Last weekend's highlight was a hot air balloon ride over farm-and-field-dotted country. From our fiery hot lift off to the scalp-tingling quiet at three thousand feet, it was an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Nature
Weekend in the Country: Trail Riding
Our weekend at a friend's country house began with a long trail ride - Hannah on the naughty Irish Connemara who stopped to nibble brush, and I on the obedient Quarter Horse who followed the gentlest of commands. Heaven.
Morning at the Beach
all photos via the aesthete and the dilettante
Nature’s Polka Dots
all photos via the aesthete and the dilettante
The Color Purple
all photos via the aesthete and the dilettante
Sweet Summer
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
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 Bee’s Knees
Just when we thought Spring would never arrive in Chicago, it dropped in for a surprise visit yesterday afternoon. The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of our favorite places to explore during any season, is bursting with buds and flowers right now. I took these photos on a path winding through the Japanese Garden just as … Continue reading The Bee’s Knees
Catch of the Day
Life lesson: When a man who has sailed trans-Atlantic several times subtly suggests that you reschedule your deep sea fishing trip due to weather conditions, you should probably listen. "There are 5 to 7 foot waves out there, and 25 knot winds...sounds a little pukey," said my father. "We'll be fine! Hannah and I never … Continue reading Catch of the Day
the aesthete and the dilettante 