Life, Photography, What I Kept

what i kept- august 2025

Kari

i began writing this series in may 2022, not intending to make it a tradition. but it stayed—and so did you. thank you for showing up each month.

the light is changing…
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my friend michelle made this postcard, and it made me think about something another friend recently said—that online friends feel a lot like what we used to call pen pals. i love that idea. it includes everyone who leaves a comment on blogs too, and i love the sense of connection and inclusiveness that idea brings. it also made me think of the lovely postcards that michelle draws and sends. thank you, friend. 💜

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i’ve been doing this, and the experience has been the opposite of depressing—it’s actually quite lovely. there are so many remarkable humans out there, and reading obituaries has helped me feel a lot better about humanity, especially during such a difficult time.

books, coffee, boba, pastries, plants, little trinkets, weed, flowers.
this is oddly specific (and yes, i totally did this—at my best friend’s house while her parents were at work.)
did we travel 45 minutes for a molasses cookie? yes, we did.

in 1993, i decided to fly by myself from chicago to columbus, ohio to join a family gathering. i couldn’t go with my family when they were driving from illinois because i was working, so i booked a flight on my own. i was 23, and it was a transitional summer/fall for me—long story for another day.

i hadn’t been on a plane since i was a toddler, so the whole experience felt a little strange and exciting. when i got to my seat, i was sitting next to two men—one a professor at ohio state university, the other lived in a chicago suburb not far from me. both were dads, and both were incredibly kind. they talked with me the entire one-hour flight, and they reminded me so much of my own dad.

my mom, along with our family friends linda and kim, picked me up at the columbus airport (remember meeting people at the gate?) and took this picture. the man in the green sweater and the man in the blue shirt and tie were my “dads” on the flight. 💜

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68 thoughts on “what i kept- august 2025”

  2. That must be one damn fine cookie.

    You know what else is damn fine? Pat Benatar. She’s one of my faves, and one of only a handful of artists still on my concert bucket list. We saw her dress at the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland; it’s amazing how tiny she is given that powerful voice!

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      4. It’s such a relief to be out of the heat. Also, I get sick of AC. I’m chilled all the time inside and it’s too hot to go outside in the desert. Beach time is such a welcome break.

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  4. As usual, so many things I loved about your post.
    -I’ve been noticing the light more lately. Maybe bc it’s changing. I love your first picture of the light flooding in and your green door.
    -I’m assuming that’s one of your daughters w one of your dogs … my first thought was, look at her thick beautiful hair! (Daughter)
    -I love my public library!
    Am sometimes amazed by its generosity and trust of us!
    -Second time I read that Alix Klinenberg poem this week and it has resonated.
    -Omg, what I’d do for that molasses cookie. Would def drive 45 mins for it.
    -I love that we’re pen pals!
    -The mushroom postcard is adorable and do clever.
    🙏💖

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    1. I’ve been noticing the light too—I think it’s because it’s slowly getting darker, and maybe we’re just paying more attention to it now.

      YES—that’s Anna, my oldest. She and Biscuits were cuddling, and the way he was looking at her was so sweet. He loves when she comes to visit.

      I love my public library too. I’m there at least once a week. And yes—I think we sometimes take it for granted.

      I love that Alix Klinenberg quote because it made me feel like it’s okay to go back and forth between those states of being. I’ve felt a lot like that since the beginning of the year.

      It was so good. I wish we had gotten two of them now. 🤣

      I love it too, Donna. 😘💜

      It is. If you go to Michelle’s blog (she’s on an August hiatus), she’ll send one to you if you’d like!

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  5. I love all these things, Kari! I’m so happy you like the postcard, and yes to penpals! I’m still writing to my penpal from 6th grade! I sent her a postcard too. (Not a mushroom one – you got the only one of those.)
    I do remember when people could meet you (and see you off) at the gate. What wonderful, innocent times. You look so happy in that picture!

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    1. OMG, Michelle—I love that you’re still writing to your pen pal from 6th grade! Have you two ever met?? That is so cool! And I’m honored to be the only one who got the mushroom—I love mushrooms. Well, I should say I love the look of mushrooms, not the taste. 🤣 But they’re so cute!

      What an innocent time indeed. I was so happy. I had such a fun weekend with my friends and family. 💜

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  6. That’s so true! Blogging friends do feel like a lot like pen pals used to; only I get to look at so many more photo through blogging. I had a French pen pal that my 7th & 8th grade French teacher set up for us and I definitely remember exchanging photos as well as letters. That mushroom post card is adorable!

    I love that throwback photo of your first solo plane ride. I was married and and had kids before I ever flew alone– and since it was a flight to Orlando/Disney I was quite familiar and comfortable with the whole process.

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    1. I had a French pen pal my freshman year, but I never kept up with her, and it still makes me a little sad. Her name was Miriam—that’s all I remember.

      Flying alone is a big deal, no matter the age or experience. 💜

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  7. Kari, besides black, GREEN is my favorite color, so I am LOVING the front door to your house! And yes, the light is definitely changing, which makes me VERY happy because that means AUTUMN is coming. *doing the happy dance*

    That postcard from your friend, Michelle is ADORABLE!

    Love that Alive Until You’re Dead excerpt!

    “weed” – LOL! Yes!

    I truly believe that quote from Andrea Gibson.

    And THANK YOU for sharing the story about being on the plane and meeting those two “dads on the flight”. What a wonderful experience. Love the photo too!

    As always, I thank you for sharing what you kept, my friend. Always enjoyable to read!

    Have a superb week! X

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    1. Green is my favorite color too, Ron! I love that we share that in common. OUR WEATHER IS COMING. (Finally!) (Doing a happy dance in return) 🤣

      Isn’t it? You should definitely head over to her blog—she’s lovely, and she’ll send you one if you want it!

      I feel like weed will be a big seller.

      I do too, my friend.

      I’ll never forget their kindness. 💜

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. It always means so much to me, my friend. 😘

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  8. The light is sure changing. It feels like Fall today, which I find rather depressing. It’s August! Not depressing to me though are obituaries. So many interesting people and I feel that it’s honoring them to read about their lives.

    I love the comparison of blogging to pen pals! I had quite a few during childhood and when I was a girl scout leader, I found another troop in Oklahoma City for our girls to be pen pals with. We sent them buckeye necklaces that the girls made and they sent us red rocks.

    When I read what you would sell in your shop, I initially thought it said ‘weeds’ (probably because I saw plants & flowers) LOL! I was thinking, well, there ARE some pretty weeds out there!

    While I never roller skated in a basement, I did listen to plenty of record players in friends’ basements. Andy Gibb always comes to mind because I had a friend who was obsessed with him.

    Molasses/Ginger cookies are my all time fave!

    That photo of you in the airport is priceless, especially because the ‘Dads’ are in the photo. I remember flying alone for the first time when I was 21. It was People’s Express to Newark when I was going to visit my BF (now spouse) in NYC. I think the ticket was $99. Those were the days! You just showed up; no ID required.

    Love these posts, Kari! Have a great week! XO

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    1. Aww, I understand feeling that way. I have mixed feelings about fall too. I’m enjoying this weather because summer was so oppressive, but I don’t like how it’s getting darker earlier. I usually embrace it more in October, but for some reason I’ve always had mixed feelings about August and September.

      Yes to honoring them! I feel this way too.

      Maybe that’s how I’ll get those in my shop who are anti-weed! I’ll lure them in thinking they’re just seeing weeds and flowers! 🤣

      Andy Gibb—he was such a heartthrob. Leif Garrett too, although I wasn’t a huge fan.

      Mine too! Followed closely by Oatmeal Raisin.

      I love that story! Flying was so different back then. I bought my ticket at a United store around the corner from my job! When I was telling this to Anna, she was laughing—it seems almost unreal now.

      Thank you, friend. Have a great week as well! 😘

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  9. Michelle is amazing, and I love that postcard! She just brings so much light and happiness to the world. As do you!

    I love all the stickers on your desk. What a cheerful display!

    That cookie looks like my grandma’s gingersnaps. I underbake them so they are super chewy and delicious, they are my absolute favourites.

    The dads on the plane! Oh, some people have such impact on us – it is just mind boggling.

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    1. Isn’t she great? And thank you—I feel the exact same way about you. 😘

      I started using my desk as my sticker notebook in 2021, and I’ve enjoyed adding more over the last four years.

      YES! It’s soft and chewy, but the sugar gives it a little crunch. Absolute perfection—but I’m sure your grandma’s are even better because they’re made with love.

      Isn’t that so? I’d been holding on to this story for so long, and when I happened to see this picture in an album at my mom’s last week, it felt perfect for this post. I’ll never forget their kindness. 💜

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  10. Blogging is so much like having pen pals! OMG I love that. Also, that molasses cookie looks decadent. This post is overall so cozy, welcoming, and fun. It’s no wonder you kept it all. 🥰

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    1. You’re back! It’s so good to see you here again!

      I love the idea of pen pals—right? It really changes how I look at blogging and all of you. 💜

      That cookie is so good. My mom and I first found it at a coffee shop in March, and we finally made it back there on Sunday.

      I’m so glad you feel this way, my friend! I loved sharing it with you. 😘

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  15. I, too, would drive 45 minutes for a good cookie. An hour for a donut..lol I’m sure you remember Alvin and the Chipmunks? We skated to that album down our basement and used to whip around the poles. So fun! Thanks for that memory! Yes, we are all pen pals! That’s a good description, but I feel closer to you because I think we are somehow related. We have too many things in common!

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    1. We really are two peas in a pod. I’d happily drive an hour for a donut too.

      OMG—we are the Chipmunks! Alvin! Simon! Theodore! I can still hear that song, and now I’ll be singing it all day. I’m so glad you shared that memory—thank you!

      I feel closer to you too, and I love that we’ve found so many things in common. 💜

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  16. I rollerskated with the old school skates that clamped onto your shoes and required a skate key. We skated in the street and on the sidewalk. I AM OLD.

    It seems a small thing, but not being able to wait with and then meet travellers at the gate is still a loss I still find sad. That photo of you and your two flight dads is a treasure, as is your fond memory.

    The expression on your dog’s face gazing out the window is beautiful.

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    1. I LOVE THAT! My mom and dad did too! My dad would always bring this up and then mention the song I’ve Got a Brand New Pair of Rollerskates, You’ve Got a Brand New Key…

      I’m with you on missing the days when we could meet our loved ones at the gate, Nance. I also miss just sitting at the gates and plane watching. My oldest daughter (25) still loves to go plane watching with us—she doesn’t remember ever being able to wait at the gate for loved ones. Neither does my youngest, who’s 17.

      Isn’t it the sweetest? He was waiting on his younger doggie brother while he was getting a nail trim. 💜

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      1. The Melanie Safka song! I always loved that song and sang it a lot as a kid because I thought it was SO cool that a famous singer had the same name as me, lol.

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  17. Well, just placed a hold on the Susan Moon book from my library, which always loves me and everyone who comes through its doors. It’s like the best kind of church, isn’t it? Thank you. And thank you for reminding me of roller skating in my garage to music on my record player. I have distinct memories of a very heartfelt routine I choreographed to Simon & Garfunkel’s “My Little Town,” (https://youtu.be/__Ro3eGuznI?si=PuYnS3OudnalhM1V) a song that made me feel sad and nostalgic for my childhood while I was living it. I wish I’d been more of a kid who skated to someone like Pat Benatar, but I was a sad and often lonely little weirdo. There are a lot of parenting choices I would make differently now, but I will always be glad that I let my daughter roller skate in the house. I just love that photo of you coming off the plane. I want all of our daughters to have that look on their face, often.

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    1. I loved that book so much—her writing was just lovely. I think you’ll really enjoy it. Libraries are the best kind of church—I love thinking of it that way. You just changed something in my brain in the best way.

      I was a little weirdo too, friend. I masked A LOT growing up, and looking back now, so many things I thought were weird or strange—or that I was the only girl in the world who did them (and was even told so)—turn out to be so common. I’m grateful to live in a time where we’re opening up and realizing we all share these things. Maybe we’re all weirdos together.

      I love that song. I haven’t heard it in ages, and now when I do, I’ll think of you.

      I want that for our daughters as well. 💜

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  18. I noticed a few days ago that the light was changing, and it made me sad. Even though it’s still summer, the light is much softer now. The sunlight that casts shadows in the house is totally different. And it’s already dark at 7:30, waah! I know I’m not in the majority here, but I also don’t like this cool weather that we’re having. Sure, it feels good, but it’s such a drastic change from what we had, there was no in-between. It feels like October already.

    That mushroom postcard is so dang cute, I love it!

    Obits…I just read my friend, Karen’s obit that was published today. She was only 67 and died quickly from a cancerous brain tumor. Her wake and funeral is Saturday. :-( And…why are obits so boring? I’ve only read one truly good one in my life. It was for a male acquaintance. Reading his obit actually made me feel like I knew WHO he was. I don’t know if he wrote it ahead of time, or if his wife did or what. I should try to find it. What do you think about that concept…writing your own obituary ahead of time?

    I always dreamed of opening a book shop with old wooden floors and plenty of comfy chairs to lounge in around the shop. Of course, it would have to have a coffee bar with some home-baked cookies, brownies and muffins. Selling plants and some trinkets (there’d better be stickers!) sounds good to me, too. I’ll pass on the weed only because it doesn’t work for me (dang it!) and there are already too many pot shops around, lol.

    OK, where did you get that pretty molasses cookie? That is Brian’s favorite. I make them for him sometimes. Otherwise, he treats himself to one if we go to Hewn (either in Libertyville or Evanston). I can easily pass on those. My favorite is a GOOD chocolate chip cookie.

    LOVE the Hazel Satija quote!

    xoxo

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    1. I know—I’ve been noticing how early it gets dark in the evening and how late the sun comes up in the morning. I never realized how early it rises in late spring—4 a.m.! Probably why spring is my favorite season. You’re not alone in not loving this weather, but I, on the other hand, do. My house smells fresh, the windows are open, and I feel so much more connected to nature. Honestly, it feels more summery now than ever to me.

      Isn’t it adorable?

      Sending love to you, my friend. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend Karen. I hate fucking cancer. I love the idea of writing our own obituaries—no one knows us better than ourselves. 💜

      I LOVE YOUR SHOP. When is it opening?? 😊

      It’s a coffee shop in East Troy, Wisconsin called 2894 on Main. Mom and I popped in there one day in March for lunch after a doctor appointment and tried a cookie—oh man, so good. We went back last weekend just for the cookie, and I might go again this fall just for that cookie. Wait—Hewn has molasses cookies???

      I love that quote too. 😘💜

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      1. I think that WE should open a shop! And have a chill resident dog, like a friendly Golden Retriever, lying around just waiting to be petted by customers. (You have to take it home at night though, ha ha.) And a friendly roaming kitty that actually lives in this book shop. ;-)

        Can you believe I’ve never been to East Troy? I will have to look up that coffee shop. Yes, Hewn has molasses cookies! Guess what I just made Brian 2 days ago because he was craving them….<3

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      2. YES! I love this idea! I’ll take the doggy home at night! Oh man — I love the thought of a friendly roaming kitt… let’s manifest this 💜

        Yum!! I might have to head over to Hewn and try their molasses cookies!

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  19. Look at you – exiting that plane. You look so happy and so ‘adult’. I remember flying to see Coach in college and other places when I was that young and I often sat next to someone who was lovely and engaging. I loved that part of the flying experience.

    The thing about libraries is super cute.

    If you drove 45 min for that cookie – might that cookie be near me? Or did you drive in the other direction? Asking for a friend (literally because that cookie for sure has all kinds of gluten in it!

    I did not roller skate to Pat Beneatar in someone’s basement but I can relate so much to doing something similar in that timeframe. My cousin, for example, had a juke box in her basement. She played Jitterbug over and over and over again when we hung out at her house for the holidays.

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    1. I love that part of flying too. Back then, no cell phones—just books, magazines, and conversation. Feels like a whole different world, doesn’t it?

      Unfortunately, that cookie is about 45 minutes north of me—opposite direction. Sorry. 😔

      And OMG, a jukebox in the basement! My friend had a pinball machine in hers, which was also very cool.

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      1. Bummer about the cookie, but not like I could’ve eaten it. I had a feeling it was the wrong way.

        I hadn’t thought of why flying is different now (aside from no one to meet you at the gate, which is something that I find sad – like our kids will never know that kind of anticipation/joy), but after reading this I realize that it is the earbuds and the phones and that sort of thing that creates a distance between yourself and your plane neighbor.

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  21. So many wonderful things… if I were to open a store I would sell coffee and books. The light certainly started changing here, too. While it’s still light in the evenings till later, I can smell the crispness in the air both evenings and mornings. I get sad in winter since apparently I have S. A. D. Or maybe I don’t. Back in May I read a book on “wintering” in essence how to enjoy winter, the darkness, coziness, all the gifts. So my plan is, sometime in October, I am determined to NOT get sad. Or maybe just a little sad. I want to spend time outside, get layers, to get cozy and not live in my hole where I usually exist during the winter months…

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    1. I used to get really sad in the winter too. Something changed in me over lockdown — I just began appreciating winter more. I really want to investigate that more because it is really something. I used to hate winter and love summer, and now that is completely flipped!

      I love your plan for October: layers, coziness, and intentionally not disappearing into your hole. I think giving yourself permission to enjoy the season, even in small ways, makes all the difference.

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  22. Pat Benetar! She was the bomb, and I hear she still is. My friend D saw her in concert last year and said she was great!! Fun fact, I used to get into trouble by roller skating in the house. My dad was a literal fun-sucker. Love Is A battlefield.

    I love the airplane story and this makes me wish my family had taken more photos back in the day. How sweet of your mom; she was so excited to see you, she had her camera at the ready. And how nice of those men; there are so many good people in the world and I hate that the NEWS only shows us the not-so-good ones.

    Have you watched Pamelas Garden? (Pam Anderson) It’s a cute series and in one of the final episodes, she opens a little shop on her property with her favorite things to sell: Coffee and flowers. She’s quite endearing, not at all the persona we’ve been sold over the years.

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    1. Yes, she’s in her 70s and still touring! I love that. We used to get in trouble too, which is why we did it while her parents were at work. 🤣

      So many good people, and you’re right about the news….😔

      No! I’m going to look for it! I loved her documentary, so I know I will love the show.

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  23. I love the first two items about light. As a photographer, light is everything. It was falling on the side of our building the other day, just after it had stopped raining and the climbing rose, currently covered in rose hips, looked *chef’s kiss*. I wanted to go back inside and grab my camera, but we were already late, so I didn’t. The light was gone when we got back, but fortunately I’ve got it saved in my mind’s eye.

    I’ve taken a snap of that ‘describe the light’ prompt. I’m trying to get into writing more, so it’ll be a really useful exercise. Thanks Kari <3

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    1. You are so right—light IS everything when you’re a photographer. I love that you see photos you want to take—I’m like that too, Deb. I also love that you were content with just having the photo in your mind. I want to be like that at some point—I’m still always looking for a beautiful photo to share here. A work in progress. 😘

      I love that you can use that prompt! The book is so good. I’ve been taking it very slowly this time around and it’s been so much more enjoyable.

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  24. The Durham sentiment about the public library is perfect. Am smiling. The photo of the rear view mirror view is something I often unintentionally take when I’m trying for something better. Maybe I should just accept it like it was meant to be and share it on IG?

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    1. I loved that—it’s so true!

      YES. I took that picture on the way to my mom’s on a beautiful Sunday. It was so pretty that day and I wanted to remember it. Share those pictures with us, Ally. 💜

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