Favorite tree

This is my favorite tree. It is my turn-around point when I run through the park. As you can see, it looks like its been through its fair share of Chicago winters, ice storms and windy days. It just reminds me to keep chuggin' along. As I recall, it is a beautiful tree in the spring and summer, when I usually run that path. Come June, I'll post another picture.

New Painting

I did this painting as a wedding gift for a friend, and finally finished it this evening. This thing has like 5 layers of previous paint/collagework underneath, and has been going on for several months (the wedding was in July!).

But, it really came together this past weekend and I'm super happy with the finished piece. I used a lot of imagery from an old gardening book because they are both super earthy and her husband used to do landscaping. So there are pieces of landscaping drawings in there for texture. Since they are newlweds and just bought their first house, that seemed an appropriate center to the piece. See the detail below.

I am tentatively planning to have a show this summer (yay!) and am going to start regularly painting again. I'm also going to green up my art by using salvaged and scrap wood, as well as more water-based and low VOC materials for the materials. Stay tuned for more art news!

Howdy

One of the fun perks of my job is poking around at our warehouse where we store all the antiques for the stores, and build all the various stuff. Occasionally they will get something at an auction that ends up being a little too "racy" for our stores, so they then have to re-sell it. Whenever I'm there I like to shop around and I recently scored this little beauty!

Its an old pinball machine top that still lights up!



This saucy little cowgirl makes it too-hot-for-Potbelly. I think its hilarious and promptly struck this pose when they brought it over to the office for me.

Cherry bounce on cherry bounce

After receiving a decanter of Cherry Bounce for Christmas from Uncle Bob and Aunt Bev, we McClain kids decided we'd better get started on our summer batch! So, we got together for a little bounce-makin'/Super Supper Saturday party at Nate and Lisa's.

As you can see, the supplies alone could kill several small animals. And, after the first taste, we were all feeling a little like we might die. But we had a great time, see below for the play-by-play.


After emptying our Carlo Rossi wine jugs (mostly into the sink, but some into our tum tums), we started adding the cherries.

Adding another bottle of booze...Cherry Bounce contains, liquid-wise: Bonded Bourbon (Wild Turkey), grain alcohol (Everclear), and Cherry Brandy. Jack had to drive outside of Cook County to get 190 Proof Everclear because it is illegal here.

Adding a long string of rock candy.

As the tradition goes, you taste the Bounce after 6 seconds/minutes/hours/days/weeks, then it is "done" after 6 months.

That first 6 second taste is basically like taking a shot of everclear. I now have chest hair.


sour face from Jack.

The crew with our Bounces named (from left to right) Dace Bounce, Balls-Deep Bounce, Man Bounce, Little Boy Bounce, and KampersandM.

It was one of the coldest days of the winter, which seemed appropriate for such a party. After several tastings and some rockin mac n' cheese casserole, we were ready to again brave the cold.

This batch will be ready right around Booze Cruise time in July...I smell trouble :)

Just for kicks

Best thing ever...I designed these shoes on Nike ID and am in love. Given the choice of basically any color imaginable, you can see that I went a little wild. All the ladies stare with covetous eyes when I run by. hah.


And, the best part, you get 5 letters per heel to put a message. I chose "Hot Buns" because, duh, it is hilarious! Imagine runnning behind me (as you're coming up to pass me, obviously) and reading that. Hahah, whatever works, right?

urban window awesomeness

I love Urban Outfitters, and especially their rad music/photography themed window display. I've been researching window display ideas for work and this one really stood out.

Viva la Peacekeeper!

Jack's band, Peacekeeper, performing at The Cubby Bear and being filmed by Comcast!



Peacekeeper bringing down the house a few weeks ago at Phyllis'. As you can see, Matt played a few songs with the band. Totally awesome, fun was had by all.

new kitchen chairs

left: before, right: after!

my mom worked her magic on these great chairs we found at an antique store over the holiday break. authentic shabby chic from the 30's...i heart them.

we built this city on rock n' roll

and apparently abe lincoln did as well...Yes, that is the Lincoln Memorial singin' along. Well worth a watch.