Okay, so it’s a little icky out there, and maybe your Christmas shopping plans went out the window. I hear ya. I’m a tad behind, too. But maybe today can be one of those spend-time-with-family-get-caught-up-on-laundry-redo-all-my-todo-lists days. And then when this icy stuff clears up, you can hit ground running! Lots happening in the Burg this week!
Check out the Happynings here!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
This year for Christmas my kids are asking for things like an iPod Touch. A smart phone. A laptop.
And I’ve told them, NO FREAKING WAY. You’re a kid!
And when I was a kid (here we go, with the “back in the day” crap we parents all subject our kids to), I remember pouring over the Sears catalog and folding down the corners of pages that contained things I wanted. Like play kitchens with all the cute little pots and pans and pretend cereal boxes and velcro cupcakes. Or the Holly Hobby Easybake Oven (which I got when I was six). Or a Hot Wheels race track. Not motorized, although it WAS cool when that came along… but those flimsy orange track pieces with the blue, tongue-shaped connector pieces.
And Tinker Toys. I loved Tinker Toys. And board games. And Lite Brite. You’re getting excited, aren’t you?
And that’s why this year I’m doing some shopping at this place:
That’s right! If you weren’t aware before now, there’s a toy shop in the basement of Glen’s Fair Price, and YOUWOULDNOTBELIEVE the old school toys down there!! Eeeeeeeee!! You could put me in a play pen with some Lincoln Logs and Tommy Atomic and I’d be happy for hours. Days, if I’m within reach of a mini-fridge.
Your heart will swell when you see Stratego. You’ll get goosebumps over Pig Pong, and you’ll get full-on palpitations when you see the John Deere toys. You’ll want to buy every single Star Wars action figure AND Gettysburg action figure, and on the drive home, you’ll fantasize about an epic battle between past and future. You might even return to the store to buy yourself the Executive Putting Green (it actually says “Feel Your Stress Disappear” on the box!). You’re bound to find something your kids have never seen before, something no other kid has.
how could anyone NOT want a Conehead figurine??
So feast your eyes on these gift ideas. Then blow your kid’s mind on Christmas morning!
Stay tuned for more photos this week! Glen’s Fair Price is located on North Main, just past the Blue Nile, and not quite to Chanello’s. See you out and about!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
I don’t know about you, but I TOTALLY got into vacation mode during Thanksgiving. It seriously JUST occurred to me that I’ll be getting up and heading back to work tomorrow.
But what a lovely Thanksgiving it was. My home was filled with children. I cooked my first turkey (yes, I know, I’m 41), and it was AWESOME. Lots of people told me to use the oven bag, and boy, were they right! A lot of melted butter whisked with white wine didn’t hurt either.
And so now the race is on to Christmas. This week there are lots of holiday-related activities and events to help ease the stress of shopping, including a Christmas concert, an Alternative Gift Market, and great artwork featured at December’s First Friday. It’s a beautiful time of year to live in our friendly city, in many, many ways. Happy Holidays, everyone! Here’s some information to help you plan your week!
Today’s sermon was, appropriately, about gratitude and its ability to foster generosity. The cycle of being grateful and sharing and being shared with and being grateful. It smacks of karma, an idea that most religions promote, albeit through different lenses and with different words. There must be something to it, huh?
What was very touching about the sermon was this: whatever you can give, it’s enough. Whatever form your giving takes, it’s enough.
This week I’m grateful for the extra six little feet running through my home, for love and kindness, for healthy kids, for a warm house, for a vibrant community that seems to give and give, endlessly.
Happy Thanksgiving!! Here are your weekly Happynings!
LOVE!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
How it feels at Spitzer Art Center…
Did I mention that all the participants offered door prizes? Yow!!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Brandy and Denise have the best ideas. First Art Lotto, and then Wonderkittens, and now this!
Get this: the two of them organized an event at Spitzer Art Center, where local photographers could set up an exhibit of their work for an evening and recruit new clients. Potential clients had the luxury of “shopping” for a photographer for their event — be it a wedding, a family reunion, a new baby, or whatever one’s imagination dreams up, really — in one space, and in person.
The place was busy that night. For three hours, dozens upon dozens of curious customers perused the displays of eight photographers, plus a display of upcycled glassworks by Ben Fraits, all to the live music of local cellist Rashaad Jones, the freshly brewed coffee of Lucas Roasting Company, and a room full of delicious food where I found meatballs several times that evening.
The types of photography varied greatly, but the quality was top-notch at every display. Pinwheel Collective’s casual display featured casual, yet touching, topics: for instance, an older couple embracing in their kitchen, and in the next photo, walking together along a grove of trees.
Danilion Photography’s simple yet elegant photos prove that one doesn’t need a lot of fancy props or costumes — just an eye for the beautiful, while Lauren Rogers‘ wedding photos were out of this world. And she’ll even do a boudoir session — rowl! Those photos go in a book for you and your mate to enjoy… at your discretion, ahem.
Kristina Thompson focuses on family/couples/wedding portraiture, senior pictures, and BABIES (ohmygosh!), and between her and Kelly Williams, I thought I would die of a cute attack. There was one photo in particular of twins wearing knitted britches that made me want to borrow an infant for a few days.
Sometimes referred to as “the lightning guy,” Brian Ripley displayed large photographs printed on aluminum for a cool, shimmery effect… absolutely stunning images of sunsets, skies, and various time-lapse light experiments.
Ruby Sky’s display reflected their love of the vintage. Photographs featured suspenders and barns and old cars; an old train car; a retro laundromat, and even an old bus… displayed with antique plates. And rounding out the evening was Samantha Ritter — a dedicated wedding and portrait photographer who takes a lovely combination of classic wedding shots plus interesting close-ups and unique perspectives.
Ben’s upcycled glassworks were something new for me… I wanted everything at his table, plus a glass of wine.
And all this beautiful work was supported by the music of Rashaad Jones, the coffee of Lucas Roasting Company, and floral arrangements by Sparrows Floral Design. Check out all their sites and see what they have to offer you!
You can also support your neighborhood art center by becoming a member. Oh, and don’t forget… the event planners, Brandy and Denise, are ultra-talented, too and might be just what you’re looking for! Stay tuned for tons more photos… of photos… this week!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Some of the many business owners and volunteers who made this day fun for everyone! Thank you!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
My son was showing off his newly acquired Halloween jokes in the car.
“What’s a ghost’s favorite movie?”
“Ghostbusters?”
“No, BOOty and the Beast!” Silly giggles. Then, “What’s a ghost’s favorite movie?”
“Uh, BOOty and the Beast?”
“No, Black BOOty!” Sillier giggles. Then we noticed the people in the car next to us were also laughing… and looking at us… how did they hear our jokes? Oh wait, they were laughing at the slice of bacon in my back seat.
We met Brandy, Spongebob, and Ella UnDead downtown for Harrisonburg’s annual Halloween on the Square, a fun, family-friendly, and more-safe-than-scary tradition. It’s a great idea: get the trick-or-treating done early so everyone’s sugar high will be over by bedtime. And parents won’t be freezing their butts off trick-or-treating in the dark. And those die-hard Halloween fans can still go trick-or-treating on actual Halloween in their own neighborhoods. Plus, Halloween on the Square offers face painting, and arts and crafts, and music and dance performances, and carnival games, all from 10am to 2pm.
I have to say, I’ve never heard the word “bacon” so many times as I did that day. Someone a hundred yards behind us would scream, “Bacon!!!” just as someone passing us would say, “Hey, it’s bacon!” Bree whipped out her own joke: “Nice to MEAT you!” and to every shop owner handing out candy she said, “Trick or meat!” We even ran into the Bacon family–my friend Darcy and her girls–and felt compelled to say hello.
And then Bree found her soul mate — Deviled Egg. Dana’s actually a teacher from Bree’s former day care. Reunited!
Cal, feeling a little envious of all the attention she was getting, secretly wished his sister would get at least nibbled by all the many puppies and dogs strolling around town that day. And when we got to Blue Ridge Dog, our downtown dog boutique, Cal practically pushed her through the door with an evil laugh. They, by the way, were handing out Kit Kats. Ha!
We saw lots of awesome costumes that were not meat-related. Cal and Blake were easily recognized in their homemade Charlie Brown and Spongebob get-ups, and Ella was hands-down the prettiest zombie in the hood.
candy break.
And just get a load of these!!
Love this family!
Cutest. Scarecrow. EVER.
crime fighting team!
Many thanks to Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance for hosting the event and to all the businesses and volunteers who were so, so kind to so many monsters!
We have a whole lot more pictures, so stay tuned all week! You might see someone you know!
Copyright © 2012 – 2013 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers.This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
This is the time of year I want chili and cider and all sorts of warm and spicy food. I get cold easily, and to stay warm, some days I’m in the bathtub three times. Brandy calls me her “clean friend.” Time to dig out those long johns, flannel pj’s, fuzzy slippers, and Snuggi’s. And if that doesn’t warm you up, our friendly city sure will! Here’s what’s happyning in the burg this week!
Sorry for the lateness of this post. I have a good reason: it’s raining.
Just kidding. Today’s my son’s birthday and we were busy this weekend! Just look at him!
Hope you have a week where your wishes come true and you get some cake! Here are this week’s Happynings!
I have at least a hundred trees in my yard, and while I’ll be cursing them loud enough for the neighbors to hear in a few weeks because I’m wading shin-deep in fallen leaves, right now I love them and the golden-orange glow they cast over the whole property.
The prettiest tree I have is a hickory nut tree that sits right outside my large living room window. Right now its leaves are the color of French’s mustard and Buffalo wing sauce, and against the bright blue sky, it’s almost too beautiful to look at.
What makes the tree even more special is that it should be dead. Woodpeckers attacked it long ago, and now squirrels make their home inside the trunk. I can literally see a squirrel enter the tree through a hole at the bottom and then reemerge from a hole twenty feet up. The tree is completely hollow. It should be dead. It could crash on the house any second. Yet, it’s teeming with life, inside and out. Year after year, it continues to leaf out and produce nuts and shower my living room with warmth.
I just wanted to share that.
Take some time this week to gaze at your favorite tree. And here’s the rest of what’s happyning in the burg this week!
Life is about choices. Do I take this path or that? Do I buy this car or that? Do I attend this college or that? Do I order beef tacos or chicken?
This week, you all have some tough choices to make. Unless you figure out a way to clone yourself so you can attend everything. If you do, please tell me how. However, I would prefer if the real you tells me, not your clone, because that would be creepy.
First Friday is upon us again (yay!!), but also these fine events: the 47th Annual Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale, Dayton Autumn Celebration, JMU’s Fall Bulb Sale, the Collins Center Disco Gala, a Rocktown Rollers bout, the Latino Film Festival at Court Square Theater, and a ton of live music.
So, mull this over, and choose wisely, people. You won’t get a do-over til next October. Happy Happynings, H’burg!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
When I was growing up, golf was a pretty big deal in my family. My dad, who was semi-to-mostly retired when I was seven years old, played golf two or three times a week. At home, all that was ever on the television was golf or CNN. Except Knight Rider, which I watched with Daddy on Friday nights, and The Cosby Show/Golden Girls, which Mom and I watched on Thursdays. And our weekly dose of Solid Gold, which we all watched in the family room with tray tables and Salisbury steak. But other than that, golf occupied a good deal of Daddy’s recreational life. And he was good. And he never rode the cart. Hardcore, he was.
Mom played with him, too, of course, and while they never forced any of us to play, it was hard to live in that house without eventually picking up a club. Sure enough, my older brother and sister started playing and still do. But my brother uses a golf cart. As the joke goes in my family, eighteen holes is a long way to lug a cooler of beer.
Yet somehow, I didn’t get the golf chromosome. I’m also a red-headed, left-handed synesthete; I’m used to being the weird embodiment of my ancestors’ recessive traits. Dad died several years ago, but today I’m happy to report that he’s sure to be smiling somewhere, knowing that I’ve finally embraced the game of golf through my son (and Dad’s namesake) and First Tee of Harrisonburg.
Cal’s loved golf since he got that brightly colored Little Tykes golf set… and then graduated to Wii golf… and then got another set of toy clubs. So when I found The First Tee’s web site and saw that he was old enough to sign up, we were very excited!
The First Tee is a non-profit organization that “promotes character-development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.” They serve about a thousand kids, ages 5 – 17, every year in the Shenandoah Valley. They offer several programs for different ages and ability levels. Cal started in Little Legends, which is for 5- and 6-year-old kids. He’s about to turn seven, so his next program will be PLAYer, which he can take any number of times until he turns nine and can advance to the next level.
A typical Little Legends lesson was like this. First the kids (about seven of them) and the coaches (two of them) warmed up doing moves like washing machine and toe touches. Then the kids practiced hitting different targets with drivers and giant, over-sized golf balls. After that they headed to the driving range, where they were given standard-size golf balls and allowed to whack as many as they wanted as far as they could. Bree was perfectly happy watching all this, but the program director was kind enough to ask her if she’d like to hit some balls, so she did. And she loved it! Sometimes the kids also practice on the 5- or 6-hole putting green.
The instructors are excellent — patient, attentive, and knowledgeable, making sure to help each and every child individually. The First Tee is located at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course, which is ridickers beautiful. I still didn’t really have a desire to play, but I could sit and look at that scenery for hours, surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, warm sun and a refreshing breeze.
Their fall season is underway, but it’s not too late to sign up. We’ll be out there again in October. Each level is conveniently offered at several different times, usually twice a week for an hour, and it’s only fifty bucks for six sessions. They even provide clubs if you need to borrow some. Check out their site today and get the family signed up!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Here we are at the edge of October, already! The weather’s cooling off, and before long, that gorgeous blue sky will stretch across the horizon, dotted by bright, crayon-box leaves. And then raking. Lots and lots of raking. But also football! And evenings around the fire pit! And the anticipation of the holidays :)
Hope you all have a lovely week as we welcome autumn to our fine city. Here’s what’s going on!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
i love my burg. 