Life + Culture

The Gift of Letter Writing

A Lost Art that Needs to be Found Article by LeAnn Parker | Photography by Janie Jones There is a lost art in letter writing that I wish to hold onto. In this speedy world where anything can be done lickity-click, a handwritten letter takes time and shows thoughtfulness. Much like a fingerprint, a person's handwriting - as elegant or clumsy as it may be - is as much a piece of them as the color of their eyes or the sound of their voice. The handwriting of a loved one that has passed or the...

Home + Design

Rain Chains

Take Your Downspouts from Drab to Delightful Article by Kelsey Huber For centuries the Japanese have understood the benefits of the relaxing sound of water on the human mind and body. The rhythmic, constant sound of running water creates a soothing “song” that helps the mind unwind and the body release pent-up stress. That’s why you’ll find rain chains hanging in Japanese gardens and dangling from the roofs of pagodas and temples in Japan. The Japanese call them kusari-doi , which literally...

Fitness

Paddling the Kaw

Make this your summer on the river with Up a Creek Canoe and Kayak Rental Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Thomas Hall Eagle Aerial Solutions Almost two decades ago, friends Craig Pruett and Ron Miller were enjoying martinis and discussing life. The two had met while Pruett worked for the city of Lawrence. Miller’s grandchildren were the same age as Pruett’s kids and enjoyed hanging out together. Miller had even started calling Pruett “Puppy,” and he was known as Uncle Ron. That...

Arts + Culture

Snowflake {Salt Dough} Ornaments

Old Traditions with Modern Day Trends Article by LeAnn Parker | Photography by Janie Jones Salt dough, or dough art as we refer to it in our family, is a simple yet beautiful way to adorn spaces around the holidays. Making salt dough ornaments is a holiday tradition that we have been doing since I was a kid in the ‘80s, but the process has been around even longer than that! The use of salt dough is as old as dirt, or I guess I should say as old as clay. Even so, salt dough has made a comeback...

Food + Beverage

Lavender Lemonade

Do you ever get tired of the same ol’ beverage?That happened to me a week ago when the first heatwave of the summer hit, with temperatures topping out in the low 100s. Usually, I drink a lot of water during the day to keep hydrated. Sometimes I grab a can of sparkling water or tea to mix things up. Recently one steamy weekday, I was intrigued by the lavender lemonade on a favorite restaurant's menu. It tasted terrific, with tart lemon, just enough sweetness, and a hint of lavender. Of course, I...