Whoa There

I’m gearing up for a return.

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

Book It Across the Pond

I love the warmer weather because it means I can sit outside and do a little reading. Though the problem I’ve found: when you venture outside of the park, there isn’t much in the way of bench seating. Yes, you can sit on the concrete steps of Diversey Harbor (like Harry Potter and I did this weekend), but I can never get comfortable. There’s something about sitting on a bench and reading and having the backdrop of a Lake behind you.

It seems London and the National Literacy Trust have cured my current dilemma by teaming up with with a cartoonist and How to Train a Dragon creator. The Books about Town campaign brings to life classic book illustration interpretations on 50 park benches. Yes, there are book benches strewn about London begging for you to sit and read and they depict some of your favorite books. As we know, I love a seek and find when it comes to the arts.

Heavy sigh. Via BBC News Entertainment & Arts

P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins by Artist Darel Seow

Michael Bond’s Please Look After This Bear by Artist Michelle Heron

Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations by Artist Ivan Liotchev

 

 

Ad of the Day: Like a Girl

Absolutely adore this campaign from P&G while at the same time cringing a bit. It’s powerful message  comes to life during interviews with young girls. It makes us “big” girls feel extremely embarrassed and in turn, changes the way you’ll ever hear the phrase “like a girl” again.

Via AdWeek

Agency: Leo Burnett (Chicago, London, Toronto)

A German and a Chicagoan Explore Columbus

About a month ago, Matthias (our exchange student from high school/brother-from-another-mother), received word he would be moving to Columbus to work for JP Morgan. Ever since he set up camp there, he has been egging me to come out. Over Memorial Day weekend, I finally did.

I have never been to Columbus, or Ohio for that matter, and didn’t really have that high of expectations. I figured it would feel like a Kansas City. I was wrong. All the different neighborhoods, places within walking distance, and all the different type of activities…made it a place I never wanted to leave.

We kicked the weekend off with a distillery tour at Middle West Spirits (OYO). Here we learned about vodka and whiskey and had a few samples. We also noticed this cool bar next store that served up mead. I don’t think I’ve ever had mead before, so Brothers Drake Meadery served as a great learning experience. We tried various flavors and cocktails while learning Matt opts for the fruity drinks and I like ’em on the rocks.

One of my top places we visited, and I made sure to put on the tour schedule, was The Book Loft. I had seen this a few times on various “Best Bookstores” lists and “must-see” lists in Columbus. The fact it was in German Village was just an added bonus. The place is absurd. Over 3o rooms that wind and dead end throughout the building beckon you to continually search, even when you don’t know what you’re looking for. The outdoor courtyard, garden and fountain just made this a place I never wanted to leave.

As fate would have it, the Cardinals were also in the state of Ohio. Matt and I headed down to Cincinnati and caught the Reds/Cards game (Cards came out on top). Real kicker: it was Matt’s first baseball game.

Another favorite on the weekend was heading to Buckeye Lake. We wandered around the community for a bit and then headed to a biker bar (by recommendation of a local) called Papa Boo’s. It was amazing sitting by the Lake, drinking a beer and sitting across from a kid who was just supposed to “pass by,” but instead became another person in the family.

Needless to say, I’m looking forward to another reason to say yes to C-Bus weekend.

*Also, if I haven’t said enough, thanks Mum for bringing this kid into our lives.*

First game for both of us at Great American Ball Park

 

Finishing a Distillery Tour and Enjoying Mead

The Great Outdoors

“What are your thoughts on a family camping trip where you and I stay in a cabin?” Mom asked me back in December. I said of course. And before I knew it, it was time to head back to Missouri and drive to Bennett Spring State Park with a car packed to the brim (including a waffle iron and Keurig). It truly was a little insane the amount needed to sustain the two of us, for two days, when we didn’t have to bring a tent.

I was nervous. Mainly because while I’d like to think I’m a frontier woman, I sorely am not. Now don’t get me wrong, I love being outside. I love staring at the sky aimlessly wrapped in a blanket and just sitting and staring at water. Though I love knowing a bed, four walls and few bugs wait for me at night.

Needless to say, the Ladage Family Camping trip was stellar. Growing up, we ran a pretty tight-knit group. Most often, aunts, uncles and cousins all felt like extra Moms, Dads and siblings. Though as everyone started school, getting married, moving, we started seeing each other just around the holidays. I felt like a kid again spending more than just an evening and afternoon with everyone. There was always an empty chair somewhere around the fire. Someone ready to play cards. Someone ready to make s’mores. Someone needing to make the trek to the bathroom in the dark.

We learned that Cousin Kate and Uncle Rob dominate yard games while Mom and I do not. That the way to anyone’s heart is through a Bacon Station. That fresh fish from the river is divine. That the Olympic theme song truly is inspiring. That beverages make things funnier. That hiking is truly fantastic when you have Cousin Alli ready to play the ukulele on demand. That seeing a bald eagle fly over your head while you’re in a kayak paddling around the river bend is pretty damn American.

And that it’s always a Good S’morning when surrounded by your favorite people.

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We’re Becoming Labbies

During last year’s Chicago Innovation Awards, I learned of the Makers Lab– a space in the Chicago Public Library (Harold Washington branch) featuring new technology and workshops. The best part? It’s all free. I’ve been trying to get in to classes since November.

And I finally did.

Two weeks ago, Amanda and I (and her baby bump) headed to the lab to create 3D cuff bracelets. After placing together shapes in TinkerCAD software, we picked our plastic color and watched a printer create crazy designs. I had no idea how insanely cool and efficient 3D printing is. Seeing other objects the team put together, I was completely mesmerized by this animal figurine with moveable legs, and the fact it was all built on the same plane. No assembly required.

Last week, a few of us from work went over to try the Laser Cutter printer during the Name Plate workshop. Using a program similar to Illustrator, we created our words and phrases. I went with “Write On” as a not-so subtle reminder/encouragement for the desk.

Below are photos from the first visit making bracelets. My bracelet printed in a boxed printer, so you couldn’t really see what was going on. Thankfully, Amanda printed in the open space!

Creating the raft (base) of the bracelet

Beginning the outline/edges of the bracelet on top of the raft.

The printer continues to go over this pattern until the bracelet is at the desired thickness

Finished pieces!

World’s Toughest Job

I saw a few people on Facebook link this video and even more on Twitter calling it out. I finally caved and watched it.

And I’m oh so happy I did. Via Ad Freak

Here’s the job description containing roles and responsibilities.

Black Dog Syndrome

I recently stumbled upon photographer Fred Levy’s “Black Dogs Project” and immediately started googling and reading and clicking to understand Black Dog Syndrome. Black dogs are often overlooked at shelters and rescues, so Levy has photographs these dogs in a stunning matter to show their personalities and how light still shines through them.

The project’s starting to get quite a lot of traction, especially from pet owners and their adopted black dogs. Seeing as Mom sent me this photo yesterday, I just couldn’t resist. This Summer marks the fifth anniversary Nixon Oscar joined the family after being rescued. And lucky for us, this Black Lab mix always looks like a puppy, no matter his age.

No Place Like Home

This past weekend, Lisa, Baby B and I headed back to Kansas for a much-needed reunion. And even though we didn’t get to see stars up in the sky, we still had our Mi Ranchito, Mama/Papa Z day, and surviving on Peanut Butter M&Ms traditions.

“Oh, you’re the best friends anybody ever had. And it’s funny, but I feel as if I’d known you all the time, but I couldn’t have, could I?” — Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

Rockin’ a new Spring ‘do at Kati’e Belated Birthday Celebrations

Baby B getting her Jayhawk shopping on

Driving Away the Worries

It was above 60ºF. It was a Monday. The motto was: just make contact.

The roommate and I took advantage of a twilight session at the driving range last night. Despite living within one block from this place, I had yet to head over there. We could find no excuse not to go after a hard day at the office and beautiful evening weather.

The last time I picked up clubs was a few years ago when Mom, Grandpa and I were together. Despite the fact Grammy and Grandpa gave me golf lessons (either for my 13th or 16th birthday), I still have much to improve in the way of my game.

Needless to say a tradition is set. Though today it’s 30ºF, so we may have to wait a bit for our next venture.