lost and found

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So we'll get on the green line and go four stop. Then,, jump off and switch to the pink line. After three more stops we should be there...hopefully.

I'll admit, the bit of experience I've had traveling the world's undergrounds was somewhat confusing. Even more, standing with my nose pressed to the giant metro map while my finger repeatedly traces the lines isn't exactly how I usually hope to blend in with the locals. Thank goodness for Transit Maps of the World by Mark Ovenden. I love that it's a complete collection of every rapid-transit system in the world, so now at least I can trace the lines from the privacy of the hotel room and not in front of a multitude of underground dwellers.

philanthropy

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While in Nashville last week, I visited a rather remarkable shop.
Philanthropy, located in downtown Franklin, is a store with a serious social conscience. Decorated with nothing short of absolute creativity, thought, and attention to detail, it's enchanting and inviting- so much so that I wanted to ask to move in. Even more, the shop hopes to serve as a platform for their customers to make a difference. By pledging at least 10% of their sales to designated causes, the store has raised over $120,000 in three years.

Next time you're in Nashville, Philanthropy is definitely worth the visit. However, if you can't wait that long, check it out here.

directions to follow

All signs point to Franklin, TN being the sweet little sister to Nashville...and they would all be correct.

letter to nashville

Dear Nashville,
Thanks for being a place that David could love, so in effect, a place we would love visiting. Also, thanks for being a kicked-back yet trendy place full of dreamers who have passion and talent they're eager to share...I've wondered lately where all the cool, yet down to earth young people are...and now I know.

Dear Nashville guys,

Thanks for having the coolest haircuts ever and for rolling your jeans up. I love it. really.

Dear Bluebird Cafe,
Thanks for one of my favorite Nashville experiences and for introducing me to This & That.

Dear This & That,

You rock. Now really, how did you know just the song to sing? Y'all are officially my favorite duo and I am hoping extra hard that you have all the success in the world.

Dear Summer Nights,
Thanks for providing the perfect excuse to hang out until wee hours with a few favorite people I haven't had the pleasuring of seeing for quite some time.

Dear Centennial Park,
Thanks for being a beautiful green space smack dab in the middle of the city. It doesn't hurt that you have a life size replica of the Parthenon either. Also, much appreciation for providing the perfect backdrop for a self-timer photo shoot.


Dear Nashville restaurants in general,
You have some of the most delectable, taste bud satisfying, homecookin' food that I've tasted in quite a while. Loveless Cafe, Gigi's, Pancake Pantry, Merridee's Breadbasket...sheesh.



Dear David,
Thanks for being the best tour guide ever. We loved every minute of you showing off your summer/possible future city.

Dear 10+ hour drive home,
Thanks for allowing hours of "hot topic" conversation. And thanks for being a perfectly good excuse to hang out 10+ extra hours with Mark and Alexis.

Dear Nashville (yes, one more time),

Thanks for being the backdrop for our friend reunion. You may have only held our attention for a long weekend, but you now permantely hold several of our long-term memories.

Keep in touch,

Caitlin

nashvillin'

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I'm heading out for Nashville today. I'll be driving with a favorite friend for a long weekend visit with another favorite friend. Really, I have no idea what our agenda is, except hang out and revel in one another's company, which after all, is the real point of friendship anyways. Nashville, let's do this!

optimist convention 2010

Discovering a new city...really fun.
finally seeing eclipse...awesome.
Spending time with family you don't see all the time...so wonderful.

Giving a petite speech en francais...slightly terrifying.

Having your petite speech en francais well received...totally worth it.
Watching your dad soar into place as the next president of Optimist International...so beyond cool it makes you swell with pride and say, "yeah, that's my dad!"

the new santa fe

While I expected Denver to be a city with plenty of free and easy natives, what I didn't expect was the incredible amount of outdoor art, so much so that Denver is being called, "the new Santa Fe." There seriously seemed to be an outdoor installation on every corner. I love that the city has made art a forefront element to Denver culture. The pictures above are from a larger-than-life sculpture outside the hotel I stayed in.

Even more intriguing than the magnitude of art was the presence of public pianos up and down 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. Available for anyone and everyone to play, each piano was uniquely painted. Talk about putting an emphasis on the arts...

tattered cover

The Tattered Cover Bookstore is one the largest independently owned bookstore in the country and is a dream to wander around in for an hour or two. Housed in what was originally a town store from the 1800s, Tattered Cover stretches three floors up with wood floors and large built-in bookshelves. Armchairs, benches, and couches sit here and there, simply waiting for you to join them with a pleasurable book. There's a special charm to independently owned bookstores- they're a little warmer, a little quirkier, and a lot more convincing to spend not only your money, but also your day.

a pecos recap

"I can feel you all around me, thickening the air I'm breathing."- David Crowder

These lyrics ran through my mind quite often while backpacking a few weeks ago- especially when the climb became an authentic struggle. It's impossible to be in the wilderness and to not be continually compelled by the greatness of God. His work is all around you and it makes you wonder if perhaps this is a glimpse into what eternity will look like...

crepes & crepes

Cute little crepe restaurant in downtown Denver? Yes, please. Allow me to indulge with a strawberry, blueberry, and nutella crepe for breakfast? I'll definitely be coming back. Make me feel like I'm experiencing a tiny bit of France in the middle of the Rockies? You had me at bonjour.

gone walkin

I'm leaving today for the mountains. I'll be gone for a week, backpacking the spectacular New Mexican wilderness. Mountains, valleys, more stars than you ever imagined, quiet, solitude, challenges, and adventure. No iPhone, no computer, zero contact with the outside world, and very little contact with other people outside of those in my group. It's a chance to take stock of yourself, regroup, time to talk and walk with God, and enjoy the basic pleasures of life. This will be my first backpacking trip without my dad and he will be missed.

Walk with me and work with me- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:29-30