The students and teachers of RunDSM

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The students and teachers of RunDSM

Two years ago, I featured Emily Lang and Kristopher Rollins of RunDSM here on the site. They couple teaches here in Des Moines and uses spoken word/poetry to give students a voice and a platform. You can read that feature by clicking here.

Over the last few months, I've heard from quite a few readers about how much their story impacted them, so I decided to check in and see how things are going. This time around I was even able to talk with some of their students.

Special thanks to Jami Milne for allowing me to use her portraits. 

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midwest to manhattan: reaching the mirage

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midwest to manhattan: reaching the mirage

I've always liked New York. Maybe it's because of Billy Joel, Nora Ephron, and Shake Shack. Maybe it's something deeper. The City seems to symbolize so many different things to different people - dreams, achievement, progress. For whatever reason, New York has always remained in my line of vision and someday I hope to live there. Who doesn't have that dream? 

Over the next few months, we'll be having guest contributors here on the site and each will share a piece about life in New York for a series entitled 'Midwest to Manhattan.' Last month, Eileen Moores shared her story and this week, it's my turn. I just spent this past weekend in New York and it was everything I wanted it to be and more.

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Latest Netflix Obsession

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Latest Netflix Obsession

I really enjoy learning about different people's creative process and how they go about creating their particular works of art. Shows like Chef's Table and films like Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens are constantly on rotation in my apartment. Seeing their process and learning about their perspective makes me feel less alone because it shows me there are others like me out there.

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Kyle Abraham at the Civic Center

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Kyle Abraham at the Civic Center

Des Moines Performing Arts recently launched a dance series that will be going on for the next few months downtown. They kicked it off with Kyle Abraham's Abraham.In.Motion this past Wednesday and let me tell you that it was a captivating show! I was blown away.

Before I go any further, watch the short promo video below to get an idea of the type of dance his shows incorporate and then read my thoughts on the show and how you can attend the next production.

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first popup dinner of the year!

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first popup dinner of the year!

Last month was Around the Table's first dinner of 2017 and it was a magical evening to say the least. Sixteen guests gathered on the rooftop of the Des Moines Building to share a meal with one another and experience the city in a new and unique way.

I can't really explain what it feels like to watch as a group of strangers become friends, but every time I see it happen it renews me faith in the power and importance of connection. We're online so often that I think we forget what it feels like to experience something with people by our sides. That's irreplaceable! And long as I'm here, I plan to help people remember its importance.

In lieu of more words, I give you pictures! All done by my mega-talented friend/storyteller, Liz Brown, who was scheduled to stay an hour but ended up staying for three. We love you Liz!

p.s. if you want to be notified of upcoming events with Around the Table, please click here. You'll be the first to know when we announce our dinner for this spring. 

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