Here's to the Ladies Who Lunch!

Summer is winding down.  Try as I might to remain in denial, there are just too many signs indicating that the end is near. I can no longer ignore . . .

the later sun rises

the earlier sunsets

the back-to-school ads in the newspaper

and the biggest wake-up call  . . .

the back-to-school email from my principal (ugh!)

As panic begins to set in, I find myself trying to cram in as much social time as possible in these last few weeks of summer vacation.  That includes having lunch with girlfriends!  Over the past several weeks, I have had the pleasure of "doing lunch" with some amazing ladies (and a gentleman or two!) and trying some new restaurants in the process.


The lunch frenzy began with . . .


Lauer-Krauts with Mom

Lauer-Krauts is a cute restaurant in Brighton, and it happens to be one of the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.  I could possibly have become obsessed with that Food Network show, and I secretly dream of following Guy Fieri's red '67 Camero around the country and trying all the restaurants he frequents!  (see post about the one I tried in Santa Fe)  Lauer-Krauts did not disappoint.  Their specialty is the Lauer burger, which, for my Nebraska friends, is very similar to a Runza--bread dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and cheese).  It was delish--so fresh and hot from the oven.  Mom also tried their green bean soup, and she said she would go back just for that.  The restaurant itself is very small.  There were only three or four tables inside, but there was a large patio outside that was full of satisfied diners.  What I loved so much about this place besides the food was the personal and friendly vibe.  Robyn, the owner who was featured on Triple D, came to our table several times to chat and make sure we were loving everything.  She indulged me as I asked her about the whole filming process of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and how she got selected, and she posed for a picture.  She has such a beautiful spirit, and it definitely shines through in the food, the decor, and the atmosphere of Lauer-Krauts.    I will definitely go back and dine again!

Shortly following Lauer-Krauts, I had the pleasure of visiting. . .

The Brown Palace with Judy

Afternoon tea at the Brown Palace  was the perfect place to celebrate Judy's birthday, and since I already posted about how amazing it was, I will just re-iterate what James Joyce said in A Portrait of a Lady:

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.  "

Next up . . .

Cafe|Bar with Kari

Cafe|Bar with Kari--exactly what the doctor ordered!  It's kind of funny, but at the end of the school year, I always find myself saying goodbye to my colleagues, telling them to have a nice summer, and knowing that even though I will miss them, I will be seeing them in a few months.  But with Kari, I just know I can't go months without seeing her.  She is one of those women who just lights up a room upon her entrance and truly makes the world a better place.  And so, at the same time we hugged goodbye last May, we made plans for getting together during the summer.  Our friend Hannah suggested Cafe|Bar, and she was right on with the suggestion.  It is a quaint restaurant in the Washington Park area with a gorgeous patio!  Never mind that the temperature was in the upper 90's--we headed straight for a shady spot outside!  The food was delicious, although I must say that I was so engrossed with our conversation that it could have been horrible, and I wouldn't have cared.  Kari ordered and raved about the trout cakes while I munched on the avocado dip with homemade potato chips and a salad with a fresh and zingy lemon vinaigrette.  We both ordered some kind of summer cocktail (I can't remember what it was, but it was PERFECT!)  Time flew by as we caught up with summer news.  I could have whiled away the afternoon enjoying the peaceful patio at Cafe|Bar and the beauty and comfort of my dear friend Kari.

Moving right along . . .

Johnny Rockets with Karina

 Johnny Rockets at Cherry Creek Mall is a fun place to take kids.  It is a hamburger joint fashioned after drive-ins from the 1950's, complete with a soda jerk and waitresses in bobby socks and saddle shoes!  Karina is a former student of mine whom I continue to mentor as she progresses through high school.  I taught her as a 7th-grader, and now she is going to be a junior!!  She amazes me with her positivity, her energy, and her beautiful spirit.  Karina and I spent a little time shopping at the mall before we had lunch at Johnny Rockets.  We were famished when we sat down to order, and I think we might have ordered a little too much (burgers, shakes, cheese fries, salad!) but we ate what we could.  The food was fine, but the real joy was spending time with an amazing 16-year-old.  I am so proud of Karina and look forward to many more outings with this young lady!


and finally . . .


Steuben's with Joy (and Mark and Mom)

Steuben's Food Service is (and I quote from their webpage!)  a Denver restaurant recreating American Regional Classics. Eat at Steuben's. Take-Out at Steuben's. Drink at Steuben's. Feel at home at Steuben's.  Yes, indeed, but it is also another restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!  (that's three now out of over four hundred!) My sister-in-law Joy and I have been dying to try Steuben's for over a year now, but it seems that every time she is visiting, we never make it.  This last time she and my brother came to Aurora, we decided that we were going no matter what.  And go we did! She and I both felt like groupies as we gazed at Guy's crazy signature on the wall and exclaimed over every menu item, especially the ones we saw on Triple D.  Everything we ordered (and we ordered A LOT!) was delicious!  We started with gravy fries (not really smothered in gravy but rather cheese!)  Joy had the lobster roll, which she had been craving, Mark had fish and chips, Mom had the Monte Cristo sandwich, and I had the Southern fried chicken (such healthy choices, but hey--this is Steuben's!)  We didn't come close to cleaning our plates, but that didn't stop us from ordering dessert!  I think Steuben's Key Lime pie was/is the best I have ever had!!!  We also had a rich, chocolate brownie a la mode that was also delish, but my fave was the key lime pie.  

Experiencing the incredible food at Steuben's with Joy has been a highlight of my stay-in-Colorado summer.  She and I have such a history of doing silly things together and taking away vignette memories and quotes that nobody else gets.  We have been building up to this for so long, and neither one of us was let down.  Now we are planning our next excursion--meeting at the Wizard of Oz museum in Kansas!  (stay tuned!)

I know I said "finally," but does doing lunch ever end??  I can't end without including pictures from some last-minute lunches with beautiful women:

Racine's with my niece Ana and Ashlie

Eileen and Jess-- Mango Mojitos, Mocktails, and Magic!

Ted's Montana with Grams and the Fries
ETHAN--couldn't have planned a better end-of-summer lunch date!

As I get ready to say goodbye to summer and begin thinking about a new school year, I'll hold on tight to the strength, the energy, the hope, and the LOVE that my beautiful friends and family give me every single day!  I can't think of a better way to wind down summer and bring on a new year of learning than this:

Ethan and hearts--reasons to believe!

Afternoon Tea at The Brown

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as

 afternoon tea."

 Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

I recently had the opportunity to discover exactly how true the words of Henry James are when my beautiful friend Judy Gordon and I celebrated her birthday.  This summer has presented some challenges for both of us, and we wanted to go someplace where we could chat, relax, and feel pampered.  The Brown Palace was the perfect choice!

Just driving up to The Brown had me saying, "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Aurora anymore!"  We were greeted by valet attendants and door men in black coats and white gloves ready to whisk us to our little tea party.  We both immediately felt like princesses as we entered the elegant lobby where afternoon tea is served.  From the rich, luxurious-yet-chic decor, to Roger, the pianist, everything about Tea at the Brown was sheer perfection!

1.  our tea lunch 2. Roger, the pianist 3. friends

There's something about having someone pour tea from a silver teapot into a china teacup that can melt the stress away.  Judy and I sipped our tea and champagne, ate scones with Devonshire cream, little sandwiches, and chocolate truffles, and we just sort of dissolved into a state of tranquility.  

Celebrating the birthday of a beautiful friend is delightful in itself.  Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace made the celebration unforgettable.  Judy and I both left feeling renewed, blissfully happy, and very much like royalty.  

Tea, champagne, friends, and The Brown Palace--reasons to believe indeed!

Tramps Like Us . . .

I love everything about being a teacher.  Believe me, I do.  I love . . .

sharing anything and everything I know about literature and writing

watching light bulbs go off when kids get it

seeing kids grow--physically and intellectually

being a mentor/role model

reading kids' writing

sharing my writing with kids

reading to kids

sharing my own love for learning
learning from my students

getting to know new kids/families
working with colleagues who feel more like family than co-workers

and mostly

THE KIDS

but sometimes

like any job

it just gets so hard

and that's why I have little rituals to help me make it to that last day of school.

like . . .

getting facials during our breaks

making Saturdays totally school-free days

using spring break for my own personal writing retreat

and, my favorite . . .

making that last day, which is a teacher work day with no kids, a BORN TO RUN day!

By the time I get to the last day, that is exactly what I want to do--run.  It really does feel like the school, the job, the politics, the stress

rip the bones from your back

It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap

We gotta get out while we're young

'cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run

And so I always wear my Born to Run shirt on this last day, the only day I would ever wear it to school, and blast Bruce all the way to and from school!

Let's RUN, girls!!!

Thank you, Bruce, for helping me find reasons to believe every single day--especially the LAST DAY! 

Baby this town rips the bones from your back
It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we're young
'. . .

Nothing Terrible about These Twos!

I recently made a quick trip to Nebraska to help celebrate Ethan's 2nd birthday.  And celebrate we did--Ethan style!  Two year old Ethan is nothing but smiles and laughter, and that is exactly what this weekend in Kearney was all about. 

It was clear from the beginning that the theme for this birthday boy would be cars.  Ethan LOVES cars!

"Cars falling in the mud" cakes!

The minute we arrived at his home, we were playing cars.  He has cars of all shapes and sizes, but mostly he likes the little ones.  He "drives" them all around the house on imaginary roads and courses.  My favorite course:  down my legs and crashing to the floor.  I think Ethan wore a new faded stripe down my jeans! Most of you know that I use a wheelchair for long distances, and Ethan LOVED tucking his cars in my "car seat" as he sees it!  Suddenly, using that wheelchair has taken on an entirely new feeling--I feel close to E and can hear his sweet voice and feel the cars near me!

Ethan also LOVES to draw and color, and he loves others to draw shapes for him, especially moons and stars.  His attention to detail is amazing for a two-year-old--he truly appreciates the artistic flair in anyone who draws for him. 

Ethan got showered with presents on this 2nd birthday, and he LOVED them all.  He even loved the clothes, although he definitely didn't spend as much time examining them but rather just gave a quick smile and said, "clothes!" and tossed them aside to move on to another gift!  From cars, to bikes, to Lil Red, Ethan cashed in on this birthday!

Tractors, bikes and helmets, oh my!

A birthday call from Kyle!

Lil Reds

Ethan is LOVED by so many.  He has grandparents and lots of aunts and uncles and cousins on his dad's side, and it was so fun to see him in the midst of them all.  On his mom's side (our side), Ethan is the only baby, and we are all absolutely gaga over him.  He has his great grandma (Grams), his grandma and grandpa (g g  and Jimpa), his only uncle, Jake, great aunts and uncles, cousin aunts and uncles.  To all of us, he is our first, and he has forever captured our hearts..And Ethan loves everyone!  He is so lucky to live close to so many of his extended family members, and for those of us not quite so near, FaceTime and iChat have made it possible for us to be a part of his life (thank you, Steve Jobs!)

Part of the fam!

Ethan is now a very cool two year old, and somehow it seems like he has always been a part of our family.   Of course, in a mystical sort of way, he has.

Happy Birthday, E!  May your life be full of millions of reasons to believe!

(Press play and turn up the volume to hear the pure, innocent laughter of a two-year-old playing basketball for the first time--ah-dorable!!!_

Coffee = My Mom

Even though I have a Masters degree and more graduate hours than I'll ever need, I still love taking classes--especially English classes.  One of my favorite classes EVER was a class I took a few years ago, Creative Journaling. (I highly recommend this class if you need some graduate credit, or if, like me, you love to journal!)
One assignment for this class was to make a list of smells and what they remind you of.  I listed such things as chocolate, baby lotion, coffee, etc.  The final step was to choose one and answer a series of questions based on senses.  Without intending to, I ended up writing a little sensory poem inspired by my mom, and I wanted to share it with her, and you, this Mother's Day weekend.  Here you go, Mom:

CAPTURED MOMENT

I smell coffee brewing in the kitchen.

It brings back memories of my mom, the ultimate coffee drinker, something that I never have been.   
Whenever she visits or when I go home, I wake up to that smell.

I sense her presence.  Her motherly ways.  Her strength as she begins a new day.

I taste something burnt.  Something scalding.  Something bittersweet.

I know that my mom is in the house.  That she is beginning a new day.  That I am safe.  That I am loved.

I hear my mom’s feet padding down the hallway, the pouring of coffee into a mug, the quiet morning waking up.

I see the sky beginning to lighten, my mom in her nightgown.

I feel unconditional love.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom--Juliet's grandma, my traveling companion, my roommate, my go-to person, my confidant, my friend . . . my reason to believe!

Journal or Blog?

My journals

One of my goals is to write every day, whether in one of my many journals, with my students in class, or, now that I am experimenting with blogging, online.  This goal is not a difficult one for me, especially since I pretty much write Monday through Friday with my students, and . . . I do love to write.  The problem that I have isn't the writing part but rather the format for writing.  Am I going to write in my journal today, or am I going to blog?  Such a dilemma, considering I love doing both!

I credit my big sister for making me fall in love with journaling.  When she was in junior high, she had one of those diaries that locked.  I was fascinated with every aspect of that diary! She wrote in it religiously, and I would watch her from my corner of our bedroom as her hand moved across the page.  Sometimes she would write what seemed like pages and pages while other times she would quickly jot a few lines.  When she wasn't home, I would take her diary from its hiding place (under the bed) and just hold it in my hands, marveling at the look and feel of it.  It was the lock, symbolizing secrets too scandalous for a ten year old, that mesmorized me, drawing my eye to it with hypnotic force.  It didn't take long for me to figure out that a little ol' bobby pin could unlock the secrets that my big sister spent so much time writing in her diary, carving her tiny teenage history.  And I have been in love with journaling ever since!  I think it's the beauty of the hand written words on the crisp pages of a journal.  Or maybe it's the variety of beautiful journals available--I have tons of them, and I write in all of them at some time or another!  My favorite journal (which isn't full yet!) dates all the way back to 1982.  The very first entry is about my dad's unexpected death.  After that, I didn't write in it until 1984--it took me two years to open it and read that first entry.

Whatever the reason, my fascination with journals is neverending, and I know I will always fill their pages with my own stories and secrets.

And then there is the blogging world.  This writing format is still so new to me, and I continue to play with words and pictures.  I find myself having a love/hate relationship with blogging.  I feel more like a writer when I blog, probably because I know it will be published online, and so I write in a very different style and choose different topics than I do in my journals.  But oh, how I agonize over every little detail!  Blogging, for me, is much more work and way more stressful than journaling. I'm not sure what direction my blog is heading, and that is a little disconcerting right now.  There are just so many directions to go--there are family blogs, teacher blogs, baby blogs Crystal,wedding blogs, travel blogs Allison, food blogs, diary blogs about every day happenings and little things in life Lindsey, health blogs RA, exercise blogs, dating blogs, and on and on.  Right now, I'm not ready to simply go one way. I am drawn to blogging, nevertheless. As I find my place as a blogger, I hope the stress level will calm down a bit.  I was encouraged to try blogging by my amazing friends Hannah and Kari (please check out their blogs--they're amazing!)  They have been my teachers and cheerleaders as I try to discover my blogging voice.  If only one day I can be half the bloggers that they are, I will be happy!

Until then, I will continue bouncing back and forth between my journal and my blog site, leaving little tracks of reasons to believe along the way!.

Harry's Roadhouse (You have to try it!!!)

I spent part of my spring break in Santa Fe where I enjoyed the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the  amazing art displayed in charming shops, and our gorgeous accommodations at the Hilton Santa Fe Golf and Spa Resort. Oh, and did I mention the food???  I simply can't stop thinking about all the scrumptious food we had EVERYWHERE we went in the Santa Fe area.  And my absolute favorite stop, without a doubt, was Harry's Roadhouse on Old Las Vegas Highway.

There is nothing fancy about Harry's, but of course that is one of the things that makes it so wonderful.  It is, after all, about the food, and the food here is to die for!  The restaurant has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives where Guy raved about the lemon ricotta pancakes (which we tried!) and the cinnamon rolls (not available when we were there).  

The staff at Harry's went overboard to make our dining experience positive with a double plus.  The host came out the door when he saw us approaching and welcomed us with a huge smile and open arms.  Our waitress was adorable and amused at our difficulty in choosing from the abundant menu.

But choose we did, ordering way too much food for two people to consume.  Not to worry, though--we definitely had leftovers later on back at the hotel!  We loved Harry's so much, we went back a second time for breakfast before leaving Santa Fe!

1.  Tostada and Moroccan stew 2.  Huevos rancheros  3.  Homemade vanilla ice cream sandwich

I went to Santa Fe to finish some writing for a class I am taking.  Little did I know that I would fall in love with the Southwest and come home with the longing to return.  I am already planning my next trip back, and you can be sure that I will be trying more items on the menu at Harry's Roadhouse, a whole new reason to believe in the comforting power of food (but who needs a reason for that??)