a downtown story

From a series of twelve prints in Main Library’s atrium. Reproduced from Sun Over a City, a limited edition book of linoleum prints by Will Collins in 1934. Mr Collins was the Library Director from 1929-1942. The prints depict Akron scenes from the time, emphasizing industrial settings such as factories, railroad yards and of course, a blimp hanger. That one (the second above) is my personal favorite.

• listening: Monkey Business (Radio Edit) – Pet Shop Boys
• watching: Below Deck – the guiltiest of guilty pleasures. This truly is the golden age of television, folks
• reading: I’ve been following along with the January Cure, over on Apartment Therapy. There are daily projects and tips to help organize your home, and well, life. This article about work spaces was particularly insightful. I feel like I do a good job of keeping my area neat, but I like the intentional nature of going through the things that I have at work and deciding if it’s essential to my work day. Please note: the plants are definitely essential. They make oxygen
• sipping: sparkling water, so much sparkling water. Sparkling water for my sparkling personality
• craving: Sheet pan salmon with citrus avocado salsa and potatoes – Half Baked Harvest

It’s only the 13th of January, yet it feels like this month should be wrapping up in the next few days. I certainly don’t want to rush the clock, but I need some room, some time, to breathe. On a brighter-bluer-note, Main Street now has a beautiful hotel open for business. I went on a little tour last week, it’s stunning. Bonus, they will be serving breakfast soon.

• listening: Put a Little Love On Me – Niall Horan
• watching: Designing Women – It’s our current “fall asleep to” show every night
• reading: Do you suffer from Home Blindness? This article from Apartment Therapy might help.
• sipping: 2017 Wilder Merlot – Columbia Valley, Washington
• craving: Cheesy Chicken Soup Casserole – Bakers Royale

Back to wintry temps after a breezy 70 degrees the day before. Typical January in Northeast Ohio.

• listening: Reasons I Drink – Alanis Morissette
• watching: Cheer – Netflix
• reading: Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier – Aldo Sohm
• sipping: 2016 Catena Malbec – Argentina
• craving: Mediterranean “Hercules” Skillet – The Gourmet RD

My regular view from my favorite seat at Akron Coffee Roasters. Greg and I stopped in to get our first stamps in our 2020 Drip Drive coffee passport program.

• listening: Nue – Clara Luciana
• watching: The Lighthouse – 2019 – Robert Pattinson & Willem Dafoe
• reading: The Wild Story of How Mary Steenburgen Wrote the Best Original Movie Song of the Year – David Ehrlich
• sipping: Limoncello La Croix
• craving: Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting – Baker By Nature

The eyes have it. Lately it feels like they have everything. But today, a good report from at least one of my specialists.

• listening: Mutate – Jeanne Added
• watching: The Good Place – You’ve Changed, Man
• reading: Shocking New Survey Reveals Hollywood Assistants Denied Health Care, Earn $14 an Hour – Rebecca Alter
• sipping: Paxis Red Blend – Portugal

The morning light in our bedroom was too good not to snap a photo of Ted.

Valentine tulips from Greg and a lemon and vanilla butter cream cake from me for Greg. I also rocked a pretty great dinner of roasted salmon over risotto with asparagus. Paired that with a delicious Argentinian Torronté.

I’m puzzled as to why I use so many sticky notes. Particularly when there’s a perfectly-good, brand-new notebook right there, just screaming to be scribbled in.

They do not spark joy. It probably would have been better if I had decided that pre-move to downtown. Oh well, it now feels as though my closet can breathe, and so can I. Next up…pants, sweaters and socks.