Bikram yoga, trapeze school, improv comedy and a bunch of new friends... Jo's bachelorette weekend in Boston last weekend was just perfect.
And yes, that's Ms. Jo on the flying trapeze!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A visit to the Hyland/Kingson residence in Charlotte, NC, the home of two of my dearest friends, made me start to reconsider the way I think about a handful of things. Jim, Charles (that dashing specimen of a pooch) and I went for a walk in their beautiful, tree-lined suburban neighborhood one sunny afternoon and it was tough not to wonder how life would be had I made a few different choices along the way. I had an adorable dog on the leash and a charming, kind, tall gent walking with me through blocks of historic homes, greenery and fresh air.
Frankly, I was quite taken aback that I enjoyed the scenario as much as I did. The only thing that was missing? My horse farm in Montana.
But where's Johanna, you ask? She was in the kitchen making the most delicious banana bread known to man and I thank her immensely for letting me borrow Jim and Charley, as a mock boyfriend and pet, to give me a little perspective on a lifestyle that I've been intentionally ignoring.
Jim and Charley/Charlotte, NC/5.1.2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
This is the last Bon Jovi post for a lonnnng time (I think). Savor it, kids! You know you'll miss them!
I know I will! I'm going to miss them so much that I made this photo my desktop wallpaper.*
But hey! There's always summer wedding season to make my Bon Jovi dance party dreams come true, so all is not lost.
*Not a joke
(L-R) Richie Sambora, Jon Bon Jovi/Madison Square Garden/New York, NY/3.5.11
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
So, we are backing way, way up... and I hope by going back to January, I don't get too far behind. There was a photo I posted a while back about a photo shoot done with Mr. Peter Zielinski back on New Year's Eve. I had said I was going to post more, but due to general photographer delinquency and my utmost empathy (sorry MSG boys, I promise your photos will come to you soon!), we are finally getting around to revisiting now.
I pulled most of the silly ones (except the above, but I adore the framing), because my mom says I'm too serious sometimes. And for the most part, in these types of pictures at least, she's correct.
Oh and if you haven't already, you should probably check out Peter's blog: pjzetc.com.* It wasn't working for a bit in my links column, but I believe it's all sorted now.
However, be warned! The photo that appears above is suuuuuper big on his page. Almost as big as my actual face! Nice eye make-up though, eh?
12.31.10
*Again, Peter's link wasn't working, but...again... I believe it's fixed!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
It's quite remarkable, but there still is a possibility this stunning piece of historic architecture can be salvaged. To me, this is really quite exciting - almost unbelievable, but still exciting, no less. It's going to cost (as an estimate) somewhere between $80 and $300 million to complete this process, but plans are moving forward to restore both the roof and the windows.
One of the most interesting parts was seeing this building before any of these decisions were officially made. An immediate nostalgia... for something you've never experienced, and that you suspect... will never experience. Imagine Grand Central Station, completely abandoned and dilapidated. What would you feel - for what one generation created and another left to ruin?
We didn't go into the station this time around, but the next time I'm in Detroit, that is a must. Harder to not get caught, but certainly worth it. Heck! I'm sure Aaron knows someone at one of these architectural firms hired to begin work, haha.
Michigan Central Station/Detroit, Michigan/4.13.11
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A few shots from the Heidelberg Project. Now in its 25th year, this open-air art space began as a movement to clean up a drug-filled East Side Detroit neighborhood. And? It worked.
Since the website will be more informative than anything I write here, read more about the project at http://www.heidlberg.org.
4.13.11
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
This cross marks the center of the largest Masonic Temple in the world. If you are at all familiar with the practices of Free Masons, you know that each meticulous measurement is often accompanied by significance - be it historical or otherwise.
In Detroit, Aaron and I were fortunate enough to spend a few hours wandering the halls with one of the higher ranking Masons in Detroit. How do these things happen? I just don't know. Aaron apparently knows everybody in Michigan. Yes, that ranges from the people at an "industry" night at a club in Ann Arbor to Masons in Detroit. Both helpful in starkly different situations, of course.
In any case, picking John's brain was fantastic. Heck, I was even surprised I was allowed to go to many of the rooms! Of course, I had to ask about Dan Brown and his exploits of the Masons in his novels, but most of the interesting conversation revolved around Columbus, September 11, 2001 and legal matters of the Masons. None of the aforementioned are connected, but what John had to say was fascinating. While I will not be able to explain as eloquently, I would suggest that you find yourself a Mason and play 20 questions.
I am sad to report that I didn't shoot a photo of the exterior that I found interesting, so please google Detroit's Masonic Temple to see what this beast of a building looks like.
Detroit Masonic Temple/Commandery Asylum ceiling/Detroit, Michigan/4.13.11
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
I am absolutely fascinated with Detroit. What it was, what it is now and the social and artistic underground that's working to not only restore it, but to make it better than ever. It is a hefty undertaking for sure, but it's simply beautiful.
Aaron and I visited the old Packard Plant with a few new friends who are part of the movement to revitalize the city. For a history nerd, this was pretty frickin' cool.
Packard opened in 1903 and was producing some of the best automobiles in the world through the late 50s. Now, the 35-acre plant stands in ruin, but serves an alternate purpose to Detroit.
While technically the plant is privately owned, people from all over come to see a piece of history. It's become somewhat of an illegal attraction. However, having no problem with "tresspassing," the owner simply asks that the guests of the Packard do not destroy or harm the property. The cops, of course, can still throw you out, but a trip inside is completely worth it.
Just remember, not only can you fall through the floor, but the floors above can fall on you.
Packard Plant/Detroit, Michigan/4.12.11
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
I never, ever, thought that this would be a photo I would take of my friend Chris Hondros.
If you are in Pittsburgh this evening, we will be celebrating Chris' life with a candlelight vigil on the West End Overlook at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Photo: Two Army officers pay their respects to Chris Hondros at Lafayette Memorial Park in Fayetteville, North Carolina on April 30, 2011.
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