Slow & Steady

When I was in Chicago a couple weeks ago, I spent the first four days running around from one activity/landmark/restaurant to another. I was tired and hot and thinking about what to cross off my list next...
On my last day, something magical happened. I woke up, threw on some clothes, walked to coffee, then kept walking until I got on the L and rode into downtown. With no agenda, no hurry, I was able to roam downtown, snap some cool pictures, people-watch at the Riverfront, and enjoy a nice picnic. An overwhelming sense of gratitude overcame me. I had the means-financial and time and courage-to go on this adventure.

Being in Seattle now I found myself falling into those same tendencies: to move fast and get in as much as possible. When I got in to the Seattle airport I had forgotten how to get to the Link to ride it in to downtown. I rode the wrong tram that just took me to another terminal, then missed the express bus that would have taken me right to Oddfellows. I had to wait another 20 minutes before the next express came. In that waiting I reminded myself: move slow, be calm, enjoy a change of pace.

My usual schedule is so hectic, between working full time as a nanny, teaching four yoga classes a week, and juggling school when semester is in. Vacation is about exploring a new city, yes. But it is also about rejuvenating, revitalizing, and reconnecting with yourself. I can't tell you how many times I have already had to remind myself to slow down (it would embarrass both of us). But that is what I will continue to do. I a product of this culture (fast and furious), but I am also awakening to the beauty of the everyday...

xxo

Dining with this Dear...

Melissa and I have been friends since high school. And as the years go by, and we've gotten involved with different schooling, activities, jobs...our relationship just seems to get stronger and more meaningful. I was lucky enough to pin her down for a dinner date last Saturday. We went to Piatti's (one of my long time favorites because I am an anomaly for my age and prefer The Pavilions over Midtown) and got so carried away by conversation that I didn't take pictures until the dessert (which is probably just a subliminal message that dessert is the most important part of the meal and you should always say "yes" to seeing the dessert menu!)

But the best part was catching up and checking in with a dear friend...

xxo

Rescue the Princess (fair warning, this is a bit of a rant)

Photo Credit

I grew up on Disney princess movies like any other girl in my generation. And I like a nice Rom-Com, sic-fi, adventure movie just as much as the majority of Americans. But let’s be honest: there is WAY too much focus on men, and the “man saves his woman” ideal. I am a feminist; I believe men and women should be treated equally. But reconciling my feminism and romanticism has been a hard road to travel. 

There is a Civil Wars lyric that has always hit me right in the gut. It’s from the song “I’ve Got This Friend.” They sing about a loveless romantic. The first time I heard this song and lyric I immediately thought, “That’s me, a loveless romantic.” 

Subliminal messaging is so slick. It’s like the devil that pretends to be a friend or confidant, a comfort and encourager, then pulls the rug right out from under you. 

Last night I was watching the 2012 remake of Total Recall with Colin Furth and Jessica Biel (HELLO elementary school flash back of watching “7th Heaven” religiously…[pun intended]). If you were to watch the movie purely for entertainment or as brain candy, your review would probably be that there was a strong female character in Jessica Biel, and probably even Kate Beckinsale. But here’s the thing…

When you watch it with a more critical eye, you see that in almost every scene Colin Firth and Jessica Biel are in, Colin’s character, Hauser, is protecting or helping or assisting Jessica’s character. EVERY.SINGEL.SCENE. He’s always shielding her, or grabbing onto her jacket or body to help her jump/run/escape. He grabs her hand to lead her down one hallway or the other. And we WANT him to…that’s the thing. We (read: I am) are so conditioned to want the man to be the protector and provider and one to make the tough decisions or to lead the way…And in the end (spoiler alert) (But not really, i mean, this isn’t Game of Thrones where the main characters get killed off in almost every episode!), he saves the “good girl” from the “bad bitch.” Actually, I’m not even sure we ever hear Jessica Biel’s character’s name in the entire movie…at first she’s known as the girls from Hauser’s dreams, then as a rebel fighter for team Matthius.

Other reviewers might write Beckinsale’s character off as a “bitch.” (oh how i HATE that word…but that is for another post). If Kate Beckinsale’s character were a man though, would the character get the same review? Would we define the character as a vindictive bitch? or would the character be a leader and powerful adversary if it were a man? 

The double standard is both blatantly obvious, and so subtly weaved into our daily consumption.

I love Total Recall. Partly because I love Jessica Biel’s hair in the movie, partly because I love that it reminds me of watching Bond movies with my dad and brother growing up (and partly because I know I can put it on while I do the dishes or clean house and because I’ve watched it so many times and have it mostly memorized).

But if we are to be conscious participants in this culture and life, we must ask ourselves the harder questions…is this promoting gender equality? do I want to support it with my time, money, and energy? if not, how can I make a change and impact on the world around me, and the world as a whole?

xxo

P.S. Listen to Sara Bareilles' "Fairytale" if you want a new anthem to fight off the damsel in distress illusion.

Living Room Decor Inspiration

I moved into my apartment seven years ago...SEVEN.YEARS.AGO...It took me several years to collect furniture from thrift shops, old windows from antiques fairs, and knick-knacks from all over. And I LOVE my house. But lately I have felt uneasy about my living space. I'm in the process of redecorating, reminding myself to be patient and take my time. Here is some inspiration I've found from Pinterest to help me focus my vision.

xxo

When Can I chicaGO Back?

I wrote a bucket list (of sorts) when I turned twenty five. One of the items on my list is to visit a new state each year. First up for 2015, Chicago, Illinois. I was fortunate enough to stay at a friend's apartment in Ravenswood while she was away on vacation. Each day I went out and explored the truly beautiful city of Chicago.

Day One

Big Star for tacos and beer the first night I arrived

                         

                           

Day Two

Breakfast at Over Easy, just a couple blocks away from where I stayed

I spent about three hours inside the beautiful Art Institute of Chicago

Amazing dinner at Homeslice while the Blackhawks played in the Stanley Cup

Day Three

Getting ready for the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

Then headed over to Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain

Went to the top of the Willis Tower Skydeck

Ended the night at a Cubs game with my dad who was in town on a business trip

 Day Four

Started with some yoga, then a coffee at my go-to spot in Ravenswood called Groundswell Cafe 

Ended the day at Quartino for an amazing meal where I completely over ate...but that is what vacation is for! 

I got an insider tip that you can order almost any of the dishes in a half portion. And the wine I ordered is a Sangiovese, which is a wine I learned about and loved on my wine tasting trip in May.

Day Five

Easily the best day for me, because I had no plans. I woke up around 9am, went to Groundswell for a coffee and pastry, then hopped on the L and rode into downtown. I spent most of the afternoon along the Riverwalk, got a sandwich from The Corner Bakery, and people-watched. The weather was perfect, I listened to some Sara Bareilles, D'Angelo, and Leon Bridges...My soul was content and filled with gratitude and humility. 

 Around 4pm I got back on the L and rode it to Midway

My favorite shots from the whole trip...

Until next time, Chicago...

xxo