Late Fall Favorites

Frankly, there wasn’t that much any one month this fall that warranted a favorites post so here is an Oct-December favorites or “Late Fall” if you will. Yes there’s a smidgeon of winter in there but only 10 days so let’s go with it.

October

Team Outing

In October my team had our first real outing and spent an afternoon bowling. We had so much fun and it brought our already close team, that much closer. I know we are all busy, but finding time to have fun and make memories, is always worth it.

A Star is Born

I hadn’t seen the original A Star is Born and intentionally didn’t read anything about it, so that I wouldn’t be biased or go in knowing the plot. I don’t know why but I’d never considered Bradley Cooper to be a fantastic actor, good yes, excellent, not so much. When it came to Lady Gaga, I was even less sure what to expect. I adore her and her music, but could she act? Suffice it to say, if you have not seen this movie, you must see this movie or at the very least download the soundtrack. I was blown away by BC and Gaga’s talent and could listen to “Shallow” every day for the rest of my life.

Neon in Daylight

In The Strand one Sunday morning, I found myself looking at Neon in Daylight. The cover and title were intriguing and the blurb sounded right up my alley. Within a few sentences, I was hooked. Hoby’s writing is electric. She describes being in New York in the most true-to-life way I have ever experienced. You know the smells, the sights, the tastes, the oppressive summer heat. The novel was like watching a movie while following along behind protagonist Kate as she navigated downtown Manhattan.

November

Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road at MSG

I suppose it would be much more Millennial of me to be writing about a Drake concert but Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour was a show I will truly never forget. When my mom asked if I wanted to go, I immediately said yes. I’m not a crazy Elton fan but I do love many of his songs, not to mention he is a legend and has done so much good with his celebrity. The night was a non-stop party. Hit after hit filled our ears, as Elton and his costumes delighted. He does not miss a beat and is just a pleasure to watch. The show also used an extremely well-produced film of vignettes (I don’t really know what to call it), that ran throughout. The story lines didn’t always have anything to do with the songs, but they were always entertaining and cinematically stunning. Elton, please don’t go.

Andy Warhol— From A to B and Back Again

Art is one of my happy places and the Witney’s current exhibit Andy Warhol— From A to B and Back Again was a very happy place. I wasn’t familiar with some of Warhol’s earlier work and it was a treat to see his highlights from his career playing out across the walls. Insider tip, the Whitney is open until 10pm on both Fridays and Saturdays and it is a lovely way to spend an evening plus it’s much less crowded!

December

My Birthday

December begins with my favorite day of the year/favorite holiday: My birthday! I started the day with spin class where I was gifted beautiful roses and surprised by a dear friend who came to ride next to me. After that it was home where I ended up doing nothing but indulge in my love of Christmas movies until dinner at ABC Kitchen with my parents and two of my best friends. Throughout the day I got lovely calls, texts, and messages, and every gift I got was simply lovely and made me feel so understood by the giver. Maybe not my most exciting of birthdays in terms of activities, but to me, it was perfect.

Yes there’s a weird reflection on my face but I wouldn’t trade another journey around the sun with friends (really family) like these two.

The Ferryman

The Ferryman is a must-see. From a cast that is brilliant, scenery that is so detailed, and a story that grips you, making it’s 3+ hour run-time speed by, this show is a welcome addition to the Broadway scene. With animals, a huge cast, and a few special effects, it is also a logistical feat which I came to realize thanks to this article. If you’re a theater-goer, add this to your list!

Anguilla and Chicago

I was lucky enough to take two short trips this December, the first to Anguilla and the second to Chicago. Anguilla was a lovely moment of relaxation and sun, while Chicago was a chance to see my sister’s new life and start to explore a city I’ve long wanted to see. While I only made a dent in my Chicago list, I crossed off the following: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, the wndr museum, “The Bean,” Museum of Science and Industry which was having their 74th annual Christmas tree show, Second City, the view from the top of the Hancock Building, Wabash Arts Corridor (street art), got to see the charming town of Woodstock, and ate at the restaurant du jour Girl and the Goat. Next time, it will be the Art Institute, Museum of Contemporary Art, Conservatory Gardens, and, if the timing is right, a Cubs game.

What were your late fall favorites?