Nostalgia – West Seventh Freelance

Aunt Norma

My Aunt Norma died last week. She was my Dad’s youngest sister and the last living sibling at 92. Norma brought out the best in people. One of my cousins remarked on this. It was definitely true regarding my father, her big brother, who could be crabby, gruff, silent…you name it. Norma managed to smoothContinueContinue reading “Aunt Norma”

Then and Now

It is graduation season and Father’s Day is just around the corner. It is also time to take a moment to celebrate old friends. I met up with a dear friend of 40 years to spend a few hours chatting while the Mississippi River- still overflowing the banks- rolled on by. Today, our nephew DavidContinueContinue reading “Then and Now”

Scanning The Past No. 2: Remembering Headington

Update! I have reconnected with Kathryn by email! Over 50 years later it is my hope that we will get to know one another again. 🌞 The Fall of 1969 my family moved to Kirtlington, Oxfordshire, England for a year. My Dad began a sabbatical and I was immersed in the life of an EnglishContinueContinue reading “Scanning The Past No. 2: Remembering Headington”

Scanning the past

With the help of an Epson scanner, I am starting to sort through photos from the 1940’s and slides and photos from the 1960’s through the 70’s. Regrettably, the slides were kept in less than optimal conditions but it is a worthy challenge :). 1948- My brother Mark, sister Ginny, mother, Florence, and Grandma RubyContinueContinue reading “Scanning the past”

Tearing It Down

The old garage/ shed will soon be gone- after 20 years of meditating on its fate. I thought it would be nice to create a tribute to the structure that was used as a backdrop for ‘rustic’ senior photos- and other photography; and as a repository for a multitude of things- but never a car.

Weekly Photo Challenge: (happy) Nostalgia

I thought about the idea of ‘ nostalgia ‘ most of the day today. There is great joy in the memory- and the knowledge that weathering the emotional storms allows me to look at the photograph with love. Dad, Thea (just turned 40) and Andrew (also a 40 something…) at the North Lake Adirondack cabin on anContinueContinue reading “Weekly Photo Challenge: (happy) Nostalgia”

Purging the House and Sharing a Memory

I took a few days off work this week. After reading two mysteries and cleaning the house I decided it was time to continue the daunting task of purging. This has meant pulling boxes of photos and memorabilia out of closets and crawl spaces and being as ruthless as possible. The tour books, postcards andContinueContinue reading “Purging the House and Sharing a Memory”

Hip Zip 55102: Burn Unit: Coffee Ward

For awesome chai and killer cinnamon muffins (made fresh!), visit Burn Unit Coffee Ward 945 West 7th, St. Paul. :). Owner Christina Graham-Ziton creates an inviting space filled with art and cozy retro spaces (not to mention her fantastic baked goods). You can also sample Kava, a unique treat!

Hip Zip 55101: Your Turn Vintage/ Retro & Antiques

Your Turn Vintage, located at 365 East 7th St, St. Paul, MN is a vintage/ retro/ antique heaven! Manager Niki will happily show you around the amazing collections that include vintage vinyl, records, hats and clothing, jewelery, kitchen wares and ceramics, lunch boxes, posters…and well, more than you can impossibly imagine. In warmer months theContinueContinue reading “Hip Zip 55101: Your Turn Vintage/ Retro & Antiques”