FIRST PHOTOS FROM 53222!

It's difficult to explain the feeling.  I'm so excited that I've taken my first 53222 photos!

On my way home from the Office Max near Mayfair today (big mailing for businesses and schools this week!), I drove east on Center Street and took a quick right at Mount Mary University, not remembering what zip code I was now in.  All I knew is that the blue Tosa street signs turned suddenly to green Milwaukee ones.  And, of course, the Mount Mary campus is beautiful, especially, it could be argued, in the fall.  After some scenic photos and two delightful conversations with students (I'm sure they thought it very strange at first that I wanted to take their photo, especially when I got down on the ground to get the low angle of the first woman), I headed south on the parkway and took a left somewhere before North Avenue, took that to 76th Street and decided to head north for a bit instead of going home right awy, turning left on West Nash Street when I caught a glimpse of yet another city park that I never knew existed.  

It turned out to be Nash Park, right next to the German Immersion School, which was just letting out for the day.  Because there were children in the park's playground, swinging and gamboling around the play set, I approached one of the adults first to ask permission to photograph her and the child in her care.  I did the same with several other adults, since the playground quickly filled up with children on this beautiful November day (what a treat!).  The kids (and adults) were wonderful subjects.  My favorite photo is of Lisa (who lives in 53212), who sat on a swing in her purple shirt next to her nephew.  She even photobombed another photo later on (someone's got the runway bug!).  

We shared some genuine conversations about what it was ZIP MKE is trying to do and the value of seeing each other, especially through the lens of the freedom and fun of childhood, which is something we tend to lose as we get older.  

My wish for you today: find that metaphorical slide or swing or patch of playground bark (or real ones) and find your joy.