Bio

In 2008, my husband and I moved to North Carolina with an adventurous spirit, two dogs, and a packed pickup truck.  Raleigh has quickly become a beloved part of our story, and the wonder of the Triangle and its quality of life has easily proven to be everything its cracked up to be.  Despite my love for this area, I am a rock-chalking, crimson-and-blue bleeding Jayhawk having earned my BA in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas while concurrently taking part in the greatest college basketball experience in the history of the world.  Note: If you’re looking for a way to alienate yourself in the Triangle, repeat the previous sentence at social gatherings.

The 18 years before my life at KU were spent in Emporia, Kansas, a small-ish town 90 minutes southwest of Kansas City.  When I was 6 I wanted to be a radiologist, and that is the last time I remember really knowing what I wanted to be when I grow up.  I am so fortunate to have an unbelievable family and lifelong friends who offer support always and constructive criticism when needed.  They are my roots – an incredibly strong base that allows me to branch out, explore, learn, and find goodness in all things.

Clearly the 24/7 urban-style retail and office environment has been embraced by the Triangle for its rich amenities and quality of life that appeals to all ages.  As more stores, restaurants, residents, and office workers become part of the integrated development, improved ease of access from side streets and highways is expanding the radius for those who now think of this strategic beltline location as “My North Hills.”   “My North Hills” is different for each person, yet similar in the simple concept that most of our everyday needs and wants can be found within an easy walk, in a setting that draws us in with its welcoming feel and attractive appearance.  While North Hills has already become an economic engine for North Carolina today, the outlook for the future couldn’t be stronger.

This is not Ruth’s Chris menu on special, it is Ruth’s Chris reinvented just for the Prime Lounge venue where you can enjoy meatloaf on the “wild” side with roasted wild mushroom sauce, BLT’s gone gourmet, mac & cheese that rolls in the lobster, salads, fries, sliders, all priced from $6.95 to $14.95.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 8 pm you can enjoy the entire lounge menu for just $8.99.  “Wine” Down on Wednesdays with half price wines by the glass, or enjoy select drink specials at $3 to $5 Sunday through Friday all night.

A Journal of Discovery through the eyes of a real-life resident of Park and Market North Hills

There is something enchanting about fountains.  The sound of the water spilling over, the play of light as the drops rise and fall, something soothing and timeless pulls us in.  

Towns built by Romans on water, like Aix-en-Provence, the city of a thousand fountains, whisper their way into the hearts of those who visit. 

Fountains speak romance.  Think Three Coins in the Fountain, the 1950s movie that immortalizes Italy’s Trevi fountain with its Frank Sinatra lyrics, and that brings us around to the sound of music. 

Not the movie, but the echoes of sheer delight that drift up to my windows from the fountain just across from Park and Market.  This beautiful little corner with flags flying and the blue umbrellas, makes the perfect place to sit for awhile and for children to run in endless circles, stopping to dip a hand in the water, laughing the entire time.  

On Friday evenings, the sound of music kicks up a notch with the amplified sounds of Emerging Artists concerts.  The long cool shadow of the Captrust Tower plays over the perfect stage that is probably meant be an outdoor restaurant one day.  A relaxing way to start the weekend, and wherever I am at home – in my living room or under those blue umbrellas – I’ve got a front row seat.

On a recent Tuesday evening,the manager of Park & Market decided to frame a new sign to hang outside the leasing office next to Harris Teeter.  Wanting to carry out her idea right then, she ran around to several places that had ready-made frames, but nobody carried the extra-large size needed.

Flink's Exterior

About 5:45pm, thinking it was a long shot, she went into Flink’s Framing & Fine Art and explained what she was looking for.  Owner Robert Hensberry quickly offered to build a custom frame, cut a custom piece of glass, and frame the sign – making it affordable and waiving the rush fee to make it fast.  He then stayed late until 7:30pm to build it – and on his way home stopped by Park & Market to be sure that they understood how to use his mounting hardware.

Extraordinary service for Park & Market – ordinary day for Robert.  Visit Flink’s for framing, art, or the scoop on the Midtown Plein Air Arts Competition and Festival.

Flink’s is located under the Alexan Apartments, just around the corner from Uniquities and across from Tyler House. Look for the purple light post banners and maroon awnings!