AmiMaxine

Mile 11

Every year for the past decade, Appleton, WI, has hosted a (nearly) free musical festival featuring over two hundred musicians across forty venues along a mile of downtown over the course of four days. The twist on the festival is that all songs must be original (no covers) from emerging artists from all over theContinue reading “Mile 11”

National Book Lovers Day

I know what you’re thinking – isn’t every day book lovers day? On this particular day, apparently, people all over the globe are asked to put away their smartphones and other tech devices/distractions, pick up a book, and read. Those of us who do love books don’t really need much prompting to put those thingsContinue reading “National Book Lovers Day”

The Barry Manilow Experience

My first memory of Barry Manilow was as a kid. I knew my mother was a big fan of his, but I also knew that my dad didn’t care for his music. I was eleven or twelve when he gifted her a box set (this was back when a box set was CDs and VHSContinue reading “The Barry Manilow Experience”

Route 66 – Missouri

I made it to the IL/MO border a bit before noon on my second day. I’d never been to St. Louis before, and the skyline is pretty spectacular with the arch – even in the overcast foggy morning. I had originally planned to stop and check out the arch, but the weather was pushing meContinue reading “Route 66 – Missouri”

Route 66 – Illinois

Full disclosure, I took the start pic when I was in Chicago for an event earlier in the year. This way, I wouldn’t have to stop and pay for parking to grab it. I could just drive the three and a half hours from home to the start – and then just keep going. ItContinue reading “Route 66 – Illinois”

Route 66 – Tips and Tricks

At the start of this summer, I was set to embark on a trip I’ve been wanting to take for a long time. I don’t remember when I first wanted to take this particular road trip, but over this last winter break, I finally decided this was the summer I would go. I planned toContinue reading “Route 66 – Tips and Tricks”

Rapidan Dam

I spent two years living in Mankato, Minnesota. In the grand scheme of my life thus far, that is starting to feel like a blink. Even so, Mankato made its mark on me, and I still hold dear some of the folks that I met while I was there. Which is why when I firstContinue reading “Rapidan Dam”

Inside Out 2

Every year, it doesn’t officially feel like summer until I get to go to the drive in. Specifically, when we get to watch that Pic commercial before the movie starts – and yes, they still sell the product in the snack bar. 🙂 I’ve made it to the drive in twice already this summer, theContinue reading “Inside Out 2”

If I Had Published My High School Poetry

A little while ago, I attended a poetry reading at my local book shop. April is national poetry month here in the states, so it’s common for such readings to be in an abundance. End of April/start of May also happens to be the busiest time for my job, and the reading fell on aContinue reading “If I Had Published My High School Poetry”

Book Clubs

After grad school (many moons ago), I found I missed talking about books so much that I convinced my new boss (my now bestie) to read a series with me – and we spent each morning before work discussing them. (Well, complaining about them…because they were awfully written…) Whether for fun or learning, there isContinue reading “Book Clubs”