by Amy | Jan 3, 2015 | Blog, The Art of Living
Hi all!
I know it’s a Saturday, which usually means I don’t post…but we are several days into the new year and before it escapes any further, I wanted to throw up a quick “Year In Review” post. Thank you all for a great year. For all the support. For all of you who helped with projects, laughed at posts, were encouraged by my words. Thank you, thank you. I really like writing here, and it’s much more fun with you along for the ride. Maybe you’ll remember a few of these moments, too.
In January the world as I knew it became colder than I ever imagined. The polar vortex attacked the US and Practically Canada reached a level of chilly I thought only possible for polar bears to survive. A friend took waved her wet locks outside, it instantly froze and her photo went viral.
In February I finished my cloffice. Which I have used so much and have truly grown to love.
Also in February, our heater went out…which was a terrible experience; we had a cozy weekend at Lake Metigoshe; and my amazing mother turned 60…Derek and I honored her with this video.
March 7th changed life as I knew it…when I came home from teaching a low impact class at the gym, felt something weird in my back, and ended up in the hospital later that night. That day had a ripple effect that led to surgery, lots of faith testing, and physical challenges I’m still coping with. On the upside, the injury gave me the down time I needed to finish up a website redesign, and launch the new look of AmyAllender.com. All that to say, March was an important month in my life.
In April I taught you all how to recover basic thrift store chairs. This pair was made for our youth pastor’s office–a redecorating project I headed up…and a project I should get around to showing you some day…
In May, I learned about the art of Practically Canadian comfort food…and told you all the hilarious tale of my time making open faced sandwiches for a funeral. We started work on the basement {a slooow moving project} and got a new roof. Derek and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with a trip to Maine, where I packed all purple clothes, explored the region with low impact activities, and spotted a moose!
In June, back surgery was eminent. So, as a last hoor-ah Katie and I went to Noah’s Ark Water Park. in the Wisconsin Dells. It was a magical weekend and I met a giant cat named Bunny Rabbit. {Slide photo via Noah’s Ark Facebook Page.}
On June 26th I had surgery, but I came out with the ability to walk and a new pair of hospital socks. Then I ate at my favorite pizza place in Bismarck. All in all, a success.
In July the basement got an egress window and waterproofed by a couple dudes singing Frozen, I made a nifty tote out of an old box and some rope, and we started memorizing Colossians {we are almost done now!}
At the end of the month we traveled to God’s Country, Elkhart, IN…where I experienced The Fair via wheel chair and we got some pics of the whole fam.
In August, I was telling those of you in Minot about the amazing sale at a local thrift shop, Derek was away in South Dakota, and the Arts Council gave me my first opportunity to shine as a local artist with this community canvas.
Also in August, I took a bunch of adorable Sunflower Mini Sessions!
But by the end of the month I was in so much pain from surgery, it looked like the operation had failed. The doctor was concerned and I was miserable. It was a battle of physical and spiritual proportions. At that time, I wrote one of the posts I’m most proud of: Grace and Peace. I hope you’ll read it. At the end of August, I honestly believe God performed a miracle in my life. You can read about it here.
In September, to continue healing and to give my mind some rest, I went to South Dakota to stay with Derek while he was on a temporary assignment. There I had an awkward moment at Devil’s Tower and I was taken aback by the beauty of Badlands National Park.
August also lead to the unveiling of two of my most popular design projects to date: An invitation and a thank you note.
In October we relieved the glory of our best costume ever when it was featured by the Huffington Post, I made spooky trees in my house, carved my best pumpkin, took a million senior portraits and joined the Artists in the Schools Program–which I LOVE! Oh, yeah and we dressed up as Care Bears.
November was Christmas Mini Session month! Most of the month was dedicated to churning out great family photos.
But I also hosted a great Thanksgiving, learned what “spatchcocking” is, and taught kids about the water cycle through art.
In December, I had a fabulous time at the White Christmas Ball in Denver.
And, I was flattered and stunned by the great response I got to my post on things to do and see during the Practically Canadian winter.
It’s been a busy year, and a good year. There has been lots of pain–there’s no denying that…but I’m grateful for the chance to over come and to get to know our amazing God more and more through every trial. I hope you can look back on the past 12 months–no matter how hard they’ve been–and realize just how special, fantastic, one-of-a-kind you are. Then take that pride and boldly move forward. There’s only one 2015, let’s make it amazing.
Amy
by Amy | Dec 31, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
We are down to the last few hours of 2014. Before the “holiday season” officially comes to a close–and we all get out the label makers, gym shoes and cleaning supplies…as we vow to be more organized, more faithful to our workout routine, and more tidy–I simply must squeeze in one more holiday portrait session.
Meet the Burnside duo…soon to be a trio. We lucked out when as portrait session fell on one of those magical Minot days when December temps are in the 30’s. Snow is still sticking to the ground, but you can feel your fingers and the air doesn’t give you a brain freeze. It was a gorgeous day and this is a gorgeous couple. I’m so happy to have had the chance to get to know them and capture the art of this special season in their lives.
As we ventured around downtown Minot, I noticed the adorable window display at Minot’s most adorable baby boutique–Lulu Lane. Seriously, if you live in Minot and haven’t been, you really need to stop in. It’s precious times a thousand. I thought since we were working with a holiday theme, a little candy land sparkle in the background would be a nice touch.
Little did I know the gems who work inside Lulu Lane would invite us inside to take photos in their lovely shop, with their delightfully sparkly decor! At first I hesitated. But the giant pink tree {the Burnsides are expecting a GIRL} and the notion of warm fingers eventually got the best of me and we took them up on the offer. I am so glad we did.
I loved these super natural giggly moments with these two. How cute are they?!
And what would a winter maternity session be without a few more photos in the snow? I’ll tell you what…incomplete. I love these evergreen images from Scandinavian Heritage Park.
Thank you so much to Lulu Lane! Seriously, you guys rock. Shooting inside your shop was a joy. And a huge thanks to the Burnsides! The world will be very blessed to meet a person who has her parents’ energy and charm!
Happy New Year everyone!
xo
Amy
by Amy | Dec 30, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Living
I hope you’ve all had a grand Christmas and are gearing up to celebrate in style tomorrow night as we wave “G’bye” to 2014 and usher in a brand new year.
As usual Derek and I journeyed to our home town in God’s Country {Indiana} for the holiday. It was lovely and unseasonably warm. I visited with my very dear family and some of my dearest friends…we only see each other if I traverse to California, or if we are all home for the holidays. I’m back to Practically Canada now…feeling refreshed and invigorated. Both by the restful week away and the subzero wind chill that I’ve over heard locals referring to as “brisk.”
One of these lovely friends I got to catch up with paid me a compliment that has rooted its way into my heart and made my whole soul smile. He told me that I have a gift for seeing humor in every day life. I never thought of it as a gift. I just figured everyone could look around and find comedy unfolding in every direction. From the evening news to interactions at they gym, and conversations I’ve over heard at the coffee shop…it’s true–I see hilarity happening all around me. So, if it is a gift, or a super power, I’ll claim it with pride.
While we were visiting I told him many tales from Practically Canada. But there was one he particularly liked. Today, before the holidays get too far behind us, I’ll tell you as well.
{This is what I feel like shopping at the mall at Christmas. Image via ChipChick}
The date was Thursday December 18, 2014. Because Derek and I were heading to Indiana on Friday the 19th, I had about a million errands to run before we loaded the car to leave. One such errand was to the {dreaded} mall. I don’t care how small your town is. The mall is not the place you want to be less than a week before Christmas. Especially if you have a cranky streak, like I do, and tend to get fussy when you can’t find/they don’t have/you think it’s too pricey.
I pulled in to the insane parking lot. Because the chaos was so eminent, I reverted to an old mall-going trick I learned back in high school: there’s always parking at Sear’s. It’s true. Unless you are buying an appliance or some tools…you probably won’t park at Sear’s. Think about it. Do you know anyone who parks at Sear’s because they plan to do most of their shopping there? I sure don’t.
So I park and go in to Sear’s. I’m now power walking because I have a thousand tiny things to pick up from all different stores and I have an urgent need to remove myself from the mall as quickly as possible. As I’m flying by the shoe section, I see her. She’s across a shoe rack that has been placed in the middle of the aisle, her face slightly obscured, but I see her nonetheless. Tall, perfectly done eye make up, and a cute, sparkly headband–as usual.
I’m two full days from my last shower, sporting gym clothes, touting a makeupless face {save for some mascara that had been applied days earlier}.
I’m aware of how I look. But I also want to be friendly. Normally, I force myself to “place the face” before speaking…as in–I have to know where I know them from before saying “Hi.” But for whatever reason, be it the cheer of the season, the urgency in my stride, or simply a lapse of judgement…I hear the words “Oh, hey,” come out of my lips. As soon as I said it, I regretted it.
I have no clue who this girl is.
She smiles awkwardly back at me and mutters a greeting. I’ve stopped in my tracks. Like we are going to have a conversation. I’m short and she’s tall and the ratty shoe rack is between us. I take a few weird steps forward and turn to look at her. Now on the same side of the rack. We make eye contact. I’m rolodexing my whole brain, straining to place who this person is.
“Did you think I was someone else?” She asks. Now here’s where things get weird. The correct thing to do, would be to reply, “Yes.” Then walk away. Because I’m me…that’s not what I did. I stand there and make it weird.
“No, I thought you were you.” WHY would I say that? What does that even mean? “Your affiliated with the base, right? Or your husband is?”
“Ummm, no. I’m not in the military and I’m not married.”
“Really? You don’t do anything at the base?”
“Nope.”
Silence. Then I decide to cut my losses and bail. “Okay. Sorry about that.” I walk away. But I walk away smug…because I’m sure {super sure} that I know her from somewhere. I’m confident that we are friends on Facebook. And when I get home I’m going to look her up, then send her a message. Okay, maybe not the message thing…but I’m confident I’ll find her and that I’ll prove we are indeed friendly acquaintances. Then I’ll put this awkward moment behind me for good.
I rack my brain for the rest of the shopping trip. I’m still thinking about it when I sit down at home to check email. I’m cursing Facebook for not having a search feature that will allow me to narrow my results by “tall, wears sparkly headbands, has good eyeliner.” I sit and close my eyes and try to picture her in the setting I know her from. Gym? No–you don’t wear headbands that pretty to the gym. Military? She made it clear it wasn’t that. Downtown? Maybe…
Then, all of a sudden it hits me. I see it clearly in my mind. She has a blue vest on. She’s sweeping. She’s scanning.
She works at Hobby Lobby.
{this is a generic image via World Mag}
She doesn’t know me. Not at all. We are not friends. I don’t even know her name. Smugness crushed. Looks like one too many trips to the craft store this Christmas. Awkward. So awkward. For being so friendly and for a person who talks so much, you think I’d be less weird. Nope.
So, to the girl who works at Hobby Lobby: Hi. It’s Amy. I’m awkward and I’m sorry for being so weird that time at Sear’s. I like your headbands. Thanks for being such a good cashier. You are always really quick with the coupon code and I really appreciate that. K bye.
Have you had a moment like this? I sure hope your last days of 2014 are awkwardness free. Thanks for sticking around…even though I’m so weird.
Amy
by Amy | Dec 24, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Happy Christmas Eve everyone. I hope you are gathering in with family and friends to celebrate the really big deal that is Christmas! Just for kicks I thought I’d share a few images from a recent newborn session. It was Christmas themed, and precious. And really, who doesn’t want an extra does of cute going in to Christmas Day?
This little one belongs to the Rockwell family. You might remember their maternity session. Such a sweet, gorgeous couple. This was such a fun, relaxing session to shoot. And it was during this session that I learned about the amazing spatchcocking technique that worked out so well at Thanksgiving.
Merry Christmas all!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
–James 1:17
by Amy | Dec 17, 2014 | Blog, Devotional, The Art of Faith
It’s December 17th. Christmas is still more than a week {okay, eight days} away. But every year shortly after December hits the calender the holiday starts closing in. Slow at first. A party here, cookies there. Then things become faster and more frequent as last minute gifts demand to be purchased, gifts need to be wrapped, travel plans made, events organized and attended. And then, around December 17th I start feeling a knot in my stomach because the pressure is simply becoming too much.
Maybe I’m alone in feeling this way. Or maybe you feel this way at some point during the month of December too.
I think there’s a reason we feel so much pressure during these days. It’s because Christmas is a big deal. Now, I’m not talking about the commercial big deal of Christmas. I mean, Christmas is a big deal. It celebrates what is tied for the event marked as the biggest deal of all time–Christ’s birth. God coming to Earth in human form. {The event tied with this is Christ’s resurrection. And, for the record…this is referencing Amy’s Personal Book of Big Deals.}
With this really big deal in mind, it’s no wonder these become days filled with activity. This is a season of giving because God first gave to us. This is a season of celebration because God gave us a reason to celebrate. This is a season of outreach because the joy and excitement of Christmas is contagious, which makes it a great time to win hearts and share the Good News.
A lot of effort goes into Christmas. Because it’s a big deal.
But before you go off and tell everyone you know that I said Christmas is all about giving loads of gifts, getting new toys and eating until even your stretchy pants feel tight, let me add a few more thoughts.
We have to remember to focus our business, our celebrations, and even our shopping on the reason Christmas is so monumental–Christ. Through all that we do during this season {and the others as well} we must remember that, “…whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.“ {Colossians 3:17}
So all those parties–attend them, but only if you can do it in the name of the Lord. Go and have fun. Show uncontainable joy that looks out of place at an office Christmas party…because you are celebrating more than a Christmas bonus and a few days off–you are celebrating the moment everything changed. The moment God came to Earth. The moment the prophecy was fulfilled. The moment God made it possible to have a personal relationship with Him–no animal sacrifice required.
Buy the gifts, shop your heart out. But do it joyfully, knowing your gifts are a small symbol of the best gift ever given. Wrap them up and even add bows if you like…use those gifts as a tool to open conversation about the heart and attitude behind the gifts.
As I’ve spent time thinking about Christmas this year, my heart has been drawn to John 3:17. I think it sums the whole thing up pretty well:
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
That’s the Christmas story in a nutshell. Sure, there were angels and songs and kings and a journey and a barn–those are details, this is the main point.
This verse is significant because it dispels any notion of ulterior motive. Until Christ’s birth, God coming to our planet was often a terrifying and wrathful thing. The Israelites didn’t even want to hear God’s voice, because they were sure that encounter would cause them death. {Exodus 20} People knew He is great and they were sinful. Since sin entered the world, the human race feared not only God on Earth, but also His messengers. Think of all the stories that tell of angels being met with awe and terror. {Matthew 28, Luke 1:30}. Deep down, the human race knows it should fear, because it should be condemned and judged.
John 3:17 spells out God’s intentions. Jesus didn’t come to wipe out the mess, to tell us that we will never be good enough for God. Just the opposite. He came to save us. To tell us that He loves us, He knows us, and He wants to be with us. It’s a huge gift, totally free. He didn’t come to ask us to be perfect, but simply to love Him. And when we love Him, really and truly, it becomes easier to do everything, even Christmas, even shopping, even travel, even overbooked schedules in His name and for His glory.
Maybe take a minute tonight to refocus on the big deal that is Christmas. Remember why it’s such a big deal. Let that reality sink in. I’m going to take some time tonight to let that knot that’s started to form unwind…to wipe away the pressure of man–to make things sparkly and over the top for the sake of appearance–and cover my attitude with the joy of Christ’s arrival. Let your knot unwind too, and let the next 8 days pass by with insurmountable, unspeakable joy.
by Amy | Dec 16, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Living, The Art of the Moment
When Jessica got in touch with me to ask if I’d be willing to do a photo session for her and a group of friends I was immediately excited. I know this group. I like this group. They are 100% fun.
In Jessica’s initial message asking about the session she told me that they wanted to capture this unique season in life. Young, unmarried, most of them living away from family. In a lot of ways this group of friends has become family. And that’s a magical, special thing. Maybe as you scroll through these images you’ll see a piece of yourself and your own friends looking back at you. I hope you’ll smile as you remember those good times with the family that didn’t share your DNA. Or that you’ll feel especially grateful for your own amazing friends. Or that you’ll pick up your phone and send a message {or actually place a call} to a friend from a season in your life that has come and gone. Moments are special and relationships are gifts worth cherishing…a big thanks to every single member of this group for letting me hang out and capture the art of this moment for you.
You might be wondering what it is about these people that is so dear to me. Well…let me tell you. As you can tell by that list I wrote up of things to do in-and-around Minot this winter, I like doing things. And I like people who do things. This group does things. They go out, they stay in, they are welcoming and hospitable to new-to-the-area folks and {correct me if I’m wrong} the Minot Young Adult Facebook group sprung from this very gang.
I simply adore that these antlers were worn constantly during the session.
This was a VERY windy, very snowy, very cold day. But what is a full length, Practically Canadian, Christmas photo session without a few outdoor shots? So, we watched the window carefully. And when the snow and wind had calmed enough that we could actually see more than a pure sheet of white…we bundled up and braved the cold. It was very brave.
Then they literally ran back inside for more cookie making. I’ve never seen so much raw cookie dough consumed in one sitting before. I’m not judging. I’m not even mad…I’m impressed. Oh, and please notice the amazing cookie cutter shapes they had.
by Amy | Dec 12, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Projects
Over the last month or so, I’ve been busily putting together Christmas gifts…in an effort to keep from losing my mind at the very end. All in all, it’s going well. I just have one more gift to put together, then I’ll call it good. And while what I’ll be showing you today doesn’t exactly have to be a gift it’s nice to have on hand and does make a lovely present for someone moving to a cold climate, a college student, or that person on you list who has a loooong commute.
{Image via}
Today, we are talking a DIY winter emergency car kit.
This idea surfaced the week of Thanksgiving when I realized my own winter emergency car kit had been depleted of some of its necessities. My kit was, fittingly, given to me as a gift by my dad when I left for college. I think he even gave it to me for Christmas my freshman year. Even though it is winter appropriate, I’ve left in my car year-round since I got it. Luckily I haven’t needed the major stuff…but I regularly burn through some of the smaller items, at which point I replace them.
When my parents were in town for the holiday, I asked my dad for tips on restocking my kit and making a second kit–for Derek’s car. You see, he’s kind of an emergency preparedness guru. For a while he was our county’s Emergency Management Coordinator. Even now, his work involves creating plans for the “what ifs” of life. It’s safe to call him a trustworthy and expert source.
The following in a list he put together for me. It is formatted in order of importance with the necessities first and the “nice-to-haves” toward the end. Start with an empty backpack. If you are making this for yourself, just use what you have on hand. If it’s being given as a gift, splurge for new, or like-new, items.
1. First Aid Kit. This should have supplies for treating injuries {bandages, gauze, cold compress, aspirin, antiseptic ointment, etc.} as well as medications needed/taken by you and your family, or personal hygiene items custom to you {prescriptions, extra glasses, spare contacts, etc.} The Red Cross sells ready made first aid kits, or you can pick one up at a local drug store.
2. Cell Phone Charger. Keep a spare phone charger in the car that can plug in to the cigarette lighter.
3. A Gallon of Water. Don’t store it in an old milk jug. Instead, keep it in unopened bottles, empty/washed pop liters. Don’t fill bottles all the way to the top. Leave some space as the water will expand if it freezes.
4. Food. Keep about a three day supply. This doesn’t mean you need a ton of food…just some high calorie, high nutrient items, like protein bars. Clif Bars are a great choice.
5. Flashlight. Don’t store batteries in the flashlight. Instead, store them in a separate, unopened container and update them regularly as cold temps can deplete their power.
6. Waterproof Matches. Get the strike-anywhere variety and keep a stash of them in an old prescription bottle. This will keep them from scattering at the bottom of your bag and it will keep them dry. Heat is vital to surviving a winter car catastrophe. Matches can provide heat. You can burn the candles {that you’ll put in the kit in a minute}, or–if needed–items in your vehicle.
7. Candle in a Can. Dad recommends putting several candles in a coffee tin with a plastic, seal-able lid. The can will offer a place to keep your fire safe and will keep your candles dry.
8. Emergency Blanket. A blanket or sleeping bag that can compress is ideal for your winter car kit. I really like these compression bags, made for backpacking, that help pack a sleeping bag or blanket into a very small, tight bundle.
9. Extra Clothing. These can be things that were headed to the Goodwill. Bigger is better than smaller in this case. Put in a coat/sweatshirt {fleece is good since it repels water}, hat, sturdy gloves, socks, boots, a rain poncho, and a compact towel.
10. Tools. Add a multipurpose tool like this one, traction pads for stuck tires, a small {but sturdy} shovel, an axe, plastic sheeting or tarp, and duct tape. If you can’t find traction pad, or don’t want to buy them you can pack a gallon bag of clay cat litter instead.
Dad also added these nice-to-have items.
11. A battery powered, or hand-crank radio–a weather radio, if possible.
12. Extra batteries.
13. A written list of family contact information–in case your phone dies and you don’t have the numbers memorized, or if help arrives and needs to know who to contact.
14. Extra cash.
15. A state map.
16. Playing cards.
by Amy | Dec 11, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of Gathering, The Art of Living
This year I’m celebrating my golden birthday. 28 on the 28th of December. I know it hasn’t quite happened yet…but with a birthday that close to Christmas, I’m usually worn out, full of over eating, or on the road driving cross country on the actual day. This year, this golden year, I was determined to make sure my birthday rocked.
I told Derek the only thing I wanted was tickets to the White Christmas Ball in Denver. Yes, that’s an extravagant request. But I wanted it so bad. And, Derek is amazing. So we went. And it was fabulous. The best party I’ve ever been to. The best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten.
{It should be noted that photos being shared in this post were mostly not taken by me…as I was determined to enjoy the moment instead of documenting it. You can click the images to go to their sources. Most of them are from the fabulous Sheila Broderick Photography. The ones that look really cruddy were–no doubt–taken on my phone.}
You might be wondering what the White Christmas Ball is and how I came across it. By now, you should know that I’m an expert at finding really fun things to do. It’s just a knack I have. When something amazing in mentioned to me, I file it away in my beady little brain and pull it out at just the right time. In this case, I heard of this little ditty from a friend while we were shopping at Minot’s city wide garage sale. She saw a 1940’s military cap and said it’d be perfect for the 1940’s Ball. I have that moment, and Google to thank for getting me to Denver last weekend.
This event is actually an off shoot of the 1940’s Ball. A non-profit summer event in Denver that celebrates the Greatest Generation with a…1940’s themed ball. The White Christmas Ball is the winter side of things. The 1940’s Ball is a nonprofit organization, whose proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the Spirit of Flight Center in Colorado.
Okay, back to the ball. I think the thing I love most about this event is that it is attended by participators. People who are willing to commit to the theme, come in era-appropriate dress, and have a great time. As soon as we walked in to the venue, the atmosphere started to swallow me up. The Christmas decor, the lighting, the 1000 guests all beautifully dressed, and the amazing live music threw off an aura of warm, cozy, Christmas fun just waiting to be had.
The even staff does a great job of making sure there is lots to see and do. There is a vintage vendor fair, touting retro clothing and nostalgic memorabilia. Food trucks with some of the best mac ‘n’ cheese I’ve ever consumed. A huge dance floor. Continual live music, only occasionally broken up by live entertainment. Attire contests. Photo stations. Beautiful pro-photos from Cake and Knife Photography. And when your feet are tired of dancing {or for those of us still nursing a somewhat bad back…} there was a movie theater that played White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Glenn Miller Story.
{via Sheila Broderick}
{via Sheila Broderick}
My second favorite thing about this event is that it’s full of people who know how to have a good time. They dance because they like it, not because they are peer pressured into it. And no one needs to be drunk to make their way to the dance floor. Was alcohol available? Sure, but it wasn’t the center of the party. I respect that. I like that. As a girl who never mixes drinking and dancing {my dancing is plenty crazy without the extra influence}, I love being surrounded by people who can have an uninhibited great time–and this party was full of them. There were even a handful of WWII vets cutting a rug with pretty girls on the floor. That’s an image I’ll never forget.
For those that weren’t up for dancing themselves, there were several great live performances to watch. And wish you could move like that. The group below, 23 Skidoo, rocked my world.
{via Sheila Broderick}
{via Sheila Broderick}
And what’s a White Christmas party without a few numbers from the movie?
At one point we stopped to take a photo with a Christmas Story vignette and a gal from 9News saw us. She took this photo and put it up on the station’s website along with others from the night.
{via 9News}
I really cannot say enough good things about the bands that played. Amazing! Just amazing. Toward the end of the night Rat Pack impersonators did a set with the The Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra. Hands down my favorite music of the night. These guys were so perfect it was trippy.
{via Sheila Broderick}
{via Sheila Broderick}
The only thing that was a little off was this large, mustached man who appeared on stage with “Bing Crosby” and introduced himself as “Danny Kaye.” I’m thinking there must have been some last minute change of plans…because he looked nothing like the limber, leggy, ginger we all know and love.
But really, who cares? Because while they were on stage they did a balloon drop!
{via Sheila Broderick}
Seriously this was an amazing night. A night so good it made up for every disappointing, lackluster New Year’s Eve I’ve ever spent. This is the greatest party I’ve ever been to. And I’m convinced it’s the closest I’ll ever come to the real Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, VT. So, thank you, thank you, thank you to the 1940’s Ball team for putting on such a great event.
And outside the venue–the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum–was a bedazzled B-52. So…yeah…
