Tuesday, October 8, 2013

walking RiNo + the source (in instagram)


Nothing really prepares you for the role of motherhood. In almost every aspect of daily living, you, as the mother, come second (or third or fourth). It's the hardest role I've had to fill, but it's something I've always wanted. The sounds of high-pitched squealing and laughter are incredible. The energy, enthusiasm, joy and curiosity of young children amazes me. But having two kids, 22 months apart, means that there are tough days too. That is pretty much a given. Mixed in with love and affection are tears and frustrations, temper-tantrums and meltdowns, refusals to eat food I've cooked and sibling rivalry. I assume that most mothers struggle with all of this so I don't think I'm going through anything unusual. 

Recently I've been feeling the need to carve out alone time- which is a bit odd considering I'm an extrovert by nature who craves company (most of the time).  I can probably count the number of times I've been alone in the past four years (i.e. no husband, no children, no friends- just me) on one hand.
For the past four years my life has been shared- completely-with two little people, whom I love dearly, more than anything in fact. They have taught me to be more patient, to love deeply, to burst into laughter, to beam with pride, to watch and listen...and all that good stuff. I enjoy it all. This role of being a mother. But I needed a little bit of space to think, without distractions. Maybe even wander new streets and get lost a little bit...

I was a stay-at-home mother for the first 3 years of Otis's life, right up until he began preschool last January- part time. Theodore remained by my side. We walked the city (got the lay of the land), borrowed books from the library, cooked together and shopped for herbs and fresh tofu at H-Mart. But 5 weeks ago something happened. For the first time both of my boys were enrolled in the same pre-school on overlapping days. After I dropped them off for their first day of preschool, I walked out of the building completely alone. 
So I decided to walk.
I took myself on a little tour of RiNo, the River North Art District in Denver. It’s a really awesome part of the city where creative people are doing their thing...




The RiNo Arts District is home to some incredible restaurants, breweries, urban wineries, coffee shops, galleries, bars and street art (normally I would call it graffiti, but it's more than just tags- there are some really great works of public art in the alleys and on the buildings). 
I walked. And it was wonderful. I got lost in thought, took pictures on my phone, drank an iced coffee and soaked in the sun. The time flew by and before I knew it I had to pick my boys up from school. Otis told me how great his day was and introduced me to his new friend Tony. Theodore showed me his cubby and the place where he likes to play. 
The time apart was great, but when I went back to RiNo the following week...I brought my kids.





The Source is an example of brilliant urban renewal. The former 1880s ironworks warehouse, which stood vacant for many years I'm told, has been re-designed, re-purposed and re-conceptualized. Inside there's a cheese shop, a bakery, a butcher, a provisions shop (with lots of seasonal local vegetables), two restaurants (Acorn and Comida), a flower shop, a brewery and tap room  and a bar. There's an art gallery opening soon too. Anyway, it's beautiful and well-conceived- and there's even an old graffiti wall that's remained in tact. The Source has become my new addiction and should you find yourself in Denver, check it out. (Bike lanes might be coming soon!) 










Credits (to the best of my ability): The New Belgium Murual by Pedro Barrios Art, Joseph Martinez, CuttyUp; CannonDill and Brett Flanigan; Infinite Monkey Theorem: An Urban Winery by Hollis + LanaOur Mutual Friend Malt & Brew; Crema Coffee House; at Crema- Pedro Barrios, CuttyUp, Mountains vs. Plains, Mike Roane; Michael Ortiz at Like Minded Productions; The Source, featuring: Babette’s Bread, Acorn, CapRock Farm Bar (bar by Where Wood Meets Steel), Comida, Boxcar Coffee Roasters, Beet & Yarrow, Mondo Market (cheese and spices), DeVries Chocolate Nib Clusters. More vendors are opening soon, including Super Ordinary Gallery + a brewery and tap room. For more Denver feed (and more Source/RiNo photos) check out my instagram feed: www.instagram.com/sparrowsspatulas

Follow Me on Pinterest

17 comments:

  1. I want to move to Denver! Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I discovered your blog about a year ago (can't even remember how) and have been hooked since. Love love love your posts - food-related (I'm vegetarian too), about motherhood, Denver, your life. Maybe because I can so relate. I live in a culinary desert but I'm in a similar place in my life - previous professional, now stay at home mom. My kids (a little younger than yours) are 22 months apart as well and yes, it IS a struggle. I just had to comment because I felt a resounding YES coming out of my mouth when I read your first paragraph.
    How you find the time to blog, with everything else going on in your life, is beyond me. But I am so grateful you do!! Just wanted to let you know :-)
    Prashanti

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Prashanti! Your comment made my day! It sounds like we are living similar lives :) I never mean to sound ungrateful- I love my life and I love my boys...but this role is much more challenging than I thought it would be. And 22 months apart seemed like a good idea at the time! Having a little down time was really great.
      I don't publish posts all that often-- I do it only when I have time-...but I'm glad I've kept this blog up because it serves as a family journal/diary of sorts. It has also helped me connect with so many interesting people- many of whom I'm now meeting in person!
      Where do you live?
      Thanks again for chiming in. (And feel free to post any recipes you and your family like-- either here or on my FB page!). All the best, Batya

      Delete
  3. Boy, you probably saw more of RiNo than I have and we are members! What a great photo essay...reminds me to make time to walk about with my kiddo too.

    In the event you (or your readers in Denver) want to see more of RiNo, there will be a guided VIP bus tour whirlwind Nov. 1st for Denver Arts Week. They will stop at 8 locations throughout the district (us included!) and it's bound to be a great time. Tickets for the tour are here: http://www.rivernorthart.com/rino-vip-tour but the galleries will be open to the public as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marina, It was so great to finally meet! Thanks for posting about the guided VIP RiNO tour! We are trying to secure a babysitter for that night. Hooray for the RiNo art scene :) I'll throw out some dates for ladies night. Holla!

      Delete
  4. Love it all. Little Ricky in NYC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love you Little Ricky! Come back and visit us again real soon, y'hear! xoxo

      Delete
  5. I cant wait to visit The Source! Such great pics! An awesome thing for Denver to have created, for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The whole area is terrific. From The Source to the eateries and galleries on Larimer. It's wonderful. It makes me want to build things :) Thanks for your comment, Sarah. We need to get something on the calendar! Enjoy the day!

      Delete
  6. Love this post! It reminded me that I need to get to RiNO! You have such a wonderful eye and I appreciate your honest descriptions of motherhood (and needing time alone- we all do!). Enjoy this beautiful fall weather! xo, S

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sophia! Yes, RiNo is the perfect place to wander around-- Five Point and Curtis Park too- both have wonderful architecture! Yes, that time alone is key. I have an hour carved out for today :) Happy fall. The leaves have been gorgeous in our neighborhood! xo

      Delete
  7. This blog is always refreshing! Such beautiful photography and thoughtful reflection. It always reminds me what matters most. But no bacon jelly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pappy, you're a riot! Love you oodles and if you come to visit us, I'll treat to lunch at The Source! (There will be no bacon jelly :) xo

      Delete
  8. i am so glad you have found the time and space to carve out moments of your own. rino is certainly worth getting lost in. thank you for the beautiful photos that showcase the corners of rino that make it what it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Emily, Yes- carving out personal time is essential to my mental health (and that's why I scheduled another manicure at Base Coat!). I love what Crema and The Populist have done for the RiNo dining scene-- and every time I walk around another piece of art has gone up in an alley. Enjoy this gorgeous fall weather! xo

      Delete
  9. I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post.
    instagram likes

    ReplyDelete