On Scottsdale, AZ

Hi All!

We've returned from a long weekend in Scottsdale, AZ and as it goes when you take a weekend away, you end up steeped in the thick of stuff! Thus, my desire to fully blog about our delightful experience will be squelched a little bit. Let me just say that we had a wonderful time. Ate well, dined al fresco, relaxed, hiked, swam, sunned and movie watched. It was really exactly how a winter weekend away should be. I'd also like to say that I can chalk Scottsdale up on my list of cities that surprise me. I was kind of into it! I was prepared for full on Arizona, and that it was, but wouldn't cha know there is some charm to be had in the AZ?

I'll elaborate more later, but here are a few pics.

On Getting Outta Town and Tommy Ton

Sorry I've been a bit quiet on the blog front this week. It's funny how the beginning of the year is markedly busier immediately following the lull of the holidays. Personally, I welcome it. I'm ready for the year to take off and for things to get rolling. I've been getting in the swing of teaching more and I took and audition earlier this week that went well, so I feel like forward motion is happening. Additionally, I have been trying to get everything accomplished before I head out for a long weekend with Mr. Scott.

Given the recent news, it is odd to say this but we are headed to Arizona for a long weekend. No worries, Tucson is not our destination. We will visit Scott's Mom in Scottsdale and enjoy some time in a warmer climate, if just slightly.

In the meantime I wanted to leave point you in the direction of street style photographer, Tommy Ton. The men's shows are taking place in Florence right now and Ton has been hired by both GQ and Style.com to show what's happening outside. I'm consistently inspired by looking at these shots. Not purely for fashion reasons, but aesthetics and what I think are beautiful photographs. You can follow him as he adds the collection each day.

On a Winter Walk: Chicago Botanic Gardens

Yesterday, Scott and I made our way to the suburbs to spend some time with his father. While we were there, we joined Mr. Perin on what is his weekly ritual, a walk in the Chicago Botanic Gardens. The temps were cold and the gardens are hibernating, but the walk was beautiful.

On Phtographer Worship: Katy Grannan and Grant Cornett

Sometimes I feel that a result of getting older is an ability to appreciate things more and an inability to be impressed as easily. I guess that's why it is extra exciting when you react to something in a visceral and excited way.

For as long as I've known about her, I've been a fan of Katy Grannan's work. Her subjects are generally those who might make you uncomfortable but you are also interested in observing. Members of society who we are curious about, but aren't willing to get as close to as she is. Her new work, Boulevard which just opened last night at the Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco looks just as exciting. Shots taken in mid day sunlight on the streets of LA and San Fran, with white stucco backgrounds... the street becomes her studio. The subjects are the street's members and the results are quite captivating.

Recently, I also happened across the work of Grant Cornett. I don't know a thing about Mr. Cornett, only that I've spent significant time with his images. His website is just a stream, tumblr style and I don't know that I've even scratched the surface. I do know that Mr. Cornett is equally at home photographing people as he is with still life work, particularly involving matters of decay. The results are something quite beautiful.







If you have the opportunity, spend some time with both of these artists. I think you'll feel that bit of exciting that I did.

On Missing Buttons and Gold Safety Pins

I love this shirt.


I've blogged about it before, because I picked it up at the Salvation Army and was particularly fond of the plaid and the fact that the size was "medium tall." A size that I am but rarely find available. Well, shortly after the shirt got a couple of wears, the attractive little buttons that hold the collar down became loose and eventually made their way to the ground. I was disappointed by the loss and considered how I could continue to don the pink plaid. Sure, I could have taken it to the dry cleaner and had them come up with a replacement button, but the chances of matching this "vintage" shirt were slim, so I decided to take matters in my own hands.

Enter, Gold Safety Pins. At first, this seemed like a quick fix, but over time I've grown to rather like the look. In fact, the consideration has been made to do this to other shirts. It is a quirky DIY fix that has just enough panache to seem like a stylish decision. Would this work with silver pins? I think not. The gold ups the class (tack?) ante a bit and to my eye, silver is indeed a fix pin rather than a decision.

So, is there a shirt in your closet you're avoiding due to missing buttons? I think we both know how to fix that.

On Bag Lust: The Scout Bandolier Bag

As you probably know, I'm kind of into bags. Well, a lot into bags. Although I have so many, it seems I always have a need for another and I can seem to justify why I need it and when I'll use it. Oddly enough, I do use them all!

I was thrilled to recently receive a gift from my friend over at Alternative Apparel, which allowed me to purchase this useful fellow to add the collection. The truth of the matter is, when it is winter and I'm not riding my bicycle regularly I like to carry a mid-sized shoulder bag that can handle my laptop and a couple of extra bits for the day. Thus enters the Scout Bandolier Bag. It has one large main pouch that fits my laptop like a glove along with some other mags or ??? and then two smaller pouches in the front that fit my shoes perfectly. This is great because it is boot season and a guy has to have shoes to change into at work.

This bag continues to grow on me. I think it is perfect for the back and forth of daily life and I'm glad to add it to my arsenal.

On My Dad by the Window

I'm glad I have this image, but I don't really think I need it. I can see the image quite clearly without a picture.

On Inspiration Friday (Sunday!)

On the Roof and a New Year

Oh, hey 2011. You're here already.

It's Sunday night, the night before we go back to work and get back to the reality of January. The last night of my two week holiday break which I've been oh, so fortunate to have. It's the second day of the New Year, but somehow feels like the last day of the last.

This break has been really nice in that I can't report having done much. I can attest to eating well and sleeping a lot. I've seen friends and spent time just laying low. The weather was strange, peaking at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and now returning to a cool 23. A proper January temp I suppose. New years eve day, the weather was mostly rainy with a glimpse of sun at the end, thus the following roof top pictures that Scott and I took. It was really quite a lovely sight.

I feel positive about 2011. I know I said as much in my "Christmas" post, but 2010 has been a mixed bag... some of the most amazing times of my life and some of the most challenging. I'm predicting more of the same in 2011 but I also think each year we become better equipped to both enjoy the good and handle the bad. For instance, sometimes you are reminded that it is important to go to the roof and check out the sunset on a 60 degree January day. I wouldn't have always known not to miss that. But, now I do and I'm thankful. I also know that right off the bat in 2011 I'm going to be doing some really enjoyable things... taking some time off from doing stuff I've been doing for a LONG time and trying some stuff I've not. Heading to Arizona for a long weekend in January, visiting David and Sara later in the month and then headed to Mexico in February. Aren't I a lucky fellow?

So, I'm thankful and hopeful and look forward to sharing with you all!