For two days this week we had the pleasure of hosting my old college roommate, Chris, who farms in Portland when he's not visiting the Midwest on vacation. Other than a hasty late night trip to our alma mater I kept our agenda pretty basic: play with baby, feed baby, put baby to sleep. He got to live a couple days in my shoes. I made it a point to not be apologetic about it. And I'm not saying that to sound like a dick, but it's true. Oftentimes I just want to apologize when I catch myself turning a conversation topic to Ellie, or the fact that at any given dinner party, Ellie becomes the focus of attention, but I realize I don't need to do that. Chris got to see a day in my life and I think I can safely say we had a great time. I didn't go out of my way to entertain him; like any best friend, we enjoyed each other's company, and he got to have fun with Ellie. There wasn't a single hiccup in the two days we spent together. I think he appreciated the opportunity to play Uncle during his stay, though I'm pretty confident he's not so worried about having a baby anytime soon. Uncle Chris is good folk for sure. I wish we could hang out more.
January 7, 2011
June 15, 2010
Good folk: Meeting Aunt Allison
While in Cincy for my sister's baby shower (our first big family trip!) we were able to meet up with our dear friend Allison who was in town, coincidentally, for her brother's graduation. The visit was short, but we crammed in a lot of catching up plus a gourmet lunch prepared by Allison's awesome mom.
Here is an excited "Aunt Allison" showing her infant wranglin' skills which will surely come into use during future Doula endeavors.
June 8, 2010
March 14, 2010
Gift + End of Showers
Congratulations on your future daughter! She will be totally awesome and badass. Best of luck! Anitra
How cool is that?!
--
This weekend was the second baby shower and it was great. Lots of fun to celebrate the next member to be initiated into our crazy big family, especially when you get to share that with those who will be Baby Girl's Great Grandmas and Great Great Aunts.
Today we've spent the afternoon sorting out all the stuff we received from both of our baby showers; moved the futon out of and moved a new Ikea dresser into the nursery; started a monster sized laundry load of all clothes that should fit a baby between 0 and 6 months; and packed up all the stuff that Baby Girl won't need for after then. Things around the house are starting to finally take shape and I don't feel like we're behind in any way. At the very least we can tell people that we do have space for Baby Girl.
Getting overly excited now!
December 8, 2009
November 9, 2009
May 4, 2009
March 11, 2009
March 10, 2009
the getaway
Back in town after a traveling to Portland Oregon to inspect not only the condition of hillside farmsteads but also to review the burgeoning DIY fireside performance art scene as well as the various coffees offered throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Highlights? Yes, please:
- nolan, chris, and brooke's amazing house at the Wealth Underground Farm replete with natural wood, greenhouse, wood-burning stove, and a castle full of baby chicks
- hiking in the back yard
- "arts night" which brought lots of people, music, dancing, and wine
- the elk offering
- nap time
- pancakes by Tasha and siphon-brewed coffee from the courier coffee roaster kids
- Half & Half coffee shop, the zine library, Powell Books
- SUSHI TRAIN! & Voodoo Doughnuts
- breakfast at Cafe Pallino with Billy
- lots of pictures
not-highlights:
- traveling from west to east and losing three hours
- "the delicious"
Nolan sent me a link to a blog he is starting for the farm:
Big thanks to Chris and Nolan for being good hosts as always, and also to their roommate Brooke, who reaches an equal level of awesomeness. All told, this crew is certified 110% GOOD FOLK
March 6, 2009
Good Folk: A night with friends
This post is three long days overdue.
I believe it was Tuesday morning when my friend John Scott phoned me about the possibility of scheduling a visit to Columbus from Cincinnati before heading back to Colorado. I knew I'd really enjoy the visit, but as I always feel a tinge of guilt for the major inconvenience that is caused a guest by traveling two or more hours, I told him not to worry about it, that I appreciated the offer of a visit, and that I would hope to catch up with him soon. Not long after, he sent a text asking if he could come up that night. After giving C a heads-up, I wrote to tell him it was a great idea and was excited to see him. Also, we decided we should invite over a mutual friend from high school that was living across town but whom I hadn't seen in more years than I've lived here.
John arrived not long after I was off work. We quickly decided that John would hook it up with an enchilada recipe and went to the grocery for ingredients and beer. We were home long enough to unpack the bags and crack some beers when Sarah arrived. The rest of the night was spent helping John (the enchilada maestro) cook, drinking, talking, laughing, and playing a round of Skip-Bo. After Sarah left and C went to bed, John and I kept up the conversation. As I had work the next day, I had to peace out at some decent hour.
In the morning we had some coffee and I lingered longer than normal knowing my boss and coworker wouldn't be in the office for the day.
Anyways, John has been a friend since first grade. We grew close in middle school, and closer in high school. He is one of a few people that has been doing his own thing but stayed in touch and I know will never have trouble catching up to chill like it was yesterday. Our friendship is much deeper than I could explain here. The least I can say is John S. is good folk, for sure.
Also, I have to include Sarah O. for being awesome and coming over. She's been a good friend since middle school and has always been a sweetheart. Good folk, too, no doubt.
Word is bond. Peace and love.
January 27, 2009
Harold Shelburne
My grandpa passed away last night--he couldn't overcome the damage caused by the stroke. I can't even begin to imagine how my grandma feels. After talking more with my mom I understand he was probably ready (as was the rest of the family) to move on, out of the shackles that his body had become. It has been no less shocking to us all--we can't grasp what has happened to a good man that has always been so lively and full of so much joy he couldn't help but share it. I can't remember exactly what my mom said last night, but she was quick to talk about celebrating him and his life and all the good memories we have.
A few good memories include eating lots of chocolate ice cream with him and my sister at my grandparents' kitchen table, stirring it into a chocolaty soup; the musky smell of pipe tobacco; Andes mints (dubbed "sleeping pills") before bed; stories and photos from flying bombers in the War; sitting at endless cattle auctions after McDonald's happy meals; and recently, congratulating me on being lucky enough to marry such a good lookin' woman.
January 15, 2009
Grandpa Is Good Folk
My grandpa recently had a stroke and hasn't been recovering as quickly as we have been hoping. I've been thinking about him a lot and figured I'd post up a photo of him to share--something I've been meaning to do for a long while now. This is him driving his golf cart on the farm. I thought I had one of him from a recent vacation he took with my grandma and mom, but I can't find it. This is probably better cause he's in his element. Haha.
GET WELL SOON! 
The most important thing my grandpa has ever taught me is to always dwell on the good, the true, and the beautiful. Sometimes I forget, but I eventually get back to it.
December 22, 2008
DOOM TOWN
This weekend was the highly anticipated Gag/Red Shadows/Coffinworm show in Indianapolis. Chris did a great job pulling everything together and making it happen. You just can't beat a house show... except with a free house show with lots of cheap beer, some home-brewed porters, and a bunch of cool people. I'm really glad I made the commitment to Chris to play with the band and I can chalk this one down as another one of my glory years (but, this was not a last-hurrah). It reminded me of how great if feels to make music. Also I made some friends through the project and hope to keep in contact with them. This week I will work on downloading videos of the show.
Yesterday, our friend Zane and his family hosted a winter solstice party. There was a bonfire that struggled valiantly against something like 30 mph winds and 3 degree temperatures--but we weren't as strong. I'm glad we went though. Not only because the winter solstice is one of the best days of the year to celebrate (the beginning of longer days!), but because Zane is such a good guy. Incidentally I realized he rides a really nice fixed gear bike which blew my mind... While we were downtown, we got to visit with Jess, Mike, and a friend, Ed, while the dogs played, and retrieved some dinner from
As for now, I have lots of work to do before leaving town for the holidays, so I'm gonna cut this short. Stay warm: it was reported that Columbus was experiencing a windchill of 16 degrees-below-zero this morning. Balls
November 12, 2008
BDayShoutOut
Big ups to Jessica Love for having been born 27 years ago, today.
Check out her flicks and hire her to photograph something before you lose:
She's got a sharp eye, which explains her impeccable style, and her passion for life is clearly the driving force that produces such powerful photos.
Happy birthday, again, Jess--you are good folk. I've never been interested in photography until recently--you inspire me with your dedication to document the lives we are living and your desire to find more life to live.