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©2007 kathleen rietzFolks from the East Coast will argue that big soft pretzels are an East Coast thing, but here in Chicago - the Middle Coast as we call it - these pretzels are an ultimate Chicago summer thing. For me, they bring to mind sunny afternoons at White Sox games. This got me thinking about my Top 10 list for summer. This is just a list of things that make me happy...some are memories from childhood, others are favorite summer movies...whatever came to mind while I was illustrating this week's theme for Illustration Friday:
(In no particular order)
1) Long, hot summer night drives on curving roads as a teenager.
2) Watching fireworks from a roadside hot dog stand in the back of the family station wagon as a kid in Peoria.
3) North Avenue Beach in Chicago.
4) Visits to Grandma's house in Oshkosh, WI.
5) The Oshkosh Air Show from my grandparents' backyard as a kid.
6) The Chicago White Sox.
7) "Jaws"
8) "Poltergeist"
9) the song "Under The Boardwalk"
10) Sweet, ripe cantaloupe with a scoop of vanilla icecream and a side of strong, black coffee. There is something about the combinations of sweet and bitter, cold and hot which I love!
Happy Summer 2007 Everyone!!
Your dog is so cute! And I love the Chicago skyline in the background. Your list is a wonderful way to remember the joys of summer: baseball, movies, fireworks, refreshing food, and other fun things. This is great!
ReplyDeleteCute picture.
ReplyDeleteSo cute, the pup is truly enjoying that pretzel!
ReplyDeleteHah, in Philly we claim to be the originator of the soft pretzel. And we put yellow mustard on it. Maybe an aquired taste?
ReplyDeleteVery cute illustration. I often paint pretzels, as I just love the twisty, shiny, salt-studded look of them.
What a great post (along with a charming illo), really fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great piece! The shading and composition are right on and I like the angle of looking down on the puppies sweet expression and the bee was just the right touch.
ReplyDeleteNancy- Yep, being of German heritage I know the history of the pretzel, and I love yellow mustard on my pretzels. Best with a cold beer on the side!
ReplyDeleteAdorable illo! Great story along with it! Chicago is one city I have never had the pleasure to visit (other than being at the airport lots of times!)
ReplyDeleteOh, Kelly, you would love it here! Let me know if you ever stop through town and we will have to visit the Art Institute and the lakefront. It will lift your mood!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe illustration is great! I didn't realize you lived so close by! I love CHICAGO! Such great energy there!!!
ReplyDeleteHe's an adorable puppie!!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about odd combinations of food. When I have a tuna sandwich, or battered fish, it MUST be with something chocolate to drink. Hot cocoa or a chocolate shake.
I loved your post. There are so many wonderful reasons to celebrate being here. thank you.
Catnapping - Isn't that weird?!? I always had chocolate milk with fish sandwiches as a kid! Now it sounds terrible, but I loved it back then! :: ) Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeletei agree with bea, mustard is the best and its gotta be hot but ur dog sure looks like hes enjoying his the windy city way ; ) and a beer on the side sounds xtra good.
ReplyDeletecute and tasty!! Err ... I think I am a bit hungry right now, and your pretzel looks really goooood ....
ReplyDeleteThis cute pup was a nice surprise based on the thumbnail! I also liked reading about things that make you happy. See what art brings out in us? Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGreat list and great illo! I love the skyline also.
ReplyDeleteHe is a gorgeous doggie! Your list is excellent. It should inspire us all to make a list of all the things we love to do and share it with our friends and kids.
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable - I love the shading. What a face. Your way of eating cantaloupe sounds yummy - I will have to try that!
ReplyDeleteFunny how I was eating a pretzel right before I saw your new image. Great illustration and my pretzel was pretty tasty too.
ReplyDeletewhat beautiful memories you have and an adorable drawing. I like pretzels, too!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice to you too!
Sweet composition and priceless memories. Thank you for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteHey Kathleen, great blog! What wonderful memories! And the little pup is so adorable. The pretzel gives the drawing a nice "twist." :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh how adorable! Awwwww! Great work!
ReplyDelete*HUGS*
Can't believe I missed this one. It's absolutely charming. And aren't lists fun? ! 10 has me very hungry now.
ReplyDeleteLove your doggie! And your list. Jaws ruined me for the beach for life. :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy belated 4th!!
This is making me hungry! I love those soft pretzels. They're way better than the ones that come in a bag. Such a cute drawing!
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What an adorable dog! I absolutely LOVE this drawing!!
ReplyDeleteWow all the things a pretzel can bring to mind. I vote for number 10~ Wonderful illustration!
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