Just a few words…my departed brother’s son- my beloved nephew, David. Taken in Asheville, NC
West Seventh Freelance
Photography, seeking, writing…and learning along the way. Want to come along?!
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Grand on two counts: flight and the Smoky Mountains as seen from the air on the approach to Asheville, NC.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/grand-photo-challenge/
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Baby it’s cold outside… -
Dateline: December 5, 2013, 15:04 Central Time/ MinnesotaI have, unwittingly, corrupted Grandma Ruby’s Ginger Jelly Cookie Recipe. Yes, I intended to cut them into tree shapes (!gasp!), but I did not intend to leave out a good portion of the ingredients. Lucky for me, Minnesota has been noted as one of the states now known for cursing and being not-so-nice, dontchaknow…(seriously? People are getting paid to compile these stats? I need a job!!!)
But, I digress. I thought I measured and mixed:
But…oops! They are not quite as crispy ‘cause I left out 2 cups of the “dry, day-old, cake/ cookie, or in my case, home-made-cereal-gone-wrong crumbs…
And yet…they taste pretty darn good. Please note! Dear Canadian family, I proudly fly the Canadian maple leaf atop the cookie pile!
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Winter may be upon us but my pursuit of interesting places in the “hip zip” 55101 continues. Of course The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar in Lowertown is on my list. A favorite of many since opening its doors in early 1998, it started out as a place for coffee and conversation and has grown to include a menu of fresh, local foods, wine, and a diverse presentation of art and music.
During my visit today I met Karl Warnke, local filmmaker. He is currently working at Black Dog, noting that Sara Remke (one of the owners) is a true patron of the arts. Karl, a regular customer, worked for the Black Dog summers at the adjacent St. Paul Farmer’s Market and signed on 3 months ago as a manager. His true passion, film-making, was recognized at the 2013 Twin Cities Film Fest. The see Karl’s directorial debut, A Letter Home, and view his other work, visit Karl Warnke on Vimeo.
Liam Watkins, First Communion After Party guitarist was also at Black Dog this morning and graciously agreed to a photo-op. Everybody has to check out the music video, Sleepaway– awesome!Next stop for me? Who knows!
Little black dogs everywhere!
Stained glass art over front door
Reality!
Cup holder anyone?!
Diana
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The little orange cat looked up at me through the side door of The Chestnut Street Inn. Because I had not done my homework, I did not know that this was THE Mr. Pumpkin Pie, feline resident and official greeter.The Inn, located in the Chestnut Hill Historic District of Asheville, NC, is part of a unique neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1983). Pumpkin Pie’s home, built for William R. Whitson (ca. 1905 by J.M. Westall), is a lovely Grand Colonial Revival with gorgeous dark woodwork, including a graceful closed stringer stairway, arts & crafts wainscoting, and elaborate mirrored mantles.
Pumpkin Pie, resident cat at Chestnut street Inn Guests stay in classically elegant rooms with names like The Blue Ridge, Biltmore and the Chestnut Hill Room. There is also the option of the roomy and beautifully appointed Beau Catcher Suite adjacent to the main house. With a whirlpool tub, separate living and bedroom areas and gas fireplace, this is a perfect accommodation for a romantic–or working getaway, and is where we stayed!
Innkeeper LaDonna and her amazing staff have an easy camaraderie with guests and one quickly appreciates the artistic and holistic spirit that embodies Asheville– and keeps people coming back. The Chestnut Street Inn is a must!
Happily, Pumpkin Pie and I made peace in the warm sun on the side porch. The wide front porch with rockers invitingly queued is a favorite spot. If you like, there is a basket of soft blankets tucked neatly inside the front door so you can rock and watch the birds in the early morning, protected from any chill in the air.
David and his mom, Sue
Pumpkin Pie -
An amazing Thanksgiving is a memory and we soldier on… My nephew (via LA), his mom (who drove from Oak Ridge, TN) and my partner and I met in Asheville, NC for the long holiday weekend. Photos first…stories later :). Christine
Taking a picture of David taking a picture
Ashville street scene
The wall at Asheville Brewery and pizza
Nephew David and me
Counter Help
Chris Neville at Wicked Weed
Chestnut Street Inn
Chestnut Street Inn Welcome!
Pumpkin Pie, resident cat at Chestnut street Inn
Staff from the Re-Generation Station
Kath and David
The Wine list
Truffles, truffles, truffles…mr. bowie
God is in town
Latte to go
Pumpkin Pie
Rockers at Chestnut Street Inn
David and his mom, Sue -
No doubt many of you have seen the efforts of Mashable to spread the word about Miles, the little boy with leukemia, who’s express desire to the Make-A-Wish Foundation was to be Batkid for a day. This morning I saw, to my absolute delight, the MOVIE TRAILER, made by YouTube user SandD2012…
Where there may be darkness, shine light- and hope!http://mashable.com/2013/11/22/batkid-rises/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link
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A few pictures and then some words:
For the last year I have been on a journey to figure out my “creative self”.
I know I love to work with, and photograph, kids. I also feel really good supporting the work of local organizations and I would do just about anything for free. This is where things start to fall apart. I have not had success finding meaningful work- that pays. I have decided it is time to set aside dreamy notions and get practical. Perhaps it is time to rethink everything…Hopefully, I will be back soon with a happy update. All my best, Christine
West Seventh Freelance 
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