[arch]inktober 2019 - week 1

 pens

 scale figures

 micro

 square

 five

 public art

venustas

the birth of a [dad]

on september 30th at 5:52 pm 8lb. 6oz. lucie grace came into this world, melted my heart and turned me into a dad.

my grandfathers [watch]

when i was 16, my grandfather gave me a watch.




i had just gotten my drivers license and he ask if i wanted to take him for a drive in his el camino. we drove the back roads of western kansas, until we came upon the family land. we stopped the car on the side of the road.  while looking at the field and telling me about the harvest, he took the watch off his wrist and put it on mine.  one of my all time favorite memories of him.

just three and a half years later, when i was attending college,  he passed away.

his watch is my most cherished possession.

since then, i've worn the watch at all of my lifes milestones.  it was worn at events such as proms, graduations, family gatherings, when i got engaged and when i received my architecture license.  i'd wear it to remind myself of him and in a little way i eel like he was there with me.


it should be no surprise to know than when we headed to the hospital for the birth of my first child, i was sure to put it on.  here i an looking at the watch, waiting for the doctors to pull me into the operating room, just 22 minutes before i'd meet my daughter.


thanks for being there with me grandpa.

love you.

with a little help from [my parents]

living 1,700 miles away from where i grew up, i don't get to see my parents nearly as much as i would like.  thankfully, they recently came up to visit.

this visit found us keeping the tourist attractions to a minimum and instead activities were focused more on house projects.  not only did they help weed the yard and trim the hedges, we found the time to put together the crib.  this was actually my favorite project of the week.  i enjoy knowing that the crib my child will eventually sleep in was put together by my parents.

it was a quick trip and we didn't do anything too terribly exciting, but in a way, just having them around the house to help with small projects made me feel like they lived in the same town, instead of guests visiting.

i just wish they were here to help with all the other items i have to put together! 

eating good in the [new] neighborhood

it's amazing how a slight change in position can change your perspective.


buying a house just a few miles from the old apartment, i assumed my list of favorite restaurants would change or be updated.  i was wrong.  just a little ways aaway from the new house sits 158 pickett street cafe. a low key, super casual place with incredible food!

this is not a "foodie" blog, simply a reminder to everyone to change your position just a bit every once in a while. doing so, just might change your perspective. it also might allow you to stuff your face with the best home fries ever!