Day 147: Early Morning Thoughts

I woke up this morning around 3:30 so excited about ideas for elementary.  The birds were singing early this morning and my natural alarm seems to be set a couple hours earlier than I intended.  I have not been this excited about teaching in a long time.  So, I decided to get up and do a little grading and some more brainstorming.  I think I'm going to be a much better 5th grade teacher than an 8th grade science teacher (not that I think I am a bad one).

Today was road trip day to Indianapolis.  It was a jam packed schedule full of Goose the Market, West Coast Tacos, IMA Greenhouse, Lilly House, Garage Sale, Shadeland Antique Market, Brown's on Main, and Fair Oaks Farm for some cheese.  It was a very successful day and all goals were met minus finding a vanity/dressing table. 

Day 56: Road Trip

Today I took a quick trip to Indy with the Reece's.  It was a quickly planned trip because I was going through withdrawal symptoms.  This was Kendra's first trip to Indiana.  

Our first stop was at Brown's Antiques in Zionsville.  There are these yellow shutters there that I have seen several times and have loved each time I saw them.  A couple months ago, I even had a dream about them in my house.  I finally gave in today and bought them.  I don't have plans for them yet, but I just know that I love them.  The owner of the three buildings is such a friendly guy.  I find a little more joy in buying something from a place that I know the owners and feel as though I have made a contribution to their business.  I also was happy to find that the shutters were painted by a local artist.  I am very happy with my purchase.

Here you see some more images of the place.  When I took my photography tour in Venice, the guide said that you should try to focus on little details that make that city unique to you.  He said of course you are going to take the postcard pictures of San Marco and the Rialto, but dig deeper to find the typically unseen places of the city.  I found this guy on the door outside one of the little sheds at the antique store.  It reminded me of Venice.  I love visiting antique stores because there are so many of these hidden little gems, and it is like a game to find them and let the place tell its story.

This picture shows some of the buildings.  Visiting this area in the spring or summer is the best.  His gardens are absolutely beautiful and the paths have a rustic feel to them.  I highly recommend going to Brown's on 5th street in Zionsville if you are in the area.

From here we went to visit Noblesville so that I could check out the schools.  I think I would be very lucky to get in this area.  I am sending a prayer tonight for a little help with getting the edge that I need to get a job down there and make the move.

After Noblesville we ventured to Goose The Market to grab some meat.  From there we hunted down the West Coast Taco's food truck.  We were beginning to lose hope, but the big black truck unveiled itself and good food was eaten.  

Our next stop was the rental house that I saw online.  I really liked it when I looked at the website, but I loved it when I saw it in person.  It seems so perfect.  I love the neighborhood, the price is right, central air, two bedrooms, big windows, fireplace, garage, yard for a garden, etc.  I wish that I could grab it now before it is too late.  It looks like home.  Here is the website if you want to check it out.  Right now the upstairs and downstairs is available.

Our final stop was a dairy farm on the way home.  We tasted and bought some delicious cheeses.  All in all, it was a good day.

Day 36: Adventures While Walking

I love to go for walks.  When I say a walk, I probably mean more of a stroll by others' standards.  I don't walk to rush or simply for the purpose of exercise (even though it does provide some).  The best walks include a warm day, my camera, and sounds all around (whether it is nature or the city).  I think that what some people get from meditation, I get from a walk.  I can't say that my mind is cleared, but I do feel that it is focused.  There is a control that I have over my thoughts and what I choose to pay attention to.  This is a liberating activity.

Today, Kendra and I decided to enjoy the sunny skies and go for a walk down by the river.  There is this florist/greenhouse for sale, and I think the lot is full of stories.  The store is still stocked, and the outside area is still decorated with lawn ornaments.  I LOVE lawn ornaments.  I can't wait to have my own garden.

I am looking forward to many meaningful walks while I'm in Provence.  I can't wait to explore the markets, side streets, and hill towns of Southern France.  I have a feeling that I will not want to return home from this trip.  I also cannot wait to experience one night in Paris by myself.  I can make a detailed plan, or I can just go with whatever eggs me on.  I think Paris is one of the most walkable cities.  How can one not enjoy a city that has beauty everywhere?  What a way to end my trip...

I also hope that with my move (fingers crossed) that I will find myself constantly exploring the city and areas around.  There are many places to walk in Indy (Art Museum, Monan Trail, etc.).  I look forward to summer evenings and strolling the town. 

I have such a sense of excitement and hope coming over me today.  I think my mood definitely reflects the weather.  I thought for sure I would wake up with a fever and taken over by a cold, but somehow I still have not succumbed to the evil fate.  I have such a busy week with meetings, classes, my evaluation, and a conference in Chicago. I've got plans for my afternoon in Chicago after the conference, and I am hoping that illness does not hold me back.  How often do I get to go into Chicago, especially on a Tuesday?

Well, tonight is the superbowl, but I could care less about the teams.  I am watching to get a glimpse of Indy during an exciting time for the city.  I wish I could have gone down yesterday to check out Superbowl village.  But then again, I want to go down every day.