The Return of Cheesecake! — Patti Part Two

I am thinking of adding a subtitle to my blog - Patti Part Two - "The Pursuit of Happiness." Traveling makes me happy it is true. I love seeing for myself all the places I read and hear about - but I also find happiness in some of the little things in my day. I am in the habit of writing on my daily planner - in a fun color - "Do more of what makes you happy." I try every day to take a few minutes and appreciate what I'm doing, eating, who I've talked to, and how lucky I am to have my wonderful kids, family and friends. I believe it is called "being in the moment." I had a great moment yesterday when I received a lovely note from my dear friend Cindy. Enclosed in the note was this great card which she said made her think of me.

I have great memories of standing on the pier in Seattle by the famous Ivar's chowder shop and buying French fries for Tom and Keeley to hold up for the seagulls to swoop down and take right from their hands. I can't say for sure how happy the seagulls were but my kids were having a blast. I love the sentiment that it's important to enjoy the small moments and keep things in perspective as to what really matters. So thanks for making my day Cindy!!

I had a couple of interesting events this week that I got to experience. The first was on Tuesday night when I was at the beautiful Kauffman Center to hear Malala Yousafzai along with her father Ziauddin speak. What a privilege that was! I know she needs no introduction - the 15 year old girl that was shot by the Taliban in Pakistan for attending school.

The Kauffman Center as I approached - a spectacular facility!

Here it is from the inside!

I can actually see my building - hello Western Auto!

This was my first time attending the Chat series where famous people come to town and speak. There is a moderator and a Q&A. Last year Amy Poehler and Geena Davis were two of the speakers. Wish I would have gone to that! Malala has just turned 19 and was a wonderful humble speaker. She didn't really dwell on the shooting itself - more about what the experience has lead her to do with her life. Since her recovery along with returning to school in the UK she has along with her father devoted herself to fighting for education around the world for not just girls but all children. She said that there are over 2 million children in the world that have zero access to any education - and that they turn to guns and violence because they don't know they have other options. She has met with world leaders to hold them accountable to work toward this goal. It was really an inspirational event and I can't think of anything more important. I am hoping to find opportunities where I can contribute in even a small way right here in KC.

On Friday evening I attended a fun Arts Alive event. We started at the Rigby Ranch - a beautiful historic home in the Loose Park area that was built in 1910.

3 stories and a double porch on a large shaded lot.

The house changed hands a number of times and the present owners purchased it in 2007. They are big movie buffs and we had the opportunity to tour the entire 3 stories and see their extensive collection of movie memorabilia which included lots of original movie posters. The 3rd floor has been converted from a ballroom to a movie room which has a 13 foot movie screen with digital projection.

The picture of the Frank Capra cast of "It's a Wonderful Life" - my favorite movie - has a personal note written to Butch Rigby by Jimmy Stewart!!

We had wine and appetizers while we browsed the collection, and then headed to Unity Temple on the plaza to hear the award-winning folk-pop duo called Barnaby Bright.

Becky and Nathan Bliss are Barnaby Bright.

I wasn't familiar with the duo but I am a fan now. They performed almost all original music and played all the instruments themselves along with singing. They had a guest cello player from the KC Symphony playing with them and that made it even more special. The venue was small and intimate - my favorite song was "Old Coats" which is available for download on iTunes. Listening to it right now! A great start to a fun relaxing weekend.

One of my favorite things is Sunday brunch - and today got to have it at one of my favorite places here in KC. It's called Baked and it's right on Westport Road. A beautiful French bakery in the front and a great restaurant in the back. Everything is made from scratch daily and they have the best biscuits I've ever eaten. Worth checking out and they do take reservations. Good thing we had one today as it was busy!

Scrambled eggs, ham and the famous biscuit for me!

And last but not least - the next Cheesecake I tasted! Drum roll please...............

I'm sad it's all gone. I rate this a 4 - fantastic! A lady finger crust soaked with coffee liqueur topped by a coffee flavored cheesecake and a mascarpone topping with a dollop of chocolate frosting. Would you be upset if I tried this one again?? Sigh. My mouth is watering just to see the picture.

Hope your week is great!! Thanks for joining me on my adventures!