This project has been an extreme labor of love for me the past six months and I’d love for you to download and see what we’ve been working on…

For the ...]]>

I’m super proud to announce that the Inaugural Issue of Citygram is now available in the Apple App Store!

This project has been an extreme labor of love for me the past six months and I’d love for you to download and see what we’ve been working on…

For the first issue I wrote a long-form article on Outbox – a local Austin startup that is changing the way we get mail.

In the article I have a very compelling interview with Outbox co-founder Evan Baehr that gives some insight into the way the US Postal Service conducts business. It may surprise you.

I also provide a look into the Outbox facilities and guide you through the process behind digitizing your mail.

Finally, I conclude the article with a full showcase and review of the Outbox service itself – which is available on iPad, iPhone and on your desktop web viewer.

Check it all out today in the Inaugural Issue of Citygram magazine – a publication that is local, responsible, and crafted.

Thanks for being a part of this exciting new journey.

After falling hard and fast with the Green Chartreuse used in Peche’s Silver Monk, I’ve been eager to try another cocktail with the spirit. It just so happens that ...]]>

It’s Friday. And after launching a Kickstarter campaign this week…it is most definitely time for an afternoon cocktail (or two).

After falling hard and fast with the Green Chartreuse used in Peche’s Silver Monk, I’ve been eager to try another cocktail with the spirit. It just so happens that fellow photographer, Aimee Wenske, has a tried and true recipe - and a bottle of the green magic perching atop her midcentury sideboard.

So, what do two freelance photographers, with a keen taste for cocktails, do?

Why they schedule a weekday lunchtime photo shoot, of course.

Read on for the results of our labor.

The Last Word cocktail is actually something that Aimee’s boyfriend Josh usually makes – usually to accompany the both of them while they sit outside atop their beautiful rooftop patio.

So the morning before our shoot he scribbled down the recipe on a spiral notebook so we could enjoy it. Thanks Josh!

The Last Word involves, gin, Luxardo (maraschino liqueur), lemon and as I noted before, Green Chartreuse.

The star.

The french liquer made from an infusion of 130 herbal extracts.

The 110 proof variety that looks smugly upon Yellow Chartreuse’ meager 80 proof composition.

Chartreuse is named after the Grande Chartreuse monastery of the Carthusian monks who craft it. The crayola color was named after it, not the other way around. It’s a serious bottle of liqueur – that’s worth every bit of the 50 cents per herbal extract inside it.

We mixed up the cocktails in Aimee’s kitchen, which is basically a food photographer’s dream. A big slab of beautiful wood cabinetry sitting waist-high right next to an original casement window – that (of course!) faces east and lets in lots of precious natural light.

It deserves to be on Pinterest. So here. You’re welcome.

A Food Photographer’s Dream Kitchen

Alright, let’s make some drinks….

The Last Word

2oz – Gin

1/2 oz – Green Chartreuse

1/2 oz – Luxardo Maraschino

Juice from half a lemon

1. Pour all the ingredients into a shaker one-by-one.

2. Fill shaker with ice (if you’re as cool as Aimee, you even have square-shaped ones on the ready for cocktails). Vigorously shake until ice cold

3. Strain into a cocktail glass. Served Up.

4. Garnish with a lemon peel or maraschino cherry (or both!)

The Last Word is a dangerous cocktail (translation: it’ll get you tipsy quick).

The Chartreuse provides the herbal complexity that makes all the difference. The extra something you wouldn’t quite be able to put a finger on, if you didn’t know what was in the glass.

Like adding just the right amount of sea salt to a chocolate chip cookie, it just makes it all come together to taste…well, perfect.

Now enjoy the cocktail, while enjoying some gorgeous shots from Ms. Aimee Wenske herself (below) – a talented photographer that I’m also proud to have a part of Citygram.

Photo by Aimee Wenske

Photo by Aimee Wenske

Aimee has a seemingly effortless way of framing and composing a shot to make things look interesting and irresistibly delicious.

Check out her blog or take a look at her portfolio to see what I mean.

Photo by Aimee Wenske

Or better yet, put one of the beautiful books she photographed in your kitchen…

Austin Chef’s Table

Photo by Aimee Wenske

Tipsy Texan

Photo by Aimee Wenske

Thanks Josh and Aimee!

A whole month since I turned in my badge and walked away from my full-time job as an electrical engineer.

A whole month since I started working full-time on my next project – something I’m excited, proud, and scared as ...]]>

Yes, it’s been a whole month since my last post.

A whole month since I turned in my badge and walked away from my full-time job as an electrical engineer.

A whole month since I started working full-time on my next project – something I’m excited, proud, and scared as hell to announce today.

About four months ago I had an idea.

This in itself was nothing new. I’ve had several ideas before. In fact, I’m quite familiar with the process.

Ideas are often ephemeral. They start with a “What If?” and end with a Google search on your smartphone. If Google doesn’t stop your idea, then usually a good night’s sleep will. You’ll wake up with it out-of-sight and out-of-mind as you start the daily grind. “Time to make the donuts.”

The idea I speak of today though, it was different.

The more I thought about it, the more intriguing it became. It spawned other new ideas. It became multi-faceted. I even started to tell other people about it. “Am I crazy for thinking this could work?”

Eventually, that idea became something so real to me that I quit my job to pursue it. And as it became the culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced, it even started to feel meant to be.

It became a fusion of art, technology and community.

It became Citygram.

It all started with one simple question.

What if I made a magazine?

Today, you have the chance to respond through my Kickstarter campaign.

Click the link above.

Watch the video, read the story, and if you believe in what me and this talented cast can create…please contribute.

We’re excited to show you what we’ve been working on.

It wasn’t until I got my first full-time job in ...]]>

I didn’t have my first drink until I was 24. I was too serious of a student. I didn’t want to screw anything up. And I found that those around me who drank weren’t really my type of people.

It wasn’t until I got my first full-time job in Rochester, MN that I gave alcohol a chance.

Part of this was because I felt like I finally made it – I got the engineering career I wanted to make my parents and myself proud. The other part of it was that I had met some really great people, who happened to also order a drink when they went out. It wasn’t just too stay warm in frigid climates or because ‘hitting a bar’ was one of the limited options to stay entertained – although those most definitely were reasons.

It was because it was social, an event, and because of the way I came around to it;  getting a drink symbolized freedom, celebration, and maybe even success.

Like most people, the first drink I had was some version of light beer.

And like most people I hated it.

It tasted incomplete, and diluted. “There has to be something better,” I thought, and when reading beer descriptions on a menu I came across something that had the words ‘roasted’ and ‘creamy’ – being a dessert person this sounded interesting.

So I ordered it, and a tall foamy glass of Guinness was served to me. My friends laughed, “you don’t like beer and you’re going to try that?” Yes, I was, and yes I absolutely loved it. It was bold, rich, full of flavor, and ever since then I’ve been a stout and porter type of guy.

I wanted to tell you that story so you know where I’m coming from when it comes to cocktails – the next great thing I discovered shortly after. At first I just liked the ones that didn’t taste like they had any alcohol – they were sweet, flavored with fruit juices, and often called Sponge Bobs. But then, I came across ones that were well balanced – proper blends of sweet, bitter, and even herbal complexities.

Here in Austin, you’ll find some great cocktails. Inventive, and crafted with fresh, real ingredients – no sour mix, please.

I find my favorite cocktails are often at my favorite Austin restaurants.

Maybe its by accident, but I think it’s because a great restaurant wants to deliver an experience with everything they serve. And maybe like me they think a cocktail is more than just a side, but something that elevates a meal.

A cocktail makes the evening more than just a night out, it makes it a celebration. Here are a few of my favorites in Austin.

Silver Monk

Peche

Ingredients: Green Chartreuse, honey, lime, egg white & angostura bitters

When you walk into an establishment whose bar takes up as much real estate as its dining area, you know you’re in place that takes cocktails seriously. That’s what it’s like when you walk into Peche, and cocktails here are real, authentic, and just like they should be.

My favorite is the Silver Monk. It’s foamy, herbal, with a delightful sweetness that reminds me of the juice you find at the bottom of a tub of melted lime sherbet. It’s made with Green Chartreuse – something the bartender (John) tells me is the only liquor that a color was named after. Which leads to the other great thing about Peche. Take a seat at the bar and it’s knowledgeable staff will teach you something without even saying a word – how to properly chill a glass, how to curl a lemon peel and how long and hard to shake a drink for proper foam. Go early for happy hour and you’ll not only get half-priced select entrees, but you’ll have a chance for some one-on-one time with the bartenders. Tell them what you’re into and you may just find your favorite cocktail too.

El Cúbico

La Condesa / Malverde

Ingredients: Whole-leaf tobacco infused Cazadores Reposado, Vanilla infused brandy, lemon, grilled pineapple juice, mezcal essence, volcanic-saffron-infused salt rim

If you just glanced at this drink you could easily mistake it for a margarita – with its golden body and salt rimmed glass. But one sips lets you know this is a different beast entirely. The tobacco infused tequila lingers on your tongue. You feel the warmth permeate onto each of your taste buds and there’s something fantastic about it. It’s bold, it’s smoky, and the scent of grilled pineapple juice brings it all together. You don’t need to commit to a gourmet meal at La Condesa to enjoy it. You can simply go upstairs to Malverde and order one from the bar.

The El Cubico is named after the bull that hangs in the center of the bar. In a great bull fight, the matador is usually rewarded an ear from the bull and you’ll notice that Cubico is missing his right one. There’s nothing missing about the El Cubico though, it’s full on flavor that’ll charge you head on. Bravo!

Nor’easter & Up in Smoke

Contigo

(from left to right): Nor’easter, Up in Smoke

Nor’easter Ingredients: Bourbon, Lime, Maple, All Spice Dram, Ginger
Up in Smoke Ingredients: Mezcal, Branca mentha, Grapefruit

I’m not really a bourbon guy, but the Nor’easter really does things right. The lime and ginger give the cocktail brightness, and the all spice dram (an allspice flavored liquer) give it an herbal finish that is all too smooth. It’s a storm of flavor that you’ll definitely want to chase.

Also shown is the Up in Smoke. It’s like an old-fashioned with smoky mezcal instead of whiskey. If you’ve never had mezcal before, this is a good drink to get acquainted with it. I find it a perfect complement to the robust fare served at Contigo.

Smoke & Mirrors

Midnight Cowboy

Ingredients: 12 yr Scotch, Duque de Carmina, Benedictine, Sarsaparilla bitters, Flamed orange

I’ve been meaning to try Midnight Cowboy for a while. It’s just a little bit higher maintenance to get into (as it usually requires an advance reservation and a two hour, two drink per person commitment). Do yourself a favor and make a reservation one evening. It’s a unique experience wrapped in black tufted leather and marble. It’s quiet, cool, and there’s plenty of time for real conversation over real cocktails. Of the four drinks we tried, I enjoyed the Spice of Life and the Smoke & Mirrors the best. The Smoke & Mirrors is prepared tableside, meaning they wheel a small bar cart down a just-as-narrow aisle to your table. Ask the knowledgeable bartender about the Benedictine or the Scotch, and he may even offer you a sample. You may take your first sip of this drink with some trepidation, as its mixed with alcohols known for their age and character, but you’ll be surprised to find it smooth and easy, with a scent of toasted citrus. There definitely is some magic taking place in the glass.

Gimlet

Hotel St. Cecilia

Ingredients: Organic Vodka, Lime, Basil

The hippest hotel in Austin is likely Hotel St. Cecilia. Named after the patron saint of music, it oozes cool, and like the neon sign out by the pool, the place just has “Soul.” If you’re visiting Austin, this is a place worth the splurge – it’s located right downtown, stylized by the local design icon Liz Lambert, and captures the essence of Austin. The bar at Hotel St. Cecilia is special too. Order their take on a gimlet and sip on a mix of everything that makes a cocktail great. Have a seat, slip slowly, and soak in the ambience. Life is good here.

José’s Michelada

Takoba

Ingredients: Dos Equis Lager, fresh lime juice, house-made Michelada mix, kosher salt rim

Michelada’s are like Bloody Mary’s to me, a drink best enjoyed at brunch. The Michelada at Takoba will wake you up once it’s set down on your table – as it’s served in a foreboding goblet lined with lime pulp and salt. Even before taking a drink you know it’s not like any Michelada you’ve ever had, and the spice that pricks your lips long after it’s gone makes sure it’s a Michelada you’ll never forget.

Cheers to Instagram

The cocktails above are a few of my favorites in Austin.

But of course, there are several more great places to try – like these indulgences I’ve shared over Instagram when I’m only armed with my iPhone. Any of these spots is a great place to start a night, try them spontaneously and with a group of friends…

Clarks Oyster Bar (from left to right): Stowaway, Lillet Spritz, El Diablo

Hillside Farmacy – Spicy Paloma

Weather Up(from left to right) – New York Flip, El Diablo, El Interamericano 

Josephine House – Fruit Cup

Drink Well - Royale with Ease

El Chile Cafe – Cantaloupe Margarita

Other notables…

Bar Congress / 2nd Street Kitchen – Try the Scarlet Lantern, Lechuza, or my favorite version of The Moscow Mule

Haddington’s – Try the Devils Moustache or Park Merry

Perla’s – Try the Tombstone or The Sistine Chapel

Fino – Try Danny’s Sangaree or Mission Trail

Swift’s Attic – Try the Reunited or The Grog

Tigress Pub - Try the Aviation or Brown Sugar Snow

East Side Show Room- Try the St. George Swizzle or The Gilmore

What are your favorite cocktails in Austin? Let me know in the comments.

Chris Perez

If you just stumbled here from the Austin Food Guides, join me here on MetropoChris most Friday’s for an exclusive Friday Afternoon Cocktail recipe.

For the days in between follow me @metropochris, to see what I’m drinking, where I’m eating, and whatever else I find worth celebrating.

So here I am spending my Sunday scratching off one to-do at a time. Since I just got wrapped up editing a batch of photos from my latest event shoot, I figured I may as well blog about it…while the going ...]]>

Whew! This freelancing business is hard work ya’ll.

So here I am spending my Sunday scratching off one to-do at a time. Since I just got wrapped up editing a batch of photos from my latest event shoot, I figured I may as well blog about it…while the going is good.

Read on to hear more about this great local organization (and workshop event) promoting real change here in Austin.

This past weekend, The WellGro Co. held an Herb Garden Workshop at Contigo – and they signed me on for photography duty. It was a gorgeous day.

The WellGro Co. was one of the first folks I met and worked with when I started this photography / blogging game just over a year ago (see this old post). So it was somewhat fitting to shoot this event, just days after I turned in my badge and became self-employed. It’s people like the WellGro Co. that gave me the courage to do it. Here are two people, Ed and Kerri Hughey, who saw a problem and stood up to do something about it.

Ed and Kerri formed The WellGro Co. with the goal of battling childhood obesity (after hearing a scary statistic that more than 1 out of 3 children in this era are overweight). The WellGro Co. hold several events and fundraisers throughout the year that aim to change this by promoting the benefits of real food.

This particular event I photographed, was organized to raise money to complete a school garden for Travis High School . What better way to drive home the importance of local, fresh food then to have kids see the benefits themselves…in their own (school) backyard.

You want to know the most surprising thing for me, though?

Travis High has a culinary program! And some of the kids from the class joined in on the event, and helped prepare a barbecue for the attendants. This city continues to amaze me, as does its people, and its bright youth…

The WellGro Co. also brought out Sam Thorp, from Johnson’s Backyard Garden, to give some tips on raised herb gardening. I’d love to tell you what tips he shared, and I’d love to put them in practice on my own. But at this stage of the event, I was fully zoned out with photography duties. Maybe women photographers don’t have this problem, but I know my single-tasking self gets so caught up in…”Frame. Focus. Snap. Snap. Snap.”…that I think my sense of hearing phases out.

At least I have photos to share…and from what I can gather afterwards, one of the tips must have involved breaking up the soil after its lifted from the container.

While attendees got down and dirty planting herbs in the raised beds just in front of Contigo, the chefs in training where inside getting a kitchen tour and advice on working in a restaurant from Contigo chef Andrew Wiseheart. Doesn’t that name just totally fit this guy?

The students were in particular awe of the 3-ring binder Andrew has just for pickles. “I wonder what the book on bacon looks like?” one of them thought.

After getting a tour and tasting some of the food that comes from the kitchen, the students started preparing a meal for the event attendees. Everyone had a hand in it.

With the meal prepared it was time to eat. Everyone gathered around the table to enjoy real, freshly prepared food.

It goes without saying that the meal was a delight. One of the students even commented that this was the first salad he’s eaten every bite of. Fresh food has a way of changing your perception on things doesn’t it?

Check out The WellGro Co. for more info on how you can get involved in great events and programs like this. They’re great people effecting a real change, and I’m glad to know them.

If you’re Mary Lee you not only can, but you find ...]]>

Today’s Sneak Preview takes a look at the 300 square foot studio space of Mary Lee. Yeah, I did a double take when reading the square footage too. 300 square feet? Really? Can anyone really live in that?

If you’re Mary Lee you not only can, but you find there’s even enough extra space to paint in. This efficient space is part art studio, part inspiration gallery, part home office, part cozy kitchen, part living space and all Mary Lee – in 300 square feet.

When searching for a home, most people look for something bigger, something newer, something with room to grow into. Mary Lee however, is not your typical gal. She was looking for a challenge – an opportunity to take a place and make it completely her own. No compromises. No frilly toothpicks.

Ever since watching a scene from An American in Paris, she’s dreamed of having a small, ingeniously configurable space – a place where everything was so well thought out that it had everything you needed precisely when you needed it.

In fact, it was this very scene right here…

Mary Lee doesn’t recall how old she was when she saw that scene, or when she first realized that she didn’t share the same style sense as most girls. But sometime in her early youth she found herself gravitating towards dark hues and navy stripes when it came to clothes and decor – while her peers preferred bright pinks and purples. Isn’t it fascinating to realize that we often begin to connect with our own unique identity at such an early stage in life?

Fast forward to last year and you may very well have stumbled into Mary Lee – as she scoured Austin for any space that had potential to be the remodel she was itching for. It was then, in an accidental and unexpected spot somewhere in central Austin where she encountered this tiny studio space – cramped, dilapidated, yet the perfect testing ground for all her ideas and visions.

When she moved in she went right to work – drawing sketches, putting together mood boards, hiring contracters, and scooting demolition debris from one corner to the next.

Mary Lee is an artist (someone this creative just has to be right?), and as I snapped photos of her condo she would often just drop these beautiful, concise quotes.

She would say things like…

“Living small forces you to organize and simplify your life, it makes you find out what you really need.”

or

“I don’t try to buy things that match. I find that if you simply buy things you love, it has a way of going together all by itself,” as she straightened the edge of one of the pillows she made.

I wish I had a recorder on me the whole time.

Her artwork is bold, and uses colors you find in harmony throughout her space. You can find prints like these on her site Mary Central Studio…

I just know you’re going to love all the tricks and ideas Mary Lee applied to turn a restrictive space into something open and free. Look for it next week on Apartment Therapy, and until then see more of the radiant Mary Lee – glowing and in her element at home.

It’s FREE, it’s exclusive, and it’ll feature four legitimate bands from around the world playing acoustic sets (either in my backyard or inside my living room). Oh, ...]]>

Today here on MetropoChris, we have a little announcement to make. I’m going to be hosting a SXSW show at my house!

It’s FREE, it’s exclusive, and it’ll feature four legitimate bands from around the world playing acoustic sets (either in my backyard or inside my living room). Oh, and did I mention that it’s absolutely FREE?

This is all happening as a part of SoFar (Sounds from a Room) – a global movement that aims to bring music to the most intimate of settings, our own homes. SoFar shows are currently in NYC, LA, Philly, San Fran, Paris, Berlin, Sydney and even Rio.

They’re hoping to give the Austin chapter a jolt this year during SXSW and yours truly has somehow gotten involved.

I’m going to make the show at my home extra special by having local artists display their artwork on my living rooms walls as a backdrop. So it’ll also be your chance to see work I’ve shown, in some shape or form here on my blog, for yourself right in person.

Sophie Roach

Landry McMeans

Callen Thompson

Elizabeth Chiles

Katy Horan

This is all happening on…

–> Tuesday evening, March 12th, from 7-9pm <–

You all should totally come and hang out with us. Sign up to the email list at SofarSounds.com, and at the end of the month they’ll send out a newsletter with details on how to RSVP for the Austin shows (including the one at my home).

We can’t announce the bands that will be playing yet, but I’ll tell you that they are special and I’m super excited about it.

Since Sofar is wanting to ensure a successful event, please give a firm RSVP only if you are sure you can commit to attend.

–> I’ll also try to keep you updated via Twitter @MetropoChris

Look forward to seeing a lot of you out here. It should be a great night of music.

image courtesy of Sofar Sounds

Hope you’re ready for another Tour Sneak Preview – a new series of mine that gives you a more personal snapshot into the stories of the people who live and breath inside these remarkable Austin homes.

I’m particularly excited to showcase today’s tour for a couple reasons.

1) It ...]]>

Hello Friends!

Hope you’re ready for another Tour Sneak Preview – a new series of mine that gives you a more personal snapshot into the stories of the people who live and breath inside these remarkable Austin homes.

I’m particularly excited to showcase today’s tour for a couple reasons.

1) It took a couple months of planning and anticipation – I got teased day-by-day on a big remodeling project going on in the backyard through Instagram…

2) I just got that sense that the homeowners were just my kind of people.

You ever get that feeling? That, “Oh my, if we hung out I just know we’d be the best of friends,” vibe? I totally had that with Caroline and Jose Vasquez (today’s home tourees). When reaching out to folks for House Tour features, I typically send a pretty standard ho-hum email…

“My name is Chris…I’d like to feature your house on a blog called Apartment Therapy”

Sometimes though, in the “these are my kind of people moments” I send something a little more me – which is hyper, energetic, and perhaps a touch…whoa, whoa, settle down dude…how much coffee and cake did you have this morning?

I wanted to send that kind of email to Caroline and Jose, but I sent along the standard one instead – just in case my first impression was wrong.

That first impression wasn’t wrong though – it rarely is. In fact, it was confirmed when I ran into them at a Feliz Sale event at West Elm – formally meeting them for the first time.

I probably took up too much of their time gabbing…probably was too hyped up on the churros with hot chocolate and peanut butter cayenne macarons from Walton’s that were being served. And yes, I totally got seconds. But we both seemed to get along great and have some good conversation.

The scheduling for Caroline and Jose’s tour, was dependent on the completion of a huge new project. A project that involved Jose himself building up two complete studio structures in their backyard with his own bare hands – and I’m sure a couple power tools.

It was ambitious, it took time, but oh, was it ever worth the wait.

When I arrived at Caroline and Jose’s home on an early Sunday morning, Caroline had just pulled out some chocolate chip cookies from the oven.

I told you these were my kind of people.

Caroline and Jose introduced me to their two beautiful children, Paloma and Valentin.

Paloma was a bit shy for the camera at first, so I had to be sneaky and try to catch a few photos while she wasn’t looking.

Gracious every step of the way, Caroline and Jose told me the details and story not only of their home but their life. The good hearted Austin people I meet seem to always have an inspiring story or two to tell. The golden hearts of Caroline and Jose seemed to have a lifetime of them.

The two met at a concert here in Austin – at La Zona Rosa for a Grupo Fantasma show to be exact. They immediately hit it off, each telling the other they wanted to make and design things for a living. On their very first date, they found themselves sketching and drawing out ideas onto their dinner napkins. If you don’t think true love exists, you haven’t met Caroline and Jose.

Their story goes on, from building and crafting projects on the outdoor balcony of their tiny studio – without realizing exactly how much sawdust can indeed accumulate and become airborne from a couple spur-of-the-moment projects – to buying this very home here in Austin, and making the space work for their lifestyle.

They laugh at the tough times – like when a toilet in the home needed replacing when they were short on money.

Jose brought a new toilet to the home, but opened the box the wrong way – sending 50 pounds of porcelain shattering onto the ground. Jose went back to the store and bought another toilet, quickly trying to cleanup and fix things before Caroline arrived home. “What are you doing?” Caroline asked. “Oh nothing,” Jose replied – which of course any wife knows means definitely something. She caught him knee deep in it all, just moments later.

I’m sure even on the end of that day, they shrugged and smiled it off.

Caroline and Jose have made their craft, their life and their business. Creating their own ceramics and wood furniture business called Paloma’s Nest (named after their daughter) and running 5 years strong.

Their wares are just as heartfelt and inspiring as themselves.

Caroline and Jose are also Etsy Educators and part of a new program that teaches other artists and creatives how to monetize their craft. They help show people that being an artist doesn’t mean you have to be starving.

Some people think that good fortune finds certain people, but after meeting Caroline and Jose you’ll know that good people make their own good fortune.

I’m excited to show you more of Caroline and Jose’s great home and the amazing workspace and studio they have built out back in a formal Apartment Therapy post in a couple weeks (the queue is really full right now). Until then, enjoy some more of my favorite outtakes and moments from the wonderful morning I spent getting to know this inspiring family.

I left my day job.

It was a decision made up in my mind almost a month ago, actually.

At that pivotal moment, I felt something real that is hard to explain – but I tried my best as I typed these thoughts on a ...]]>

Today on February 1st, 2013…it happened.

I left my day job.

It was a decision made up in my mind almost a month ago, actually.

At that pivotal moment, I felt something real that is hard to explain – but I tried my best as I typed these thoughts on a page…

I quit my job today.

I’m writing this before I’ve even called my manager, or told my wife.

I’m writing this as I just realized it in my own mind.

I’m writing this as I’m putting together a House Tour in the Apartment Therapy queue, and making final edits on a few images.

I’m writing this because I realize that what I’m doing this very instance (writing, telling stories through pictures, hoping to inspire as others have inspired me) is what I love.

I’m not really sure how good I am at this, nor am I sure how good I can be at it.

I think the only way to find out for sure is to dive in head first.

To do that, I need courage.

Courage all the people I’ve met in the past year have given me.

Courage to take a leap into a river of unknown without knowing all the variables or answers.

Courage to trust that I won’t hit rock bottom, but instead float right back above water…revitalized…but most of all free.

The depths of that freedom are just beginning to sink in.

I had a great job. It paid well, had great benefits, and I worked with great people. There was really nothing at all to complain about. Which is precisely why it was so hard to make a decision to leave it.

Leaving seemed almost selfish. Most people go their whole lives without ever having a job like that. What makes me so special to think it wasn’t good enough?

That’s the question I struggled with the longest. Until one day, a friend of mine explained it to me. After opening up to her on my inner conflicts with work and art, I asked her that very question…

“What makes me so special to get up and leave a perfectly good job?”

To that she responded succinctly, confidently, and without hesitation, “your talent does.”

I’m a fairly unassuming person, and it’s hard for me to say or arrive upon statements like that. But, those words hit me square in the nose.

They leveled me.

Now it seemed selfish to not see where whatever talent I have may lead me. From that day forward I started thinking about when I would leave my day job versus debating if I ever really would.

So here I am, free but definitely not alone.

I’ve been fortunate to meet so many talented writers, artists, designers, and creatives this past year that I can’t help but feel like the era and place we live in now is not too dissimilar from the one glorified in the film “Midnight in Paris.”

I’m not saying we have a future Hemingway, Fitzgerald, or Dali among us but we do have something special. We have something here in Austin that is greater than the sum of each of us individually.

Here, we have a community.

A community of people so willing to learn, collaborate, and cause change that we very well may.

What resonated the most with me in “Midnight in Paris” was the conjecture of Golden Age Thinking - the idea that we often romanticize and dream about a more fantastic time before us without realizing how truly special the present is.

I feel like we’re in a bit of golden era now. My eyes have been opened to it the past year. I can’t unsee it. I can’t go back. I can’t see the opportunity right before me and not want to be fully consumed in it.

I’m leaving the desk job I’ve worked most of my life for to pursue a dream – a dream that may somehow be what I was meant to do all along.

I’m leaving it to join the creatives who’ve taught me that there’s more to life than acquiring things.

I’m leaving it to join the renaissance going on right now, right here in Austin.

I hope those I’ve met, and speak of, accept me with open arms. I hope they count me amongst them. Because together… in a city that is accepting, a community that cultivates, and an age where we are only limited by ourselves, I think we can do some great things.

As I write this I can’t shake the image that all the creatives I met are all gathered around a table somewhere – smiling, laughing and enjoying this moment in time that perhaps not everyone can see.

It’s a beautiful sight, glowing in a golden light, and I can’t wait to finally do more than view it from the outside.

Hold a seat for me, friends…maybe even order up my favorite cocktail.

I’m on my way…to create, to collaborate, to dream.