Voting with the Applause-O-Meter

Good evening citizens of these United States. Today I voted. Today I struck a blow for hope. Today my friend K voted. She made her choice for a new leader. There were many people voting early today.

The lines were long but the election judges were determined to keep things moving. We took our ballots, we gave our name and number, we agreed not to switch places in line. In fact, we agreed not to move from our position in line for any reason. I assume emergencies and natural disaster were accounted for ahead of time. And with agreements in place and ballots in hand, I headed off to my semi-private voting box. Am I too young to remember the voting boxes you see in movies? They looked like photo booths or shower stalls, only less entertaining. They are a lot less entertaining now.

Ms. June Carter-Cash. Leader of Canines for Change.

I cast my vote for Obama. I know you're supposed to keep your vote a big secret but I don't see why. I'm proud of my vote. I'm excited about this new era of leadership and I see a better, more aware, more educated future ahead of us. I'm embracing the change whole-heartedly. It's my most sincere hope that McCain gets his hat handed to him.

In other exciting news, K and I saved a dog today! We were on our way to vote when we both spied this lovely little pup.

Her name is Coco and she is a very sweet German Shorthair Pointer. She was cowering in the tall grass along side a very busy road. We pulled off onto the side of the road and approached the dog slowly. I bent down and held my arm out toward her and she came right to me. She was scared, it was heart-breaking. Anyway, K started making phone calls to see if anyone had reported her missing and I made arrangements to take her to the vet and to have her scanned for a microchip. It never ended up getting that far. Within 45 minutes we were in touch with Coco's owner through the police and they were reeunited shortly after that.

Apparently, Coco stepped on the electric window button at the same time the woman turned the corner and Coco just fell right out. Ouch! She had some bruising on her chest and ribs and she was bleeding a bit here and there, but overall she was in really good shape. I knew she had a home somewhere near, but in the back of my heart, I was hoping she could stay here. At least for a little while. Ultimately I am happy and relived that she is back home safe and sound.

Today I voted and I saved a dog's life. That's a very good day. xoxo- jenni

As I was saying...

What is it about Fall that gets me all fired up? The colors go without saying right? The smell is a definite contender. The smell around here is especially nice. On the weekends, the air gets hazy and smells like burning leaves. It's just chilly enough to make you stamp your feet a bit around the fire pit.

Beer tastes different in the fall and summer. Does that sound odd? That beer can resonate differently depending on season? Right now I look forward to pumpkin beers, which I inevitably dislike, but continue to look forward to year after year. I'm also looking forward to the Chimay that Mister and I will be enjoying now that the holidays have arrived. I thought I was going to be writing about the splendors of Fall, but it turned into a tribute to Beer. I can live with that.

Firkin, Libertyville, IL

We'll be traveling for Thanksgiving this year and I'm really looking foward to the trip down south. The fall colors will be a bit later than ours and I'm hoping to get some great shots. This will be my first big holiday with my new camera since the 4th of July.

Speaking of photos... I thought I'd upload a few from some recent events for some of my special readers. Thanks guys!

Warhol Pete

Kids + Dogs

Evan + Poojan

Emily + the Hula Hoop

Pianta Pieces

Halloween is in 2 days. I bought a sad little supply of candy this year. I think I need a pumpkin. Maybe tomorrow I'll pick a couple up and Mister can carve his yearly masterpiece. g'nite. xoxo- jenni

Just Popping In...

I know I've been away for some time and I hope you will forgive me. I have been swamped with work these last few weeks and I am just beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Fall has arrived in all her seasonal beauty and I owe her a tribute. It's on my list of things to do. Here is a tiny nod to the splendor of this season.

taken from my reclined seat at the firepit in our backyard

In other exciting Fall news...Halloween is almost here! I will admit that I am a little lackluster this year as we approach, what has always been, one of my favorite holidays. So I ask you, what has happened to Halloween? More on that as well...

wonderful urban stoop jack-o-lanterns

Last but not least I would like to talk about this most important upcoming election. This is another topic that requires proper attention be paid. So for now, I leave you with this image from my recent trip to Wicker Park with good friend Kristin. (be sure to check out her recipe for creamy potato leek soup)

taken from the corner of north + milwaukee in chicago, il

So check back later this week for more updates and thoughts about this and that.

ps. i have added new items to my Etsy store. Stop by and take a look. I'll be adding Holiday cards and more yoga accessories soon! xoxox- jenni