A New Addition to Underlined and Bold!

Photo Credit: Samantha (Flickr Creative Commons)

Picks to Ponder is officially a new weekly post appearing on Underlined and Bold. The weekly posts will include a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life. My hope is twofold:

• The first is to spark conversation and dialogue, in order to increase my exposure to varying thoughts and opinions. Therefore, please leave comments after clicking on links and reading each post. 

• The second is to maintain an organized and accessible record of items I've found to be notable, or have illuminated new ideas. In effect, I hope to better assess my interests as I continue to pursue different paths in regards to lifestyle, religious and political affiliations, and career.

This weeks Picks to Ponder

In Journalism:

A Good Man is Harder to Find

Katie Bolick's cover story "All the Single Ladies," in the October 2011 issue of the Atlantic, is stirring conversation across the country. I, like many others, am fascinated by this piece, and feel it's helping to fill a void in dialogue surrounding modern day relationships.

Click here to read the article.

What are others saying about Bolick's article? Click on the links below to find out!

• The New York Times
• the hairpin
• The Today Show

In Music:

Bare Necessities 

When I arrived to nanny a young girl a few weeks ago, I was instructed to play the 1967 Disney Classic, The Jungle Book. "It's her new favorite movie," the mother explained. As the opening credits appeared on screen, I was consumed by nostalgia.  Midway through the film the "Bare Necessities" blared loudly through the speakers. Closely listening to the lyrics, I discovered a new relevant anthem for myself. It's poignant and speaks clearly to my current outlook on life. Thus, I've been playing the song on repeat ever since. 

{Look for the bare necessities/The simple bare necessities/Forget about your 

worries and your strife/I mean the bare necessities/Old Mother Nature's recipes

/That brings the bare necessities of life}

In Chicago:

Story Lab Chicago

Do you love reading or listening to stories? Are you a storyteller, performer, artist, and/or writer? If so, Story Lab Chicago is for you. Last night I attended my second performance, to support friend and former co-worker Jonas Simon. Simon and fellow cast-mates delivered powerful performances, presenting pieces filled with suspense, humor, truth, and wisdom. 

Click here to learn more about the monthly performances, and how you can get involved.

In Blogs:

Unconventional Living

In need of inspiration to change your current circumstance in life? Elizabeth Hudson at Story Wrought quit her secure "grown up" job to explore what she's truly passionate about: travel and writing. Click here to read her story.

A Tutor's Observation

Click here to read about a short thoughtful reflection about students and school work, and the timeless dilemmas of adolescence. The ending warmed my heart. Thanks Chris!

 I would love to read your thoughts on this weeks Picks to Ponder.

 Please leave comments & questions below so we can discuss.

An Adventure in Honesty.

Photo Credit: Auntie K (Flickr Creative Commons)

When I'm not galavanting around the Chicago restaurant scene

...I take on a different part-time title

 in-home child care provider. 

A.K.A.

 a  nanny.

A.K.A.

A damn awesome baby-sitter... if you will.

{The term baby-sitter makes me feel fifteen, so I refrain from using that word. If you use it in my presence, don't be surprised to see a fierce furled brow being aimed @ you.}

Anyways,

if you are looking for an adventure

in honesty

look no further.

Hang-out with children.

They will not hold back opinions and observations.

They may say

you're an artist. it's obvious.

They may say,

 you have boo boos

{while pointing to the two newest bright red zits to pop up on your face}

They make say,

you're the best baby-sitter because Popsicle's were for dessert.

They may say,

your hair looks fake

{and proceed to pull}

They may say,

your a grown up. you don't know what's going on.

They may say these things

@ least that's what they've said to me

its not malicious

sometimes surprising

often true

& almost always refreshing.

So

if you're looking for an adventure

in honesty

look no further.

Hang-out with children.




{Wondering what I was like when I was young and honest? Click here to find out!}
Happy Tuesday Everyone!