6.1.25Kentucky Native CaféI know I’m ten years late to the party, but I didn’t expect Kentucky Native Cafe to bring such a strong Portland/Seattle vibe to Lexington. Absolutely loved drinking a coffee here this morning. This place, and the attached florist and nursery, were so magical, it had me double-checking how long of a drive it is to Lexington and back. Definitely going to carve out time to come here multiple more times this summer (also, it’s dog-friendly!).

6.2.25FreemanShot a house on Freeman Ave that’s going to be listed shortly.

6.3.25Cozy KitchenThere’s a house in Ludlow that’s about to be listed. The owner renovated the interior and rented it out as an Airbnb for years before deciding to sell it. On the second floor at the end of the hallway, she put in a small kitchen that I absolutely adore. It’s not a full kitchen, but for coffee, refrigerated drinks and snacks, and anything you would store on a shelf, it’s perfect. It’s essentially what you’d find in an office (no stove or oven). This would be perfect for a work-from-home person whose computer was in the room beside it. You’d essentially have no need to go downstairs during your workday with this tiny, colorful kitchenette on the second floor. I could imagine wandering down the hall at 11 PM looking for a snack, sitting at the table, and reading something on my phone. Something about it just felt so cozy and inviting. I’m rarely impressed with listings these days, but this one did it for me.

6.4.25RookwoodRookwood tile fireplace in a house I photographed for a listing today.

6.5.25Crafted WorldPhotographed the member’s opening for the new Wharton Esherick exhibit at the Taft Museum tonight. Definitely worth checking out if you can. They knocked this one out of the park.

6.6.25Pride In My NeighborhoodMy therapist, back before she left the clinic, reminded me that there’s little I can do beyond voting/canvassing to sway the election. She always told me to “take care to clean my side of the street.” What she meant was that I only have control over my sphere of influence—all the elements of my life that I can change and improve directly. No, I can’t change the outcome of a bad election, but I can help my neighbor plant trees. I can’t suddenly change our government officials, but I can ensure I’m available to help a friend when they’re in need. I can keep my literal side of the street comfortable and inviting, but I can’t make half the country care about the lives of marginalized communities.I’ve struggled with the outcome and reality of the election since the night it was called. I’m full of anger and disbelief that the people around me would choose a regime built on hate, ignorance, fear, and violence. I’ve sunk back into a depression that I cannot shake, no matter how hard I try to distract myself.At this point, I’m just tired of constantly railing against it. I keep telling myself that I need to concentrate on “my side of the street” for the moment. Today, while on a walk, I saw this Pride flag, and it made me feel better for a moment. It was a reminder that, despite how it looks, the world still has normal, accepting, moral people in it who care about others. It’s not devoid of good people entirely; they’re just the minority.

6.7.25Boys NightWent out with the guys for High Lifes and wings. It felt good to push the anger I described in yesterday’s post to the back of my mind so I could spend some time laughing with good people. Because these outings are fewer and farther between than I wish they were, I find myself bummed at the end of the night when they inevitably have to end. I guess that’s a sign it’s good for the soul.