Growing up on the mean streets of the pedmall of Iowa City was it's own adventure. My dad was in an improv troop so it was not uncommon to be in bars as a child watching his shows on a Thursday night while I did my math homework in the back. (That's also probably why math was not my strongest subject.) For my first communion I wanted to go to the Sports Column, and we did. It's a place that has changed quite a bit over the years but still holds a dear place in my heart. If you ever find yourself wanting to explore some unique shops, see great art or just people watch. This is your spot! Have fun my loves! Fun Fact! Our family friends recently came into ownership of the Iowa Artisan's Gallery downtown in Iowa City and it's full of so many wonderful pieces, stop in and say hello. And buy something that catches your eye!
0 Comments
No, my newest obsession isn't bacon. That's more like a lifelong obsession. No. It's street art. Living in Des Moines there is more and more street art popping up these days. But we have a long ways to go to catch up to Austin. Every street corner you turn, every back alley you walk though has even the tiniest bit of street art. It's just one of the ways that keeps Austin weird.
Not a lot of things give me life. But the amount of creativity and color at the Hope Outdoor Gallery gave me more than enough life on the day we stumbled upon it. Hidden in the hills of Austin, Texas on the tiny crowded Baylor street is a gem that is worth so many photo opportunities. Seriously, I think it would take multiple visits to be able to see every piece of art. I didn't get a chance to climb to the very top (heat exhaustion is the worst) but rumor has it you'll find quite the view up there! Next time, I'll be sure to make it up to the top, mostly to explore what appears to be a castle. Hogwarts is that you?! If you ever find yourself in Austin, make sure you stop by and check out this amazing project!
I've lived in Des Moines for just over 6 years and between driving from here to my hometown near Iowa City I have passed the exit sign for Pella hundreds of times. But last weekend I finally decided to make the 45 minute drive to Pella to see what all the fuss was about. And my oh my was the fuss on point. The town smelled wonderful, the people were so friendly and honestly it is one of the most lovely small towns I've ever been to. Tulip Time is Pella's annual festival celebrating dutch history with a parade and tulips on tulips on (you guessed it) tulips! If you ever get a chance to experience this wonderful town I beg you to! As I get more into my photography I've been trying to get out of my comfort zone a bit. This past weekend I ventured out to Ledges State park near Boone, Iowa for the first time and trust me when I say it was worth it. All the mud, even the part where I had to take my shoes and socks off to cross a path where the water, freezing cold water, was rushing through. On the bright side I got to wash off all the mud on my shoes. Although spring is just starting there was plenty of green moss to help add some life to these photos.
I can't wait to venture back when there's a few more leafs on all the beautiful trees. I have lived minutes, no seconds away from downtown as long as I've lived in Des Moines. Which by the way, just surpassed 6 years. I never thought I'd live here more than 6 months, yet here I am. I've now lived in Des Moines longer than anywhere else (except my childhood home in Hills, which I only lived there for 8). It's always amazing to watch the city you live in grow and change. Below are some of my favorite downtown photos I've taken over the years.
|
hello!Just a twenty-something girl taking photos of the world around her. Archives
June 2017
Categories |