Get Ready for Love of Friends 2012!

Posted on December 28, 2011 by | Leave a comment

The LoF team has been working together year round into 2012 to ensure you have the best Valentine’s Day ever.

Love of Friends is going big time this year.

Love of Friends is a custom-made celebration dedicated to all the things we enjoy in our lives and brings all of those great things into one space for an evening of dancing (or not dancing), merry making, people-meeting and people seeing, great food and spirits without the big V-day stress hanging over our heads.

This year, with great help from our friends at Revive, we’re transforming this space

into a welcoming atmosphere to ensure you have a Valentine’s Day Love of Friend’s day not to be forgotten.

Here are the details:

1) 7-10pm 2.14.12 We’re in Bakery Square this year!

2) $25 gets you in and access to all the food, spirits and great art and people!

If you have your Valentine’s from us from 2011, you get $5 off your ticket price at the door!

Have your LoF5 desk calendar still? Flip over November for a Valentine from the LoF team to you! $5 off your ticket to LoF2012.

3) Are you an artist? We’re accepting applications to feature your work at the 2012 celebration!

4) Tell your friends, tell your colleagues, invite that person you think is super cool but haven’t talked to yet.

We’ll see you on the dance floor.

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Embarrassing love story

Posted on November 30, 2011 by | Leave a comment

by Regina.

LoF Team members Regina and Kelsey volunteering at the Union Project.

I’m taking things back. Back to the days during early blogging when, despite what bloggers were actually writing about, those that didn’t quite understand blogging thought blogging was just people writing about themselves and their feelings.  I’m going to actualize that sentiment by writing about me.  For some reason I feel compelled to tell an embarrassing story, and where else but on the blog where I know I am showered with love, so it’s okay if I’m a dork*.

There isn’t much love involved, so the title is a bit misleading.  No love, BUT, I was single at the time this occurred.

It was a summer when Hilary still worked at the Union Project. (Today, LoF team member Kelly works there!  [so get involved with UP!]).  I went to help volunteer for an outdoor music event happening later that day.  Keep in mind I got there HOURS before the music started.  Keep in mind that it was the time during summer where it was okay to wear white.

This is really embarrassing guys.

I made plans to meet up with a guy that night at the event, which probably constitutes a date.  Looking back, I probably knew it was a date at the time, but for some reason, I kept things as, “we’re just meeting up at an event! What? It’s music. People meet up all the time.”  Maybe this is where the love in this story ends.

Anyway, all the volunteers had to sign release forms just in case we somehow got hurt. Hilary asked me to come over to sign my form. We all joked that we should have signed the forms earlier because at that point we were all done lugging chairs and tables outside.

I walked over and said to Hilary and the small group around her signing forms, as I “pretended” to trip over a chair leg, “yeah, because it would really suck if someone–” and as I pretended to trip over the chair, that pretend trip turned into the real thing.  I was so shocked that I was actually tripping that I didn’t have time to catch myself.  I pretty much somersaulted off the chair and landed underneath the table where Hilary and everyone was sitting, to their shock and horror.  I was a tangled mess and it took a bit of time before I got up.  I had to roll off my side onto my knees to get up.  Honestly! I had to roll.  There was no grace.  Everyone asked if I was okay.  I was totally fine.  The grass on the side lawn of the Union Project is very soft, I must say.

But, yeah, the white pants I was wearing that day had two huge grass stains starting from my knees to…my shins.  Have you ever met a dorkier person? I mean, honestly.

I tried to roll my pants up, but because they were linen and wide legged and because every god everywhere wanted to laugh at me that day, my pants wouldn’t stay rolled up.  So there I was, as afternoon slipped into late afternoon, stationed at the soup table helping people with their soup with grass all over my pants.  There I was trying to rock out to Nick Westman and the Central Plains with the tell-tale dork mark all about me.  It wasn’t until I was wrapped in the cloak of darkness that I could actually face people head-on as opposed to sidling up to them.

But, you know what, this story is a love story.  It was at that party that I reconnected with Nik.  He and the CPs played at LoF 4 that February.  Kelsey and I have gone on to volunteer at the UP numerous times and as I mentioned, our very own Kelly now works there.  I love happy endings.

*Technically in the day-in-day-out I think I would be labeled a nerd, but in this story, I think dork is more fitting.

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In Which I Gush About the Love of Friends Team

Posted on November 16, 2011 by | Leave a comment

by Kelsey.

During the year round planning of Love of Friends, the team spends a lot of time talking about stuff we love. We’re passionate people, what do you want from us?  I thought it only appropriate then, that I dedicate a blog post explaining why I love this team and ergo this project as much as I do. Maybe it will inspire you to come and get to know the team better at the party in February.  I promise, each one of them is so worth knowing.

Regina

We’ll start with the LoF founder.  Anything good I say about Regina, has surely already been said. She’s that kind of awesome, but I’ll try anyways. Regina is one of those people that knows everyone, can introduce you to anyone, and makes even the most boring occasion a party through her endless enthusiasm. What’s even more astounding though, is how genuine she is. She really loves people, gets involved for all the right reasons, and never stops giving back or paying it forward. Despite being busy, and now even while living in a different city, she is one of the most supportive friends I have, always willing to drop whatever she is doing to be there for her people.

Bethany

Bethany is one of those people with endless amounts of energy. Last spring she was training for the Rome marathon and would come bounding into meetings, looking adorable, asking brilliant questions, and saying offhandedly how she had spent the morning getting in an 18 mile run.  (You know how I spend the afternoon after an 18 mile run? On my couch.) Bethany is always ready to challenge, to champion, and to just get stuff done. She is a rock solid part of this team, and I can say confidently that there would have been years where this party wouldn’t have happened without her.

jordan

You know those people you’re always just so happy to see every time you bump into them? That’s Jordan. Always excited about something, and usually on his way to do something really fun. He’s a ridiculously talented photographer and marketer. Regina, Jordan, and I used to spend Friday morning’s working together out of various coffee shops around the city, and calling them “Collaboration Fridays”. We’ve got to have another collaboration Friday soon Jordan, it’s way too great a way to close out the week.

kelly

Where do I even start with telling you how awesome Kelly is? Kelly has been my best friend since our freshman year of sharing a dorm room together. You guys, we shared a dorm room with bunk beds, went on to be roommates for another 4 years, and are still best friends.  She’s family. She’s also more talented than any one person has a right to be, and if you’ve heard her sing or seen her art, then you know exactly what I am talking about.

chris

You know when you have a semi-formed plan or idea that could be good, but isn’t quite there yet, and there’s a person you know that if you explain it to them, they give you the exact suggestions needed to make it great?  That’s Chris. The amount of my work, projects, plans, and humor that have been improved by Chris is huge. Consistently witty, and just the right amount of sarcastic, he always has the perfect comeback.  I am beyond excited to have him and his brain as part of the team this year. He’s also a pretty kick ass roommate.

alexa

Alexa amazes me. She’s smart, and is great at her job, and has a wonderful family, and is beautiful, and bikes, and blogs, and makes us delicious snacks from scratch when she hosts LoF meetings, and despite doing all of that, is one of the calmest, most grounded people I know.  I was completely intimidated by her when I first met her, and now am so happy that we’re friends.

carly

Carly and I first got to know each other while running a half-marathon. We have a similar race pace, and we talked about how much we love Pittsburgh, volunteering, and why brunch is the greatest meal ever invented.  It’s a wonder we’ve stayed friends having absolutely nothing in common. Since then, we’ve done a lot more running, volunteering, brunching, etc. Carly’s a blast, knows how to throw a great craft-night, and is definitely someone I’d want on my team for quiz-night.

So that’s the team. Somehow, I’m not only lucky enough to know and be friends with these people, I get to work with them on a really cool event/project all year round.

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Perspectives

Posted on November 14, 2011 by | Leave a comment

By Regina.

As some of you know, recently, I traded this house

for this house

Leaving Pittsburgh

I never thought I’d stay in Pittsburgh, but I never thought I would leave.  But, no matter what, I’m here in our nation’s capital.  I’ve had some time to reflect what exactly it means to no longer live in Pittsburgh.  And by reflect, it’s been me reliving my last few weeks in the Burgh acting out Faye Dunaway’s famous scene in Chinatown–a scene I’ve referenced all too often.  I was happy, I was really sad, I freaked out, I was excited, I freaked out more…and then more freaking out excitability.

I worried about what would happen with Love of Friends, I worried that I wouldn’t make new friends in DC and what’s worse, that my friends in Pittsburgh would forget me over time…like the first weekend I was gone.  Though I normally appreciated getting outside of my comfort zone in Pittsburgh, I realized, by moving to DC I was hurtling through about 14 different comfort zones.

I was practically on Mars.  It’s lovely there by the by.

Through all this freaking out, I’m not surprised to say it was my FRIENDS that collectively slapped the sense out of me hard enough to make Gittes proud.  Here I was, having pep talks with CP about new doors opening and the excitement of the anticipation of what lay ahead; being reminded by Kelsey via quoting the ever sagacious Chris that, “we’re solutions people,” and then having wine and cheese where I was told, “I’ll only be visiting you in DC all the time.”

Life in DC

And here I am in DC with my newish life, and some very new perspectives.  And it was my friends that helped me, even while still in DC to ease into the new perspectives–together.

And, though I live and breathe my friendships everyday, I was re-reminded of the power of friendship. I didn’t have to worry about LoF falling apart, we regrouped, got more organized, and duh, Regina, there’s this little thing called skype:

Technology and friendship

I was reminded that I actually like people and there are great new friends to meet in DC, and besides, there are a ton of Pittsburgher expats living in DC.

So, this is why I love my friends.  This is why I love Love of Friends and hope you can join us–you can come to a gathering of friends, maybe get outside of your comfort zone, but we’re all here to tell you, let’s don’t worry, let’s dance, let’s eat, let’s meet.

Much love.

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Posted in Stories

Who Doesn’t Need Some Whimsy?

Posted on November 10, 2011 by | Leave a comment

By Alexa.

Today, I was invited to FRIENDshoot 2011. I was told to “save the date” and was given a link to a bunch of photos of people (some I know and some I don’t) dressed in black walking with balloons. There was no place, no time. That was it. And that was everything.

That is why I love where I am. That is why I’m getting to the point where I can say, “I’m a Pittsburgher to stay”.  I have no idea what this gathering is about. I just know that someone chose me, wants me to experience something whimsical, and wants to create some record of that experience. Whimsy is something we don’t experience enough of.

It is defined as:
1.
capricious humor or disposition; extravagant, fanciful, or excessively playful expression.
2.
an odd or fanciful notion.
3.
anything odd or fanciful; a product of playful or capricious fancy.

I really hope that Love of Friends can be that for all of you. We love you. We want to know you! We want you to experience something whimsical.

Isn’t this photo beautiful? I love you Pittsburgh.

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Shake Your Tail Feather 2012

Posted on October 26, 2011 by | Leave a comment

photo credit: Jordan Kay

Words by Jordan too.

When we strategize about some of the ideas for the Love of Friends party, one of the suggestions that came to the table was the Best Dance Party of 2012.
A party that leaves you sweaty and gets your body moving in a rebellious way.  A party with music that persuades the body and creates some booty shaken memories.

This booty shaken persuasion is not uncommon in Pittsburgh.  We have all been shaken our rumps at places like Shadow Lounge  or the former Firehouse  but sometimes we need a fresh location or a unfamiliar event to really get the rear a rockin. 

So, our goal is to bring you the best party shake your tail feather in 2012.  Send your booty persuasions to LoveofFriendsPgh@gmail.com,  and we will devise the strategy that will make you shimmy your derriere at the best dance party of 2012.  

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Posted in Events, Music

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The Amore the Merrier – LoF Team Embraces Another New Member!

Posted on October 24, 2011 by | Leave a comment

As if we weren’t ecstatic enough with the addition of Alexa to our 2012 team, we at Love of Friends have the pleasure of announcing yet another new member!

Chris Preis has been a frequent LoF guest and longtime friend of the group, helping in previous years to cook and collage with us as we prepared to party. Now he’s offering his knack for creativity, keen eye for detail, and home-made ice cream to the planning process in hopes that this year’s celebration can be even more lovely than the last.

You may remember him modeling his heart-clad V-day sweater or expressing his affection for the quirky parts of Pittsburgh, but you’re sure to see more of this Valentine’s ‘card’ as we set the scene for this year’s festivities!

Chris and Kelsey at LoF5 in 2011.

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Posted in LoF team events, Stories

Coming Home to Pittsburgh

Posted on October 20, 2011 by | 1 Comment

By Carly.

Sometimes it takes going away for a few days to remember everything you love about a place. I headed off to Minnesota this weekend for a friend’s wedding. The weekend was full of good food, good friends, and lots of dancing. My friend’s who were getting married had met when we all lived in Peru so it was a wonderful chance for us all to reminisce about our time down there. It made me miss Peru but also reminded me why I had returned to Pittsburgh.

Exploring the Twin Cities

While we were in Minnesota we had some great meals out and I was shocked during my time at how vegetarian and vegan friendly the restaurants throughout Minneapolis were. Honestly, I got a bit jealous and started thinking how nice it would be if Pittsburgh was just a tad more veggie friendly. Despite my increased options in food (and thus food intake), and while the weekend away was a much needed break from work as well as the rain that had engulfed Pittsburgh for the past week, I found myself longing to get back. I think part of this was due to the many reminders of Pittsburgh I encountered.

A good friend of mine from Sacramento had flown in for the wedding as well. She had cousins who lived outside Minneapolis on a farm. They were preparing for an annual Chili Cook Off that they hosted in their barn. We headed over there on Friday morning prepared to be put to work but ended up spending the entire time talking and drinking coffee. They were some of the coolest people I have met and truly embody the LoF mentality. Their Chili Cook Off is open to all their friends of all ages, features a chili potluck and mega dance party. So, can you guess where they had been the weekend before? If you thought the city of black and gold (which had been covered in rain that weekend) then you are right!

Despite the weather they were full of praise for the Cathedral of Learning, Brgr, and Falling Water. Plus, they have a daughter, who I can only assume is as cool as they are, who is studying medicine near the city. I’m thinking she might deserve an “admission of admiration” if only so I can get invited to the Chili Cook-off next year…I mean, they have a band and bring in a professional square dance caller!!!

‘Burghers are All Over the World

Though my friend and I were loathe to leave, we were soon on our way to Rochester, a little city outside of Minneapolis, for the wedding celebrations. That evening was the wedding rehearsal (my friend was giving a reading) followed by the rehearsal dinner. In typical “Pittsburghers are all over the world” fashion I sat down next to a really cool friend of the Bride who was studying for his PhD in Spanish Poetry and learned quite quickly that he was from Butler. Mere minutes later I met an Uncle and Aunt of the Bride who currently live in Pittsburgh, a doctor at the new Children’s Hospital, and a Professor at Heinz!! We naturally gravitated to each other swapping stories about what we love about Pittsburgh and playing the name game – not surprisingly we knew many people in common.

Coming Home

On Sunday I was so happy to get home. Talking about why I loved Pittsburgh, with fellow Pittsburghers, while not in Pittsburgh, really reminded me of how great a city it is (the gorgeous leaves on the drive back from the airport and winning the Steelers game yesterday didn’t hurt either). To really seal the deal, this morning I was up for an early morning jog with some friends. Crossing the Roberto Clemente Bridge we looked to our left and saw the most amazing sunrise over the city…reminding me what I lucky girl I am to live in such an amazing city (and with friends who will meet me for a 6:30 jog!).

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LoF Founder Regina featured in Yinzpiration

Posted on June 22, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Kate Stoltzfus, a Love of Friends friend for sure (she and husband Nik have attended the last 3 celebrations!) and all around amazing lady began a blog called Yinzpiration.  Kate interviews people she doesn’t know, or doesn’t know on a one-on-one basis.

Kate was kind enough to interview Regina for her blog!  Read the interview here!

Also, make sure to nominate someone for an interview for Yinzpiration!  Meet Kate and Nik  Stoltzfus 2.14.12 if not before!

 

 

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LoF5 Valentine’s Day Wall posts continued

Posted on June 17, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Here are a few more great images from the 2011 Valentine’s Day wall!  Be on the lookout for what you wrote, AND be on the lookout for your Admission of Admiration note!

Postcard from Katie for LoF5 2011

I wrote this one!:

When I met the Gillefonds LoF 2011 Valentine's Day wall

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Posted in Art