I sort of get why they call it a "Flea Market" now.

Dear 27,
Crossed off #23 this afternoon with a necessarily brief trip to a Flea Market at the Fairgrounds. I originally added "Browse a Flea Market" to the list because I figured I would chance upon treasures: a box filled with delicate vintage postage stamps, wood-type stacked neatly among lead-type, tiny skeleton keys laid out on pretty saucers or sweet little piles of colorful tea cups. (You know, something like this, this, and especially this.)

Instead, the flea market looked like this. I passed by tables of surplus promotional materials (think the pens, coffee cups and chip clips your bank gives away), booths that looked like a basement was emptied into it, and that they didn't sift out the exceptionally weird stuff (think reflectors that had broken off the back of your childhood bicycle) or tables that had stacks of chip bags on them. (Seriously.)

Ok so the whole place didn't have the smell of the unwashed and the junky. There were swords, a spot that sold motorized wheelchairs (where I saw a woman negotiating with the seller a pretty intense payment plan) and a big booth that sold socks with the tags still on them. I did find this little gem of a belt buckle, that I nearly purchased. Would have been a nice brassy accessory for the PKN presentation.

I did spend $5 in the less than 20 minutes I spent in the 4-H building. A couple 45s (including "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack) and a couple vintage postcards. 

The muscle man is Bob McCune (Mr. America). The vendor gave me two of these cards, which are promotional cards for Sorensen's Health Gym (205 Grand Avenue, Des Moines 9, Iowa) where Mr. American tells me that there is "only one safe speedy way" to develop a "PHYSIQUE" like his. Can't wait to send that one to an unsuspecting recipient.

So the flea market wasn't a dreamy artsy haven, but it certainly showed me a bit of Des Moines I hadn't seen before and with only 50 days until 28, I crossed another one off the list.

xo-LP

Mock me if you wish. But it's true.

Dear 27,
A list of things that should embarrass me, but really don't. Although they do make me laugh. 
(Perhaps publishing this list will be something that actually does embarrass me.)


1. I once owned and wore proudly a Grant Hill Pistons jersey (I wonder where it is now...), a gift given to me by my AAU basketball teammates. We were a ragtag group of girls who didn't make the "good-enough" cut to play on "Swoosh" or "Force." We wore jerseys that looked like practice pennys and called ourselves the PeaceFrogs.
  1a. I did in fact play basketball in high school. 
  1b. And I did keep all the clippings from the Muscatine Journal.

2. I have never seen Caddyshack.
3. I have been to four American Idols LIVE concerts.
4. I dressed like this on my way to school once. (probably more than once.) And had that haircut. And those glasses. And damn I loved that messenger bag.

5. I "went out" with my first boyfriend because Becca said Rene Martinez liked me and that he was cool. I promptly broke up with him the following day, despite the fact that it was Valentine's Day. 
6. I don't really know my left from right.


You know you have some too. Share. It'll feel good to put it out there.
xo-LP

Out like a lamb.

Dear 27,
March was one serious month. Newport Beach, Agoura Hills, Chicago, San Deigo and so many meetings and events and many un-vacuumed days in my apartment. But as always, it was a whole bunch of fun.

And Rob Sheffield tells me this poem exists. The end of March came upon my life quickly. In April I sure have a lot of books to read...
xo-LP

Cookin. Again.

Dear 27,
So I'm not Sam Cookin a delicious pizza. But I did recipe write again.

Thank you Anne (remember when we made this all the time in college?) and Rachael Ray for being on tv right after class got out when we lived in that house on Jefferson Street. And even the pickiest of eaters enjoyed it. (And no. Duck sauce is not made of ducks.)

xo-LP

[Rocky] Balboa.

Dear 27,
In an effort to blog all 12 of my upcoming travel-free days (and to meet the challenge set forth by JP and the other JP), I'm heading back to Balboa Park (or at least sharing a bit more about this spectacular place and my sweet little Blackberry photos).

I had been advised to see Balboa Park by several San Diegoans so on my final day in SD (Not this SD, but this one) I set off for this "park" not knowing what to expect. Had I consulted, like a normal person, a map, I would have seen that Balboa Park wasn't just a plot of grass, but rather a zoo, a cluster of museums, an area filled with awe-inspiring architecture and a lush, fragrant garden.

Admittedly, I sang this the whole drive from The Pearl to the park. (And now you are too.) I admired the  Spanish-style buildings, gawked at the beauty of the Botanical Building, had coffee overlooking the sculpture garden and, honestly, couldn't possibly have seen everything there was to see in a day.

I've become slightly obsessed with the history of the park, and have already started compiling a mental list of what to see on my next trip. John, everyone's right, it's absolutely a place to see. 

xo-LP

PS- While it is sunny in San Diego, today (in March) it looks like this here at home.

We can finally be friends again.

Dear 27,
It was one adventure after another this weekend. We celebrated Anthony's birthday. Lots of dancing, photos of Jenni, delicious and fraudulently free pizzas and a terrific evening that lasted late into the night.

Then supported the Des Moines Playhouse while Sip, Savor and Switch-ing throughout downtown Des Moines. So much incredible food and wine-- Chris the night was wonderful!

Then capped off the weekend with Eggs and Francis Bacon. A room full of all kinds of people I care so much about and a tour of the Des Moines Art Center led by Mr. Jeff Fleming...it was perfect.
(Thank you to everyone who came to the brunch-- it will go down as one of my very favorite days in Des Moines. Ever.)

OH and a new addition to my family (whew. Jenni we can finally be friends again)...

April means less travel, more time to finish up the big list. (Less than 2 months until the 2-8)
xo-LP

Going Going. Back Back.

Dear 27,

Another trip to California, but not without a quick stop in Phoenix. We had a beautiful event at the most lovely Phoenician and I got to see my three waaaaay cool cousins for a perfect O'Connor lunch. San Diego greeted me with a bunch of rain, but I managed to be out and about working and enjoying the city. I found the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery not to far away and sat for a very quiet lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean (this was on the non-rainy day).

Phil and Skyla yet again took me to an awesome SD restaurant-- The Starlite. The Starlite is a tiny spot with fresh, veggie filled entrees and a bar to gawk at. Our bartender, Josh, of course had a high school buddy who went to Drake. Skyla has started her own list of to-dos in a year. I think she's making better progress than I am! They also gave me a few terrific dining recommendations, including C Level (the views below are dusk and nightfall views from there). I never had to dine alone in SD thanks to some great friends and fellow travelers.

I did get to do lots of work while I was out West, including cashing in on my winnings from the Pearl's photo contest. The Pearl People were oh-so-kind and our DU crowd really enjoyed themselves.

Before leaving town, I did manage to explore the beautiful Balboa Park and spend a little time in the San Diego Art Museum. Balboa Park is a place I cannot wait to get back to...maybe I'll take a vacation out West someday soon.

xo-LP

Patty.

Dear 27,
I knew that people celebrated basketball on St. Patrick's Day and that there was a parade here in town, but on March 17th downtown Des Moines exploded into a sloppy mass of green enthusiasts and the faux Irish. It was a zoo. But I will admit I celebrated the overly popular holiday unexpectedly the weekend prior. The #SPD5K turned out to be one of my favorite days in this blogged about year.

In addition to a race (I dont think it can be called a race unless you run the entire thing competitively...) I got to see the rest of the Palmer women for the weekend, crossing off items #3 and #24. We spent time in Chicago shopping and catching up and wining. Somehow the only moment I have on film is Jen in the glasses at Urban Outfitters.

I loved spending time with my sisters (I'd say they're the three most awesome girls I know) and we laughed and laughed with our mom late into the evenings.
Hope to see you again soon!
xo-LP

**In related news, my camera kicked the bucket after the #SPD5K. I think all the running caused it to croak. Hoping to get a new one up and running ASAP.

Pikachu? Pecha what? (It's Japanese for Chit-Chat)

Dear 27,
Like you said Josh, it was better than I thought too. Thanks PKN crew (especially Matt) for the nudge to follow through with this. You should participate next time around.

I now know an odd amount of facts about our Postal Service and have become further obsessed with correspondence (I just finished "Letters on Cezanne" which I hadn't picked up since college.) I got some great feedback from those in the audience and gave out 42 handmade xo-lp cards. Hope many of you are sharing the love of the letter...

If you head to the PKN site you can hear all the great presenters but here (I know it messes up the page format a bit sorry!) is mine in it's full 6 minutes and 40 seconds.


If you want to send a card via Hallmark, a telegram or find more of my cards.
PKN is really a very cool concept, a terrific way to make a presentation and it definitely tested my presentation skills. All in all-- success.
xo-LP

Chorizo and Tequila.

Dear 27,

Long time no blog. It's been one wild March. But we made time for a family brunchiesta. Thanks to Marteen and Raphael, there wasn't an empty margarita glass to be found. Sunday was a funday.

xo-LP

Aces.

Dear 27,

Palm Springs to Temecula to Palm Springs to Irvine. And that's just in two days. And I'm driving this. (How very California of me.)

Finally stayed at the hip Ace Hotel in Palm Springs where they serve blackberry infused Maker's Mark, there's photo booth in the lobby (which I was delighted to see but sadly was out of order) and the rooms are each equip with a record player. The crowd was a mix of overseas travelers and chic LA weekenders, and the Sunday night DJ was the best I'd ever heard.On the Ace site you can see 360 degree tours of the place.

The snow on the mountains with the palm trees. Weird.

A trip to Briar Rose Winery for a tasting event. A beautiful setting in Temecula wine country where the wines are revered (and delicious) and are even served at White House events.

 

(It was about 35 shivering degrees when the tasting ended...yes 35 degrees in CA. Don't be jealous of the weather.)

xo-LP

Time to hit the road.

Dear 27,
Finally getting back on the road. Finally.

A long overdue playlist to go with a long overdue weekend.
xo-LP

But there is something that I must confess...

Dear 27,
There's been a whole bunch happening and, as you, my most loyal readers, have reminded me, (and as the title suggests, I'm willing to confess that it is in fact true) I'm not capturing a lot of the fun. A list always helps. So here's an update.

1. Jimmy Witherspoon.
My parents got me a record player for Christmas (a most-awesome gift) and on my day off a couple weeks ago I stopped by ZZZ Records to pick up a few pieces of vinyl to add to my now-growing collection. I browsed the "8 for $8" section (while the shop-owner's sweet little daughter commented on my boots, then proceeded to "nuzzle them" and said the word "hypothesis") and got some great stuff (Tapestry, Talking Book, Picture This, etc). I bought "Stormy Monday & Other Blues" without knowing anything about it and it's been in heavy rotation ever since.

2. Typeface, the movie. The Des Moines Art Center did a free design-double-feature this weekend and my friend Emily and I caught Typeface, a movie about the Hamilton Wood Type Museum and the art of letterpress. By the end of it my desire to letterpress increased by about 350%, I was ready to drive to Two Rivers, WI tomorrow and really wanted an ice cream sundae.

3. The Des Moines Public Library.
So I need to write a paper about Sol LeWitt (arguing that there have been/are primarily left-brained artists-- exciting stuff I know), figure out who scotch club is now named after, why he is important and probably quote some of his poetry in my next email, and present in a couple weeks at Pecha Kucha Night in Des Moines-- obviously I go to the Library. (Milestone for the list-- I've finally hit double-digits in books read.)


4. Best of 2010. I'm still getting emails and playlists and updates from mixtape participants. Check out Greg's mix that he's shared! (If you haven't received your mix yet-- email me.)

Got an awesomely-nice email from Nick at the Atlas in Iowa City saying that I'm now a member of the birthday club (You should too. Click here. Free buffalo burrito on your birthday? I'm in!)

xo-LP
R.Kelly quoted in a blog title, again. This is a problem.

Down and Derby

Dear 27,
I've seen Whip It and I had a couple birthday parties at Skateland. So I knew a little about old-school roller skates (you know, the ones with four wheels) and I knew that derby girls wore fishnet tights, mouth guards and that Juno played a jammer.

Tonight about 2,500 people filled the fairgrounds for a Derby bout...and it was unlike anything I'd ever seen. The Des Moines Derby Dames came out on top.  And that Stella girl, she was a gamer.

xo-LP

(photo credits to the talented documentarian, Jenni Pullen.)

PS- there was a celebrity sighting. John Pemble's hair was there.

In my vast travel experience...

Dear 27,

Time is getting away from me. While my Valentine's day (and many days following) were spent curled up on the couch, without cable and with many congestion medications, I did manage to see a great show pre-coldfest 2011.

Will you be my Valentine?

When Tim and Will suggested I go see Best Coast in Omaha, I'll be honest, I wasn't too excited about the music part, but I have devoted this year to adventures, and having only been to the Qwestcenter and never to the "actual city" of Omaha, I bought my $18 ticket and was ready to go. After watching this video of Freddie Gibbs and the Best Coast lead singer, I was a bit put off by the gal and the band and the  beachy beats. But Best Coast played a great set and damn it was a fun night. And the lead singer was darling (and probably high).

In addition to checking out the Crescent Moon per Larry's suggestion, Julie took us to Nebraska's Premiere Cigar Lounge, Jake's where I had the worst (but very highly recommended) bourbon I've ever tried, George Stagg and was asked if I was of Native American descent. Omaha did not disappoint.

The weather was beautiful, my concert companions were delightful. A midge-free evening, indeed.

xo-LP

So a dragking and a pianist walk into a bar...

Dear 27,

After January granted me 31 blissful days, February has had a tough act to follow.

So far, it has yet to disappoint. After a bigtime Bulldog win (and a super fun trip to the Twin Cities-- Thanks L&E for graciously hosting me at Casa de Barrett), I hurried back for "the best party of the year in Des Moines."* Lots of dancing, including a seriously well-choreographed "Proud Mary" tribute by the one and only Tone. It was a blast.

The adventures haven't ceased in February's week two. Jenni and I made another post-work trip to Iowa City for the love of music. Fitz and the Tantrums played a soulful, dancey, tambourine-seasoned set at the Blue Moose Tap House. (Iowa City people, this is what was formerly known as the Q Bar. And there are no long pool tables. There are now tall boys, a half a moose that's decorated with ladies undergarments and a stainless steel bathroom.) Fitz and the Tantrums boogied all over the stage in suits and put on one hell of a show. 

Before hitting the old-Q-bar, we met some great people at the Atlas and had a whole world of fun with Emily and the man in Cedar Rapids Opera with the orange-and-blue-diamonded-socks. (Hi new friends!!) There were new Valentine ideas drawn on napkins, discussions on the merits of social media and the world's most delicious buffalo chicken burrito. Live Show #13 officially crossed off the list.

More to come in February... 

xo-LP

Uncontested.

Dear 27,
I'd forgotten #5 was even on the list. "Enter a Contest."
I have entered many "drawings" before, but it's been awhile since I've entered a "contest." (Once I won a coloring contest when I was 6 or 7. That's probably what sparked my love of the arts. Or my love of winning.) I recently entered a contest (then promptly forgot I'd entered said contest) simply because it seemed easy and sort of un-winnable and took no effort. I saw this on the Pearl Hotel's facebook page:

You loyal blog readers may recall back in October I stayed at the lovely Pearl Hotel and crossed #7 off the list. I loved my stay, took lots of pictures and submitted my favorite snapshot (which was taken through the peep hole on the door of my room.)

Well wouldn't you know it, I WON! Yes, the prize is happy hour for 10 people. A sensational prize. Especially sensational to someone who dwells in San Diego. So of course, there are a couple issues (the most obvious being I don't live in California. And there's the fact that I don't have 9 friends in San Diego-- yet.) 

But I'm still a winner. Now I must convince the totally hip Pearl People to let me cash in this happy hour on my next trip to sunny San Diego in March...

Anyone up for a road trip?

xo-LP

#Reyle

Dear 27,
It was one of those weeks. Over-scheduled. Too much to do. But every night I came home (rather late) with my cheeks sore from smiling. (Yes. That's a ridiculous thing to say.) I'm having more fun this January than ever, and that's due in part to all my Art Noir friends and events.

(Photo credit. Thanks DMAC.)

This week I met Anselm Reyle. Like face to face. I said (outloud) I had Bieber-fever-like feelings meeting him. Luckily his first language is German and he didn't understand that. You can see photos of his incredible exhibit or visit and see the neon and glitter for yourself.
xo-LP

Best of 2010: Mixtape Exchange--UPDATE

Dear 27,
It's been far too long since I updated you on the Mixtape Exchange. After the frenzied excitement calmed, I spent hours pairing partners and mixing things up and double checking myself. I'm sure I made a few mistakes (Mixtape people: If you did not receive an address email me) but it was a bigger undertaking than I'd originally thought.

So many people have sent me their best-of playlists, have tweeted about it, and even posted pictures! I'll be posting playlists HERE soon. (Or I will try to post soonish.)

January has been a blur of awesome. Lots going on. A whole lot of fun.
xo-LP

31 days to V-day.

Dear 27,
Valentine's Day is the one day, every year, where my quirky lil postcards are fun, charming and perfect to send to those you love. Began work on this year's cards today.

Some tried and true designs (because we all know someone who is so fly) and new stuff. Hoping to get these in store at Ephemera and online soon.

xo- LP

In bigtime LIST news-- I sold 100! I have the check to prove it!

A whirl of activity.

Dear 27,
Since January 7th my blog readership has increased about 142%. And while I'm under the weather today- I thought I'd give you the update on just what kind of hullabaloo has been my first 10 days of 2011. (I've been trying to work hullabaloo into a blog post since July. Still not sure I'm working it in correctly. But either way. Hullabaloo.)

There was my return to the kitchen with Tom and Sara that included many gadget failures (the tortilla press was surprisingly fragile, or Tom is remarkably strong.)

So the tortillas we used were made by someone else? We macguyvered up the chicken filling, mixed up some cabbage slaw and a roasted corn+avocado salsa, and played Green Bay dice. (And then the fryer didn't work. We improvised, again.) The end result was a flauta dinner even Imelda would have been proud of.

Then there was the wildly successful #karaokeup that while I was hesitant, surpassed my expectations, was a festive night of new faces and sweet dance moves, and Jenni and I snapped some silly pics.

You remember back in November, or as I called it "Yesvember," when I put together that bonus list-- well this weekend I crossed off a few extra items. (Better late than never...right? Thanks Amy J for keeping me on task!)

The Flying Mango was as tasty as everyone said it'd be- the ambiance, the brisket and the company were splendid.  And, if I didn't get enough of Amy, Justin, Blake and Joanne after dining together (and really, there never is enough), we hit the Science Center for the last week of DaVinci: The Genius on Sunday.

There was a mirror box. And a no-photo policy.

Really though, this man was a genius. He was a brilliant dude: there were inventions (the tank, the bullet, this thing that mowed down people during battle), scandals, long curly hair as depicted in the BBC movie we were able to see, a parachute, masterful paintings (the Mona Lisa room- amazing) and that's just a few things. The man had one hell of a resume.

Mixtape buddies have been sent after hours of emails.

See what I'm sayin? Hullabaloo.
xo-LP

There's hype surrounding it.

Dear 27,
THIS JUST IN-- there really is actual HYPE. (The title was meant to be funny. And slightly untrue. I mean 25 participants was cool, but the mixtape list keeps growing! With more than one person talking about this, I think I can actually consider the exchange legit.) Read more on The Nerdist, Perfect Porridge and Give Me Electro. Now all this exchange needs is Rob Sheffield.
---
Only about 24 hours left to send an email to xo.lp.blog@gmail.com and be a part of the ever-growing list of mixtape exchange participants. (Emails with your buddy's name and address come out on Saturday.)

Sign up. Send it to your friends. Mix a delightful playlist. It'll be fun.

xo-LP

------

The Rules:

(Sign ups for the 2010 mixtape exchange have closed.)

With the help of a few mega-cool bloggers, my lil blog and this mixtape madness have seen quite a bit of traffic this week. Over 95 people have signed up to participate-- THANK YOU!

HEY PARTICIPANTS-- DON'T FORGET

Be sure to send your carefully packaged mixtape (in CD form of course) by January 27th. Don't forget to include a list of the tracks you deemed the greatest of 2010. All buddies were chosen randomly and you will receive a mixtape from a different person (you will not be technically "exchanging" with someone, it increases the suspense.)

Other details:

1- Please send me a copy of your playlist you send out! I'll put together a "best of the best of" list to post on my blog.

2- Feel free to snap a picture of your mixtape playlist, the rad package it came in, or you enjoying your new tunes and post it to the flickr group created here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/2010mixtape/ 

3- If you want to tweet about your mix (so we can all see what you're working on) use this: #bestof2010mix

4- Email me with any questions or problems you encounter.

5- Don't forget to send your mixtape with care (a CD will likely break if not packaged kindly.) Be sure to send your mix to your buddy by January 27th.

Happy mixing. Thanks for making this exchange a bigtime success!

xo-LP

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Check out this article from Psychology Today that talks about how your music preferences can tell a lot about your personality!

(Thanks to Jill of On Pitch Media for the link).

two thousand eleven.

Dear 27,
I don't make new year resolutions. I treat the birthday like my own new year.

But in the spirit of the calendar change, here's to a 2011 filled with adventures.
xo-LP