MICA

I started a new job, almost three months ago, at MICA . To say it is my dream job is an understatement. I was an art major at Ripon College. Went to DC for a semester in the Arts at American University and had been told by countless friends I needed to be at MICA. I'm beyond thankful to my friend James for putting this thought in my brain a little over four years ago. I can hardly believe how much I love this place in such a short time. I'm now the Assistant Director in the Office of Events. Blending my love of art and career as an events planner; can this be real?

Do you remember this post from Vegas? One of the first things I noticed was the Art-O-Mat in the cafe. I love these things. For five whole dollars you can get a piece of art. They are recycled cigarette vending machines.

When I left my beloved Kimpton Nation many didn't understand why I would ever leave because I loved that job so much. Planning weddings is my jam. They don't stress me out and it was seriously the most awesome experience to help families plan one of the most memorable days of their lives. I also learned so much about social media and ran the @monacobaltimore Instagram account as part of the Kimpton Social Squad. But MICA had been calling me. It took a while but I'm so thrilled I was patient. The Main Building is gorgeous. The school opening in 1826. This building was built around the same time that the Hotel Monaco location/B&O Railroad headquarters was built in 1906/1907. Carnegie's bust is on the facade as he donated the money for this building. It has a gorgeous Tiffany Window ceiling in the main court.

There are gems hidden all over campus.

Main Court

Under-croft in Main.

Photography and anything to do with paper and printmaking make me swoon.

Maybe I'll pick up a paint brush again.

The Brown Center opened 11 years ago. It's the most show stopping building on our campus. See a full map here.

Howard Street bridge view from my office. I've always called it the MICA bridge to friends driving in from DC.

MICA: This is Baltimore from Post Typography on Vimeo.

We live blocks away from campus. We've seen the changes that MICA has brought to our community in the short eight years we've lived here. Most visibly on North Avenue. I won't try to communicate these details but will let our President's words inspire you from his recent Op-Ed post in the Sun this past week here. 

From Visit Baltimore eight years ago to MICA now, it all makes sense why we moved here. The stars keep aligning. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and Merry New Year.

Golden West

Golden West. It's our go-to night out during the week or when we get back late on a Sunday night from a weekend away. The recent updated decor makes the whole space feel like a new restaurant. They added a garage door in the front, a waffle window that allows guests to order outside, and freshly painted paint-by-number mural on the back wall. I covet the little red lamps over the booths. The menus are still printed on vinyl record covers. It may be the hippiest hipster place in all of Hampden but the staff are actually nice to us.

Our favorite booth is under the Paint-by-Number Last Supper.

There aren't a lot of great Mexican restaurants in Baltimore sadly. But the chips and guac at Golden West are pretty solid. They also have fantastic vegetarian options, burritos and tons of beer offerings for Uncle Charlie.

The chips are thin and taste like they are fresh out of the fryer.

E and I always split the chicken fajitas. See the hash browns peeking out from under the fajita goodness? It reminds me of covered and smothered at Waffle House late night. Delightful.

Georgia On My Mind

The weekend of the baby boom baby showers was my first wedding free weekend since I left my beloved Kimpton family. The next day I headed down south to the mountains to reboot before starting my new gig at MICA. That was nine weeks ago. Time flies when you are having fun. This view makes my heart sing. My godmother and I made a plan to paint and walk and just enjoy some much needed rest. I saw my sister Busy for one night and then got to see my littlest best friends later in the week in Atlanta. Fall in Georgia is pretty incredible.

It had been ten years since I'd been to the house so the boat house was "new" to me. I'm convinced that is Granddaddy's sphere on the dock. He used to fish right off of the dock every summer we went to visit. Mac, Dad and I would drive down from Michigan and spend a week there on our way to Destin. The roads are windy and the air is so fresh.

The next generation has arrived and my cousin's kids presence was most imagined in the life preserver department in the boat house. I have yet to meet any of them and it bums me out we are all so far apart. We spent our lifetime growing up with these cousins. 

The views change daily and Harriet began a painting while I was there. I wanted to paint but came down with a cold that turned out to be pneumonia so I rested more than I expected.

Francie's Cheese Souffle Recipe and the perfect result with my wonderful Harriet.

This was taken with my iPhone 6 plus and just a few filters. It is my favorite shot from the week.

Their new puppy was my companion all week too. Rat terrier chihuahua mix. I keep wanting to call her Glory and for the life of me can't remember her name. I blame the fever. I stayed bundled on the porch and new Glory snuggled up with me on my lap every day. I miss her even though I can't remember her name. 

We also took a booze cruise. Bourbon really does cure all that ales, especially a cough. It reminded me of Francie.

Thank you Harriet and Alec from the bottom of my heart for the restful visit. Being on the water was just what I needed. Eric was pretty jealous so next time I can't wait to show him the river with you. Love you all and Merry Christmas.

N + K = Bjorn Means Baby Bear Shower

The morning of October 3rd I dashed down the street to celebrate our sweet friend and good neighbor Nancy for the first of the two baby showers of the day. (BTW baby Milo was born on 11/12/15.) Kristian is one lucky guy. It was only N + for the day. N + K= ?? in five more weeks. They don't know what the little bear will be. A true surprise.

Katie and Koli, hosted it at Katie's home just under a mile away in Hampden. They are two of the most creative people I've ever clapped eyes on. Click their names to link to their shops. I'm totally obsessed with this house so excuse the nosy shots Katie; I want to be you when I grow up.

Nancy and I met when she was at Woodberry Kitchen. The cheese balls, popcorn and BBQ were perfect with the prosecco. The non-Moms in the room took advantage of the drinks and giggled with laughter on surviving Baby Showers...and that cocktails were a must. Listening about breast milk, diapers and poop just always comes up...so the booze helps. 

Bjorn means bear so there were lots of gifts with bears on bibs, in stuffed animals and in print. Just adorable. Notice Nancy's wedding ring? Kristian designed it and showed us before he proposed to her. The stone was found on a trip to one of the Great Lakes. 

Katie's mother made the most incredible waxed denim baby bag and knit hat for the baby. Gary is another of the designers friends who also helped with their wedding last fall. This man has the best taste.

Canon twinsies.

Katie's kitchen sign is so Girls Gun Club.

I covet this flat back yard.

Petal and Print, seriously check it out.

Beth Anne and the momma to be.

Pies and cakes for days.

Blessings and love to you Kristian and Nancy. Thanks for the video texts of the baby moving, for letting me touch your belly Nance and for the Thursday night visits on your porch for CSA day. I am so excited one of our fall babies will only be a few houses away. Can't wait to meet you Little Bear. Lots of love and prayers for the next few weeks of growing. We love you already.