On Kaitlin Kostus and Alternative Apparel

Hey All,
I have a new blog post over at Alternative Apparel about the time I spent last weekend with artist, Kaitlin Kostus. Check it out if you like!

On a Break

Last Sunday concluded a five week break I took from my weekly gig of singing at a church here in Chicago. I've been singing there for six years and due to life just feeling like a lot, I decided there was need in the new year to take a break from the obligation. A solid time away of doing whatever I wanted to do, whether that meant not getting up or traveling across the country, I did it. I was so fortunate to be granted the opportunity and for that I am extremely grateful.

It has been a really good five weeks. I was able to go to Arizona, and Indiana. I was able to not do anything and also check out another church. I was also able to go to brunch... something I do love to do, but hadn't done much of in the last years. There is something about a good Sunday brunch where you sit for longer than you should and eat more than you should. Talking about the weekend at hand and the week to come. Assessing successes and lamenting failures. For some reason, that meal is different from the rest and I'm thankful for having the opportunity to enjoy it, particular this last Sunday in the midst of the snow.




My take away from this break is more than an appreciation for brunch (thank God!) but, I think these reflections about brunch are a little part of a bigger feeling about my time off. I know, that it is important to remove ourselves from certain obligations periodically to understand where they sit in our lives. But, saying it and doing it are two very different things. It actually caused me a bit of turmoil to consider removing myself from something I always do and something I like to do! But, I felt overwhelmed. The last year was very difficult in a lot of ways and sometimes when things get hard I'm not the type of person who can just throw themselves into work. It's more the opposite, in that I just shut down. I felt myself shutting down. I needed a break.

So, I took one. I'm so glad I did!

In fact, I feel excited to return!

There are certain things we can't take breaks from and certain things we shouldn't, but in this instance I know I did the right thing and as predicted, it has flown by.

I keep thinking about how there are certain ways in which we find validation throughout the week. Whether through loved ones, work, creating art or working out (I don't relate to the last...) we seek to feel affirmed as a person who has or is or does this. I've missed that in being absent from my Sunday gig. I miss the affirmation as a singer. As one who leads people in song. As one who has something to share and offer and give musically. As much as I love brunch, I'm not doing a lot of leading in song at brunch!

All this to say, if you can, give yourself a break. Step away. I bet that after, you'll know more clearly whether you want to go back or not.

On a Print Studio

Last Sunday I had the privilege of spending the afternoon in the Print Studio of Columbia College, while my new friend Kaitlin Kostus did some printing. Truth be told, I'm going to actually blog about the afternoon for Alternative Apparel, but I wanted to share some snaps with you from the studio. It was great to spend time in such an inspired space, with unlimited supplies! This is reason enough to go to grad school. I wouldn't know how to use most of them, but I sure would enjoy looking at them and thinking about the ways in which I'd like to be creative.

On Drive

On my recent trip to Arizona and in preparation for Mexico I picked up a couple of books for travel and leisure reading. I'm excited to read Listen to This by Alex Ross while at the beach, but for some reason on the plane to and from AZ, I found myself drawn to the Shibumi Strategy by Matthew May and Drive by Daniel Pink. Now, I've blogged about May and Pink before. I like them both very much as authors and I have to say I'm a bit obsessed with whatever genre of writing they fall under. Mary called it "contemporary nonfiction and social commentary," which I'll buy. You know, the Malcolm Gladwell type with a bit of self-help mixed in. For me, they are extended articles and for some reason that keeps my attention.





Drive is a book about what motivates us and as someone who is interested in pursuing that which motivates me, I'm loving this book. Of course much of it is common sense, but when you really think about it plain terms and consider how you can motivate others as well as yourself, finding that which is intrinsic is key. Pink talks about that and gives some simple ideas on considering practical implications for your own life. I think if you're on a plane i the new future, I recommend giving this one a try.

On Timex Army Watch

Not one to buck a trend, and being kinda cheap... AND given the death of my beloved gaudy gold watch, I recently picked up this Timex Army Watch. I've been looking for something that would get me through the spring/summer. Something light weight and not too obnoxious because, obnoxious watches are getting a tad tired and I'm kind of tired, so I thought I should spice things up. Understated. Classic. J. Crew of course sells a much more expensive version, but thanks the beauty of the Internet, I was able to pick up one at a reduced price.

I also believe firmly that army green goes with everything. It's a safe bet with bags and watches.

On Rejection, Again

Friday, February 04, 2011

Dear Davin:

Thank you very much for your recent audition for the XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXX. We know a great deal of preparation went into your audition, and it was a pleasure to hear you sing and know of your interest in our ensemble.

Unfortunately, we are not able to advance you to the final round this year. We heard many good things in your audition and we encourage you to come back and audition again next year. We will keep your information on file and notify you of next season’s audition dates once they are announced.

Our best to you in your endeavors and we hope to hear you again next year.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXX XXXXXX

Manager

On Inspiration Friday - King of Cool Edition

The blizzard is over and we've dug ourselves out... for the most part. It's Friday but we're all trying to get everything done that we didn't do on Tuesday, Wednesday... or Thursday. Personally, I spent yesterday on the sofa with some sort of stomach virus, but I'm back atem today.

I came across this post from a Continuous Lean about Steve McQueen and some previously unpublished LIFE Magazine photos and I thought we could use them as our inspiration for this Friday. Mr. McQueen is indeed a style inspiration and these shots of him getting fitted for suits are pretty sweet.





Thank God for LIFE, eh?

If you'd like, head on over the original post for the whole lot. Have a great Friday!

On a Blizzard

As I mentioned earlier, and unless you've been living under a rock you've heard that Chicago had a blizzard last night. The city pretty much shut down and people tucked themselves (if they were able!) for a peaceful night amidst the storm. It really was quite beautiful, with thunder and lightning amidst the snow. Thundersnow as they say.

The day after has been a trip. The storm has now stopped, so I made my way out for a bit just to see what all the hubub was about and the view was pretty intense. Downtown was still asleep and people were just starting to show their faces to the world... not in their cars, mind you. I actually made my way over to Lake Michigan to catch a glimpse and the site was beautiful.

It was hard to make out what was the water (covered in an ice and snow) and what was the ground (covered in ice and snow.) Most notably, it was incredibly peaceful. Just a few other lone souls who ventured to see. I sat on a bench and just watched.

On Centerville, IN and Dear Friends

So, it's a blizzard ya'll. Literally. It is 8:52pm on Tuesday evening and we are hunkered down for the night and probably tomorrow as well. Work is canceled and the city is pretty much shut down, so who am I to complain? I've got my computer, some wine and nowhere to be, so all is well.

I wanted to share a few pictures with you from the beautiful weekend Scott and I had in Centerville, IN. David and Sara, two of my friends of ten years have moved there and purchased a nearly 200 year old house. The town is sleepy, but the property is stunning... hardly like Indiana and maybe more like New England.

In addition, they happen to have the cutest and sweetest son by the name of Oskar. He is darling and we had such a fun time hanging out with him, sledding, playing and eating. Times like these are just generally good for the soul and I am thankful for them.

On an Indiana Drive

We are just returning from a quick trip to visit some of my dearest friends who have purchased a home in Centerville, IN. It was a rejuvenating time with people I just love, and I shall share photos of that... but in the meantime, I want to mention something about the drive south. Somewhere between Chicago and Indianapolis is a stretch of wind turbines a few miles in length amidst acres and acres of corn fields. For me, this is both fascinating and stunning to see. These structures are massive and their motion constant. They seem like beautiful beasts and I can't help but want to see one assembled and know more about how much energy they produce. Or even imagining the first conversation with the farmer who was being asked if one could be installed in their field.

Anyway, despite the flat terrain and the general drabness of a middle western winter, the turbines were a beautiful visual distraction. More about the trip to come.

On www.davinyoungs.com

In an effort to continue to grow both my world of singing and taking pictures, I've made a few website updates. Please take a moment to look and give feedback. As always, I am grateful for those who support me in these endeavors!



http://www.davinyoungs.com

On Periodicals: Anthology Magazine

I recently found out about Anthology magazine through a friend and was immediately struck that it would be a perfect gift for my friend Linsey. She is a fellow magazine lover and appreciates many aspects of periodicals that I do. Also, someone mentioned that Anthology was the new (defunct!) Domino Magazine and I thought this would be a hit. I placed an order for subscription and also ordered a second copy, assuming it would get here earlier so I could actually give her a copy as the gift. Well, Christmas came and went and neither arrived, but since then we've both received a copy and I think we are both pleased! Now I know this looks like a girly mag and in some ways it is, but the interiors they display are really quite wonderful. Great inspiration for your own home and with the first editions emphasis on "The Slow Life" (something I've been thinking a lot about,) I've found myself repeatedly thumbing through every page.

On My Grandmother's Clock

My Grandmother Youngs was a huge part of my childhood. As my parents had me at a later age, she was my only granparent for much of my life. I never really had a babysitter growing up, just my 80 something grandma who I would go on walks with and play Rummikube. We spent significant time together and my love for her was big. She passed away when I was in college and I find myself missing her often here almost 10 years later. One of my regular reminders of her is this clock.

This hung in my grandmother's kitchen for as long as I can remember. It is not necessarily a special clock. I imagine she purchased it at Kmart of something of the sort, but it has strong ties for me as visually it is a vivid part of my memory. In fact, I even broke the plastic out of the front somewhere along the way, so the clock itself sits exposed to the world. I will say that i love the color of the frame and the font of the numbers is perfectly retro for me. If I look hard enough, I can almost smell her molasses cookies and that is why we keep these sort of things. This not-so-special clock smells like molasses cookies to me and hopefully always will.