Hunter Ice Festival

I realize that I'm a bit late, but here are some pictures that I took during the Hunter Ice Festival. While I did wander into businesses and take pictures at different venues, I'm going to separate those into their own posts. The following shots pertain mostly to the festival itself.

A horse with wings ice sculpture

A view of downtown Niles



The Paris soda fountain shop. A place I definitely want to try for a review!




Capturing the ice sculptor's creation



I love this sculptor's hat....



The working ice merry-go-round that the Food Network came to film!




Raaaar!




A little girl admiring the merry-go-round



Butterfly sculpture




An underwater mural off of Main St.



More ice carving at work.

I hope everyone had a fantastic time at the Hunter Ice Festival and used it as an opportunity to explore the great businesses that downtown Niles has to offer. I firmly believe we are a budding city that holds great potential! Thanks to the festival, I discovered Squeeze Juice Bar and the soon-to-open vintage vinyl cafe called Rumor Has It. Hopefully I'll be able to bring you some coverage of Rumor Has It once they host their grand opening on Feb 12th. Be sure to check them out that day! I caught of preview of their space, and it looks like it's going to be a pretty swanky setup.

Blog Overhaul

Since I began blogging at the age of 14, my sites have always been a mix of everything that interested me. Whether it be discussing music, posting my photography, a recipe, a business review, or a personal rant, everything has always been jumbled into one personal blog.

This has caused my blogs to lose a lot of direction, and I believe it has inhibited the success I could have had, had I included more focus in my writing. While I've attempted a food blog, photography blogs, and the like, I never kept them isolated. I think this time around, I need to be more determined to streamline my content.

"Hey there, Scout!" is going to turn into my "exploration" blog of sorts. I intend on exploring local restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and other businesses and featuring them here on my blog. I would also like to cover special events and festivals and use these two avenues as a way to strengthen my photography skills.

I've kept a few back posts on here because they either cover an event/venue or capture some of my photography. Many others, I have deleted because they disturb the flow of the postings. But from here on out, I fully expect to redesign this blog into one of neighborhood exploration and discovery. Join me as I find everything fantastic that the Michiana area (and beyond!) has to offer!

Squeeze Me!

On January 14th, a new business adventure opened its doors to the public. While Niles may not seem to be a town to receive businesses of a progressive culture very well, I believe this business may be a building block for revitalizing our small town.

Squeeze is a vegan, raw juice bar located in the Four Flags Hotel on Main St. in Niles, MI. Susan, the owner, has had this vision of a juice bar for years. She told me that she would go into the cafes in bigger cities and admire the quaint decor and the draw of the clientele. Finally, she decided she would take her admirations and her vision and come up with her own space. Hence, Squeeze was born.



Upon walking into Squeeze, you will see a very cozy and inviting atmosphere. On one side is a long bar where you can sit and chat with your barista and watch drinks being made. Everything is laid out all in front of the customer -- no surprises! To the opposite side, there are sections of seating and a few corners that small groups can nestle into for longer conversations. The wall is tastefully decorated with pictures of fruits, veggies, and inspiring color.





On the menu, you will find several smoothie selections and juice concoctions. If you request a specific ingredient be left out of the smoothie, that can be done for you. (As someone with various fruit allergies, that can be appreciated!) Each are priced at 3.50. You can also add in extras such as chia seeds, seaweed, and bee pollen. Teas and herbal coffees are also available.



A delicious treat found at Squeeze that you may have never considered before would be Susan's kale chips. I've heard of this new trend, but never had the opportunity to taste them. There was a bowl of samples out, so I took that as my opportunity! They were delicious, and I was instantly addicted to the crunchy beginning, but the melt-in-your-mouth finish of these dehydrated leafy chips. They were lightly seasoned with olive oil, garlic (I believe), and other deliciousness. Don't be afraid! They may very well replace the potato chip for me.



What's really great about checking out a new business and those of a progressive sort such as juice bars is this -- they're still experimenting! While I was there, Susan let me try her carrot muffins (raw, I remind you!) and macaroons, and also her new dish of a mock-tuna salad that consisted of nuts such as cashews and almonds. The mock salad was to die for, especially when paired with her kale chips! I imagine that as Squeeze develops, even more fantastic offerings will be added to her already stellar menu selection.



For my first visit, I chose the "Peak Performance" smoothie and added bee pollen. This smoothie included pineapple, orange, banana, and honey. Without the bee pollen, the consistence of the smoothie had a sweeter and more smooth flavor. With the bee pollen, you noticed a more grainy texture and the bitterness toned down the natural sugars found in the fruit. It was definitely an excellent first choice for myself, and something I would order again.

I realize that in the mid-west, the idea of "vegan" and "raw" foods can scare people away -- especially when we live in the land of Applebees and TGI Fridays. But I guarantee that there is something for everyone on this menu -- from traditionalists who like their basic fruit smoothies to more adventuresome types who are willing to try kale juice and hemp seeds.



The hours for Squeeze are Tuesday through Saturday 9:00am -- 7:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 noon -- 5:00 pm. Be sure to check out this new juice bar in Niles and support your local business owners! It's a great place to socialize, catch up, study, or just relax after a busy day.

Go! Support! Enjoy!

I promise you won't be disappointed.

the passing of a great man.

One of my professors from Bethel College, Dr. Scott Johnson ("Scotty J") passed away from his long, excruciating battle with cancer this morning. Scotty J was one of the most brilliant, compassionate men to ever exist in this world. Not that many people understood him, some found him odd. I was just always enthralled and thankful for the three classes I took from him. It really sucks that I sluffed my way through all of them with C's when I bet he could have empowered me to get A's.

You know who some of the most wonderful, amazing, powerful people in the world are? Teachers and professors. It's true. You guys are one of the greatest rocks in our international humanity. The people I admire the most from my life? It's my professors. You were our mentors, our challengers. You inspired and believed in us.

I wouldn't be where I'm at in life today if it wasn't for some of my professors from Bethel. They're the ones who opened my minds, unlocked my dreams, and made me feel like I had the potential to do or be anything in the world that I wanted. Teachers and professors are awesome. You can graduate and go months without contacting them, and they'll still love to catch up over coffee or have your back with a job recommendation when you need it. They'll attend your weddings, cheer you on in grad school, give you recommendations for research topics, send you messages on Facebook. The relationship doesn't stop with the final grade.

My parents and my professors shaped who I am and who I am still trying to become. I owe so much to all of you.... from those who taught me music, literature, science, sociology, and theology. You're the heroes of my heart. May God bless ALL of you.

Scott J, I pray for peace and rest for your departed soul. You will be missed.

caramel popcorn days

Three days, I have spent in Michigan now. It has been mostly rest, relaxation, and setting things up for life back at home. Unfortunately, I haven't been sleeping well the past few nights. It takes adjusting to be in a new bed, in a room that's no longer familiar, to wrestle with thoughts, feelings, and emotions in the wee hours, and it's hard to reach for your cat in the middle of the night and realize she's not there. I feel like the night time and a person's sleep can tell a lot about their life and their well being. Mine? Is currently in a state of flux.



Living in the home of a (former) professional baker (aka my mother) again is QUITE lovely and reaps its benefits and consequences! I will have to watch the fit of my pants closely, because I've already been spoiled. The other day, we made homemade caramel popcorn and chocolate dipped pretzel sticks. Can we say, "NOM?!"



Making the caramel by boiling the butter and sugar. Adding the vanilla and baking soda and watching the mixture foam can be a LOT of fun!



Mmmmm...... administering the goodness. You mix the popcorn in with the caramel liquid and then bake it on a cookie sheet for an oven, stirring every 15 minutes. Delicious.


I met with the RCIA director at St. Matthew's Cathedral in South Bend and discussed jumping into the classes. I felt thankful to hear that the group is made up of many people within my age range. I'm hoping the local parishes and the South Bend Catholic Young Adults group will become a source of community for me. Already, I'm missing my Pittsburgh friends, our weekly activities, and a bit of a lonely feeling is settling in.


However, I *did* get to see my darling Anna last night. Anna and I have been friends since we were ten. No. Scratch that. We were enemies since we were ten till we graduated. Then, we went to opposite sides of the country for college and forgot about each other. Then, once college ended, we somehow became friends. And now? I can't imagine life without her. We made gluten free Christmas cookies last night and sipped on cranberry juice and had a delightful time discussing life and our world and all of the goodness of catching up.


Christmas is near, my friends. I am looking forward to midnight Mass most of all.

goodbyes and hellos

A new chapter in Scout's life has begun. I am now blogging from Michigan. This is a big time of transition for me, full of ups and downs -- good and bad. Thursday was my last day in Pittsburgh. On that evening, the wonderful Amy threw me the most fantastic goodbye gathering I could have ever asked for. She reads my taste well -- we all got together at Embury, which is a pre-prohibition style lounge which serves well made, custom cocktails in an intimate setting of elegant Victorian decor.

Seeing most of my Pittsburgh friends together, laughing, conversing, enjoying each other's company... it brought me such joy and contentment. I was happy. Which is why I was also sad and struggling not to cry as the hugs and goodbyes began. It was a beautiful evening with beautiful people, and it was one of the most blessed moments of my life. I love you all so much.

Thanks to the fantastic Veronica, I have some great photos to remember the evening by. Here are just a few:

Me and Laura, aka Secret Agent L.






Our gathering took up half of the venue.

Blushing and in love with all of you.

Laughter and fun between friends.

You can see all of the photos on Veronica's flickr set HERE.

Friday morning, I packed up my little Honda as full as I possibly could and Lillybean (my cat) and I set off for Michiana. My mom is very allergic to cats, so Lilly could not stay with me. Thankfully, my cousin, who is only 20 minutes away, offered to house the Bean till I was no longer with my parents. I dropped the cat off with my cousin and was sad to leave her. I know she's just a cat, but she's been a sort of comfort and "living security blanket" to me during some very, very difficult times in my life. She's an animal, but she's my friend. Thankfully, I will still get to see her from time to time.

It's good to be home. It's good, and it's weird. It's odd to sleep in my old bed, to put my clothes into my old dresser. The wall color and decor is different. I lived in this house for years, but it no longer feels like mine. I keep asking permission for things as if I'm a guest. I feel a bit like I'm living life backwards. But I know it is SO important to be close to my family right now. I'm very thankful for them, and it will be good to be here while we heal and discover a new normal and while I build a new life.

______________

This evening, I went just down the road to the local Catholic church in my hometown. I'd never been to this parish before, so no one knows who I am. After the Mass had ended and we all filed out, the priest shook my hand and commented that he'd never seen me here before. He asked my name, I introduced myself, and he asked if I was from around here. I told him that I'd grown up in the area, moved away, and now I'm back.

"Oh!" he says to me. "Well!.... Would you like to be involved in youth ministry?"

"Excuse me?" I say to the priest, completely confused and still holding his hand from our handshake.

"Do you like kids? Would you like to be involved in youth ministry?" he repeats.

"Oh. Um... well, yes. I mean, I'm always looking for ways to be connected and involved." I respond, as I'm stumbling over my words. This priest met me 90 seconds ago and has no idea who I am, and he's asking me to begin working with the children of his parish? Weird.

"Well then, here is the phone number of our parish secretary. Register with the church and she can get you connected! We're so glad to have you." He gives me a side-hug and a big, warm, grandfatherly smile.

Huh.

Go figure. The man wastes no time. Or is it "The Man" wastes no time? ;-)

I think, if anything, this is God telling me that He has plans for me. That I'm not forgotten. That there is hope in my life. And that I have no idea what adventures and wonders are in store for me during my time back in my hometown area. Whatever it is, I'm ready to embrace it all.

blast off into the holidays

The holidays are here, and being with fantastic people is the best part of the season. It's a bittersweet week for me here in Pittsburgh as I'm loving more and more all of my fantastic friends while knowing that I will be leaving this weekend. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of going to a lovely holiday party hosted by Christa and Dan. There was music, and cookies, and ornament creating, drinks, and laughter, and love.

Some of the moments of the evening:

James and Amy, entertained by his party gift -- a paddle ball!

Me and Justine posing in front of the holiday rocket ship we all helped to decorate!



Our lovely hosts -- Christa and Dan. Aren't they so perfect together?



Veronica -- what an absolute darling!



Kristin perfecting the details of her clay ornament!



Kristin, Amy, and me enjoying some holiday fun



Dana and Justine making ornaments! What a fantastic pair they are.

I love you guys so much.