I have the great fortune to live in a community that celebrates the Fourth of July in true Norman Rockwell form. In this small town on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, families gather along tree-lined streets to watch the parade, with gracious houses draped in bunting serving as backdrop. Picnic blankets dot the lawns where … Continue reading Celebrating Independence Day
Cultural Institutions
Cumberland Island
I just returned from four amazing days spent with my little sister (affectionately known as Little J) at her Florida beach house. On our last and best day, we took the ferry to a place I'd always longed to see: Cumberland Island, Georgia. Cumberland Island is a magical, chill inducing place. No bridge links the … Continue reading Cumberland Island
Sunday in the Gardens
This Weekend: Best of the Fest Children’s Film Series and The Antiques & Garden Fair
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the first installment of Best of the Fest Children's Film Series, produced by Chicago's Facets Multi-Media and presented at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Milos Stehlik (pictured above), founder of Facets, travels the world to find films for children that engage, entertain, and empower. Last … Continue reading This Weekend: Best of the Fest Children’s Film Series and The Antiques & Garden Fair
Throwback Thursday: The Chicago Botanic Garden In Spring
Today I popped into my favorite flower shop in Lake Bluff, Twigs, for a dose of color therapy on this rainy, 38 degree day. I picked up some flowering cherry branches for my mantel, which reminded me of the pictures I took at The Chicago Botanic Garden last April. I can't wait for everything to … Continue reading Throwback Thursday: The Chicago Botanic Garden In Spring
A Midwest Autumn
"Chicago is an October sort of city, even in Spring." - Nelson Algren Yesterday's blustery grey skies created a perfect backdrop for the Chicago Botanic Garden's jewel toned autumn landscape. Wind gusts scattered leaves along the winding gravel walking paths - a bittersweet reminder of the season's fleeting beauty.
The Color Purple
all photos via the aesthete and the dilettante
Sensual Beauty
This weekend during a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, I was struck by stunning visual similarities between a cluster of sea anemones and the peonies I had photographed just days before. Though one is rooted in earth and the other in water, one undulates with sea currents and the other on spring breezes, they share … Continue reading Sensual Beauty
Go See: Picasso and Chicago
ONLY SIX DAYS LEFT! Run to The Art Institute of Chicago to catch "Picasso and Chicago," an expansive exhibit that explores the integral relationships Picasso had with both the city of Chicago and the AIC. Having interned in the museum education department during college (giving tours to school groups), I was aware of Picasso's strong … Continue reading Go See: Picasso and Chicago
Happy Friday
"Do anything, but let it produce joy." - Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass Wishing everyone a relaxing, joy-filled weekend! Above, more images from last weekend's trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden. all images via the aesthete and the dilettante
the aesthete and the dilettante 