A Few of my Favorite Things {2011}

Upon examination of my life in 2011, beyond running and travel, I quickly discovered this has been the year of B's. 

Beer. Blogs. Books.

Below is a list of my five favorite from each category in 2011. Enjoy!!

Beer

This year I decided to move beyond being a 312 Goose Island beer guzzling Chicagoan, and expand my horizons. Below are my five favorite beers I sipped on this year {in no particular order}. 

• Three Floyds: Robert the Bruce {Scottish Ale}
• Revolution Brewing: Bottom Up Wit {Belgian Style Wheat Beer}
• Schlafly: Hefeweizen {Unfiltered Wheat Beer}
• Brasserie Bockor: Bellegems Bruin {Belgian Brown Ale/Lambic - Sour}
• New Glarus Brewing Co.: Spotted Cow {Farm House Ale}

Blogs

Creating this blog last January spiked my interest in the blogging world immensely. Below I've listed five blogs I've been reading regularly each week, that also touch upon my varying interests. {This is in no way inclusive of all the bloggers I follow and love, but illustrates the variety of blogs I enjoy}

• Shut Up + Run: a running blog that always makes me laugh and keeps me motivated.
• AWG Chicago: a left leaning political blog always making me think.
• THE FLYBIRD: a travel blog featuring adorable couple Kylie and Spencer, and their amazing photography & videos.
• Jeff Goins Writer: a blog inspiring me to become a better more consistent writer everyday.
• The Anchor & The Bird: a blog featuring a lovely New York gal named Carolynn doing inspiring creative good deeds all around the city.

Books

After college, reading suddenly became a choice instead of a "must-do" activity. For me, in order to feel full-filled and whole, the choice has been clear; reading would still be a priority in my week-to-week routine. Here are my five favorite books I read this year{in no particular order}.

• I Knew You'd Be Lovely by Alethea Black
• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall {click here to read my favorite quotes}
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett {click here to read my personal reflection}
• Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
• The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley {click here to read my personal reflection}

I would love to know about your favorite Beer, Blogs, and Books in 2011.

Please leave comments below!!

Holiday Giveaway!

Underlined and Bold is celebrating the holiday season by presenting its very first GIVEAWAY!! 

The holiday giveaway is from Bethany Suckrow's, The Ripe Word Etsy shop. The Ripe Word features paintings inspired by Bethany's mother, Tina. Tina is a metastatic breast cancer patient that has battled the illness since 1997. Fifty percent of profits from each painting is donated to her mother to help pay off medical debt.

Note, both paintings featured in this giveaway were purchased from Bethany in honor of Tina.

Enter the giveaway, and you have the chance to win one of two paintings featured below. The winner will pick which painting s/he desires. Entries will be accepted until Friday, December 23, 2011. A winner will be announced on Saturday, December 24, 2011. Scroll down to see how to win!

Text: "Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Taken from Mary Oliver's poem titled "The Summer Day".

Text: "My fist tight, I learn to squeeze the lemon with the same might and firmness
 life requires of me." Taken from Bethany Suckrow's poem titled "The Zest".

For a chance to win-

leave a comment below telling me which painting above you would love to hang on your wall!

  Enter the giveaway a second time by doing one of the following options :

1. Become a follower and leave a comment below telling me you did.

 OR comment below telling me you already follow me!

{To become a follower, find the "follower" section on the right sidebar. Click "Join this site". Then click through the menu options}

2. Buy a piece of art from Bethany's shop The Ripe Word. Then leave a comment below telling me which piece you purchased.

{purchases will be verified with Bethany before the winner is announced}

3. Link to this Giveaway on Facebook or Twitter. Leave a comment below telling me you did!

Only two entries will be accepted per person.

This giveaway is limited to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

Good lucky everyone!!

More about the artist:

Bethany is a staff writer and freelancer by day, blogger and artist by night. She authors the blog She Writes and Rights, where she shares both prose and poetry related to life, faith, relationships, storytelling and creativity. She has just begun her first foray into selling her artwork through an Etsy shop, The Ripe Word. She and her musician husband Matt live in the Chicago suburbs.

Judgement, Laughter, Gratitude

Laughter is truly the best medicine!
Photo Credit: Marcus Bernales (Creative Commons)

Picks to Ponder:

A weekly post featuring a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life. 

{Click here to see where it all started.}

"We condemn in others what we are afraid to see in ourselves."

-Deepak Chopra

On Judgement

I struggle with being judgmental.  I have condemed the materialistic behavior of others with fury and superiority, while watching this video of "Black Friday Mania". I have happily made fun of this pageant contestant without a second thought. And while riding Chicago buses and trains, I have found myself, one time too many, smirking and being dismissive of the behavior of other riders. 

I am not proud of this behavior. Thus, finding alternative view points and constructive ways of thinking about the world in which we live, is vital to my personal growth.

Below I've included some links that inspire me to move toward love and compassion, and beyond judgement. Enjoy!

• Goop Newsletter -November 24, 2011 {a weekly publication produced by Gwynth Paltrow}
• Catherine Forham's Black Friday Letter

On Laughter

It's basically an essential non-negotiable part of life. Here is what I've been laughing at this week:

• Best School Picture Ever!
• Drunk & Brunch. Yes Please!

On Gratitude

Most of my friends do not blog. And most of them lose interest as endless rambles fall from my lips concerning the beauty and inspiration I find among the blogging community. And as Thanksgiving came and went this year, blog posts were filled with candid moving thoughts of gratitude. Thus, I am sincerely grateful for all the amazing bloggers out there. You make me think, laugh, create, and grow.

Want to see some of my favorite blogs posts who helped me get into the Thanksgiving spirit? Click the links below!

• Ashore {A lovely poetic Portland, Oregon blogger who truly has a way with words!}
• the Flybird {Adorable couple, Spencer & Kylie, reveal why they are grateful to be alive via a wicked travel story! Love it!}
• the Daily Muse {If you love animals, this link is for you. No Thanksgiving is complete without an amazingly cute dog video!}

I would love to read your thoughts on this weeks Picks to Ponder. 
Please leave comments & questions below, so we can discuss.

{Missed last weeks Picks to Ponder? Click here.}

The Loss of a Living Treasure

Photo Credit: images of life -Chris Pike

Picks to Ponder:

A weekly post featuring a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life. 

{Click here to see where it all started.}

In Alaska

The Loss of a Living Treasure.

When I lived in Bethel, Alaska {a town of 6,000, only accessible by plane}, I had the privilege of attending Cama-i, a traditional native dance festival. Each year, the center piece of this festival is Maryann Sundown, a Yup'ik native elder from Scammon Bay {one of 56 villages surrounding Bethel}. At 91 I saw her dance. She commanded the stage with energy and enthusiasm, sitting front and center surrounded by fellow Scammon Bay dancers.

A few weeks ago, at 93, she passed away. The news of her passing greatly saddened me, as I know she was a source of light and wisdom in her community. The best way I can express the meaning of her loss is through an African proverb; "When a knowledgeable old person dies, a whole library disappears."

According to Anchorage Daily News, Sundown is survived by ten children, 60 grandchildren, 161 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren.

To learn more about Maryann Sundown click here.

In Music

Putting it on repeat.
A brunette New Yorker, put up this video from the The Non-Commissioned Officers on a recent blog post. It is so freakin' catchy, I can't help but keep it on repeat!

On D.I.Y.

Simple Crafts Only!

I love the D.I.Y movement. I love perusing Etsy, attending Renegade Craft Fairs, and adding D.I.Y. blogs to my Google reader. The only thing I don't love, is my lack of dedication to developing my own crafty skills. I find, when embarking upon a new craft, I get frustrated by step two. Then after over analyzing the situation for a while, I give up. Thus, I've decided to stop "book marking" just any craft that catches my eye, and note only ones that are relatively simple {until my skills and patience improve}.


Click here to see the first project I plan to embark upon!

I would love to read your thoughts on this weeks Picks to Ponder. 
Please leave comments & questions below, so we can discuss. 

{Missed last weeks Picks to Ponder? Click here}

Romanticizing the Amish...

A visit to "Amish Country"
Ohio, May 2011

Picks to Ponder:

A weekly post featuring a few notable items I've found to be thought provoking, and/or a positive influence on my outlook on life.  


In my Home State:
Renegade Amish.

I grew-up about an hour from one of the largest Amish settlements in the country. Visits to "Amish country" {as my mother says} is an aspect of visiting my family home I most treasure. Day trips involve flea markets, strawberry patches, home-made cheese and jams. It involves seeing people live a simple life. No electricity. No cars. Uncomplicated. Lovely. Romantic.

Almost.

As with any romanticized idea we have about people or places, there are realities that counter. The New York Times recently ran an article citing a rift in the Amish community. Four terrifying assaults have resulted, and arrests have been made.

Assault and Amish are two words I never thought I'd utter in the same sentence. Nothing is perfect though. This, we must remember.

Click here to read more about the conflict.

In Journalism:

{Update!} A Good Man is Harder to Find

Last week, I featured  Katie Bolick's article "All the Single Ladies," under my journalism "Picks to Ponder". The article is still creating buzz. Therefore, I felt it only appropriate to provide an update!  

Bolick's been busy with interviews since her article went to press. I've loved listening to her speak! She has a charismatic demeanor, and answers questions with a sweet yet unyielding honesty. Her recent radio interview at WHYY with Marty Moss-Coane on Radio Times, I found particularly thought provoking.  During this interview people called in with questions, stories, and varying opinions in which Bolick responds.  

Intrigued?

Listen to the interview here!

On the Map:

Memphis Love!

I am road tripping to Memphis in a month. Wahooo! A favorite blogger of mine recently posted details of her road trip there. And in turn, my own enthusiasm increased ten-fold.

Share in my excitement by clicking here to see her fabulous blog post!

Chicago Love!

If you love the windy city as much as I do, click here to view one blogger's fabulous visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  She captured the beauty of this city and its famous zoo undeniably well!

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

 Please leave comments & questions below, so we can discuss. 

{Missed last weeks Picks to Ponder? Click here.}

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.

Eating In-Season Food!

Photo Credit: Natalie Maynor

In attempt to improve my eating habits, I've been referencing a web site called Sustainable Table. Sustainable Table is a tool aiding consumers in buying local in-season food to decrease environmental degradation and help local farmers.

(Click here to check out the fabulous blogger who informed me about this great site!)

My biggest in-season meal success, thus far, is Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas via my favorite recipe blog, Fresh365. Living in the mid-west the main in-season ingredient is the sweet potatoes.

It is absolutely vegetarian, and absolutely delicious! Click here for the recipe!

Bedroom Transformation

In the past six years the longest I've lived in any given house or apartment is one year. The experience of constantly moving around has significantly stunted my will to nest and get cozy in any living space. Often I've deemed "nesting" as a fruitless endeavor because it would be time to start packing again in no time. Therefore, my bedroom would infamously be filled with unpacked boxes, barren walls and dust bunnies.

This past June, I broke out of my moving trend and resigned the lease with my Craigslist roomies for a second year. I'm absolutely elated that I will be forgoing moving costs and frantic apartment hunting! Instead I will celebrate the renewal of my lease by working to create a cozy nest-like bedroom space that will act as my sanctuary for the coming year.

Creating a cozy nest-like bedroom will include the addition and subtraction of furniture as well as drastically changing the layout of such items. I will forgo the paint brush, and tackle my monstrously tall walls with a hammer and nails. Images and photos of inspiration will be hung as I purchase some additional frames. Plants will be added to my window sill and additional lighting may become a part of the final vision. My goal is to ultimately create an inviting space where reading, writing, yoga, meditation and sleep are easily possible.

I feel as if I maybe asking a lot of one space, but I feel strongly about having a place where I can retreat from the fast paced city, relax and work on personal projects. I may not succeed in this endeavor, but I know its worth the time to try.

Check out the original inspiration for this endeavor on my former classmates blog entitled Jules Moksha. Her  post back in November 2010 concerning this subject matter really got me thinking. Finally, I'm taking action! Thanks Jules!

Photo Credit: Lynn @ Beneath the Bracken

U&B Gets a Makeover!

Having fun since 1987.

Yesterday I spent some time giving Underlined and Bold a makeover! I had a great time using U&B as a a creative outlet, adding photos and moving "gadgets" around. I would love some feedback concerning the changes, so please leave comments.  Additionally, I will probably continue to make small changes to U&B throughout the summer. Therefore, if you know of any fun gadgets I should add or design changes you would make, I would love to get those suggestions as well. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful relaxing weekend.

--Abigail

Cakies - a fabulous blog

Ditch digital! Win a Polaroid Camera today!

One of my favorite leisure time activities these days is following a variety of blogs. One of the first blogs I fell in love with and started following actively was Cakies. Blogger Rubyellen documents her crafting projects as well as the life of her growing family on Cakies. Although I've only become an official "follower" a couple months ago, I've been reading this blog for over a year and a half! Week after week, I still find creative inspiration from Rubyellen's posts. Content on her blog includes food, vintage clothing, crafts, home design, updates about her beautiful girls and her handsome husband Ben, promoting other great bloggers/crafters and much much more!

 Rubyellen also features fabulous giveaways on her blog! This week the giveaway is a Polaroid Camera! Click here to find out more details.

Photo Courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Coloring Outside the Lines: a reflection on perfection

"It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful," is the slogan of one of my favorite interior design blogs, Nesting Place.  I love this slogan. It's simple, yet incredibly truthful. I also find the slogan challenging. Whether I'm writing, in yoga class, or meeting a client for work, I often cling to the idea of being "perfect" unconsciously.

Occasionally when I write, I experience pangs of anxiety as I yearn to articulate my thoughts in a perfectly accessible and organized manner. During yoga class, I can get caught up in my thoughts. I'll focus on trying to do a pose "well" instead of listening to my body and moving through my breath. Meeting a client for work for the first time, I'll stress about making a good impression. I'll worry about my attire, whether I'm asking the right questions, and how their children are responding to me.

This anxiety and worry is rooted in the idea that humans can achieve perfection, and when it is achieved we are our best selves. This is contrary to experience.  Cyndi Crawford's mole is the blemish that made her famous. Bob Dylan's voice is rough, but his music has made him one of the most influential cultural icons of the twentieth century. A Canon engineer mistakenly placed a hot iron on top of his ink pen, effectively helping to produce the first ink jet printer.

Thus, it's often the quirky out of the ordinary aspects of life that are the most fruitful. When seeking the road of "perfection," we are limiting ourselves. We are looking at a singular road to get from point A to point B. If a singular road existed, life would ultimately be boring. The alternative to perfection then is creativity, originality, and ingenuity. When we work toward creativity and originality, our feeling of freedom can be expanded.  Perfection gives us strict guidelines. Creativity allows us to color outside the lines.

It's time to truly color outside the lines boldly and brightly. It's time to celebrate our inherent creativity that may not be perfect, but is certainly beautiful.