Tag Archives: sun

Here

Posted on April 26, 2011 | 3 Comments

We moved! We survived.

We got to sit in one of the new parks. With warm legs and bare feet.

We watched the big kids play. There are so many kids in this hood. It still seems odd to me. In a good way.

We have been exploring. We have been eating (not pictured, but much enjoyed.)

But mostly? We have been looking for spring. Have you seen her? Can you send her by my place if you have? She does wonders for my mood. These photos were taken on the rare warm days we have had. Actually, I think there have been two so far. It has been the cloudiest April on the books and one of the rainiest. Sad trombone.

I have also felt a bit disconnected from my online life since we moved. Baby mobility and home change coincided. Benton is everywhere! It is amazing and exhausting and cute and dangerous. I have to keep my eye on him at all times, so that means less time for…anything else. I love this new phase, but it also means that naptimes have been consumed by organizing and cleaning, since it is difficult to do this things when he is awake. We are just now settled enough for me to feel like I can write again while he is dreaming. So that is the plan anyway.

Apologies for being out of the loop. What did I miss?

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Posted in baby, Chicago

Tagged 9 month old, Chicago, lack of warmth, lame post, mobile baby, moving, park, Seasonal depression, south loop, spring, sun

Wind is Windy

Posted on October 27, 2010 | 11 Comments

The ChiClone. We have it.

The wind has been furiously blowing and gusting for the last couple days. The windows bow and the construction dirt flies. This means that I haven’t been outside much since Monday.

Hurumph.

While I paced the apartment this afternoon with Benton, Justin texted that he would be home a little late. I was a bit sad, but not broken since he is usually home at a decent hour.

Our pacing ended in the bedroom and we sat on the floor by the window. I was busy thinking about silly grown up things when I noticed that B was enthralled with the curtains. Or what was behind the curtains. The wind that was keeping me inside was making the trees into manic shadow puppets in front of the setting sun. He was absolutely mesmerized.

I was instantly reminded that everything is new to this little person. There is very little that has been sorted into the BAD or GOOD categories in his little mind. Everything just falls into the NEW bucket. He doesn’t see the wind as being a drag. It is just a tree puppeteer that is performing for his personal entertainment.

I let him lay there and watch and kick until the sun set behind the neighboring apartment building. I thought back to a post I wrote in May. My friend, Amber, had made a comment about someday watching the sunlight dance with my baby. She said it would be magical.

Well, it was.

And now I shall swallow my pride and sing Mr Sun to you in my mom voice. I must really love you people.

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Posted in baby, Chicago, Uncategorized

Tagged 15 wk old, baby, new mom, shadows, sun, video

Breathing is Good

Posted on March 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

As I type this, I am finding it hard to breath. The body I am living in is starting to feel foreign to me. I know it is technically the same one I have had for years, but it seriously feels like I am wearing a costume. A heavy one. It is increasingly difficult to get a deep breath due to less space for lungs, extra blood pulsing through my body, and carrying more weight. Specifically on the chest. Ahem.

When I tell Justin about my woes, he reminds me that I’m a “good baby grower.” Thanks, that’s sweet, but that doesn’t really help me breathe. I guess there is nothing much we can do. So I sit here listening to my own heartbeat pound in my ears, feeling my blood pulse through every part of my body like there is a race on. And if I am wearing a necklace, it will bounce with each ridiculously exaggerated heartbeat. I guess this is normal?

Otherwise, I’m feeling pretty well, considering there is another human growing in my abdomen.

Life is continuing at break-neck speed and I am keeping up for now. This week’s big event was finding our new apartment. We had been searching for a while, and just found something that is going to work out nearly perfectly for us. I was so excited yesterday that I got a stomach ache. We are also moving a month and a half early. Which is probably a good thing since I am only going to continue to suffocate under my own weight as the months go by. Time to start packing and saying goodbye to lovely Andersonville. But we are excited to get to know our new hood, Rogers Park. And it is the perfect season to explore.

Yes, spring is officially here. Although Chicago welcomed it with a snowstorm.

RUDE.

But the week before the snow was pretty great. The day before the snow was nice enough to open windows and walk to the park without a coat on. Luckily I had the day off to soak in some vitamin D before putting on the puffy coat once again. March is such a weird month here.

The rink is melting!

Schween rests by an open porch window

Then hunts her shadow with intensity. This points to the sad fact that she hasn't seen much sun for months.

Oh, and these are taco pot pies. Nothing to do with spring really. Just a weird dinner we had on Thursday. I know it sounds white trash, but they were actually pretty awesome.

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Posted in Daily Picture, photography, pregnancy

Tagged cat, crocus, Daily Picture, heartbeat, ice rink, new apt, open window, photography, pregnancy, spring, sprouts, sun, taco pot pie

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Posted on August 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

I have always thought that lyric was matched up with the wrong season. Because have you been outside lately? The summer is clearly more wonderful than December.

Have you been to western Colorado this time of year? Also wonderful.

Justin is from Colorado, and we have visited several times since we have been together. His parents have moved away from Summit county, where they lived when Justin was little. Now they are in western Colorado outside of Silt. We were at their place six years ago for a brief visit, and decided that we wanted to go back this summer.

I averaged about 250 photos a day over a 4 day weekend, so this was obviously a happy visit. There is no way we are waiting six more years before our next trip back.

My favorite part of the trip was just hanging out in the backyard. The Boley’s live surrounded by ranches, so the view is to die for. Here is a taste of Rancho Bolo:

Dad-in-law's fun ride.

Boley Backyard.

The deck. The drinks.

Mercutio Boley. Raised by Justin, spoiled by Donna and Eric. He is a happy boy.

Dinner on the deck.

Backyard beauty.

Donna's garden. I am jealous.

Although the scenery was a high point of the trip, you can't really beat the company. I am lucky to have in-laws that are so awesome.

The rest of the trips photos are here if you are curious.

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Posted in Daily Picture, travel

Tagged colorado, Daily Picture, deck, family, garden, inlaws, photography, ranch, silt, summer, sun, trip

Early Light

Posted on July 23, 2009 | Leave a comment

I love the early morning for the same reason that I love spring and fall more than summer and winter. These are all transitional moments, the places in between, the limbo that I have come to love. (Justin has pointed out that I am somewhat crazy, since I simultaneously love and hate being in limbo. He has a good point. I do love the excitement of a transitional period, but am not a fan of the anxiety that can sometimes accompany it.) These moments in time are rich with possibility. Everything is constantly moving and changing into something else. Spring is happy, yet never complacent like its lazy relative, Summer. The early morning sun always seems full of promise, but within even a matter of minutes can dissipate without leaving any clue that it was there at all. If I am able to catch it, I feel lucky. And if you blink during Fall, it will be over. Winter will be more than happy to blindside you in a flash. Especially in Chicago.

Since these bits of time can quickly pass by if I am not paying attention, I’m trying to capture and enjoy these fleeting moments and seasons when they are happening. They are full of anticipation–my drug of choice lately. I am also big on adrenaline apparently; I have to run to the train every morning because I have waited too long to leave my house at an appropriate time. Because I am writing on this thing. I have to go now.

Here is some DPH of early morning light that I managed to capture before the sparkle was gone.

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Posted in Daily Picture, Uncategorized

Tagged anticipation, Daily Picture, early light, living in the moment, morning, photography, sun

Only Happy When It Rains…

Posted on May 27, 2009 | 4 Comments

…at night. The sound of a rainstorm against the windows at night is such a calming and peaceful noise to fall asleep to. I don’t mind a storm at night one bit, unless I am driving or there are tornadoes involved. But I don’t drive, and tornadoes don’t seem to like Lake Michigan very much so I am pretty safe. Last night’s downpour was such a comforting sound, but only because I was warm and cozy indoors eating pasta and cheese. The baseball fans at the Cubs game were probably on a different page.

This is the window to the front yard this morning. I could have taken it for last night, but you would not have been able to see much since my night skills are lacking

The rainstorm would have been even better if I woke up to a sunny morning full of happy. well-fed plants, but it will likely be an umbrella and wellies kind of day again. Let me just pretend for a second that it was a sunny morning and show you what that may have looked like. It is my blog and I can do what I want.

Good morning, broad summer leaves! Look how you and the sunshine are dappling the sidewalk below. Well done.

Morning, Dr. Suess-puff-ball-purple-flowers!

Morning, Dr. Seuss-puff-ball-purple-flowers!

Tiny Bun! Good to see you. I hope you were underground and cozy last night in your lot on Carmen and Ashland. It would be great if you could have some tiny bun bun babies. That would be maximum cuteness. Thanks.

I hope you enjoyed that fake walk with me.

More random happy happenings yesterday:

It was my mom’s birthday! She just joined Facebook a couple days ago, which means she is actually a lot younger than her real age. Bravo.
I got two tickets to see UP in 3-d this Saturday! I will likely be sharing the theater with all the kids in Evanston, but I am thrilled regardless.
I downloaded the Couch to 5k plan for myself and made a workout calendar that starts next Monday. I am working on my music play-list with the help of Facebook friends, and acquiring some decent running shoes in the meantime. Woot! I have also been inspired by Jo to start eating better. I am going to attempt moderation, which I have never been very good at.

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Posted in Daily Picture

Tagged birthday, bunny, couch to 5k, Daily Picture, eating healthy, facebook, leaves, photography, pixar's up, purple flowers, rain, sun, workout

Raw Fun

Posted on May 4, 2009 | 2 Comments

There was a woolly mammoth sighting early Saturday morning at the Boley house.

The sun finally came out and Schween rediscovered her shadow. Endless hours of fun.

All of Saturday was fantastic. It included the Artropolis show at the Merchandise Mart, raw and vegetarian goodness at Karyn’s, and the most entertaining bus ride I have had since I took a Christmas tree on the Clark bus last December.

Artropolis is a ridiculously huge art show that you can’t possibly see in one day. We spent most of our time on the NEXT floor, and barely saw the Art Chicago floor at all. I took a lot of photos, expecting to be yelled at. No one scolded me the whole time! Now I have a library of inspiration nestled safely on my hard drive. I was going to post photos of the art on this site, but I forgot to get the names of all the artists, so I probaby shouldn’t post without giving credit. I guess you will have to go in person.

Here is a picture of amber in the elevator. She observed that the Merchandise Mart logo is right out of comic book. Very evil villian.

After Artropolis, we headed to Karyn's Cooked. Jo is ecstatic.

Flautas and Enchiladas. All Vegetarian. All exceeded expectations. Delicious.

I don't know what possessed me to take a picture of the 22 bus as it approached. I had no way of telling it would be such a wild ride.

There was a man eating/spilling fries in the front section of the bus. He was absolutely a riot. I believe he works in radio and there was certainly no dead air for the first half of my ride home. I wish I was riding with a friend so that I would have had a witness.

The whole front half of the bus was laughing. Not a usual situation on public transportation. The second half of the ride included a speech by an older man with a scratchy-Rachel Ray-12-monkeys voice about how ridiculous swine flu was. Complete with fake hacking. Joy.

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Posted in Chicago, Daily Picture

Tagged artropolis, cats, clark bus, CTA, Daily Picture, food, karyn's cooked, merch mart, photography, sun

Overload

Posted on April 25, 2009 | 4 Comments

I didn’t know it was possible to pass out from eating sushi until last night. It was worse than any turkey coma I have experienced. Justin had to wake me lift me up from the couch and I barely made it to the bed…at 8:30 at night. Maybe I was worn out from the day, and I did get a lot of sun. I have over 15 DPHs from yesterday and need to upload at least a few. Let’s get started.

The first visit to Baci of the season. It was VERY crowded.

I spy a lunchtime picnic.

This accuratly describes the mood of most everyone that was outside in Chicago yesterday. 80 degrees in April=euphoria.

This accurately describes the mood of most everyone that was outside in Chicago yesterday. 80 degrees in April=euphoria.

Dessert

Alright, I never post photos of myself because I am on the other side of the camera and I just don't really love photos of myself. But this outfit really made me happy all day long. And besides the shoes, it was all free. The shirt and skirt as swap items from friends and the jewelry is jade and gold from Grandma Tica. <3

It is roof deck/patio season.

Sweaty sparkly and billowy sleevy.

This is prity prity good. Justin claims it was his, and that he is using his many degrees for sidewalk-chalk-painting.

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Posted in Chicago, Daily Picture

Tagged blossoms, Chicago, Daily Picture, dessert, lunch, park, photography, roof deck, sidewalk chalk, spring, sun, sushi coma, warm weather, wine

Who Is Sick Of Foliage Pictures?

Posted on April 23, 2009 | 3 Comments

Not me. And yesterday was Earth Day after all. Spring is starting to get really pretty in these Andersonville, and my walk home has improved 1000% since a few months ago. This calls for DPH walk-home-foliage-shots. I plan on linking to this post mid-January of next year to remind myself that things do get better. I am so giddy to see all of this after I get off the train and before I enter my front door:

I can't believe these are going to be real leaves in a minute!

Leaves and Sun FTW.

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Posted in Chicago, Daily Picture

Tagged Chicago, Daily Picture, earth day, foliage, magnolia, photography, signs of spring, sun, tulips, walk home, warmer weather

Napping Face-Down in the Sun

Posted on March 15, 2009 | 3 Comments

Sunday nights get me down. The weekend is over and it is dark outside and I am kind of sad about it. How can I remedy this? Two things seem to help:

Launder the bed linens. Lame? Maybe. But I am a huge fan of a soft fresh-scented set of clean sheets and blankets on my bed. It is a really simple thing, but seems to make Sunday night a little better, and starts the week off right.
Organize the photos. If the weekend went well, there are usually many photos that tell that story. I am behind a couple days on uploading the happiness photos, and they really added up. Especially since it was above 50 degrees here for 2 days in a row.

I haven’t posted since last Thursday, so here is Friday:

Cauliflower obsession continues. This was my lunch from Tuscany. Delicious. I urge Jo to give Cauli a chance.

Alex hosted another happy hour in the corner office. Fizzgig came, and brought pretzels to pass. He is clearly excited.

Drea is enjoying a Snakebite, courtesy of Alex. I was randomly inspired to add a gradient to this photo.

Drea is enjoying a Snakebite, courtesy of Alex. I was inspired to add a gradient to this photo after watching the video posted below.

Happy hour continued with more coworker off campus. Blonde curls took over.

Happy hour continued with more coworkers off-site. Blonde curls were in abundance.

Black and white heels were also in abundance. These are also two seperate people.

Black and white heels were also in abundance. This photo is also of two separate people.

Saturday brought the sun. Porp laid in it of course. Schween was no more than a foot to her right.

I don't really want to talk about this.

Weird bush that now lives in the front yard instead of the backyard. Transplanted during construciton of the roofdeck garage I assume.

One of the happiest things I have seen in months.

Winnemac Park. This will be lush in a couple months. I didn't know it existed until today because I had never crossed the train tracks. Dumb.

Prairie things.

More dead prarie stuff. I took pictures until our table was ready at Over Easy on Damen.

More dead prairie stuff. I took pictures until our table was ready at Over Easy on Damen.

Very popular. Not a lot of seating, so the wait was long. We didn't mind hanging out in the park across the street though.

Officially the best taters I have had for breakfast.

I don't remember what he had, but I remember tasting it and being envious. And beans were involved. <3

Who doesn't love egg-bead curtains, tin ceilings, brick walls and crown molding?

If anyone understands this, please comment to tell me the signifigance of "NINE."

If anyone understands this, please comment to tell me the significance of "NINE."

After breakfast I decided to take a nap in the sun on the porch with the cats. Face-down. Woke up with nap face and the need for wine and flowers. Picked up some dried mango slices as well.