I made it in before the installation left town. It's still traveling the country - maybe The Happy Show will soon be in your neck of the woods. 

marcey weds

My friend and coworker Marcey wed on Friday among a few family and close friends.  This was my first muslim wedding and I was completely fascinated by the whole thing!  I snapped a few photos to document the day and wish her and the new hubs all the very best. 

birthday chocolate

The beautiful Miss Bella decided she wanted a weekend in the city for her 9th birthday party.  Shopping and sipping hot chocolate, what more could a girl want?  I joined the gang for dinner and had a great time!  And could she and Emma look any cuter all dolled up? Adorbs!

thankful : day 8

Today I am thankful for culture.  I love to learn about new cultures and traditions and today was one for the books! Our dear coworker Marcey wed in an intimate muslim ceremony here in Chicago.  I didn't understand everything they were saying, but was completely fascinated by the whole process.  I am truly fortunate to have friends from so many diverse backgrounds!! 

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graceland instameet

Took in my first #instameet yesterday at the Graceland Cemetery - a beautiful park cemetery that has a some of Chicago's most famous residents - specifically architects and designers!  There were about 35/40 of us walking around with cameras - mostly camera phones since it's specifically for instagrammers - while listening to one guy tell us about some of the notables.  I both liked and disliked the instameet ... it's always great to meet new people with like hobbies and interests, but it kind of sucks to have 40 people all trying to photograph the same subject at the same time.  Patience is certainly a requirement!!  I have enjoyed watching instagram fill up with everyone's take - such different styles! I took a LOT of photos - I love statuary and the weather was really adding to the mood of the day, so lots of shots!! Here are just a few. *wink*

Oh and as I was wandering around I ran across a Seymour headstone - my grandmother's maiden name was Seymour!  Might have to look the Chicago Seymour's up to see if we are any relation! 

leven family 2013

Popped into Robin's to catch the last part of Jordyn's fifth birthday party - the first in their new home!  They set everything up in the unfinished basement and the kids loved it - loads of room to run and play!  We tried to get a few family photos after, but you know how kids are... especially after they just partied it up!  

ohc : fourth pres

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is hosting Open House Chicago - a giant open house of 150 of the coolest places in the city - landmarks to design firms and everything in between.  It's a great event - heavily attended, long lines at the most popular places.  And the best part ... it's free!  The only problem is that you have to be very organized - know the hours each site you want to visit, map out your attack and get out early to get in as much as possible! I stopped in Fourth Presbyterian Church to see if I could finally get past the main hall, but sadly they had a private event and closed to the tour at 1pm - I failed to do my research!  Oh well.  I got some fun shots anyway.  Will have to do better planning next year!

saturday stroll

My plans for the day got postponed due to rain this afternoon, so instead I got up and walked over to Hewn for a new loaf of aged cheddar bread and a brioche french toast!  I love morning walks around in my neighborhood, it's so peaceful, and I should really do it more.  After my treats, a cuppa tea and reading up on some legendary college basketball from my beloved KU, while sitting on the balcony watching the clouds roll in.  

millennium park

I started my staycation with a walk through the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park - had never actually walked through the garden before.  It's simply lovely and in the height of summer, when everything is in bloom, I bet it's a real stunner!  It's so interesting to be surrounded by these prairie grasses, wildflowers and tall trees and then just over the top of them are these huge skyscrapers.  Wonderful balance!