This morning I went on what will probably be the last run before my triathlon. The alarm woke me at five a.m. so I could meet my friend and running partner by six in order to beat the oppressive heat hanging over Chicago. Bleary eyed, I reached into my drawer and slipped on the first … Continue reading running in style (or not)
Life
Mother Nature
Last evening the most breathtaking cloud formation undulated over our rooftop and across the sky on its way to the lake. The motion was unlike anything I had ever seen and the brilliant color changed from moment to moment. If only I had taken a video! All photos via the aesthete and the dilettante
A Mother’s Day Love Letter
My mother has been sick for almost as long as I can remember. But the truth is, I did not consider it as much as I should have growing up. She never allowed her physical limitations to define her, so I saw her through the lens that she held up for herself and it did … Continue reading A Mother’s Day Love Letter
Perseverance
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago provided the perfect respite from last Saturday's bone chilling rain and cold. Our family spent the afternoon exploring most of the hands-on exhibits in this vast museum, including the Baby Chick Hatchery. We could not peel ourselves away from these tiny creatures making their way into the … Continue reading Perseverance
The Finish Line
Some days everything feels tangled in difficulty and discomfort. Steps heavy, tasks arduous, thoughts exhausting. My cure is to run it out. But one day last week even that felt horrible. I desperately wanted to head home and wait for day to become night so it could hurry up and bring me tomorrow. I chose … Continue reading The Finish Line
The Edit
It's that time of year. We must throw open the windows, let the gorgeous spring air flow through the house and...clear out the clutter. Admit it. You have it lurking somewhere. A drawer. A closet. A garage. An entire basement. Okay, I feel a slight panic coming on, so let's start small. I'm going with … Continue reading The Edit
Lake Michigan
Today Lake Michigan traded its traditional sapphire uniform for this spectacular aqua and cerulean display. Walking along the beach and soaking in the crazy 78 degree warmth brought daydreams of summer picnics, sailing expeditions, and bike rides to the ice cream shop. Impossible that this is Chicago and we've just reached the second week of … Continue reading Lake Michigan
In Praise of the Five O’Clock Cocktail
Morning brings the ritual of coffee. When bedtime draws near, I often fantasize about having it in the morning, waking up to the amazing taste, smell, and enveloping warmth. I have been known to audibly moan upon taking my first sip. Midday I am walking or running my gorgeous mutt. Okay, most days. When it's … Continue reading In Praise of the Five O’Clock Cocktail
The Winter Blues
This long sloooow march through the colder months often saps my spirits and ambition (cue The Dream Academy's Life in a Northern Town). It is much easier to spring out of bed when the sun's rays embrace us early. I am sharing a short list of things that carry me through the winter doldrums, and … Continue reading The Winter Blues
What is sexy?
What is sexy? My 9-year old daughter recently asked this from the backseat of my car (isn't that where all of the amusing/difficult/serious inquiries come from?) after hearing the word in song lyrics. The question gave me pause. Not because I didn't want to answer, but because sexy is undeniably subjective. I responded eventually in … Continue reading What is sexy?
the aesthete and the dilettante 