Kansas City Daily Photo

Closing Down the Show on a Sweet Note ...

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:52:00 +0000

Cupcake a la Mode, Kansas City, MO

... This is GOODBYE ...

Kansas City Daily Photo has been a great photoblogging experience for me! I joined the CityDailyPhoto community in March 2007. This concept began with Eric Tenin's Paris Daily Photo -- which has now grown to cover over 500 cities around the world.

This community provides a wonderful glimpse into city life in nearly every country, and even opportunities to make new friends. Last Spring, Owen and I headed to Peru for our honeymoon. Neither of us spoke Spanish and frankly, didn't know much about Peru in general, but we were so excited to see this country. On a whim, I checked to see if there were any CityDailyPhoto bloggers in Peru ... and sure enough, I found Isabel's Lima Daily Photo!

We stayed in Lima for a few days at the start and end of our trip, and Isabel took us under her wing, taking us on short walking tours of different Lima districts. This totally enhanced our experience. Thank you, Isabel!!!

As for Kansas City Daily Photo, I started photoblogging here for two reasons ... to take the time to really see how great my city is, and to start delving into photography. And, while I failed to post a photo each day, I did share over 350 photos on this site. Since last Fall, I owe a special thank you to several community members who permitted me to use their wonderful images on KCDP!

There are some great KC photoblogs to check out these days. These pretty much rock!!: Eric Bowers Photo and kcphotoblog.

A lot has happened in the last three years, both in my life and in the life of Kansas City! Kansas City is growing. Similarly, my photography has grown and I'm thoroughly enjoying the direction it is moving in. It's always curious how things change.

THANK YOU for stopping by Kansas City Daily Photo from time to time over the past three years. It's really meant a great deal to me. I will be maintaining this site for the some time, and will leave comments open for a few weeks before closing them down (to avoid spam!). :)

I invite you to join me on my next adventure at Little Bird Photo and The Little Bird Blog.

THANK YOU!!

The Train's Pullin' In

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Holidays at Union Station, Kansas City

The Winter holiday season is officially upon us ... as if you haven't noticed all the Christmas music that started in October, right?

Every year, Union Station hosts Marillac's Enchanted Forest. Stop by Nov 18-Dec 5 and check out a HUGE and free public display of decorated trees and wreaths. It's a great place to get interesting ideas for your decorating, or better yet, why not bid on a fully decorated tree? All proceeds go to Marillac.

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Good Times in Kansas City
Photographed by Jeff Slater

The night life in Kansas City has really changed since I moved here in 1998. Back them (the olden days?), your options were The Hurricane, and .... God, I'm getting old, I can't even remember were else we used to go. In the late 90s, we thought The Hurricane rocked. Drinks were strong and cheap, which was conducive to a recent college grad's budget. And, everyone was nice. Seriously. You could spill your drink on someone and it was totally okay. Nobody tried to pick a fight with you. And, you made friends with all the other ladies in line for the loo. Jesus, it must sound like the dark ages to today's 20-somethings.

It seems that Westport is on the upswing again with places like The Foundry and blanc burgers + bottles, and old, good standbys like Harry's Bar & Tables.

You now also have the Power & Light District, the Crossroads, and downtown in general is experiencing a new feel of urbanization. KC has really come a long way in the last decade.

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Steamboat Arabia Museum, Kansas City, MO
Photographed by Becca

Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia are tucked away in Kansas City's River Market. Traveling the Missouri River was just one of the many transport methods of people seeking new life in the West. The steamboat Arabia fell victim to the "Muddy Mo."

A century later, the cargo of the steamboat was rediscovered. Today you can see a recreation of the main deck, as well as a wide array of historic artifacts at the museum.

God's Slide

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Community of Christ Temple, Independence, Missouri
Photographed by Richard Skoropat

Every day at 1:00p the Independence Temple holds a Daily Prayer for Peace. Pretty nice concept, even if you aren't religious. The temple was dedicated in 1994, with its stainless steel spire evocative of a natilus shell. The temple includes a selection of religious art, stained glass, and a Japanese-style meditation garden.

Interesting bit of reading on the group.

Plaza Strolling

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Country Club Plaza Sculpture
Photographed by Nina

Fall weather brings with it some beautiful, crisp sunny days ... and a few weekends that are perfect for strolling around the Country Club Plaza. Every so often, I run into another sculpture I've never noticed!

Thoughts on State Fairs

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Kansas State Fair Ferris Wheel
Photographed by Jeff Slater

The steamy days of a midwestern summer are behind us. The shouts from the ferris wheels and carnival games won't be heard for another eight months or so.

But ... you can relive some of the State Fair vibe through Mike Sinclair's Fair Portraits. I love the one of the woman all in white and the girl in all pink. Nice!

Harvest Bounty Winding Down

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Kansas City Farmers' Markets
Photographed by www.myphotosketchbook.com

While most of us associate Farmers' Markets with the broiling heat of summer, there's a bounty to be had as cool weather invades the midwest. Many farmers are offering up a second growth of lettuce and greens.

So in the next few weeks, check out the fall harvest of some local markets.
Overland Park Farmers' Market
Downtown City Market (only the stalls set up in the center of the market are regionally local)
Brookside Farmers' Market

Last Blooms of Summer

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Photographed by RDS

Fall has arrived to the Midwest. Around Kansas City, you can see the last blooming bits of summer still trying to hang on for a few more sunshine-infused days. But the breezy tide of Fall is coming on strong. Leaves are starting to collect in the yards, and pumkins and pots of mums adorn front stoops.

Fly Beer

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Schlafly Beer, Missouri
Photographed by Bob Travaglione/FotoEdge

While I may believe that Boulevard Brewery creates the best beers in Missouri, I want to be fair and acknowledge that there are, in fact, other local beer producers!

Schlafly Bottleworks/Saint Louis Brewery, which naturally calls St. Louis home, started producing fermented goodness nearly 20 years ago. Ten beer styles are offered year-round, with special beers thrown in throughout the year. So, the next time you're passing through St. Louis, why not take a tour!

Lawn Games for Fall

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Lawn Games at the Nelson-Atkins, Kansas City

Photographed by Beatriz Domínguez/betizuka

Today we see a different take on the Nelson-Atkins. Nearly every Kansas Citian knows of the shuttlecocks that dot the front and back landscape on the Nelson-Atkins Museum property.

With Fall on its way in, now's the perfect time to take a gander at all the outdoor sculptures.

Wild Blue Yonder

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Rozelle Court, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Photographed by Mike Willis/mpwillis

The Rozelle Court Restaurant in Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum is styled after a 15th century Italian Courtyard. Depending on the weather outside, this is a place you'll want to linger while taking a break from viewing the Nelson's impressive art collection. Check out the current exhibits!

Stretchin' It

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Stretch & his Sculpture
Photographed by CoolValley

First Friday is tonight! Okay, so it's drizzling outside right now, but maybe it'll clear up. Stretch has brought a lot to East 18th Street in Kansas City's Crossroads. Read about him here.

My new favorite song ... Happy Friday. Sort of a late 60s groove. Love the whistling.

We're Not in Napa, Toto

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Holy-Field Vineyard, Basehor, Kansas
Photographed by Beatriz Domínguez

We're not in Napa, but instead in eastern Kansas of all places! Holy-Field's 14 acres is planted with Native American and French hybrid grape varieties.

Ever wanted to participate in the grape havesting process? Join the vineyard for "Picking Sundays" which run from late August through September. Sounds fun!

Books in the Mist & Strange Adoption Stories

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Downtown Public Library Book Bindings, Kansas City Public Library

This addition to the Kansas City downtown landscape a few years ago contributed to the redevelopment of the area. Rare book binding where used for the look of a variety of classic and well-known titles.

Special Note: Today's photo is extra special because of what it represents ... books, and perhaps more specifically, libraries.

Because of my love of books, I chose a work-study in my college library my freshman year. And, it was in that library that I met the woman who, 17 years later, would become my mother. Of course, I didn't know that at the time. Neither did she.

This weekend, Owen and I are off to a party to celebrate me being the oldest known adoptee I know at the age of 34!

To the Lake We Go

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Photographed by myphotosketchbook.com

The Lake of the Ozarks is a vacation spot we Kansas Citians know well. Whether your thing is to hang out in the less-than-inviting waters of Party Cove (I guess that depends on who you talk to!), or the quieter coves further away, you'll find the perfect spot somewhere on this 55,000-acre body of water.

Personally, the best spot is in a quiet cove with calm waters ... maybe the only sounds are an occasional splash as a friends hops on a raft in the water, laughter, good conversation, and clinking of sangria glasses.

A Quiet Beauty

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Midwestern Sunset
Photographed by Richard Skoropat

The Midwest has a beauty all its own. Two weekends ago, we drove down to the Lake of the Ozarks -- the landscape is really lovely in some areas, especially if you take some of the smaller routes. I am reminded of a line from a recent novel I just read about how the Midwest has a quiet beauty all its own. It's not a flashy kind of beauty.

We're making the final stretch in to the long, lazy last days of summer. Kansas City and the rest of the Midwest is typically drenched in humidity and hot-hot-hot. ... But not this summer. I can say without a doubt, that being able to walk my dog in the mornings while wearing a light jacket (me, not the dog) has been the hightlight of my summer. Seriously!

Even Adults Play with LEGOs

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Lego Art, Crown Center, Kansas City, MO
Photographed by Nikki Pirch

Artist Nathan Sawaya's "Art of the Brick" is currently touring the U.S. -- and can be seen at Crown Center through September 7, 2009.

Mooning About

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Moon Marble Company, Bonner Springs, KS
Photographed by Mike Willis

Ever wonder how marbles are made? Okay, me neither, BUT how many cities have a marble-making company? Moon Mable in Bonner Springs offers up every kind of marble imaginable, as well as demonstations of the marble-making process. I can just picture a pretty bowl full of the most colorful selection of their handmade marbles. Of course, those ones will set you back a pretty penny.

Special Plug for USA-Pictures! Submit your photos for a chance to win $200:

USA-Pictures.com was started a few years ago by two guys who wanted to see more of the U.S. They've gotten lots of people from around the country to post images of their cities, national parks, etc. Every so often, they hold a drawing for something pretty sweet, like a new camera, or this time around, a $200 gift card to Amazon or Expedia. Just post 20 photos and you could win. Check it out!

Flying Star

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Kansas City Star production
Photographed by CoolValley

Most of us in Kansas City are familiar with the quite pretty (in my opinion) glass building that houses the KC Star production facility. But to see the inside is quite cool. I loved this image of the papers flying around!

Donuts, Donuts

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

John's Space Age Donuts, Overland Park, KS

Photographed by Mike Welchhans

Donuts are probably one of my favorite things, and visiting donut shops is always interesting, isn't it? In general, these little shops of deliciousness are stuck is some sort of Twilight Zone time warp. They typically boast an expanse of formica, and if you're really lucky, a banquet of leatherette seating.

I've heard that Big Momma's in Raytown has amazing cinnamon rolls?

Happy Weekend

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Westport, Kansas City

Photographed by Nina

Happy Friday! Looking for something to do this weekend in Kansas City? Check out Mary Anne's weekend guide.

Westport currently boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars, but way back when, it was just another stop along the Santa Fe Trail. Westward-heading pioneers would stop in Westport for supplies and to outfit their wagons. I'm thinkin' Little House on the Prairie!

Choo Choo

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:36:00 +0000

Night at the Drag Races, Kansas City, MO

Did you ever go to the drag races when you were a kid? Well, I think it's been at least 25 years since I've been to one ... and being female, I think I've only ever been to one other drag race as it is.

Well, if you're looking for a throwback weekend activity, then the Kansas City International Raceway is calling your name. The night is filled with canned beer, cheese nachos, some dragster cars, and a couple of jet "trains." Picture Thomas the Train with a jet engine. I have to admit, the jets were pretty cool.

What's next? Well, demolition derby, naturally.

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Downtown Kansas City
Photographed by CoolValley

Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, has undergone major changes in the past few years. After so long as an isolated only-during-the-work-week-will-you-see-people kind of place, you now find shops, restaurants, and more springing up all over.

I'll admit, I'm not much of a fan of the Power & Light District. There's a strangeness to the fact that we essentially tore down a real downtown and erected a pseudo downtown in its place (it's what I call a "Cracker Park"). That said, if it it can draw us to the core, then I suppose I'm all for it. Also, if it allows nooks and crannies to be filled with locally-owned businesses (you'll find very few within the actual "District"), then that's good, too.

Truckin' It to Murray's Ice Cream

kansascitydailyphoto@gmail.com (Catherine VandeVelde) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Murray's Ice Cream & Cookies in Westport, Kansas City

Do you have a favorite ice cream shop in town? Murray's in Westport is probably my very favorite, mainly because it was located a street away from where I held my first job when I moved to Kansas City nearly 11 years ago.

Murray Nixon opened her shop in Westport well over 25 years ago. Read Present Magazine's interesting little article ... ah, all those yummy flavors!