Blog

Music together

Amanda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:58:57 +0000

I spent Saturday morning at the Tiny Toes Music Together class in Hinsdale. This is the second time I've had the privilege of sitting in on a class and it's really a blast. If you have little ones I can't recommend this class enough, Roberta is super talented and the kids and adults alike have a great time.

Thank you

Amanda — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:28:49 +0000

I'm a minute late with this but I wanted to thank all of you that took the time to help me with Kevin's 40 memories birthday project. It felt really really good to watch him take a walk down memory lane. I cried, he didn't..but he did laugh a lot and I know it made him feel really special that you all were thinking about him.

The idea was shamelessly stolen from this lovely lady, and if any of you ever decide to do a memory project for someone I owe you a memory. Even if I have to make one up.

mushy.

Amanda — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:13:28 +0000

On Sunday I will celebrate my 7th wedding anniversary by putting my husband on a plane to Miami for two weeks. I will try not to think about the hurricane bearing down on Florida from the other direction. This is pretty emblematic of the year we've had; one filled with dizzying highs and gut crushing lows. Looking back on it though, I can't say I'd change a thing. Today it feels like we have wind in our sails and blue skies on our horizon after months of turbulent seas.

The last two months with Kevin largely absent have highlighted in stark detail all the ways in which my life is richer with him in it.

Kevin, when you are here I laugh 76% more and I change 100% fewer light bulbs. Thank you for being my partner in crime and home repair for these six trips around the sun. Let's do it again.

Last year

Don't go away mad

Amanda — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:16:31 +0000

I tease Kevin a lot about his taste in music. We are six years apart in age, but a generation apart in our musical wheelhouses. There is some overlap for sure, but his carefully ripped jeans were acid washed while mine were stone washed and topped with a flannel shirt.

So it was with some trepidation that I agreed to see the Poison/Motley Crue tour not once but twice this summer. It was no Pearl Jam, but I will not even pretend I didn't have a blast both times.

(All pics curtousey of my iPhone)

The best part by far was seeing Kevin relive his misspent youth.

Thick as a Brick

Amanda — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:27:02 +0000

A while back I was invited to shoot some photos of two local tribute bands, Fanfare and Silver Pipe. Man, I LOVE shooting live music and these guys were completely inspiring. If you are a fan of Prog both of these bands are a must see. You can catch Fanfare at the upcoming Ethelfest. My friends Grand Parade will also be there.

This was also my first concert shoot since aquiring the 5d and I have to admit I do not hate the high iso performance on this bad boy at all, no sir.

Fine Food

Amanda — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 02:04:36 +0000

My Aunt's family has owned Ledo's pizza in Countryside for as long as I can remember, but I didn't realize quite how long until I learned they were planning to celebrate their 50th anniversary this year! They did it up right with a huge celebration. It was an awesome time filled with live music, tons of activities and of course great food.

I know how much work went into planning this event and I think it was totally worth it, everyone had a blast. Even the mayor- despite his time in the dunk tank.

check out the full gallery here. And if you are ever in the neighborhood stop by Ledo's, they'd love to see you.

Zildjian says relax

Amanda — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:20:18 +0000

Summer has been action packed so far. This weekend I'm going to open a bottle of wine and pop in a True Blood dvd- slow down a bit. How about you?

Hey Dad, remember that time I drove a NASCAR?

Amanda — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 12:04:36 +0000

From my father I have received many useful gifts- a love of reading, and a love for photography among them.

Always he has been the voice in my head that insists I try new things; even if I'm scared, even if I'm no good at them. I'm a worrier, I fret endlessly over the most mundane of life situations. If left to my own devices I could probably live happily inside my own head reading books and watching streaming Netflix. My dad has always been there- quietly, firmly- urging me to live a big life.

Recently he sent me some photographic evidence that I am capable of great (and terrifying) adventure.

Watching my baby brother go first. Desperately trying to remember what the instructors said to do if the car catches fire (seriously.)

They squeeze you into those cars like veal. Now desperately trying to remember how to get the car into first gear.

Wheeeeeeee! I lapped that dude in the yellow car.

Thanks Dad, for making this happen and for reminding me, like you always do, that I can do anything.

Shuffle

Amanda — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:03:56 +0000

I'm one of those annoying folks that always has an iPod on. I pop my earbuds in while getting ready for work and don't take them out until I reach my desk. I stubbornly clung to my 2nd generation nano despite a cracked screen. My clip case was so ratty that it had more holes than material. Maybe that's why the poor thing finally kicked the bucket last week after an 8 mile run in a drenching downpour.

Kindly Kevin is letting me use his new new nano, which he purchased while training for a 5k last fall. He's not so much with the running anymore.

Anyway, when I appropriated the new new nano I didn't remove any of Kevin's music, I just put on the 20 songs I'm currently wearing a hole through and loaded up all my podcasts and audiobooks. Today I shuffled through just to see what was what. Once I sped past all the Rush I was treated to some songs I forgot I loved. Here - I will share them with you just in case you also forgot to love them.

Hair metal. Who saw that coming, right? This song is so emblematic of the 80's though. Soaring guitar? Check. Double entendre in the title? Check. Breakdown about sexy sexy lovemaking? Check and Check.

I love CCR. This song makes me feel oddly nostalgic for a time I never lived through. Or maybe it just makes me nostalgic for the Wonder Years. Whichever.

I think this song speaks for itself, no?

Thanks for the music Kevin. But seriously...Rush sucks.

chocolate lab party don't stop

Amanda — Tue, 31 May 2011 10:16:20 +0000

The holiday weekend was mostly a bust weather-wise. We did find ways to entertain ourselves indoors though. Ain't no party like a chocolate lab party!

No labradors were harmed in the making of this photoshoot.