Counting through Four

A string of beads is looped into a necklace she fashions around her neck. In sunlight by the window she is stacking towers of burgundy pink, lime yellow, and cobalt blue blocks. She counts them slowly, drawing out vowels and adding an occasional extra w sound to each word: "W-one, tw-wo, twhree, five." Four is not in line with the others. Four is always ommited when we count together. Counting bath toys on the edge of the tub. Counting parked cars at the Botanic Garden. Counting the pairs of shoes stacked by the back door. Counting baby bunnies munching on my new planted cone flowers (followed by Miss D narrating my chasing of each bunny out of the garden). Instead the number four is on Sesame Street, clutched in the hands of Fiest who dances around with penguins, monsters, chickens, and the number four. Feist with her long wagging pony tail that I fail to master despite Miss D's demand for a pony? tail?. Feist who I spent one year analyzing while I watched her countlessly dance around the set of Sesame Street, pondering to myself and eventually with others- does she realize how fun it is to dance with a bunch of puppets? Is she enjoying herself? And this is where I have been. Sharing little moments and "doduts" with my small family of three. But here I am - hoping that this August and September we can slow down a little in this [expected] heat and dream a little more. Write a little more.

If nothing else, to give Pat something to read on his lunch break :o)

Feist Counting to Four here

A [mildly artsy][music loving][gardening][30s][mama] 

Girl's Book of Chicago

I do enjoy the city I live in very much. While my husband and I occasionally pine for a mountain to hike through or drive up a mountain, we do feel fortunate to live here in Chicago-land. Perhaps it is the attractions and delicious eats that keep us satisfied. (But) More likely it is the fact that so many loved ones are within an hour (if not ten minute!) drive. 

Most of the time we are enjoying a campfire in our backyard or gathering with friends to play music. Kelly once said, "this spring we will start a campfire and by fall we won't even remember that there ever wasn't  a fire." We also do a lot of group cooking but when we get the chance to go out on the town, we like to see beautiful things.

I've compiled a list of my favorite things about the city I live: Chicago!  What's your favorite thing?

Attractions

Signature Room 95th Floor : A cup of hot chocolate or a mixed drink with a view of the city.

Ravinia: pack a picnic and some candles to enjoy from the lawn seats of this magical music venue. 

Chicago Botanic Gardens: as a garden lover, I will share my favorite gardens here. English Garden, sensory garden, the forest of birch trees, and (mid-summer) the dahlias. The OT in me loves the enabling garden.

Green City Market : summertime farmer's market on Wednesdays. Check out Nichol's Farm and pick up a crazy variety of potatoes. You can also walk to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, & A New Leaf from here.

The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago : the architecture of this addition is nothing short of breathtaking. Especially when you are looking at it from the Lurie Garden or the BP bridge. 

Lurie Garden @ Millenium Park : Millenium Park is an obvious but my favorite part is this natural garden with many plants native to Illinois. Many summer weeknights feature bands and orchestras so check out the Pritzker Pavilion. I had the joy of seeing She & Him one summer evening as well as Andrew Bird and Head and the Heart. (Thanks Stef!)

Chicago River Boat Rentals : my husband's family and I spent a lovely September afternoon cruising the Chicago River. We were able to see all the "backside" architecture while snacking on our packed picnic. We ended the day at Margie's Candies. 

The Moth live storytelling : kind of akin to stand-up storytelling. Usually rotates to different venues around the city once a month.  

Lincoln Hall : Confession. I have never been. But a lot of fantastic musicians play here! One day I will be able to make it happen.

Old Town School of Folk Music : I have had the pleasure of seeing many musicians here and cross my fingers that we will be able to provide music lessons here for Miss D if she should ever choose.

Fireworks at Navy Pier : Saturdays and Wednesdays during the summer. Always best if they take you by surprise whether you are on a boat or wandering by Buckingham Fountain.

Annual Events

Ravenswood Arts Walk : Super fun area and super fun artists. Also, pick up some pie :o)

Hot Chocolate 5K : a tasty reason to run and a very fun run at that!

Bike the Drive : when else can you bike a massive portion of Lake Shore Drive? Hope for good weather. 

If you want to make an afternoon activity of city wandering

Walking along the river in Lincoln Square : maybe this is pure nostalgia as my friend and I walk here almost every other Saturday. There are tiny little neighborhood restaurants along the way. I enjoy Pizza Art Cafe or Cafe Selmarie for dessert.

Biking from Southport/ Armitage down to the planetarium. Admire the brownstone homes, the subtle waves on the lake, and the city skyline.

Rent a convertible and drive Lake Shore Drive north. Connect with Sheridan Road and drive up to Highland Park or beyond!

Drive Lincoln Avenue : my favorite Chicago street. Admire the old-school motels on the way north side, stop in at a random restaurant, and allow the avenue to take you downtown. 

Delicious-ness Chicago

Hopleaf : phenomenal list of beers & creative menu. My favorite meal: the CBJ with a side of frites. Ben's favorite meal: the mussles. There is no favorite beer- it is an adventure.

Smoque : favorite barbeque ever. Our favorite: St Louis ribs, vinegar coleslaw, mac and cheese, and a peach cobbler. Worth the wait in line. BYOB. 

Revolution Brewery : I will argue this is the best burger in the world that is sold in restaurants. The beer is delicious and Chicago brewed. (The best burger ever is made by Pat and Ben: three different types of meat ground together by Pat, homemade pretzel buns glazed in bacon fat by Ben, Mertz cheddar cheese, and bacon. Yesh.)

Antique Taco : fancy, flavorful tacos in a funky environment.  Enjoy Rosemary's Margarita.

M Henry's : the best brunch around. My best experiences are when I am with someone who will split a blackberry pancake and a Franny's fried egg sandwich with me. Stop in Gethsemene on the way in or while you wait. * See below.

Bangers & Lace : gourmet corn dog, pretzel with chocolate-based sauce, and a tasty beer menu. Plus the bathroom is pretty. 

Hot Chocolate : decadent dessert (and dinner) venue for fancy date or stopping in with friends. 

Longman & Eagle : whiskey bar with exquisite eats. I went with my bible study and all eat meals were gorgeous and delicious. I had fried chicken and waffles and a beer-based mimosa.

Birchwood Kitchen : very cute and fresh-tasting brunch/ lunch. 

Cooba : Latin Asian meals and BYOB. 

Bourgeoise Pig : a special cozy place I used to study at or play Scrabble with Ben. 

Bakin' & Eggs : a flight of bacon? Yes! A brunch and coffee shop. 

Wishbone : reconstructed southern food.

Window Shopping

Gethsemene Garden : garden and home

A New Leaf : garden and random finds like electronic pieces or origami cranes,

The Needle Shop : funky fun fabric found here!

The Red Balloon : children's store in Andersonville

Mille Fiore Flower Shop : garden and home

Delicious-ness -North of the City

Union Pizza : brick oven pizza and Allagash White beer is one of my favorite Evanston meals

Brothers K : coffee shop with loads of loyalty. 

Pita Inn : Ben and I eat here almost once a week. Hummos perfection. Number 29! Number 29!

Kabul House : Afghani meals that are flavorful and filling

Yolo Mexican Eatery : upscale. beautiful Mexican dining

JR's Cheesecake : Ben gets my birthday cakes here, usually the raspberry cheesecake. Heaven.

Temperance Brewery : Brand new to Evanston and a very well-designed space. Excited for outdoor seating. Bring your own food.

Pinstripes : I am posting this because the outdoor seating includes Adirondock chairs around fireplaces and a view of a hill with "prairie" growth. 

Activity North of the City
Space : local music venue with an intimate atmosphere.
Lighthouse Beach : my favorite beach because it includes a very small grove of trees
Evanston Community Garden : I adore the patchwork of gardens in community settings. The garden on McCormick is a small one but I can spend an hour observing all the different styles of planting and natural decorating.
Kayaking the Skokie Lagoons : Summer 2014!
Kayaking Lake Michigan : two hour rentals for two person kayaks or canoes. Fun idea for the fourth of July that my husband's family participated in.
Green Bay Biking Trail : this ride is extra pleasant because most of it is shaded and rarely do you have to stop at streets. Enjoy a cold chai tea once you arrive at downtown Highland Park,
Northwestern Block Museum : interesting and sometimes unusual exhibits, often free. Plus take a moment to enjoy a walk around the Northwestern Landfill and read the messages painted on the rocky shore of Lake Michigan.
Walking from Lee Street Beach to Northwestern Island
Biking Harms Woods trail : I believe this trail runs from the north side of Chicago up to the Botanic Gardens! I have only walked portions of this trail but again, it is a shady pleasant trail.


Other
Radio stations WLUW 88.7 : Loyola College Radio
My favorite Chicago morning show Morning AMP
My friend Kelly is a talented photographer with a heart for Chicago and the Northshore

Monday Blessings (counting to combat the Monday grumps)

Oh living-in-Construction, may we never underestimate your inconvenience and abundant length of stay in Ben and my life. May I continue to see the absolute ridiculousness and humor that enriches my life when you attempt to defeat me, my husband, or our marriage. Don't be coy, Construction. Man up to those times that you are drafty and inefficient, noisy, reeking of caulk chemicals, and the occasional times you assault me with rusty nails. Recall the days that I evacuate your presence with my daughter as to avoid the fragrance and side effects of plumbing glue. Let's reminisce about the awkwardness of every UPS and delivery person's response to our front door opening into a bathtub and queen size bed. But truly, Construction, you have a special place in my heart. You are a luxury problem. A blessing and gift that we are privileged enough to transform this small house into a home. 

Ben and I were very aware that ripping into the upstairs of our small home would also mean that we would temporarily lose our only full bathroom. Sometime in July, the loss of our one and only shower occurred. Suddenly, Ben and I were playing "camping" and "musical showers". Packing up our towels,  putting on flip flop shower shoes, and toting a change of clothes and essential (ONLY essential) toiletries, we showered at any dinner party, social gathering, neighbor, or family member's home. We joked that we needed to photo-document all the places we showered. But I was nine months pregnant. And then we were with a newborn. I didn't want to leave the hospital after my delivery because I had access to my very own shower. The nurses may have found my enthusiasm for bathing excessive and perhaps obsessive. 

We are so thankful for the showers of our loved ones. A special shout out to Pat and Kelly, Melissa, Andy and Brittany, Angie and Ramon, and Ben's parents. We would have been disgusting had you not been so gracious. Needless to say, when you are a new mom and without a shower, you might appear a little greasier than usual. I had to explain to the pediatrician that I was "living in construction dirty" and not "post partum depression dirty". She did not appear to judge, 

This is all explained in detail today because starting this weekend we are able to shower in our own home! Here's one other little thing about construction: momentous occasions like these never happen how you imagined they would be. I thought that my first shower in our new bathtub would take place in our new bathroom complete with heated floors, a toilet, and glistening new faucet handles. I did not imagine that Ben and I would be using exposed plumbing PVC pipe as a towel rack and that I would need a pair of pliers to turn on the water. Please refer to picture below... Jealous? But it is a shower. That we don't have to leave the house for. And one day, we will be blessed by a toilet and a sink and storage for our towels. And we will find all those little things absolute blessings too.

Our living-nursery-tub-bedroom-entry way BEFORE

Our living-nursery-bedroom-entry way AFTER

The placement of our tub

And the placement of our tub + blue tarps, a shower liner, & 

of course, a cushy new bath mat. L.U.X.U.R.Y.

Adorned by spines & The Holy Bible

When Meg G lived in a small studio in Lincoln Park circa 2001, I adored taking the red line to the Fullerton exit, wandering DePaul's sidewalks with freshly shed & dried leaves, having a cup of white hot chocolate at my favorite coffee shop, & then hunkering down for a Thursday evening slumber party with Meg and her books. When my computer got a virus a few weeks ago, I started reading for hours after coming home from work rather than scrolling through web pages. The books above (half of them Stefanie's) have adorned the loveseat next to the window that overlooks my garden. It is as if both my  intellect brain and aesthetic brain needed to be reminded how much I treasure a story & the physical shell of a book. Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth is possibly the best collection of stories I have read in years. I craved a story daily as if it were a fresh baked brownie which I also crave daily.

When I visit the homes of friends, it is the bookshelf that provides a little window into who they are, where they have been, and represent ideas that have wiggled into their brains. I am still a de-clutterer to the nines (donating about a bag of clothing from my small closet every two months or so as if excess is the plague) but I think I need to  remember to hang on to the books that I have read and loved.  And I need them to be present: their lovely spines casting color from the bookshelves and luring new readers and adventurers to come play. And no, I am not trying to score brownie points by having the Holy Bible on top of the stack. I promise.