kcdiaries

springsacomin

2010-03-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

words to follow these here pics.

late night sugar rush anyone?

2010-03-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Pea Lately

2010-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

So Pela's getting big fast, and we are trying to keep up and perhaps stay a few steps ahead of her. The joys and trials of potty training have been fun. We have been able to upgrade our roasting situation with a larger roaster. That means more time to hang out with family, and more time to build the business. Here's a few pics from the last week. Pela's a big fan of Dr. Seuss, and she loves hanging/running around @ the art museum.

@ work with Pela

2010-02-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

Pela's been busy helping us build the business. She's been cold calling and setting up meetings so much, we have had to tell her to back off a little. Here's a few shots of her in action.

2010-02-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

things to do

2010-02-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

Pela is very intent on getting where she's going in this picture. We had just finished multiple rides up and down the escalator @ barnes & noble. Heading to get some coffee, we knew there was only so much time. Such pointed efficiency sets the tone for such photos.

forts & cheerios

2010-02-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

One great benefit of having a monkey @ home is rediscovering the many worlds that can be discovered in ordinary objects and scenarios. To our benefit, we build forts and tents from time to time. Being weather-bound indoors, now is the time for forts. Pela took turns running in and out of the structure, taking care of various babies in various locations. Other activities include hide from scary mama coming close on Pela's bare heels to eat her neck.

Oh yeah, the point of the story: Sarah and I were across the room, watching Pela clamber about on the couch. At one point, we look over, and she's standing there leaning her hip into the couch in her overalls, hair askew in her Pelaway, selecting a morsel in the shape of a cheerio from under the couch cushions. The morsel then, of course, while gazing into our eyes, pops promptly into her mouth. Mind you, this treat is easily 9 months old. Before we can collect ourselves to say anything more than, "is that tasty?" or "is it chewy?", she has selected and consumed three delicious snacks. That's our girl...

(note: Sarah keeps the house really clean[in spite of Pela & I]. this is not intended to serve as passiveaggresive communication of desired couch cushion maintenance. I love you baby. It is a major character in this tale, and in life. For where would we find mystery but under couch cushions, car seats & jacket pockets? dunno.)

snowing again

2010-02-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

It is snowing again in KC. I guess it's common in winter for a city to have a lot of snow. Today is a day of big flakes and slick sidewalks as we navigated freshly snowed sidewalks around downtown KC. One of our customers are in a big H&R block building. It has very tall windows with which to display the beautiful precipitation. This text is just an excuse to post a picture we took by a fountain in the H&R building.

We attempted to take a day off today, but the first part of the day was running around for the business. We were running around together, so it was a satisfying outing. We are semi-holed away for the rest of the day. Wow, that's blog-worthy...

cat in the hat

2010-02-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Pela's latest viewing preference has been the late 50's animation of the Cat in the Hat. I fully approve because of the big words in other languages, as well as the fully creative & psychedelic in the Tom & Jerry way it was rendered.

Sarah's been watching a little dude, as I may have mentioned. His name is Robbie, and he's about 3 months old. His visits have brought about the excavation of the bouncy chair. Which, being to the scale of Pela now, looks almost more comfortable with her in it than an infant. That is, picturing the chair to adult scale in the mind makes it a relaxing prospect were it designed and implemented into our homes.

That's it. Enjoy the clip.

whoa is me

2010-01-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

Sarah, Pela & I went to the Nelson art museum today. It was brisk & blue outside. We were remarking on how far we had to go to get to the front doors, so I suggested to Pela she hop in my jacket. She agreed. As we turned off the sidewalk into the tree-lined walk to the museum grounds, I reached down to open my jacket. This particular jacket has an adjustment mechanism in the form of a tight elastic cord with a plastic ball on the end. Apparently, I grabbed this ball with force as I moved the zipper down its track. Said ball then catapulted under my glasses into the soft white of my eyeball.

I did not drop Pela, but I did expand her vocabulary by one word. I handed her to Sarah and bent over, clutching my flaring eye socket. Long story short, I can see, & ouch.

Elastic is for observant folks. About a month ago, I was removing a dead pine tree from the roof of my car. In doing so, the bungee cord holding it in place held to a branch as I lowered the tree. Do I set the tree down to dislodge the bungee? Or do I give it a little flip to lazily dislodge the branch. You guessed it. I did the latter and shattered the back windshield of the Subaru with a plastic bungee cord hook.

Perhaps the wise among us live longer, & perhaps the foolish have more fun. Takin' the lumps we got coming to us, whichever category we place ourselves...

That is all. Take a minute to secure your protective eyewear.

artwork lately

2010-01-21T20:16:00.001-08:00

The three of us have been working on some stuff lately. Sarah's been sewing & making aprons, Pela's been drawing and destroying, and I have been diving in to printmaking. More to come.

pea lately

2010-01-16T04:16:00.001-08:00

it's mid January 2010, and much has happened. Maybe I just wrote this in the last post, but I will be redundant for the sake of posting consistency.

Our business is approaching a year old, and with the help & support of our family & friends we are feeling, well, helped & supported. We have moved twice in 10 months, and may or may not move once more by the time another year rolls by. We are roasting and printing out of a gallery space in the Westside neighborhood of KCMO. It's a shared space with some fellow artists and designers/filmmakers. The last place had no heat or quality plumbing, so at the very least, this place is a step up in quality of living/working. It stands to grow in excitement as the months pass as well. One definite benefit is Pela & Sarah can come around and not worry about tripping over too much.

Sarah has been doing great, working as the accountant, shipping & receiving, bill payment center, my main supporter, encourager and best friend. Oh and she's full timing raising a little monkey. She has been watching a 3 month old little dude a couple times a week as well. Pela is having a great time getting to know someone smaller than she is. It helps that he often has frog heads on his feet.

It's winter in KC, and most other places in the west. We had some snow this year, and it's more than we have had to deal with in past years. It was a challenge for certain. The issue wasn't so much the volume of snow that came down, it was more about the amount of snow that remained on the ground in the weeks after the snow. One of our cars remained in a drift for 3 weeks due to poor traction, and the 8 inches of snow that adhered to the pavement. KCMO's budget was shot in the first night of heavy snowfall. Yes, it was a holiday, but it was also winter. I don't have a solution for the problem, so I will move on. One thing I know, Subarus make lots of snow a lot of fun to drive in.

Pela is growing wildly as many kids do. She's got a cute little high-pitched voice, and learns more words every day. She has a passion for penguins, a.k.a. 'pengoes,' coloring(cowdowing) with dry erase markers(thxami/papa), & shows particular prowess and cunning in snatching sips of beverages from under people's noses. She likes alll kinds of flavor profiles. That's all I am going to say about that.

All in all, we are enjoying life in KC. We long for the mountains, but rest in the knowledge we can reach them in a day's drive. Much love to you all. Thanks for tuning in... xo

long time

2010-01-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

So, it's 2010, and this is the first post in 6 months or so. What has happened? I reckon much. Pela is two and some change, our business is doing well, & we have moved to a new location. Seated with Pea in the photo is our friend Jeremy Collins. He's a local illustrator whose work we have enjoyed for years. Small world brings us into the same workspace. Pela enjoys benefits of working with diverse creative folk. more soon.

Moon Marbles

2009-09-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

We went this morning to Bonner Springs KS to check out Moon Marbles. They make custom marbles there, and performed in house are some great demonstrations of that craft. Other notables on the shelves: remote control zombie, paper doll book of 1960 rockstars & elvis presley bendable figures.

hangin' in KC with the family

2009-09-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

My bro Scott & niece Addy came to visit us for a couple days. We are packing in as much eating, walking & talking as possible. Right now, there's a ms. pac-man tournament going on. The victor remains to be seen.

More to come.

I got nothin'

2009-09-01T17:10:00.001-07:00

Thanks Micah via Rye

thanks for the rat, aunt kiki

2009-08-29T18:50:00.001-07:00

how about this one?

2009-08-27T16:51:00.001-07:00

no discrimination at all...

remember this?

2009-08-27T16:44:00.001-07:00

Pea long overdue

2009-08-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

sarah, pela & I made it to the WWI monument for a carouse last week. Pela had enough calories to burn before a nap that made it exciting. It's a great place to walk amongst man made giants. Pela enjoyed running around at their feet.

This may change your life...

2009-08-17T19:41:00.001-07:00

thanks Ryan

Brad Mehldau - The Way You Look Tonight

2009-08-04T16:09:00.001-07:00

enjoy

uh...

2009-08-01T08:13:00.001-07:00

yip yip

2009-07-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

we'll be hanging out with some other folks tomorrow in westport serving up hand made and local products. We'll have some Tanzanian Peaberry toddy-brewed (cold press), and some whole bean coffee for sale, as well as some cards on what nots.

If you are local, come on out and enjoy.

homestarrunner inspiration?

2009-07-07T06:40:00.001-07:00

legos

2009-07-07T06:31:00.001-07:00

a young and bespectacled kid walked by the sunflower and commented on the exhibit in general, saying, "this is suburban post modernism." He was too smart for me, but I suspected he was right.

hangin' @ the fountain

2009-07-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Pela had fun getting familiar with water jetting up from the ground. Somehow she managed to not get plowed over by the other kids careening around like fast(karate) action fruit flies.

Music for One Apartment and Six Drummers

2009-07-06T15:36:00.001-07:00

it's been a while, but it always brings a smile...

some cool stuff happening over by there

2009-07-03T06:42:00.001-07:00

time for a trip

gumbo

2009-07-01T05:10:00.000-07:00

Pela has been learning what this cool body, wonderfully & fearfully made, can do. She figured out she can hide quarters in her armpits yesterday.

fun with gravity

2009-06-24T15:32:00.001-07:00

Father's Day

2009-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

It was the first father's day when Pela could kind of participate in the celebration. So far, my job has been really easy. Sarah picks up all the slack being an incredible mom. Thanks, Sarah.

We spent the day chillin, working and eating some fine grub our friend matt prepared for us. The swing is in his finely manicured lawn.

By the way, the cup was a birthday gift from Sarah.

It says, "I love you more than a zombie loves brains."

She knows exactly how to speak to my heart...

2009-06-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

pickle dippin'

2009-06-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

textbook execution

good times billy

2009-06-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

our raconteur friend Billy came through town last week. It was good to see him. It's nice to have some one near who knows you before you were known in your current location. We aren't in the business of hiding, but if we were, he could smell right through it. We could too. well, the scent of his riding overalls pretty much covered most of his secrets. Anyway, we love you billy. More about our other visitors soon.

buddies

2009-05-31T17:34:00.001-07:00

Jonas Hohenadel and his parents came to town this past week. It was grand to have them near. Pela and Jonas had a good time getting to know each other. Jonas inspired Pela to use the
toilet, and Pela kinda reminded him of how fun it was to just grunt for fun.

2009-05-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

whoa

2009-05-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Rough, gritty, beautiful, dark yeeesh. CLICK

Thanks Dan

Auto-Tune the News

2009-05-22T23:15:00.001-07:00

wow, pretty fantastic. Minute 1:22 is actually moving. We have already watched it about 8 times. Hope you like it. Thanks Uncle Nigel.

2009-05-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

Pela eats chair

2009-05-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

chair wins, Pela's lip defeated this time around

uh, yeah I am trying out!re

2009-05-05T03:52:00.001-07:00

There couldn't be a flyer that more fit the description of my musical tastes.

auntie michelle

2009-05-05T03:47:00.000-07:00

Michelle stopped through from Baltimore this past weekend. It's always good to have a Bettis nearby. Thanks for being good friends to us.

2009-04-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

been too long

2009-04-20T02:56:00.000-07:00

Pela came by our new roasting space yesterday, and found all kinds of room for improvement. She worded her criticism in the nicest possible way. You can see what she really feels in here eyes.

mildly discomforting

2009-04-06T20:50:00.001-07:00

Indian in a Canoe! Face paint art video. Artist James Kuhn., originally uploaded by hawhawjames.

what do you do with your free time? or do you get paid to do this? just curious.

who taught her this?

2009-04-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

2009-03-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

ham?

2009-03-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

lucky shot

2009-03-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

So I went to retrieve something from the car in the picture, as I was loading the other car not pictured. As I shut the door, I heard a pleasant 'shooshing' sound. Curious, I stepped back and looked for the source. As I was noticing a sinking hole in the back window, the rest of the glass fell in with a likewise pleasant sound. The only bummer is that it rained broken glass in to Pela's car seat and the rest of the back seat.

Little kids at recess at the school playground maybe 20 feet away sometimes throw rocks at people or objects nearby. Apparently our car was on the list today. It was a very small rock that hit in just the right spot, with just the right angle to break the spider the glass.

Bummer for the kid who wasn't around to see it fall( I did look.) It would have been pretty satisfying for me. Actually it was. Was the satisfaction worth the price of repair? I reckon it will have to be.

good times in midtown KC.

a day in the life of pea and we

2009-03-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

'nuff said

2009-03-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

2009-03-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

gettin' big... just chillin' in the city.

sifting through the chaff

2009-03-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Pela was inspecting chaff from yesterday's roasts. I think she was satisfied. I got no report stating otherwise.

chillinc

2009-03-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I took next to no photos to document our trip to NC, but it was memorable anyhow. We saw many of the good folks we know and love in Winston-Salem. Thanks to all of you good people. Pela had a lot of fun meeting y'all. There are some fine potential sons in law.

2009-03-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

2009-03-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Something to dig, so to speak. Inspiration found here.

j u m p

2009-02-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

We are three 8 2 5 days from completing our commitment to be faithful to the current standard of leaving one's workplace. We have customers, bags, sealers, motivation, and so far, the blessing of the Lord on this business. We are thrilled to be on our way.

I feel like I am coming up for air after 13 years in the coffee industry. Since my first cup of coffee in maybe 1991(?) served by a dude in a mohawk in Lockport IL., I have been seeking counter culture. It took me many years of conforming to revolt against it.

anyhow, we want to have fun, roast really great coffees and impact lives on a daily basis, either by providing freaked out cups of coffee to folks who want it, and joining the symbiotic chain of quality that starts in the dirt.

We sure do love you all and appreciate your love and support.

sunday @ the park

2009-02-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Pela and I survived the weekend without mama fairly well. We only ran out of gas once. Other than that, we hung out and ate food. Today, we checked out the Nelson on the outside. Pela done dug it.

fine, I will fend for myself

2009-02-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

Family Trip

2009-02-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

Us KCK's went to Illinois for a quick visit and pick up of a lovely and heavy letterpress. It was good for Pela to meet her Great Gramma and Aunt and Uncle. Thanks for the hospitality and laughs.

Now down to business...

ho ho ho

2009-02-07T18:59:00.001-08:00

2009-02-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

hello kitty hat is the theme of the week. Grandma & Papa K got Pela the accessory that defines this little season of life. She wears it well and often.

we can try to look this good...

2009-02-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Pela's been wearing her Hello Kitty hat all day for the past couple days. Today, she happened to be wearing the kimono/sherpa outfit. I know somehow, the hat tied it all together.

casual pela

2009-02-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

stocking up

2009-01-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

Three of us took a short jaunt to stock up on some goods with the Pea. Gone are the days of chillin' in the cart. Must explore and recommend items for purchase. How about a work out dvd? How about a workout dvd? How about a workout dvd? They were the lowest hanging fruit. I think she's headed for them in the picture.

Lost souls in Parkville MO

2009-01-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

Look at this neglected old press sitting on the corner with snow and seasons in its cracks. Truly, one man's trash is another's treasure. Who's got a truck and a biig crowbar? Give me a call.

such an observant child...

2009-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

groovin'

2009-01-19T14:07:00.001-08:00

Apparently Pela likes the harmonica. And it's apparent Pela got her dancing skills from her parents.

skillet licker cafe

2009-01-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

We don't know about licking anything at the Skillet Licker Cafe, in KCK. We went for the little doughnuts that they fry up there. They were cleaning the machine unfortunately and fortunately.

Aunty Kizze has been here for the week, and it's been great to have her.

well, it's that time again...

2009-01-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

That's right. Take off your ties, pant suits and real job titles, and remember wasted years. Who's in? Asheville? Brad? Heh. Never mind, it is tempting though...

click here

2009-01-08T04:44:00.000-08:00

"Memorizing scripture allows me to hit the devil in the face with a force he cannot resist, to protect myself and my family from his assaults. What are YOU hitting him with? He is MILLIONS of times stronger than you, and he HATES you, and your family, and your marriage, and this church and God. How anybody walks through this devil ruled world without a sword is beyond me."

John Piper on memorizing scripture click here

John 3:34, John 6:63, 1John 2:14, 1 Peter 1:23, John 17:17

scarf with red eyes

2009-01-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

guess who fed the pea tonight?

2009-01-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well, dad did, but thankfully he had the foresight to take off Pela's nice white shirt before the carnage began. She likes her pasta.

Carlye's (Sarah's sister) back from Mexico, where she has been getting mission minded for a week or so. We are happy to have her for another week and some change, so to speak.

kimbles for lunch

2009-01-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

It was a fine weekend full of chilling with Gramma Sharon, and hanging with some of the good people of Kansas City.

Teagan impressed me with her knowledge of John William's marches, and Pela was impressed by her hair.

Comb Your Beard (At Night)

2009-01-05T18:29:00.001-08:00

a fine saturday

2009-01-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

It was a leisurely day in KC today. It was in the high fifties, and felt real nice. We took advantage of the weather and grabbed some grub near our home. Pela has taken to walking quite nicely. It's good to have shoes have a reason for being on a little one's feet.

As for me, I have been a bit ill. It's nothing a little live music can't take care of. So, I am going to play tonight at a nearby club. We go on around 12:30, so I guess it's going to be a late night. Luckily it is about 3 blocks away, and I am not a drummer. In other words, I can be in bed within minutes of walking off the stage. To make the set interesting, also on the bill is a band called David Hasselhoff On Acid. We shall see...

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

happy new year, all. We pray this year is more productive, creative and progressive than the last. Grandma Sharon made the trek this morning from Minnesota. She's hanging for a few days of relaxation and soaking in the Pea.

2008-12-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

More Christmas

2008-12-29T07:12:00.000-08:00

Our friends Jhing and Huan came by on Christmas day for some amazing grub cooked by Sarah. We asked if they have any holidays where the Chinese place live trees in their homes, and they said, "no."

It's been festive and quiet around our home this season, and for that we are grateful. There's been snow, rain, 50 degree weather and tornados. Ahh, the midwest. We are looking at another short week of work, and pressing in to the new year with purpose and direction away from the often meaning-challenged 8 2 5. Here's to where we are going to, and not only where we are coming from-less like lemmings and more like leopards, lizards or Luftwaffe.

some Christmas pics

2008-12-28T17:38:00.000-08:00

Pela cleaned up. She received musical instruments galore, a scarf, a kimono, many books, printer's blocks and a sweet pair of boots. yahoo~

Sarah was thrilled with her garlic twist. We could go on, but we shan't here's a few pics of the cuties.

yes papa?

2008-12-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

maragogype/maragopype

2008-12-18T11:47:00.001-08:00

happy winter

2008-12-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

well, it's cold in Kansas City, and we had our first real snow. It's been quite nice. I enjoy driving in control with the Subaru in snowy conditions.

We are enjoying watching Pela grow and learn new things. She's taking many steps, and the cats seem to be Pela's best motivator to walk unaided.

Not much to say here, other than we love all of you. We miss those we don't get to see often anymore, our NC families, and IL families(Portland we love you too). We hope to see you all in the springtime. We pray you have a safe and enjoyably observant wonder filled winter.

Christmas time is here

2008-12-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

It's our first Christmas in Kansas City. It's the first tree we've had for all three (5 including cats) of us. We'll see which cat knocks the tree over. I have my money on Owen. He already drinks out of the tree feeder.

happy 13th day of Christmas...

2008-12-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

on choosing to think positively

2008-12-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

I have been working to choose to think positively at work starting mid-last week. It seems like a simple concept, and it is. It always surprises me when I motivate to change my thinking, how much better I feel. Happiness is relative, and you can only do so much to squeeze happiness out of your situation, as if it even comes from you.

Thinking positively certainly brings more contentment, and I know it makes those around more happy when they see not the brooding self we can portray when submerged in the mire of workplace drama and inefficiencies. That is what it is, and it's not going to change. We can only make the best of it, and be the best we can be within our realm of influence. ['we' is used in the proverbial wenessense]

Anyone with me? Any tips? How we think is a choice, yeah?

cheers,

grk

ideas in motion

2008-12-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

well, my first print job is in full swing. The basement has been converted to a print shop. The cats have been now banished to the upstairs. I knew they couldn't handle the temptation to explore with wet ink everywhere. I wish I could have seen the moment when BJ jumped on the table and discovered he couldn't walk between the lines, and freaked out as the cards stuck to his paws. He's okay, the job's okay, and the future is not so far away as it was before.

seriously

2008-12-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Who gets away with wearing an outfit like this, besides Bootsy? I guess Pela does, this morning's superstar.

sleepy smile

2008-12-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

true

2008-12-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Good point, Brad. I need to choose to be inspired. Please pardon my negativity. Inspiration is all around, but cannot take responsibility for one's lack of determination to see the mundane through to the other side.

squidhead=inspiration

coffee relevance [sarcasm warning]

2008-12-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

boy, if you would have told me ten years ago, where I would be today, I wouldn't have believed a word of it. This may be the pinnacle of my career in coffee. I just never imagined I could be burning so clean on pure coffee passion that I... I... would be leading a pack of webelos around the roasting plant. I don't mean to brag, but come on... Little Frankie's troop, and his mom baking cookies for the occasion? Why would I ever want to leave a coffee job that has nothing to do with coffee? dunno.

someone call in a bomb threat.

peladose

2008-12-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Everyone got a little time with Pela this past weekend. Grandparents on all sides had a fix. It's fun to see Pela react to them all with love.

cuties

2008-12-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

pals

2008-12-01T06:55:00.000-08:00

Pela did well traveling with us to Iowa over Thanksgibbing. Sarah's brother, Nathan & Emily, his wife of a few days got married. It was a beautiful ceremony, and reminded me sharply of a husband's need and vow to honor, protect and cherish the Godgift he has received.

Thanks Sarah for your beauty and wisdom you display every day.

step it up creative dads & moms.

2008-12-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

keep your skills sharp make lunch fun. Pela is not there yet, but the bar has been set for yet another way to bless one's kids.

Check out more here.

fascination

2008-11-29T15:25:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving All

2008-11-27T09:13:00.000-08:00

double kneed cords for big walls

2008-11-25T14:36:00.001-08:00

I want this.

2008-11-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

More inspiration HERE