This morning during our first snowfall of the season, a monster waited patiently at the downtown train station… …as did a Ninja Turtle (along with lots of little kids)… …for the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus! Seriously? Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive during our first snow of the season? It could not have been planned to…
Category: if you lived here
Running Around Town
The Spring Girls on the Run 5K was so much fun that it only made sense to run the fall 5K as well. And it didn’t disappoint. I never get tired of the view of our downtown. Almost all of the races I’ve run have had the arch as the backdrop. So, so lucky. Today’s…
Sunday Surprises
Early this morning I headed to the Botanical Garden to see if anything was still in bloom or if any fall colors were still hanging in there. Much to my surprise, I found a little bit of both! In fact, I had more than 130 photos to wade through by the time I got home. Here are…
My Favorite Color…
…is October. I’m not ready to move on.
Thanks for Everything…and Nothing in Particular
“I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things… I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind.” – Leo Buscaglia, author Today I was wildly enthusiastic about…a single sunflower defying the change of seasons. I can see. And enjoy. Kids’ artwork in a hallway of the local elementary school (my polling place this…
Owls & Orchids
Made some new friends at the Butterfly House tonight at the Owls & Orchids event. First I met the owls that were feathered… Yes, these are alive…and yes, that is that owl’s real expression. Then I met the other winged owls…1,000 owl butterflies! Before I walked in, the guide told me that the butterflies were “just waking…
Yes, Indeed. So Glad.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L.M. Montgomery For any number of reasons, I haven’t wanted to resume training since the Chicago Marathon nearly two weeks ago. A little tired…a little sore…a little burned out. I’ve needed a break. But at the same time, I cannot bear to…
A Very Good Day
If you have to be up at oh-dark-o’clock in the morning, this isn’t a bad view. On a whim, I signed up this week to volunteer at the St. Louis Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon. For the first time in years, I didn’t have any family running and, after Chicago last weekend, no way was I doing it….
(More Than) a Few of My Favorite Things
For better or worse, when I become a fan of something, I’m all in. Cardinals baseball, Roger Federer, Hello Kitty, pugs, Minions…moderation just doesn’t seem to be in my makeup. Also among my favorite things: these cookies. And so it is, at least once a week, I have a ritual of visiting my neighborhood coffee shop…
Can’t Decide.
Confused or nonconformist? Or simply indecisive? Whatever the case may be, what a striking little fella this is!
Smile…
“Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment. I know it is a wonderful moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh Look what I discovered near our house today. And on World Smile Day, too!
Goodness in the Garden
It’s amazing to me that no matter how many times I visit, our Botanical Garden manages to offer something new every single time. Naturally there are some favorites that never change, like the Japanese Garden. Click on pano below for detail. Fall Preview: Got to hear the crunch of leaves underfoot this morning. But I have…
Not Your Farmers’ Pumpkins
Even though I studied art in undergrad and I’ve worked with a wide variety of mediums over the years, I’d never tried glassblowing…until today. For starters, it was never offered at school. But mostly, it just seemed a bit intimidating. But I signed up for a class at Third Degree Glass Factory in the hopes of creating…
Hey there…
Early morning bike ride took me by a big group of these beautiful fellas at Grant’s Farm. Have I mentioned lately how much I love St. Louis?
Hello, Lovely…
A little Sunday morning drive around my home town. Love.
Lots of Lanterns
Last night was a special showing of the Lantern Festival at the Garden, set aside just for photographers and photo hobbiests. Smaller crowds…respectful observers…quiet collective concentration and admiration…it was lovely. My gear (and resume) wasn’t as sophisticated as many (most) of the participants, but I enjoyed myself. And I am quite happy with the images and…
Waiting…Wandering…Wonderful
Last night before the lanterns were lit at the Garden, I took a leisurely walk around the grounds and soaked in all of the flowers currently in bloom…
Delmar Sunflower Project
10,000 of these golden beauties right smack in the middle of the city. Like two blocks worth. So gorgeous and unexpected. For background on the project, click here.
Life Lately
I love weekends. Seriously LOVE weekends. This morning, Tanner and I went to the Peach Festival at our local Farmers Market. As you can see above, I scored lots of treasures…flowers, breads, fruits. What is it about Farmers Markets that make me want to bake? I’m really hoping my new peaches eventually become a pie……
Thoughts on Character
“Our character is defined by what we do when we think no one else is watching.” Today while I was sitting in line at a drive-thru, I saw an elderly man backing out of a handicapped parking spot. Based on the difficulty he was having performing such a simple task, it was clear that he was…
Saturday Scenes
Lots and lots of pretty pink flowers… …strangely delicate mushrooms… …a funny little bunny that squeezes under the fence just like Peter Rabbit… …a neighbor who wins at yard play equipment… (Easter Island head? AH-mazing.) …and a 6:30 start time to beat the heat. These are five things I’m grateful for on my run today….
Small Holiday
Dumpster wisdom: “We can do no great things, just small things with great love.” My Fourth of July began with this thought…and a lovely morning. It wasn’t until later that I’d realize that this quote would sum up my holiday. The misty morning started EARLY with the Freedom 4-Miler race in Forest Park. I’ve never done this race, so…
Life’s Short. Do You.
“Note to self: None of us are getting out of here alive, so please stop treating yourself like an afterthought. Eat the delicious food. Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth that you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly. Be kind. Be weird. There’s no time for anything…
Sunday Scenes
It’s amazing how early the first signs of light are appearing in the mornings now. I needed to get downtown SUPER early to pick up my bib for another 5K race this morning. This sky set the tone for the day with warm shades of pink and orange*. If a sky can be described as looking…
hey there, friends 