"Chicago, Chicago--that toddlin' town..."

IMG_9178
Originally uploaded by amongthepines

A couple of weeks ago I had the chance to make a short trip to Chicago in my home state of Illinois. The Lake, Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute, deep dish pizza, the Blues, the buildings etc. What a great city!

My Magnolia

magnolia crop
Originally uploaded by amongthepines

I haven't a flower garden, but I have two magnolia trees and they are a lovely sight in bloom. Their flowers are cause for pause, appreciation and reflection. Ah, refreshing beauty.

Senseless...

Reflective Windows - A View of Old East from Old Well in the Heart of Campus
Originally uploaded by amongthepines

It was shaping up as a warm and beautiful early spring day, but a dark cloud now hangs over the campus and town. During the lunch hour we found out the identity of the young woman who was murdered and was found lying in a residential street early Wednesday morning. She was the student body president who was a model university representative with a promising future. Why did this happen? We don’t know yet (there are currently no suspects), but, really, even an answer wouldn't make the situation better.

May her spirit find peace.

So Cool!

On the spur of the moment this evening I emailed a handful of friends and family members to let them know that my husband's band was about to be featured on a community radio station show. I shared the link to the streaming web cast just in case anyone was online. While I listened, I was surprised to get emails from a handful of folks from Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, Baltimore and the DC area who had actually tuned in! What a great reminder of the coolness of the Internet and its usefulness in quickly facilitating meaningful connections between people. It was so refreshing to get those quick and appreciative responses rather than junk email!

N'awlins Darlin'

During this week of Mardi Gras, I pay tribute to the great city of New Orleans and share photos taken on my first trip to the Crescent City more than two decades ago.

I've never been to the city for Mardi Gras or Jazzfest, but during my few visits I have appreciated the sounds of the Preservation Hall jazz band, passed Congo Park where jazz began, downed a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's, visited the sanctuary of St. Louis Cathedral to catch a wisp of family history, walked along Bourbon Street at night, admired the live oak trees in Audubon Park, seen "touchdown Jesus" at Loyola, savored Shrimp Po Boys, strolled through the French Market, and inhaled beignets covered in powered sugar at Cafe du Monde. Ah, what fun memories!


More than two years after Katrina, we are still reminded by news stories that the city has yet to get fully back on its feet. But, despite the struggle, the people who are there and who are returning keep moving forward. One day I hope to enjoy New Orleans again in person and reacquaint my senses with its rich sights, smells, sounds and tastes.



Photos: Break Dancers in Jackson Square & Paddlewheel on Mississippi River

The Snowy Day

Winter - January 19
Originally uploaded by amongthepines

Two weekends ago we finally got a light blanketing (equivalent to a crocheted blanket) of snow that was accompanied by temperatures in the 20s! When it started falling on late Saturday afternoon, the kids were mesmerized by the clumps of white stuff coming from the sky and actually sticking on the tree branches and the lawn. After running around the house to check the view from nearly every window, I paused and thought about the snowy Midwestern winter weather I'd grown up braving. For a minute I felt silly marveling at the inch of snow on the ground, but then I gave in and decided to enjoy our version of a winter wonderland while it lasted!