Random Moments

Here are a few more snapshots of my weekend - before the rain came! Happy Saturday!!!

1. Me taking photos of me, looking rather pigeon-toed
2. The Wicked Hop, Milwaukee: always good for a drink on the sidewalk
3. Coquette Cafe, Milwaukee: authentic bistro fare in the Third Ward
4. Anthropologie: oh, how I love that store.
5. Lakefront Beer: My most favorite IPA this side of the ole’ Mississippi. Mmm.

Tweedy, the Brewers Fan

Photo credit CJ Foeckler and The Pabst Theater

Here’s just a fun photo from the other night at the Pabst. Happy weekend everyone! I’m off to Gallery Night.

PS! The night of the second show, we got to “participate” in a photo shoot for the new Wilco album cover (tentatively called Hemispheres.) By participate, I mean stand in a line while a photog snapped pics of the side of our faces. It was fun no-less. Maybe you’ll see my arm…and then I’ll be famous. hehe.

The Saddest Kiss That Ever Was…

Apparently, I have issues with abandoned candy (see Urban Decay.) I warn you, this is strange commentary.

Saturday was a bright, unusually warm day in the Third Ward. We were out shopping, lunching and doing the Saturday thing. While strolling leisurely down the sidewalk, I saw something in the distance. I immediately recognized the golden foil wrapper, the little paper flag and the adorable drop shape of a Hershey kiss on the ground. At first I thought, “What a shame. That chocolate would’ve been delicious.” But on second thought, it struck me as the saddest thing I’d seen all day; one lonely Hershey kiss melting into the winter sidewalk. You might be thinking…c’mon, thats ridiculous. But is it? I think not and here is why:

1. This little bit of heaven is called a KISS. A kiss is the ultimate symbol of love and affection toward another. There is a reason we give these tasty morsels as gifts on Valentine’s Day.

2. The kiss appeared to be purposely placed upright directly below a copper drain. What heartless jerk would abandon a kiss so carelessly? Would they also abandon a puppy?

3. Through harsh Wisconsin weather and the drippy torture of the drain, this little kiss tried his hardest to be strong. His flag stood tall and his wrapper glistened in the light as if calling out to passers-by, “Take me home. Savor me. I’m still just as good as the other kisses.” What a champ.

Alas, I did not take the little guy home (because thats strange) but I did take his photo. I’m declaring him the official Hershey Kiss of Valentine’s Day 2009. Now kiss someone you love and never neglect your chocolate.

Hello, Broadway Paper

I’ve been in love with Broadway Paper, a Milwaukee Third Ward gem, for years now. If you appreciate the tactile experience of fine paper, the sound of heels on a hardwood floor and the visual/emotional journey of good design…well…you’d love Broadway Paper too. It is a fabulous experience from start to finish, not to mention that they have the best wrapping paper and card selection this side of the Mississippi.

That said, imagine my surprise when Broadway Paper owner, Tracie, contacted me with a request to carry some PaperMichelle designs. After the initial disbelief…I cried, sobbed, laughed and thought…”Oh gosh, I have obligations to someone!” Gulp. I immediately packed up some of my little darlings, wrapped them in plum tissue paper and sent them off to their new home.

In honor of this milestone, my personal photographer (cough, cough…boyfriend) and I took a field trip to visit the babies at Broadway Paper. We brought the super-serious camera and snapped many a photograph. (I think we freaked out a couple customers that thought they were in the middle of a photo shoot…sorry, BP!) It was a blast, however surreal. I was absolutely thrilled to see the cards hanging out in such a beautiful shop. In fact, I can’t think of a better place for them.

Please check out Broadway Paper’s website here.