tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16765502402359391482024-03-19T02:10:31.288-07:00BlogtownCJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.comBlogger1227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-79473786324204477042023-12-14T05:54:00.000-08:002023-12-14T05:54:25.567-08:00For Your Oscar Consideration - UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality<p><i><a href="https://www.unzippedmovie.com/"> UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality</a></i> is in consideration for the Academy Awards and the deep consideration starts TODAY! Please pass this along to any and all Academy members that you know, as I really can't think of many more important topics than making sure our fellow humans are housed. It's THE most basic human right, yet we allow so many of our citizens to sleep out on the streets in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It's just not right. And we all need to be talking about it until we can really be called a decent civilization, by providing the very least anyone can ask for - shelter. It was an honor and a privilege to help produce this film, and our team, led by director Colin Gray, is all in on doing whatever we can to help make it a world where the most basic needs are being met ... by raising the roof!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iOXdIhvO_NJw7UH2s6J8ud1mQrfcd5lKZQULand1ZdXtOzczZ56D77Hb2CQ13DiQjhDpIbzoY0LT_CssNKYSnuxWH3_huTSMFyz3d5hz_u_vOD0qU0-GMBKyQLPIxXrMEpPDcqQZ6e9xsawRqC-wUcVfsy-OeNujE09SCMYfc52tlqdYOZO4N7GnWIkt/s1920/Unzipped_Poster_OSCAR-FYC_1080x1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iOXdIhvO_NJw7UH2s6J8ud1mQrfcd5lKZQULand1ZdXtOzczZ56D77Hb2CQ13DiQjhDpIbzoY0LT_CssNKYSnuxWH3_huTSMFyz3d5hz_u_vOD0qU0-GMBKyQLPIxXrMEpPDcqQZ6e9xsawRqC-wUcVfsy-OeNujE09SCMYfc52tlqdYOZO4N7GnWIkt/w360-h640/Unzipped_Poster_OSCAR-FYC_1080x1920.png" width="360" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Many, if not most, Academy members live in Los Angeles and can see the massive and outrageous problem of people living on the streets every day. One can complain about it, or one can do something about it. We chose the latter by making this film. The intent we set out with was to at least start the conversation to find solutions, rather than look the other way, as so many do when faced with this situation. </p><p>A good starting point with any tough subject is always EMPATHY. The NIMBY people who don't care what happens as long as they don't have to see houseless HUMANS in their neighborhood don't seem to realize how quickly it could be them. You lose a job, a family member gets an illness, your rent gets raised, and BOOM. I've seen it happen to more than one person I know, and no one is as stable as they think they are. We have to start CARING more, because we truly are all in this together. </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl7-NYjRBZ_32mfqNWZc-9DYjRi9EjLnI1nvt9m3cY-K0kJ_ve3ARK0NogPUhD0lKji8iMiB8WcQdC4x5kUfPHQi-5DoSsHFLgwHT9wyy0tAxot71r9LvTh40MZtoN20JNR48B-vW4LMI_j0GNEZvKpgnMLKFt8hssoxvRCTRo-b3GOy-pOtcI08S42pm/s1200/SOCIAL_TOOL-KIT_OSCAR-FYC_1200x628.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl7-NYjRBZ_32mfqNWZc-9DYjRi9EjLnI1nvt9m3cY-K0kJ_ve3ARK0NogPUhD0lKji8iMiB8WcQdC4x5kUfPHQi-5DoSsHFLgwHT9wyy0tAxot71r9LvTh40MZtoN20JNR48B-vW4LMI_j0GNEZvKpgnMLKFt8hssoxvRCTRo-b3GOy-pOtcI08S42pm/w640-h336/SOCIAL_TOOL-KIT_OSCAR-FYC_1200x628.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We held a screening at <a href="https://www.beyondbaroque.org/">Beyond Baroque</a> on Monday night for Oscar voters to consider <i>UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality</i> as a worthy competitor for the Academy Awards, and to raise awareness for our #RaiseTheRoof Impact Hub. This is a resource that goes beyond the film to help people find help and resources in their area, as well as for those who want TO help and OFFER resources. It was clear that this topic truly affects us all, and it's high time we all did something about it. That is why we're pushing hard for an Oscar nomination. It's not about any personal glory for any of us. but a means to get the word out on a much larger scale, not only about the film, but the ISSUE - and the ways we can all work together to ENSURE that Housing is enshrined as a basic human right. Because it is. </p><p><i>UNZIPPED</i> is also a finalist for the <a href="https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting#/">Anthem Awards</a> in the Awareness and Media category, and we'd be so honored if you would help this project by voting for us there too (anyone can, no need to be in the Academy!). It's nice that we're in the Awareness category, because that's exactly what we're trying to raise - along with roofs. Please vote here -<a href="https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting/#/2024/humanitarian-action-services/awareness-media-categories/"> https://celebrate.anthemawards.com/PublicVoting/#/2024/humanitarian-action-services/awareness-media-categories/</a>. Thank you!</p><p>I know there are a lot of qualified documentaries, and a lot of very deeply important topics covered, but I really wonder which affect Los Angeles more than our homeless pandemic? Or the world, for that matter. I think about the Olympics coming up in L.A. in 2028, and wonder how they'll erase the inescapable sadness that is the homeless situation all over town? How they'll justify housing an entire Olympic Village for the athletes when they can't find affordable housing for our full time citizens? It's pretty heavy. I'm currently in Minneapolis taking care of family, where it is starting to get cold. There are major homeless encampments in the city, and people with signs for help at freeway exits and busy intersections all around the Twin Cities and their suburbs. It's the holiday season, and I just don't know how any of us can feel good about any of us sleeping out in the cold. It's truly time to<a href=" bit.ly/UnzippedHub"> RAISE THE ROOF</a> (that is a hot link for you to follow and get involved!!) for everyone, and I hope so much that you can all help us make it a reality where everyone has safe shelter and enough to eat. This is America, and we need to do far better by our People. We CAN. And we MUST.</p><p><i>UNZIPPED</i> is available to watch now on Amazon Prime and Vimeo, and eligible for you to consider it for the Academy Awards right NOW! Thank you so much for helping us to #RaiseTheRoof!!! We truly appreciate it, and so will all the people we can help together. </p><p><br /></p><p>Season's Greetings to All! I miss you, Venice!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-1233871798657117672023-03-31T11:18:00.002-07:002023-03-31T11:26:09.903-07:00The Venice Premiere of UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality - A True Venice Reunion!<p>The Venice Premiere of <i>UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality</i> was held last weekend at the Mishkon Temple on Main Street, on a beautiful night in a historic building filled with friends. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4efzCqDbmVfONXaMew52RK8j4D8Z9Vt0cMU549UBMtugTteoHgS0_t3e-kff0vk2jPUWrS-WVupURh9R5LR_Df8EnsVoVMxUys46f-F77DXynOCe7ua2wJQsBKDONbbNo0Cn5I_U8NIYeGgvzf1QKq9epFhLdfrTO0jjJBITjTnvGsHW4uUJy1h0uFg/s1920/thumbnail-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4efzCqDbmVfONXaMew52RK8j4D8Z9Vt0cMU549UBMtugTteoHgS0_t3e-kff0vk2jPUWrS-WVupURh9R5LR_Df8EnsVoVMxUys46f-F77DXynOCe7ua2wJQsBKDONbbNo0Cn5I_U8NIYeGgvzf1QKq9epFhLdfrTO0jjJBITjTnvGsHW4uUJy1h0uFg/w360-h640/thumbnail-2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I had never been inside the Temple, and you would never know how big it is inside ... and how full it would soon be with all of our Venice loved ones. A long line formed outside, and the buzz was building as friends happily greeted each other and caught up as fast as they could before the movie was to begin. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT17ZwL9tIFkfTUOEH9yLsOymkvZ6q5Qu-ti6TPC3KSoQrZ9qd3seyYTewhUJE1ox4zFGYoHb3l_NYwXuIvtV8WIbBN0B2rSgjvBJgZPLv8BbIMX2JqAhxMFuEHO1jRFNo0BzcbMrhiDQa63uqg-JA8jbpRQl1S8eMYYGSnbkjCfSdO1kJ28RFpcSdEA/s1024/IMG_0245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT17ZwL9tIFkfTUOEH9yLsOymkvZ6q5Qu-ti6TPC3KSoQrZ9qd3seyYTewhUJE1ox4zFGYoHb3l_NYwXuIvtV8WIbBN0B2rSgjvBJgZPLv8BbIMX2JqAhxMFuEHO1jRFNo0BzcbMrhiDQa63uqg-JA8jbpRQl1S8eMYYGSnbkjCfSdO1kJ28RFpcSdEA/w480-h640/IMG_0245.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The long road to getting this film out into the world began in Venice, and was made for and by Venetians. To finally get to see it in a room jam-packed with people that also care deeply about our chosen home was both very exciting and very moving. I was close to tears the entire evening. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl4DRW8qlihTzC2QM3AMTce000E_6X1zDdz6ds-QDq2tdVlE-KIRpLSms_SKjbBc5DfFmpTTTWnd0mEevIa7qZkBQoIkR9FxPPXod1yGgClIaSQzRSSKE2YhxC2mJGywD8DU5lQwjhrLGjnywqk1JlRu_ABI3HvM_YRNXX5--UiOS5QBpiUuvuWGsAA/s3514/IMG_3258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3514" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl4DRW8qlihTzC2QM3AMTce000E_6X1zDdz6ds-QDq2tdVlE-KIRpLSms_SKjbBc5DfFmpTTTWnd0mEevIa7qZkBQoIkR9FxPPXod1yGgClIaSQzRSSKE2YhxC2mJGywD8DU5lQwjhrLGjnywqk1JlRu_ABI3HvM_YRNXX5--UiOS5QBpiUuvuWGsAA/w550-h640/IMG_3258.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><p> As I'm still deep in caregiver mode for my family in Minnesota, I had to just zoom in for the event. That made it even more special and emotional, because I had to soak it all in for just one night, and try to get to see and talk to everyone at once who I miss so dearly. Of course, that was impossible, so please consider this both my thank you note and my love letter to all of you who were there to support us and our Venice movie. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-3pjw_iXv4HcIR8-47q6xkkyfefYppGzoXRzl2Qh3fJ_b_SMZHogn0d2X_toMIefSRU58orYjGmppUhFMo9IkTpw0oX1lM77GQ6A9wIlAtAd7frgCERD0bvn-y3H1loNUTxisY2MW-X9gKpjY3XXqCFEP1OOctE7zizoT3MRtuHFwkZE6oQP6AsfjA/s4032/IMG_3259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-3pjw_iXv4HcIR8-47q6xkkyfefYppGzoXRzl2Qh3fJ_b_SMZHogn0d2X_toMIefSRU58orYjGmppUhFMo9IkTpw0oX1lM77GQ6A9wIlAtAd7frgCERD0bvn-y3H1loNUTxisY2MW-X9gKpjY3XXqCFEP1OOctE7zizoT3MRtuHFwkZE6oQP6AsfjA/w480-h640/IMG_3259.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> All of the happy reunions and catching up of course meant that the film had to start on "Venice Standard Time" - which is always a little later than stated. Once we got everyone seated, there was a land acknowledgement and welcome from Carol Levy, the Mishkon President, as well as an update and welcome from Kristina von Hoffman, President of the Venice Heritage Museum. The VHM was one of our chosen beneficiaries of the evening, as well as a valuable resource throughout the making of our film. We all learned that it looks like the VHM will have a home as soon as this year! Great news! It will be a wonderful place for people to learn all about our beloved town that has given so much to the American culture. Venice Family Clinic was also there as a beneficiary and partner, and the good they do for our community is on full display in our film. THANK YOU, VFC!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyX0HOl4qNjMEr8o64CBr2pa8tbpDUDn5iUzFd6SlnAENjQ2BP7gTJPbzgxUVk9nt9pihvvwtE4lDUtziBhxwZMLvcKZjxcLURVqKsTyXJH7IUgD2yKp19zZWIRMi360sJRqYRYUedKL4Dizrr80FBSr2_xB02_YXiY0czITmOsnbNRud1t4YrZja6A/s4032/IMG_3264.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyX0HOl4qNjMEr8o64CBr2pa8tbpDUDn5iUzFd6SlnAENjQ2BP7gTJPbzgxUVk9nt9pihvvwtE4lDUtziBhxwZMLvcKZjxcLURVqKsTyXJH7IUgD2yKp19zZWIRMi360sJRqYRYUedKL4Dizrr80FBSr2_xB02_YXiY0czITmOsnbNRud1t4YrZja6A/w640-h480/IMG_3264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>UNZIPPED</i> is not a documentary trying to tell you how things should be. It is a vehicle to get a conversation started about how we can all find solutions together for the unhoused situation that has gotten out of control in Los Angeles in recent years. And get a conversation started it definitely did - even DURING the film! In true Venetian fashion, audience members were shouting back to the screen, cheering for faces they know and love, jeering at others who maybe are missing that empathy chip that is so crucial to any hope of harmony in our world. It was awesome. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpkQPC2ykkhlFAnTztWszOOj2Ocbo4QryBokch73S7HDQ6qdg173OuszmaVhUdSk0pQvlYX7pq9ejnYtFs4c5u19-0AoZtzJmTIKX-j0YqdU2ZYAZJdjbmCmgUGqTgPF9eov1k60sNeKw09MW3MWrjfPoo4iBHzNXliQd6SnxLdvTOwSgYSzGQbIeFQ/s3024/IMG_3261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2953" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpkQPC2ykkhlFAnTztWszOOj2Ocbo4QryBokch73S7HDQ6qdg173OuszmaVhUdSk0pQvlYX7pq9ejnYtFs4c5u19-0AoZtzJmTIKX-j0YqdU2ZYAZJdjbmCmgUGqTgPF9eov1k60sNeKw09MW3MWrjfPoo4iBHzNXliQd6SnxLdvTOwSgYSzGQbIeFQ/w624-h640/IMG_3261.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><p>Cheers rang out as Run The Jewels kicked in and the credits ran, and then it was time for more socializing and catching up. As hoped, there was much discussion about the homeless issue, and what everyone thinks is best for Venice. PERFECT. Keep it up! We need to not look away, and we need to look out for each other - whether we have housing or not. It's a very complicated issue (as the audience let us know), but we don't have the option of looking away. We can all do better. We all MUST do better. And we don't want it to stop with seeing the film and having discussion about it. There are SO many ways to get involved in our #RaiseTheRoof campaign ... there are so many ways to help in the world - just pick ONE. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVUWNxL_rYP83TiHfUTjlTcRHE7-nzqNQn74j0ast0AYQWwQGB9j7lkW3qC1XSYf5VFTs3DdpQLfZ-_uE5_E-HxaylCsvlbp5hEJg1w7MWFtBcKWMA3pG52qh4_8mgpmPKDI8hr0Ez-o-tH1kTmX2hjCMrc1twm8cakYSeeEXobGVqehcnE16uU4U2g/s4032/IMG_3268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVUWNxL_rYP83TiHfUTjlTcRHE7-nzqNQn74j0ast0AYQWwQGB9j7lkW3qC1XSYf5VFTs3DdpQLfZ-_uE5_E-HxaylCsvlbp5hEJg1w7MWFtBcKWMA3pG52qh4_8mgpmPKDI8hr0Ez-o-tH1kTmX2hjCMrc1twm8cakYSeeEXobGVqehcnE16uU4U2g/w480-h640/IMG_3268.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was all over way too soon, and I didn't even nearly get to talk to everyone I wanted to, but I saw your faces and felt your love, and carried it all back with me the next day (after the crucial and glorious beach afternoon, followed by Hinano's!) with a smile on my face and in my heart. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADqqJlUgj96Hzv4KT9_sB_RZsMmQ0hrb3N2nwmEUXwo1IWKJYcO5QjkqXkc3ep8IXxKkJfrIXh0iMTnSe7wqsuckljVr94Kl7TcL2BrfMabb4TMHr1Glp_HnlSIFl8WLyFjJORIpmOThsXWBeY6leC3zgsLYrt1LfQznbViggrLYAsLl2xGh6CgzaVw/s3024/IMG_3260.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2965" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADqqJlUgj96Hzv4KT9_sB_RZsMmQ0hrb3N2nwmEUXwo1IWKJYcO5QjkqXkc3ep8IXxKkJfrIXh0iMTnSe7wqsuckljVr94Kl7TcL2BrfMabb4TMHr1Glp_HnlSIFl8WLyFjJORIpmOThsXWBeY6leC3zgsLYrt1LfQznbViggrLYAsLl2xGh6CgzaVw/w628-h640/IMG_3260.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><p> If you weren't able to join us at the Venice screening, you're still in luck! The Oscar qualifying run of <i>UNZIPPED</i> begins TODAY at the Santa Monica Laemmle for one week. There will be a Q and A with our director, Colin Gray, after the Tuesday screening (that I will HATE to not be at), and I hope you can get there to see it in a proper theater. There will also be a New York premiere in May, and a big Hollywood red carpet whole deal premiere on June 1st, and a streaming release that will make it available in 192 countries right on your own tvs. Please stay tuned for all of the developments regarding the film, and please try to get involved in your own way. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQw7dQgciX6GBU_apfVXB_YeUaVeB-cFZT29kHR-LT2mQeOG931uAtv9hV9OMGAy3EaEmubHvJ-kIm6I4ABQIaHJscMqJcqvD7ikcy-UEDZok_E3cSfgCyshQxUn7-UFmxtN8gTNH9JI2OEF-k4PkFTmQnSGhFH9zNOMhLldJTYNldk2rqWzjSs9fAg/s1024/IMG_0228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQw7dQgciX6GBU_apfVXB_YeUaVeB-cFZT29kHR-LT2mQeOG931uAtv9hV9OMGAy3EaEmubHvJ-kIm6I4ABQIaHJscMqJcqvD7ikcy-UEDZok_E3cSfgCyshQxUn7-UFmxtN8gTNH9JI2OEF-k4PkFTmQnSGhFH9zNOMhLldJTYNldk2rqWzjSs9fAg/w640-h480/IMG_0228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Affordable housing needs to be enshrined as a HUMAN RIGHT. It is unconscionable that there is even one person living on the street in a country this wealthy, never mind whole tent cities. It's really embarrassing, and as one of our interview subjects in the film says, other countries in developing parts of the world look at US as backwards. As they should. And we all know we can do better. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdGupRwJR5RT2y-lZcRChwr_zQQBQDG6ZOFDXzbzdIz9o9UsZ0cX05UeuN3bls9GM7hRHYV8us1cxJE1a2RlsRD4iKK4Vmv_EFTJS1rNp840eAtzWRgHwROZ8ba3U2cvdXgl3COKn_v2eZlx3KVI5zzw9E0vHMJrO5oBnayylvbX7oaPDpgGhMItkXA/s4020/IMG_3266.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4020" data-original-width="2836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdGupRwJR5RT2y-lZcRChwr_zQQBQDG6ZOFDXzbzdIz9o9UsZ0cX05UeuN3bls9GM7hRHYV8us1cxJE1a2RlsRD4iKK4Vmv_EFTJS1rNp840eAtzWRgHwROZ8ba3U2cvdXgl3COKn_v2eZlx3KVI5zzw9E0vHMJrO5oBnayylvbX7oaPDpgGhMItkXA/w452-h640/IMG_3266.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><p> There was a lot of work and heart and emotion put into this film, and our whole team has a deep love for Venice that is up on the screen for all to see. I miss our groovy old Venice, and anyone who lived there in those times knows what I mean. The magic is still there in Venice, it's just maybe a little harder to find than it was back in the day ... unless you know where to look. And all you had to do last Saturday was sit down in a darkened theater among your COMMUNITY gathered together to know that you were surrounded by that only in Venice vibe that will always be kept alive in each one of us, wherever we may go. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8vxIR1DuLdMKxfsrt9GQ0ZRa5e_BRS3lN5oygrRJIc1NvF4SeHL4BS1BYovb2b4SHbq1mIhotVDfPDLdu7him9pRt1ARS_sWc-RWH9G-mkrrbgalJZPb77IxbxzsWbBM3SJFUE2sX8XbSMlYtqojsSc345exm7wVpxIqzy_fq7n6HnCDlWJG38nkJw/s1920/thumbnail-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8vxIR1DuLdMKxfsrt9GQ0ZRa5e_BRS3lN5oygrRJIc1NvF4SeHL4BS1BYovb2b4SHbq1mIhotVDfPDLdu7him9pRt1ARS_sWc-RWH9G-mkrrbgalJZPb77IxbxzsWbBM3SJFUE2sX8XbSMlYtqojsSc345exm7wVpxIqzy_fq7n6HnCDlWJG38nkJw/w360-h640/thumbnail-1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p> THANK YOU, VENICE!! I LOVE YOU! Now go see UNZIPPED, let us know what you think, and let's roll up our sleeves together to make our Community - and the WORLD - a better, even MORE magical place. </p><p><br /></p><p>#RaiseTheRoof !!!!</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-66793956565526298472023-03-08T13:28:00.000-08:002023-03-08T13:28:02.816-08:00Happy International Women's Day! <p> Hi Friends and Readers I haven't yet met ... !</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJJO8qLrmDVAyWTYJ8YKZqlIsgKMGahB8Ra-xPHYWn8PaNUuFBzTG-x9kgb35YOdhL9mCfNtBa3giRnb3AvI9SM1s4pZjy0tw-hiwkeP5_t4H20cLcjuPERJ12ZRqbYUgMGlKYM9UymUtRUx4B6KbFMZ6vDX_Bnu6jXXO-1Z_ded8l2VbwIMFG_mYlw/s4032/IMG_1697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJJO8qLrmDVAyWTYJ8YKZqlIsgKMGahB8Ra-xPHYWn8PaNUuFBzTG-x9kgb35YOdhL9mCfNtBa3giRnb3AvI9SM1s4pZjy0tw-hiwkeP5_t4H20cLcjuPERJ12ZRqbYUgMGlKYM9UymUtRUx4B6KbFMZ6vDX_Bnu6jXXO-1Z_ded8l2VbwIMFG_mYlw/w480-h640/IMG_1697.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Blogtown has been on a little hiatus while I work on bigger writing projects and care for my family in Minnesota ... but it will all be worth it one of these days when I can share the work with you. In the meantime, read some golden oldies and be sure to join us for the VENICE premiere of our VENICE film, UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality on March 25, 2023 at the Mishkon Temple on Rose. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUTf0X5JxTW46HfETvPW2C9FONf7SwmQByo7qCBz9kB7-45Uy5iNVU7_rGKFeTfkY0JR97HuYvNpZsiIftm-DamFSyohYZr69942VbGWQE352w-yvIeRabwjokhOafipIu1j-tdPV-_zj0nrcQZZdO_9FbVxM0w4G3zdadn76cbq4Q5gfyeX0MYqQcg/s1285/Unzipped_FLYER_4x6_032523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUTf0X5JxTW46HfETvPW2C9FONf7SwmQByo7qCBz9kB7-45Uy5iNVU7_rGKFeTfkY0JR97HuYvNpZsiIftm-DamFSyohYZr69942VbGWQE352w-yvIeRabwjokhOafipIu1j-tdPV-_zj0nrcQZZdO_9FbVxM0w4G3zdadn76cbq4Q5gfyeX0MYqQcg/w448-h640/Unzipped_FLYER_4x6_032523.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Information below - Please come! I can't wait to catch up with all of you! LOVE! VIVA VENICE!!!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-19373386573449302852022-07-11T16:34:00.004-07:002022-07-11T21:17:18.044-07:00Rage Against The Machine Kicks Off The Public Service Announcement Tour at Alpine Valley!<p><a href="https://tour.ratm.com/" target="_blank">Rage Against The Machine</a> is BACK, People! Just as the world could not need this iconic band more, they returned Saturday night to launch their Public Service Announcement Tour at Alpine Valley in East Troy, Wisconsin in what was their first show together since <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2011/08/la-rising-day-of-rage-and-hope.html" target="_blank">2011's LA Rising</a> show in Los Angeles. I was at that show too, and I can tell you that they have not missed a beat since then. WOW. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2vgCiQCvp3ptAq7DfzFXcAWPRZFndOCXFPV2vCvZckJbq8W0O6EyiIoU0xHf4C-NXruEh_0EBhMpslbxfNN-7YTKkeLGZVgP8uvpCqh6WRoMZbEX9sVTwa4jEfSNMSiQZR8neQsKMq-y16LHLgZxvtfrR29w-YKtNkvsFMLtR4nf_L33nnP76BU9Ew/s1800/0D0B3F3E-02AD-44E8-9B51-A5CE058318EF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2vgCiQCvp3ptAq7DfzFXcAWPRZFndOCXFPV2vCvZckJbq8W0O6EyiIoU0xHf4C-NXruEh_0EBhMpslbxfNN-7YTKkeLGZVgP8uvpCqh6WRoMZbEX9sVTwa4jEfSNMSiQZR8neQsKMq-y16LHLgZxvtfrR29w-YKtNkvsFMLtR4nf_L33nnP76BU9Ew/w512-h640/0D0B3F3E-02AD-44E8-9B51-A5CE058318EF.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> <p></p><p>People were tailgating in the massive parking lot for hours before the show began, and the anticipation level was HIGH. The merch lines stretched to the horizon, as everyone wanted a piece of this moment to last - and to show that they were THERE. The majority of the crowd were wearing Rage shirts from concerts past, though I was encouraged to see several statement tees in the crowd, like "Get a Vasectomy", "Fuck the Supreme Court!", and more of that ilk. This was a crowd of like minded folks, that's for sure - at least for this show. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WK4mebEetRrxVj2dSTll6kFSEOi1BslKr7G4LFsfSTbBqnFebT6fVcDkNk1hbOC4IH1920b2lH-Ml00bFgEGSnhvyH-vIWNwSq3wZQFMB_xy_9lSIc1x22ZsCZWsAR68Sl2WnqLs-kE462FUJobvpHHP9yS8k4Wf0GFbhfuke7Yeq7kmtmYaHYZDyQ/s3461/IMG_9772.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2989" data-original-width="3461" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WK4mebEetRrxVj2dSTll6kFSEOi1BslKr7G4LFsfSTbBqnFebT6fVcDkNk1hbOC4IH1920b2lH-Ml00bFgEGSnhvyH-vIWNwSq3wZQFMB_xy_9lSIc1x22ZsCZWsAR68Sl2WnqLs-kE462FUJobvpHHP9yS8k4Wf0GFbhfuke7Yeq7kmtmYaHYZDyQ/w640-h552/IMG_9772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p> Alpine Valley really is a valley, with steep grassy hills leading down to the stage. The bad news about this is that there is absolutely ZERO cell service, making meeting up with friends and colleagues impossible. That was a huge drag, especially as my brother, Paul, had just flown in to road trip to this show with me, and was going to shoot the bands, but we were never able to connect ... so you'll have to settle for the old Iphone shots, sorry. But whatever, the show more than made up for any drags we encountered (we'll get to that more later). After grabbing some overpriced, mediocre concert food, we made our way down to our seats near the stage. I saw guys stretching, warming up for what was going to be maybe the most long awaited mosh pit ever - as this show was originally scheduled for over two years ago. It was about to go OFF. </p><p>As weed smoke swirled above the crowd, more and more alcoholic beverages were being consumed while the excitement built. You could feel that it was going to be ROWDY. Opening act, the excellent <a href="https://runthejewels.com/" target="_blank">Run The Jewels</a> had their big inflatable fists hanging above the stage, and all of a sudden we heard Lionel Richie singing the opening line of "We Are The World", as Killer Mike and El-P took the stage. Everyone sang along until Killer Mike said, "Nah, I hate that song", and they launched into their song, "Run The Jewels" from their first album. They had the crowd in their big hands the entire set, even though I lost a shred of respect for Killer Mike when he admitted to being a Packers fan while shouting out Wisconsin. Boo. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSon4Mg-_7SM8so5HF7b2pdpWjv-ISFg7PM64PGsQnY3lnJMBtB3oHDU9WgLZPQl4HOABp1gbRxWN-MaaIkvmjL9EU_Rb5AuB-kW233gWp50aHKdiUPfsG8D0Okcjw6Z0YSt_km8Kr9T20kguWZHIRwHPIwBuC0w_8T1ZX80hkSNXPHPsPoxh1dpR8g/s3283/IMG_9777.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2658" data-original-width="3283" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSon4Mg-_7SM8so5HF7b2pdpWjv-ISFg7PM64PGsQnY3lnJMBtB3oHDU9WgLZPQl4HOABp1gbRxWN-MaaIkvmjL9EU_Rb5AuB-kW233gWp50aHKdiUPfsG8D0Okcjw6Z0YSt_km8Kr9T20kguWZHIRwHPIwBuC0w_8T1ZX80hkSNXPHPsPoxh1dpR8g/w640-h518/IMG_9777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> "We're so moved to be here, our friends Rage Against The Machine believed in us to bring us out, and we're here to see them too! Like, what would happen if Zak gained a lot of weight, and smoked a lot of weed - it would be us!", said El-P, with Killer Mike adding, "We are the scrappy opener though " ... and they hit us with their great, "Ooh La La" jam. "Nobody Speak" with the Wisconsin-born DJ Trackstar filling in on the DJ Shadow track was next, and they wrapped up their high-octane set with one dedicated to "People who died at the hands of the people paid to protect them!", the powerful "Walking In The Snow". It was great, and I thought they'd close with their "Ju$t" that features Zack de la Rocha on its chorus, but nope. Maybe later on in the tour? I love Run The Jewels, Man. They are the perfect openers for this tour of top shelf rock and rap."We love you! We're Run The Jewels!" - and Killer Mike urged everyone to remember "It's ALWAYS us versus them! That's right. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF5aUGTXogp2s4k_v37s_nFxRFLgBSoc7XzOxfFysBiOosX40HOYEkwpxSaSbp3UEAPSMLzdD2PEiypYfvKAHx3kcYDuTjbZVuv53qUarEMtpcSzBsxpd4sVhXIVjV9DZ7WZRfAyB0jTxKdA_BKhFDZRk0m8saeZI262-WoiZWR1VueXSHxJlY980xg/s4032/IMG_9804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF5aUGTXogp2s4k_v37s_nFxRFLgBSoc7XzOxfFysBiOosX40HOYEkwpxSaSbp3UEAPSMLzdD2PEiypYfvKAHx3kcYDuTjbZVuv53qUarEMtpcSzBsxpd4sVhXIVjV9DZ7WZRfAyB0jTxKdA_BKhFDZRk0m8saeZI262-WoiZWR1VueXSHxJlY980xg/w480-h640/IMG_9804.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> That was a perfect lob pass to Rage, as their message has always been that the People have the Power. The RTJ set began to disassemble, and the spare set for RATM was put together. It was getting dark now, and the excitement built more by the second. A drunk guy behind us was yelling, "You have no clue how excited I am!" - but I'm pretty sure everyone there got it. As Rage hasn't played live since 2011, many in attendance had never had the chance to see them before, so they were losing it. And were about to be richly rewarded with a show for the ages. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwOmLU7jN9nH5hTVV4AasAcjjQbLtYP3zTY6YDJQNnRYYzuYInqKc_GZ1CWXrVfER56oVTpX8A7M2Fvwvvm1zESH8f4ASJhcL9l5y9wByS5Mca0dBong-Knx8O0aCmLmwb-FX75TJHHT5MTNPBL33HHZoYkd_m37hw1F_8IPcb4HxEnBMQQOC9T1pHg/s1795/70FA5DC5-83DA-44AD-A308-8D7BE195D691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwOmLU7jN9nH5hTVV4AasAcjjQbLtYP3zTY6YDJQNnRYYzuYInqKc_GZ1CWXrVfER56oVTpX8A7M2Fvwvvm1zESH8f4ASJhcL9l5y9wByS5Mca0dBong-Knx8O0aCmLmwb-FX75TJHHT5MTNPBL33HHZoYkd_m37hw1F_8IPcb4HxEnBMQQOC9T1pHg/w514-h640/70FA5DC5-83DA-44AD-A308-8D7BE195D691.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p> Now, there have been performances of Rage songs in the last decade, with Chuck D. and B Real filling in for Zack de la Rocha ... but there's nothing like the real thing, and when the lights went down and a P.S.A. came over the P.A. with Zack's voice repeating a phrase that was impossible to understand with the incredibly loud yelling for Rage - and then lights came on, and there was everyone's favorite band, BACK with a "BOMBTRACK"!!! The energy in that space was off the charts, and the pit immediately erupted in a sea of bodies flying, heads banging, and fists pumping in the air. It was so exciting, I felt emotional. I got all choked up, thinking about how long it's been since I'd been at a show like this, ROCKING my face off with a huge crowd, and all that has happened since. I was also so, SO happy for my friends rocking out on stage, with their wide smiles, it was clear that they too were extra happy to be back. It was also very moving, as my friend Tom's wife and young sons were there on the side of the stage, and it was the boys' first time seeing their dad rock the fuck out with Rage! How cool is that?! Super special, and I'm just so glad I was there. Again. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM-bkmTC643XZKBjNAjC8DsFzHW_vQHv0U9JspcTG0DuBHV8SYFv7jsL2-6vNkmn7tnG7hIHZfniJhcJ74NIlTCtWGtgBFkJmR-oKj5Oy1ztRZhwiHP0t_QverQqDPeYSd6ul6Rg00sHuL7dQBhf5VtTz4z8N-M8-2EMN6y70NnoZryurVZ2d2PpQuA/s1800/CA10C143-6612-49E1-A491-48367E342291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM-bkmTC643XZKBjNAjC8DsFzHW_vQHv0U9JspcTG0DuBHV8SYFv7jsL2-6vNkmn7tnG7hIHZfniJhcJ74NIlTCtWGtgBFkJmR-oKj5Oy1ztRZhwiHP0t_QverQqDPeYSd6ul6Rg00sHuL7dQBhf5VtTz4z8N-M8-2EMN6y70NnoZryurVZ2d2PpQuA/w512-h640/CA10C143-6612-49E1-A491-48367E342291.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> <p></p><p>"People Of The Sun" and "Bulls on Parade" were the one-two punch that came next, and a huge screen behind the band showed both them in close up, and real serious video content about the state of the world right now. For "Bullet In The Head", Tom Morello ripped out his famous solo, adding a riff with his teeth that had the bros in the pit losing their ever-loving shit. Every word of every song was being shouted along with the band, and there was not an ass in a seat in the whole place. You are on your feet at a Rage show the whole time - unless you're off them in the air (<i>They say jump, you say how high?!</i>). All of these songs were written in the 1990's, but all are even more relevant today. What an incredible feat that is for any music group, but for one that is so passionate about what they're saying (and walking the talk, by the way, with major proceeds from every show goes to charities that fight the power, they do more than any other band in that way), it really is incredible, and very moving. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbrZqU5XfKgJ-tXRAKbatAsZnMkp64mGN-YBB2LQ7pFsZ0Zd1DTgf_pTyFhiIwZSzxcEz4VjvY9nTA6R15XDE_qmkOINX_vDqzIBbF-69xcIyge_gjUncM5vlnSgNJL2LAcJPj8EcaE8vdY9dCyuPLKkGnlfsrpMKEgliR5jiCxo97rhMKSDjSgR1-g/s4032/IMG_9815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbrZqU5XfKgJ-tXRAKbatAsZnMkp64mGN-YBB2LQ7pFsZ0Zd1DTgf_pTyFhiIwZSzxcEz4VjvY9nTA6R15XDE_qmkOINX_vDqzIBbF-69xcIyge_gjUncM5vlnSgNJL2LAcJPj8EcaE8vdY9dCyuPLKkGnlfsrpMKEgliR5jiCxo97rhMKSDjSgR1-g/w640-h480/IMG_9815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> These guys are all in their 50's now, but they way they were jumping around the entire show, you'd think they were a college band getting their first big break. The energy was relentless, and they took a quick break as a video of a police van burning took over the large screen. It felt - and was - HEAVY. Tim Commerford's bass and Brad Wilk's drumming bore down like a rock freight train all night, and I found myself grateful for the ear plugs a man gave me, because I could feel the weight of it all in my heart. "Testify", "Tire Me", and "Wake Up" riled everyone up even more, if possible. "Wake Up" was SO forceful, I feared Zack might have ripped out his vocal chords, but nope. With its admonition that <i>What you reap is what you sow!</i> more prescient in today's world than maybe ever before. There is a global reckoning happening ... and we're here for it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0xt7kfp3Cl0lrDsRL7t5uR5Ny2nawtEC_AR3j2oLLAagW9gEV7aEvoB2UHSuNb2scFbPBRm5dpfB8wDRkHLXjLzULN9eX2CsaiDbTM-7Ut3uJvytF2O5d7XFVSzHAQS1uzF1ldBo19bDYn2IkmkgMis1xjof2JAXxrviRi7R2OqQ9pHMR3C6JrNTRg/s4032/IMG_9799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0xt7kfp3Cl0lrDsRL7t5uR5Ny2nawtEC_AR3j2oLLAagW9gEV7aEvoB2UHSuNb2scFbPBRm5dpfB8wDRkHLXjLzULN9eX2CsaiDbTM-7Ut3uJvytF2O5d7XFVSzHAQS1uzF1ldBo19bDYn2IkmkgMis1xjof2JAXxrviRi7R2OqQ9pHMR3C6JrNTRg/w480-h640/IMG_9799.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> They were right back with "Guerilla Radio" and "Without A Face" and then "Know Your Enemy", which had the audience screaming along with Zack, <i>"All of which are American Dreams!" </i>"Calm Like A Bomb" and "Sleep Now In The Fire" were next, and the force of it all was relentless, if maybe a little slowed down, as Zack went into his what I call Teacher Mode. He is so wise with those lyrics, and he was making points. Points that he made real sure were listened to, and as every fist in the valley went up, that was confirmed. "War Within A Breath" was sheer musical firepower, and then it was brought down just a little for the Springsteen cover of "The Ghost of Tom Joad", but bodies were still flying, even for that story song. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmCxs_cgc1N4h8KIwfGfm55cq51tPUavIMzjZ5hvMfqZrvhIAYgwiS8RJLZqwcWBIPZD4LOLfsvuU79pG9KMll0TVLRRKHXE926_caGn41Bqx3x8SHYSdSbIutqtgI7max5YN7buklK9uCz1lf_3qDk55wIOtyUvQBAhZOyT6UtfVE4hbctpdJivFzg/s3139/IMG_9810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3139" data-original-width="2886" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmCxs_cgc1N4h8KIwfGfm55cq51tPUavIMzjZ5hvMfqZrvhIAYgwiS8RJLZqwcWBIPZD4LOLfsvuU79pG9KMll0TVLRRKHXE926_caGn41Bqx3x8SHYSdSbIutqtgI7max5YN7buklK9uCz1lf_3qDk55wIOtyUvQBAhZOyT6UtfVE4hbctpdJivFzg/w588-h640/IMG_9810.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Freedom" merging into "Township Rebellion" was about to be the heaviest jam of the night, as we all know our freedoms are in true peril here in the United States. The screen behind the band lit up with various phrases and facts about forced birth, ending with a big "ABORT THE SUPREME COURT" as the crowd roared its approval, and the pit exploded at the same time as the band did, with Zack screaming, "YOUR ANGER IS A GIFT!!!" Phew. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TXqYhTMw75iWU6qXNL_0DIeYH_c5waG5kXuLncdjs4kHfXhohFPD6AHi7Qn6Y5Owqupa8y9dttENzFfDNsfkAhZtXxbE7FB7626ncCyf0jRPM6DN8e3fNkM7nHl1yuyaKTij8EJlWDps1klH6HGKG6lAGX3f3UvOE5vvCFHEfLppmR8O1lQES-nZSg/s2907/IMG_9811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="2907" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TXqYhTMw75iWU6qXNL_0DIeYH_c5waG5kXuLncdjs4kHfXhohFPD6AHi7Qn6Y5Owqupa8y9dttENzFfDNsfkAhZtXxbE7FB7626ncCyf0jRPM6DN8e3fNkM7nHl1yuyaKTij8EJlWDps1klH6HGKG6lAGX3f3UvOE5vvCFHEfLppmR8O1lQES-nZSg/w640-h542/IMG_9811.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Then it was time for "Sleep Now In The Fire" and its chorus of <i>"Some of those who work forces/hold office, are the same who burn crosses!" </i>was to be the last song of the show, and zero punches were pulled. I mean, a video showed little kids swatting at a pinata of a cop - the point was well made. The music kept building, and building, and building, until the place absolutely BLEW UP with all the middle fingers in the air and every single ticket holder screaming, "<i>FUCK YOU, I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!</i>" at the top of their lungs, in total solidarity with Rage, and with each other. That is POWER, People. Let's use it. For GOOD. What better place than here? What better time than NOW? Right?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQBCVGTyYYaZ7C7KQyp0HsiOqVC7kO7-ljmQULHgVpkICCsl_Ab6WSKHfUvbdW2EIzHAYjtk_O-D5SINYV-A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The last chord rang out, and the screams for more began, but that was it. The band embraced, and it was a beautiful thing. They soaked it all in, and left the stage with fists raised, reflecting the crowd. People stayed put, screaming for more, but soon Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" played over the P.A., and the exhausted. beat up crowd realized that was it, and began to file out, all effusive about how that was maybe the best show they'd every seen. It really was something else, and I'm so grateful I got to be there to see this band answer the call that the fans have been clamoring for for YEARS. Let's hope this tour fires us all up to band together and make some positive change here, and maybe the band will give us some new music that reflects it all. The 16 epic songs we got were all fresh as if they'd been written the day before, but also so much has happened since they last toured, that there should be ample inspiration for even more powerful music. I can't wait. <p></p><p>THANK YOU, RAGE!!! WE NEED YOU! WELCOME BACK!!! Have fun tonight, Chicago. You're in for one hell of a show. </p><p><br /></p><p>*A note to future show attendees: We waited for nearly THREE HOURS to get out of the parking lot after the show. Not a single car had moved two hours after the show ended. And don't forget there was no cell service, so no one could find anything out. There seemed to be no one in charge, or even working, with just a few Sheriffs to be seen as we left, and they were laughing about it. People were PISSED. They had been partying since the gates opened at 3 pm, and they were tired. But now they were drinking more in the parking lot while we waited, getting even more hammered, as they were about to drive on roads at 3 A.M. A complete shit show. The rumor began that the Sheriffs did it on purpose, closing it down to one road to get out, perhaps in retaliation for all the very well deserved Anti-Cop propaganda on screen during the show. Well, if that's true, they're not helping out their cause at all, because it only made everyone like them even less, if possible. So ... beware of Cops when you're leaving these shows. In other words, Know your enemy. And have a complete BLAST right in front of them. </p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-68099025913449834192022-06-07T10:28:00.004-07:002022-06-07T21:41:58.848-07:00The Hendrickson Foundation Hockey Festival - Every Smile Tells A Story<p>This past weekend was the annual <a href="https://www.hendricksonfoundation.com/national-hockey-festival/" target="_blank">Hendrickson Foundation Hockey Festival</a> held at the National Sports Center Super Rink in Blaine, and it was the best one yet! Over 1,000 athletes and their families and supporters from around the country gathered again to prove that the HF's motto of "Hockey Changes Lives" is profoundly accurate, and movingly so. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7qn33o9Y3t6_opG8XWRryKXiZpWyrxpwG4UbGsIHpNxCD4IdxU4KEIjMLtPgY4GyXzyL8QqTcUtXenly4_zLSuegDYug7EWxu4x6q409LD2eIXBbTNeIAoTxXFqDV_AfkE73XhQti4kVwXstqDvyYXbwiX4V0HPMajHpOBBtQCjaFwfLfDNdbRml7A/s4032/IMG_9084.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7qn33o9Y3t6_opG8XWRryKXiZpWyrxpwG4UbGsIHpNxCD4IdxU4KEIjMLtPgY4GyXzyL8QqTcUtXenly4_zLSuegDYug7EWxu4x6q409LD2eIXBbTNeIAoTxXFqDV_AfkE73XhQti4kVwXstqDvyYXbwiX4V0HPMajHpOBBtQCjaFwfLfDNdbRml7A/w480-h640/IMG_9084.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Everyone in attendance was all smiles all weekend, and behind every smile was a story worthy of an entire article unto itself. I was running around being a volunteer (volunteers keep it all beautifully afloat), but every person I met had a great tale to tell, and I would have loved to have been able to hear them ALL. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4-UOAGBGrLQWIScWqobY512z0rNh6nB3HqAu3YJYnQ0p7WseuvXt0tN1M8YwzZZ3nLl5_4bMFwlrtoertXQJ9hxF9vomSstI261AkKRm57DYmSg7DKe3aKxggMcO-VHKH1Hp4fAI8GKK8Xxa39c5bVkWX_NiFy1xlquId9sIk_1Eyj_PSUWsAG1KSw/s1800/56B54875-A68F-4F24-9C5B-81C07E8F2AA5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4-UOAGBGrLQWIScWqobY512z0rNh6nB3HqAu3YJYnQ0p7WseuvXt0tN1M8YwzZZ3nLl5_4bMFwlrtoertXQJ9hxF9vomSstI261AkKRm57DYmSg7DKe3aKxggMcO-VHKH1Hp4fAI8GKK8Xxa39c5bVkWX_NiFy1xlquId9sIk_1Eyj_PSUWsAG1KSw/w512-h640/56B54875-A68F-4F24-9C5B-81C07E8F2AA5.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> There are hockey games going on all weekend, with players from Special Hockey, Blind Hockey, Sled Hockey, and Warriors Hockey (Military Veterans) all vying for the Championship games held on Sunday. Just sitting there and watching all of these incredible, determined athletes playing and interacting with each other is inspirational enough ... but then you get to know some of them a little bit, and it leaves you with the feeling that anything is possible ... with enough support - and that is what the Hendrickson Foundation is giving to this community. It's a truly beautiful thing to behold. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgxspAL7E88Jq2_amnRCE_yOVv62or15AmReV1nW9_G0nNOUPVNN3XsTRecICSC9b6uC0KWYCXPsqhWPikPnLXOxHFGsiVXrO75tAUpqtR71UrJdkb8_-PNT54ks5hea_ZP40OHIpFFTVkRsv8HQeedD1GRHSxkkoHlY82PgP-Pn62A6Qegx_d3oDBw/s2886/IMG_9085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="2886" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgxspAL7E88Jq2_amnRCE_yOVv62or15AmReV1nW9_G0nNOUPVNN3XsTRecICSC9b6uC0KWYCXPsqhWPikPnLXOxHFGsiVXrO75tAUpqtR71UrJdkb8_-PNT54ks5hea_ZP40OHIpFFTVkRsv8HQeedD1GRHSxkkoHlY82PgP-Pn62A6Qegx_d3oDBw/w640-h480/IMG_9085.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once you see it all in action, the pull to be involved is pretty strong. Volunteers all really go the extra mile, but how about super volunteer Mae Ricci and her brand new husband, Dan Casazza?! They were just married about a week ago, and asked for no gifts, but instead asked that people donate to the Hendrickson Foundation! And then spent the whole Festival weekend volunteering instead of honeymooning! How absolutely benevolent of them, with such a lovely gesture you could cry. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlTI9ZDxlLrK7nlBp--QwcQjQaQi3sKtJhE--zJdIGY5wh23H5ZXCETKRVkJBPWa4YIs5QyMgllzBJcs8xO6HBRDHSFJxeZjOnPAV2rsIfizISkboaCDtTMOtl_v0Qz1z_iUGp42wL3foaHBkzilg-jOWTPXM97-UFEsOz8yX8ghLtMKJYKwVi5_--A/s4032/IMG_9076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlTI9ZDxlLrK7nlBp--QwcQjQaQi3sKtJhE--zJdIGY5wh23H5ZXCETKRVkJBPWa4YIs5QyMgllzBJcs8xO6HBRDHSFJxeZjOnPAV2rsIfizISkboaCDtTMOtl_v0Qz1z_iUGp42wL3foaHBkzilg-jOWTPXM97-UFEsOz8yX8ghLtMKJYKwVi5_--A/w480-h640/IMG_9076.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Then I got to meet the fireball that is Maggie Schuneman (#11!) there to play with her Maple Grove Special Hockey team, who told me she was about to take on Edina with her team. She was a complete delight, and then I later learned that she is the sister of the young man, Sam Schuneman, that was killed last summer in an outrageous drunk driving accident that also killed Max Motzko, the son of the Minnesota Gophers hockey coach. It was a story that deeply touched all Minnesotans. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvx-KLJtXLYJxDZMP03TqY167mlzt1lLDieaMdvEEitNoCX4MXKzjwlC7rnySN4HUIyVha_fCSBMRUAESutmgLBSZRqmT1Gu5Ki-J3Dy6lhcOtK8vfj1iyfNZdyQUpKF-m-5OXw8bQTKazOfKIiP3ccB1ybfGHUFHBOyb5589UMLNYPJ_KVGQWDpS2w/s1801/0524245A-9BB7-4283-8288-3B0F262C0187.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvx-KLJtXLYJxDZMP03TqY167mlzt1lLDieaMdvEEitNoCX4MXKzjwlC7rnySN4HUIyVha_fCSBMRUAESutmgLBSZRqmT1Gu5Ki-J3Dy6lhcOtK8vfj1iyfNZdyQUpKF-m-5OXw8bQTKazOfKIiP3ccB1ybfGHUFHBOyb5589UMLNYPJ_KVGQWDpS2w/w512-h640/0524245A-9BB7-4283-8288-3B0F262C0187.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>I later met Maggie's parents, Tom and Yvonne Shuneman. It was clear that the pain they will always feel over the senseless loss of their son is very present, but this special weekend allowed them to watch their darling daughter absolutely beaming, loving being there to play and enjoy her teammates and the friendly competition, as well as to be surrounded by the circle of love that is tangibly felt throughout the festival. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkZR2r8yYZOQD_pNsEcHL-wk_-MCfhmwWSo6pHrrlNV6nApDwY8nZvNH09nCWKsPoZU3FNYxiguIrrJrT8N26AblAYuZNm7lJUz-DKgKdM3a6UEfQ864vPP6vtiBReFaeS2K4VoTAVQlx-m6_QG5UbYmKC4_-aa7ZhoQxPqWudCxHh8oeS4R_2rXYyg/s1800/IMG_9134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkZR2r8yYZOQD_pNsEcHL-wk_-MCfhmwWSo6pHrrlNV6nApDwY8nZvNH09nCWKsPoZU3FNYxiguIrrJrT8N26AblAYuZNm7lJUz-DKgKdM3a6UEfQ864vPP6vtiBReFaeS2K4VoTAVQlx-m6_QG5UbYmKC4_-aa7ZhoQxPqWudCxHh8oeS4R_2rXYyg/w512-h640/IMG_9134.jpg" width="512" /> <br /></a></div> <p></p><p>A lot of the competition was happening while we were setting up for the Saturday evening reception, but we were ready in time to check out the Celebrity Game, which was packed to the rafters with participants and fans from the whole range of teams.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0arAey5om0ma1oyBhlRfMdCwWk4BauV2NicdAjjmYa5Lr4SosZlThc7SKZyVpr6xN8_OkN_PAWzvt6gYDHLpeqNedn1Wm20Z4zA9J-3JJHpVg3EFL_LBSDIYi2JEFni14Ic3R6E7i_lMBdA49g7Tf99FwBaOZbXSEfZhXn-pdTl8tpM6fsLnMQQaVw/s1795/IMG_9128.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0arAey5om0ma1oyBhlRfMdCwWk4BauV2NicdAjjmYa5Lr4SosZlThc7SKZyVpr6xN8_OkN_PAWzvt6gYDHLpeqNedn1Wm20Z4zA9J-3JJHpVg3EFL_LBSDIYi2JEFni14Ic3R6E7i_lMBdA49g7Tf99FwBaOZbXSEfZhXn-pdTl8tpM6fsLnMQQaVw/w514-h640/IMG_9128.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p> This all takes place in the "State of Hockey", so of course the Minnesota Wild was well represented at the Festival by Coach Dean Evason, GM Bill Guerin, Assistant Coach Darby Hendrickson (of course!), Nordy, and The Moose himself, Marcus Foligno.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK4zehieLPtVMwx61WZMmPnE89XjOHCb2jpS4t3bJb5xZgnzHF6fEHG6hoMuQZo-7vb_5_aAcv4gV8dA2bfU_cQOXsE8CqcDRfXaI73GRQC7076uub0XRtKHFdX6qSrBNDJ0ZmCsjWzmq_nrcy7mf1sgFrZZ_-uXLWtV3xk1lzMF5jZ2NQg04oyCZug/s1795/IMG_9132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK4zehieLPtVMwx61WZMmPnE89XjOHCb2jpS4t3bJb5xZgnzHF6fEHG6hoMuQZo-7vb_5_aAcv4gV8dA2bfU_cQOXsE8CqcDRfXaI73GRQC7076uub0XRtKHFdX6qSrBNDJ0ZmCsjWzmq_nrcy7mf1sgFrZZ_-uXLWtV3xk1lzMF5jZ2NQg04oyCZug/w514-h640/IMG_9132.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p></p><p> The teams were formed from several former Wild players and hockey All Stars from all over Minnesota, and the high scoring game was a blast to watch ... but my favorite part of it was getting to know Sevanna and Shane. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz2Vjzh5zAQ12AW4cAdNloFQ7WkO3tQemKwjc8USbYP3-axsIFRygcJc9O0UrVXWFzvP8U09qFwyg-im-LvEDvQOs0CwZhjpwKOiw4-gDyPD76OAWk8LPxvNIiNGuRuiaffZ0AN6B8pCzKU__9hb33xrV5EFwtdzTUmnnnrs2gALoHnT-9aYpLkwpEw/s2048/IMG_9138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz2Vjzh5zAQ12AW4cAdNloFQ7WkO3tQemKwjc8USbYP3-axsIFRygcJc9O0UrVXWFzvP8U09qFwyg-im-LvEDvQOs0CwZhjpwKOiw4-gDyPD76OAWk8LPxvNIiNGuRuiaffZ0AN6B8pCzKU__9hb33xrV5EFwtdzTUmnnnrs2gALoHnT-9aYpLkwpEw/w480-h640/IMG_9138.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Sevanna appeared to be among the biggest celebrities there, as everyone stopped to greet her and get their photo with her during the game. It didn't take long to find out that Sevanna and the young man, Shane, sitting next to her were a new couple, brought together through their playing in the Sled Hockey program. They've only been dating a few weeks, but they were both adorably excited about it, and determined to not let their geographical differences (he's from Wisconsin, she's from Bloomington) get in their way. She was dying to meet former Wild goalie, Alex Staylock, as he was the only person left on her list to meet - I so hope that she did. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM6nTHDIEwloE1x3AAXsWV8iRBHrMVgoOg_MBacJr9vMwYleKcmO4nM2p9XsFThbpYNOWm8xBH1VqjaVQUhz0hCaqu5vJgVDssuCea2zGw7qDXQ-nkWtJ7IvP1qg1Rat7lnB4S3qYd4dhcU10dtX8khyoTM2bZUF6VlfMaf6HJRfDLIhLEOvx9joh8Q/s4032/IMG_9088.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM6nTHDIEwloE1x3AAXsWV8iRBHrMVgoOg_MBacJr9vMwYleKcmO4nM2p9XsFThbpYNOWm8xBH1VqjaVQUhz0hCaqu5vJgVDssuCea2zGw7qDXQ-nkWtJ7IvP1qg1Rat7lnB4S3qYd4dhcU10dtX8khyoTM2bZUF6VlfMaf6HJRfDLIhLEOvx9joh8Q/w480-h640/IMG_9088.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> There was a Sled Hockey demo race in between periods of the Celebrity Game, and I am very happy to report that Wild /Twins announcer and our lovely friend, Audra Martin, redeemed herself from last Festival impressively, winning the race by a long shot. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IE8xTH4iVffuxXojlgAFR5d8HhP667zp997E2YKWaVETpBVO5_Vcjs12Lwt1JP8dE33EAeUaeWn19OuymD5geHyGe8wz6EB0xB4NnsDBSM9wlVFTP0Bra685HpYOjhSRYVDiKmoUk-5xl_oiH6QYq2PAW3yuZhz8PjzmfvSucxD3_0voekOzB9lyjg/s1795/IMG_9129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IE8xTH4iVffuxXojlgAFR5d8HhP667zp997E2YKWaVETpBVO5_Vcjs12Lwt1JP8dE33EAeUaeWn19OuymD5geHyGe8wz6EB0xB4NnsDBSM9wlVFTP0Bra685HpYOjhSRYVDiKmoUk-5xl_oiH6QYq2PAW3yuZhz8PjzmfvSucxD3_0voekOzB9lyjg/w514-h640/IMG_9129.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p> While being congratulated for her victory, she explained how this is one of her favorite events of the year, and wouldn't dream of missing it. And that's how everyone felt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1k2d5PQWR4-FGHUUBhRjxgJgSCc1Ad6tkEIGb2EvA4UiC2RWL2f2ojwfwVIGp-bn8inucK4wRCAqyViyT5ePBPrGmhPlJ26pnd34chFpaWY7Un2Z86Ck7FFvgyAPitQs6ctxRtbwyJE9VBxrX2pgfxB9fY5VeNLMVDjbv8zNtkkLYTp3WnbC7aG6HA/s1800/CC77C88F-9117-4E91-8CA9-FE000CF795D0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1k2d5PQWR4-FGHUUBhRjxgJgSCc1Ad6tkEIGb2EvA4UiC2RWL2f2ojwfwVIGp-bn8inucK4wRCAqyViyT5ePBPrGmhPlJ26pnd34chFpaWY7Un2Z86Ck7FFvgyAPitQs6ctxRtbwyJE9VBxrX2pgfxB9fY5VeNLMVDjbv8zNtkkLYTp3WnbC7aG6HA/w512-h640/CC77C88F-9117-4E91-8CA9-FE000CF795D0.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> Everyone heads to the reception after the game, and the hall was full of Festival folks celebrating a great day while enjoying food donated by Famous Dave's and drinks donated by Invictus Brewery. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LagjYaqdBsnTPD9rYzadIbGZrek3JSH36ibxneNNkU4_A-ICShO5c-XyVSrJ8x0TCxmWQb7eI0nmKWCgQ7SEqKprLE9gpSzEhWYK6veaV_UH59JVDNHszcpzgkm49hi0iXUUi2d8MLPP-4lP3bxp9H_YZkRQXEq5_hfX4-3ffKO5fY60JYfrw637iQ/s4032/IMG_9098.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LagjYaqdBsnTPD9rYzadIbGZrek3JSH36ibxneNNkU4_A-ICShO5c-XyVSrJ8x0TCxmWQb7eI0nmKWCgQ7SEqKprLE9gpSzEhWYK6veaV_UH59JVDNHszcpzgkm49hi0iXUUi2d8MLPP-4lP3bxp9H_YZkRQXEq5_hfX4-3ffKO5fY60JYfrw637iQ/w480-h640/IMG_9098.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> A vast Silent Auction was set up with a slew of items to bid on to benefit HF, and keep this joy going on long into the future. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubQT7KaEWVCGSv9GATalMT7m91kyDL0p9tEU6ujLZ7pRYf9IV_c8vkZFDqk-t5WY1cqa-H2i23l7YXMg1WMphY-QucujLjKAlXctcij1OQ9h9rwVKdV_n2__77z42dVMndof21p-gUTThdsK1CmQFTRonpPKS9Twc5QuIDnpgf0BqajOegvJudFI5Uw/s4032/IMG_9074.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubQT7KaEWVCGSv9GATalMT7m91kyDL0p9tEU6ujLZ7pRYf9IV_c8vkZFDqk-t5WY1cqa-H2i23l7YXMg1WMphY-QucujLjKAlXctcij1OQ9h9rwVKdV_n2__77z42dVMndof21p-gUTThdsK1CmQFTRonpPKS9Twc5QuIDnpgf0BqajOegvJudFI5Uw/w480-h640/IMG_9074.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>The party spilled outside where there was a mobile Polar Plunge to raise even more for the HF mission of bringing hockey to everyone who wants to play. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhXXxqjVVB2-iUsxDA2keKyDTjwDMWmLutiZhV7fjZpl4tAhzHH4QBlyaoxfG2agYCdCYnYhP0zHqa0MQ8D7CG2m63O90uaRqrrCOG1niCcn6wbUwaSzKuKCfZqbTev4f19my8KDisQRosU3Fb1hjltOFC-SW0Zt66jdsC8uucC5JFAyXFvQ017-SAQ/s4032/IMG_9099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhXXxqjVVB2-iUsxDA2keKyDTjwDMWmLutiZhV7fjZpl4tAhzHH4QBlyaoxfG2agYCdCYnYhP0zHqa0MQ8D7CG2m63O90uaRqrrCOG1niCcn6wbUwaSzKuKCfZqbTev4f19my8KDisQRosU3Fb1hjltOFC-SW0Zt66jdsC8uucC5JFAyXFvQ017-SAQ/w640-h480/IMG_9099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> People mingled around playing bean bags, games, dancing around to the D.J., and there was even a makeshift ice rink outside for kids to play on in the sunshine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4c60vPp8e0fJJV6bqyzVIEF-RhS79yVfHUBwuHcqUyE51IVPgTW7eFvx6lGtE-ZNI9neLmsQKn90Ock3a1QHat3jyuocqUwr1DKF-VYWeyqVSo5lRaFIegnsa8BJSgGsug3h7MmoOIIHUvpnHfnQU3Q6IKEQYRt7FETftu9Jqi44HMPsXAj2VbrEWQ/s4032/IMG_9097.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4c60vPp8e0fJJV6bqyzVIEF-RhS79yVfHUBwuHcqUyE51IVPgTW7eFvx6lGtE-ZNI9neLmsQKn90Ock3a1QHat3jyuocqUwr1DKF-VYWeyqVSo5lRaFIegnsa8BJSgGsug3h7MmoOIIHUvpnHfnQU3Q6IKEQYRt7FETftu9Jqi44HMPsXAj2VbrEWQ/w480-h640/IMG_9097.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> This is the rare event where people actually enjoy listening to some speeches and acknowledgements, and there were special awards being given out from Yontz Valor, another huge sponsor of the Festival. The "Valor Salute" goes to individuals who exemplify the values of the Yontz Foundation of leadership, kindness, work ethic, and giving others hope in adversity. This year the recipients were led by the HF's own Kristin Hendrickson, who somehow manages to keep all of these teams straight. Well deserved! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3ssVSbtcBuwPPSplbH0_bRYwo4PGuKubj_BWVmNMNkIlaf5DQDBsOo6JeFGOSMisWDDVx3Vqms5dfe6RbC2OFqBcRm3sJB3Z33bgKT9zqVnbhxDk3wtP7OeMY1iDqpFkXnGM3aFnuwOCU-dYeQI0RnQaCpTQqY6Epjth6oOmqV7JMwSeZP8Qitm7yw/s1021/IMG_9137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3ssVSbtcBuwPPSplbH0_bRYwo4PGuKubj_BWVmNMNkIlaf5DQDBsOo6JeFGOSMisWDDVx3Vqms5dfe6RbC2OFqBcRm3sJB3Z33bgKT9zqVnbhxDk3wtP7OeMY1iDqpFkXnGM3aFnuwOCU-dYeQI0RnQaCpTQqY6Epjth6oOmqV7JMwSeZP8Qitm7yw/w520-h640/IMG_9137.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><p>Of course, none of this happens without the huge help of super generous sponsors. <a href="http://yontzvalorfoundation.org/">Yontz Valor</a>, <a href="https://www.hydrite.com/">Hydrite</a>, <a href="https://www.milkspecialties.com/">Milk Specialties Global</a>, <a href="https://www.cambriausa.com">Cambria</a>, and <a href="https://thehumblegoat.com/">The Humble Goat</a> (the MOST delicious goat cheese, People!) are the leading sponsors (in addition to loads more you can see on the HF website), and our excellent friends Carole Olson (Cambria) and Frankie and Dave Lenzmeier (Milk Specialties and The Humble Goat) were all there to represent and volunteer and host and enjoy all the fruits of their extensive labor. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuIwAyTS9G-MJGDjgBen1HdXm7omsuS8wA3RYg6GXbbkbR0dlnPCDO9buQmvMJCTA49eAGqEOo98AWnsKXnaOQflzjJS-HnxYyr3VjC4TaHzBIwYxrM9PDzIbYmva4CAIVVwFRHArxqm3jCiMMZ-uiKKVfAx2S87JN23Gv2MWqJdZW08q-SVjMiWptg/s1084/IMG_9149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="827" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuIwAyTS9G-MJGDjgBen1HdXm7omsuS8wA3RYg6GXbbkbR0dlnPCDO9buQmvMJCTA49eAGqEOo98AWnsKXnaOQflzjJS-HnxYyr3VjC4TaHzBIwYxrM9PDzIbYmva4CAIVVwFRHArxqm3jCiMMZ-uiKKVfAx2S87JN23Gv2MWqJdZW08q-SVjMiWptg/w488-h640/IMG_9149.jpg" width="488" /></a></div> <p></p><p>HF Executive Director, Danny Hendrickson, was probably the biggest celebrity there, if you were asking the players. They all wanted to meet him, and they all love him, because he is the front man for this entire experience, taking over where their dad, Larry Hendrickson, left off with this wonderful endeavor that he would be so, SO proud of.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd9yJZkOqg0OS8BPhTZrio366cgxeGzXuPXZ53EXBuzFf7Tpjpx9T-FKXoWo1U1DkwJPrhtpyv3UK8X_oyitl85k9EAQ8yugCyoRKL2b8RQy46PVBBbnIiHOi9PhPSob-60M--Dlnk7mcnKRLQqyddVTxebwMwfPfH5r8iKZOfK8ILAX7AN2Fo1oRLg/s1795/38E2DC4E-2204-4304-9F76-774F41BCC9E5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd9yJZkOqg0OS8BPhTZrio366cgxeGzXuPXZ53EXBuzFf7Tpjpx9T-FKXoWo1U1DkwJPrhtpyv3UK8X_oyitl85k9EAQ8yugCyoRKL2b8RQy46PVBBbnIiHOi9PhPSob-60M--Dlnk7mcnKRLQqyddVTxebwMwfPfH5r8iKZOfK8ILAX7AN2Fo1oRLg/w514-h640/38E2DC4E-2204-4304-9F76-774F41BCC9E5.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>It's really hard to get a photo of all the Hendricksons and their families together at the Festival, as they are so involved in so many ways, but I'll take this opportunity to thank them all on behalf of everyone involved in the HF Hockey Festival. What they're doing is special, and important. You can see the evidence of this after being in attendance for 5 minutes. They've helped so many people through their family foundation, and it chokes me up to think about, never mind write about. As the eldest child of Larry and Jane Hendrickson, Christine is not only my BFF, but the one who steers me around to introduce me to all these overwhelmingly touching stories. We're all Richfield Spartans, so the weekend also ends up being one big blast of a reunion every year too. Bonus! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypTpf6YWLsxNIv3M7hoPR2spkNFS-xQsqRJqSIcgiBN_hiNP23B429yCB5UY6AAoZ_bTOeMBExmYxByrpW6Gs_-RgqTjndns3ybJirR_ZwKTZaLbzVLqZLrTqLfJqMG3X-URKpvREvimAej23w42ku5mws5-VaH9X74kw1G1vEkcV3MNmC3d2E4U32Q/s1552/IMG_9139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypTpf6YWLsxNIv3M7hoPR2spkNFS-xQsqRJqSIcgiBN_hiNP23B429yCB5UY6AAoZ_bTOeMBExmYxByrpW6Gs_-RgqTjndns3ybJirR_ZwKTZaLbzVLqZLrTqLfJqMG3X-URKpvREvimAej23w42ku5mws5-VaH9X74kw1G1vEkcV3MNmC3d2E4U32Q/w594-h640/IMG_9139.jpg" width="594" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The Festival ends on Sunday with the championship games, and I know it means a LOT to the teams to get their special HF trophies (this year a Game of Thrones looking sword cool one!) for winning their games, but to be real honest ... it's very clear that everyone won - just for being there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9L6ga38_0JEMVvBovO-_janAC0szNRc1oqAt8wc0bDFxbuvOnRJfdpTtpFzpTGeBINtpaEyJmDxQWIsqZjHd5tWeq54i8B2JhtmkW7o0OsmltymhMX2f95XTEnS5hEg_1qgHyC6SeqYfft9M9e9Gjrq0yPRbD7TC9c8gwQtDxgoTaNbZ7DKz63phIsQ/s1801/C23D60EE-75D1-4964-9122-1A0A4EFD5E12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9L6ga38_0JEMVvBovO-_janAC0szNRc1oqAt8wc0bDFxbuvOnRJfdpTtpFzpTGeBINtpaEyJmDxQWIsqZjHd5tWeq54i8B2JhtmkW7o0OsmltymhMX2f95XTEnS5hEg_1qgHyC6SeqYfft9M9e9Gjrq0yPRbD7TC9c8gwQtDxgoTaNbZ7DKz63phIsQ/w512-h640/C23D60EE-75D1-4964-9122-1A0A4EFD5E12.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> </p><p>You cannot leave this event without being a little changed, and a lot inspired. Watching these athletes in action, and having seen this foundation grow from just an idea talked about in Larry's basement to what this Festival has become, let's you know that truly anything is possible, with a little help from your friends. And your family, because this is absolutely one giant family now. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Nuiigji9Oqxl5PE1SLo172KhWG723fhOe4CWazUsnICdBPFLxekCKXOGCVt_MS-QNaOURMDiFtcO_acMCIPWGwcSQpJ06LZY1xX2yXR8Rdd7g4VO6HDFURltVEFYqxJjR2AhX9uR0v5Wj-AQZ-WOeyQWgLZh9TM1F6CY5OJyvOh1OT5PrniPqiIsA/s4032/IMG_9077.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Nuiigji9Oqxl5PE1SLo172KhWG723fhOe4CWazUsnICdBPFLxekCKXOGCVt_MS-QNaOURMDiFtcO_acMCIPWGwcSQpJ06LZY1xX2yXR8Rdd7g4VO6HDFURltVEFYqxJjR2AhX9uR0v5Wj-AQZ-WOeyQWgLZh9TM1F6CY5OJyvOh1OT5PrniPqiIsA/w480-h640/IMG_9077.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I can't wait to hear more stories in the coming years ... because there needs to be a movie now too, right?</p><p>Long live the <a href="https://www.hendricksonfoundation.com/" target="_blank">Hendy Foundation</a>! <b> </b></p><p><b>*Stay tuned to their website linked above to participate in future events, donate, learn, and shop! </b></p><p>**Additional photos courtesy of Julie Hendrickson Oss<b> <br /></b></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br />CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-76522712042991811632022-04-29T14:45:00.000-07:002022-04-29T14:45:09.823-07:00Art In Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Art - Blooming Spectacular!<p><a href="https://new.artsmia.org/visit/annual-events/art-in-bloom/" target="_blank">Art In Bloom</a> has been happening annually at the Minneapolis Institute of Art since 1984, but this was the first year I've been able to attend (these are the silver linings of my missing my Venice life dearly as I'm here taking care of my family). I took my Mom for opening day, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. Spectacular! *(I've been so busy lately between caregiving and other writing that I haven't been able to share many stories here, apologies. THIS demanded its own spotlight for sure though).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SnGkw0ITalQazs4_MVZkDdh78wZGm7WcpVvGi45v2nhqVxJMKw_6xFHzHo0ryNS_B0ZqXXAk8bTdB9UrBN0DprHYBj30yHP79mA5jc08_zFd6QxnTDhZVxe0gQ6pmCPOmIvs82agMNCllRu8hhXprlWdLW84pA2uyPEl9K3AlIfuSJe6r3q4jk3Byw/s4032/IMG_8454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SnGkw0ITalQazs4_MVZkDdh78wZGm7WcpVvGi45v2nhqVxJMKw_6xFHzHo0ryNS_B0ZqXXAk8bTdB9UrBN0DprHYBj30yHP79mA5jc08_zFd6QxnTDhZVxe0gQ6pmCPOmIvs82agMNCllRu8hhXprlWdLW84pA2uyPEl9K3AlIfuSJe6r3q4jk3Byw/w480-h640/IMG_8454.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Floral artists make arrangements to accompany many of the works of art in the permanent collection at MIA, and there were MANY to see. We were determined to see them all - and did - over a full afternoon of discovering the flowers scattered throughout the entire museum. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudT69BD6-xJf6vQ__sYW8TiJjAKXv7T1Yd6yQeSj2rW51PUo1br4vb2TDk4cpiZCsjh6etNgTv4QZ-goFnxs85g00EHKTfq4oSK_LYBe0vunydGC2izy9oIyj0lxVeTMo86nhsVvXzHQaP9SQ9JPl9yrxJpuljkumArCL52Ktgu_609g1DeICL6c0lA/s3801/IMG_8479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3801" data-original-width="2886" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudT69BD6-xJf6vQ__sYW8TiJjAKXv7T1Yd6yQeSj2rW51PUo1br4vb2TDk4cpiZCsjh6etNgTv4QZ-goFnxs85g00EHKTfq4oSK_LYBe0vunydGC2izy9oIyj0lxVeTMo86nhsVvXzHQaP9SQ9JPl9yrxJpuljkumArCL52Ktgu_609g1DeICL6c0lA/w486-h640/IMG_8479.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><p> Each was more gorgeous than the next, and it was very hard to choose a favorite ... so I'm going to share many of them with you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1OxYAm-2F0av9U2lIhUFRFRuhunlbq69rsa-EIx-qVO-zRNjUD0cFm3Gac97iMyLfhbDhXInCs-ZlFMQU0IZg3OQlFwUsgBcZkOVA98H2XRzMKzcX126pSrcjp8zSdvouT5rWpvjdmomV1hBAN2dkwBr3VUEPg5TcApVahRA0uHy7c0JkRVsF7dmnw/s4032/IMG_8464.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1OxYAm-2F0av9U2lIhUFRFRuhunlbq69rsa-EIx-qVO-zRNjUD0cFm3Gac97iMyLfhbDhXInCs-ZlFMQU0IZg3OQlFwUsgBcZkOVA98H2XRzMKzcX126pSrcjp8zSdvouT5rWpvjdmomV1hBAN2dkwBr3VUEPg5TcApVahRA0uHy7c0JkRVsF7dmnw/w480-h640/IMG_8464.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>As flowers perish, the exhibit is on only this weekend, through Sunday, so I encourage all in Minnesota this weekend to get there, and all the rest of you get to see them virtually, because I know you'd love it too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpuKqPL1iZc6qOjeN1TXzIslhqOyr_rGHGaROv6iVoxKi441yManFDdYqCH_JC7oAw1_UxiVoac1fzjGn2icA-ukVNXXy9NtLzJ9xAULgeLkLI-ynFoMESDXUP1XHN3qW68S6hk2K9IYjSkC6X943cZ6WKoycPTkwhxsLeyY3csOOacEMGBh5tkYL9A/s4032/IMG_8466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpuKqPL1iZc6qOjeN1TXzIslhqOyr_rGHGaROv6iVoxKi441yManFDdYqCH_JC7oAw1_UxiVoac1fzjGn2icA-ukVNXXy9NtLzJ9xAULgeLkLI-ynFoMESDXUP1XHN3qW68S6hk2K9IYjSkC6X943cZ6WKoycPTkwhxsLeyY3csOOacEMGBh5tkYL9A/w480-h640/IMG_8466.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> The only thing I can't share is the marvelous aroma enveloping the museum ... ahhhh. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jC5F48ueRYsh_EwmnWLyWAtN7D-aGXTtKasDGcF4VLybnX-cq8f1ssMZ7ngcUBSI5lwB6VHv_BKvLGt8NYcMy24Ro-K_dtDXd43YXDYj_vRK60ccgsueBLm2N_jUghWLC-fEsrsQu58T92Us9qKTD5Kvmnme2FWpjiPGQztWNeOCi0f_zt9BhyddtQ/s4032/IMG_8460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jC5F48ueRYsh_EwmnWLyWAtN7D-aGXTtKasDGcF4VLybnX-cq8f1ssMZ7ngcUBSI5lwB6VHv_BKvLGt8NYcMy24Ro-K_dtDXd43YXDYj_vRK60ccgsueBLm2N_jUghWLC-fEsrsQu58T92Us9qKTD5Kvmnme2FWpjiPGQztWNeOCi0f_zt9BhyddtQ/w480-h640/IMG_8460.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> It sounded like the process for choosing artworks to honor was a little haphazard, as each artist I spoke to had a different experience of how they wound up with the one they got. One guy just decided to make a floral replica of the Notre Dame football stadium, and find an artwork to match later! He also got extra credit because his glass vases were hand-blown! Wow. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrQTWrsQXV0N9IPmfzjujYkrjsZqpiwZ9eNqXYpesRxnX1j5hQ4rojIKqKrAhWF9FPoSlUQA7DRBxKwCDBa4zBlSwgAsjh5HsIus694aseKfqZZUgTUPlkUnE9YhDiRZa-tXHhXOOOSk9blr8_iRzXV1rnsJaK_V2s-pgDJlloJybx9WMD0y4ULk9uA/s4032/IMG_8440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrQTWrsQXV0N9IPmfzjujYkrjsZqpiwZ9eNqXYpesRxnX1j5hQ4rojIKqKrAhWF9FPoSlUQA7DRBxKwCDBa4zBlSwgAsjh5HsIus694aseKfqZZUgTUPlkUnE9YhDiRZa-tXHhXOOOSk9blr8_iRzXV1rnsJaK_V2s-pgDJlloJybx9WMD0y4ULk9uA/w480-h640/IMG_8440.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I was amazed to learn that many of the pieces were done by amateur flower arrangers! One lady was a lawyer that likes to arrange flowers, several were retired and fill their days with flowers, and some were from real deal florists from all around the Twin Cities. ALL were glorious. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPvvpShKtzeSfWOli8fSsLhGipI2SNG-hXGEzvPP4avEFd3MAh4lPiwWVErsHjlvnF37LvSxQFYXXxqfHBow91vtQFbVZuI1yiq-iw3shTbJhNENNtVVJaQ8x_zkgyIkZXTyXFJICzIsochh2ynyQ40XxnV7XZhdeUXQO5aFTQYnGA5cRQKwdcIxq-g/s3905/IMG_8444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3905" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPvvpShKtzeSfWOli8fSsLhGipI2SNG-hXGEzvPP4avEFd3MAh4lPiwWVErsHjlvnF37LvSxQFYXXxqfHBow91vtQFbVZuI1yiq-iw3shTbJhNENNtVVJaQ8x_zkgyIkZXTyXFJICzIsochh2ynyQ40XxnV7XZhdeUXQO5aFTQYnGA5cRQKwdcIxq-g/w496-h640/IMG_8444.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><p> MIA has such a vast and diverse collection that each room is different than the last, and the flowers followed suit. Materials from nature, and the creativity that resulted in these fantastic creations was truly moving. There is so so so much talent in this world! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv0SBWWHPcd2vbheyfTtoRoMYMmgdjHd6bZzNxtFLjV-cU_J3uLKGND2ACn0aWsmytKZNE6YkWVfNnA8vRMFjJeh7fhj7bDynOjH0AcLtVX4X0UagSsq-cy-XKM5CQ112Sy9D8WSvDpakkx8jnc5zpixVRfkjoKpF9sewNxLohwCqnoKBjGk00lctPw/s4032/IMG_8455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv0SBWWHPcd2vbheyfTtoRoMYMmgdjHd6bZzNxtFLjV-cU_J3uLKGND2ACn0aWsmytKZNE6YkWVfNnA8vRMFjJeh7fhj7bDynOjH0AcLtVX4X0UagSsq-cy-XKM5CQ112Sy9D8WSvDpakkx8jnc5zpixVRfkjoKpF9sewNxLohwCqnoKBjGk00lctPw/w480-h640/IMG_8455.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> There were tours going on, but we opted to go it alone ourselves and revel in the magic of discovery. Several of the artists were on hand, often seen watering or adding flowers and making sure their work was perfect. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJESp7XD7N3hwTs4_3j23zLUYAfRHzUMsJ6fVaDpbVr7fkRVMn4FTbTTqfsSoQDKnkkJNw-VBg0FH6Qm_818P9olX71WEj7LdPKZVhUJlRQKByARGmDkcjfoVBd_NhYLrwcQrXsBafBk5eBYVF_jc0cZTYSbO3_XRz-KH9M_2YoLSDRCGCuN9aysyj1A/s4032/IMG_8426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2917" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJESp7XD7N3hwTs4_3j23zLUYAfRHzUMsJ6fVaDpbVr7fkRVMn4FTbTTqfsSoQDKnkkJNw-VBg0FH6Qm_818P9olX71WEj7LdPKZVhUJlRQKByARGmDkcjfoVBd_NhYLrwcQrXsBafBk5eBYVF_jc0cZTYSbO3_XRz-KH9M_2YoLSDRCGCuN9aysyj1A/w464-h640/IMG_8426.jpg" width="464" /></a></div> <p></p><p>That was nice because you could ask questions and hear all about their process ... to the point where now we kind of want to try our hand at it ourselves next year - anyone can! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUtFh0vdAi0Mub_v_f7kyQYrz6Egj66I-VrsKQL_WxKVOOW28wE-s0To4KhH2BnqL587K5mEaAc_KVQJeF6WT0pr93kFXVhM-XwpdgfncaFgLvi23OMiFC2I1Zh3hVTi9MNkZFMBWJ9_6IiwCDnTUBU1RQvJBo7rwHxFsqShvcfmlsB-o-SepHFlx3g/s4032/IMG_8475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUtFh0vdAi0Mub_v_f7kyQYrz6Egj66I-VrsKQL_WxKVOOW28wE-s0To4KhH2BnqL587K5mEaAc_KVQJeF6WT0pr93kFXVhM-XwpdgfncaFgLvi23OMiFC2I1Zh3hVTi9MNkZFMBWJ9_6IiwCDnTUBU1RQvJBo7rwHxFsqShvcfmlsB-o-SepHFlx3g/w480-h640/IMG_8475.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> It was fun to see some of my favorite permanent pieces so honored, like the Native American costume with its top hat and photographic lining beautifully replicated in flowers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTlR_fsHf5pORPq03BbEbDfFmoGraJLVIImeA8E_Iko0TBpyrkJ2e8xYszbyb38KGoCnND8uZr1IQrRFk15iyO8zXDWuxZnlxuOgTnHLzXPzaEd_Pl126OiuHWloAzPSga0hg_FZeax-gpwA7mbmKixz1OmopyyNOa5z8NtDmS8FcW5loKXCziwYUUg/s4032/IMG_8469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTlR_fsHf5pORPq03BbEbDfFmoGraJLVIImeA8E_Iko0TBpyrkJ2e8xYszbyb38KGoCnND8uZr1IQrRFk15iyO8zXDWuxZnlxuOgTnHLzXPzaEd_Pl126OiuHWloAzPSga0hg_FZeax-gpwA7mbmKixz1OmopyyNOa5z8NtDmS8FcW5loKXCziwYUUg/w480-h640/IMG_8469.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Some artists played it very literal with their recreations ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXzzKubdOTSXnDMKYmyvERXbiQj26n2cb2Z9-iMI0Q7AatGMDzRTjHl2rI4ZcgTpRyD6zftS46VBLlOrkd70oadPmsrNam2jAHBMZf-U7GrhJNYTTUk824jHbG724eiNDGQUbzOpgNg5FrB-zZuqiEsbS7CU2KpTfT6FNiDqtiRg6qHqsaVTQy2bzlg/s3458/IMG_8476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3458" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXzzKubdOTSXnDMKYmyvERXbiQj26n2cb2Z9-iMI0Q7AatGMDzRTjHl2rI4ZcgTpRyD6zftS46VBLlOrkd70oadPmsrNam2jAHBMZf-U7GrhJNYTTUk824jHbG724eiNDGQUbzOpgNg5FrB-zZuqiEsbS7CU2KpTfT6FNiDqtiRg6qHqsaVTQy2bzlg/w560-h640/IMG_8476.jpg" width="560" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL4rpDZEsMP-bgXBR2EuA_sFoTzxzfqlfrDOud7D5MCaQyNiUzN2eDvw3DZ8PBfN0wt1FlSwr3pwMl6sCeVxNWE0L2NuLgXJZs9wo0BVVeW7lPXFG99Jgt_QbS2Csrh-TnhO-TF89jgpBqlufp6BdVxI_ffP70caORmXRoggYqEYlxDectKAnCohIjQ/s3024/IMG_8447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2939" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL4rpDZEsMP-bgXBR2EuA_sFoTzxzfqlfrDOud7D5MCaQyNiUzN2eDvw3DZ8PBfN0wt1FlSwr3pwMl6sCeVxNWE0L2NuLgXJZs9wo0BVVeW7lPXFG99Jgt_QbS2Csrh-TnhO-TF89jgpBqlufp6BdVxI_ffP70caORmXRoggYqEYlxDectKAnCohIjQ/w622-h640/IMG_8447.jpg" width="622" /></a></div><p> </p><p> While others did more of an abstract representation ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91qZLu1tAFsxoJQJbdAFt-Oj8E99iNPn70Qzu_qeZU0Mg314sSx1lZpS24NNKh43pkNIGOWyY5BGucJomIzRb143oxnnQGvfIKDJ3kMhX5mULqpFIIw6kW1oeOwz56P8sUcDVJbos9vpyITLGqnLweUTNmOvqpgZGMyt5ClOFncUDU9Hvu_S-_5ubiQ/s4032/IMG_8474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91qZLu1tAFsxoJQJbdAFt-Oj8E99iNPn70Qzu_qeZU0Mg314sSx1lZpS24NNKh43pkNIGOWyY5BGucJomIzRb143oxnnQGvfIKDJ3kMhX5mULqpFIIw6kW1oeOwz56P8sUcDVJbos9vpyITLGqnLweUTNmOvqpgZGMyt5ClOFncUDU9Hvu_S-_5ubiQ/w480-h640/IMG_8474.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKMVS53eN6eKU30cYApvQpF9_Fu_3PmPK1l9P0DS8EY-oBxcutdqjvcGEMdo8H7HjtBzapSq4w9jMTRV0Q7f0B5kWzoOqxIQw5sXj0Xxkn2HNv2SU0UtGhLgQtF9HvRpFKy-pf7VrqvQJYH9-kHS2RYSUu0dfwMV09rNeTHQek1kLIcEmIsqI0PE6YQ/s3772/IMG_8457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3772" data-original-width="2535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKMVS53eN6eKU30cYApvQpF9_Fu_3PmPK1l9P0DS8EY-oBxcutdqjvcGEMdo8H7HjtBzapSq4w9jMTRV0Q7f0B5kWzoOqxIQw5sXj0Xxkn2HNv2SU0UtGhLgQtF9HvRpFKy-pf7VrqvQJYH9-kHS2RYSUu0dfwMV09rNeTHQek1kLIcEmIsqI0PE6YQ/w430-h640/IMG_8457.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><p> </p><p> No matter what they chose to do, we loved every one of them and hoped that they all go to good homes when the show wraps on Sunday. They should auction them off to a good cause, I know I'd be bidding on several just to cheer up the home for a few days. I'm really not sure what happens to them when it's over. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRbP0dwmvCwiUdMkSKVG33vedENDSwgDIczrIMNjmNClWKx4NIeJ7y1f5un8Iy_BtpQwLfUsVakKNBbkJ77oNkscVEaY_Z3D2UrKOM-OQ6hlZH73gfH7VGngFuPSaAeHU-A60HmmWfApBfbNTQwhX-zUbDELZVyU7Ryo60QUAeTpJQZCT5BvVs2mcyg/s4032/IMG_8416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRbP0dwmvCwiUdMkSKVG33vedENDSwgDIczrIMNjmNClWKx4NIeJ7y1f5un8Iy_BtpQwLfUsVakKNBbkJ77oNkscVEaY_Z3D2UrKOM-OQ6hlZH73gfH7VGngFuPSaAeHU-A60HmmWfApBfbNTQwhX-zUbDELZVyU7Ryo60QUAeTpJQZCT5BvVs2mcyg/w640-h480/IMG_8416.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I learned a lot yesterday listening to the artists, about technique, brush strokes, post-Impressionism, realism, structure, all kinds of stuff that came just from asking about flowers. You truly could spend the whole weekend there and still have more to listen and learn from. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxvZmmpL-4TzGizC23W6Wjg7z153czvCY666c-SSQZA7rAL8fbDBhCdgAspPxos4QDRON83o1j41zspanxI6WCYL1WNaWY_zMxjqLir9gQVeiP3rNnIM8Pbn03Fe5ugV_Nurq2YanjckyNd6ug2r_pO3hJc8ERMQnfZDkkQyUAeJakIG9fp6bsFpf1g/s4032/IMG_8435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxvZmmpL-4TzGizC23W6Wjg7z153czvCY666c-SSQZA7rAL8fbDBhCdgAspPxos4QDRON83o1j41zspanxI6WCYL1WNaWY_zMxjqLir9gQVeiP3rNnIM8Pbn03Fe5ugV_Nurq2YanjckyNd6ug2r_pO3hJc8ERMQnfZDkkQyUAeJakIG9fp6bsFpf1g/w480-h640/IMG_8435.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>It was so packed yesterday that we didn't really linger with any one piece, and that would be fun to do, but there's just so much ground to cover, and people to dodge.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugr5gk8joubyYldFiIgYiHV7pFf_A3EJ2XQP2BkufR_88VJdCqGpzBUyLdcFNebtARBKpBPe9guNmba-RWWKBb-rI74I6s4pWBbj0SPGt4m-4T_05IEPGasZRK4fGba9nzWWYKvFKTFevTZhE-EzGUriDZbu4VBLZbDL-qY4p3aPlmrryHQ-Rwxqh4w/s3775/IMG_8404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3775" data-original-width="2924" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugr5gk8joubyYldFiIgYiHV7pFf_A3EJ2XQP2BkufR_88VJdCqGpzBUyLdcFNebtARBKpBPe9guNmba-RWWKBb-rI74I6s4pWBbj0SPGt4m-4T_05IEPGasZRK4fGba9nzWWYKvFKTFevTZhE-EzGUriDZbu4VBLZbDL-qY4p3aPlmrryHQ-Rwxqh4w/w496-h640/IMG_8404.jpg" width="496" /></a></div> <p></p><p>We'd wait our turn to get in close for a second, then scoot away to let someone else in. This would be the one to get locked in for a night at the museum!</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBTopUdM89mEGGFdXqGYZSrFiymxnEZkkiGaXRrtpBPyodw4aLgTaIohgxYjR19sw1ScjMy-wVbRV_zFs_yDy6k_JFYqkHjxgcqN0iptkvZ67t1AIIXUoydpPDW5X8m2P7yI5NP_716RCm58XowI9OZzkAobAR1UiQnb5Zk4XUEGBsNEfhiRI3qIjGw/s4032/IMG_8419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBTopUdM89mEGGFdXqGYZSrFiymxnEZkkiGaXRrtpBPyodw4aLgTaIohgxYjR19sw1ScjMy-wVbRV_zFs_yDy6k_JFYqkHjxgcqN0iptkvZ67t1AIIXUoydpPDW5X8m2P7yI5NP_716RCm58XowI9OZzkAobAR1UiQnb5Zk4XUEGBsNEfhiRI3qIjGw/w480-h640/IMG_8419.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I LOVED this one, florally ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXhN0OHGJ0hvtRU1AeNplMnQtVBGkJJ_JWIIlkgvHuq2JmbrOxjINfZJVsX_RKjJ2ZhcKe4dUk2E-018MCWeufGUrDsJSTFyOVhTrKuBN7erEgxSTIKjMawZ7YNG_fqnMdRkTc5mHRNA1R1WDvSk1zlPMGZfcGhCtfqIbGm-7BFe77oRyvUwR4_0G6w/s4032/IMG_8450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXhN0OHGJ0hvtRU1AeNplMnQtVBGkJJ_JWIIlkgvHuq2JmbrOxjINfZJVsX_RKjJ2ZhcKe4dUk2E-018MCWeufGUrDsJSTFyOVhTrKuBN7erEgxSTIKjMawZ7YNG_fqnMdRkTc5mHRNA1R1WDvSk1zlPMGZfcGhCtfqIbGm-7BFe77oRyvUwR4_0G6w/w480-h640/IMG_8450.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> ... and then seeing what it represented just felt so joyous. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rnYs-Hkyoum8qYBr4l-0gu6PyMiRU25L4Hz7mq13IFS950amRpz-4T90Kooubm5GwcshZ6xj3bGAd1EBmnkcPVc-wqmngsnUlK9AySXUnn4wUkYIpmskgkATE2tQEypKzzxC5b-buMKhbRg5EmLrvezbO48FG4dc3K1bLxNy-biz9KUTEVzVwG8p0w/s3152/IMG_8451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3152" data-original-width="2943" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rnYs-Hkyoum8qYBr4l-0gu6PyMiRU25L4Hz7mq13IFS950amRpz-4T90Kooubm5GwcshZ6xj3bGAd1EBmnkcPVc-wqmngsnUlK9AySXUnn4wUkYIpmskgkATE2tQEypKzzxC5b-buMKhbRg5EmLrvezbO48FG4dc3K1bLxNy-biz9KUTEVzVwG8p0w/w598-h640/IMG_8451.jpg" width="598" /></a></div><p> In these rather bleak times - both weather and world-wise - flowers bursting out everywhere and the good feeling it gave everyone was very heartwarming. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlpADPFbd_tGTofIUE8UmYPTW6CHP2wcJ4AgeFelQc68LnD3kMQ4YVCpOpGArEbX5v1qzj6R6d76ng9kzLS8vrg4noxWb59aBaH8scSfuk0P9ji-qjSOlx-Z___Vc365KwveqsEKRGwZZdS7Pnp8kFA4jp9Y2XgVpz9jwMD9ukPcbENdAqdwrQZS5aw/s3658/IMG_8449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="3658" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlpADPFbd_tGTofIUE8UmYPTW6CHP2wcJ4AgeFelQc68LnD3kMQ4YVCpOpGArEbX5v1qzj6R6d76ng9kzLS8vrg4noxWb59aBaH8scSfuk0P9ji-qjSOlx-Z___Vc365KwveqsEKRGwZZdS7Pnp8kFA4jp9Y2XgVpz9jwMD9ukPcbENdAqdwrQZS5aw/w640-h528/IMG_8449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> It would be very hard to maintain a bad mood with all this beauty around. Beauty, Art, and Nature truly SAVE. It gives us HOPE. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6t5W7tvr6o00cGV3TzKF2oA_QRWHS6HWRg9t956l37wDhCCuNOlMXmp-cgjHuIvhx2ew4FE3owG5i-z2H4Zkpzyh6JJjXpPjrX_cZSPwF_N-kdtYl7sFyZVzSprD5w2eqye8DYrx2HYNHr5e3RykGIMcKD7f3ltkp6tLa8KFt-3OG23bPusfrd5VZw/s3840/IMG_8468.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6t5W7tvr6o00cGV3TzKF2oA_QRWHS6HWRg9t956l37wDhCCuNOlMXmp-cgjHuIvhx2ew4FE3owG5i-z2H4Zkpzyh6JJjXpPjrX_cZSPwF_N-kdtYl7sFyZVzSprD5w2eqye8DYrx2HYNHr5e3RykGIMcKD7f3ltkp6tLa8KFt-3OG23bPusfrd5VZw/w504-h640/IMG_8468.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><p></p><p> Look at these whimsical pink shoes! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQAxknDJX3eJTUfSqC4inTOaS2ANnx-yBtE7T3E8sexrXcXHlgbDAWYQhzCdZ4ELibg3tKn8ijqPFC0xCXYmZpqgifn78RzomkgzpPhMNKGJnwPUwtO2SoaooFIUrv1c16I72JRTjbXg9Cgsrl3JTWAwJVfPXy9jqilb2jg00bQRx2HtrZjZc8uQo0Q/s4032/IMG_8467.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQAxknDJX3eJTUfSqC4inTOaS2ANnx-yBtE7T3E8sexrXcXHlgbDAWYQhzCdZ4ELibg3tKn8ijqPFC0xCXYmZpqgifn78RzomkgzpPhMNKGJnwPUwtO2SoaooFIUrv1c16I72JRTjbXg9Cgsrl3JTWAwJVfPXy9jqilb2jg00bQRx2HtrZjZc8uQo0Q/w480-h640/IMG_8467.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Look at the Frank Lloyd Wright hallway piece! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf2xnXWhizT2M6vNhvQzzf5FLy_v-ZpYhxLhkxFbRBW1jsXnQnraeZY3kg-zL_exaNlgoMT5tOlEeOnkPdQB2D67sFZUgL3P-kbPLdsAvHcEtfC985WmQn27LCGgBXb-TiqCM7STuYVZ2RO4j1nfXm9QaxtQNfTy8gvmscdGuQMa7_ZUjojJ-HyneVA/s4022/IMG_8415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="4022" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf2xnXWhizT2M6vNhvQzzf5FLy_v-ZpYhxLhkxFbRBW1jsXnQnraeZY3kg-zL_exaNlgoMT5tOlEeOnkPdQB2D67sFZUgL3P-kbPLdsAvHcEtfC985WmQn27LCGgBXb-TiqCM7STuYVZ2RO4j1nfXm9QaxtQNfTy8gvmscdGuQMa7_ZUjojJ-HyneVA/w640-h454/IMG_8415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Look how they did her black stockings! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoWAzgBw0k_Yxz6XLd63_7gtBRlv3Zx6RxhDrHSzAyLmBWnFFfY91IfN3OYdUnp6F4_DeIOvNw5-36huXEhop0s-S5uLWe6b08cEttYg9ucCkMx5kr0efPuF_tL4jCklVIIbQVv3aGLYnglbROrahf83iTV6trlD_FQcx61AiblQhwvixCve3hhxuow/s4032/IMG_8442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoWAzgBw0k_Yxz6XLd63_7gtBRlv3Zx6RxhDrHSzAyLmBWnFFfY91IfN3OYdUnp6F4_DeIOvNw5-36huXEhop0s-S5uLWe6b08cEttYg9ucCkMx5kr0efPuF_tL4jCklVIIbQVv3aGLYnglbROrahf83iTV6trlD_FQcx61AiblQhwvixCve3hhxuow/w480-h640/IMG_8442.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Look how good this coat is!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzeoXk_PcvQbFQWEX2xEG3mllwp9UH9DF1vA5iL1gGqnt1rd1movES35_bYUEtMhMMh0Q4AIfpeuhJKHeitIHjPiEjebG7xl45SMi7PEoK2soRSt-kd147_G4Eu-JlwpkYPtp3H8dLgZL7lorHgQr8Cx-UybvHHy96V7xExQrG2rqSKFLQZrwQwIobA/s3595/IMG_8465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3595" data-original-width="2888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzeoXk_PcvQbFQWEX2xEG3mllwp9UH9DF1vA5iL1gGqnt1rd1movES35_bYUEtMhMMh0Q4AIfpeuhJKHeitIHjPiEjebG7xl45SMi7PEoK2soRSt-kd147_G4Eu-JlwpkYPtp3H8dLgZL7lorHgQr8Cx-UybvHHy96V7xExQrG2rqSKFLQZrwQwIobA/w514-h640/IMG_8465.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p> Oh wow, look how they represented this nude woman!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj-2zZEk3lmDhRxeQ9ydN8qrwb4iEODCIXCi7Tfyc9i-LD-17b6N1BBBIqZvYqWG26wr2a5T8Fx51sDC4nXSZEmAy9usAQtZqzAlq4LsRMxitxDPK5a_Eumx_FFMStfVG-iKLgdNHd0kwT_7-_nPlUIgupJjfM37Qh3uwFTFjSfvMSIR5vgE0Wl1JvA/s4032/IMG_8445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj-2zZEk3lmDhRxeQ9ydN8qrwb4iEODCIXCi7Tfyc9i-LD-17b6N1BBBIqZvYqWG26wr2a5T8Fx51sDC4nXSZEmAy9usAQtZqzAlq4LsRMxitxDPK5a_Eumx_FFMStfVG-iKLgdNHd0kwT_7-_nPlUIgupJjfM37Qh3uwFTFjSfvMSIR5vgE0Wl1JvA/w480-h640/IMG_8445.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Mom, check out this chair one! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbRUJ1Fj8t5cbZVFl6GglQxJgUd42fUMbOU5kYx21T--rKCtyDr2TZ5m_jau2u8jcH0S5BDS3fqOYBd2uMuk8JfpV11m13Qs_FzvEbJXX1d1w17U2CGf51HCdDtcqdEmfSNXjtaBlACAN3g8d015PvXowD_8xoAGP6c6JX5e8Ie28eRxsQxhBZSZjkg/s3491/IMG_8443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3491" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbRUJ1Fj8t5cbZVFl6GglQxJgUd42fUMbOU5kYx21T--rKCtyDr2TZ5m_jau2u8jcH0S5BDS3fqOYBd2uMuk8JfpV11m13Qs_FzvEbJXX1d1w17U2CGf51HCdDtcqdEmfSNXjtaBlACAN3g8d015PvXowD_8xoAGP6c6JX5e8Ie28eRxsQxhBZSZjkg/w554-h640/IMG_8443.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><p> Look how this one is exactly the painting! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1voj3NVyJB4rwRrSfrLIEQiPhXnMQnDR0WogJ4gqHmvFP7I2e_2eqXb1wsuRbZuyXdmW0yIClgmzig4VTXwDvT-CxaRJajgQRt-t9-BK5qzyrYeTtWZRg9oUlMIoWTumgYKrPtkNwxCm6TG94avNkWAcBMjcjmlpCwDD3fcmZSiy-tdofb5C8985XnQ/s4032/IMG_8439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1voj3NVyJB4rwRrSfrLIEQiPhXnMQnDR0WogJ4gqHmvFP7I2e_2eqXb1wsuRbZuyXdmW0yIClgmzig4VTXwDvT-CxaRJajgQRt-t9-BK5qzyrYeTtWZRg9oUlMIoWTumgYKrPtkNwxCm6TG94avNkWAcBMjcjmlpCwDD3fcmZSiy-tdofb5C8985XnQ/w480-h640/IMG_8439.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I love how the flowers match his jacket! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgEWT8dog8PaOczqvn_9KVeVI0EGiYioGLs6C9BNHSG9f5_y4yUVrxbZlUXdUEwLzXjv72_sAva_rsnWXYIMMbqF_BD2ARKwSIbmerDVcmkxBh-HFQlJjzG7qQMJbe9Ll1W2liHVEN8qgTSl-bPq7L7M7Ng4EyhogptJ5oIYuF6L1k892y9eczzmMRw/s4032/IMG_8429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgEWT8dog8PaOczqvn_9KVeVI0EGiYioGLs6C9BNHSG9f5_y4yUVrxbZlUXdUEwLzXjv72_sAva_rsnWXYIMMbqF_BD2ARKwSIbmerDVcmkxBh-HFQlJjzG7qQMJbe9Ll1W2liHVEN8qgTSl-bPq7L7M7Ng4EyhogptJ5oIYuF6L1k892y9eczzmMRw/w480-h640/IMG_8429.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Oh, I want to crawl inside this one and live here forever! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsN-zbYDkjXtdC7mrXgZL85lGxC6uHV4tlmY_DuSvOnJQ46QqWgofIK0R8UJc_ql1ZDR1S5aKlif1RagECnYxE2xCkOrnaMtJj_PbBfPZuweFUhRFB3giIzw2PlqIldoTvc6mLTl6G7rVNx4Qw9nq7azA6-EMXhYE8MkfXqulpdf1YIV5oV6IzJDYnA/s4032/IMG_8428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsN-zbYDkjXtdC7mrXgZL85lGxC6uHV4tlmY_DuSvOnJQ46QqWgofIK0R8UJc_ql1ZDR1S5aKlif1RagECnYxE2xCkOrnaMtJj_PbBfPZuweFUhRFB3giIzw2PlqIldoTvc6mLTl6G7rVNx4Qw9nq7azA6-EMXhYE8MkfXqulpdf1YIV5oV6IzJDYnA/w480-h640/IMG_8428.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>The above was pretty much a verbatim recording of me enthusing about everything yesterday. We truly enjoyed it so much, and hope that as many people as possible will be able to get to MIA this weekend. It's supposed to rain all weekend, so I can't think of a more perfect way to go cheer yourself up and give the gift of this beauty to your soul. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1aPM8Pm79kouAG0Yne1WGIJ7vR_tidhW9SMGEbvLX8jXuiNT-kQLA9DNhfKm0HC9827-9KSfp1HCrUpbwYbK6dxGBWmF99D34bBcuQrGbdCumiogyGpESOF-s47q7g46z6HXOPqeOPKzBIiKhyH2iEb3lnALZ17J8RzMbkSq0iPGjwLGtAFvFk-LzQ/s4032/IMG_8481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1aPM8Pm79kouAG0Yne1WGIJ7vR_tidhW9SMGEbvLX8jXuiNT-kQLA9DNhfKm0HC9827-9KSfp1HCrUpbwYbK6dxGBWmF99D34bBcuQrGbdCumiogyGpESOF-s47q7g46z6HXOPqeOPKzBIiKhyH2iEb3lnALZ17J8RzMbkSq0iPGjwLGtAFvFk-LzQ/w480-h640/IMG_8481.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Thank you to MIA and all of the artists involved, both with their work in the museum collection and the artists who worked with flowers. You truly lifted our spirits ... and what is better than that? I'm going to bring in Yeats (snippets from <i>Ode on a Grecian Urn</i>) to explain the feeling of this beautiful show ...</p><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"> <i>"Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed<br /></i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i>
Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu;<br /></i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i>
And, happy melodist, unwearied,<br /></i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i>
For ever piping songs for ever new;<br /></i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i>
More happy love! more happy, happy love!<br /></i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i>
For ever warm and still to be enjoy'd</i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i>For every (painting), and for ever young; </i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i>"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all<br />
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."</i></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnrQyFbYBjLPlycFCdFrOfZ4BQXVox9K7N06GiOfyHdQl5i8yetRxlCTyCKmMP4jtcO0BWN_-ef4g4A10Aj-9GRBTXCi3_ZNsAnJq2i_G50VkZYAolg6Iaghh-9bY4yPUinFChd-SI7WwRLs2XpjAhgQLEZ3emrKMhpq0NtGLouI7bUs4iQv4yICwow/s4032/IMG_8458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnrQyFbYBjLPlycFCdFrOfZ4BQXVox9K7N06GiOfyHdQl5i8yetRxlCTyCKmMP4jtcO0BWN_-ef4g4A10Aj-9GRBTXCi3_ZNsAnJq2i_G50VkZYAolg6Iaghh-9bY4yPUinFChd-SI7WwRLs2XpjAhgQLEZ3emrKMhpq0NtGLouI7bUs4iQv4yICwow/w480-h640/IMG_8458.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><b> </b></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><b> Art in Bloom is on now through this Sunday at MIA.</b><i><br /></i></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL4rpDZEsMP-bgXBR2EuA_sFoTzxzfqlfrDOud7D5MCaQyNiUzN2eDvw3DZ8PBfN0wt1FlSwr3pwMl6sCeVxNWE0L2NuLgXJZs9wo0BVVeW7lPXFG99Jgt_QbS2Csrh-TnhO-TF89jgpBqlufp6BdVxI_ffP70caORmXRoggYqEYlxDectKAnCohIjQ/s3024/IMG_8447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rnYs-Hkyoum8qYBr4l-0gu6PyMiRU25L4Hz7mq13IFS950amRpz-4T90Kooubm5GwcshZ6xj3bGAd1EBmnkcPVc-wqmngsnUlK9AySXUnn4wUkYIpmskgkATE2tQEypKzzxC5b-buMKhbRg5EmLrvezbO48FG4dc3K1bLxNy-biz9KUTEVzVwG8p0w/s3152/IMG_8451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv0SBWWHPcd2vbheyfTtoRoMYMmgdjHd6bZzNxtFLjV-cU_J3uLKGND2ACn0aWsmytKZNE6YkWVfNnA8vRMFjJeh7fhj7bDynOjH0AcLtVX4X0UagSsq-cy-XKM5CQ112Sy9D8WSvDpakkx8jnc5zpixVRfkjoKpF9sewNxLohwCqnoKBjGk00lctPw/s4032/IMG_8455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jC5F48ueRYsh_EwmnWLyWAtN7D-aGXTtKasDGcF4VLybnX-cq8f1ssMZ7ngcUBSI5lwB6VHv_BKvLGt8NYcMy24Ro-K_dtDXd43YXDYj_vRK60ccgsueBLm2N_jUghWLC-fEsrsQu58T92Us9qKTD5Kvmnme2FWpjiPGQztWNeOCi0f_zt9BhyddtQ/s4032/IMG_8460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQAxknDJX3eJTUfSqC4inTOaS2ANnx-yBtE7T3E8sexrXcXHlgbDAWYQhzCdZ4ELibg3tKn8ijqPFC0xCXYmZpqgifn78RzomkgzpPhMNKGJnwPUwtO2SoaooFIUrv1c16I72JRTjbXg9Cgsrl3JTWAwJVfPXy9jqilb2jg00bQRx2HtrZjZc8uQo0Q/s4032/IMG_8467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUtFh0vdAi0Mub_v_f7kyQYrz6Egj66I-VrsKQL_WxKVOOW28wE-s0To4KhH2BnqL587K5mEaAc_KVQJeF6WT0pr93kFXVhM-XwpdgfncaFgLvi23OMiFC2I1Zh3hVTi9MNkZFMBWJ9_6IiwCDnTUBU1RQvJBo7rwHxFsqShvcfmlsB-o-SepHFlx3g/s4032/IMG_8475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hxonlqTYcpPRCW0TXzpgtAgOSqZrIdS87R1db4C48Qdu5xYDQYoRoKapc0CGYNOhwyzWUkwCTUshCSqnTqKHpTFw2cyhYYsVyjK0Q1wwLVhbcEyJdLmLSkyFgrmq_bx7uIUUsiLdW0yDZzV9wq9OP5JcMu524cioXEF2gVOhHctpqOdhyQP7hO7U5g/s4032/IMG_8481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-28293809849182234562022-03-07T12:13:00.005-08:002022-03-07T13:06:41.615-08:00Meet and Celebrate the Women of Venice at The Venice West!<p>Tomorrow is International Women's Day (but isn't it every day, really?), and March is Women's History Month. Thus, it's high time we officially celebrate the badass women of Venice with a proper gathering. When I zoomed into town last October for the world premiere of our film <i><a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2021/11/unzipped-autopsy-of-american-inequality.html" target="_blank">UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality</a>, </i>it was such a quick trip that I didn't get to see all of my favorites, so for my last night I just asked a bunch of ladies to meet me, as I didn't have time to see everyone separately. It was jaw dropping that some of the best of the best Venice ladies had never met each other before, because real Venice isn't all that big. One of the great ones, Kaycee Smith, was there that night, and it planted a seed that is sprouting right now, with an event this Wednesday, March 9th at The Venice West! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgisL6tHBSEYS6_khjuMh_5e2pUyQX0cJQWtmtiwo0EkDb4yAcofL7jn2L6gXhQrut9X_3da4Pcgk0g4Cj98hy6RPu3njX9aWpzlS4bkkIlNYaoa4OOVZPIwOG-nfPPUyNx5NMoKXjm5LBml0zi5Y_MKtyrhWMVerzR5v4coV9U1eEoZR1FdDAKn0QsUg=s1081" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1081" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgisL6tHBSEYS6_khjuMh_5e2pUyQX0cJQWtmtiwo0EkDb4yAcofL7jn2L6gXhQrut9X_3da4Pcgk0g4Cj98hy6RPu3njX9aWpzlS4bkkIlNYaoa4OOVZPIwOG-nfPPUyNx5NMoKXjm5LBml0zi5Y_MKtyrhWMVerzR5v4coV9U1eEoZR1FdDAKn0QsUg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><p> So many Venice women are doing so many cool things and running so many unique and creative businesses, so this shindig is to introduce you all to each other and realize the massive power behind women supporting other women ... plus it will be super fun, with a happy hour mixer from 5-8 pm (bring those biz cards!), and a night of music from 8-12 with an all-female lineup. <a href="https://www.aloharadioband.com/" target="_blank">Aloha Radio</a> kick off the music at 8 pm, followed by <a href="https://www.kathallmusic.com/" target="_blank">Kat Hall</a>, <a href="http://beebsmusic.com/" target="_blank">Beebs</a> (with her backing band made up of basically Fishbone), and my special homegirl <a href="http://www.laceycowden.com/" target="_blank">Lacey Kay</a> (who was also there that autumn night) and The Calamity will wrap up this excellent night of lady jams. I mean, Get DOWN! The evening will be emceed by Megan Holiday from KROQ, (who herself has been super active in supporting others in their addictions), and House of Jupiter (PR Firm) and Flying Embers (kombucha!) and the great <a href="https://www.beachlifefestival.com/" target="_blank">Beachlife Festival</a> are helping out with sponsorships. <br /></p><p>"When women are nice to each other, we can get so much done," explained Smith when telling me about the thinking behind this event. "I know a lot of badass women, and I wouldn't be where I'm at in my life without the help of other women." I would wager that's true for just about everyone. These have been hard times the last couple of years, and many have been isolated and lonely. There may be new transplants that have moved into town during the pandemic and haven't been able to meet the incredible women of the Venice Community yet. Well, this is your chance - and even if you've been in Venice all of your life, I promise that there's some real gems that you still don't know. </p><p>Aside from the music, fun, and promise of meeting fantastic women, there will be live painting by Jen LaVita and Erica Lane reading her poetry. The first 20 gals in attendance will get a swag bag and there will also be new headshots taken for the first 20 ladies to finally update their Linked In pages with! Incentive to get their on the early side, for sure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivciH5dkpeENMak-AZ20ArNe35heF4yu2C7n3-mBJhcWxI5gECzgF6wlCMsf0U0BzlPH06pYG3v6euR3Q4ztW_FBUgr7TANDpxCPx3UumZsv4g5axVD93RWBUhuWSvKBOcsgoJ9LNsaNLz7OxbEEvWOaadlGypu1Vx1R-cyPA6OakPvRA4iB3Y0W1miQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivciH5dkpeENMak-AZ20ArNe35heF4yu2C7n3-mBJhcWxI5gECzgF6wlCMsf0U0BzlPH06pYG3v6euR3Q4ztW_FBUgr7TANDpxCPx3UumZsv4g5axVD93RWBUhuWSvKBOcsgoJ9LNsaNLz7OxbEEvWOaadlGypu1Vx1R-cyPA6OakPvRA4iB3Y0W1miQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><p> The hope is that this mixer will be such a soaring success that the ladies will take over The Venice West for quarterly nights like these, and the always local Westside Wednesdays will feature all female bands for the entire Women's History Month of March. That, plus the mix and match happy hour (cocktail and an appetizer for $15!) make this the spot I know I'd be this month if I could be. But I can't be, because I'm still in Minnesota supporting women (my Mom). It pains me that I can't be at this first mixer with all my fun female Venice friends, but I know that a community of women supporting, inspiring, encouraging, networking, and even finding jobs for each other can only make Venice - and the entire world - even cooler. </p><p>Have a blast, Ladies, and I'll hope to catch you at the next one! (Oh, and guys can come too ... just know that the night is all about Wonder Women).<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://thevenicewest.com/" target="_blank">The Venice West</a> </p><p>1717 Lincoln Blvd. </p><p>Venice <br /></p><br /><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-16398384579004680132021-12-01T10:58:00.002-08:002021-12-01T10:58:19.221-08:00The Green House Smoke Shop - Gone, But Never Forgotten<p> I can't believe I have to write this, but the beloved Green House Smoke Shop on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California is gone. GONE. Yep. Another victim of gentrification, the long standing purveyor of all smoking needs and community catch ups has shut its doors, leaving a massive hole in the hearts of so many old school Venetians. The landlord decided to cash in on their building, gave them a 60 day notice, and Green House owners Bunny Lua and Sandor Caplan found themselves having to pack up everything in order to close up shop on what has been nearly their entire existence the past two decades. The Green House was one of the last cool Mom and Pop shops on the boulevard, and now it's pretty much down to Abbot's Pizza, The Brig, and Burro. It's so sad, it really does feel like yet another death in the Venice family. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2CCCfz0YBMiITPQsaigptzCm7A1l5BiLoonioFrXNilNMQQNgcmtzdWjX2dzbkz9N_u96pLdOi6zb5AFDvr-7mL1V82wAQHPyeJZJnjThrHevThI3pZLSh8d_nrAlwUOG5k6IReXnz0r/s2048/IMG_6238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2CCCfz0YBMiITPQsaigptzCm7A1l5BiLoonioFrXNilNMQQNgcmtzdWjX2dzbkz9N_u96pLdOi6zb5AFDvr-7mL1V82wAQHPyeJZJnjThrHevThI3pZLSh8d_nrAlwUOG5k6IReXnz0r/w480-h640/IMG_6238.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I've written about the <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2009/12/green-house.html" target="_blank">Green House in the past</a>, but I would never be prepared to write about it not being there. I wrote about <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2014/03/bunny-lua-green-house-goddess.html" target="_blank">Bunny in the past for Women's Day</a> in Venice, too, but when I talked to her about her shop closing, we were both real emotional about it - for good reason. The Green House was not just a store, but a hub of the community, where you might not need anything to smoke that day, but you would stop in anyway, to catch up with your friends and hear about what was the latest in the neighborhood. I have spent hours on the couch behind the counter talking with Bunny, and saw first hand just how much this place meant to so many. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHxxvQYYsmCKxjW7IYJphS9xKwNU5O7eaXmdCUsnxadCPNul-yPfbGKuU08F3j-2DG7IQM5s7B_owLrCeu122ahNXXPm8hNTa5oVM_4zzOUti2XaRhJyzJO9w4UwWlGMGECraJc6AkqDc/s2048/IMG_6241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1925" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHxxvQYYsmCKxjW7IYJphS9xKwNU5O7eaXmdCUsnxadCPNul-yPfbGKuU08F3j-2DG7IQM5s7B_owLrCeu122ahNXXPm8hNTa5oVM_4zzOUti2XaRhJyzJO9w4UwWlGMGECraJc6AkqDc/w602-h640/IMG_6241.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><p> Having survived the worst part of the Covid pandemic (so far), even though they were considered "non-essential" (and many would argue with that distinction), it was an especially hard gut-punch to be told that they had to clear out 20 years of Smoke Shop history, all while having no idea of what they were to do next. The Green House is quintessentially Venice, so relocating is a challenge ... plus they need time to grieve what was a true and deep loss in this community. </p><p>As they had to be out pretty quickly, the Green House closed up shop without much fanfare. Longtime customers had no idea - and might still not know - that their go-to on Abbot Kinney was now gone. Empty. The stories and memories of a crucial Venice generation are now just that. Memories. Great ones. </p><p>Bunny, Sandor, and their son, Leaf, as well as their extended family members are so dear to me, I have always considered them my Venice Ohana. The first memory I have of Leaf is of him banging on a conga drum at out annual 4/20 Sponto Croquet Tournament when he was just a little toddler. I painted his face with little leaves, and adored him ever since. Leaf would have little sales of his toys (I still have a Smurf!) on the sidewalk in front of the shop, and then when he got bigger (a LOT bigger, he's way taller than me now), he would practice his basketball moves on a hoop Sandor installed in front. Everyone on the block knew and loved Leaf, and he truly grew up inside that little shop. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjb5EdFGO_xTwIUpNMN3evmbFfwC8QC1fyrHnvnpeIFxJrL-oC3-ZfW_ofM0Gtp5zpgvrOeE69S_D3UOxtZw-fkNwRJZ1TeMDQ04C22XzRep_kb_pLfQtSIgWG44MAaxxzhyphenhyphenXR-blPkpu/s640/thumbnail-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjb5EdFGO_xTwIUpNMN3evmbFfwC8QC1fyrHnvnpeIFxJrL-oC3-ZfW_ofM0Gtp5zpgvrOeE69S_D3UOxtZw-fkNwRJZ1TeMDQ04C22XzRep_kb_pLfQtSIgWG44MAaxxzhyphenhyphenXR-blPkpu/w480-h640/thumbnail-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Bunny's dad tended to a slew of plants and succulents in the yard of the shop, and that was one of the saddest things to me ... seeing them all cleared out and gone. So much vibrancy, so much life, so many good vibes ... all just gone. For what? Caplan told me so many locals had told him over the years that if it wasn't for the Green House, they would never go to the Abbot Kinney anymore. When you take all the character out of a place, what's the point of going there? Everywhere has mall shops. And we don't like malls. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnM3b1RVMRN5rajiJx9C_01R06rA4X4dPGSv66eWSZhwzUe34RPqq0TWJ18rNv2dbLz5I1XJ_C1PQrRDSxcxesO03cBpkUK8lswGtwPp-dJO2Q-b3UgxepIVwtGy4ePVSpkLnQfWBTYlr/s320/IMG_1914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnM3b1RVMRN5rajiJx9C_01R06rA4X4dPGSv66eWSZhwzUe34RPqq0TWJ18rNv2dbLz5I1XJ_C1PQrRDSxcxesO03cBpkUK8lswGtwPp-dJO2Q-b3UgxepIVwtGy4ePVSpkLnQfWBTYlr/w640-h480/IMG_1914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> They chose Abbot Kinney for their shop because the rent was cheap (!), as the block was as ghost town in those days - I honestly can recall a tumbleweed blowing down the road! Abbot Kinney (Formerly West Washington!) ran through the heart of town, was a main street for locals, and far enough away from the Boardwalk that they catered more to people who lived here than to the tourist crowd. Oh, how things very quickly changed. Green House never advertised - they didn't have to. It was all friends and word of mouth customers who quickly became friends. "To many, the shop stood as the last beacon of the true Venice, the Venice they remembered and fell in love with when they first arrived, and the Shop was locked in that time. It was so familiar, it made you feel at home - always the same, but a little different - when you came back years later," explained Caplan in what I think is a perfect summation of why the Green House was so special to so many. It encapsulated a moment in time in Venice ... a time that I think most will agree was way better.</p><p>The main thing both Lua and Caplan wanted to express was their deep gratitude for all the wonderful years of business, and all their friendships that were made. In the shop's last days, those who knew they were closing came in to thank THEM - showing just how crucial they were to so many's Venice experience. Those customers taught them things, and vice-versa. They supported the Green House, and in turn, the Green House supported so many Venice entities, from the Abbot Kinney Festival to getting new trashcans put in on the boulevard, to sometimes just listening to a friend cry on their shoulders (me). It doesn't even seem real to me that the next time I stroll down Abbot Kinney, I won't be able to pop into the Green House to see my dear, dear friends. And that SUCKS.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhEUT2RkLKZEgebA4NCZztMqEH6FNY97jOE7-0zsLByLvLxGT9lbtsd6e7Qk5fmngrML7pifUqVTDFFDhDFxr1tXbv1I1d3CnYQxLUFLZShm1iAZpQ8_sbF70TimNPEp3MWXxhgRWA1qf/s320/IMG_1939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhEUT2RkLKZEgebA4NCZztMqEH6FNY97jOE7-0zsLByLvLxGT9lbtsd6e7Qk5fmngrML7pifUqVTDFFDhDFxr1tXbv1I1d3CnYQxLUFLZShm1iAZpQ8_sbF70TimNPEp3MWXxhgRWA1qf/w480-h640/IMG_1939.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> We all know things change and blah blah, but this one is real tough to swallow. Things are still a bit up in the air as this is all pretty new, but Lua has a CBD business she's getting off the ground called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vertbiotic/" target="_blank">Vertbiotic</a>, which you can follow on Instagram until there is a proper launch. (You can also keep in touch with the Green House family on Instagram. If you have any smoke needs or just want to know what they're up to, or would like to offer them your own thanks, you can DM them at Greenhousesmokeshopvenice on IG, or at Facebook.com/GreenHouseVenice) I know that Vertbiotic will be a great business endeavor for Bunny, but still ... it sure won't be the same as dropping in to the good old Green House to catch on up with the news of the day. Those days are now gone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58W5Xj0Zwes60aNetKTv_z9W-hL_oQIJVnWCMMyibe5PYF4oaSTlLNl1x1tslluS5FFZQFj67VCrGhBdewpHhkC6oR1_EV8etINl7DkSLsNQzfLiuczKmn0Gsj8SkaYaed6cxJtsSar9a/s2048/IMG_6240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58W5Xj0Zwes60aNetKTv_z9W-hL_oQIJVnWCMMyibe5PYF4oaSTlLNl1x1tslluS5FFZQFj67VCrGhBdewpHhkC6oR1_EV8etINl7DkSLsNQzfLiuczKmn0Gsj8SkaYaed6cxJtsSar9a/w480-h640/IMG_6240.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I'd like to offer my own deep thanks and gratitude to Bunny, Sandor, and Leaf. For the visits, the support, the pipes, the news, the laughs, the copies of Vice I would pick up there, the hugs ... but most importantly, for the years of friendship and memories that will be guaranteed to bring a smile to my face for the rest of my life. THANK YOU, FRIENDS! And Cheers to you for creating something special that will live on in the hearts of all the Venice locals who loved you for so long. WE LOVED YOU, GREEN HOUSE SMOKE SHOP! ALWAYS. </p><p> </p><p>IG: GreenHouseSmokeShopVenice</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenHouseVenice <br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-40412266300836338222021-11-03T10:45:00.001-07:002021-11-03T10:46:13.854-07:00Unzipped: An Autopsy of American Inequality Has Its World Festival Premiere In Newport Beach - And Wins!<p>The journey to bring our feature documentary <i>UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality</i> to the big screen kicked off on October 24th, 2021 at the Newport Beach Film Festival. This is just the beginning of our larger mission to catalyze debate, awareness, and action around the already massive - and growing - affordable housing (and humanity) crisis in the United States and around the globe with this film.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5NwSlYhTjxMvbU7_HM1dOVVB_v_RSd4a_mlwXhruedUwvdiQwkfzY2lzUN8JyCCQbKjGEJy15-rnW-GOHkXdlB5W44H5yusPodbSMpXPOTAjc883-fOHeDHv0Dnhlu_kip-QkBmF1Fhp/s1527/thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5NwSlYhTjxMvbU7_HM1dOVVB_v_RSd4a_mlwXhruedUwvdiQwkfzY2lzUN8JyCCQbKjGEJy15-rnW-GOHkXdlB5W44H5yusPodbSMpXPOTAjc883-fOHeDHv0Dnhlu_kip-QkBmF1Fhp/w452-h640/thumbnail.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><p> When we set out to make <i>UNZIPPED</i> in 2018, we could never have predicted how much the world would change with the Covid-19 pandemic as we were filming ... or how much worse the affordable housing crisis was going to get. We who have lived and loved in our beautiful home of Venice, California (an "INTENTIONAL Beach community of color" - Naomi Nightingale, as quoted in the film) have been watching the outrageous and growing income inequality and lack of affordable housing (THE issues of our time, along with the climate CRISIS - which are all related) push our friends and neighbors out of their homes for years, all while gentrification continues to demolish the very soul of our town in real time. This isn't new. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol4iEzuYIxPN9bo-8JkN8rxlUMlKfHsZmlb2i2LlhTob0iPzTRsLzR8dFwAquHQGpgPlyt7IIBp6S4yuRSVRPxX5l6fCvg-lYpUaDWk-QJ4ao6mMUPp0RyeZbF1mDHX3qZLQ12NDBgqXM/s2048/IMG_6348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol4iEzuYIxPN9bo-8JkN8rxlUMlKfHsZmlb2i2LlhTob0iPzTRsLzR8dFwAquHQGpgPlyt7IIBp6S4yuRSVRPxX5l6fCvg-lYpUaDWk-QJ4ao6mMUPp0RyeZbF1mDHX3qZLQ12NDBgqXM/w640-h422/IMG_6348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> <i>UNZIPPED</i> follows the artists and stakeholders of Venice as they struggle to remain both housed and committed to their art, and to their/our community. We interviewed those on all sides who have been impacted by lack of affordable housing, homelessness, and rapid gentrification in our neighborhood. The overwhelming realization upon finally watching the finished film all unfold on the screen is that no matter what, we are all connected. All of us. We are ALL affected by the heartbreaking situation of families living outside on the streets, of people being evicted from their homes, of people struggling to remain in their community - and we can all do far better. We are one human family, and though some in our family are sorely lacking in empathy, it doesn't change that absolute fact. </p><p>A fantastic crowd from Venice made the trip down to Newport Beach to see all of our hard work manifest into something beautiful there in the darkened theater of the NBFF. It was a joy to see all of the familiar faces, as well as most of the cast and crew of our movie, led by writer/director, Colin K. Gray. If you have lived in Venice for any amount of time in recent years, you will recognize many people in it, as we filmed in and around Venice for the last three years (including over 55 shoot days, 80+ interviews, and hundreds of hours of footage). It is a very heated issue, and that comes across in the film. We tried to give voice to the different opinions on these staggeringly complex issues - in search of actual, positive solutions - so that maybe Venice, CA. 90291 can be more than just a cautionary tale of how NOT to let byzantine zoning laws, developers, and divisive rhetoric run roughshod over a town, and possibly find a way to maintain the beauty of its character. There is still time. Time to remember - and honor - that Venice is the PEOPLE'S beach.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzV9w5caUYgeSoELxzPz-nhzl9IwYVosZ4T_T9I-D88aHpVJt0Rts5OXJrVddN06t-v5KiSWSx2rKKmWs3Rl5PLlmpNpuBd_aGNWZ9riJVrXXnuKQOtSEwXXLjs16nD7nHR1uFc21TgKdw/s1440/B6F96388-423F-4C2D-9BB5-F792E0207EF5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1440" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzV9w5caUYgeSoELxzPz-nhzl9IwYVosZ4T_T9I-D88aHpVJt0Rts5OXJrVddN06t-v5KiSWSx2rKKmWs3Rl5PLlmpNpuBd_aGNWZ9riJVrXXnuKQOtSEwXXLjs16nD7nHR1uFc21TgKdw/w640-h440/B6F96388-423F-4C2D-9BB5-F792E0207EF5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Venice is one of the most vibrant and exciting places in the world, with a rich history of pop culture forming within its boundaries. Art, music, surf, skating, style, writers, and eccentrics all combined to be the creative vortex we were all drawn to. I truly believe that will never fully change, but landlords and corporations and just plain greed are trying their very best to wring the cool out of it. Well, we're not having it. Hence, this film. Hence, all the organizations and good people rallying around it to make things a little more righteous ... a hopefully a little more just, equitable, and compassionate going forward. To that end, we filmmakers have teamed up with The Illumination Foundation, an O.C. based homeless advocacy organization, as well as the co-host of our NBFF premiere. <span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;">We will also be rolling out a </span><span class="yiv9322030266"><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;">comprehensive
social impact campaign along side the film release - #RaiseTheRoof -
which will support other local and national affordable housing
initiatives. We will also be donating 10% of the film’s proceeds to
leading organizations active in the affordable housing,
anti-displacement and homelessness spaces</span></span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;">. </span></p><p>We're also excited to announce Cargo Film and Releasing will now be representing <i>UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality</i> for both domestic and foreign sales, as we all know that this issue has reached global proportions. <span class="yiv9322030266"><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;">Lack of affordable housing is a truly global crisis with over 1.6 billion people living in sub-standard housing. <i class="yiv9322030266"> UNZIPPED</i> is a deliberately local lens on this growing national and global issue and we’re excited </span></span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="yiv9322030266"><span class="yiv9322030266">for it now to be shared with a worldwide audience</span></span>. We're</span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: new times, serif; font-size: 16px;"> also thrilled to announce that</span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;"> Lucy Liu </span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: new times, serif; font-size: 16px;">recently </span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;">came on board as </span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: new times, serif; font-size: 16px;">one of our</span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;"> Executive
Producer</span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: new times, serif; font-size: 16px;">s</span><span class="yiv9322030266" style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: small;">,</span> and that the incredible rap duo Run The Jewels has graciously allowed us to use their music for our opening and closing tracks ("A Report to the Shareholders/Kill Your Masters" and "Sea Legs", respectively)! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA-zg2Q3lKt2wkDT9_JM3Oj5N915MX2DFXq2dCwgJTLAF6d46gumgvK8bhlZUVRiBm6zFVHKBKISExxv-67H5_mt2SuS1j3O3E14hTpW2iOJ5QpIpBQv7IC1n95rLCpmYdnqhUREFMjUr/s827/IMG_6210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="827" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA-zg2Q3lKt2wkDT9_JM3Oj5N915MX2DFXq2dCwgJTLAF6d46gumgvK8bhlZUVRiBm6zFVHKBKISExxv-67H5_mt2SuS1j3O3E14hTpW2iOJ5QpIpBQv7IC1n95rLCpmYdnqhUREFMjUr/w640-h576/IMG_6210.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>It was so wonderful and emotional to see it all come together in such a heartfelt and beautiful way at NBFF after the eye-opening journey of working on this film. I really hope everyone will embrace our film, and I also really think it can help. The key way to gain progress on any issue is opening up the discussion, and our film is both a provocative and intimate starting point. Once communicating openly, we as a nation can begin to both heal and advance our causes in a humanitarian way. And we MUST. </p><p>After the applause died down, and the tears were wiped away, we all assembled at a restaurant nearby to celebrate and catch up, as many of us had not seen each other throughout the pandemic (it was the first indoor movie for many!). The overwhelming feeling was not one of despair, but of hope. Hope that there is still time for America to fulfill its true destiny, as a nation by and FOR the PEOPLE. A nation that cares about ALL of its citizens, including the marginalized, and not just the ones with money. <i>UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality</i> holds a mirror up to our country's collective face - and right now, it's actually kind of ugly and in need of a total makeover. We have the means, we just need the will. Our planet and its People are dying in front of our eyes. It doesn't have to be this way. We can do better. We must do better. We WILL do better. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAAPVVVn9z-EL5DZq8DU4EMGkh8jvkpd4Wpb-MRAuXpoHq22SMETjsY86JjQE2puaVdnaArDJrXNcU8gBotuPA2SiYNRqxkmRUTO7HJ0bnL11n0fxH8ueQb5yOelfh59a6vEtaBY-LUkS/s827/IMG_6554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="827" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAAPVVVn9z-EL5DZq8DU4EMGkh8jvkpd4Wpb-MRAuXpoHq22SMETjsY86JjQE2puaVdnaArDJrXNcU8gBotuPA2SiYNRqxkmRUTO7HJ0bnL11n0fxH8ueQb5yOelfh59a6vEtaBY-LUkS/w640-h360/IMG_6554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>JUST as I was about to send this in for global publication, we got the news that <i>UNZIPPED</i> won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Newport Beach Film Festival! That's the one that's voted on by the people in attendance, not the industry panel of judges, which is even cooler, because this is a film for the PEOPLE. YES. Onward. UPward. Until it's totally normal that everyone has the basic human right of housing. C'mon. <br /></p><p><i>UNZIPPED</i> will next be in competition at the American Black Film Festival November 3-28, 2021, showing virtually from Miami this year. You can register at <a href="http://ABFFPlay.com">ABFFPlay.com</a> for free to see the film, as well as a wide range of scripted features, documentaries, and short films. Following that, we anticipate a Venice premiere and national release in early 2022. Tremendous thanks to all involved who helped to make this important film possible. Please see it as soon as you can, and let us know what you think, follow our socials @UnzippedMovie, and get more festival screening, release, and social impact information at <a href="http://www.UnzippedMovie.com">www.UnzippedMovie.com</a> . Our hope is that it will touch your heart and move you to become involved in the growing movement to enshrine housing as a human right. Thank you! <br /></p><p>#RaiseTheRoof!!! </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-4911226550059300222021-10-06T09:54:00.000-07:002021-10-06T09:54:40.246-07:00The Venice West - A New Venice Live Music Venue That Celebrates The Old Venice<p>Hi Venice! It's been a while! I'm still handling family affairs in Minneapolis, but when I heard there was a new cool live music venue opening this month in Venice, I had to get the scoop. <a href="https://thevenicewest.com/" target="_blank">The Venice West</a>
is set to open for business this October 8th with a live show featuring
Matt Costa. Venice has needed more live music venues for ages, and The
Venice West is bringing that to Lincoln Boulevard in the space that was
previously The Witz End. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLryt0WQWqUKv83jSi53wTP1XGFnA3lSyMaEVu73BhJz6bh9VGTWPD2QzE1WPe9WdfE-KI0kyYeHyRw2iCvZVuxMvMKEQVl0LiB8Z0cIUfTDl_bVaZ4YQhyphenhyphenh07_PqXO_Myg7w5f8aHIRS/s2048/IMG_5085.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLryt0WQWqUKv83jSi53wTP1XGFnA3lSyMaEVu73BhJz6bh9VGTWPD2QzE1WPe9WdfE-KI0kyYeHyRw2iCvZVuxMvMKEQVl0LiB8Z0cIUfTDl_bVaZ4YQhyphenhyphenh07_PqXO_Myg7w5f8aHIRS/w640-h370/IMG_5085.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend (and former fellow Venice Neptune Queen!), Kaycee Smith, is the Director of Marketing and Community Outreach for The Venice West, so you know there are going to be locals up in there, and you know there's going to be good music. In the first week open alone they've got the aforementioned Costa, then back to back shows with The Samples (10/9) and The Wailers (10/10)! That's a pretty stacked opening week, Dude. The team behind The Venice West is pretty stacked as well. Co-owners Rob Lissner and Allen Sanford are also the team behind the Beach Life Festival in Redondo Beach that is one of the best festivals I've ever covered, right there in the sunshine on the sand next to the Pacific. Sanford also owns Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, where we've all seen many a great gig, so you know The Venice West is going to be a real good time. Looking ahead, I see The English Beat, The Untouchables/Brobots, Donovan Frankenreiter ... seriously, this is gonna be good, Venice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3kMcuAQlJ-85y1OI7YmXJIUpXVY8ItnkCiwJ0UFOh1jIasBiMEU_VY1zv7TCEXlwwmGUMJfYMUa1z3vokTIlrP1DnTtOmZHT4ADVCTGpCr4ElKZ64pJR977cXbxmibhK78hlG5nxd9jp/s666/IMG_5954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="666" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3kMcuAQlJ-85y1OI7YmXJIUpXVY8ItnkCiwJ0UFOh1jIasBiMEU_VY1zv7TCEXlwwmGUMJfYMUa1z3vokTIlrP1DnTtOmZHT4ADVCTGpCr4ElKZ64pJR977cXbxmibhK78hlG5nxd9jp/w640-h480/IMG_5954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spoke to Lissner and Smith about the venue, as, frankly, I really wanted to be sure that it wasn't going to be a situation where douchey gentrifiers think they can come in and claim Venice, and piggyback on to the coattails of the cool that was established here long before they came. Well, I can assure you that Lissner and Company are being extremely thoughtful and respectful about Venice and its history, and stressed to me repeatedly that they want this spot to be for the entire community, where all feel welcome ... and you might even learn something about Venice you didn't know about before. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO67f0LqI-8-S88dydlPDONfF6orF47Id9eycEcsDWcrJU4vIiC3oBO9qULDedKDI184bxvxXGjd9-DgUfeg6lo3Xp-5QPsw8rCDVxGbvCSWdJwPjttM8OR2zaCE3lfbbKKsikXfIApzR/s2543/20211001_115522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO67f0LqI-8-S88dydlPDONfF6orF47Id9eycEcsDWcrJU4vIiC3oBO9qULDedKDI184bxvxXGjd9-DgUfeg6lo3Xp-5QPsw8rCDVxGbvCSWdJwPjttM8OR2zaCE3lfbbKKsikXfIApzR/w640-h312/20211001_115522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Lissner has been doing his Venice research in the four years since they bought the space, deep diving into the era that saw The Venice West Café (in the old Sponto Gallery space) thriving with all the Beat poets, artists, and musicians of the day in the scene that was Venice West. He really wanted to pay tribute to that history and all the supercoolness that came out of that key moment in Venice time, and as permits and neighborhood hearings, Coastal Commission appeals, and Covid and all that kept pushing the opening, he had the time to be very thorough in his research. He has been in talks with Venice historian, Gerry Fialka, to create an evening of Venice history. We talked about getting Beyond Baroque involved and hosting Poetry nights at The Venice West. They also very much want to get kids from Venice Arts, Venice High, School of Rock, the Boys and Girls Club, whoever might have a need, to use the space for performance or rehearsals during the daytime. He's over-paying on Ebay for old photos and posters to adorn the walls, and is particularly proud of an original Earl Newman he scored. As he should be. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho-9QQiVfX95NoZbwMo4LLE2G5ac5RwH2uS4gJclVje7UgrsWokyBNiAqtI-A_4qTfzbcK8iQvJDlwg0f_izztOnYw520g8Y3mlKpZxy4RbKBgPrL3rVk-qvu-z3OTB41tBvYqKxa5mEZ/s2048/IMG_5088.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho-9QQiVfX95NoZbwMo4LLE2G5ac5RwH2uS4gJclVje7UgrsWokyBNiAqtI-A_4qTfzbcK8iQvJDlwg0f_izztOnYw520g8Y3mlKpZxy4RbKBgPrL3rVk-qvu-z3OTB41tBvYqKxa5mEZ/w480-h640/IMG_5088.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I was happy to hear that they are putting an emphasis on hiring locals, both as staff and entertainment. GM Carl Roberts ("Reverand Carl") has been on the scene for ages, and their talent booker, Adam Spriggs, has a solid history of getting the good national acts for his projects like the KAABOO Festival, as well as booking local favorites like Christopher Hawley and Tom Freund, who are already on The Venice West's calendar, with Freund bringing "Hold Strong Thursdays" to town - a throwback to the hallowed Stronghold days. <br /></p><p>They're going for a supper club feel, with tables and dining from 5-8 pm, and then the tables will be moved aside for show time. Diego Balan is heading up the food program, and from what I'm hearing about the pre-opening tastings, the food at The Venice West is going to be bomb. Who doesn't love dinner and a show? Though Lissner and Sanford could have opened their venue anywhere, it was very important to Lissner that it be in Venice, where he has lived for the past two decades. Anyone who was present for The Stronghold scene knows how fun that was, and Lissner is going for some of those kind of vibes to return. And, after the last couple of years we've all been through ... the people are READY. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIAgfGLFk1PlyZaHhs2ur1bhshZko1yT9s3wjGCiBc9J-YyIrSke2qIrYzv8KJHRQHUywEKjGsXC2SUV-rPX1rAnjkA20Lw63XAM9WSXS5T2UjZjRWGrVzwxn67t1-P5MF4uCvNs8a29l/s2543/20211001_115531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIAgfGLFk1PlyZaHhs2ur1bhshZko1yT9s3wjGCiBc9J-YyIrSke2qIrYzv8KJHRQHUywEKjGsXC2SUV-rPX1rAnjkA20Lw63XAM9WSXS5T2UjZjRWGrVzwxn67t1-P5MF4uCvNs8a29l/w312-h640/20211001_115531.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><p> "To me, Venice has always been art, culture, and eccentricity based, and I've seen some of that fade in recent years. I really think music can help bring some of that back. I want people to know that Venice history, while being cool and respectful to it," explained Lissner, in a statement that I can fully endorse. The Venice West looks to be a place where the community can always find great music, good vibes, and tasty eats. Smith envisions it being the spot where you can say, "Hey, let's hit The Venice West - I don't know who's playing, but you know it's going to be good." A real Venice hang ... for REAL Venice. I can't wait. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Venice West</b></p><p>1717 Lincoln Boulevard (at Superba)</p><p>Venice, CA 90291</p><p><a href="http://www.TheVeniceWest.com">www.TheVeniceWest.com</a></p><p> </p><p>*Photos courtesy of Kaycee Smith and Paul Gronner. <br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-8417055230694009652021-09-13T12:55:00.000-07:002021-09-13T12:55:06.704-07:00Owamni - An Indigenous Restaurant In The Land Where The Waters Reflect The Clouds<p>I had been so excited about <a href="https://owamni.com/" target="_blank">Owamni</a> opening ever since I first heard about what would be the first restaurant of its kind in this country - serving indigenous food without using any "colonial" ingredients like beef, dairy, wheat, or cane sugar - conceived of by The Sioux Chef, Sean Sherman, and his partner, Dana Thompson (Founder of NATIFS - North American Traditional American Food Systems). I stalked their website for months, and have no idea how I missed the actual opening, but I did. By the time I realized they WERE open, reservations were backed up for weeks, and the only one I could get was for a month out, and for lunch. Still very excited. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKag-D1ofY7gCXqRuw0FH8aYAnWUpg2N92eNesrr_A-dSP4eKVohZ9_yPBMq37vEELClyrfAe0K3-ygkCWaxFIypNS7kTrOKDBGIZc00xHtcyAmcwIenLFZb13a4H_YrEUkzN8p_4Udnvs/s1800/ED71E812-A8B7-48E8-A714-2A9263CCBBE0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKag-D1ofY7gCXqRuw0FH8aYAnWUpg2N92eNesrr_A-dSP4eKVohZ9_yPBMq37vEELClyrfAe0K3-ygkCWaxFIypNS7kTrOKDBGIZc00xHtcyAmcwIenLFZb13a4H_YrEUkzN8p_4Udnvs/w512-h640/ED71E812-A8B7-48E8-A714-2A9263CCBBE0.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> The day finally came and my gluten-free friend (Owamni is automatically gluten-free as they simply don't use wheat at all!) Tonja and I headed out for our lunch on one of the most gorgeous days outside that ever was. The restaurant's location is perfect, situated right on the Mississippi River near the Mill Ruins and Stone Arch Bridge, with a gorgeous view out every window. The Dakota and Anishinaabe people call this space "OwamniYomni" - the sacred site of peace and well-being - and you feel that vibe from the moment you walk up the rustic wood staircase to the light, airy space above. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGBWBjOLi_5sJcsbrOoZI-P8tWJK2__-sgqeYsCOK6Qwya3ejrO35Wo2m-RhW4TPHmxOqmlN7MQZ82Wr_1hYp94LeLElcYkODyKCIQymZ1x8Wf0WSpSXXe9cOW-XNl7rJpADLC1pIUgJp/s1801/7D36A173-9D06-4F34-AD9D-23C445E9D62E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGBWBjOLi_5sJcsbrOoZI-P8tWJK2__-sgqeYsCOK6Qwya3ejrO35Wo2m-RhW4TPHmxOqmlN7MQZ82Wr_1hYp94LeLElcYkODyKCIQymZ1x8Wf0WSpSXXe9cOW-XNl7rJpADLC1pIUgJp/w512-h640/7D36A173-9D06-4F34-AD9D-23C445E9D62E.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> The patio was full so we sat inside, which didn't feel as Covid-sketchy as it was lunch time and we were pretty well spaced out from other diners. Native American music was playing softly over the sound system, lending a real sense of place, purpose, and again, excitement for what was to come. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUC_xQfFwVLHpDSj2_xu1d2gWbwtp0hFrsg_k8SaoR5G8G8BAcOdMfhrJgIatZEzkDWpEOTfH8c5RnzJx16EN8MWEtTpERcB4zJ4UT-LG6vMmzdNV8olJxrhlAcCFv7mUrLXqcKW3LTBS/s1801/1A4EAA0A-420D-49D3-8419-BCD6C7B63EAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUC_xQfFwVLHpDSj2_xu1d2gWbwtp0hFrsg_k8SaoR5G8G8BAcOdMfhrJgIatZEzkDWpEOTfH8c5RnzJx16EN8MWEtTpERcB4zJ4UT-LG6vMmzdNV8olJxrhlAcCFv7mUrLXqcKW3LTBS/w512-h640/1A4EAA0A-420D-49D3-8419-BCD6C7B63EAC.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> I had done my research on the menu (Sherman won the 2018 James Beard Award for Best Cookbook for his <i>The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen</i>, and I knew we were in for something special and educational even). The friendly and informative server quickly let us know, however, that the menu is not the same at lunch, and every single thing I was going to order was not available at that time. BUMMER. Right then and there I made a dinner reservation, so see you in October, Fish entrée and corn bread! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaZ7W2K3a6WPCtW444e63F3FozSfHpCrgLjlFVTjYgI5RuG0oUIaQrTbfE_yxZ__h5eI6gGJOz6VgB62-UKhnJsvZHCENqKri3nnJJ-z-3o9d1mbkJLOIO0HnFB2cPiCqEPRFvGXgbk9e/s2048/IMG_5485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaZ7W2K3a6WPCtW444e63F3FozSfHpCrgLjlFVTjYgI5RuG0oUIaQrTbfE_yxZ__h5eI6gGJOz6VgB62-UKhnJsvZHCENqKri3nnJJ-z-3o9d1mbkJLOIO0HnFB2cPiCqEPRFvGXgbk9e/w480-h640/IMG_5485.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Owamni has a completely BIPOC wine and beer list, which gets the highest praise, and an alcohol-free cocktail list that was far more interesting to me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqASRWUQFqbK702mpFe14zrym6Ppu9AmMBGkm-wM2Q9N-FJUgXluPzx-YKaOEhOd7G4XnxxZ8Of46rS4f6Egg1Foy47ORG7lsxTC7g6TBr-RlrnczFRLMqsXSHLYGhBz-YrpqwAbZCQLhE/s2048/IMG_5486.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqASRWUQFqbK702mpFe14zrym6Ppu9AmMBGkm-wM2Q9N-FJUgXluPzx-YKaOEhOd7G4XnxxZ8Of46rS4f6Egg1Foy47ORG7lsxTC7g6TBr-RlrnczFRLMqsXSHLYGhBz-YrpqwAbZCQLhE/w480-h640/IMG_5486.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I ordered one that I could not pronounce - the Z one - and it was extra delicious. I would personally have definitely added vodka, but I'm pretty sure that was brought here by the colonizers, so not here. It came with a little tiny clothespin holding a sprig of pine tree on the rim of the glass, in a touch that was both charming and an olfactory bonus. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxpz6CQ4MaNQUF4vhXMKABr71F-wrP3x4982mKxXHMEhEQnagVlBjObGg3L9mXoF7clGTIvEoxlM2WNgZcCREBeGECjFQwhu3PI8AJFKK1tkFVZ2i73jBYHTA7_HerlWeiOJiiJG8WAeQ/s1800/B188698D-D805-4120-B877-BD1211CB7AEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxpz6CQ4MaNQUF4vhXMKABr71F-wrP3x4982mKxXHMEhEQnagVlBjObGg3L9mXoF7clGTIvEoxlM2WNgZcCREBeGECjFQwhu3PI8AJFKK1tkFVZ2i73jBYHTA7_HerlWeiOJiiJG8WAeQ/w512-h640/B188698D-D805-4120-B877-BD1211CB7AEA.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p>I adjusted my brain and absorbed my slight disappointment that nothing I had wanted was on the lunch menu (Alert! No interesting desserts at lunch either!) to order up what was essentially Thanksgiving, Native American style. I went with the roasted sweet potato as an appetizer, and it was hands down the best one I've ever had. Instantly fine with the lunch menu, as I would not have ordered this with the other dinner stuff I was intending to order. Live and learn! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi6-9lpbgcAzSybICJVOHzKbeMoeU5mFWH_uLjQ9IgY-64ANSXDFyq_RVnHeMMuiqIrr0_UQ4Bwml_cjy7Y5I8qcxKyHlDYGpDGDlT61ItS9EALbVkMjkLnJCgzpug57bT_E0PA6m-hwl/s1801/6EA12803-FE35-4651-B304-C6E8B00B050F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi6-9lpbgcAzSybICJVOHzKbeMoeU5mFWH_uLjQ9IgY-64ANSXDFyq_RVnHeMMuiqIrr0_UQ4Bwml_cjy7Y5I8qcxKyHlDYGpDGDlT61ItS9EALbVkMjkLnJCgzpug57bT_E0PA6m-hwl/w512-h640/6EA12803-FE35-4651-B304-C6E8B00B050F.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p>Tonja had the lake trout salad, and it was a beautiful dish, scattered with edible flowers. It was like eating a sunny day at the lake. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1GogBOD-Up5B-jHd3y0SJdr-RYdwsJiS-jPUFWr3cIXv8hspJ94wUFD7AxIRhWz8HVk3pYl3n5lbCphnMgoLkFORnzdVH3KbeNUe1TtHVEweijTrPlTc0nn_bVWAubeHdvFESJq4m3PW/s1795/047AAC12-FC7A-43CE-920E-F6EA5DDF6778.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1GogBOD-Up5B-jHd3y0SJdr-RYdwsJiS-jPUFWr3cIXv8hspJ94wUFD7AxIRhWz8HVk3pYl3n5lbCphnMgoLkFORnzdVH3KbeNUe1TtHVEweijTrPlTc0nn_bVWAubeHdvFESJq4m3PW/w514-h640/047AAC12-FC7A-43CE-920E-F6EA5DDF6778.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p> I had one of the corn sandwiches, and went with the turkey and cranberry one to keep my gratitude feelings going. It was so good, and the corn empanada type deals that stand in for bread were flecked with wild rice in each crispy, fluffy bite. I'm getting re-hungry thinking about it now. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NkklHoTGyvytX4yuKJSSq_VziBuMZnnprWmzPTPegSZ6xhIXz3lTabhZINzO6UESDukouDxY5bGSPE2YX-7fGiShnyvDZSn7PtR53ezsDgposZVo2sA-jo8onWBClMYcB20Skt7bJVJn/s2048/IMG_5494.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NkklHoTGyvytX4yuKJSSq_VziBuMZnnprWmzPTPegSZ6xhIXz3lTabhZINzO6UESDukouDxY5bGSPE2YX-7fGiShnyvDZSn7PtR53ezsDgposZVo2sA-jo8onWBClMYcB20Skt7bJVJn/w522-h640/IMG_5494.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><p> There was a feeling of excitement from everyone there, as I think the overall vibe - from the music to the art to the purpose - lets you know that this is truly someplace special and one of a kind. So far. I was going to be attending the Mendota Dakota Pow Wow the next day, so this meal was an excellent way to kick off a weekend of honoring the people that were here long before all of the rest of us. Native people have been treated so very poorly in this country, and it's the very least we can do to educate ourselves about them, and honor their great sacrifices and traditions. We would all be so much better off if we had always lived by (or up to!) their ways, both in out bodies and in our climate and nature. I almost can't believe that these people would even want to cook for and serve we descendants of those who stole their land, but their grace and dignity always seems to prevail. I remain humbled and grateful - always.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttarBBSQ4Xf2s24OHv9OLnX_eKVPFoCk876tQEKy5QUUA30_BZeVFI2RBxO-xHdfK7lRAo_2qxpOY1pkolQM45u_bXKRFA6EhnWsBOcv7mU-Ry8gfaayVFEJmJ_X84Z5vslSY6PVjPDx9/s2048/IMG_5499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1823" data-original-width="2048" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttarBBSQ4Xf2s24OHv9OLnX_eKVPFoCk876tQEKy5QUUA30_BZeVFI2RBxO-xHdfK7lRAo_2qxpOY1pkolQM45u_bXKRFA6EhnWsBOcv7mU-Ry8gfaayVFEJmJ_X84Z5vslSY6PVjPDx9/w640-h570/IMG_5499.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The beautiful day outside was beckoning, so as there was no dessert menu to ogle at lunch, we wrapped up our lovely experience at Owamni, with a vow to be back soon to join them for that dinner. And dessert. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6jbPE3V9NTuKjn7ZoiGrX58ghofPZoUpdr3amswIsarhQEylx69gnNzcljbdB3BNoFMm3IY4P0y0OFSwbbfeLO-uYJYQZPWWIuGY7SEFwOscfhgfn40FEv9NAgFeHWKxVVMFnMhqtZq9/s2048/IMG_5490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1425" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6jbPE3V9NTuKjn7ZoiGrX58ghofPZoUpdr3amswIsarhQEylx69gnNzcljbdB3BNoFMm3IY4P0y0OFSwbbfeLO-uYJYQZPWWIuGY7SEFwOscfhgfn40FEv9NAgFeHWKxVVMFnMhqtZq9/w446-h640/IMG_5490.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><p> I'm thrilled that this wonderful place is right here in my hometown, and excited for everyone in the entire country to make their way here so that they too can take some time to appreciate all that came before we did. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGlS7FF3n9vW1rGmDXs2V2PYvQrbvZcmFupNJz8Pl9J6RvMcuUYqIWKOUfhp97nt9Q2NRoLPgRwqZ6lroan-pP4Q3k5Nmko8lC5e2QPCpnMTCoM0GNRMuARc7pt_x5I2sOewrHHzfzFX0/s2048/IMG_5488.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGlS7FF3n9vW1rGmDXs2V2PYvQrbvZcmFupNJz8Pl9J6RvMcuUYqIWKOUfhp97nt9Q2NRoLPgRwqZ6lroan-pP4Q3k5Nmko8lC5e2QPCpnMTCoM0GNRMuARc7pt_x5I2sOewrHHzfzFX0/w640-h402/IMG_5488.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Pidamaye (thank you!) to all that made this come together for all of us to learn from and enjoy. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://owamni.com/">Owamni</a></b></p><p><b>420 1st Street South </b></p><p><b>Minneapolis, MN 55401</b></p><p><b>*Make your reservations now! </b></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /><br /><br /> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><p><br /><br /> </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-92231680523823909162021-09-09T14:25:00.003-07:002021-09-09T14:25:51.958-07:00Blogtown Is 12 Today! <p>Blogtown is twelve years old today, and I just wanted to acknowledge that. It has been a privilege and an honor to tell the stories of Venice, California - and in more recent days, Minneapolis, Minnesota - in an effort to shine a light on the cool people and places that are doing good things and making our world a little better. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLyU-yPVSkGhouV1kipXLum20Lwv9LC8yAttWeWFT1V5R3vFlaflPZiCAh7kDVfDGSsKXhz5vFdR-YHPmbg0pCRQ5YAaby0jLCjWUksAIo2RaydUeMv5ApplcGEOT_i3_SI-pbsktMq8W/s1080/thumbnail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1080" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLyU-yPVSkGhouV1kipXLum20Lwv9LC8yAttWeWFT1V5R3vFlaflPZiCAh7kDVfDGSsKXhz5vFdR-YHPmbg0pCRQ5YAaby0jLCjWUksAIo2RaydUeMv5ApplcGEOT_i3_SI-pbsktMq8W/w640-h486/thumbnail.png" width="640" /></a></div> I hope you will continue to read along as I keep spinning the yarns that matter to me. Thank you! <br /><p></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-26348883998052711482021-08-07T15:55:00.000-07:002021-08-07T15:55:35.865-07:00Shooter Jennings Live At The Fine Line!<p>I went to my first live indoor show since the Covid pandemic began last night, and it was only because it was to see my good friend, <a href="https://bcrmedia.com/shooterjennings/" target="_blank">Shooter Jennings</a> play - at The Fine Line in Minneapolis, which is a proof of vaccination venue, so I took the risk. And it was well worth it (so far!).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Se3CdBVDu-96jethC43OhQ_Og4AAqR492cdZGIUio47h_k_VWegLgcKcKDs9xZj2NoHBfC17ePfueXEcY6XRLh93eeOgSvZ961F-Yv6P6K9U-Vy53jxh8ToKJU_WB3rnuXx1R3uiVEcl/s2048/IMG_4783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Se3CdBVDu-96jethC43OhQ_Og4AAqR492cdZGIUio47h_k_VWegLgcKcKDs9xZj2NoHBfC17ePfueXEcY6XRLh93eeOgSvZ961F-Yv6P6K9U-Vy53jxh8ToKJU_WB3rnuXx1R3uiVEcl/w480-h640/IMG_4783.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Shooter and I have been friends since the days of his first band, Stargunn - and what days those were! I've rooted for him ever since, and am so happy to see him enjoying so much success of late. Grammys for producing Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker's albums have made Jennings a hot commodity in the studio, and he's been so busy producing for others that he's not had as much time for his own music, so last night was even more special to get to hear him strut his own - and awesome - stuff. </p><p>The night opened with a set from <a href="https://lilliemaemusic.com/" target="_blank">Lillie Mae</a>, a talented singer/songwriter who came up as Jack White's fiddle player. I was in the dressing room catching up with Shooter for much of her set, but did get to see her perform the title track for her most recent album, <i>Other Girls</i> - and it made me want to hear and know more. Dave Cobb had his mitts on her album, so that's the Jennings connection for this show. Excellent.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmlz1LDWhzAgPWooSbjsq3reufZU3ZBe6QgKRCMtj9fd9epijxsVxE1XenGgMyF24vRJC2xx8548vcVxWCMstuoj1V_9pRjtWGSXXhF1vLiBWw69BqeV7RX54YpdMnVf9xU-P0LGCnihd/s2048/IMG_4758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmlz1LDWhzAgPWooSbjsq3reufZU3ZBe6QgKRCMtj9fd9epijxsVxE1XenGgMyF24vRJC2xx8548vcVxWCMstuoj1V_9pRjtWGSXXhF1vLiBWw69BqeV7RX54YpdMnVf9xU-P0LGCnihd/w484-h640/IMG_4758.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><p> The crowd was packed in, and though they were presumably vaccinated, they were definitely not masked. I chose to head up top to the side stage balcony to try to keep away from the aspiration of others - in both senses of the word. Shooter and his longtime band took to the stage to huge cheers from fans that had been pressed up against the stage waiting in anticipation. Clad in a Brandi Carlile shirt and Jordans, Jennings yelled, "How you doin', Minneapolis?" - and it sounded like they were doing very well. Jennings sat down at the keys, and the band kicked of the show with "Bound Ta Git Down" from his <i>Shooter</i> album. The honkeytonk autobiographical banger got things off to a great start, and had me reminiscing about "Moving to California where the sun shines all day long"! Sigh ...</p><p>"Denim & Diamonds" showed off the great lyrical storytelling talent that Jennings has in abundance, and it had the crowd banging their heads in time and in appreciation for the outlaw stylings that they also loved from his legendary dad, Waylon. I has asked Shooter pre-show if he was going to play any from his outstanding concept album, <i>Black Ribbons</i> - in particular my very favorite song of his, "All Of This Could Have Been Yours", and that's the one that he played next - and said, 'This is for Carol." That was so special, because I love it, but also because it felt so absolutely great to be listening to a song I adore played live right in front of me by a friend that I deeply revere. Thank you, Amigo! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9OVQeKn-FBg0gWk5CVnuvrOL1GZa_lLi97R-4PVnqVwVdhMl13XpL0l1uuukUPbzKXVPaQAb5mRfnZQR4vaZPCBj9nPNe3xaK0J06_vowrP_gWVgFDawKKEAgbb9aVeBqoLTQ7PNrFe2/s2048/IMG_4770.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9OVQeKn-FBg0gWk5CVnuvrOL1GZa_lLi97R-4PVnqVwVdhMl13XpL0l1uuukUPbzKXVPaQAb5mRfnZQR4vaZPCBj9nPNe3xaK0J06_vowrP_gWVgFDawKKEAgbb9aVeBqoLTQ7PNrFe2/w592-h640/IMG_4770.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><p> Switching to guitar for the rocker "Steady At The Wheel" from his awesomely titled album <i>Put The O Back In Country</i>, Jennings first introduced his great and super-tight band. John Sheffler on lead guitar. Ted Russell Kamp on bass. Jamie Douglass on drums. Aubrey Richmond on fiddle and background vocals. Each of them are so good individually, but together they are something else, as the showed on "The Outsider" that featured just enough twang to keep the o in the country sound. Jennings again thanked the crowd, and said that Minneapolis has been good to him since Day One, playing places like The Turf Club and The Cabooze (Thank you, Mpls!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVd7wAlTXY0MgR0IWb6bz7yq6STOsd5GTaxSJua2pPV2Z-qgn-bXGSFnhOOIqiFzPfNw1tX97HI5LSBJHA1ahXPh78F1VIXPokSg5beVK82wkQT_FNjWVTXa-DuUiNh64eklJ7sxznbIf/s2048/IMG_4786.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1423" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVd7wAlTXY0MgR0IWb6bz7yq6STOsd5GTaxSJua2pPV2Z-qgn-bXGSFnhOOIqiFzPfNw1tX97HI5LSBJHA1ahXPh78F1VIXPokSg5beVK82wkQT_FNjWVTXa-DuUiNh64eklJ7sxznbIf/w444-h640/IMG_4786.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><p> "Rhinestone Eyes" was a beautiful ballad written for Jennings' wife, Misty, from the Shooter album. She wasn't there, but it was very sweet because you could feel the love he has for her, even when she's not around. I love that. "Living In A Minor Key" was intended for a George Jones tribute album that never happened, but Jennings had taken it very seriously and still wanted to record it. It also found a home on the <i>Shooter</i> album, and when he introduced it by saying, "Just imagine a way better singer singing it, and it's like a George Jones song." Well, HE sang it perfectly, and it WAS like a Shooter Jennings song - as I believe he belongs in that same pantheon. And deserves to be playing way bigger venues like Target Center up the street. My two cents.</p><p>Everyone loves the 4th of July and everyone loved Jennings song of the same name. He threw out a "Those good old boys in Minneapolis", always a crowd pleaser, but he didn't need to do anything more to please this crowd. They were true fans, wearing the t-shirts, and knowing the words to sing along with. That made me so happy for him, because he's had a long career, been through a lot, and it's a joy to see him getting the reverence he should. "Loving County" was a Charlie Robison cover that Jennings has been playing for years, "Since my first band, Stargunn - Carol knows about that, she was there." I do, and I was. Very happily. Sheffler ripped off a guitar solo on that one that might have left blisters on faces. Wow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbMsHMaW3F36uB0IA3utG1qifSafUJed5Y3BoNDXX2cHSsnuEgIox3YkUh-oQaBZKjfiSEO8LvoECsRBn-Wnc6gsemSckRRqnuCWJS4a0vnQGyN7dxYfZVEoq3VKz_HeZjGsVGbnwFDAz/s2048/IMG_4774.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2038" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbMsHMaW3F36uB0IA3utG1qifSafUJed5Y3BoNDXX2cHSsnuEgIox3YkUh-oQaBZKjfiSEO8LvoECsRBn-Wnc6gsemSckRRqnuCWJS4a0vnQGyN7dxYfZVEoq3VKz_HeZjGsVGbnwFDAz/w636-h640/IMG_4774.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Don't Feed The Animals" (also from <i>Black Ribbons</i>) was a heavy rocker that showed shades of the Shooter that almost replaced Axl Rose in Guns N' Roses - and produced Marilyn Manson's most recent album. The crowd was loving it, as I think his fans are finally ready to let Shooter be Shooter, and play whatever the hell kind of music he feels like playing. Like "I'm Left You're Right She's Gone" from his Giorgio Moroder tribute album, <i>Countach (For Giorgio)</i>. A kid growing up in the 80's has a TON of musical influences, and Jennings is open to it all. There aren't many people that can talk music like Shooter Jennings. For real. </p><p>"Shades and Hues" was Jennings' personal tribute to Hank Williams Jr. and it had Jennings back on the keys playing this song that sounds as timeless as all the best country ones do. Aubrey Richmond really shone on this one, harmonizing with Jennings and completely wailing on her fiddle. "Leave Those Memories Alone" was dedicated to his late, great friend, Colonel Jon Hensley, who he wrote it for and with. A bluesy number ... you could tangibly feel Jennings missing his friend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuFsGBfMZdeHU40Ov2uNZBxKCKWeSPHk8ocu92SmIIGGpUqKUHBASoAgYpnjxJb5fL6U_9GVn4ks0lndxbZg1DFc1ahZYigHmnv48ElkzXdIS-YlAAd2pEBa6zwaCB1KwYc95rFwOMmnR/s2048/IMG_4779.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuFsGBfMZdeHU40Ov2uNZBxKCKWeSPHk8ocu92SmIIGGpUqKUHBASoAgYpnjxJb5fL6U_9GVn4ks0lndxbZg1DFc1ahZYigHmnv48ElkzXdIS-YlAAd2pEBa6zwaCB1KwYc95rFwOMmnR/w600-h640/IMG_4779.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><p> Another one that sounds like you've always known it as a real classic was "Fast Horses and Good Hideouts". Extra gorgeous, with really pretty fiddle playing, if they didn't have the room in the palm of their hands before - they did now. "White Trash" got Jennings back on guitar, and got the people dancing! Here came the "I love you, Shooters!" and "Shooter, You're the shit!s" - and they were right. </p><p>"I wrote this one about Nashville a long time ago," said Jennings by way of introducing "Outlaw You" - a perfect kiss-off to the baseball hat wearing wannabe country douchebags littering Nashville these days. They lyrics tell the story about how Waylon came to Nashville as an outlaw, changed everything, and now the suits are trying to package that kind of Outlaw - which, of course, you can't. So they should OUTLAW YOU! Yeah. There was a blistering jam between Russell Kamp on bass and Richmond on fiddle that foreshadowed the all-out band jam that came next, "Gunslinger". Big, epic, passionate ... clearly establishing the entire band as "motherfucking Gunslingers!" SO good. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmw5d0TwYlgOQxI86qXwLGnl871YaFxVO8o6rI9UxU4V93OHMRagGeMkzNP6jf3ezdsPYQiwJrF3CZ-WQM6k0-BU7TTE2T-1mPNNGm9lw4s8YVpn00uwEPyYWdmLleEvqNXZmPdJnCDXB/s2048/IMG_4769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1411" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmw5d0TwYlgOQxI86qXwLGnl871YaFxVO8o6rI9UxU4V93OHMRagGeMkzNP6jf3ezdsPYQiwJrF3CZ-WQM6k0-BU7TTE2T-1mPNNGm9lw4s8YVpn00uwEPyYWdmLleEvqNXZmPdJnCDXB/w440-h640/IMG_4769.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><p> "Silver Springs" was the gorgeous ballad that would have people slow dancing in a different setting. I love watching Jennings on the keys, because he just BEATS on them and makes the most beautiful music. I feel like I'm kind of gushing about it all, but it just felt SO good to be listening to really great music LIVE again, that I can't say enough good about it ... especially as it's a friend who I think is vastly underrated for his own music, and I want to help blow it up even bigger for him. Because he truly deserves it. So there. </p><p>That loveliness was the last tune of the regular set, and the band left the stage to chants of "Shooter! Shooter!" They didn't make the people wait like some lame bands, and came right back out to play "The Door', a George Jones cover that most likely never rocked as hard as it did last night with this band. It was awesome, and it was very clear that the whole venue agreed with me. We might all have been just happy to see live music again, but I think it was more just that good. "Thank you, Minneapolis!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6WmH5JRSOZZiyughYTqjiapRdthyphenhyphenN4lOHeNdyxP4vMl0qGOQGIrPssR8-cMt_o-M_yTXDiZEP3jJU9u-QxtgrORid70nwSJzu5Pb_hyphenhyphenPxDK5I-7t8ki6Gx6WQDFoX8ye1xgDChOvTKa_/s1440/FCF43BE9-5486-4065-8EC2-E20712B92D5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1440" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6WmH5JRSOZZiyughYTqjiapRdthyphenhyphenN4lOHeNdyxP4vMl0qGOQGIrPssR8-cMt_o-M_yTXDiZEP3jJU9u-QxtgrORid70nwSJzu5Pb_hyphenhyphenPxDK5I-7t8ki6Gx6WQDFoX8ye1xgDChOvTKa_/w640-h520/FCF43BE9-5486-4065-8EC2-E20712B92D5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The band was sweaty, tired, and happy afterwards, all the hallmarks of a job well done. Shooter is off to Iowa to play tonight, and then off to Seattle to finish the next Brandi Carlile album. Lives are busy and scattered and very uncertain these days, but I think the power of friendship and music just might be enough to carry us all a little bit easier through these crazy times. At least it gives me hope. </p><p>Thank you for that, Shooter. YOU are a class act. </p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-12168923690545873472021-06-28T15:24:00.005-07:002021-06-30T15:49:35.069-07:00The Venice Heritage Museum - Know Your History!<p> It always kind of amazes me how very little people know about the history of Venice. People that have lived here quite a while that have never heard of the Neptune Parade! That don't know who Arthur L. Reese was, and what he did for Venice. Or Irving Tabor! That don't know how Abbot Kinney chose the land that became Venice of America. That don't know the Black History of the Oakwood neighborhood. Maybe if they did, there wouldn't be people like the Penskes trying to buy a historical church for their personal residence? Well, the <a href="https://www.veniceheritagemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Venice Heritage Museum</a> is about to make sure that all Venetians know their history. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_ECQ4pvMYQwxSVKhIXNCMU4wr1qlxyotHqtoA6Rw55IKasdpdqmpHkl_Pa8MzldPazWtZ74wIrpLfsuKdjF3ardQnJs5pLAJLlhkgMe7XiMMMHRPUKKJuhtsw8O3Xd6wA3VwBesYV-V9/s500/8-vhm-campus-rendering-th_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="500" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_ECQ4pvMYQwxSVKhIXNCMU4wr1qlxyotHqtoA6Rw55IKasdpdqmpHkl_Pa8MzldPazWtZ74wIrpLfsuKdjF3ardQnJs5pLAJLlhkgMe7XiMMMHRPUKKJuhtsw8O3Xd6wA3VwBesYV-V9/w640-h390/8-vhm-campus-rendering-th_orig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The idea of a museum for Venice has been discussed for nearly the entire time our seaside community has existed, but now there is really something happening with it. Founded by Venice collectors such as Todd Von Hoffman and his band of merry pranksters. I met with VHM Board members Kristina Von Hoffman, Marilyn Ramirez, and Takara Adair at the proposed site of the new museum earlier this month when I was back in my beloved Venice checking up on it and getting a badly needed break from caregiving back in Minneapolis. We sat down in the grass there in Centennial Park, and I wondered if most current Venetians even know where that is? Well, it's the expanse between Venice Boulevard, in front of the Abbot Kinney Memorial branch of the Library - and that is where the Venice Heritage Museum is going to be located, in the perfect spot to welcome all to Venice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJwzDgdtkYdDz1m9_pP7FgMVk9z5VppAZWtDzYBw1_1T1LPDJmPelQpeRQfNbJDX52zgCyMmxMzuWnhjg0rX4xCwFomqo_0Fp3ztWO9LxTO4sbj8bpmmolBLwc7EKo40vnmg9hQE5ZbZ9/s2048/IMG_3103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1786" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJwzDgdtkYdDz1m9_pP7FgMVk9z5VppAZWtDzYBw1_1T1LPDJmPelQpeRQfNbJDX52zgCyMmxMzuWnhjg0rX4xCwFomqo_0Fp3ztWO9LxTO4sbj8bpmmolBLwc7EKo40vnmg9hQE5ZbZ9/w558-h640/IMG_3103.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><p> The proposal features a restored classic Red Line Trolley to house the actual museum, along with a copy of the original Tokio Station where you would (will) buy tickets and get information, as well as a stage to host musicians, talent shows, storytelling, and all that good stuff that brings people together. The inside will feature the collections, archives, photographs, virtual reality interaction, and many, many stories of Venice past as our town gears up to celebrate its 116th Anniversary on July 4th this year! That's a lot of history, and it simply must be preserved to show future generations just how this groovy enclave became all that it is, including Dogtown and the designation as the "Last Beach Community of Color" in Los Angeles. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIzW_FARV1u9iVVr2EYKVmqqi_ksu6ql-sfrAGjL8zT7GvZd4m5ZC7Pmciit38VnLBfziLZaTOzFASmCHdt4Q8J1EAbZ1-_LnWIQ3PvJ1N7QFeEINFP9R7BhaXZVMT6W8g7fxJQXSylM9/s1087/7-illustrated-site-plan-th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1087" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIzW_FARV1u9iVVr2EYKVmqqi_ksu6ql-sfrAGjL8zT7GvZd4m5ZC7Pmciit38VnLBfziLZaTOzFASmCHdt4Q8J1EAbZ1-_LnWIQ3PvJ1N7QFeEINFP9R7BhaXZVMT6W8g7fxJQXSylM9/w640-h390/7-illustrated-site-plan-th.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I remember when the gentrification was really gearing up after the turn of this century, and I started Blogtown in 2009 in order to capture some of the stories and characters of a Bohemian Surf community that I could already feel starting to disappear as the big money came in. Greedy landlords drove out so much of the artistic, creative, eccentric, hippie spirit of the place ... but not all of it. Venice has an indomitable spirit that refuses to be snuffed out, and I saw all of it still very much intact on my far too brief of a return trip back. It's there. It's vital. It must be celebrated. It must be kept intact, and handled in a way that knows how precious and rare it is. That is up to all of us who love Venice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm8EUN0xUMF5SkiwnSS_FldzNZiXI9IFnXuJDR8Kf4xadJQxzMFcoS_ee6Sq-qU9PLAYOssZ1d2emTgrOGA6XONVnK1NWg6d-wx6M66kPvTfW86x4M0AeTa-slW0NLE2zIWOL1wiX48bv/s500/3-grant-francis-a-history-of-venice-sept-19-th_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm8EUN0xUMF5SkiwnSS_FldzNZiXI9IFnXuJDR8Kf4xadJQxzMFcoS_ee6Sq-qU9PLAYOssZ1d2emTgrOGA6XONVnK1NWg6d-wx6M66kPvTfW86x4M0AeTa-slW0NLE2zIWOL1wiX48bv/w640-h480/3-grant-francis-a-history-of-venice-sept-19-th_orig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>No one moves to Venice to live in a regular, humdrum place. When you become a resident of this Community, you must recognize where you are moving into. You cannot expect it to change to your personal desires - you're new, and much came before you. YOU have to change to become Venice (or not, if you're already somewhat cool). You come into such a place with RESPECT - for what came before you, and for what it is now. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-fcFrUrzNytTFYz2Tlxd7lrHKdqcTEgLPqLBPuXlGkpbWoPtK6OcaWZm7wqcAquLwi4B-MA45xghp_JUOFCwglj9DOio-3bZntkCricSkZcL_nwHx5QLTP3PLqTWXSaQ_kPdiTYQurQU/s2048/IMG_2984.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1633" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-fcFrUrzNytTFYz2Tlxd7lrHKdqcTEgLPqLBPuXlGkpbWoPtK6OcaWZm7wqcAquLwi4B-MA45xghp_JUOFCwglj9DOio-3bZntkCricSkZcL_nwHx5QLTP3PLqTWXSaQ_kPdiTYQurQU/w510-h640/IMG_2984.jpg" width="510" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The only way forward for a place such as Venice is by treating all with that respect, with listening, learning, empathy, and kindness. The way you learn is by knowing your history, which you will learn from your neighbors, of course, but soon there will be an actual place to bone up on your Venice knowledge with the Venice Heritage Museum. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmtwGUjs6MMnk9S4xzR4-59lq8di63XVVDdTenwVj7SMX38hyphenhyphen4uRp_lXLAGVC1xUutt3n0Y46sHUjkmiLP5xHIB2Da6g2E1AMlgc8NRG_ooTWOnNm1xEGv8xRkmfZm8I4_t-9F5hHswmd/s500/4-takara-tomeoni-adair-a-history-of-venice-sept-19-th_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmtwGUjs6MMnk9S4xzR4-59lq8di63XVVDdTenwVj7SMX38hyphenhyphen4uRp_lXLAGVC1xUutt3n0Y46sHUjkmiLP5xHIB2Da6g2E1AMlgc8NRG_ooTWOnNm1xEGv8xRkmfZm8I4_t-9F5hHswmd/w640-h640/4-takara-tomeoni-adair-a-history-of-venice-sept-19-th_orig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> There have been several successful fundraising events to make this dream happen, from a launch at Beyond Baroque, a party at Hama Sushi, and a car wash at Great Western Hoagies to a wrap party for the Go Fund Me campaign that was held at the beach parking lot. With all of the negativity surrounding Venice in the past few years, residents have been eager to have something positive to focus on, which this project most certainly is. This museum is wanted, and there is a clear will to make it happen. The hope is to break ground on the campus before the end of this year, with an eye on opening in July of 2023 in time for Venice's birthday! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCWgjUdu9tYdFn0eG26liEYEEHJBhKh2e1DxQdC58y4uk7Ilt0U5Fa8ElcUelgEWismX6twVxEEIrSwXntKYqDT9G6PNXBc3qC7exxXLspZoZfMcu9SEujNvdAvB9K0aT8bUWiUFYg73-/s500/6-original-red-car-tokio-station-th_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="500" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCWgjUdu9tYdFn0eG26liEYEEHJBhKh2e1DxQdC58y4uk7Ilt0U5Fa8ElcUelgEWismX6twVxEEIrSwXntKYqDT9G6PNXBc3qC7exxXLspZoZfMcu9SEujNvdAvB9K0aT8bUWiUFYg73-/w640-h636/6-original-red-car-tokio-station-th_orig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> There is still a great deal of work to be done, and will take the involvement of the entire Community as the VHM strives to be an inclusive space that shares the stories of all. This space will bring together residents and tourists alike for
very Venice events, which is the whole point - to show that the culture
and that SPIRIT of Venice is still very much alive and well. They need your memorabilia, your photos, your written stories, and yes, your dollars to make it happen. Please reach out to the Venice Heritage Museum team via their <a href="https://www.veniceheritagemuseum.org/" target="_blank">Website</a>, and help bring yet another Venice dream come true. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv60dTX7ULv6HxB_UC1o_mRrUHMx61IwOkgsi4kaALU8E1_ievVQunqndnCdt51rWiZcDQGc9Z4QNsLU_3vNG8pyE-cJxAzzdSYM9K9gAK_a4_7xv33hyglXeRFnaJVpRXk2hPZ-TyFdsX/s2048/IMG_2965.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1889" data-original-width="2048" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv60dTX7ULv6HxB_UC1o_mRrUHMx61IwOkgsi4kaALU8E1_ievVQunqndnCdt51rWiZcDQGc9Z4QNsLU_3vNG8pyE-cJxAzzdSYM9K9gAK_a4_7xv33hyglXeRFnaJVpRXk2hPZ-TyFdsX/w640-h590/IMG_2965.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> </p><p>Thank you so much for caring about the history and preservation of our Venice. </p><p><br /></p><p>Donate to the Venice Heritage Museum <a href="https://www.veniceheritagemuseum.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p>*Photos courtesy Venice Heritage Museum.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIzW_FARV1u9iVVr2EYKVmqqi_ksu6ql-sfrAGjL8zT7GvZd4m5ZC7Pmciit38VnLBfziLZaTOzFASmCHdt4Q8J1EAbZ1-_LnWIQ3PvJ1N7QFeEINFP9R7BhaXZVMT6W8g7fxJQXSylM9/s1087/7-illustrated-site-plan-th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-3586299939503838972021-06-25T14:25:00.006-07:002021-06-29T19:47:09.071-07:00Return To Venice! A Love Letter. <p>Four years ago today I was the Neptune Queen of Venice. It was the happiest, brightest, best day of Summer ever ... and a week later, everything unraveled. My landlord jacked up the rent so high it was not possible, and I began a year of house sitting and couch surfing while trying desperately to stay in Venice, my home of 25 years. I got supremely ghosted by someone I loved. Then my beloved Mom got a bone infection in her toe, and I flew home to help her through it, putting my stuff into storage at 4th and Rose - thinking I'd be back in a few weeks. Then Mom's leg had to be amputated. Then the home where she was to live had a staff member that broke Mom's shoulder, so I had to get her out of there, signing up to be her caregiver myself. Then the pandemic hit. Then my brother who lives with my Mom had three strokes. Then George Floyd was murdered by the police here in Minneapolis ... and then we all got vaccinated and it was finally time for my return to Venice. After all the stories I had heard over the past year, I was nervous as to what state I might find my cherished chosen home town to be in, and had to see for myself. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu17K_iOvNJovkeUn3XTuUTTfkNVmafv_mQDzSLB2ouLDBm8ih9DA3RpJQ-VawLrctQULpgcZOAggthmxsnLpTLmdqYERlbNj1A8MBR6Kq4RRsmguEGY04BjvNjvF1-r88a6ZvINAjoG4_/s2048/IMG_3268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu17K_iOvNJovkeUn3XTuUTTfkNVmafv_mQDzSLB2ouLDBm8ih9DA3RpJQ-VawLrctQULpgcZOAggthmxsnLpTLmdqYERlbNj1A8MBR6Kq4RRsmguEGY04BjvNjvF1-r88a6ZvINAjoG4_/w640-h480/IMG_3268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> What I found was that yes, there were a LOT of changes. Many of my favorite places (The French Market!) have closed, some not to return. There are a LOT more homeless, but honestly, that's everywhere, not just Venice. It might seem terrible at the beach, but take a drive through Hollywood. It's a living nightmare. Look at the freeway exit ramps in Minneapolis in the middle of winter. I don't blame people for getting to the beach if they're homeless - wouldn't you? We're all in this together - a very important reminder. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxrU36NS-DuPw3neVUYhPGjN7pGQ686SlTBk8xKBlgat65i9w2ynSHS2AYfVU-tMOeEpX4WxnCvRpa6o6fIK4e6rQUbWG4ianP59BwvflPOA8LIkwWs4PW6tB8oUM2HH_0Vb5n2ZRzab9/s2048/IMG_3261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxrU36NS-DuPw3neVUYhPGjN7pGQ686SlTBk8xKBlgat65i9w2ynSHS2AYfVU-tMOeEpX4WxnCvRpa6o6fIK4e6rQUbWG4ianP59BwvflPOA8LIkwWs4PW6tB8oUM2HH_0Vb5n2ZRzab9/w640-h480/IMG_3261.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> There was rumors and realities of terrible violence, but that's always been the case in Venice, but I didn't see or feel or hear of any during my two weeks back, thankfully. And in many ways, it felt like I never left - we all just picked up where we left off before the pandemic! But most importantly, the SPIRIT of Venice and its COMMUNITY, are still very much intact - if you know where to look for it. And I do. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk6LdI1uV1PUuzTSzlYeAALFSYa1lGqQl9k5AlkYTWnbm-NZX_xyKUqTFRqdBiIbbsBD_-I75og11wh9AF00YvwXZi-eB9-yRzqefd4ebEDvAl9pEdQMfA-tkpK-Bw9hLd3gGzUlBBRyS/s2048/IMG_3304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1525" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk6LdI1uV1PUuzTSzlYeAALFSYa1lGqQl9k5AlkYTWnbm-NZX_xyKUqTFRqdBiIbbsBD_-I75og11wh9AF00YvwXZi-eB9-yRzqefd4ebEDvAl9pEdQMfA-tkpK-Bw9hLd3gGzUlBBRyS/w476-h640/IMG_3304.jpg" width="476" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I always start at the beach. I dove right into the frigid Pacific water, that I had missed so very much. My skin drying off from saltwater in the sunshine is possibly my favorite feeling in life, and I got a lot of it. It was fitting that I was met with a big heart of rose petals right in front of where I have always spent my time on the sand, what we call Playa de Los Amigos. Heaven. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RdL4uaiR-zxbf2wo5oRf1Ql5nnyHOUlnM3yXqeMM7cxDn2T1n8cfboSxDCZUPyzNup9c4fN2hkxJr6fL368nLkIJUr3Px-IchYbomyHBWddd-Repq_GCzreEZwJOqm6CcBn_q4Dbrwno/s2048/FDF8004F-01AB-4F71-B005-ECF030D3C6BD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RdL4uaiR-zxbf2wo5oRf1Ql5nnyHOUlnM3yXqeMM7cxDn2T1n8cfboSxDCZUPyzNup9c4fN2hkxJr6fL368nLkIJUr3Px-IchYbomyHBWddd-Repq_GCzreEZwJOqm6CcBn_q4Dbrwno/w512-h640/FDF8004F-01AB-4F71-B005-ECF030D3C6BD.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> The next stop is always the Skatepark, because it's the centerpiece of the entire Boardwalk - and I love it. There is always good skating to watch, and almost always a friendly face from the neighborhood. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos12TD4QmEmo6V1lqXhAp3c-MiymvhoV93KBCHydku6PwkFeggAYbnSAqXEYvPFQJmIz1JPeEI-CVxNdABrDgiKw8h7cHaoAb7ZBa5RqcZJ9Tk32l6ooIYEKILIa2qBGLCm1sZM5HqIjb/s2048/IMG_3301.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="2048" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos12TD4QmEmo6V1lqXhAp3c-MiymvhoV93KBCHydku6PwkFeggAYbnSAqXEYvPFQJmIz1JPeEI-CVxNdABrDgiKw8h7cHaoAb7ZBa5RqcZJ9Tk32l6ooIYEKILIa2qBGLCm1sZM5HqIjb/w640-h492/IMG_3301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> When I first arrived, the entire area of the Boardwalk from the Skatepark all the way north was one big homeless encampment. By the time I left it was mostly cleaned up. I don't know what happened in between, and I hope there was compassion and empathy involved - because that is one big thing I saw lacking. There is a lot of fighting and complaining by some Venetians, but very few solutions being offered by those griping. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5FXUo5fHVLt4dJxIYqiBcI5vyKpRGJfbukzWWGGqd_6am40ki6DwY2j33OyaDgO-n3xvN4xsMPLIRQ4ZWueHyWxrEqwY39HyZVHOVLsuxGyEh2oDbq_CX3eKhpgeFdMYPC8UCQc2o15h/s2048/IMG_3292.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5FXUo5fHVLt4dJxIYqiBcI5vyKpRGJfbukzWWGGqd_6am40ki6DwY2j33OyaDgO-n3xvN4xsMPLIRQ4ZWueHyWxrEqwY39HyZVHOVLsuxGyEh2oDbq_CX3eKhpgeFdMYPC8UCQc2o15h/w640-h480/IMG_3292.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The VNC Election was happening while I was there ... and that was kind of ugly too. I'm very disappointed that Jim Murez was elected President, as I have yet to hear empathy or compassion from him in all the years that I've known him. Let's all hope that this position will help him find that part of himself within, because otherwise I don't see much harmony on deck for Venice. Everyone needs to make sure it's not just about those with property value concerns over People. I was also very disappointed that Sergio Perez from Great Western Hoagies didn't get in, because you don't get much more local or more awesome than him. But good for Mike Bravo, Jim Robb, and Alley Bean! We need people that CARE in leadership, and not just about their property values, but the COMMUNITY - which includes EVERYONE. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguQWvAz6xN8j6w_GwjXW2xTltKPjU9bHbAiNz3RuVtPLHb3IsfSleHsPmJz42l3s9hBmNSFxejzw0_zR4JArisvkNyatdWG2F3SqS3qOaYzpX_VWBBsw4G5Q9i78zpm4IPu2NJbDLv_Sy/s2048/D5008D4F-B843-4C58-BF47-E84C08102F41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguQWvAz6xN8j6w_GwjXW2xTltKPjU9bHbAiNz3RuVtPLHb3IsfSleHsPmJz42l3s9hBmNSFxejzw0_zR4JArisvkNyatdWG2F3SqS3qOaYzpX_VWBBsw4G5Q9i78zpm4IPu2NJbDLv_Sy/w640-h480/D5008D4F-B843-4C58-BF47-E84C08102F41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The beach is a good place to start not only for the water, but for the art and entertainment as well. There weren't as many street performers out down there, but murals everywhere, starting with the updated Starry Night by Rip Cronk. Beautiful! (Leave it alone, taggers!) ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJKkFVNxiu_tyFVOcoGeQgBZNXtxGSbLfgOgVbGvrgA1gPsK3-HLXVd0wOCox63cdXjEs9cRxlAZwY-k1fprykzp5H2DEkXCHbVbnG6rZCEUbCyeBn4EpcVZtJ1Q3GoWnYTmoy9q9KzJA/s2048/IMG_3296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJKkFVNxiu_tyFVOcoGeQgBZNXtxGSbLfgOgVbGvrgA1gPsK3-HLXVd0wOCox63cdXjEs9cRxlAZwY-k1fprykzp5H2DEkXCHbVbnG6rZCEUbCyeBn4EpcVZtJ1Q3GoWnYTmoy9q9KzJA/w640-h480/IMG_3296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There were two by Jules Muck honoring luminaries from Venice's past, like Arthur L. Reese, the first Black resident of Venice, known as "The Wizard of Venice" for his inventions and decorations - like floats for Venice Mardi Gras! He sounded like a great time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9NrIE151erQlJ6h5XYXi-TXrcc7UXj2wzjT6lPTN0GWG1JvkWQdIcFeD5pjkttNdfSJGmFr7sl9PX89r8jxxFfCjvL7dYTBaHYx3D1kLSKN0EATIKML1SngC5iKI3mstQc25YmoOBJUn/s2048/IMG_3288.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9NrIE151erQlJ6h5XYXi-TXrcc7UXj2wzjT6lPTN0GWG1JvkWQdIcFeD5pjkttNdfSJGmFr7sl9PX89r8jxxFfCjvL7dYTBaHYx3D1kLSKN0EATIKML1SngC5iKI3mstQc25YmoOBJUn/w640-h480/IMG_3288.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Right next to that is another Muck piece, featuring early Venice residents, Charlie Chaplin, Clara Bow, and Abbot Kinney himself. There is so much history in Venice, all of which will be celebrated in the new Venice Heritage Museum - coming soon! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7fTJArMkjGRhcfBlc5l8vRdbqYfsTarhetwDlGCBOLKO2xYRrTBOAAa3VwSsXT2NRtcv42NgOKFJjA2AItnrguM_Sq7qHJaUv6FhnyoV6yLkmpRRCeKETeD1Xhthu4BYywpcxdrDNGYS/s2048/IMG_3287.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2048" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7fTJArMkjGRhcfBlc5l8vRdbqYfsTarhetwDlGCBOLKO2xYRrTBOAAa3VwSsXT2NRtcv42NgOKFJjA2AItnrguM_Sq7qHJaUv6FhnyoV6yLkmpRRCeKETeD1Xhthu4BYywpcxdrDNGYS/w640-h500/IMG_3287.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>A short stroll down the Boardwalk and you'll see a tribute to Kobe and Gigi Bryant - a loss that is still hard to believe, especially because I wasn't in L.A. at the time when it happened. Simply tragic. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNJYsD1l5z8nVCpVopSX8J8UXNPmWrjNSbizWbzsRfzl-BcM-B2qjcV32zykUVHjCeQdsWc3lscLAVUnYjS4oMOVeZAl0p8pwteTuAvBVuvWKuaost4sp19nR5KPv9vto0OJ8oJfLT-42/s2048/IMG_3291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1899" data-original-width="2048" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNJYsD1l5z8nVCpVopSX8J8UXNPmWrjNSbizWbzsRfzl-BcM-B2qjcV32zykUVHjCeQdsWc3lscLAVUnYjS4oMOVeZAl0p8pwteTuAvBVuvWKuaost4sp19nR5KPv9vto0OJ8oJfLT-42/w640-h594/IMG_3291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Also tragic was the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I had heard about the solidarity marches and support in Venice, and it was great to see images of George Floyd all the way across the country in the town that I love. Thank you! (and his filthy murderer Chauvin was just convicted for 22.5 years! Change begins now.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PMZAhBnEhfRqWvGroydSlFpipe8S0hLNuy4g0_LY0mivq0IZaneUWIqhpeenp1fNm53RmfaGYqtoV-xWdiZ91Y9P-ed5ebAXPhZjqLB18khpOL5iXzqlebKUs_XZjyqvljVBVUTBk1tp/s2048/IMG_3293.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PMZAhBnEhfRqWvGroydSlFpipe8S0hLNuy4g0_LY0mivq0IZaneUWIqhpeenp1fNm53RmfaGYqtoV-xWdiZ91Y9P-ed5ebAXPhZjqLB18khpOL5iXzqlebKUs_XZjyqvljVBVUTBk1tp/w480-h640/IMG_3293.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Shepard Fairey has a new one on Pacific letting you know that PATIENTS HAVE RIGHTS. I've been entangled in our broken healthcare system for going on two years now, and it is a serious battle every single day. It SUCKS, and needs to be moved to the top of America's problem list - with the CLIMATE (Remember that? It does). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsKEWTsMebLfITc1ZHQGA0BQhBdywJS5FSw6gAdGqRrN1TjatGTKpPGFbKUCYOuiiKD7zA5lzuUoSj2Rd3gXqj0AjQA-CMpMtWMt4Y9ng99fL24UcZVgnk6uykafZOk1AvK2C0vEPZKIC/s2048/IMG_3294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsKEWTsMebLfITc1ZHQGA0BQhBdywJS5FSw6gAdGqRrN1TjatGTKpPGFbKUCYOuiiKD7zA5lzuUoSj2Rd3gXqj0AjQA-CMpMtWMt4Y9ng99fL24UcZVgnk6uykafZOk1AvK2C0vEPZKIC/w480-h640/IMG_3294.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Hampton Drive had a fantastic new piece celebrating all things Venice, and I love everything about it. The color palette, the images, the spirit! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ3p5Gs3vu1TKV7rG2l50NgXi9UGOXrlMfj5sB0_I3gm-6a6SNo26IOgcpWPfImf4G1pFCRnK-066aUQakvFx6blWrvcaDvqNXyF39-qaBHeFdbi9TQtpFldWHgC8-QOvBGbEJaK48hfM/s2048/IMG_3270.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ3p5Gs3vu1TKV7rG2l50NgXi9UGOXrlMfj5sB0_I3gm-6a6SNo26IOgcpWPfImf4G1pFCRnK-066aUQakvFx6blWrvcaDvqNXyF39-qaBHeFdbi9TQtpFldWHgC8-QOvBGbEJaK48hfM/w640-h480/IMG_3270.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> From Venice's long history of resistance (never needed more than today!) to Muscle Beach and regular beach people, to tigers and lifeguard towers and ice cream - it's simply wonderful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoZkrOIyz0fD-1DJiGbOsGhD2esUizLgfe4nFXNPGkKqfX25ZtDByx5fSc9SchXvkgZ0Pif4WZrplx4oIfkqUylJyjKnZ3YekCFFTTjursbf3-K5fuANgzLCQLER7mPbK6m_MHCnDG4gN/s2048/214809E2-F56F-4D4E-AC62-31020E58B70E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoZkrOIyz0fD-1DJiGbOsGhD2esUizLgfe4nFXNPGkKqfX25ZtDByx5fSc9SchXvkgZ0Pif4WZrplx4oIfkqUylJyjKnZ3YekCFFTTjursbf3-K5fuANgzLCQLER7mPbK6m_MHCnDG4gN/w512-h640/214809E2-F56F-4D4E-AC62-31020E58B70E.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> There's a great new mural over at Hoagie's too, and the day I saw it was the day Hecho En Venice had a booth set up in front of it and Oscar was the perfect photo subject to capture it with! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2XsfKLA2-ei4Vao4ffGGADupglsQVWdzo10Mwxn1ksGqbEnyp7JPIrUiGB3EgIrAql_DDuKZ1GnZtTKzRESeYRkrH6ftPtqu0s3JAu7ebgnFyvGNXgy1wB7sTm_ypqbLk-HzEsP-hqni/s2048/IMG_2974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2XsfKLA2-ei4Vao4ffGGADupglsQVWdzo10Mwxn1ksGqbEnyp7JPIrUiGB3EgIrAql_DDuKZ1GnZtTKzRESeYRkrH6ftPtqu0s3JAu7ebgnFyvGNXgy1wB7sTm_ypqbLk-HzEsP-hqni/w640-h480/IMG_2974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The parking lot that runs behind Abbot Kinney is full of murals always, and I really dug the new one of Stevie Nicks back there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8JPiXymvWxubsbtMimaO9CrhLm7BaVtOMISoHhN_gM5RDeMVfhWzlZ-XI6DLzLj65c0S7h3D4jWvVKO7noCBCdqYHSTf0jmcD5CeSLb23CCIACU_vJcSD7I8MOo_YyVgq6hswJsdrNWe/s2048/IMG_3332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8JPiXymvWxubsbtMimaO9CrhLm7BaVtOMISoHhN_gM5RDeMVfhWzlZ-XI6DLzLj65c0S7h3D4jWvVKO7noCBCdqYHSTf0jmcD5CeSLb23CCIACU_vJcSD7I8MOo_YyVgq6hswJsdrNWe/w640-h480/IMG_3332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The rainbow crosswalk isn't really a mural, but it is really Venice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPu-acjoR8SrzapnogSMPPOOjY8Lt-1msBEmfHMyXv_fXDrn5TI7l-zp2qFhY-G3ol1enu-7U3E4bJgoYIAIjXHv3XkwHOsqj-QQn3Rgqpkw6tDLJ8SiHczO14cytZdbDGQi6Y5c2-cla/s2048/IMG_3333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPu-acjoR8SrzapnogSMPPOOjY8Lt-1msBEmfHMyXv_fXDrn5TI7l-zp2qFhY-G3ol1enu-7U3E4bJgoYIAIjXHv3XkwHOsqj-QQn3Rgqpkw6tDLJ8SiHczO14cytZdbDGQi6Y5c2-cla/w640-h480/IMG_3333.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> You can see art just walking the regular streets of Venice, like this happy rainbow wall. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvH9TTvwmfowB_gqqyN_shHciWXUXdsmRTaTUYrprSjbF9WfwD7u7jj4FNJVe-0-cJm6IKuXH6sbTZGNZfdE2jDAd11keOh127lBp4K1k74Uuv7ok54vKxGqLfkApkmq7yWH7PIsRoL4-/s2048/IMG_3280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvH9TTvwmfowB_gqqyN_shHciWXUXdsmRTaTUYrprSjbF9WfwD7u7jj4FNJVe-0-cJm6IKuXH6sbTZGNZfdE2jDAd11keOh127lBp4K1k74Uuv7ok54vKxGqLfkApkmq7yWH7PIsRoL4-/w640-h480/IMG_3280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>My favorite part of walking or biking around Venice is always the people that make the place. One smile from Fred at the Gonzo Africa Rasta booth at the beach will make your whole day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MDMExXZwgD3IaZv0gBIilgBmbTnvdA5BtSjruUAQ1BnBiZ6y0_kgPtJ3kagoBr0yfl_xynk_fgODYENlWDNhGJjw-kOOz_-sUfxAb7UanhlIVREgOH5zvqMeWbMym-pwKqcLZvyxcSnF/s2048/7E36754A-51F6-4B26-8348-A4D1B67DDB3A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MDMExXZwgD3IaZv0gBIilgBmbTnvdA5BtSjruUAQ1BnBiZ6y0_kgPtJ3kagoBr0yfl_xynk_fgODYENlWDNhGJjw-kOOz_-sUfxAb7UanhlIVREgOH5zvqMeWbMym-pwKqcLZvyxcSnF/w512-h640/7E36754A-51F6-4B26-8348-A4D1B67DDB3A.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> I had so many happy reunions I don't know where to start, but one of the most important ones was with my great friend Beckett, who has a bunch of new teeth since I saw him last! We were stoked. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM4nT5HJMDjp0DQr0ncxh1-wbyCAT4GqjIcKjP_7R93T1_zR1mc0uNuy7nSQz2glwQM39WVzlhvH314eATfmf_glfuUSTlnzt6JJJ8O3n93NCETKIolzFa8-l3qrxgpkxeXKJSKgHRflv/s2048/IMG_2978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM4nT5HJMDjp0DQr0ncxh1-wbyCAT4GqjIcKjP_7R93T1_zR1mc0uNuy7nSQz2glwQM39WVzlhvH314eATfmf_glfuUSTlnzt6JJJ8O3n93NCETKIolzFa8-l3qrxgpkxeXKJSKgHRflv/w480-h640/IMG_2978.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> On my third night back there was a music night at The Penmar, the new venue at the Penmar Golf Course. I got my pals Paul Chesne and Lacey Cowden to join Blue Eyed Son and The Coastal Folk for a night of live music FINALLY, and it was simply the best. I got to see SO many friends all at once - without masks - and it was a true highlight of my return. Thank you to everyone there! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QNJt7adrHFIzrqK5yR1TUoz13lhUErBl8qDu6vTf17flRjlj3xvXEyBVrEyRPakznEYQF-SjsoLoaGZOQJQSAeMhfPV81sSQiCcLFC55WkWXelujkHwfJCDVvaUiRJ03kxhXvoFCegkD/s2048/IMG_3073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QNJt7adrHFIzrqK5yR1TUoz13lhUErBl8qDu6vTf17flRjlj3xvXEyBVrEyRPakznEYQF-SjsoLoaGZOQJQSAeMhfPV81sSQiCcLFC55WkWXelujkHwfJCDVvaUiRJ03kxhXvoFCegkD/w640-h480/IMG_3073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Hinano's was, of course, one of my first (and last!) stops, and it was so good to grab an exceptional burger, a frosty beer (they were out of Red Stripe though, what?!), and especially a hug from my pal, Melissa! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrULdWJ0P7590LMdQ9UMcoXWwL6XQeyn8Do511yKuce1ONfKIERsHxlwwVF3DpABZ97ARfkpAc4k6FSJqAx9P2a4RyJZQ23jRf70OHRtdMJ4s1VSNCE6T2RDyV5vrX0dEsqsYSQQD8fOf/s2048/2B99E8B5-85BC-458D-9408-7C278E5CF141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrULdWJ0P7590LMdQ9UMcoXWwL6XQeyn8Do511yKuce1ONfKIERsHxlwwVF3DpABZ97ARfkpAc4k6FSJqAx9P2a4RyJZQ23jRf70OHRtdMJ4s1VSNCE6T2RDyV5vrX0dEsqsYSQQD8fOf/w640-h640/2B99E8B5-85BC-458D-9408-7C278E5CF141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was a blast to be just walking along a street and run into someone I adored that didn't even know I was back. It happened a lot, and was a boost to the soul each time - like when I randomly ran into my old pal and Skateboard Hall of Famer Ray Flores! Awesome. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5HozMHdPuNA3KBz4jsecZo4uNGSM9q-8tIEBfissPk55ye6Gdn5EMnIPxlttR-5ug5AIl4N1VeNchhJwfLSRxvj_kY2ZVAMWxSsAkqHhpkrgsEN_3KQEPmYGhAd3kRVsgtFobx19BIr_/s2048/IMG_3331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5HozMHdPuNA3KBz4jsecZo4uNGSM9q-8tIEBfissPk55ye6Gdn5EMnIPxlttR-5ug5AIl4N1VeNchhJwfLSRxvj_kY2ZVAMWxSsAkqHhpkrgsEN_3KQEPmYGhAd3kRVsgtFobx19BIr_/w640-h480/IMG_3331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The beach is sincerely holy to me - my Church, really - and I need as much time there as possible. It is truly healing for me, and I miss it deeply every day that I can't just walk to it. What a life giver! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaz0Oj73Ogk-8rC4vPxJJbBl571spTnCy4BZKxEwhHQtEf-qcMhZxbeP9YSVC56gTm-NSBEQ3syx56UNlD64_CjZfO2gl92CZNvQs52pxX_ne6M7Uqsz8ybwtK4bVVZ4Fy0Kz5pfElavm/s2048/IMG_3395.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaz0Oj73Ogk-8rC4vPxJJbBl571spTnCy4BZKxEwhHQtEf-qcMhZxbeP9YSVC56gTm-NSBEQ3syx56UNlD64_CjZfO2gl92CZNvQs52pxX_ne6M7Uqsz8ybwtK4bVVZ4Fy0Kz5pfElavm/w640-h480/IMG_3395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The beach and ocean are the focus of nature for me in Venice, but natural beauty is also everywhere. I was so happy that I didn't miss the jacarandas this year! I came from purple lilacs in Minnesota and was met by the purple rain of jacaranda blossoms in Venice. Thankful! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbGlRVO_h_irod0yL_oKoUEfO-92rw4K8khg0IyoU5AdtiNcAmo9-UwqQhTP8fnwSlhTI4ceyaALeviOP5hJVq3isSlNm2Lb42GTQTE5Kp-_jEZEnS84WvydVIx-eub9vQsTOuuwV57-x/s2048/IMG_2975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbGlRVO_h_irod0yL_oKoUEfO-92rw4K8khg0IyoU5AdtiNcAmo9-UwqQhTP8fnwSlhTI4ceyaALeviOP5hJVq3isSlNm2Lb42GTQTE5Kp-_jEZEnS84WvydVIx-eub9vQsTOuuwV57-x/w480-h640/IMG_2975.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> The community garden at Beyond Baroque is thriving, and was a lovely spot to sit and take it all in for a moment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRPeBXhTbQmh7ChxxQpuYtSIDkrHi5VEL62Gj0VaBqUWuPCYpyEQDO7U0du1X0K7fa70fGO71LGzEL8GJC04k88IItF6c0QzhFN8gcI8y8ZIaagxZfJRxxxbEQM-TjX3A1Y3qlalnwQUF/s2048/IMG_3259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRPeBXhTbQmh7ChxxQpuYtSIDkrHi5VEL62Gj0VaBqUWuPCYpyEQDO7U0du1X0K7fa70fGO71LGzEL8GJC04k88IItF6c0QzhFN8gcI8y8ZIaagxZfJRxxxbEQM-TjX3A1Y3qlalnwQUF/w640-h480/IMG_3259.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Venice Canals are as gorgeous as ever (if a little low!). A walk through the canals is always beautiful, peaceful, and transformative ... as well as aspirational for me. It is my dream location to live one day, if not right on the beach. <br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW6rVB-rALb16qIxbQyAYmOz-2Q5NFOPpTO2b6bGRWeWEg4E9W_jVieXdY0WIcUz0fnUDU9PoCBHbTYElbpyvHmkBCA0ACPc3rqQ8qQbhiP4Cyyzd4Gtv62taESRBXViy2ff9VBtjJSwO/s2048/IMG_3318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW6rVB-rALb16qIxbQyAYmOz-2Q5NFOPpTO2b6bGRWeWEg4E9W_jVieXdY0WIcUz0fnUDU9PoCBHbTYElbpyvHmkBCA0ACPc3rqQ8qQbhiP4Cyyzd4Gtv62taESRBXViy2ff9VBtjJSwO/w640-h480/IMG_3318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I missed Venice sunsets so much. The free show every night was one of my favorite things to stop and appreciate and be grateful for. You come to realize that they're beautiful everywhere - just different. It's really more about the people that you spend them with ... and I try to view them with people I love whenever I look, so it's still been lovely. Just not Venice. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesEfrHZmyevE64NuP2ax-d18e9-khRb6baSgB87WfJcSxUmJUDvzQBAHdOhc0DE-RDjWHfuGT3gpUzwF8BGwYb4B0wSEb6M0SeRq4h1SDQd4B996BXOnC0N2BwHkNMiOEfg86ZzJnEyIj/s2048/31F1F5F3-73BD-4DE5-B1CB-659877749C23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesEfrHZmyevE64NuP2ax-d18e9-khRb6baSgB87WfJcSxUmJUDvzQBAHdOhc0DE-RDjWHfuGT3gpUzwF8BGwYb4B0wSEb6M0SeRq4h1SDQd4B996BXOnC0N2BwHkNMiOEfg86ZzJnEyIj/w640-h640/31F1F5F3-73BD-4DE5-B1CB-659877749C23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The creative spirit is what initially drew me to Venice, and it remains everywhere. Not just in the arts, but in the hearts, minds, and souls of its people. When the pandemic hit, people were still able to gather, because Venice folks thought up The Music Box - an actual box that performers get in to play music out on the sand (where all could be safe and distanced and still enjoy each other and the entertainment). I got to go on my last night in town, and it was exactly what I needed to sustain me until I'm back full time. Sunset, music, ocean waves on background vocals, and most importantly, FRIENDS. I just loved loved loved it. (and it's TONIGHT if you're in Venice!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2cPBmH0ZDjnjPnoYOyGb6tYy8OaUxSBHTWh7ZAed_Y-UBqRIIRNvnaJdI3UZM-bp4joxpR5dlyV9dl01tD2Pmn8CbeDlb0rE92nGCCpWgJ7ClARYB40TrEZ6GSvwMlAfj-ANvPSuVK9u/s1440/AD98943D-494C-4D8C-8D7C-485ECF0B18C2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2cPBmH0ZDjnjPnoYOyGb6tYy8OaUxSBHTWh7ZAed_Y-UBqRIIRNvnaJdI3UZM-bp4joxpR5dlyV9dl01tD2Pmn8CbeDlb0rE92nGCCpWgJ7ClARYB40TrEZ6GSvwMlAfj-ANvPSuVK9u/w640-h640/AD98943D-494C-4D8C-8D7C-485ECF0B18C2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Time with my friends that are my family was the very best part of this return trip that FLEW by waaaaaay too fast, People! Phone calls and Facetimes and Zooms and texts and snail mail and everything is great, but to hug someone and look into their eyes as they well up with happiness to be back in each others' arms was an absolute elixir for my soul, one that I have carried with me through all the craziness that ensued the moment I got back to Minneapolis. I love my friends! </p><p>The Ladies! (Christina, Steph, Lacey, Mandy)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQ_rCJrfkkdZLae35dEoYf39xPrf-nJt-T656EmsvQl29BadKTS-nzE-_okqMSzWOqujFZOtwWaw_cP61Cs_VZv1hkoHlCNQ9AAh02jKhTSvKGAVDBSNw8ju0RiFylH-obXJ_FhUwHZN/s2048/81698BC3-C2E2-429C-BD6D-F1FD399D96F8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="2048" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQ_rCJrfkkdZLae35dEoYf39xPrf-nJt-T656EmsvQl29BadKTS-nzE-_okqMSzWOqujFZOtwWaw_cP61Cs_VZv1hkoHlCNQ9AAh02jKhTSvKGAVDBSNw8ju0RiFylH-obXJ_FhUwHZN/w640-h566/81698BC3-C2E2-429C-BD6D-F1FD399D96F8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Deb!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSZHqr9Scbzu1ZBYRzFFP7onodgpWEHWPcgSMSsQVStdIMjeS3KBcEAo4TAbd-jXYs7UUojtK4eTI7cBcq_7ZyBFfxvVDL2ph3GE1DR1wOY8VbpJcwvVky7cYhKUigu7iRIoshMXGEQWg/s2048/98935354-668C-457B-821F-9D2EA1686E99.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSZHqr9Scbzu1ZBYRzFFP7onodgpWEHWPcgSMSsQVStdIMjeS3KBcEAo4TAbd-jXYs7UUojtK4eTI7cBcq_7ZyBFfxvVDL2ph3GE1DR1wOY8VbpJcwvVky7cYhKUigu7iRIoshMXGEQWg/w520-h640/98935354-668C-457B-821F-9D2EA1686E99.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><p> Jenny! (Thank you for letting me stay at your pad!)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfOQXeUAV0xwVY4iPM_2vHcN_RWVODpkj8ZpaL16sA8PHras01d7muGJYExLuXixpBDxap43wHkKYLQZeG1XPLKu_zMeTn_Zg3xmvTfBg7HF5-efgIl0zEPePZuZK4TdZUyuWBxvvtHCJ/s1703/24F188E9-CDCC-4188-84CC-7F2B14E355F9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfOQXeUAV0xwVY4iPM_2vHcN_RWVODpkj8ZpaL16sA8PHras01d7muGJYExLuXixpBDxap43wHkKYLQZeG1XPLKu_zMeTn_Zg3xmvTfBg7HF5-efgIl0zEPePZuZK4TdZUyuWBxvvtHCJ/w542-h640/24F188E9-CDCC-4188-84CC-7F2B14E355F9.jpg" width="542" /></a></div><p> Erinn!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLc0_eEkuOK26XnGDdCEaGzSv1Gqo00MaGCWQVjXcAuVpvuBZtMmlbzSHj6uQ77ibNpU76vmHRip0kyx3mo6etN-6xXf4g5Idh91C6bY4zDYILGYmDsy45BKlbbSnltObHVLZp49mh_ax/s2048/IMG_3274.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="2048" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLc0_eEkuOK26XnGDdCEaGzSv1Gqo00MaGCWQVjXcAuVpvuBZtMmlbzSHj6uQ77ibNpU76vmHRip0kyx3mo6etN-6xXf4g5Idh91C6bY4zDYILGYmDsy45BKlbbSnltObHVLZp49mh_ax/w640-h580/IMG_3274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Paddy and Lacey! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbf69ODI-EwhLtRVH_f37105VswWFX7Vv2ivUji0f41SmLlDXjiKI4P-_1Ae-nY0uFfUxHNQnPe1F0Cmsbe83PMLaRaoKTC61ObsdU-cNnth2DIn5QFtCe1_S_TzfTSwuUdpN0Mla0BAD/s2048/IMG_3076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbf69ODI-EwhLtRVH_f37105VswWFX7Vv2ivUji0f41SmLlDXjiKI4P-_1Ae-nY0uFfUxHNQnPe1F0Cmsbe83PMLaRaoKTC61ObsdU-cNnth2DIn5QFtCe1_S_TzfTSwuUdpN0Mla0BAD/w480-h640/IMG_3076.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Suzy Williams! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOXBO5eGloD5fN1c-X-PYeI-gW08l_SYP2P3LS-Xtd0QU5pmOX6tZ8l9t5PKfOzNhq8C7nEd25JxUN3FtpxgINizfHJ0HjilcH32O1GO9Wclb-Jk18AVglUWfNxiLYKrGWCHWSA1yPC6F/s2048/IMG_3085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1793" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOXBO5eGloD5fN1c-X-PYeI-gW08l_SYP2P3LS-Xtd0QU5pmOX6tZ8l9t5PKfOzNhq8C7nEd25JxUN3FtpxgINizfHJ0HjilcH32O1GO9Wclb-Jk18AVglUWfNxiLYKrGWCHWSA1yPC6F/w560-h640/IMG_3085.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><p> Karen!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDot9UQdux-56u2rsMrh5HgCT_l94RzVVT7hUWCQw09ofmfCFJc_PjB3SZBJjdf8OZ04gj0XzVDk9o9nYja0ug9AXaLYXKxbjK-pbsNpslNwvFfumT0ECx6TvcoNKzDdKsA6QwwF_dUt1/s2048/IMG_3047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDot9UQdux-56u2rsMrh5HgCT_l94RzVVT7hUWCQw09ofmfCFJc_PjB3SZBJjdf8OZ04gj0XzVDk9o9nYja0ug9AXaLYXKxbjK-pbsNpslNwvFfumT0ECx6TvcoNKzDdKsA6QwwF_dUt1/w480-h640/IMG_3047.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Tonan!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i64cCEB6qTCyuTiQ-GRSXCaS0NB3Aa6XFyffC42qhgqjVnnIa93-BUTOkMTu1eL-po32v-h_yu-l8-I05GH7zICNHg5YD7k8Loh4vomAnxsmeunBgD907PwEDAs6R49lsrXnsl_GwOE6/s2048/IMG_3347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i64cCEB6qTCyuTiQ-GRSXCaS0NB3Aa6XFyffC42qhgqjVnnIa93-BUTOkMTu1eL-po32v-h_yu-l8-I05GH7zICNHg5YD7k8Loh4vomAnxsmeunBgD907PwEDAs6R49lsrXnsl_GwOE6/w480-h640/IMG_3347.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Brigette! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUa-EU0DoA8GBBt2Evr0t5zmKt_oLUMYg_GWS7l8zz_6_1F3SdjS6DRLy3jFLoK4D_QDkCZj99PpyOwziBQdWyffKaAgdVb8oZxzKz9L9daoGpJcIAB3ICY0uOaePQAjaqOy9_6cvWvLG/s2048/BB7D70D1-9D9E-4277-90E1-0420F2369BE6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUa-EU0DoA8GBBt2Evr0t5zmKt_oLUMYg_GWS7l8zz_6_1F3SdjS6DRLy3jFLoK4D_QDkCZj99PpyOwziBQdWyffKaAgdVb8oZxzKz9L9daoGpJcIAB3ICY0uOaePQAjaqOy9_6cvWvLG/w640-h640/BB7D70D1-9D9E-4277-90E1-0420F2369BE6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>James and Danny! (Thank you for the excellent farewell Drag Brunch!)</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIh9VG2Z_0V_I6_38cTUtiLhL433LcuRuBfHZEzO-Gdl0Og9c8z5GYryLy1xpASf53wod7R2BDQdVDtxL69GKg9YF_AcAPiXlGH_SNKMZ6pYSiW5EkX6pJonhxIW6vJNn-osIN-J_j9G8/s2048/IMG_3386.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1735" data-original-width="2048" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIh9VG2Z_0V_I6_38cTUtiLhL433LcuRuBfHZEzO-Gdl0Og9c8z5GYryLy1xpASf53wod7R2BDQdVDtxL69GKg9YF_AcAPiXlGH_SNKMZ6pYSiW5EkX6pJonhxIW6vJNn-osIN-J_j9G8/w640-h542/IMG_3386.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p> Rebekah! (Thank you for letting me stay in the Shack!)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdW_jJbHibHxCSQzyiLDwgwCklhC0KjYKUEWleKAWUYPFst7XndipSVdS8yCn0pGrKHqmmq27oRYNJX-3pljAxXM3ABWKSQP2BUZBSxgJhwDRtUrIgGN8Mopc01u99mlJUxqnLKi8xG9r/s1440/646A9FA9-92AE-450D-A3B0-FDCB6B420C6C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1440" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdW_jJbHibHxCSQzyiLDwgwCklhC0KjYKUEWleKAWUYPFst7XndipSVdS8yCn0pGrKHqmmq27oRYNJX-3pljAxXM3ABWKSQP2BUZBSxgJhwDRtUrIgGN8Mopc01u99mlJUxqnLKi8xG9r/w640-h544/646A9FA9-92AE-450D-A3B0-FDCB6B420C6C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> And so many more that I saw and didn't get photos with ... and that I sadly didn't see because the time went too fast (or they just didn't try!) that I love but will have to see in the future. But ALL of Venice, please know this. I'll be back ... and YOU ARE LOVED. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1zybr0RAnvfml7NooRcfw58yJ53wNk0O67-4HbQbDTGnZcsjr4yfRtv_M42ae4W0S-x64V5VPX8ULD3rYQE_5jHO7nou1SWc9MYERQEx0lb56xh5MdgYNmZSeNL1KSELPqdiJHFa3lgz/s2048/IMG_3295.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1zybr0RAnvfml7NooRcfw58yJ53wNk0O67-4HbQbDTGnZcsjr4yfRtv_M42ae4W0S-x64V5VPX8ULD3rYQE_5jHO7nou1SWc9MYERQEx0lb56xh5MdgYNmZSeNL1KSELPqdiJHFa3lgz/w640-h480/IMG_3295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> ALWAYS. XOXO, Your CJ<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLc0_eEkuOK26XnGDdCEaGzSv1Gqo00MaGCWQVjXcAuVpvuBZtMmlbzSHj6uQ77ibNpU76vmHRip0kyx3mo6etN-6xXf4g5Idh91C6bY4zDYILGYmDsy45BKlbbSnltObHVLZp49mh_ax/s2048/IMG_3274.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><br /><br /> </p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvH9TTvwmfowB_gqqyN_shHciWXUXdsmRTaTUYrprSjbF9WfwD7u7jj4FNJVe-0-cJm6IKuXH6sbTZGNZfdE2jDAd11keOh127lBp4K1k74Uuv7ok54vKxGqLfkApkmq7yWH7PIsRoL4-/s2048/IMG_3280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxrU36NS-DuPw3neVUYhPGjN7pGQ686SlTBk8xKBlgat65i9w2ynSHS2AYfVU-tMOeEpX4WxnCvRpa6o6fIK4e6rQUbWG4ianP59BwvflPOA8LIkwWs4PW6tB8oUM2HH_0Vb5n2ZRzab9/s2048/IMG_3261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM4nT5HJMDjp0DQr0ncxh1-wbyCAT4GqjIcKjP_7R93T1_zR1mc0uNuy7nSQz2glwQM39WVzlhvH314eATfmf_glfuUSTlnzt6JJJ8O3n93NCETKIolzFa8-l3qrxgpkxeXKJSKgHRflv/s2048/IMG_2978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RdL4uaiR-zxbf2wo5oRf1Ql5nnyHOUlnM3yXqeMM7cxDn2T1n8cfboSxDCZUPyzNup9c4fN2hkxJr6fL368nLkIJUr3Px-IchYbomyHBWddd-Repq_GCzreEZwJOqm6CcBn_q4Dbrwno/s2048/FDF8004F-01AB-4F71-B005-ECF030D3C6BD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguQWvAz6xN8j6w_GwjXW2xTltKPjU9bHbAiNz3RuVtPLHb3IsfSleHsPmJz42l3s9hBmNSFxejzw0_zR4JArisvkNyatdWG2F3SqS3qOaYzpX_VWBBsw4G5Q9i78zpm4IPu2NJbDLv_Sy/s2048/D5008D4F-B843-4C58-BF47-E84C08102F41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOgOjWCcNsHO5Qr06BETy-SrSoGuDoBwgH_5XVHBiAC-2g5h0HSRwIhNwtQvjygxgqSbiFmZR5W14QdDmLKWu4XXGclu2V4Ljw0kcxq66m3U7VXDJMnAv-0ncnJmli7Fwf_lYXxDk5QAM/s2048/31F1F5F3-73BD-4DE5-B1CB-659877749C23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-31979107027404362092021-04-21T12:27:00.000-07:002021-04-21T12:27:57.793-07:00Justice For George Floyd Is Served In Minneapolis - Change Is Gonna Come<p>People! I haven't posted here in a while, mainly because life has been so insane. There's been plenty to post about, and almost all of it has had something to do with the murder of George Floyd here in Minneapolis last May. Marches, art exhibits, protests, fundraisers, town meetings, petitions, social media posts, heated arguments ... all of it to try and get justice for a victim of police murder this time. And yesterday we got it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKBzOq_LooF9VLlku3sB3O8QaM3vLjvUY7Yi11xvue80oL-HXdBUscpY1SSOvMNGzDHEMDk0Jhq0ihYjvk-I8AwWrsv2icMybKj6weJqUh1C6Bn0wbFKwbxmJTmoCijFteBKsBoUOFKCY/s2048/IMG_2475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKBzOq_LooF9VLlku3sB3O8QaM3vLjvUY7Yi11xvue80oL-HXdBUscpY1SSOvMNGzDHEMDk0Jhq0ihYjvk-I8AwWrsv2icMybKj6weJqUh1C6Bn0wbFKwbxmJTmoCijFteBKsBoUOFKCY/w640-h480/IMG_2475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three murder counts yesterday, and Minneapolis erupted in a collective sigh of relief and complete jubilation through sobbing tears. People that weren't here cannot imagine what it felt like in the city. The TENSION. I'm somebody that has to DO something, or I'll go crazy, so yesterday I set out to get the vibe of the day, having no idea that a verdict would come in that afternoon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDFaULXomR44oOBCX-SoqMhd_z_Dk5lZzVe07h0OPNbi3sB7qQO3Zrri-e10uscPdCUB-iPNHnkigVEiglmGxjXsjeBvhWez4FpVNKch6S2yCi8l-evElI5u2DtIj0HoffptQjE4LyX6b/s2048/IMG_2440.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDFaULXomR44oOBCX-SoqMhd_z_Dk5lZzVe07h0OPNbi3sB7qQO3Zrri-e10uscPdCUB-iPNHnkigVEiglmGxjXsjeBvhWez4FpVNKch6S2yCi8l-evElI5u2DtIj0HoffptQjE4LyX6b/w480-h640/IMG_2440.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I began on Lake Street, where guys in yellow vests were everywhere, frantically boarding up the few glass windows that remained exposed. Business owners were torn about doing this again after the uprisings last May when Floyd was murdered, because you only board up if you think there's going to be riots, and there's only going to be riots if the murderer was found not guilty, and we didn't even want to let ourselves imagine that that could happen. But you also don't want to be sweeping up glass all over again, so most businesses caved in and threw up the plywood. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iGjIU7C0jB9SzPRm48kj7VFaGZNtUEsCLvdShF1xnzNEDmyaU738-nLqqJKFtNxDOrv2i90S4Ut-pl8m4FQkAlBbjWnrqRMXm7ajK_n_ccveuyhynl1GG1Gz7sbv_gHTX_CVggU0UD05/s2048/IMG_2415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iGjIU7C0jB9SzPRm48kj7VFaGZNtUEsCLvdShF1xnzNEDmyaU738-nLqqJKFtNxDOrv2i90S4Ut-pl8m4FQkAlBbjWnrqRMXm7ajK_n_ccveuyhynl1GG1Gz7sbv_gHTX_CVggU0UD05/w640-h480/IMG_2415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Armored trucks and National Guard members with machine guns were patrolling nearly every corner. It was all very unsettling - but it didn't stop a couple from standing outside of my beloved Ingebretsen's trying to get some curbside sausage! (They were successful).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIODz0_KYbQvzD4Vva2HNkdxrZ3FImd8F0vsU9PUqZ_efqZSHxBCn8kAnheGXYC_P93TadlSHwWnVj4ml3hfQs6lbvBW0cNlehyNXKUfqCSpgrWR4or8BYNImaDYnMLqpL_TVnu9MLAxwx/s2048/IMG_2414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIODz0_KYbQvzD4Vva2HNkdxrZ3FImd8F0vsU9PUqZ_efqZSHxBCn8kAnheGXYC_P93TadlSHwWnVj4ml3hfQs6lbvBW0cNlehyNXKUfqCSpgrWR4or8BYNImaDYnMLqpL_TVnu9MLAxwx/w640-h480/IMG_2414.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>People were trying to go about their business, but you couldn't escape the ominous feeling of either impending doom or complete joy - it would only be one or the other, no in between. It's terribly sad that there was any sense of suspense AT ALL, as the entire world has watched George Floyd's life being snuffed out under Chauvin's knee on repeat for almost a year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39_6NTmrebky1L3QX35QR00oFVby22yGa_1ueINwgPeuMh5IZwE5eG4G7WsrTxKzCbt0qJmZEItGurmgzZYNXqih_hq_D0d_gwQREQwQ9CjGI9RXpZgXEN0w8ulr22DALKsuvwBrPj5Vp/s2048/IMG_2435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2027" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39_6NTmrebky1L3QX35QR00oFVby22yGa_1ueINwgPeuMh5IZwE5eG4G7WsrTxKzCbt0qJmZEItGurmgzZYNXqih_hq_D0d_gwQREQwQ9CjGI9RXpZgXEN0w8ulr22DALKsuvwBrPj5Vp/w634-h640/IMG_2435.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><p> There should have been exactly zero debate, but it's 2021 in America ... and you just never know. I had highly respected and intelligent activist friends tell me that thought there was no way Chauvin would be convicted. But we kept marching and yelling about it. We're EXHAUSTED, and I can only imagine how the Floyd family felt throughout. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPaUNHEXSY2ae3WJKCV0sdj4jhW60675L3WuXG_mcgvrc8PgGTmjcxi45A94ioqj58llIHmRkOo8E8gHayRLp86tCsdFTVhknjfTZknYeAwTlTwZJo2qu-BvCbH9YlZFkVb2Rc4GoXBN6/s2048/IMG_2444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPaUNHEXSY2ae3WJKCV0sdj4jhW60675L3WuXG_mcgvrc8PgGTmjcxi45A94ioqj58llIHmRkOo8E8gHayRLp86tCsdFTVhknjfTZknYeAwTlTwZJo2qu-BvCbH9YlZFkVb2Rc4GoXBN6/w480-h640/IMG_2444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I decided to head downtown to see what it felt like, and I really didn't think there would be a verdict in until maybe the end of the week. It was so eerie. Very quiet, all was boarded up, and there again were National Guard people guarding - against the People. Very sad. Mary Tyler Moore was tossing up her hat in front of a fenced off Dayton's. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZM-WuO6MIyPA0dzO33JvY7yVegsKpFi3tJ0wLz7mt6XbnMMTbSq5Fuw9-50DRDKYcKTZL4s1Zk4RBdFAC3jTMNBtSGhwOQ5QBYBaddqrp8eOWwMCmpZPfYosPGn2fIJfthlsrgKyzjxx/s2048/IMG_2425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1457" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZM-WuO6MIyPA0dzO33JvY7yVegsKpFi3tJ0wLz7mt6XbnMMTbSq5Fuw9-50DRDKYcKTZL4s1Zk4RBdFAC3jTMNBtSGhwOQ5QBYBaddqrp8eOWwMCmpZPfYosPGn2fIJfthlsrgKyzjxx/w456-h640/IMG_2425.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><p> First Avenue was done up in black boards, and featured a red star with George Floyd's name there with all the other luminaries. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnlpw2d_UUDUVDiLg17Ht2VgEE8f5HCHw60WkeDml0ZkjZcGEaA5JfA7pKqbfSTbz8qGLC9jjpT8R4Go7Xmtv3Zgm-TorNSfLzZwm0lPYJB0WQzaObGhqSf5fhlH3vjJwvJkzd5SKgEk8/s2048/IMG_2429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnlpw2d_UUDUVDiLg17Ht2VgEE8f5HCHw60WkeDml0ZkjZcGEaA5JfA7pKqbfSTbz8qGLC9jjpT8R4Go7Xmtv3Zgm-TorNSfLzZwm0lPYJB0WQzaObGhqSf5fhlH3vjJwvJkzd5SKgEk8/w480-h640/IMG_2429.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> The Irish Bar across the street was locked up tight, and they too were rooting for George Floyd. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-CSwKv4BCJ5BTV9MXWUDj7ktAw2pM6zr-ABy_DgFqEbQe3qQV0-U9k6OwuR7Pd4SDHe9JwOFrLuwp0I0hv1Ollv90JeX2obe-4_YUQakoA0sHcsaj6P5ddRTXDEkciWZdUOnXcwH4TJQ/s2048/IMG_2427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-CSwKv4BCJ5BTV9MXWUDj7ktAw2pM6zr-ABy_DgFqEbQe3qQV0-U9k6OwuR7Pd4SDHe9JwOFrLuwp0I0hv1Ollv90JeX2obe-4_YUQakoA0sHcsaj6P5ddRTXDEkciWZdUOnXcwH4TJQ/w480-h640/IMG_2427.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I love that there are always people who try to brighten things up, and one boarded up street had a row of crocheted flowers all along that added a bit of cheer into a very heavy atmosphere. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaMPul8YGlWlIAe7ULKc5AyD27EaNrNflbTzdH8_DyrjBI9cVLSB-CVeyrK8AvGjYfNKZFZIz5GCr_oOBfZsfErZnSmSZewMgNcfoqZxux1seH51zxPXH-vrzhKrqJaZW_4X46jytXBOm/s2048/IMG_2437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaMPul8YGlWlIAe7ULKc5AyD27EaNrNflbTzdH8_DyrjBI9cVLSB-CVeyrK8AvGjYfNKZFZIz5GCr_oOBfZsfErZnSmSZewMgNcfoqZxux1seH51zxPXH-vrzhKrqJaZW_4X46jytXBOm/w480-h640/IMG_2437.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Nicollet Mall was on lockdown, but there too someone had come along to make it a little more beautiful amidst the chaos. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqhmTslV-nA4n0mp44ES9FZCRgW8y8yzFOscGsUr1EKUYmA77181frzi4zCxfoLNqmsboqDmrDyDhrW32SINd0VDyUeNzJv96REL5g1ePaeEQBDRFONwhyphenhyphen8xAZrFxOx3Sqs0jsQdw8HLm/s2048/IMG_2434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqhmTslV-nA4n0mp44ES9FZCRgW8y8yzFOscGsUr1EKUYmA77181frzi4zCxfoLNqmsboqDmrDyDhrW32SINd0VDyUeNzJv96REL5g1ePaeEQBDRFONwhyphenhyphen8xAZrFxOx3Sqs0jsQdw8HLm/w640-h480/IMG_2434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Over at the Hennepin County Government Center, where the trial had been held, reporters lined the streets with their news cameras, but not very many.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDo_nfrg-u1JQQ_cEn5aXsmiCTl_OGulnsg9qsyRIPogRG9rQ6pI6j6pz3CHVrdAUCqYRFgV7dgSeMRk_sU0RwtylotY44jXfewCdOk0ZalkrwhAAiTrGJsUpqV-OdUmim62iIiE5iee5/s2048/IMG_2443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDo_nfrg-u1JQQ_cEn5aXsmiCTl_OGulnsg9qsyRIPogRG9rQ6pI6j6pz3CHVrdAUCqYRFgV7dgSeMRk_sU0RwtylotY44jXfewCdOk0ZalkrwhAAiTrGJsUpqV-OdUmim62iIiE5iee5/w480-h640/IMG_2443.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> The plaza in front of the Government Center had a few people milling around, being interviewed by out of town media, holding signs in support of George Floyd, and generally just waiting around for something to happen. Feeling a little bit helpless. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjgJqfRz5NBQUaovJb8GdoMMGJJdfiAOA_KAKlwQpBYeJZwKXp6nrkOfgrCPXZMLWzxIReFq_R4-Tghk5gZeJPOY4plnNnC5BZGK7qEQtE1-SvhhF9WifbLEy9RaXfoHvx0dtdIWyQqP3/s2048/IMG_2439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjgJqfRz5NBQUaovJb8GdoMMGJJdfiAOA_KAKlwQpBYeJZwKXp6nrkOfgrCPXZMLWzxIReFq_R4-Tghk5gZeJPOY4plnNnC5BZGK7qEQtE1-SvhhF9WifbLEy9RaXfoHvx0dtdIWyQqP3/w640-h480/IMG_2439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I chatted with some guys there in a car with Daunte Wright signs on it (the next police murder victim we have to fight for justice for, after he was unbelievably murdered during the trial just ten miles away!), and they were cautiously optimistic that there would be a guilty verdict. That was hard to hope for when you looked around at all the things being done to protect buildings and property from people that would be rightfully upset with any other verdict. I was truly and deeply afraid for the city that I grew up in, that it might never recover from such a blatant injustice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oX-QWVyHE8BNKfr6XDa2JcH3EReTzsDvpkEzOANdwYLyh7hPzNsFXGalczYUGMl92h6cYg6KVDwz2xgUMy4t3vVZxRGXftXRKnaG7vvH-GlaVa-qPYoRpxt3pxhe14PrsiEtBXSbkZz1/s2048/IMG_2442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oX-QWVyHE8BNKfr6XDa2JcH3EReTzsDvpkEzOANdwYLyh7hPzNsFXGalczYUGMl92h6cYg6KVDwz2xgUMy4t3vVZxRGXftXRKnaG7vvH-GlaVa-qPYoRpxt3pxhe14PrsiEtBXSbkZz1/w480-h640/IMG_2442.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Suddenly there were murmurs going through the little cluster of reporters that a verdict had come in and might be read in the next hour! WHAT?! As I have been torn the entire year, I was again torn at staying put to see what happened, or going home because I'm the main caregiver to both my Mom and brother right now, and if something went really bad, I really can't risk something happening to me that I can avoid. TOUGH ONE for me, who likes to be in the mix all the time, but this was HISTORY. I headed home as fast as I could. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibQHSjby5CuBoQ-KK4-vx501SIVETOARdUVWfMjpPLGySXU0wpO5W2zIA5obsqpPM5DqWnH3IEhGtrKhJ9b0yC_V0Rzq8X_qiQoa8fh-Yzi_3ImP1gMAdA631xGTVCuBKLDeZRXaFlJBI/s2048/IMG_2438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1790" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibQHSjby5CuBoQ-KK4-vx501SIVETOARdUVWfMjpPLGySXU0wpO5W2zIA5obsqpPM5DqWnH3IEhGtrKhJ9b0yC_V0Rzq8X_qiQoa8fh-Yzi_3ImP1gMAdA631xGTVCuBKLDeZRXaFlJBI/w560-h640/IMG_2438.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><p></p><p>The news was already on, and Mom and I sat on the edges of our seats. The spot where I had just been standing at the Government Center was now
filled with thousands of hopeful and nervous Minnesotans. At just after four pm, the jerk Judge (didn't like him the whole time, very condescending and power tripping) took the mic, and began reading the counts. I was sweating, shaking, already in tears. When I heard the first "GUILTY", I jumped up and screamed. The second "GUILTY" had me sliding down to my knees. The third "GUILTY!" collapsed me into heaving sobs of relief and bittersweet happiness. That FOR ONCE justice had been served, but that didn't bring back the life of George Floyd for his family. It didn't convict Daunte Wright's murderer, or all the other many, many victims of police murder and brutality - but it did FINALLY show accountability in law enforcement, and the hint of better days ahead for everyone - IF we keep all the feet to the fire. And we WILL. I needed to get back out there immediately, for now I knew that there would be no danger - only my People rejoicing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXZyise1SiCZNlDk8NYmrKT-o6qB5kKueU6Lc-gRgUfai3i2FDmRiK-h9CV32gaQiepXDt82WfuYEYhFVwR22kwyjRgMTKnoHFqya379Oj_EE99-ENAj0p-s-AP5IonpnwisqmbNwD9eP/s2048/IMG_2463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXZyise1SiCZNlDk8NYmrKT-o6qB5kKueU6Lc-gRgUfai3i2FDmRiK-h9CV32gaQiepXDt82WfuYEYhFVwR22kwyjRgMTKnoHFqya379Oj_EE99-ENAj0p-s-AP5IonpnwisqmbNwD9eP/w640-h480/IMG_2463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>My phone was almost dead and texts started flying in as the rest of the country heard the good news too. I knew George Floyd Square would be the place to go, but I had to charge my phone! I paced around and watched the joy and tears on the news until I had enough juice to go capture it for myself and all of the people around the world that I knew were sharing in our relief and elation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAufceV4Zbfwk05WmxExgT-OcXFWHkGZ2cFr5EZ2wFXEG3a1qymVCXb6UMorTFqp_2lNTcAQmCQTNDMjei7quMUYFw10lY58JirFxwMAKGXe_NPBwdPF94zpWSR4WbAbFylgHj9FdLLNF/s2048/IMG_2464.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1780" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAufceV4Zbfwk05WmxExgT-OcXFWHkGZ2cFr5EZ2wFXEG3a1qymVCXb6UMorTFqp_2lNTcAQmCQTNDMjei7quMUYFw10lY58JirFxwMAKGXe_NPBwdPF94zpWSR4WbAbFylgHj9FdLLNF/w556-h640/IMG_2464.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><p> I had to park a few blocks away, but you could hear the celebration easily from there. Everyone was masked up but smiling with their eyes. Passing by people on the way to George Floyd Square (38th and Chicago), we'd say things like, "Happy day!" and it really, really was. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz4t8SnQH_dXqR8OHARZ6FVqsoxdUlWdfQjSo7Jhajdp1VD3bra3evgm7Tls-PEXBijCGu8getAY5t3AhBKpIxaUBH62A8SPjSXqCZKpDousTY9uoe95M3jbb_rnUxcAdBZ9pvszaaxsP/s2048/IMG_2465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz4t8SnQH_dXqR8OHARZ6FVqsoxdUlWdfQjSo7Jhajdp1VD3bra3evgm7Tls-PEXBijCGu8getAY5t3AhBKpIxaUBH62A8SPjSXqCZKpDousTY9uoe95M3jbb_rnUxcAdBZ9pvszaaxsP/w640-h480/IMG_2465.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> It got louder as I got closer to the Square, and more and more people were arriving in droves. Old folks in wheelchairs, hyper elated teenagers, little babies strapped to their parents' chests, strollers, white kids holding "Black Lives Matter" signs ... it was the scene of humanity we all hope for, united in their same cause. It was beautiful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaswk2-u7nLdYULkbX-6_yLoGa7kCBCLhzJ8zRveBIF-IXWtTZVcsP9rZ943IFU6E0ATiIyQ16jYOuRkKR1QGwLFwWKwIoVvYF8p70iiL1lhyhgL_enCbRzi1xAr_XUgNrRyZqBoqal24/s2048/IMG_2482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaswk2-u7nLdYULkbX-6_yLoGa7kCBCLhzJ8zRveBIF-IXWtTZVcsP9rZ943IFU6E0ATiIyQ16jYOuRkKR1QGwLFwWKwIoVvYF8p70iiL1lhyhgL_enCbRzi1xAr_XUgNrRyZqBoqal24/w506-h640/IMG_2482.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><p> There were speeches in the middle of the sea of humanity, all met with thunderous applause and cheers. Chants went up for George Floyd, and it was way better this time, because we knew that George DID get justice, at least in the sense that his murderer will PAY. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wRG6gkOK-YyUWVcQfmXR6-eo_70JWArxU2IZXPQ14jNrQBZix6P5483AAh-UNUKofmPZqDtX3vkMZz6u_K9o9rqFpfrozy05eeZ5JAamkmikSk-7MowtAjGugc6NM4cVBQMfZyCmWYpc/s2048/IMG_2485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wRG6gkOK-YyUWVcQfmXR6-eo_70JWArxU2IZXPQ14jNrQBZix6P5483AAh-UNUKofmPZqDtX3vkMZz6u_K9o9rqFpfrozy05eeZ5JAamkmikSk-7MowtAjGugc6NM4cVBQMfZyCmWYpc/w480-h640/IMG_2485.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Grills were being fired up, and food handed out to any and all who needed or wanted it. This was the street party we'd all been waiting for - and there was one just as big happening at the same time downtown! I imagine (and hope) it was happening in every household all over the city too. Pure ecstasy in the eyes of all that you met. It was an extra special day that I'll never forget, and was so happy to be a part of. We had WORKED for it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5m_ABjPM1nnvcR5NJTNJjBjSFmuDn1VyFIg-FnwOYhNGAmzY7pFjHU__Stx4aBoOJsxP_SLVy0QSp-pRjPCEmceVbVZTiohwfvuclFRLkn4egfTpphHVR6qhGRaRRirM7hFxiSCwfwFb/s2048/IMG_2480.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5m_ABjPM1nnvcR5NJTNJjBjSFmuDn1VyFIg-FnwOYhNGAmzY7pFjHU__Stx4aBoOJsxP_SLVy0QSp-pRjPCEmceVbVZTiohwfvuclFRLkn4egfTpphHVR6qhGRaRRirM7hFxiSCwfwFb/w480-h640/IMG_2480.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Of course there remains much to do. The awful MPD must be reformed, but I'm doubtful it can, so it may have to be reimagined as a peacekeeping force of some kind, because it ain't working. We have to get justice for all of the other victims of police murder. We have to prevent these murders from ever happening in the first place. We have to examine the racist tendencies of normal, every day people too, because their tolerance is how this injustice has persisted for so long. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvr3OMTQnmLL3m4YDZtLI8W_ON7Lr9nb3hsS8LL4XJPxLhg9NrcqhVs59Jk7GAyRlNWugesyo8Sx7kPf7lapPEoxI4DwTDMZMF78tKlzFkrh_tvhW-1FVXvpXudFyvAYrDfEs3_AoyI9R/s2048/IMG_2488.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvr3OMTQnmLL3m4YDZtLI8W_ON7Lr9nb3hsS8LL4XJPxLhg9NrcqhVs59Jk7GAyRlNWugesyo8Sx7kPf7lapPEoxI4DwTDMZMF78tKlzFkrh_tvhW-1FVXvpXudFyvAYrDfEs3_AoyI9R/w640-h480/IMG_2488.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p> As happy as I was yesterday, I was also a little bit sad, because I was alone, as I have been for most of the actions around the George Floyd murder for the last almost year. I would have no problem finding marching buddies in L.A., but here I almost never could. People aren't comfortable talking about race things here that much, and I can't stop talking about it. I had childhood friends mad at me for being on the 35W Bridge marching when that psycho in the Semi truck came barreling through. Not concerned about me, but thinking I was a dumbass for being there. I've had some say "I donate" or whatever, because they can't bring themselves to be out in the streets showing up for justice. It's been really sad and hard for me, but not enough to stop me from showing up. And I'm a much richer, much better person for it, and hold out hope that they will join me one day. Change is coming, and you'd better be ready for it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0w1K8NNB36e2RPW6QuaPTYgh1l75dFyTWgPhQSOG3s_B4DPvBs-W5AP6LukOCUa9FA_558bLDWycWFmQ0orMcoO3rDtL0Zpr6PDc54lEkq29r_AFfIULaOMnGYbveF49_U9RwqhGYx-d/s2048/IMG_2470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0w1K8NNB36e2RPW6QuaPTYgh1l75dFyTWgPhQSOG3s_B4DPvBs-W5AP6LukOCUa9FA_558bLDWycWFmQ0orMcoO3rDtL0Zpr6PDc54lEkq29r_AFfIULaOMnGYbveF49_U9RwqhGYx-d/w640-h480/IMG_2470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have met so many good people, out doing the work, out fighting the fight, out making the art (the ART! SO much of it - they all deserve their own story), out getting into the "Good Trouble". I don't think anyone ever imagined that real change in systemic police brutality and systemic racism would come in a city like Minneapolis, but why not? It IS happening, and it all kind of makes more sense to me now as to why I'm still here (aside from the pandemic, that is).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2HD9JkTClDccgUmBTwJ-s8YPCR1uX3-meOVQEaWz7ClR-WHYoHbyGip8b-Kb8FQGMl37dZ_-dBUXg1bFr4yeM-R0K3DN5f-u7SAUDZzIdizP8e42yYb4KWCVtwgn17rJNP9I0pu7pn9B/s2048/IMG_2492.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1784" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2HD9JkTClDccgUmBTwJ-s8YPCR1uX3-meOVQEaWz7ClR-WHYoHbyGip8b-Kb8FQGMl37dZ_-dBUXg1bFr4yeM-R0K3DN5f-u7SAUDZzIdizP8e42yYb4KWCVtwgn17rJNP9I0pu7pn9B/w558-h640/IMG_2492.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><p> Today is the five year anniversary of Prince's death, and I wouldn't be surprised if there might have been some divine intervention in play. Prince was all about social justice and equal rights, and he certainly would not want to see his city burn - which it definitely would have. It's a better day in Minneapolis today - and also in the whole world. Now we all know that police WILL be held accountable. We know that people from all walks of life will stand with each other in solidarity in the face of outright evil. And we all did this together. Don't forget that this would all have just been another little incident swept under the dirty police carpet if now for the bravery of Darnella Frazier, the true hero of this whole story. And now we must all be Darnella Frazier. Speaking up, filming, whatever it takes to be sure that we put an end to systemic racism once and for all. It's not that hard to love, and I for one am not threatened by melanin. No one should be. C'mon. It's 2021. Time to grow up, America. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP8pXlhiKbsg7cbRIo49bjwZyAnTDiJG1cAQX7Jg2lG0OibWDw3LNHESaFmcnu7N5wQJd_tE9jAMsG1iVP_OzvjYJJ2PcrHJ21trhghRbHr9pwjFQhLZ29R_h1t1DiYGe9vGDxzvB7r8b/s2048/IMG_2483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP8pXlhiKbsg7cbRIo49bjwZyAnTDiJG1cAQX7Jg2lG0OibWDw3LNHESaFmcnu7N5wQJd_tE9jAMsG1iVP_OzvjYJJ2PcrHJ21trhghRbHr9pwjFQhLZ29R_h1t1DiYGe9vGDxzvB7r8b/w640-h480/IMG_2483.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p> The sun began to set on this historic day, but the party at 38th and Chicago showed no signs of stopping, as a brass band led a kind of second line around the square. At this point I realized that I had forgotten to eat anything the entire day, and was about to faint from starvation - and emotion. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGGedk51PxsGyg8tgDkR2y54rstiwKreQh5p6sXvMzJg1e7vuKFrC1i7HIcPZ3l7KF2XoQBjJfFbbwxIzl-Txtq5PZluiEzqVyB06f-1XMCsDKiJHSWF2BvoiGd9qbJsyv_Hua0KbNNC6/s1440/BF9B4797-FEA5-4F47-8986-86240515A519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1440" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGGedk51PxsGyg8tgDkR2y54rstiwKreQh5p6sXvMzJg1e7vuKFrC1i7HIcPZ3l7KF2XoQBjJfFbbwxIzl-Txtq5PZluiEzqVyB06f-1XMCsDKiJHSWF2BvoiGd9qbJsyv_Hua0KbNNC6/w640-h482/BF9B4797-FEA5-4F47-8986-86240515A519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I walked back to the car, raising my fist to all who passed, and getting one back every time. This time HAD been different. We HAD gotten some sense of justice for George Floyd and his family. And we knew that we could do it again. And WILL.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBFj9WDnnPXoXrR4vIaBfV7iFuQixxDLxOMoKMdos2eTpLvDjNzjuHjLz-iHvu8yQKOaI4-VIJw80yoq8RPXTZAaWSPOrfp39D79r_LcZsRkpqlDwDh68cmKazm_1hw3BMDesBd609jau/s2048/IMG_2490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1620" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBFj9WDnnPXoXrR4vIaBfV7iFuQixxDLxOMoKMdos2eTpLvDjNzjuHjLz-iHvu8yQKOaI4-VIJw80yoq8RPXTZAaWSPOrfp39D79r_LcZsRkpqlDwDh68cmKazm_1hw3BMDesBd609jau/w506-h640/IMG_2490.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><p> So much love to all of Minneapolis, and all around the world who joined together in this struggle to make better days ahead for ALL people. As much as we know there is still to do, I fell into an exhausted sleep with a smile on my face, ready to get up and get going again today. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRj7kdD-lLOF_hUo9ms6YxScgJE5LYHuK6mCTXrkU7Cz_8Pj0zBOpIbIsdItknAdldL45DpqD_oP5ryCYLVwnNBTNLVsJ1GZVlV-pXipU18aBxZfjKcDRNmqzpYXn0y4KskqefeilhEkS/s2048/IMG_2496.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRj7kdD-lLOF_hUo9ms6YxScgJE5LYHuK6mCTXrkU7Cz_8Pj0zBOpIbIsdItknAdldL45DpqD_oP5ryCYLVwnNBTNLVsJ1GZVlV-pXipU18aBxZfjKcDRNmqzpYXn0y4KskqefeilhEkS/w480-h640/IMG_2496.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> When there is justice, there IS peace. But there is also actual, tangible joy, and we all felt it here in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021. Praise JAH! </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><br /><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-11105069299831395082021-02-22T12:34:00.002-08:002021-02-22T12:37:03.613-08:00Art In Ice By MIA - A Winter Treasure Hunt<p>Minnesotans think of all kinds of cool stuff to keep being cool in the winter, and I've been really impressed by the creativity I've witnessed here since being back home to help out my family. No one lets winter slow things down much at all, and no one is afraid to be outside, as the old adage here goes, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. So, I bundled up my Mom the other day and went all around Minneapolis to find <a href="https://new.artsmia.org/art-in-ice"><i>Art In Ice</i></a>, the ice sculptures of famous art works put on by the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Minneapolis Park Board (site of my Mom's recent exhibition, <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2020/11/foot-in-door-5-at-mia-aka-my-moms.html"><i>Foot In The Door</i></a>!) We decided to make a big circle around the city, and started with Longfellow Park, which featured <i>Veiled Lady</i> by Rafaello Monti done in ice. It was easy to find because there was a crowd gathered around the beauty, taking photos as it gently started to drip under the quickly warming conditions (Hurry if you go search for them! They're up til the 28th, but I don't think they'll last that long.). It was lovely, but we couldn't linger long if we wanted to find them all in the daylight. Off to Boom Island! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2M4t4wdK-2eMETGKfsXWldgsazmMFRQNSEAKRhMgaKXzRGzD-_eDxI9CswlDMewtBBAgtZXHqg5H8UnmnXhZZZ1QruyP4ocOYcYcx-vW3HIonV6-UWGvBWvdUnNR-MdaAA-IJFQ4MBR8/s1440/03370544-BF55-4B6D-BBD9-2798566D593C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2M4t4wdK-2eMETGKfsXWldgsazmMFRQNSEAKRhMgaKXzRGzD-_eDxI9CswlDMewtBBAgtZXHqg5H8UnmnXhZZZ1QruyP4ocOYcYcx-vW3HIonV6-UWGvBWvdUnNR-MdaAA-IJFQ4MBR8/w640-h640/03370544-BF55-4B6D-BBD9-2798566D593C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I'd never been to Boom Island Park there on the banks of the Mississippi in downtown Minneapolis. The skyline outlines the park, and it's a lovely little bit of peace in the middle of the city. A little crowd had gathered there too, around the <i>Aphrodisiac Telephone</i> by Salvador Dali. The original lobster phones (?) created by the Surrealist actually worked. I'd have liked to have been privy to the meetings where they decided which MIA works they were going to create out of frozen water ... and I like that they went with funkier, less obvious choices. Like a lobster telephone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5cHCxrZHvg8pbG68b5o2BxdShG3s2BCst4PzLch9dnyPHndOOM9nN_WIR1h4CRtdBI3thDgep5HaQ0NJuO9MMo2syfXyade0zfCNLoABaDrqO4CvR1pINLAOt_4wuJhjGuDPQHWZ7egt/s1440/6599D8EA-41A1-4EE7-B889-8A614EB2BB26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5cHCxrZHvg8pbG68b5o2BxdShG3s2BCst4PzLch9dnyPHndOOM9nN_WIR1h4CRtdBI3thDgep5HaQ0NJuO9MMo2syfXyade0zfCNLoABaDrqO4CvR1pINLAOt_4wuJhjGuDPQHWZ7egt/w640-h640/6599D8EA-41A1-4EE7-B889-8A614EB2BB26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Our big circle took us next to North Commons Park in North Minneapolis, where the <i>Celestial Horse</i> was right there next to the parking lot - Mom didn't even have to get out to see it. The heavenly horse was done in bronze for a Chinese Emperor to be escorts to the afterlife. The ice version was so clear that I had to wait for people to get out of the way because you could see them perfectly through it. How do they get it so clear, I wonder? It was beautiful, and I believe it tied with the <i>Veiled Lady</i> for top in my heart. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATsdo3k7QYdhAb2qO2HOsKuC3vz6FiBXXmmshHVuAzDhw780sheEiJpBcsYCGBIU9J2SNAK9D92TBQ0uly9JKBsqgruqsNXgvUawmdseMm4A27tzWwwFuwlyF1eP12qSrDkxBrP_Eyn3_/s1440/87441E5F-A345-455F-82B7-AD4E308DAFEC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATsdo3k7QYdhAb2qO2HOsKuC3vz6FiBXXmmshHVuAzDhw780sheEiJpBcsYCGBIU9J2SNAK9D92TBQ0uly9JKBsqgruqsNXgvUawmdseMm4A27tzWwwFuwlyF1eP12qSrDkxBrP_Eyn3_/w640-h640/87441E5F-A345-455F-82B7-AD4E308DAFEC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> We were losing light, so raced on over to the park right across from MIA, the Washburn-Fair Oaks Park. There they featured Van Gogh's <i>Olive Trees</i>, but this time it was really just the picture in an ice frame. I suspect it is not the original. We spent the least time here, though were tempted to pop into the museum again. But our light was waning, so to Lake Bde Maka Ska we flew. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YLBKAokvSSnquIeBCnOdjpmPhht25HV3SqZ4mnITIpFO8NTKPgm3EjGinzSKscJyyTdvoc8rJ9TvA30XpQf1fxZkhtd3xNnmZkWPqshrdG-Wj9u7r0sDbkH39o1Uwx9d0m9ySiFQQ5Ez/s1440/B4C40E40-4BEA-459B-81BB-6802D700D164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YLBKAokvSSnquIeBCnOdjpmPhht25HV3SqZ4mnITIpFO8NTKPgm3EjGinzSKscJyyTdvoc8rJ9TvA30XpQf1fxZkhtd3xNnmZkWPqshrdG-Wj9u7r0sDbkH39o1Uwx9d0m9ySiFQQ5Ez/w640-h640/B4C40E40-4BEA-459B-81BB-6802D700D164.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> There were a lot of people gathered around <i>Your Dog</i> by Yoshitomo Nara there at the end of the lake where they have the rentals and things, and the brightly painted Adirondack chairs. Everyone loves dogs, and this one was probably the most popular among viewers ... so popular, in fact, that someone had broken off the dog's tail, and replaced it in the middle of its back like a strange growth. It was still cool, and we particularly enjoyed the dog's little red nose. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz-vJMKlIqQp_4Bb_RTMxz5fupqJnzVuCR0xuuSssJBkIZT1hU2XG2ZdSLx0Po0piyVGp8Vage8wI-xnZVgKTphtwkyxWEl_JOvJOXPbt40z262VXnQtuQMjMVZ2d7nuEDvFPi1sS36Y2/s1440/B060187B-7519-43CA-BDBA-E157AEDF9647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz-vJMKlIqQp_4Bb_RTMxz5fupqJnzVuCR0xuuSssJBkIZT1hU2XG2ZdSLx0Po0piyVGp8Vage8wI-xnZVgKTphtwkyxWEl_JOvJOXPbt40z262VXnQtuQMjMVZ2d7nuEDvFPi1sS36Y2/w640-h640/B060187B-7519-43CA-BDBA-E157AEDF9647.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> We did it! We saw them all in one afternoon, and greatly enjoyed being out of the house seeing art out there in our neighborhoods, and SO many people appreciating it. Minnesota - cold nose, warm heart. Thank you to MIA for another excellent curation of accessible art for the people of Minneapolis. We really enjoyed it, and very much look forward to seeing what you get up to next. You're cool.</p><p>{I hear the dripping of icicles off of our eaves right now as I type and the sun shines outside, telling me that you have increasingly less time to go see these ice sculptures as they were meant to be, and not puddles. Chop chop!}</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-53134182025417455172021-02-19T11:00:00.001-08:002021-02-19T11:05:53.496-08:00Illuminate The Lock - Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard. GO!<p>Happy 2021, Everybody! Phew, a LOT has happened since I last posted a story, and that's for many reasons, but here I am, and HI! I hope you're doing awesome (as awesome as can be expected during the still global pandemic and within such a deeply divided nation, but I bet you can think of SOMETHING awesome going for you), and are still here for good stories. Cause I am! The something awesome for me at the moment was the beautiful, excellent, deeply moving event I attended last night at the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam in downtown Minneapolis. <a href="https://parkconnection.org/" target="_blank">Illuminate The Lock</a> was the highlight of 2021 for me so far (other than getting vaccination appointments for my Mom and myself), by far. Just WOW. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ80bXasMmIxoBca8e0Zxk66BvIECSFnQAsgQPMX0jshESbqA7y1809Jq04VYEokoOJ3cQ9A_M0U61iL3F9WENn9p1X2TEFjoU4o2mvgAr_MvRBSJCOWN9o1_gk3G0tlII6YgvclQfAkR/s2048/IMG_1529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ80bXasMmIxoBca8e0Zxk66BvIECSFnQAsgQPMX0jshESbqA7y1809Jq04VYEokoOJ3cQ9A_M0U61iL3F9WENn9p1X2TEFjoU4o2mvgAr_MvRBSJCOWN9o1_gk3G0tlII6YgvclQfAkR/w480-h640/IMG_1529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> <i>Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard</i> was the title of the piece by Moira Villiard that was projected on the Lock above the Mississippi River last night, and for the next two nights, Friday and Saturday. I cannot recommend this event highly enough, and if you're in the area and you can still snag a time slot for this thing - just go and thank me later. Seriously. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxWanYQ9yMERiL0yV_6otmtqSRgQGSc490mv4tvJdtx3PPNz8feUoiH7IBuUNzsx4QQtOcNkdZCclBBxeKdpg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <p></p><p>There have been so few cool things to do during the pandemic, that when I hear of something - ANYTHING - that might inspire or beguile, I go. Even in the dead of winter in Minnesota. My creative soul needs to be fed. And THIS event was magically delicious. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYPa0sGtvXojPpDroLw_0lesE6kvyYhTE8__645kEiy2pNpTwcfcNHHkKABaT6bDVzQTszfcohJdm0UhIuPAk9g6Uszvm_S0mbhfc3qFI2fgy7m2NtH-JyArVaAtg5GqLRU9IS5ChBaA5/s2048/IMG_1537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYPa0sGtvXojPpDroLw_0lesE6kvyYhTE8__645kEiy2pNpTwcfcNHHkKABaT6bDVzQTszfcohJdm0UhIuPAk9g6Uszvm_S0mbhfc3qFI2fgy7m2NtH-JyArVaAtg5GqLRU9IS5ChBaA5/w640-h480/IMG_1537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> We checked in at a little tent, and were then led across a metal gangplank out to the Lock and Dam. That alone was cool, as I'd never been out on this structure in my life. We lined up and looked way down over the railing at the bottom of the Lock and nearly frozen river. All were dressed for the occasion, bundled up to our eyes to protect against the cold. One woman stood out in a beautifully embroidered long skirt, and I dearly hoped that she had long underwear on underneath (while also admiring her style).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOZd5f3Gc6cpKpk2TmGI28qZgR3CPPvewg4UCwjptTUj-pAPGD7JrFnz1OEQndfuRQtn-akMrw6jO8VRUqVlI3ibQxzrJ1nNy9doR8G6-Ek1ihmlc45UUJIgFkDoTemxyUfcl5cbBTtn4/s2048/IMG_1538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOZd5f3Gc6cpKpk2TmGI28qZgR3CPPvewg4UCwjptTUj-pAPGD7JrFnz1OEQndfuRQtn-akMrw6jO8VRUqVlI3ibQxzrJ1nNy9doR8G6-Ek1ihmlc45UUJIgFkDoTemxyUfcl5cbBTtn4/w640-h480/IMG_1538.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> We had the first time-slot and the sun had just set over the beautiful skyline of Minneapolis - one of the most beautiful cities in this country all on its own. But when the animation began to be projected on to the Lock wall, it was truly magical. A Native American woman narrated the story, as illustrations swooped along the concrete. Speaking to how difficult it is to retain the Native culture in the middle of a Metropolis, especially during this pandemic, that is hitting our Native citizens extra hard. I have a deep love for Native Americans, as well as a deep sense of shame for what has been done to their culture and their people by our Government since the very beginning. We owe them SO much, yet they continue to give us beauty and wisdom and dignity, and always remind us to connect with our beloved nature. Thank you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAXmGWgiBphE0A_jp-X5HHPCOpiVxiTkeEedoHynyO7KhuWqOh1ElOLR8wKENRtIOvQk7J0h3u6OexFCfeEle3cOHlxoVhniWEmk9Uc7iZKaIRz8wDaKL4cM6ArCf458j3cr8KTZqxQCc/s2048/IMG_1531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAXmGWgiBphE0A_jp-X5HHPCOpiVxiTkeEedoHynyO7KhuWqOh1ElOLR8wKENRtIOvQk7J0h3u6OexFCfeEle3cOHlxoVhniWEmk9Uc7iZKaIRz8wDaKL4cM6ArCf458j3cr8KTZqxQCc/w640-h480/IMG_1531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>She instructed all to remember to offer your tobacco to Grandmother Moon and Grandfather Sun, and always to honor our nature. Seeing this spectacular spectacle in its bright colors and Native symbology among the skyscrapers and industrial areas of the city made it all the more moving, and nearly all jaws watching had dropped (also because someone dropped a thing for their camera over the edge).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyp-Kjb5DAiATQIbNmTe-Iv3WqMQMKi46V8eZQ54Pq_swQvyktA-XzCuDz9KGo6pEy8RpVndeULi93jPRe1IA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <p></p><p>The time slots were for 30 minutes, so they can get more people through and still be social distanced, and we timed our visit perfectly. We watched the story twice, and then they let you go around the top of the Lock and look at St. Anthony Falls from the other side, which was also very cool (by now, COLD). Thirty minutes was just perfect for both body and mind. My heart was more than full. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM3XWHqb7KbY6oe04hXJhs18d4BN7ahPjDAlEfLgIAiFtfTLQc7gGijO5kSmSXRkmmthxCPZCwmV35WcRSCcka-DvJRhsABZn173_oNgtGO7mZnixsuGfgwJBc7ZN3nETn8E3jCLwyT5j/s2048/IMG_1543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM3XWHqb7KbY6oe04hXJhs18d4BN7ahPjDAlEfLgIAiFtfTLQc7gGijO5kSmSXRkmmthxCPZCwmV35WcRSCcka-DvJRhsABZn173_oNgtGO7mZnixsuGfgwJBc7ZN3nETn8E3jCLwyT5j/w480-h640/IMG_1543.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend, Tracy, and I were totally enchanted as we made our way back across the slick metal catwalk (Use caution!). I was so proud of my Minnesotans, both for conceiving of and putting on such an event, but also for all the hearty souls who will bundle up and go do something fun and amazing on a weeknight in the city. I LOVED IT. I saw the woman with the beautiful skirt again, and had to go compliment her - and to find out if she had long undies on, because now I was worried. She laughed and thanked me, saying she had many layers underneath, including sweatpants. I'm totally going to copy her now. A long skirt as a mobile blanket is genius!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMrqPlwNbkyDYmb3TyAg0RmMIQgM-pnvfA_ZySHmmpttD8oSAiBv2HywLL25gDQBATN8Uc44w2xgr4PRjUHH5eE4xMy__wg4_NePwb_B9R6f3twCHC8jIU4oxPoyG4iH2KprgQu9R8lkA/s2048/IMG_1540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMrqPlwNbkyDYmb3TyAg0RmMIQgM-pnvfA_ZySHmmpttD8oSAiBv2HywLL25gDQBATN8Uc44w2xgr4PRjUHH5eE4xMy__wg4_NePwb_B9R6f3twCHC8jIU4oxPoyG4iH2KprgQu9R8lkA/w640-h480/IMG_1540.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We capped off the night with a martini and wings at The Monte Carlo - where I hadn't been in well over a year and it was a delight. When I got home, I went to look up Moira Villiard on Instagram so I could tag her beautiful work in my photos of the evening. Guess what? She was the woman in the beautiful skirt. Perfect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-GgoYtWqBhqLsNAjdz5WM2zLd_BfMcIblp4SBRObMzNZpVGTDNNDkEg97Gtcuu1G47mZ04uUy_p2AqZsszljfMsGJ5GlnsOhQ4I4LeMjMj9qbiKaxsxIKmcJup7m9Px0c4CHrRBnS8Re/s2048/IMG_1542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-GgoYtWqBhqLsNAjdz5WM2zLd_BfMcIblp4SBRObMzNZpVGTDNNDkEg97Gtcuu1G47mZ04uUy_p2AqZsszljfMsGJ5GlnsOhQ4I4LeMjMj9qbiKaxsxIKmcJup7m9Px0c4CHrRBnS8Re/w640-h480/IMG_1542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Illuminate the Lock was one of the coolest and best things I've been to in quite a while. It is my pleasure to share it with you here, and my hope that you will be able to see it for yourselves if you can. If not, remember to offer your tobacco and to honor your Mother Earth every day! So that waves will always be able to be heard ... </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>*Thank you to the Mississippi River Park Connection, to Moira Villiard and her skirt, All My Relations Arts Gallery, and to all who helped to put on this utterly charming event. Truly. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-63706425109556558032020-12-22T08:00:00.002-08:002020-12-22T08:00:03.700-08:00Gingerbread Wonderland At Norway House - Virtually, Because 2020.<p>Oh, 2020. You've really been something else. This holiday season will be like none other ever, and we're all having to get creative to keep it special and magical. One of the beloved newer traditions in Minneapolis is the <i>Gingerbread Wonderland</i> show held each year at <a href="https://www.norwayhouse.org/calendar/gbw20/online" target="_blank">Norway House</a>, and this year's production was truly outstanding ... until it had to close down for another Covid lockdown. I feel really bad that there are so many wonderful gingerbread creations that are now stuck inside with no one to appreciate them, so I thought I'd share some of my favorites here in an attempt to spread some Christmas cheer ... starting with the sheer marvel by Maggie Karschnia MVP most crowd pleaser in the bunch before the doors had to be shut - Holidays at Hogwar's! WHAT?!?! That's <i>pepperkake</i>?! Incredible, truly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-zAzhFArJ4lHT839VGs_83VUP2AokfkrRsBeh22qvDq_QNVEanQ2qeTcuvzPl7IBBiTSYwRM0MDlfW2pMgwp2CBVzwYlKb4JMH7nY2ah4ieBFCZnbkGifNS7an95a0KKPGdex_LMvsjZ/s2048/IMG_0516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-zAzhFArJ4lHT839VGs_83VUP2AokfkrRsBeh22qvDq_QNVEanQ2qeTcuvzPl7IBBiTSYwRM0MDlfW2pMgwp2CBVzwYlKb4JMH7nY2ah4ieBFCZnbkGifNS7an95a0KKPGdex_LMvsjZ/w480-h640/IMG_0516.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are so many gingerbread houses in the gallery that it smells like gingerbread is currently baking, but it's just the sheer volume of cake in there! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XNg3Yc6i4kjyCYt0n_4TCD8V3VLI2SvKrftWSbqukhZ-p68ib4lYmXbJCCFw_QiXdW-KOWChhSson42Zavxi-TIEUmIg4QlCbuoC5k1VHJIca-FxD067OcgtwXIPdEsWv3mALYBc3g9r/s2048/IMG_0506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XNg3Yc6i4kjyCYt0n_4TCD8V3VLI2SvKrftWSbqukhZ-p68ib4lYmXbJCCFw_QiXdW-KOWChhSson42Zavxi-TIEUmIg4QlCbuoC5k1VHJIca-FxD067OcgtwXIPdEsWv3mALYBc3g9r/w480-h640/IMG_0506.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> The blue facade of Norway House greets you as the first gingerbread house, and it only gets better from there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI4t9EO_2r7P5WUKlvWBYzLiT4khQLJr6YACOAdhsWCTqNiJSKSD1ebXckTpHc7oWqs4mr5GB83jUUk2djKqOX3zPh9HnwveTGJf_xWc03nT9prd3F5PfjQLB-Uez-uPilzhknhaivl1_/s2048/IMG_0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI4t9EO_2r7P5WUKlvWBYzLiT4khQLJr6YACOAdhsWCTqNiJSKSD1ebXckTpHc7oWqs4mr5GB83jUUk2djKqOX3zPh9HnwveTGJf_xWc03nT9prd3F5PfjQLB-Uez-uPilzhknhaivl1_/w640-h480/IMG_0500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's kind of hard to shoot photos in the gallery because it's dark and there's black light going on, which makes it all rather enchanting in person, but tough to capture. This delightful carousel by Renee and Kirsten Poppenhagen (great name!) was very impressive because it really rotated. Pretty awesome. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUoHbBKs229LzRfh8EClSoSPm6V_KJ4Ek23cJuuSdp5XyOiyjbwuCSVnxQHn1GtPgDgce-Wa22GhoH20-alI-D5LH0Si9jJkHE8MGaNcznpJaEkvjc_cPO0zrc3vPd74cPyaausQWVCh6/s2048/IMG_0501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUoHbBKs229LzRfh8EClSoSPm6V_KJ4Ek23cJuuSdp5XyOiyjbwuCSVnxQHn1GtPgDgce-Wa22GhoH20-alI-D5LH0Si9jJkHE8MGaNcznpJaEkvjc_cPO0zrc3vPd74cPyaausQWVCh6/w480-h640/IMG_0501.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> I can't believe I STILL haven't been to Norway, being 100% Norwegian, but here we are. The Munch Museum has always been on my sights to see in Oslo, and the Norway House has it depicted in gingerbread. Takk! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8IK638O6HhyvZRAuISq_CysnTp3gif2BV8M7mO8jEgW0penB4lERFY9VMCR3PRLRMKKYr-hDM4kOa0D__iGPk-Wj2c1X4CGCSLtBHl39jQSftYNMC7ZMIZIt7Rvjrsg0AJkbKpMJEV1b/s2048/IMG_0503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8IK638O6HhyvZRAuISq_CysnTp3gif2BV8M7mO8jEgW0penB4lERFY9VMCR3PRLRMKKYr-hDM4kOa0D__iGPk-Wj2c1X4CGCSLtBHl39jQSftYNMC7ZMIZIt7Rvjrsg0AJkbKpMJEV1b/w640-h480/IMG_0503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Even the very traditional gingerbread homes were impressive, and made you want to actually live inside of them. Like this one ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwAUYEh3H7ZFBV_buIB6uy1ctcaCCsSsTyazMWbuJB6H2-soCIu5J0AAmdeBT844biZEsIFq2EIMCsLR6cMMajwTBxpQZwcEluxkxRVD4QOPuGgqbjL-OZnbHC5kCwbBYk0dmu5eFoxuu/s2048/IMG_0504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwAUYEh3H7ZFBV_buIB6uy1ctcaCCsSsTyazMWbuJB6H2-soCIu5J0AAmdeBT844biZEsIFq2EIMCsLR6cMMajwTBxpQZwcEluxkxRVD4QOPuGgqbjL-OZnbHC5kCwbBYk0dmu5eFoxuu/w480-h640/IMG_0504.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Bakers tend to create places that are either Norwegian or local Minnesota places is they're not doing the traditional gingerbread vibe, and it's always fun to see someone's interpretation of a local landmark. The Witch's Hat by Paula Gilbertson was one such cool one, and I learned that it had been designed by a Norwegian architect, Fredrick William Cappelen. Who knew? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlpi8y816cgzuR8nxrUJSWIjIudg8IXijaULnmwQQ3l4SXglxzHDqxqlu91jtdssMOjLvw6XU-3-8KmucQZmUMe4jsdVte1nENg7ObRSn-b_PK2NVUGDIFk_4AZOaDJFyEqDczKc4NLDm/s2048/IMG_0508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlpi8y816cgzuR8nxrUJSWIjIudg8IXijaULnmwQQ3l4SXglxzHDqxqlu91jtdssMOjLvw6XU-3-8KmucQZmUMe4jsdVte1nENg7ObRSn-b_PK2NVUGDIFk_4AZOaDJFyEqDczKc4NLDm/w480-h640/IMG_0508.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> There's no place like Gnome, and those popular little guys populate the adorable house done by Pati Kachel from my own Mom's Daughters of Norway Pauline Fjelde Lodge #51 in Minneapolis! Great job, Pati! Skol! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu77GqLuFeVCWOzRU9OPxQwyjF1O0_ic8YZlh6ID_DUv5E1IUlR7TVEX-NtaNBVIBVhppyQzF-f1_yZRTnSUa4jLgj-2dP60LcOWgjt0WDmbj4bSJhWqbfv6DcqpGkxw2omSEZX-UiUvam/s2048/IMG_0509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu77GqLuFeVCWOzRU9OPxQwyjF1O0_ic8YZlh6ID_DUv5E1IUlR7TVEX-NtaNBVIBVhppyQzF-f1_yZRTnSUa4jLgj-2dP60LcOWgjt0WDmbj4bSJhWqbfv6DcqpGkxw2omSEZX-UiUvam/w640-h480/IMG_0509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The downtown Minneapolis Milwaukee Road train depot is there in gingerbread, looking an awful lot like the real place - only maybe better. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Cf5Mve4fXFRU2Lj9Hl39v3qOCahRpRYr4PtFxiP_UNV3LM43eFomTlk8MVBqkgCe_fAkG0XBfD2_LTqk4MiRnumm9mKbLUvp2vgZG5C14rvt5ruVykvbCrEDhRRlFtfP1ZC8RFxuA5Ym/s2048/IMG_0510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Cf5Mve4fXFRU2Lj9Hl39v3qOCahRpRYr4PtFxiP_UNV3LM43eFomTlk8MVBqkgCe_fAkG0XBfD2_LTqk4MiRnumm9mKbLUvp2vgZG5C14rvt5ruVykvbCrEDhRRlFtfP1ZC8RFxuA5Ym/w640-h480/IMG_0510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Mindekirken, the Norwegian American Lutheran Church located across the parking lot from Norway House is there, looking all ready for Christmas Eve (and who's service we will very much miss attending in person this year!). It even has edible stained glass windows! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnL6_Bzfi-e_2rW0Bvebkhyphenhyphen_Cw-sEbALxeUN5R5yjbi5qnUe9eNWXCxkiGXK9ExzbtDkr-MN-4_Tvs5AZ6Ay8sZ2STLOQUxKyF3M1U-0apW_k5s-DE309PNK6gH0IYmFJ9siYxd7OEDtY/s2048/IMG_0507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnL6_Bzfi-e_2rW0Bvebkhyphenhyphen_Cw-sEbALxeUN5R5yjbi5qnUe9eNWXCxkiGXK9ExzbtDkr-MN-4_Tvs5AZ6Ay8sZ2STLOQUxKyF3M1U-0apW_k5s-DE309PNK6gH0IYmFJ9siYxd7OEDtY/w480-h640/IMG_0507.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Another local favorite is represented at <i>Gingerbread Wonderland</i> with a little replica of Bogart's Donuts! I don't know if they offer ginger donuts in real life, but they do at this location! Cute. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxar3S7j3bwkONFLPY98qyHQQm9jfiXqZw1WNXpc37MduayQvJeLOM3U49qZbAhWfJVg9D-ONEbF8Z91yIOuk6ZxMznrX9bvEucPFPSX6XNXMvmD2_aBCxBR71buM8ERR86NFIbCM4ZRp/s2048/IMG_0518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxar3S7j3bwkONFLPY98qyHQQm9jfiXqZw1WNXpc37MduayQvJeLOM3U49qZbAhWfJVg9D-ONEbF8Z91yIOuk6ZxMznrX9bvEucPFPSX6XNXMvmD2_aBCxBR71buM8ERR86NFIbCM4ZRp/w640-h480/IMG_0518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> A Minneapolis Mercado by Sharon Born reflects both a big part of the ethnicity of the Franklin neighborhood of Norway House, and also the uprising here this Summer after the murder of George Floyd by Minnepolis Police. Maybe not the first thing you think of when thinking gingerbread houses, but you know what? We can NEVER FORGET. SAY HIS NAME!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZFwAbzxrSoLRSoQ745JZ8tKKX6klUdyVuEobhd8Ya15tS7rvsynaR3CkJK2rAUgzGnPo6Eepm5cg8_JSsnxRRhgzS-KdBNtNFKLa9I-KNmGlBVkRmSu1wo2NRvFQmy9-ide82DNfJxn1/s2048/IMG_0600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZFwAbzxrSoLRSoQ745JZ8tKKX6klUdyVuEobhd8Ya15tS7rvsynaR3CkJK2rAUgzGnPo6Eepm5cg8_JSsnxRRhgzS-KdBNtNFKLa9I-KNmGlBVkRmSu1wo2NRvFQmy9-ide82DNfJxn1/w640-h480/IMG_0600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> One of my very favorites was the beautiful depiction of the All My Relations Gallery right up the street from Norway House. Bright and colorful, and it really looks just like the fantastic cultural center. LOVE.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO99ieEx3ztoDfCQpAH6NCpD_P1v08g_V-1rxs4mtKBOa5fpAwAqGf82XoOO_GBKNJddabei4PQgvK7dz5Xs03xjNAFwZJZ51ACgfKdnrqKYzHZ9jpsbMs7IUZRF9RJFT2muHbOITmI1wG/s2048/IMG_0602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO99ieEx3ztoDfCQpAH6NCpD_P1v08g_V-1rxs4mtKBOa5fpAwAqGf82XoOO_GBKNJddabei4PQgvK7dz5Xs03xjNAFwZJZ51ACgfKdnrqKYzHZ9jpsbMs7IUZRF9RJFT2muHbOITmI1wG/w640-h480/IMG_0602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Minnesota is there in its entirety in a flat creation by Shannon Schaaf and Etta Fuhrman showing the entire state, even the Spam Museum! People were definitely getting creative this year, and no two entries are alike. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39QA0zn1xE8MLJgFxCtKNJqRfDqQ2XbDtoU7mYMkV1SG-Z0JNEU1uuXwdhIH5BGXGUx5qGtVtrehZbLod0rvMUMdODST5DuqPr7QMpLy-TqBUmHNIkBu39UikzjXdBXQaMaCIGNREYzyy/s2048/IMG_0598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39QA0zn1xE8MLJgFxCtKNJqRfDqQ2XbDtoU7mYMkV1SG-Z0JNEU1uuXwdhIH5BGXGUx5qGtVtrehZbLod0rvMUMdODST5DuqPr7QMpLy-TqBUmHNIkBu39UikzjXdBXQaMaCIGNREYzyy/w480-h640/IMG_0598.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>I love an A-frame, and this was another house by Liz Mullen and The "Chowgirls Team" that I would actually like to live in. Yay for the Chalet! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTEjEYUM8zaKfIimzW0yqPD1Tej7ycKRK7zG91kn1gmRFnyYu2I_vf5AvbaGrgtbnWhkSFjHKt-XQQBxeV90PMqBN6buyWg9RE08eaz9enD6VgDntcFwV5S5R-7A1yB6xS8FpMkGoMO_G/s2048/IMG_0514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTEjEYUM8zaKfIimzW0yqPD1Tej7ycKRK7zG91kn1gmRFnyYu2I_vf5AvbaGrgtbnWhkSFjHKt-XQQBxeV90PMqBN6buyWg9RE08eaz9enD6VgDntcFwV5S5R-7A1yB6xS8FpMkGoMO_G/w480-h640/IMG_0514.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> When we were kids my Mom would have us play "Little Red School House" on long road trips - really just a game of who could be the most quiet for the longest. It wasn't that fun, but it did give me a little kick of nostalgia to see this little red gingerbread <i>Skole</i>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMWOnG5BStF5fium0z6rZ9eKhPS08-a1vyCRRDncMLlP1WltqigBZFg0IIsmF6fJ635KvSZSixoc8zDd16y9k-TwZ7TPPGs22jRF9iFYq_lWhx81EbMTw4FCin9MtIZsLGOasQk-Rza3X/s2048/IMG_0544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMWOnG5BStF5fium0z6rZ9eKhPS08-a1vyCRRDncMLlP1WltqigBZFg0IIsmF6fJ635KvSZSixoc8zDd16y9k-TwZ7TPPGs22jRF9iFYq_lWhx81EbMTw4FCin9MtIZsLGOasQk-Rza3X/w480-h640/IMG_0544.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> An EverGreen House - with skylights! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRoC-EbPAdwfkVRJoKgcJSIVk-mAVcHZabLQslZvdZvxB3G7fOx2SMyhV9DcOLtzEN1aE3dEwRbIvR_VGsCHcI85Xjo3ZmphJyLEzBfluXwkbY_0lFo54s19MadnesSCyM6by6F0y2dpY/s2048/IMG_0519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRoC-EbPAdwfkVRJoKgcJSIVk-mAVcHZabLQslZvdZvxB3G7fOx2SMyhV9DcOLtzEN1aE3dEwRbIvR_VGsCHcI85Xjo3ZmphJyLEzBfluXwkbY_0lFo54s19MadnesSCyM6by6F0y2dpY/w640-h480/IMG_0519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> A fanciful Peppermint House! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f05kgB0neapS4eXdvWWTrln4Q93obJzrWiuVdQH8uNtGKh6YrroAmHP8BcBwyfl3RBAmVh_PXaDIMw27cc1itiohGuM91XklTuh2GyAXkQxiQ8JJLGV8JwOCMoxRSC6WAyOX1tRxhVhL/s2048/IMG_0546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f05kgB0neapS4eXdvWWTrln4Q93obJzrWiuVdQH8uNtGKh6YrroAmHP8BcBwyfl3RBAmVh_PXaDIMw27cc1itiohGuM91XklTuh2GyAXkQxiQ8JJLGV8JwOCMoxRSC6WAyOX1tRxhVhL/w480-h640/IMG_0546.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> An adorable Barn! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61Ay1Gn4y_F0nuSiForTRjjRk6id5rNV3aZiyKqXpvn4E7V6dDid5ftGQ4FoLYOy4ZlBy71QeUFvriN3fMPqS_F1WmKmT-h_QZKTvf8aZjv6hem_52ShpO8YMLBbeOFgQcQALlu59QAbk/s2048/IMG_0545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="2048" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61Ay1Gn4y_F0nuSiForTRjjRk6id5rNV3aZiyKqXpvn4E7V6dDid5ftGQ4FoLYOy4ZlBy71QeUFvriN3fMPqS_F1WmKmT-h_QZKTvf8aZjv6hem_52ShpO8YMLBbeOFgQcQALlu59QAbk/w640-h554/IMG_0545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Another Barn with a cool silhouette barn dancing couple!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtjXYF3t9mu4_1Z89lS5UxuufK9g4xFeo3yaaYPNy_ULJcMbDQuPx01TeSxwLNImLW0tig7z_D_jadANOLPwR_3cwyJKaqWM-TB9kUIP85n_-Ma4q6ju4GbDGjIz2g8DirtMjHq0JAFW5/s2048/IMG_0520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtjXYF3t9mu4_1Z89lS5UxuufK9g4xFeo3yaaYPNy_ULJcMbDQuPx01TeSxwLNImLW0tig7z_D_jadANOLPwR_3cwyJKaqWM-TB9kUIP85n_-Ma4q6ju4GbDGjIz2g8DirtMjHq0JAFW5/w480-h640/IMG_0520.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> A beautiful Snowy House! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KUpKHqizUASo25moqU_RoAPSgIpELAIhlzYnB5mN4LqG0Wv54yErV-wvgFmaSfURL1MMNv3atwB8I7R_YiiBn_dK9chWEz50uAZOq89Pm6Ni9lk-lBA7UHdhhXOFqu2eY8e4jEKrF9f3/s2048/IMG_0601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KUpKHqizUASo25moqU_RoAPSgIpELAIhlzYnB5mN4LqG0Wv54yErV-wvgFmaSfURL1MMNv3atwB8I7R_YiiBn_dK9chWEz50uAZOq89Pm6Ni9lk-lBA7UHdhhXOFqu2eY8e4jEKrF9f3/w480-h640/IMG_0601.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> A folky Clocktower by Shaynah Whitmore (age 14)! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkQIkrF6q89FMzUguyTJz7vGq_xQokN1RPvupKIcDcx7_2NiZTXx2lcsvAD1EcDmtEDV3WpORrN78Kso_i1W_kT02Hc9eEcoxm1a03BXJ-hhnEBNCZcwDKrwNt_ZfirNkmjasiux9EbHb/s2048/IMG_0522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkQIkrF6q89FMzUguyTJz7vGq_xQokN1RPvupKIcDcx7_2NiZTXx2lcsvAD1EcDmtEDV3WpORrN78Kso_i1W_kT02Hc9eEcoxm1a03BXJ-hhnEBNCZcwDKrwNt_ZfirNkmjasiux9EbHb/w480-h640/IMG_0522.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> A Norwegian waffle tower by Nordic Waffles! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCSgpIH5GrQuf70VV0p11m_AkR_hjp-K9gENWbFBCmIoh42dxaCZGCD_J60gbD5HtN62I7eOt_EDOd6brj9Omj9z6ioTB_dhS19XgwUQcK2bFO2NaVK58UQ-0THcDJXdJ67pg6p_Ym7YV/s2048/IMG_0521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCSgpIH5GrQuf70VV0p11m_AkR_hjp-K9gENWbFBCmIoh42dxaCZGCD_J60gbD5HtN62I7eOt_EDOd6brj9Omj9z6ioTB_dhS19XgwUQcK2bFO2NaVK58UQ-0THcDJXdJ67pg6p_Ym7YV/w480-h640/IMG_0521.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>A red sauna done by one of my best friend in the world's daughters, Inga Wilhoit! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP7qBAWCHXvl1GO9garDPNlxki75IqkZ2SHQPaxnmO_5n77nl13jHh14N4N0bgK_KGVck_HfFGlQEG4EbLxKAd-6TX_1p3iRZvOakv7d8QLBY-SHGYcwgvr5d0tz3ojO0X9BK2kacDmR1/s2048/IMG_0594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1822" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP7qBAWCHXvl1GO9garDPNlxki75IqkZ2SHQPaxnmO_5n77nl13jHh14N4N0bgK_KGVck_HfFGlQEG4EbLxKAd-6TX_1p3iRZvOakv7d8QLBY-SHGYcwgvr5d0tz3ojO0X9BK2kacDmR1/w570-h640/IMG_0594.jpg" width="570" /></a></div><p></p><p>I think my absolute favorite was the gingerbread version of the Edvard Grieg house, Troldhaugen, in Bergen, Norway. It's an exact replica of the famous Norwegian composer's home, but the great thing about it is that the creator, Jay'd Hagberg, put a little miniature piano on the roof! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aJUx6KveA8_HNIHZA65S_AMXHVm9LGD0R93awDC0-xks207zoiSwlZd1-Roylz5KZIscyLMWSw3ouwDAmqxwLPZ4caR36M1JOBxUotSf9r4WkqmY5JZSKksT1eFkfbCeZVoZ13xeo9C5/s2048/IMG_0605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aJUx6KveA8_HNIHZA65S_AMXHVm9LGD0R93awDC0-xks207zoiSwlZd1-Roylz5KZIscyLMWSw3ouwDAmqxwLPZ4caR36M1JOBxUotSf9r4WkqmY5JZSKksT1eFkfbCeZVoZ13xeo9C5/w480-h640/IMG_0605.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I heard a little girl say that her favorite one was the "one with the piano on the roof", and you could see in her eyes that it had made an impression. I would not be surprised to hear that she grew up to have a piano on her own roof - and now I want one too. What a treat for everyone! Especially if it was Grieg. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKVmeQ61SQGScq3BVBVzEH6oP5G8eB7MRJgt-jEr4ZFIz72vn3qcSzQzW2mLPkpvMjQJ_xnTZqvLLpgggXRseJ-IUSQ6rVRKgNJ3Fgb-KM_U4Fz7wp3hxYXLFCkFBovRK8qy7Nyh-fcDp/s2048/IMG_0606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKVmeQ61SQGScq3BVBVzEH6oP5G8eB7MRJgt-jEr4ZFIz72vn3qcSzQzW2mLPkpvMjQJ_xnTZqvLLpgggXRseJ-IUSQ6rVRKgNJ3Fgb-KM_U4Fz7wp3hxYXLFCkFBovRK8qy7Nyh-fcDp/w480-h640/IMG_0606.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Everyone was having a grand - and very safe and very distanced - time taking in <i>Gingerbread Wonderland </i>as one of the very few things we could do this super weird holiday season, and then it all shut down on November 20th, and it doesn't look like it will reopen during the run of the show. It's a real shame, among many shames this year, but I hope you will enjoy these photographs, and maybe do the virtual tour via Norway House's website. It costs $5 to view, but this event is <a href="https://www.norwayhouse.org/calendar/gbw20/online" target="_blank">THE major fundraiser</a> for Norway House each year, and it would be great to help them out. I made my own first ever gingerbread house this year, having been inspired by all of these greats ... but this is the only place you'll see it unless you come over to my Mom's, which you can't because she's at risk, so here you go - The Love Shack! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2oG0Tdkpf7yHJh0myVtL1TmJ-PRhUX3JaZp8mTHYPEsOmH5NE6y9DOPxGBFKTQQ_WJ0ZNYaMJqYPQSCzL7Po_4ComXBSr1RwpGbZbLghXXTNqswWsYjzy0x1MFNapJPMRHtQjiZw4p6a/s2048/IMG_0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2oG0Tdkpf7yHJh0myVtL1TmJ-PRhUX3JaZp8mTHYPEsOmH5NE6y9DOPxGBFKTQQ_WJ0ZNYaMJqYPQSCzL7Po_4ComXBSr1RwpGbZbLghXXTNqswWsYjzy0x1MFNapJPMRHtQjiZw4p6a/w628-h640/IMG_0751.jpg" width="628" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I've been out of my mind crazy busy, and apologize for so long between stories, but I just know that this next year HAS to be better for us all, and that there will be so many great new stories to tell that it's all I'll have time for. Right? So ... enjoy this holiday season as much as you possibly can. Be inspired. Get creative. Know that there is still beauty and fun and magic in this world, and it's all right there if you really look for it. I send love and my Merriest Christmas wishes to one and all around the world! </p><p>SKOL!!!<br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-1784501063584967762020-11-02T12:20:00.001-08:002020-11-02T12:20:41.471-08:00Foot In The Door 5 at MIA - AKA My Mom's Museum Debut! <p>I could not be more thrilled to announce the opening of my Mom's first museum showing in the <a href="https://collections.artsmia.org/exhibitions/2760/foot-in-the-door/art/512" target="_blank"><i>Foot In The Door 5</i></a> exhibit held every ten years at the Minneapolis Institute of Art! The idea is that once a decade, MIA opens its doors to artists from the area, with the only criteria being that their work must fit within one square foot. This year's extravaganza of paintings, photography, drawings, prints, mixed media, sculpture, and textiles has to be held virtually due to Covid, which is a big drag, but super cool nonetheless that my Mom is in her first museum show at age 80! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAl46479lWqE9KukcUBT-KeHW9D2DUsh6XDYdZLWOMMBP70FS1_qTj3FWvoaqTZqMij8GKrt5dLIaQo2nBtCWrGD48vID8RKOVAyldCUob1qfdDgsGPyWHmF_F6GfFUEgC5mn8809auNk/s1146/IMG_0433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAl46479lWqE9KukcUBT-KeHW9D2DUsh6XDYdZLWOMMBP70FS1_qTj3FWvoaqTZqMij8GKrt5dLIaQo2nBtCWrGD48vID8RKOVAyldCUob1qfdDgsGPyWHmF_F6GfFUEgC5mn8809auNk/w462-h640/IMG_0433.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><p> To know Marilyn Gronner is to love her, and no one knows her or loves her better than me. This is because yes, she's my Mom, but also because I have seen her work so hard and sacrifice her entire life - always with grace, always with an eye toward helping others, and always with a smile on her face. She was a music and art double major at Augsburg College (our whole family's alma mater), and was (is!) a beautiful painter and musician (trumpet, piano, and pipe organ!). She met my Dad, got married, had three kids, and figured she'd raise us and work on her art and that would be her perfectly happy life. </p><p>The world doesn't always work out for you like you think it's going to, sadly. My Dad died of cancer at 33, and left Mom alone with three kids to raise. Painting and music were pushed to the back burners, as Mom focused her full attention on us, doing any and all creative jobs she could to keep us fed, clothed in what all the other kids were wearing, and with a happy enough childhood to not really notice it was different from most of our friends' families. But best believe that our graceful swan of a Mother was scrambling her legs hard and fast under the surface to make sure we all stayed afloat. And we always have. <br /></p><p>Years passed, I moved away, always encouraging Mom to pick up her paints again, but never really seeing it happen. Last year I came back home to help Mom after she tragically lost one of her scrambling legs due to a vicious infection. She moved into an assisted living facility, where we thought she could finally return to her passion for painting. That didn't happen, because their big activities were like Bingo and junk like that, and Mom was miserable in there. That was not going to be the rest of her life on my watch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEXh1gTvd5B5rSqaL7SnkQCsmRn5RtPcfMP20Z534gO3ASCgH_oK6RC3PelJQ6ToJ44jlcWbP8qoToM-fQitJnAI6mXglL9sCLQBQ3SmnvZNJa2vO6oodAKyuK54LW9z0vUgHEzueG3HW/s2048/IMG_0429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEXh1gTvd5B5rSqaL7SnkQCsmRn5RtPcfMP20Z534gO3ASCgH_oK6RC3PelJQ6ToJ44jlcWbP8qoToM-fQitJnAI6mXglL9sCLQBQ3SmnvZNJa2vO6oodAKyuK54LW9z0vUgHEzueG3HW/w480-h640/IMG_0429.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> We got Mom out of the awful home just in time, about a month before the world began to lock down for Covid, and we would not have even been able to visit her! Once home, I was going to make sure that Mom's life was happy and creative again, and we went out and got her some tiny canvases to get to work on, thinking that the smaller sizes would be less intimidating for her to complete. I had never even heard of the <i>Foot In The Door</i> exhibits at MIA in the past, and then I saw an announcement for it in <i>City Pages</i> one day (RIP, <i>City Pages</i>!). The art had to be fit within one square foot, and here Mom was working in exactly that size and smaller!</p><p>I secretly submitted my favorite of Mom's new pieces, <i>Peace of Wood Lake</i>, because Wood Lake means so much to me, she had painted it as as gift to me for springing her from the dreadful prison of a nursing home, and because I thought it was the best of her recent work. I waited about a month, and then received the happy news that Mom's work had been accepted, and she would be in her first museum show at 80 years old! I literally jumped up and down all over the house when I heard, and Mom just laughed at me, not really getting the big deal of it, but happy to see me so happy for her. </p><p>I could not be prouder of this lady, truly. Her attitude on life has always been so positive ... but this is the woman who told the doctors that she'd like to walk into her surgery to remove her leg on her own two feet one last time - and she did. The strength that took (and the pain she must have felt!) has been an inspiration not just to her kids, who adore her unconditionally, but to people the world over. This is the woman who did not want to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair watching daytime t.v. - she wanted to return to her creative life, and be better than she ever had been before. She has a new enthusiasm for her work, which had been dormant for decades, and this has been rewarded by having her first new piece of art accepted into a show at an internationally renowned museum, that also happens to be one of my favorites anywhere (especially this last year with their groundbreaking show like <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2019/06/hearts-of-our-people-native-women.html" target="_blank"><i>Hearts Of Our People</i> </a>and <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2020/03/clogtown-when-home-wont-let-you-stay.html" target="_blank"><i>When Home Won't Let You Stay</i></a>, plus <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2020/02/clogtown-safe-passage-by-ai-weiwei-at.html" target="_blank">Ai Wei Wei's awesome installation</a> last winter!). My Mom is in MIA!!! How extra cool is that?!?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvkgIIAqUB05i9C3coQwkQi4NtHhLWIoGCGazpvm_JNiFRd4b6cyd1O5zoMTuVADLk3bryA583zByeMSfvK86_xmxLM6cPmvjkoWNkWMYRiIpIA6C6R83UWllyS7sgaqMfI_WpjQmevSC/s1431/IMG_0434+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="825" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvkgIIAqUB05i9C3coQwkQi4NtHhLWIoGCGazpvm_JNiFRd4b6cyd1O5zoMTuVADLk3bryA583zByeMSfvK86_xmxLM6cPmvjkoWNkWMYRiIpIA6C6R83UWllyS7sgaqMfI_WpjQmevSC/w368-h640/IMG_0434+%25281%2529.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><p> </p><p>Please attend <i><a href="https://collections.artsmia.org/exhibitions/2760/foot-in-the-door" target="_blank">Foot In The Door 5</a> </i>online, and don't forget to click on the little heart next to my Mom's work as one that you love, as we continue to encourage her to keep it all up! I wish we could really see it on the walls of the actual museum ... but we're going to aim for <i>Foot In The Door 6</i> for that! Thank you to all involved for giving my Mom the recognition and encouragement she has earned through her lifetime, and for giving her the opportunity to show her work. This proves that you are never too old to be doing something you love, and that doors will always open to you when you follow your heart and your deepest passions. She would also like you to know that she's accepting commissions! That's right. <br /></p><p>Congratulations on your Museum debut, dear Mom! Wow. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Foot In The Door 5 </i></b>is virtually on display now through January 10, 2021 <a href="https://collections.artsmia.org/exhibitions/2760/foot-in-the-door/art/512" target="_blank">HERE! </a></p><p><br /><br /><br /> <br /></p><br /><br />CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-89964699267052740532020-10-14T14:18:00.001-07:002020-10-14T17:17:28.386-07:00Designs For Different Futures at The Walker Art Center - Anything Is Possible<p>My two favorite social distancing activities are nature and art, and luckily, there are ample opportunities to partake in both here in The Twin Cities, where I have been riding out the pandemic. The Walker Art Center has put up a new exhibition called <a href="https://walkerart.org/calendar/2020/designs-for-different-futures" target="_blank"><i>Designs For Different Futures</i></a>, that is an especially great show for these times, as we have to figure out new solutions for going forward in this world. Have. To.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWY86zrHcAWdJqnYoBVDXhVRZGUDP5h6-As_rRgklC_UysXmvH-hKwEAhd9IbxJXoCdv3yMfQY2k0OwG7cU6m-4zlZrb8jsoADr09yGCPl-t29xmFHqkdb81cH6uZr8LKrMiwbXPJLDkP/s2048/IMG_4245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWY86zrHcAWdJqnYoBVDXhVRZGUDP5h6-As_rRgklC_UysXmvH-hKwEAhd9IbxJXoCdv3yMfQY2k0OwG7cU6m-4zlZrb8jsoADr09yGCPl-t29xmFHqkdb81cH6uZr8LKrMiwbXPJLDkP/w480-h640/IMG_4245.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> The artists at The Walker are full of good design ideas, so many that I dared to start having a little bit of hope for the future again. There was a disembodied female voice from future narrating things in the background, lending it all a bit of a <i>2001: A Space Odyssey</i> vibe. In fact, the first piece we saw even looked like a little spaceship (there were little projections inside).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ8gq1kmWPKM0XT34PLH2DFmqQTqWnu2OX6c-tlRxqjTd3AvS04EEfylsAeM6OkQsaFYslQkA8nme3K-h2Fm73e_X9CpxoW2zAt8jgFRvc_XcRYnHZqh7aQ5bZ1YNpyI9wV35aUTasIoj/s2048/IMG_4230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1617" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQ8gq1kmWPKM0XT34PLH2DFmqQTqWnu2OX6c-tlRxqjTd3AvS04EEfylsAeM6OkQsaFYslQkA8nme3K-h2Fm73e_X9CpxoW2zAt8jgFRvc_XcRYnHZqh7aQ5bZ1YNpyI9wV35aUTasIoj/w506-h640/IMG_4230.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><p> In these Covid times, it makes a lot of sense to have a graphic on the floor instructing one how to assess the risk of a handshake. Comical, but also deadly serious - especially when there's a jackass president who lies about the risks. K, moving on ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUu3adJ2FT0Hpi4dYiRhNean43tteT-XJ2-lLminOjt2eb0JtiZUBj8N5MRhHwzt_qE12c45qqhF2q59Z04wNFLPY_H8ZukFoU9cnzLvsPg6Pxy8h7d2bFNAxd6jPaSZed-09wSOpjv4JH/s2048/IMG_4231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUu3adJ2FT0Hpi4dYiRhNean43tteT-XJ2-lLminOjt2eb0JtiZUBj8N5MRhHwzt_qE12c45qqhF2q59Z04wNFLPY_H8ZukFoU9cnzLvsPg6Pxy8h7d2bFNAxd6jPaSZed-09wSOpjv4JH/w640-h480/IMG_4231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I was very excited to see the <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2010/05/norway-svalbard-global-seed-vault.html" target="_blank"><i>Svalbard Global Seed Vault</i></a> model on display, as I've been following this project since its inception in 2008. Designed by Architect, Peter W. Soderman, the Svalbard Seed Vault houses seeds from around the world deep in a massive, futuristic space deep within a fjord. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQunBfSH_dV-TaCKVnCfBpBkftXdCCbE72FnnsgDa-ybfEtFXNgevTjncWY1are9XYOg_qXlH_r4vIuOB0-xBqUsDr3cmHXK9sNH3eIe_QAXGV4YNajZCWbhmYxd3CmamDxEuXY2QR8o3/s2048/IMG_4235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQunBfSH_dV-TaCKVnCfBpBkftXdCCbE72FnnsgDa-ybfEtFXNgevTjncWY1are9XYOg_qXlH_r4vIuOB0-xBqUsDr3cmHXK9sNH3eIe_QAXGV4YNajZCWbhmYxd3CmamDxEuXY2QR8o3/w640-h480/IMG_4235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The vault is like a giant seed library, with countries sending inn their native seeds in the event that a natural or man-made disaster would render a crop extinct ... they've now got backup here in Norway. (Of course, they thought it was invincible, but the vault has already been breached due to the ongoing Climage Crisis. Please CARE!!!) It's all pretty smart. Pretty cool.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WllzIFqK-Ac4dOax-dPR7rL_mH9TSNYvXfSuv81QFGZzJ205Y-hJ1Xshh6LZrnWHZkMCg6ay5j_t6nkjAAhn4ffgPtZp_Y64NO5YFMMx-BgibvRUHRIIYfDdJgFyKJTDOv3DSb0S230s/s2048/IMG_4236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1720" data-original-width="2048" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WllzIFqK-Ac4dOax-dPR7rL_mH9TSNYvXfSuv81QFGZzJ205Y-hJ1Xshh6LZrnWHZkMCg6ay5j_t6nkjAAhn4ffgPtZp_Y64NO5YFMMx-BgibvRUHRIIYfDdJgFyKJTDOv3DSb0S230s/w640-h538/IMG_4236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> One of the things I LOVED, but that you can't really see is the <i>Future Library, 2014-2114</i> by Katie Paterson. Norway has a lot of cool things going on, because Paterson's library is there too. She planted 1,000 spruce saplings outside of Oslo. In 100 years, they will be felled to make paper to print books that are being written for the library, one per year by 100 different authors ... and most of us will not be around to read them (Frankly, I'll be surprised if anyone is around due to the Climate Crisis that we're really doing nothing of consequence about, very sadly). The first new book is by Margaret Atwood, of <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i> fame, sending her manuscript off into the future. I'm madly in love with this idea ... and trying to figure out how to read any of them!</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSJTbQ_rgrx_niBTm81w4ozOTEKcBBp_Es_SWtrPKlGvYDpAgVmM5eI2ZvAxn8-KcMZTYrMnJ9kLlSyaRZ1v2bwTP4umbaXMwiyAm2JNoPVHVm0LIO2_hrrZqg6mbA2fEjFHniyCe3VZ9/s2048/IMG_4240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSJTbQ_rgrx_niBTm81w4ozOTEKcBBp_Es_SWtrPKlGvYDpAgVmM5eI2ZvAxn8-KcMZTYrMnJ9kLlSyaRZ1v2bwTP4umbaXMwiyAm2JNoPVHVm0LIO2_hrrZqg6mbA2fEjFHniyCe3VZ9/w640-h480/IMG_4240.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p> <i>Perspire, 2018</i> by Alice Potts shows ballet slippers soaked in human sweat that has crystallized and been dyed with red cabbage. Crazy. This is an attempt to show how in the future our accessories and clothing will be highly personalized ... or something like that. It looked cool. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMJVUWHnZTbi0X-JjEdF12wZsgbFFrfrpmMnoQyjXwdTcWcl6c8VRhCwYYeqdnMghS0IMVz9iu_4klYJ_3iNOAdWjfNvBZ4GPzGFsUgxu_OS3DlNnzVVmAG-_2IZQxKGJvt7EbDJWTkc_/s2048/IMG_4241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1594" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMJVUWHnZTbi0X-JjEdF12wZsgbFFrfrpmMnoQyjXwdTcWcl6c8VRhCwYYeqdnMghS0IMVz9iu_4klYJ_3iNOAdWjfNvBZ4GPzGFsUgxu_OS3DlNnzVVmAG-_2IZQxKGJvt7EbDJWTkc_/w498-h640/IMG_4241.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><p> Looking even cooler was my favorite part of this exhibit, which was a series of dresses made from either 3D Printing or seaweed ... all materials that will definitely be in play going forward in our world, as our current fashion practices are simply not sustainable. My very favorite piece in the entire show (that opens this story above) was the show-stopping <i>Syntopia Finale Dress, 2018</i> by Iris van Herpen. Vogue described van Herpen as "Fashion's chief scientist and perhaps also its leading futurist," and that surely shows in this jaw-dropping creation. It says that she based the pattern for the laser-cute stainless steel and black silk dress on the soundwaves of birds in flight, and that's all I had to hear. LOVE IT WITH MY WHOLE HEART. And want to wear it so bad. To something. Anything. Cheers to you, Iris van Herpen! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfytDkKUoiaWhdKY41JGII1QWXhatQZFG16ilhtznhVe3N65sSGo1mUSSHVSTSHWI_fZ0iGb1HfDhjckZ54ttdnRTFuBb1vE7sZNH1RgMWwrN9zfPWDlpcz6k6UnDU_pbPrRQ1AUGNsQI/s2048/IMG_4246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfytDkKUoiaWhdKY41JGII1QWXhatQZFG16ilhtznhVe3N65sSGo1mUSSHVSTSHWI_fZ0iGb1HfDhjckZ54ttdnRTFuBb1vE7sZNH1RgMWwrN9zfPWDlpcz6k6UnDU_pbPrRQ1AUGNsQI/w402-h640/IMG_4246.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><p> Also spectacular, though much more earthy, is the <i>Kombukamui Dress, 2018</i> by Julie Lohmann - made from seaweed and rattan! She liked how seaweed gets big and leathery when wet, and a totally different character when it dries ... and sees seaweed as a ton of design possibilities for the future. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68CFiOtZLGk7Ru0b0xWaVFtkY_cixH83hHnymBvaLMGU2WPA9MlYjZhFYn1MK-9CkaLaUQuHjV7iDl5OzwSNKeEXzAmUrtA0V6PKarEyyoJfot98F972VCG3KMnIxxFq_7hMjhiMQ62eU/s2048/IMG_4249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68CFiOtZLGk7Ru0b0xWaVFtkY_cixH83hHnymBvaLMGU2WPA9MlYjZhFYn1MK-9CkaLaUQuHjV7iDl5OzwSNKeEXzAmUrtA0V6PKarEyyoJfot98F972VCG3KMnIxxFq_7hMjhiMQ62eU/w480-h640/IMG_4249.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was a really cool piece called <i>In Plain Sight, 2018</i> that tracked the use of electricity around the world ... and how inequality around the globe affects peoples' access to it. The number one thing people need more of today is empathy. All the bad things happening now would be so much better if people could only find their empathy. This screen really drove that home to me yet again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbj_ck6CNVnvdNgE0MpjPVHq5ALK20SPfXMRo_uylS-0mXMcYnB0wnuURTPapfRetMJfQZc71sGSTZwceaNVyr-ZsHAIfsKrrmt-79K1UpDRYTW0C9mabYXW9xZUFV4S6hVq-2Al0dhlE/s2048/IMG_4252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbj_ck6CNVnvdNgE0MpjPVHq5ALK20SPfXMRo_uylS-0mXMcYnB0wnuURTPapfRetMJfQZc71sGSTZwceaNVyr-ZsHAIfsKrrmt-79K1UpDRYTW0C9mabYXW9xZUFV4S6hVq-2Al0dhlE/w640-h480/IMG_4252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>There was an enormous bulbous sphere in that same room called <i>Another Generosity, 2018</i> that changed colors and kind of seemed to breathe. It's filled with water and air (the main - highly endangered - elements of life on Earth, that reacts to tiny changes in its environment - much like our real Earth does, and why we need to be so much more gentle with it. Please. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYwHNeZNRDQdUxVfWGvA1seZvgyNV6Kk6opB7jUUAr9EgrG3B1UceB_7FYEX0LdvDn7yBwVREI8pJBnFUIJl0E6Hqn2BUHdIJfbYZ_qPNnPYH8KapY1wZ7AnK0KuZSxfGmgIl_5VLH2LV/s2048/IMG_4253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1714" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYwHNeZNRDQdUxVfWGvA1seZvgyNV6Kk6opB7jUUAr9EgrG3B1UceB_7FYEX0LdvDn7yBwVREI8pJBnFUIJl0E6Hqn2BUHdIJfbYZ_qPNnPYH8KapY1wZ7AnK0KuZSxfGmgIl_5VLH2LV/w536-h640/IMG_4253.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><p></p><p>I can't remember what this went with or who did it, but I agree with pretty much every statement within:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuftJxQwyKh9v2ypKt1uvTyH7Lt1ORLp6V8fPC3vIpi-LqTNUl8Wm6wbjF5NsuJ0Q-7k3fs-T03mKWr5_rNpqLHwSALTiG3xUD1YMe2oJwqRy-ZW0TVVeVgbnog_e64gAOi7BfM_p4kf22/s2048/IMG_4254.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1741" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuftJxQwyKh9v2ypKt1uvTyH7Lt1ORLp6V8fPC3vIpi-LqTNUl8Wm6wbjF5NsuJ0Q-7k3fs-T03mKWr5_rNpqLHwSALTiG3xUD1YMe2oJwqRy-ZW0TVVeVgbnog_e64gAOi7BfM_p4kf22/w544-h640/IMG_4254.jpg" width="544" /></a> <br /></p><p>There was a <i>Republic of Estonia e-Residency Kit, 2014</i> by the Republic of Estonia. In 2014, the little country introduced the concept of e-Residency, offering anyone the opportunity to be an e-resident. It doesn't grant tax residency or citizenship, but it does let you conduct business and use their public services, etc. Borders fall away (all man-made anyway, so I don't really believe in them), enabling a free flow of ideas and resources. Pretty cool. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq9dnVdbsbM0XPcJX4tZC1KhmdjsA5VnXEBUAXC8RdotA_q_LOpzF7Kk5cRmsAt-LYOwcVLy4qQBqog7tuVkwmG6UY8RjzNa1Ig-asWgU04EZ4RNZjfOcqFVxDT1L5CfTHwSgGRd0GXwY/s2048/IMG_4312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq9dnVdbsbM0XPcJX4tZC1KhmdjsA5VnXEBUAXC8RdotA_q_LOpzF7Kk5cRmsAt-LYOwcVLy4qQBqog7tuVkwmG6UY8RjzNa1Ig-asWgU04EZ4RNZjfOcqFVxDT1L5CfTHwSgGRd0GXwY/w624-h640/IMG_4312.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><p> Similarly, <i>Infinite Passports, 2014-2017</i> by Giuditta Vendrame and Fiona du Mesnildot proposes a system where members could exchange passports temporarily, as well as their geopolitical status. This would allow people to migrate about freely without permission from any government. I'm down with that.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide7uCcmKDmIzQtcn4tiQXXUFfW9A__-UPzvcOaKjbBgdc0HWx5C9cvsmvEzpNHIqPP9L6OX6Ptw1KuUwYUPMJSaW2KtFJSl_Y4Xv-ObMOoxS6eDdadsoD0qqytdtZ10_ZgI9X9jgtAff1/s2048/IMG_4314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="2048" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide7uCcmKDmIzQtcn4tiQXXUFfW9A__-UPzvcOaKjbBgdc0HWx5C9cvsmvEzpNHIqPP9L6OX6Ptw1KuUwYUPMJSaW2KtFJSl_Y4Xv-ObMOoxS6eDdadsoD0qqytdtZ10_ZgI9X9jgtAff1/w640-h534/IMG_4314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <i> </i><p></p><p><i>The Handmaid's Tale</i> red gown featured prominently in the middle of the gallery suggested an eerie future - especially if this joke of a Supreme Court nominee gets confirmed. It's about design for the future ... but I don't want any part of that kind of future - and it's up to all of us to prevent it. I feel sick just thinking about it ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0tpxbVc2rlffGYpTz3y4eUKVhQ4Pp3Qds9fp0O-m1ITVlal3PJekuTPHSmbK40_OZlOVTDmhujpXqXv7Uh_wdUOtg9DNrSA7rmwhjQb-Y28G_JZXi8sJSXp-3BkY3PcWNQm_2jK-u7A6/s2048/IMG_4316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0tpxbVc2rlffGYpTz3y4eUKVhQ4Pp3Qds9fp0O-m1ITVlal3PJekuTPHSmbK40_OZlOVTDmhujpXqXv7Uh_wdUOtg9DNrSA7rmwhjQb-Y28G_JZXi8sJSXp-3BkY3PcWNQm_2jK-u7A6/w502-h640/IMG_4316.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><p> There was an area devoted to accessibility in the future, featuring the <i>PhoeniX Exoskeleton, 2011-2017</i> by Homayoon Kazerooni. It's designed to give people with mobility disabilities and spinal cord injuries the ability to walk on their own. Activist Ace Ratcliff was quoted about it, saying, "A utopia is not a world where disability is a problem that's been solved; rather, it's an inevitable expression of genetic variance, and disabled humans are not just welcomed, but fully included." Now ... that's a great statement, but the irony was that my Mom and I got stuck in the tiny closet of a handicapped lift that brings you to this level, for like 15 long minutes, as the staff scrambled to get us out. It was broken, and we couldn't get out, so had to go back up to get out there (Thank God). Mom was therefore unable to access this level of the museum and was never able to see these works that were really interesting for her, having lost her leg and being disabled herself. I'm thinking the Walker should maybe invite her back for free now ... because she didn't get to see this cool prosthetic leg of the future! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rclhV-gOc_WzjrZvSxqtvjiZLtorL-B760P2HnvKY8fOU967P7Gs5ieKoyVn1XFyUeq2bvzXkHTLUxLIrdgI6GuVGSW72RobRyrMOz6RFybtYgMc1PtSbVJhtE0PQnOWpGA_ghntxKDM/s2048/IMG_4321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rclhV-gOc_WzjrZvSxqtvjiZLtorL-B760P2HnvKY8fOU967P7Gs5ieKoyVn1XFyUeq2bvzXkHTLUxLIrdgI6GuVGSW72RobRyrMOz6RFybtYgMc1PtSbVJhtE0PQnOWpGA_ghntxKDM/w480-h640/IMG_4321.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> <i>Stance, 2016</i> by Leslie Speer, Anthony Ta, Brendan Ngo, and Darren Manuel was made from saddle leather, fiberglass, skateboard deck (!), maple veneer, and silicon. It can be adapted to the growth of its user over time (COOL - because we just came from another leg fitting for Mom and it's a major hassle!). It uses regional materials, so its parts can be customized and assembled locally for less than $40! That would also be cool as Mom's new one will be upwards of $1,800 - that insurance will not pay. UNBELIEVABLE still how bad our country's healthcare system is, It really is, and must be reformed. Moving on ... </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD-RCiPW3MQ8uyKOrN-rTTzyO83TEcXvVFmL5f1KEkIiZYdu0o7gVTxATC-mdBj6uxU-0498PM8Z8fR32clmrJfv5-A5ZpL_Qvjh2EcZgSG3MA2Odb8AcxT03dSyNTj26cg1G9hsK-yc9/s2048/IMG_4323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD-RCiPW3MQ8uyKOrN-rTTzyO83TEcXvVFmL5f1KEkIiZYdu0o7gVTxATC-mdBj6uxU-0498PM8Z8fR32clmrJfv5-A5ZpL_Qvjh2EcZgSG3MA2Odb8AcxT03dSyNTj26cg1G9hsK-yc9/w480-h640/IMG_4323.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p>... to <i>Stranger Visions, 2012-2013</i> by Heather Dewey-Hagborg. This work addresses genetic surveillance and the ethics of accessing another person's genetic information without their knowledge. Dewey-Hagborg collected chewed up chewing gum from around New York City, and worked with a lab to extract the DNA. In a process called "Phenotyping", she took their genetic information to make portraits of what the person who chewed the gum most likely looked like. TRIPPY. It was very <i>Game Of Thrones</i> Man with No Face-y. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY0t3y-oECV39WT0TCPeBNZRg8SX-2B3vrSmE39c4WtEEPjcJIWiUOOJqr6EkbmiQIf-m2CksZo06cuPN1EjsO0kkfvB9BvjDBsf9OIkgviBIFG4JRS1pNlJN9hVMLa2ko6w2oOJ_77H3/s2048/IMG_4331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY0t3y-oECV39WT0TCPeBNZRg8SX-2B3vrSmE39c4WtEEPjcJIWiUOOJqr6EkbmiQIf-m2CksZo06cuPN1EjsO0kkfvB9BvjDBsf9OIkgviBIFG4JRS1pNlJN9hVMLa2ko6w2oOJ_77H3/w640-h480/IMG_4331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> There was so much to see, and you'll want to see it, as I've included very little of the entire show here. There are other great exhibits happening at The Walker now as well, like <i>Don't Let This Be Easy</i>, celebrating the work of women artists and feminism (The Walker does a great job of being socially timely). All of the works were great, but I was really struck by this file cabinet with shirts in it, saying things like, "One of the ways people hurt me is ...". Please just trust me that you want to see this whole room for yourself. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETRUBmCeYLSMbQWyPIdOUMMfJqjRNlUQbfKPZLxVzj0uKZ94X9UpXO-LK5H6U7duTWsBMJokU4iWl9EYaO0av7dz5aj3QuY4LhHOanqjXCUILHvVWfrErzxgHSoSTZa_ylAFU6iZjR_J0/s2048/IMG_4269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETRUBmCeYLSMbQWyPIdOUMMfJqjRNlUQbfKPZLxVzj0uKZ94X9UpXO-LK5H6U7duTWsBMJokU4iWl9EYaO0av7dz5aj3QuY4LhHOanqjXCUILHvVWfrErzxgHSoSTZa_ylAFU6iZjR_J0/w480-h640/IMG_4269.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> You have to love the <i>Selection from Don't Look Back, 1999</i> by Fiona Banner from the permanent collection. Banner has screenprinted transcripts from the classic Bob Dylan documentary, and it's great as a whole ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKvqnoarGZY6SXOLs-ayE1H1s2t9s5_mOA5sF76NaHnxVOIIrr0PB-h6Gwgx2XU5XPdm5x-CvF1Q-Nzjn6rGLkrjavVcmXAI9RwcoQUZBSprUU-HK01qGo1v52jeuUgW9iQuYfCsOYR67/s2048/IMG_4290.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="2048" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKvqnoarGZY6SXOLs-ayE1H1s2t9s5_mOA5sF76NaHnxVOIIrr0PB-h6Gwgx2XU5XPdm5x-CvF1Q-Nzjn6rGLkrjavVcmXAI9RwcoQUZBSprUU-HK01qGo1v52jeuUgW9iQuYfCsOYR67/w640-h498/IMG_4290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> ... and then fun to zoom in on to remember that part of the movie and how cool it was. Is. Again, there is SO much to see and our time was running out, so I urge you to go and explore for yourselves, as it's a really good social distancing activity, as we crossed paths with very few other people in the galleries. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtc39WtkrYcKKCKREJfZHuG8UP8H4TiLmVhT6np2mJFF4xpero4GEuDxcy6FQoZ3KJgL2-cf7N7XjLwJEkx5xdpazI0AjG-6GwPtC2V3v3vI22ApZ-LBpLiaHMt4j6KDSD5QQ9zjkYP-L/s2048/IMG_4291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtc39WtkrYcKKCKREJfZHuG8UP8H4TiLmVhT6np2mJFF4xpero4GEuDxcy6FQoZ3KJgL2-cf7N7XjLwJEkx5xdpazI0AjG-6GwPtC2V3v3vI22ApZ-LBpLiaHMt4j6KDSD5QQ9zjkYP-L/w480-h640/IMG_4291.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Racing by a few walls from the permanent collection, I was delighted to see a piece (<i>I Got A Job To Do, 2003</i>) from our Venice, California friend (and Cali Loco!) Llyn Foulkes! That made my heart happy, as I've been missing Venice SO much, and it's nice to see a little part of it even here in the North. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zHqriA6HixiEls2wRT3ofMsO0HkyuzzFtnghg0OEB_q7Y4SJwbxLukxOYVv60cihy1xTB0IOQGxOytCYU2l4xy5_srLsA7-gdoa316OLQex6zSI_gPFkLDxZ346q4ESFcD1QhxyL0YLo/s2048/IMG_4278.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1661" data-original-width="2048" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zHqriA6HixiEls2wRT3ofMsO0HkyuzzFtnghg0OEB_q7Y4SJwbxLukxOYVv60cihy1xTB0IOQGxOytCYU2l4xy5_srLsA7-gdoa316OLQex6zSI_gPFkLDxZ346q4ESFcD1QhxyL0YLo/w640-h520/IMG_4278.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is also an exhibit of Jasper Johns prints from 1960-2018. Our favorite from <i>An Art Of Changes</i> was his Flags, 1965. It had one of those optical illusion games, where you stare at the white dot on the flag for 15 seconds and then look at the plain gray panel and you can still see the flag there in your tripping out retinas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mQVFL2MUcqFwI03iZ-LU8au7aqe6C2KfzCb9eRblCrwer06NGCfsW6DS8IHuekiOEBgq-O8_tPtV6mUcFn3rLPAz6L8-9h-mbl4z5xsbQvJVn2GiSnXF-9lxuPdj0WryVAiTeqjYxKyI/s2048/IMG_4346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mQVFL2MUcqFwI03iZ-LU8au7aqe6C2KfzCb9eRblCrwer06NGCfsW6DS8IHuekiOEBgq-O8_tPtV6mUcFn3rLPAz6L8-9h-mbl4z5xsbQvJVn2GiSnXF-9lxuPdj0WryVAiTeqjYxKyI/w480-h640/IMG_4346.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> That coolness was a great finale for our wonderful day at The Walker. It gave us a lot to think about as we go forward in this world, and it was a little reassuring that there are such smart, creative, talented people hard at work around the globe making designs for all of the different future possibilities we may face.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUXHd933KZHm-OfJ6Gib9Ezu48XtuB9_JLgvUdtNE0-1ax7tuZSuOhlzE47i9BPr9ygSiJrYd6sMhFmhe5OvvbtIdrq-5U1p-jK5sWW-Dty2McRemjS-kDKUnXy8nqpH4eFNu2Ba6Ye2c/s2048/IMG_4232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUXHd933KZHm-OfJ6Gib9Ezu48XtuB9_JLgvUdtNE0-1ax7tuZSuOhlzE47i9BPr9ygSiJrYd6sMhFmhe5OvvbtIdrq-5U1p-jK5sWW-Dty2McRemjS-kDKUnXy8nqpH4eFNu2Ba6Ye2c/w640-h406/IMG_4232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I've said it many times before, but art that makes you stop and think about ways to make our current world better is the very best kind. And this show is full of that. Please go, please think, and please enjoy! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Walker Art Center</b><i> </i></p><p><i>Designs For Different Futures</i></p><p>September 12, 2020 - April 11, 2021 <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-85016115288550468832020-09-28T14:21:00.001-07:002020-09-28T14:21:43.422-07:00The Grand Opening Of Franconia Commons at Franconia Sculpture Park - Hooray For Sculpture! <p>One of our favorite field trips last year was to visit the <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2019/09/clogtown-franconia-sculpture-park-start.html" target="_blank">Franconia Sculpture Park</a> near Taylor's Falls, Minnesota. It was a super cool day, full of discovery and awe. Franconia seems to have their mitts in a lot of things, because I saw installations by them at the Art Shanties on Lake Harriet this past winter, and just recently saw one of their sculptures by Lake Nokomis. I read that they were having a grand opening of their new "Commons" building this last Saturday, so off we went on our fall color drive. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTQWU5x3xeEABrcZTkVv2yqc9TRO4LLhyqAzG865AC8zBClhOuaKMHBHopAogbcjtri-_1vZGUmwJdCOTmy0AEZZtEbf8JUFdKiVZe8f9XmwQ8Ob8Oy-Ry90H8_axXRVIfBsLna3p0Mjj/s1440/09FD2A01-C612-45BB-B245-3FCBC41216F3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTQWU5x3xeEABrcZTkVv2yqc9TRO4LLhyqAzG865AC8zBClhOuaKMHBHopAogbcjtri-_1vZGUmwJdCOTmy0AEZZtEbf8JUFdKiVZe8f9XmwQ8Ob8Oy-Ry90H8_axXRVIfBsLna3p0Mjj/w640-h640/09FD2A01-C612-45BB-B245-3FCBC41216F3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The scenery was spectacular on the drive up, with us oohing and ahhing the entire way at all of the red, orange, and gold leaves we were seeing. It was awesome. We took it slow, so we wound up getting to Franconia in the later afternoon, just in time for their ribbon-cutting and speeches for the new facility. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTOS0szY7ecd9NVkIoPYcx3MmpHzQuhMU6u7IJ-M3NN0YZyf3eUXYiEC3ObRH_dQn5AmkbbJV307FxvfEuXlgMkd-cU3vsJsLGb0nIdZLHaOqAV7w966V_P_2a7H4Xza12HmeIxXkVKeo/s2048/IMG_4478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTOS0szY7ecd9NVkIoPYcx3MmpHzQuhMU6u7IJ-M3NN0YZyf3eUXYiEC3ObRH_dQn5AmkbbJV307FxvfEuXlgMkd-cU3vsJsLGb0nIdZLHaOqAV7w966V_P_2a7H4Xza12HmeIxXkVKeo/w640-h480/IMG_4478.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Now, LAST year Franconia couldn't have been more accommodating with our party, which included my recently disabled Mom. They hooked us up with a golf cart, and we were able to speed Mom around and right up to all of the sculptures positioned around the vast acreage of the park. THIS year - and maybe it was because of the Commons hoopla, but still - not a single staff member or volunteer offered to help us, and really couldn't be bothered to care. They could all see me struggling to push Mom's wheelchair through the ankle-deep gravel that the trails are created from, and we were going nowhere fast. And I was getting mad, looking at all the empty golf carts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74oC6gs1jgvKm8GJiSWuwDdhkXOAo_yIVZFEwdJ9ZyblF8yAO4MTzcyEFkz1uedTvgdNXGBrXZ1xggSVEFzWhgAgLRl26jYXnDEHvSyZHVknDgjyUCR8oP-eVUtPW2hrnvJvwU-IKErp1/s2048/IMG_4482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74oC6gs1jgvKm8GJiSWuwDdhkXOAo_yIVZFEwdJ9ZyblF8yAO4MTzcyEFkz1uedTvgdNXGBrXZ1xggSVEFzWhgAgLRl26jYXnDEHvSyZHVknDgjyUCR8oP-eVUtPW2hrnvJvwU-IKErp1/w640-h480/IMG_4482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Mom saw me fuming, and told me to leave her and go off and look at things, because she's cool like that. But she shouldn't have to be. A lot of the work was the same as last year, so I darted around quickly to see anything that I thought looked new, so I could take a photo of it and go back and show Mom on my phone (lame). I saw the wooden woven basket one that we saw last year, but it looked so pretty with the autumn leaves that it gets to make another appearance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7Bk2iyd0T1J5FAYCoPlfR8T1m8fycwo-LAl7j9coreleoaAKhHwoE2-MHoDWmOm9YPmaw6Swvz8-H0D90ciQBA7RMfvjJo3SRlOZMJq-iucuw47LbZR3xgt2zQX4Uts9Jls2Ts4sU69d/s2048/IMG_4479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7Bk2iyd0T1J5FAYCoPlfR8T1m8fycwo-LAl7j9coreleoaAKhHwoE2-MHoDWmOm9YPmaw6Swvz8-H0D90ciQBA7RMfvjJo3SRlOZMJq-iucuw47LbZR3xgt2zQX4Uts9Jls2Ts4sU69d/w480-h640/IMG_4479.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> There was a kind of <i>Mad Max</i> looking monster out of metal nearby ... not my thing, but it looked cool and hard to make. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI8FZxTcEieFprZamW6nQOg5A61XoVl2lJVy-PCDG5Hd8TWM0WFB28b0gFRubFrSQJo-474FJZlG-STauA0C90bta_U-FK0P_DMCUXu8qqbQhEQ9wL6VrbsCTtp5zVR7ppG-LqAeiist_/s2048/IMG_4480.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI8FZxTcEieFprZamW6nQOg5A61XoVl2lJVy-PCDG5Hd8TWM0WFB28b0gFRubFrSQJo-474FJZlG-STauA0C90bta_U-FK0P_DMCUXu8qqbQhEQ9wL6VrbsCTtp5zVR7ppG-LqAeiist_/w640-h480/IMG_4480.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The grounds are VAST (which is why there should be readily available and free golf carts for the disabled), and that's part of the coolness of it. You never know what will be around the next corner. Probably my favorite of the new work that I saw was <i>The Compact, 2019</i> by Eliza Evans. It was three female forms made out of concrete, and meant to "examine the compression of individual agency over millenia and our more contemporary assent to the myriad ways we are surveilled, measured, and archived." O.K. It's rare that I see all of what a sculptor says is there or that I really get what they mean visually as compared to what they say it means ... but I'm always up for it. Women Power. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmZKoN4CCMspyuVZFw6t_FY2VxumexjFcVV6ZvYAH9rWaDkPKp7M4wWxC9RTLwBZqzRvEYsxcjU2rQmONKO8N8XH5TmuFQaVKlhP4b9-PNlq-X3FEY2K3uPwGJ-AA4mWy3aEQs5zs3jk4/s2048/IMG_4484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmZKoN4CCMspyuVZFw6t_FY2VxumexjFcVV6ZvYAH9rWaDkPKp7M4wWxC9RTLwBZqzRvEYsxcjU2rQmONKO8N8XH5TmuFQaVKlhP4b9-PNlq-X3FEY2K3uPwGJ-AA4mWy3aEQs5zs3jk4/w480-h640/IMG_4484.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>What's Inside, 2019</i> by Gabrielle Raye Cordes was a blue blob (a body organ?) that "informs relationships between architecture and the body, and the similarities between the two." There are windows, but not doors, as you're not meant to enter. It would be like going up someone's nose. During a time when one's personal space is particularly important, this one's subject matter resonated a bit more clearly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yB1Mx6FIVZIrAvzp7pbmBfH42IzUvPwrM8hEdyWRlspmWmwZ-B_jSKGKdslPqqrUlmLjo8jiOGQlQEkrquvjZ01hN_NCHo09kYVUigtDm-ELUbjTTw-yL3LSBofcIOje4FEvcHQgQOmV/s1440/662E2DCE-4319-4C3B-9A91-A26C7EA1684B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yB1Mx6FIVZIrAvzp7pbmBfH42IzUvPwrM8hEdyWRlspmWmwZ-B_jSKGKdslPqqrUlmLjo8jiOGQlQEkrquvjZ01hN_NCHo09kYVUigtDm-ELUbjTTw-yL3LSBofcIOje4FEvcHQgQOmV/w640-h640/662E2DCE-4319-4C3B-9A91-A26C7EA1684B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> An outdoor basketball court on the grass was really <i>Dirtball, 2019</i> by Kosmologym. As you dribble the ball, you break apart and release minerals into the ground, that helps the soil flourish.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZmFc-teMQZMUtPJujU3JBVJIEsNsfdfsw9rsKjZUz5JfAFZPoaTmGPvxMSuWvWMwGJmr2lcIwntghUkOVKDF0XoRh5zZI97jomYe8nNfrs_pNFjW6VixPKjIoanrlw6B90MhubT4-siG/s2048/IMG_4490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZmFc-teMQZMUtPJujU3JBVJIEsNsfdfsw9rsKjZUz5JfAFZPoaTmGPvxMSuWvWMwGJmr2lcIwntghUkOVKDF0XoRh5zZI97jomYe8nNfrs_pNFjW6VixPKjIoanrlw6B90MhubT4-siG/w480-h640/IMG_4490.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> As the soil gets richer, it's better able to pull carbon dioxide from the air and reduce global warming! We actually NEED this sculpture! Sculpture with a meaningful purpose is my favorite kind of sculpture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RSJA-oKU-MsScsb6a0OEKk4bfpjeJztfhBHYRcqquBnfPn5Vke9cwMq9spXvQ5G7S3Oe3C1JhG3HEOT8Mw1IbXfNHPtHpiIJv1a7oLTnHfJX_NfqElTJTOlrtMOZ6yBBJnJBMdgjkSuf/s1440/956D37EB-EB1A-45FD-915F-9E0609A9A605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RSJA-oKU-MsScsb6a0OEKk4bfpjeJztfhBHYRcqquBnfPn5Vke9cwMq9spXvQ5G7S3Oe3C1JhG3HEOT8Mw1IbXfNHPtHpiIJv1a7oLTnHfJX_NfqElTJTOlrtMOZ6yBBJnJBMdgjkSuf/w640-h640/956D37EB-EB1A-45FD-915F-9E0609A9A605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I love a bird house, and there was a Vegas hotel sized bird house there in the middle of the prairie, that looked to have very few vacancies - even during Covid. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajzQWKfamWzu_Q2OIZWBqQ7NJwC2vb0zVW_t9xLZQQ0epaUgNNZ2-oAZByyw9tRZ4HVJeZA6uWMOznYrVZeJIW35S352V7oJ8ZNHXzK6fCnaiMV6RmNr3lNSQcfDzaJetJ-49OnVwfyfX/s1440/A2F2A05F-84D5-464B-A14C-53FFDE052152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajzQWKfamWzu_Q2OIZWBqQ7NJwC2vb0zVW_t9xLZQQ0epaUgNNZ2-oAZByyw9tRZ4HVJeZA6uWMOznYrVZeJIW35S352V7oJ8ZNHXzK6fCnaiMV6RmNr3lNSQcfDzaJetJ-49OnVwfyfX/w640-h640/A2F2A05F-84D5-464B-A14C-53FFDE052152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Betsy Alwin of St. Paul, MN created the sculpture titled <i>Vaticinium Ex Eventu</i> which translates to "A prophecy for an event after the fact." The placard said that this concrete and rebar structure indicate the beauty and the chaos inherent in our human condition. I looked at it, and again said, "O.K.", shrugged, and moved along. It would be cool to tour Franconia with the artists sometime, because the explanations on the placards are always a little bit too precious for me, and I want to hear the real nitty-gritty of what they meant. I'll look into it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkouMyC4-_yTR7wK10qsH2xulJjM2Y2haIMsucHzO-8Hc5pQPBLNhxRx7Fw_RCHqe1yZ7kjRX9g1lbdjqUYOw91wcfxHFQg0bxfMZgJRnBAURdwB-vF0C50Vcz8SfAB0g6RlWw-WPjAe_/s1440/7915A230-BE53-4E3B-BBB9-6B7EE14864A9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkouMyC4-_yTR7wK10qsH2xulJjM2Y2haIMsucHzO-8Hc5pQPBLNhxRx7Fw_RCHqe1yZ7kjRX9g1lbdjqUYOw91wcfxHFQg0bxfMZgJRnBAURdwB-vF0C50Vcz8SfAB0g6RlWw-WPjAe_/w640-h640/7915A230-BE53-4E3B-BBB9-6B7EE14864A9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> <i>Pollinator Rhyton, Agave, and Bats, 2020</i> by Rachel Frank based on an ancient offering vessel, and like <i>Dirtball,</i> it points out the art's connection to the natural world. Its focus is on the relationship between the agave plant and its pollination by bats - and also its relationship within the park and all the wildflowers and grasses that surround it. Now, that is pretty easy to wrap my head around, and a welcome new addition to Franconia. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpqwaOJoXemQtSuBknXVNlsNYrtLgACjTk3q81UPWR0don_uKS1r7KEJVygYGarnSiADwKpzW0FwyE7gqbGM0a0yYLXSMyyrYdmxOMjGNoNBJFL-jYg8OmgER7gcNHhqiz-fxeHw7B34i/s1440/1D36B8FB-752E-4733-95FD-C09A45F48BC5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpqwaOJoXemQtSuBknXVNlsNYrtLgACjTk3q81UPWR0don_uKS1r7KEJVygYGarnSiADwKpzW0FwyE7gqbGM0a0yYLXSMyyrYdmxOMjGNoNBJFL-jYg8OmgER7gcNHhqiz-fxeHw7B34i/w640-h640/1D36B8FB-752E-4733-95FD-C09A45F48BC5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> Mark di Suvero of NYC showed his <i>Gorky's Pillow, 1987</i> - a creation of painted steel. di Suvero is a lifelong activist for peace and social justice, and created the Socrates Sculpture Park on a landfill in NY's East River ... but the placard offered no explanation for this particular piece of his. I just thought it looked cool - and if it has a hidden social justice meaning - even better. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyx3jgKtuEhzJJkcmgGRQbe-VYHZqTobBdBZn6zkK2u5nAiRH1dRylmrOAYltsCCm2XAeutu7S312HiaQlhBC3DgLorHd2Pn12wq0tVnnml9cWH0LlAcq0D7IZXxfiy7XPHTPGYF7xgav/s1440/DAAD431F-FDC4-4234-92A5-8D7720E5FFFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyx3jgKtuEhzJJkcmgGRQbe-VYHZqTobBdBZn6zkK2u5nAiRH1dRylmrOAYltsCCm2XAeutu7S312HiaQlhBC3DgLorHd2Pn12wq0tVnnml9cWH0LlAcq0D7IZXxfiy7XPHTPGYF7xgav/w640-h640/DAAD431F-FDC4-4234-92A5-8D7720E5FFFB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> There was a newly constructed (I could smell the wood) little open shed to sit in and reflect that was lovely ... but I didn't want to live Mom sitting by herself for very long, so I just did the Griswold nod and headed back to her. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4yibh3-txY5p7nSsdsN4gDihQoYNxCinjGPYGSFIVGeaFOcBezIQuGNivsR8FJ-vjE1CwGFzgoxvyBVttEMvyb_oPRNJXwE1em_5s9wPktyP2OQnC3-VoCEKXWKC0tbzUS4NG2fjLHNp/s2048/IMG_4497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4yibh3-txY5p7nSsdsN4gDihQoYNxCinjGPYGSFIVGeaFOcBezIQuGNivsR8FJ-vjE1CwGFzgoxvyBVttEMvyb_oPRNJXwE1em_5s9wPktyP2OQnC3-VoCEKXWKC0tbzUS4NG2fjLHNp/w480-h640/IMG_4497.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p> By now, Mom really needed to use the restroom. The only restrooms are inside the new Commons building, and they weren't letting anyone in until after 4:00 pm to give tours of the new space. There are zero other restroom options, not even PortaPotties anywhere. As it was just after 3:00, we were not waiting until after 4:00. Several people wearing laminates told us we'd have to wait - the same people who saw me struggling with the wheelchair in the gravel that told me I'd have to wait until after 4:00 to get a golf cart - as they sat there idle. Well, I absolutely wasn't having it, and pushed Mom right through the doors and straight to the bathroom. And guess what?! No one died from us going in! The tours went on! Whoever needed to still got to feel exclusive! It's really just a gift shop and a tiny gallery room, so I'm not sure why the tours were taking so long, but whatever. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkxp4zUzEcU4n1VQQ3k5BNysfVzklRToiGKGKZPi-e__z8Umj9K7sClpOLwgmFC9KaR4q6uw8NyHWa-wqb5M6Hz4lenBB9-mkIDe5NaDG9kp2jZgMkFBgRQjFTp6OpG_NbsEnrpSjTN3p/s2048/IMG_4500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1629" data-original-width="2048" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkxp4zUzEcU4n1VQQ3k5BNysfVzklRToiGKGKZPi-e__z8Umj9K7sClpOLwgmFC9KaR4q6uw8NyHWa-wqb5M6Hz4lenBB9-mkIDe5NaDG9kp2jZgMkFBgRQjFTp6OpG_NbsEnrpSjTN3p/w640-h510/IMG_4500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I LOVE Franconia's art ... but this experience left me feeling that the staff is a bit wanting. Like, would they rather clean up after someone's accident than let someone in to use the only bathroom? Like, would it have ruined anyone's day to let us use a golf cart that wasn't being used by anyone else? Was it fun to watch someone nearly horizontal from trying to push a heavy wheelchair through thick gravel up a hill and not offer any solution? Mom and I were both a bit aghast - she to the point of asking to skip Franconia next time and just go look at the surrounding nature, which she prefers anyway. I get that they had a lot going on that day, but to ignore and unapologetically deny a person with disabilities is not a good look. K, there. That's off my chest. </p><p>*And Congratulations on your new Commons, Franconia! Just remember that there's some things that are still important during little ceremonies. Thanks.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56SA8FEDBCik83fFfDM8F8IeMSkSZ1GEK0NWmLMluqM8hV8jB63fBktgf8BybgQq4nraW3emSG9_VTWyZV5KFU-MKLKXTeCxW4JLw2MD-IrSi7XRIqAaJ4ZyG8c4aB9jkTuRzK2xCCSxM/s1440/29C5B531-9D80-4B75-A976-E25D0A6AF716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56SA8FEDBCik83fFfDM8F8IeMSkSZ1GEK0NWmLMluqM8hV8jB63fBktgf8BybgQq4nraW3emSG9_VTWyZV5KFU-MKLKXTeCxW4JLw2MD-IrSi7XRIqAaJ4ZyG8c4aB9jkTuRzK2xCCSxM/w640-h640/29C5B531-9D80-4B75-A976-E25D0A6AF716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I hope you will visit the magic of Franconia soon yourselves ... but maybe call ahead if you're bringing someone handicapped to make sure they'll accommodate you - because this was a total bust for my Mom. But "Start Seeing Sculpture!" for sure. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.franconia.org/" target="_blank"><b>Franconia Sculpture Park</b></a></p><p>29836 St. Croix Trail North</p><p>Shafer, MN 55074 <br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-19216273399923635272020-09-22T10:32:00.000-07:002020-09-22T10:32:29.380-07:00The Labor We Wear And The Enduring Soul At MIA - Art To Make You Think<p>The Minneapolis Institute of Art was my last real outing before the Covid quarantine lockdown began last Spring, when I was super impressed with the immigration exhibit, <a href="http://www.blogtownbycjgronner.com/2020/03/clogtown-when-home-wont-let-you-stay.html" target="_blank"><i>When Home Won't Let You Stay</i></a>. Well, MIA is back open, and back with another excellent, eye opening exhibit called <a href="https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/rachel-breen-the-labor-we-wear/" target="_blank"><i>The Labor We Wear</i></a>, by artist Rachel Breen. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcjNZlr36HYk1gpcCTzouFepmPboTte8u1_1E97ycfO_H5awO7uASJzSalpmoN2ymIXwp4Lzmjk4wpxBXVV9PejHF2jSZyMcOnKeQfChvINQRHTh5lytludRsDuA4D0lexeQ6uYxuqwdZ/s1800/8BDBF12C-EC99-4E49-A6F6-D892FBACA995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcjNZlr36HYk1gpcCTzouFepmPboTte8u1_1E97ycfO_H5awO7uASJzSalpmoN2ymIXwp4Lzmjk4wpxBXVV9PejHF2jSZyMcOnKeQfChvINQRHTh5lytludRsDuA4D0lexeQ6uYxuqwdZ/w512-h640/8BDBF12C-EC99-4E49-A6F6-D892FBACA995.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p> The show serves to bring attention to the relationship between garment labor workers and the fashion that we wear - and very much take for granted. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS9CbAXoc7Gm_SJON2Wl59_-8UWmBHahR0OcyAfiRU7L3oio-g3Sh_D5c3T9whqbxANjx6pdbr3sAzacCGuqtrJQJFLD3sj_odbd0t4g-O1mZ9Qxyjm8mQOS9OjiIB_w_0SRzAH7hF5ky/s2048/IMG_4181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1422" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS9CbAXoc7Gm_SJON2Wl59_-8UWmBHahR0OcyAfiRU7L3oio-g3Sh_D5c3T9whqbxANjx6pdbr3sAzacCGuqtrJQJFLD3sj_odbd0t4g-O1mZ9Qxyjm8mQOS9OjiIB_w_0SRzAH7hF5ky/w444-h640/IMG_4181.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><p> My Mom is both an artist and a seamstress (her day job most of her life), so this was a perfect show to bring her to, and the perfect situation to get her out of the house for. MIA is great for social distancing, we barely saw another soul the whole afternoon. You must have a reservation at a given time slot, you must wear a mask, and it all felt very safe - plus the art is great! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1BMuWCVn8Md2cwTIwYrmjo76GWQrNZ3BUYpoFNR8MF5NEegLm096raysTHFOTj36PB2_XnYIDWL4g476VV_j4xksoQJkdBS7IKEdO0Z_5c8nx8ahaXO26jlAPrjA_sZJ_FPwOiBI5xmK/s1440/00BCB669-F9F3-42F0-B0AE-EF5EB81A8A33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1BMuWCVn8Md2cwTIwYrmjo76GWQrNZ3BUYpoFNR8MF5NEegLm096raysTHFOTj36PB2_XnYIDWL4g476VV_j4xksoQJkdBS7IKEdO0Z_5c8nx8ahaXO26jlAPrjA_sZJ_FPwOiBI5xmK/w640-h640/00BCB669-F9F3-42F0-B0AE-EF5EB81A8A33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> The show is a couple of rooms, both festooned with large-scale installations of parts of clothing. You never think about button plackets, but you do when there's an entire wall of them.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N8rIbLC43Zu8bZg4N-d3FiCCMdFCRsVEESuT-tWk3P2XzO8FnFqIL8_PG6BDB3AQCZUvz6bL8j5AXT04TSEt5Cqtd9L4pdXOsneGUUTr08nzBhyphenhyphenW8yd6TeP0FQ9rEcWuAikr9h_da28D/s1440/226B5AF0-E6BD-4E58-B70E-568E01A5A704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N8rIbLC43Zu8bZg4N-d3FiCCMdFCRsVEESuT-tWk3P2XzO8FnFqIL8_PG6BDB3AQCZUvz6bL8j5AXT04TSEt5Cqtd9L4pdXOsneGUUTr08nzBhyphenhyphenW8yd6TeP0FQ9rEcWuAikr9h_da28D/w640-h640/226B5AF0-E6BD-4E58-B70E-568E01A5A704.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>Sleeves took up another whole wall, and were accompanied by stories of historical disasters in both Bangladesh and New York City that killed thousands of garment workers trapped by fire. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88FkA2dBNg8D-Q9m_hn375mOFowkYOy-S9uwAc5Z1YsWbSyqb636HyoJAiYd8C8d6mjmw1IqpREgOToIJfjsOvu6qGuRHKRcfdlVwDp5jGaVjlGHi4-Q3NHVzTGtUYQCQ9hMCGndm5TWZ/s1440/4292A561-9F2F-4203-ACE7-6FAFA07F83AD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88FkA2dBNg8D-Q9m_hn375mOFowkYOy-S9uwAc5Z1YsWbSyqb636HyoJAiYd8C8d6mjmw1IqpREgOToIJfjsOvu6qGuRHKRcfdlVwDp5jGaVjlGHi4-Q3NHVzTGtUYQCQ9hMCGndm5TWZ/w640-h640/4292A561-9F2F-4203-ACE7-6FAFA07F83AD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> It's awful to think about, especially when you realize that those workers were being paid pennies so that you could go get a cheap, disposable shirt - that in turn poisons the environment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59HtV6uYL3BG8L-dnEY_oTxTCm-3iWr88hrMhfARxWjOyKajJUzXe1N9LlKetUzb2zFyJQaJ0YqpQT9O4_oQiCAEpLtlU6I4aHvRhALniXQMdNuF3Wz5udbanG7ePQzaB0T7-oUQbRcAg/s1440/297C5122-DACA-4594-BEDC-C6A199A91F91.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59HtV6uYL3BG8L-dnEY_oTxTCm-3iWr88hrMhfARxWjOyKajJUzXe1N9LlKetUzb2zFyJQaJ0YqpQT9O4_oQiCAEpLtlU6I4aHvRhALniXQMdNuF3Wz5udbanG7ePQzaB0T7-oUQbRcAg/w640-h640/297C5122-DACA-4594-BEDC-C6A199A91F91.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> We've sure got a lot of work to do in this world to make it better for everyone ... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtHZQKVN0XP42innfZD0OikQPrJz5BVC_s-n18J_jV98OMnyxz3H0U9UDDr50OcrVWY3tbg69DRUBedAZcrPyvL803XRa8lAGxmT7V438XVULBemjJCUJGo0qRhC9GB_mbd9ZNGQVh04f/s1440/D06A7928-882B-475D-949C-E468C261B0E9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtHZQKVN0XP42innfZD0OikQPrJz5BVC_s-n18J_jV98OMnyxz3H0U9UDDr50OcrVWY3tbg69DRUBedAZcrPyvL803XRa8lAGxmT7V438XVULBemjJCUJGo0qRhC9GB_mbd9ZNGQVh04f/w640-h640/D06A7928-882B-475D-949C-E468C261B0E9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The toll that the garment industry takes on both humans and the environment is something that we really have to figure out. I LOVE clothes, and I definitely share in the blame of participating in throw-away fashion, and am actively trying to be better about my shopping choices. Thrifting, upcycling, clothing swaps, donating, and investing in pieces that can stand the test of time are a few of the ways we can do better by our global citizens and planet. We can always be better. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlMAkuk9j_UGBoWiNtogJNnQVBx3xsj-IkiMroEiBTVDE2eCpdki2Rk2w4n7q6agYEXNQY7Jb9sVwcrnlnvw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>MIA has a massive collection of art, and there is a lot to cover. We had also booked a time slot at the Walker Art Center on this Art Day, so we couldn't fully dig into all that MIA has to offer, but we did get to check out another great show currently on display at MIA - <i>The Enduring Soul.</i> This exhibit by African and African American artists shows the relationship between ancestors and the living, and between the seen and the unseen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv8KEvMEhyeayeDDy_1sre4Eept6jvC8ip5M0-S9ymJAsaVyaNh0Rej5VK8TzZfBV2jQoWluDjGspdsZpRbZOZ6g141qgL5M5jx_-SDOYOn_vlVogajjGI4ywf8Q_vv1drXH0zO2DcST6/s2048/IMG_4210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1773" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv8KEvMEhyeayeDDy_1sre4Eept6jvC8ip5M0-S9ymJAsaVyaNh0Rej5VK8TzZfBV2jQoWluDjGspdsZpRbZOZ6g141qgL5M5jx_-SDOYOn_vlVogajjGI4ywf8Q_vv1drXH0zO2DcST6/w554-h640/IMG_4210.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><p>With all that has been going on in Minneapolis this year in the name of racial equality and social justice, this show also couldn't be better suited or timed for the moment. MIA impressing yet again. Carrying on with the fabric theme, The Enduring Soul opens with a huge piece called <i>Carousel Merge, 1971</i> by Sam Gilliam. Its drapes and flexibility suggests the improvisation of jazz, a major influence on African American artists of the time. Hep! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1TeZeWLQxjEWxi7GeUR2_cvPdQW9Hcvxmeg8nzSRK78oMeV-77SuFY4TOH4F8R_-ehxbYoeqt3oql5DAYkyRSIk1bTNJ2j15GvsTpaP07VE5y90WzwMJPofqJWOQxkgQqxV6ew_wAW0v/s2048/IMG_4203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1TeZeWLQxjEWxi7GeUR2_cvPdQW9Hcvxmeg8nzSRK78oMeV-77SuFY4TOH4F8R_-ehxbYoeqt3oql5DAYkyRSIk1bTNJ2j15GvsTpaP07VE5y90WzwMJPofqJWOQxkgQqxV6ew_wAW0v/w640-h480/IMG_4203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We loved <i>Soundsuit, 2010 </i>by Nick Cave (not the musician). The soundsuit is meant to create a protective layer for the wearer, to protect them from prejudice. Though they look like a lot of fun, with jack-in-the-boxes and other kid noisemakers, the intent behind it is actually quite dark - and shows yet another example of how we all can and must do better for our fellow world citizens.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS8_5qD9fAlad059VdkgEMP0LmwL_O9oR9bAXwTSKZ4zBWC0zZf2WNt-DYNCMpwSdD1JDOUjRyiTuTLGidiv2gp76kIacPdMz4T4qrBqYvEoxoStJw8X1Ge9jNN9pLdcvy61nS50mU5E0/s2048/IMG_4209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrS8_5qD9fAlad059VdkgEMP0LmwL_O9oR9bAXwTSKZ4zBWC0zZf2WNt-DYNCMpwSdD1JDOUjRyiTuTLGidiv2gp76kIacPdMz4T4qrBqYvEoxoStJw8X1Ge9jNN9pLdcvy61nS50mU5E0/w480-h640/IMG_4209.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><i>Thank You Jesus for Paul Robeson (and for Nicholas Murray's Photograph - 1926, 1995</i> by Emma Amos examines the Black body as a source of power and beauty. A gorgeous piece, that draws inspiration from the Civil Rights struggle that we are still very much actively fighting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwBIuxP4-q9RqCJXPKmXQyLGII90Q-ZLFBSoGiz7dui7lu0AXe_JynR5vqojIknT-vR-MOSXff7_RTt78soYteAOgxFa1SY27zTyKiPyP25Xd3L1dFvEk-xepJd12N_I-WML5XBHa9GYA/s2048/IMG_4201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1793" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwBIuxP4-q9RqCJXPKmXQyLGII90Q-ZLFBSoGiz7dui7lu0AXe_JynR5vqojIknT-vR-MOSXff7_RTt78soYteAOgxFa1SY27zTyKiPyP25Xd3L1dFvEk-xepJd12N_I-WML5XBHa9GYA/w560-h640/IMG_4201.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><p>Kevin Beasley's <i>Queen of the Night, 2018 </i>was a multi-media sculpture of the sort I love - the description said, "Housedresses, kaftans, do-rags, Tshirts, CDs, hair rollers, clothespins, hair extensions (tumble weave), fake gold dookie chain, resin" - all serving to conjure up images of the strong Black females in the artist's life. It also references the "Burney Relief", a clay relief from ancient Babylonia - only that nude, winged goddess did not get to have a halo made out of cds. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpalIiWbu4MVVHKeOqDpoYOzaGo-_-TzexpNyc3Y6msXCiVzNSd_mleDhmiNGxi9QDfoNml_qSGKgRXBUzyJwU9u5f5F6CwMJFI8dnupeIFXYsDTu7S_NEtvwF0Aa0f9pzLeCql6oysUhX/s2048/IMG_4206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpalIiWbu4MVVHKeOqDpoYOzaGo-_-TzexpNyc3Y6msXCiVzNSd_mleDhmiNGxi9QDfoNml_qSGKgRXBUzyJwU9u5f5F6CwMJFI8dnupeIFXYsDTu7S_NEtvwF0Aa0f9pzLeCql6oysUhX/w480-h640/IMG_4206.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Kwame Brathwaite showed his awesome <i>Untitled (Black Is Beautiful Poster from 1970), 1970 (printed 2018)</i>, and the photos backed up the statement they created. Beautifully. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrzZmVCXnikO8tNw9X-YI1V7i4fRzt9CSOdpdlSEcxlYRvXffvNu4gWcm0QBuLmoyTxzH9TM9klhC08hrBLf2gSM3cz6iwKbMldtycXpZBki7e8GZVjYWXt7Z7y3lbSTCuBISLnD6OBxU/s2048/IMG_4211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrzZmVCXnikO8tNw9X-YI1V7i4fRzt9CSOdpdlSEcxlYRvXffvNu4gWcm0QBuLmoyTxzH9TM9klhC08hrBLf2gSM3cz6iwKbMldtycXpZBki7e8GZVjYWXt7Z7y3lbSTCuBISLnD6OBxU/w480-h640/IMG_4211.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>An <i>Egungun ceremonial outfit, 1930-1950</i> by a Yoruba artist hung from the ceiling, with its multiple strands of fibers symbolizing strands of DNA as it serves as a manifestation to their ancestors. Cool. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU0ShNIS51cP4Yo7YHGXJo3vzPRrWW7huugv9IpnnWZnmEsIi66wFwvp8SU0IMSuC1rBgF6LzVCKuQOTUZL_LcdehL44mjnUJZfCF1OI9fnXWjuuCKzRb6t4tprguRfWPPBdUrHTBOglH/s2048/IMG_4215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU0ShNIS51cP4Yo7YHGXJo3vzPRrWW7huugv9IpnnWZnmEsIi66wFwvp8SU0IMSuC1rBgF6LzVCKuQOTUZL_LcdehL44mjnUJZfCF1OI9fnXWjuuCKzRb6t4tprguRfWPPBdUrHTBOglH/w480-h640/IMG_4215.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>African Americans have been through so much in this country - and it continues to this hour. There is nothing we can do to make it up to them, not even reparations would make a dent in the collective trauma inflicted on this entire race of people for the entirety of this nation's history. But we can start trying. We can celebrate their art, their traditions, and their very lives - because they MATTER. SO MUCH. It's heartbreaking to think that we are still having to take to the streets to demand racial equality at this stage of our history - but here we are. And we won't stop. <i>Crossroads Marker with Little Hand, Reaching, 2015</i> by Renée Stout reminds us of the slave passage, and the voyages to this country that began in chains. Watching the nightly news reminds us that these chains are still unbroken - and it's up to all of us to destroy them together. Heavy ... but necessary to confront. NOW. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa61PgWgoSYhhJ31EKn1H5el-aquOLaF0U9nakyOUY3rXNnDVTD4VBo4adPTwuLn2lMuO-AUPMNCcJLjo0nADZQDRtjrrQn7mrzFbykkS1rDBcVYJvYmnUSfZGlIXgUdTY2ONwIGoQ0fb/s2048/IMG_4216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXa61PgWgoSYhhJ31EKn1H5el-aquOLaF0U9nakyOUY3rXNnDVTD4VBo4adPTwuLn2lMuO-AUPMNCcJLjo0nADZQDRtjrrQn7mrzFbykkS1rDBcVYJvYmnUSfZGlIXgUdTY2ONwIGoQ0fb/w480-h640/IMG_4216.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Mom is a fan of the classics, and we had about 20 minutes to run upstairs and see some of her old favorites, like <i>Olive Trees, 1889</i> by Vincent van Gogh ... <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03BlANAZhkfRgMFgi47nty3h_DvCOJF0sZlSNBa3gh0OQqsYu65eLHTRG1sEIYHfJ8s9t1R8zpKIBLF1RhTaAxuloE_gXo4HhsrwREk8aI7NMeoNC56__KdTF0PhSUDdASDBPAmx60DtD/s2048/IMG_4224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03BlANAZhkfRgMFgi47nty3h_DvCOJF0sZlSNBa3gh0OQqsYu65eLHTRG1sEIYHfJ8s9t1R8zpKIBLF1RhTaAxuloE_gXo4HhsrwREk8aI7NMeoNC56__KdTF0PhSUDdASDBPAmx60DtD/w640-h480/IMG_4224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>... and a beautiful <i>Tahitian Landscape, 1891</i> by Paul Gaugin. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ell5RPDIXX2ZBGN06cln26uv3DRe8SFcpwIfszTU245Hk8yZtEgwSGtxEnrvL2vGHSQ68BBY2BS2iRvakt_mJnp6YbYkIav47ENtTNc4vFqn9i6tcUb7ruTeKcwu0tA4pOks7qGDJVqY/s2048/IMG_4226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ell5RPDIXX2ZBGN06cln26uv3DRe8SFcpwIfszTU245Hk8yZtEgwSGtxEnrvL2vGHSQ68BBY2BS2iRvakt_mJnp6YbYkIav47ENtTNc4vFqn9i6tcUb7ruTeKcwu0tA4pOks7qGDJVqY/w640-h480/IMG_4226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There was so much more to see, and I made a solemn promise to Mom that we would return on a gloomy day to take it all in, but we had to get to the Walker for our next art time slot! Art Day! I love MIA, and I love that they have been bringing such great, thought provoking art to the People - for free - and doing such a great job of having IMPORTANT shows, not just fluff for the masses. I truly appreciate it, and I know I'm not alone. And I can't wait to see what you'll do next! Thanks, MIA!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>The Labor We Wear</i></b> - July 18, 2020 - November 1, 2020 MIA<br /></p><p><i><b>The Enduring Soul</b></i> - October 26, 2019 - April 4, 2021 MIA<br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-51627653779980781412020-09-08T17:20:00.003-07:002020-09-08T21:21:12.000-07:00The Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition - Art Imitating Life Imitating Art<p>Pretty much everything has been canceled this weird year, and the Minnesota State Fair was no different. There were still two ways to get in though, through a food parade for cars, and a Fine Arts exhibition - and both sold out immediately (I'm showing off a bunch of works because most likely you didn't get to see them - and there was a WHOLE bunch more - these were just our faves). The highlight of the fair every year for my Mom and I (after the fair food and people watching, of course), is the <a href="https://www.mnstatefair.org/competitions/fine-arts/fine-arts-exhibition-event/" target="_blank">Fine Arts Exhibition</a>, so we were stoked to get our tickets for last Saturday. (This first piece depicting the Fair was called <i>The Great Microdoodle Get-Together</i> by Jeffery Gauss of St. Louis Park. The images are made up of words, in a feat you'll see the detail of below. It got 2nd place in Drawing!)<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAlgttgBlJqn9qZCRwAobmLftwTq4xkl6dxWmCLtrE0fW3JnaGTv-hA8yaRZ0p60teIYAwVd8wPvfHwrIas4IRwo948K1zF9mrqE1xorX-xxG21bxi-KSBtL9X6mQ6MHHa157dMXPqzi/s2524/IMG_3998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="2524" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAlgttgBlJqn9qZCRwAobmLftwTq4xkl6dxWmCLtrE0fW3JnaGTv-hA8yaRZ0p60teIYAwVd8wPvfHwrIas4IRwo948K1zF9mrqE1xorX-xxG21bxi-KSBtL9X6mQ6MHHa157dMXPqzi/w800-h395/IMG_3998.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p>It was super extra strange to 1) be able to drive directly into the Fairgrounds, and 2) have absolutely no one on the Fair streets. Bizarre! We drove past the Culligan free water booth (empty) and parked right next to the Fine Arts building. They had timed entrances, so there were never that many people in there. Masks were required and hand sanitizer was available, so it all felt pretty safe to take Mom along with me - as she is the real artist in the family. It's always jam-packed in there during the normal Fair, so it was really nice to get right up close to all the pieces, without anyone in our way (especially with a wheelchair!).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3TqjSW7bUHiW82D3HLIUtZk6d-3IWRfpf1EoV7sY-jRPDSOfLbrz-MdaecKPA1H8ehY_bZCeMhkT6c2x37OOJCBN06TD0AIKJ6W_rbR_4wa1fRmWAdjNAy3Cr7TZlb04fv8agDOGuqy8/s2048/IMG_4001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1782" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3TqjSW7bUHiW82D3HLIUtZk6d-3IWRfpf1EoV7sY-jRPDSOfLbrz-MdaecKPA1H8ehY_bZCeMhkT6c2x37OOJCBN06TD0AIKJ6W_rbR_4wa1fRmWAdjNAy3Cr7TZlb04fv8agDOGuqy8/w696-h800/IMG_4001.jpg" width="696" /></a> <br /></p><p>There was a ton of art to see in our allotted 90 minute time-slot, and we saw every piece. I was thinking of the classic Bertolt Brecht quote all through the exhibition ... "Art is not a mirror to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it." This was clear in so many of the works, with several works depicting George Floyd and the Summer of Uprising that began in Minneapolis this past May with Floyd's murder by the MPD. There were also many pieces reflecting on the pandemic that we're all still very much in the middle of. Those issues and the classic works depicting Minnesota life were the vast majority of the show, and I found myself once again both proud and impressed that so much intelligent talent comes from here. The first piece depicting George Floyd (and all the chaos we're still dealing with to demand social justice and racial equality) was by Andrea Canter of Minneapolis, and was simply titled, <i>George</i>. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfLB7tVoog2UavSV_mUzODfmX5q9ac3uyoO5B-9NmGi3wQPGmoLZbGwlte99smzQ12ToSXI5L4hBDOzdyUSEddYXdPr-hfHtGqe2hACJfD6AKHmK7t5h6WWCBtKY3YO2p00tdSrHDZPgL/s2048/IMG_3988.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="2048" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfLB7tVoog2UavSV_mUzODfmX5q9ac3uyoO5B-9NmGi3wQPGmoLZbGwlte99smzQ12ToSXI5L4hBDOzdyUSEddYXdPr-hfHtGqe2hACJfD6AKHmK7t5h6WWCBtKY3YO2p00tdSrHDZPgL/w800-h516/IMG_3988.jpg" width="800" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I feel heartened by the fact that there were so many works about this subject, which means it's still on peoples' minds, which means maybe this time really will be different. I know that I'm very determined personally that it WILL be different. It HAS to be. David P. Biljan of St. Paul showed his photograph <i>Building Will Fall - Lake Street 5/31/20</i>, and it took me right back to being there that day. Heavy. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80h07XEtjaIKvEos02pnxFrZRcfJvLtteU_VRdUutuVt_8y2QgwQ8yCgsUqcUf9TX5NbVsbY04US_XAxH2B37tq9GmQOi1Gv694rBZymE2iL9oLh5S2JggRpT_Mm-MojhjPcGjCbcE3gV/s2048/IMG_3989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="2048" height="766" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80h07XEtjaIKvEos02pnxFrZRcfJvLtteU_VRdUutuVt_8y2QgwQ8yCgsUqcUf9TX5NbVsbY04US_XAxH2B37tq9GmQOi1Gv694rBZymE2iL9oLh5S2JggRpT_Mm-MojhjPcGjCbcE3gV/w800-h766/IMG_3989.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>George Floyd Memorial</i> by Jerry R. Wiese of Stillwater offered his take on the George Floyd momentf, and it was no less powerful.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnBEB8LjxyPyQX-RENsWpXaMJOZpoIxMpjBTNJhI-BxRMSPJW4Fe3kfVVP8izpwSrTZQeWaQ7QdYbOm4F_uzdbj4pWBPgbRwOJiJmEiu3cr6U1VMyTJERuA3WlPTXY4feNuYNepJFYSLX/s2048/IMG_3991.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnBEB8LjxyPyQX-RENsWpXaMJOZpoIxMpjBTNJhI-BxRMSPJW4Fe3kfVVP8izpwSrTZQeWaQ7QdYbOm4F_uzdbj4pWBPgbRwOJiJmEiu3cr6U1VMyTJERuA3WlPTXY4feNuYNepJFYSLX/s640/IMG_3991.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The emotion of Floyd's family visiting that memorial was captured in a photograph by Craig Lassig of Minneapolis. <i>Keep My Brother's Name Ringing</i> (2nd Place, Photography) showed Floyd's brother in prayer, with the plea that we will all make sure is fulfilled. Say his name! GEORGE FLOYD!!! (Seriously. Right now. Please stop and yell his name!)</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYAEUJ6m3m46yC1q4vQXTmNwsl9thG_j7aeyiHiOoXwTA3BX-GyaTPWbvaR7WH8nD6NeiakvaYxCC-YiJMhzxEbPph6ETr6wMCNE0yiTHV53F0ZAssuplJ2KAW3bR3QTJZnwTmTMllf8W/s2048/IMG_4002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1826" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYAEUJ6m3m46yC1q4vQXTmNwsl9thG_j7aeyiHiOoXwTA3BX-GyaTPWbvaR7WH8nD6NeiakvaYxCC-YiJMhzxEbPph6ETr6wMCNE0yiTHV53F0ZAssuplJ2KAW3bR3QTJZnwTmTMllf8W/w714-h800/IMG_4002.jpg" width="714" /></a> <br /></p><p>And while you're at it ... say ALL of their names - as there are many. This is why we march. This is why we create. This is why we must put an end to systemic racism ... because it keeps happening! And we can't let it anymore. We just can't. So <i>Say Their Names</i> too - as Jill Whitney-Birk of Minneapolis asks on her mixed media piece of embroidered paper on wood panel. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU9c7tPf-BsXwv9mUKdXSiuRG8KoL5HkiGA4H0eEVngHhk7uHbNh3jiIlO8_20Y2BcPID-enyek9zJTomQXOzWOK5CoFc6kxzfAMf7FaioZIQCN2xrVV-q9oJ3POG5X7vlOAYwk0VI3-9/s2048/IMG_4005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1883" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU9c7tPf-BsXwv9mUKdXSiuRG8KoL5HkiGA4H0eEVngHhk7uHbNh3jiIlO8_20Y2BcPID-enyek9zJTomQXOzWOK5CoFc6kxzfAMf7FaioZIQCN2xrVV-q9oJ3POG5X7vlOAYwk0VI3-9/w735-h800/IMG_4005.jpg" width="735" /></a> <br /></p><p>None of us will ever forget George Floyd saying "I Can't Breathe!" and Eduardo A. Colon of Minneapolis gave us this reminder with his photograph, <i>Stand</i>. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZO3WOs_MiA4BpmVvD0WDa9IstNQx4oUn5qN0nRRglnWkFdVLc6hFvYisvuY6v5yLI3oYhE3M-VfTPRekp4Ck67IQI8cDft_XIXXXQwFG2fn_ZbOrhvaCJON33ZXvXKjxep_eapaqas1y/s2048/IMG_4024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="2048" height="669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZO3WOs_MiA4BpmVvD0WDa9IstNQx4oUn5qN0nRRglnWkFdVLc6hFvYisvuY6v5yLI3oYhE3M-VfTPRekp4Ck67IQI8cDft_XIXXXQwFG2fn_ZbOrhvaCJON33ZXvXKjxep_eapaqas1y/w800-h669/IMG_4024.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p>The aftermath of the Uprising this Summer left a lot of people and their businesses in upheaval, but every story I've heard has the shop owners understanding the WHY that it all happened and is happening. If only some of our white citizens could find such clarity in their own hearts. <i>devastation and determination</i> by Chad Niemeyer of Oak Grove gave us a glimpse into this special kind of dignity. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgx1VGVLwZKKvv_bQB_cq2xR9Kkz6KP6bsngnArVDtRbOb80mBZIWOkhBFmpSOnUTfd-2v4zVKyA6rqE_oM6BjK-uj-CWIOi_dZul5drmtLONwdo0h7krGUmQxzILKBs8PTL8JwADLLaP/s2048/IMG_4025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1331" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgx1VGVLwZKKvv_bQB_cq2xR9Kkz6KP6bsngnArVDtRbOb80mBZIWOkhBFmpSOnUTfd-2v4zVKyA6rqE_oM6BjK-uj-CWIOi_dZul5drmtLONwdo0h7krGUmQxzILKBs8PTL8JwADLLaP/w650-h1000/IMG_4025.jpg" width="650" /></a> <br /></p><p><i>My Guernica</i> by Laura Hanson of Anoka reminds us that we all live in a melting pot of immigrants, and that this land is for ALL of us. Protesting in the streets for a better America is about as patriotic as you can get, no matter what our delusional President and his minions might think. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksg8a-deJDJYqeopp7dj7gdz3tdvJOLqGJ0tPMZfUR17am3OOFY1oLIor4B0Hsq6VOUsKA8a7pjm9Z98lJ_98wYFKFiLcN6r0upIFwYIVCYuh3sEti-D4Ri-39syoTVSoi3baZNL2AITX/s2048/IMG_4049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksg8a-deJDJYqeopp7dj7gdz3tdvJOLqGJ0tPMZfUR17am3OOFY1oLIor4B0Hsq6VOUsKA8a7pjm9Z98lJ_98wYFKFiLcN6r0upIFwYIVCYuh3sEti-D4Ri-39syoTVSoi3baZNL2AITX/w800-h600/IMG_4049.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p><i>The Breaching Of The Third Precinct</i> by James Murray Casserly of Minneapolis already has an iconic air about it ... just as that historical moment in time did. Never before has a police department just abandoned their station and let protestors take over, and they must have realized that they had lost this night ... and if we do something right, they will lose their sense of being above their own laws, if not abolished completely, as they are clearly unable to be reformed. I hope this image haunts all of the MPD for the rest of their brutal lives. As it will haunt all of ours. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlpKClUtvfzfksvw9c3S04enROfbOgk4bb_WXSs9m9xnpYcPPNec_P8xiIarItUq6A4tPY2oT0uclPvde_FkiVW0MzR6AQ0EWTEIbN3O-akyRzhp23UfSj5RtMqiq8NMSs6U64HO7oItK/s2048/IMG_4043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="2048" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlpKClUtvfzfksvw9c3S04enROfbOgk4bb_WXSs9m9xnpYcPPNec_P8xiIarItUq6A4tPY2oT0uclPvde_FkiVW0MzR6AQ0EWTEIbN3O-akyRzhp23UfSj5RtMqiq8NMSs6U64HO7oItK/w800-h439/IMG_4043.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p>After the fires came the clean-up, and the beautiful memorials. The sense of community in the days that followed was simply beautiful, and again made me proud of the fine people that came together to try to help make things better - for everyone. And still are. And will continue to until there is a tangible, noticeable, ACTUAL change in place. Systemically. <i>No Justice</i> by Robin C. Lietz of Minneapolis illustrates that fact - that if there is No Justice, there can be no Peace. Period. So get with the times.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZxem1ogdq8LNRyGusd8QCa6bTKHEkohFVpgECudupRgZIXkRB9Nuv_D93hzesA6z0N3jlOCXhPVhanFG0ffnfObpwfjUUZ81KrvweaEvQZO2ZozhZy-_Fejf0H7d8fl4pUY0KIU1XquJ/s2048/IMG_4035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="2048" height="686" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZxem1ogdq8LNRyGusd8QCa6bTKHEkohFVpgECudupRgZIXkRB9Nuv_D93hzesA6z0N3jlOCXhPVhanFG0ffnfObpwfjUUZ81KrvweaEvQZO2ZozhZy-_Fejf0H7d8fl4pUY0KIU1XquJ/w800-h686/IMG_4035.jpg" width="800" /></a></p><p>There is a concern that people will just move on, and forget all of this past Summer's movement for a better world ... but I think that's impossible. To hear George Floyd's last words as he died under the knee of a man paid to protect and serve him ... is to never forget. We all watched for <i>8 Minutes 46 Seconds</i> that are permanently etched into our minds. David Smith of Eden Prairie captured them for us just in case you ever get amnesia. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fjtHMC2rvE5Hfjbvx_SHnyUz32ofXo7M9qSZMBDYJ6QxYFzyU8wSAljs458clAvSHdaFhipK8MpTgFc9LxIuhzOfDLzRZFJJBtgSeQh2N3nWaMYlYIMmUK6WuNrAjSiKGS9Rf7W5kLwJ/s2048/IMG_4032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fjtHMC2rvE5Hfjbvx_SHnyUz32ofXo7M9qSZMBDYJ6QxYFzyU8wSAljs458clAvSHdaFhipK8MpTgFc9LxIuhzOfDLzRZFJJBtgSeQh2N3nWaMYlYIMmUK6WuNrAjSiKGS9Rf7W5kLwJ/w706-h1000/IMG_4032.jpg" width="706" /></a> <br /></p><p>Not exactly on topic, but certainly part of the problem is shown in <i>Incarceration Inc.</i> by Sasha M. Rayl of Hopkins (Honorable Mention). The inequity of People of Color behind bars must also change, which goes along with the police treatment of them. It must change. It WILL change. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfIA-NZnYkhJjmA2DhrDERP7yugUPXJAYvetZqJoCRt9EFEJznc3wt0vrYhd5LU7tqniWDdm1VVwxdgOuH4SeqKNq1hvDd_hFXmgRSnY3128ueWlNhigSLdX4pJG4cApSnDHQyiEwnlwd/s2048/IMG_4037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfIA-NZnYkhJjmA2DhrDERP7yugUPXJAYvetZqJoCRt9EFEJznc3wt0vrYhd5LU7tqniWDdm1VVwxdgOuH4SeqKNq1hvDd_hFXmgRSnY3128ueWlNhigSLdX4pJG4cApSnDHQyiEwnlwd/w750-h1000/IMG_4037.jpg" width="750" /></a> <br /></p><p>These pieces were all spread out in the exhibition, so it wasn't totally heavy throughout, but I thought it best to put them together here to feel the weight of it. And how much it really does weigh on all of our minds. The pandemic pieces made me feel much worse, for some reason. The isolation, the fear, the solitude, the death ... it doesn't have the same hope that the fight for social justice has. Quarantined Again was a sculpture in walnut by George G. I. Moore that kind of summed it all up for me - and Mom. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nw3ZjeqF9CYTxQFNfp7d2Av0xHraUa36pmmVrAMEMudsNnL8-9uHEOMH-cAaAhHM2Jm_qMnJ4qf7jvlqThlJbPZd3Qu9QqeSXFdUEiZBn2nESJYLhQ1KQFePLg4gvlpkfBmBqVSmyUbw/s2048/IMG_4016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1489" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nw3ZjeqF9CYTxQFNfp7d2Av0xHraUa36pmmVrAMEMudsNnL8-9uHEOMH-cAaAhHM2Jm_qMnJ4qf7jvlqThlJbPZd3Qu9QqeSXFdUEiZBn2nESJYLhQ1KQFePLg4gvlpkfBmBqVSmyUbw/w726-h1000/IMG_4016.jpg" width="726" /></a> <br /></p><p>I loved the piece <i>You</i> by Rebecca Pavlenko of St. Paul (Not for sale!) in colored pencils and micro-pens, because it made me think of all that makes up an individual, and their place in the cosmos. Remarkable what a simple three letter word can conjure up - as all of the best art does. Did I mention how GOOD it felt to be back at a public art show again!!! Ahhhh ...</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmM08FPtzvtKYHSa6_Q9VUyH53dq6fRQ7SsJHMG6fPwQRDJ-6gJ0BbWm-zwsviO2B48cmySjZCSIyVSjphIXKlb-hXs0IkOEUb5KHx1KDE830UInm5HHu_LZkLBSjG3fgAcLfPE4JzP16/s2048/IMG_3994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1373" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmM08FPtzvtKYHSa6_Q9VUyH53dq6fRQ7SsJHMG6fPwQRDJ-6gJ0BbWm-zwsviO2B48cmySjZCSIyVSjphIXKlb-hXs0IkOEUb5KHx1KDE830UInm5HHu_LZkLBSjG3fgAcLfPE4JzP16/w670-h1000/IMG_3994.jpg" width="670" /></a><br /><br /> If things got to feel too weighty for you at this show, all was well, because there was plenty of plain beauty as well. Mom and I both loved this gorgeous autumn day (though we're not ready for the actual autumn that roared in on Labor Day like it knew!) depicted in oil by Leanne Hanson of Crystal in her <i>Blazing Fall Sunset</i>. Wow. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRnjnPMsOatV_9iZIGRQga3A5m0hZRB1zIPyBVoaKpQ0kG50-NKKlkJzgE07ISgOu7QYcbA2YCUXW5Y2qyWf5Ji42KHAkPKllF0jrGs2-1LndFlIjovMIxRkERkxq4kMjoiNFE8Tx65PA/s2048/IMG_3992.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRnjnPMsOatV_9iZIGRQga3A5m0hZRB1zIPyBVoaKpQ0kG50-NKKlkJzgE07ISgOu7QYcbA2YCUXW5Y2qyWf5Ji42KHAkPKllF0jrGs2-1LndFlIjovMIxRkERkxq4kMjoiNFE8Tx65PA/w800-h600/IMG_3992.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /></p><p>If you're from Minnesota, you love a loon (the state bird). Emily Donovan of St. Paul showed some cool ones in her <i>Chasing Loons</i>, done in natural dyes and pigments on paper with beeswax. Neato!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Tbqa73a5Rt3qi3AOh-VXWTGzhHV74F48qYYGui5b5jElgSY7_0AUR4F8RI3uj0Rcu-TSS1wlNZWRCuF9bH41MyrIViIQLnevSXFY1K1woqxxgfHioRR0aRMLn9L-RzYA3VlmFFpxvjt0/s2048/IMG_4009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1503" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Tbqa73a5Rt3qi3AOh-VXWTGzhHV74F48qYYGui5b5jElgSY7_0AUR4F8RI3uj0Rcu-TSS1wlNZWRCuF9bH41MyrIViIQLnevSXFY1K1woqxxgfHioRR0aRMLn9L-RzYA3VlmFFpxvjt0/w735-h1000/IMG_4009.jpg" width="735" /></a><br /></div><p>A deer is just about as iconic as a loon in Minnesota, and one of my very favorite pieces in the show was <i>Buck Wild In The Woods With Friends</i> by Kristi Abbott of Minneapolis. How beautiful and creative and woodsy and excellent. Look at the other animal faces in the trees! It needs to be over a Minnesota mantel. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vow76s7M1d9sJIfhQfekOKgseXhv_RPqbFka5S9MStw0DvjN4b3gBVUOHtreoJJd5QbHaQVGgwW2ktKNOa6agh_kHBg49daAudzLk9ApsS-dOGXdLcx94_bNPw-YTC9_m5_IUSBF49Xa/s2048/IMG_4028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1456" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vow76s7M1d9sJIfhQfekOKgseXhv_RPqbFka5S9MStw0DvjN4b3gBVUOHtreoJJd5QbHaQVGgwW2ktKNOa6agh_kHBg49daAudzLk9ApsS-dOGXdLcx94_bNPw-YTC9_m5_IUSBF49Xa/w711-h1000/IMG_4028.jpg" width="711" /></a></p><p>There's a reason the Minnesota basketball team is called the Timberwolves ... as wolves are also an iconic Minnesota sight. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K1lnXbz7OSBEufQUDcdRK18oKFJhvcpoeY3akLGUw315vvNEYsHME1k9mifn6QwVTk5nxoMVbJt9HzL3c2ZHzSuegLrKO8bVA5Nfebdsh24drPncGy-xgYXAfRL_2d06790Nh3MVWi97/s2048/IMG_4019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K1lnXbz7OSBEufQUDcdRK18oKFJhvcpoeY3akLGUw315vvNEYsHME1k9mifn6QwVTk5nxoMVbJt9HzL3c2ZHzSuegLrKO8bVA5Nfebdsh24drPncGy-xgYXAfRL_2d06790Nh3MVWi97/w750-h1000/IMG_4019.jpg" width="750" /></a> <br /></p><p>The one by Erik J. Fremstad of Victoria called <i>Canis Lupus </i>was like the State Fair doodle one ... all made up of words! It must have taken him forever, but the effect must also be totally worth it. We remain wowed. And so was everyone else, because this piece won Fremstad the Peoples' Choice Award! <br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqyGxT_iGtdx2kRynr72VmMwcDNRrfMh-D7QpIrJT50g8YpMcy8iIdnhmxCwoO5W6gweOqRqNu8AzvDhsKb6pd9sii2aOWx3oQRFDyBttMctqoz0GrIy5PBqaamKyT9DI3Kgy1xHPd-mD/s2048/IMG_4020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqyGxT_iGtdx2kRynr72VmMwcDNRrfMh-D7QpIrJT50g8YpMcy8iIdnhmxCwoO5W6gweOqRqNu8AzvDhsKb6pd9sii2aOWx3oQRFDyBttMctqoz0GrIy5PBqaamKyT9DI3Kgy1xHPd-mD/w1466-h1954/IMG_4020.jpg" width="1466" /></a></p><p>Surprisingly, there was no work this year featuring the icon I think we're most proud of, Prince, but there was a depiction of <i>Bob Dylan</i> by Jeff Rodenberg of Shoreview that filled the musical Minnesota void, in a very cool, geometric way. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVtl_9BwU3q0sCNEdWxqmFiQUREfawn0UaKw-3zKsueiRjQiP8lQurb1DD79_yE9BTgEUvQcZorgrwRXyEMcIBH7npNgfM72BdsQug4HRAxj77SS7MfT4nlH5UtR_wXC_m2qtsC_zCYVd/s2048/IMG_4040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVtl_9BwU3q0sCNEdWxqmFiQUREfawn0UaKw-3zKsueiRjQiP8lQurb1DD79_yE9BTgEUvQcZorgrwRXyEMcIBH7npNgfM72BdsQug4HRAxj77SS7MfT4nlH5UtR_wXC_m2qtsC_zCYVd/w750-h1000/IMG_4040.jpg" width="750" /></a></div><p>Betsy Bowen of Grand Marais has long been one of my favorite artists in Minnesota, with her very Minnesota woodcutting pieces. Her Birches would be perfect in any Minnesota home ... and if I was at all sure as to where I belong at the moment (REALLY missing Venice, CA ... but Mom), it would be at my own pad, trust that. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrxUOdXVzOTO-acCTLMpiobDs_uSAG3FY45fzon40ixtv6uxYhERLWXjdVS4hxAnHJPGdG0qqIUVOi8TRF52AK6j3IsxB8ay6B-Q3Wlao9aWkWHOE-Dvbo7V1i4hrxu7OZxHLmiXqbs0X/s2048/IMG_4053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrxUOdXVzOTO-acCTLMpiobDs_uSAG3FY45fzon40ixtv6uxYhERLWXjdVS4hxAnHJPGdG0qqIUVOi8TRF52AK6j3IsxB8ay6B-Q3Wlao9aWkWHOE-Dvbo7V1i4hrxu7OZxHLmiXqbs0X/w750-h1000/IMG_4053.jpg" width="750" /></a></p><p>Another highlight of the Fair each year for us is the farming stuff (I LOVE a Farmer. I was a Farmer's Daughter - until he moved to the city and then died, a story for another day). The baby animal barn, the food, the blue ribbon pies ... all that Harvest-time, wholesome goodness. The Melon Farmer (First place!) was especially cool as he was done by Nifty Nikki (!) of Mizpah in paper quilling! That had to have taken forever, but it sure turned out great. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqr9-o0_xN1jUmgfOWYsFbSPV2YFjVoWuL_buC3O0c5Cc0B76zAD1lt1BQBxBsQuEkjovADOOypka-6OQ7mXjAhSbq72mO6X1sM5ju5JQCk-x8L6RGpnLn6dxdls-nnroqPZVIuJpd2N2/s2048/IMG_4003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1423" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqr9-o0_xN1jUmgfOWYsFbSPV2YFjVoWuL_buC3O0c5Cc0B76zAD1lt1BQBxBsQuEkjovADOOypka-6OQ7mXjAhSbq72mO6X1sM5ju5JQCk-x8L6RGpnLn6dxdls-nnroqPZVIuJpd2N2/w695-h1000/IMG_4003.jpg" width="695" /></a></div><p><i>Pentimento</i> by Preston B. Lawing of Winona was cool ... and had a little AC unit attached right on to it (earning him an Honorable Mention).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBthWk0JS3_vdYN5RSHcOhRJ_-VMIPUgNTkj4Q2cDB0uRJKbTOK_xmEr8acIY64p9tF9HAQh3fR-7RtZheESRcot0jlBZCKwQtDx1Jk5QwjhopP0fBnmk1XMXfwLfeLg_ZboOUzip8-Dg/s2048/IMG_4011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBthWk0JS3_vdYN5RSHcOhRJ_-VMIPUgNTkj4Q2cDB0uRJKbTOK_xmEr8acIY64p9tF9HAQh3fR-7RtZheESRcot0jlBZCKwQtDx1Jk5QwjhopP0fBnmk1XMXfwLfeLg_ZboOUzip8-Dg/s640/IMG_4011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Erik Jon Olson of Plymouth must be pretty cool, because his art sure was - and thoughtful. <i>She Wore Green Velvet: Portrait Of The Mississippi Watershed</i> was a mermaid type of gal made entirely of quilted plastic waste, earning Olson First Place in the Textiles class, as well as the Textile Center Award for Excellence and Innovation. Well done! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qRsBGOsEmWmFZD3NtfkbeE427X2d23DEZUf3Qf3y8J_kncc0I-l6UYbYyCRzyZbbdAiHpjOXAka-nhp0mObAURrmgNEJfQYIiegUQG9EO96XsSZcE9JC5qYggNrM48SBbB1dvIA1kGNr/s2048/IMG_4013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qRsBGOsEmWmFZD3NtfkbeE427X2d23DEZUf3Qf3y8J_kncc0I-l6UYbYyCRzyZbbdAiHpjOXAka-nhp0mObAURrmgNEJfQYIiegUQG9EO96XsSZcE9JC5qYggNrM48SBbB1dvIA1kGNr/w750-h1000/IMG_4013.jpg" width="750" /></a></div><p><i>World Of Haute Couture</i> by Janine Olmscheid of Shoreview had a similar vibe, as it was made from paper folding and hand stitching, and you know I love me some fashion. And maps. Very cool. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7v2Mo8MhuwbqD2fEYikspi6pwSYbzqAGkvppOW3Tb7HMF53tfQLm6d_3b8W4AbKJ3M_4IpGePIDDvtSVjeLyKkf9pwmGzc_B0nDiVr_Om5wG11ExPgdpFL36jvHjuXOITYh69YUnjXVI/s2048/IMG_4015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1697" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7v2Mo8MhuwbqD2fEYikspi6pwSYbzqAGkvppOW3Tb7HMF53tfQLm6d_3b8W4AbKJ3M_4IpGePIDDvtSVjeLyKkf9pwmGzc_B0nDiVr_Om5wG11ExPgdpFL36jvHjuXOITYh69YUnjXVI/w663-h800/IMG_4015.jpg" width="663" /></a></div><p>Another one made from fabric that I loved was <i>Morning Fog At Blue Mounds</i> by Nancy Birger of Roseville. I was just in Blue Mounds State Park the week before, and her work beautifully captures the sense of peace that overtakes you in that prairie vista. Lovely. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPhoNK9sx5qt9_tOJrJQd5RgHrj4x-M7ZWfKSUhWeMrcvmSnSlb6MbElCrzj6hoqrBbSReTOP0LW6KBe8hbBkTPKBJ5r1d6F3fdn6SIgrII2iY71EBJ6Z4AYK3F__n10V5l16_bxYTEnB/s2048/IMG_4051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1570" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPhoNK9sx5qt9_tOJrJQd5RgHrj4x-M7ZWfKSUhWeMrcvmSnSlb6MbElCrzj6hoqrBbSReTOP0LW6KBe8hbBkTPKBJ5r1d6F3fdn6SIgrII2iY71EBJ6Z4AYK3F__n10V5l16_bxYTEnB/w768-h1000/IMG_4051.jpg" width="768" /></a> </p><p>It amazed me what one can do with colored pencils, and the beauty of <i>Barn Owl With Io Moths</i> by Julie Greenwood of Burnsville fully dazzled me. Like my adult coloring book is no match fot what this lady can do. So beautfiul. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7srWsxuX5IpJfxw0PL5VSZwIN-oQ9FB_A5v-exsobDwPAtwx36R1BgtLYChIs5v3ti49e0TkASYNsI5h5eb5X9hSafFXRkF51C58gVx1Dr0tW8jAfuQQwS6gsDdPWXT8fBfLNKPj-2Ki/s2048/IMG_4022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1573" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7srWsxuX5IpJfxw0PL5VSZwIN-oQ9FB_A5v-exsobDwPAtwx36R1BgtLYChIs5v3ti49e0TkASYNsI5h5eb5X9hSafFXRkF51C58gVx1Dr0tW8jAfuQQwS6gsDdPWXT8fBfLNKPj-2Ki/w769-h1000/IMG_4022.jpg" width="769" /></a> <br /></p><p>We also loved the stained glass mosaic work of Mimi T. Leminh of Chaska in her piece called <i>Homeward.</i> It calmed me down, and took me somewhere tropical ... and simpler. Thanks, Mimi! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ9E1wGM3oqUCxlQ4wFChYoCynh6Jq83lMnG1rZDtX2wF-uki3q7z7Gsk7HPRR7pglMwMSzTZ-d8OtPMGg0fpa3Of5Jyyuw0PLFLKQPQlLfpUWh8IKGI2mo6NxvkF7Hcz_MBUvhTPxXHd/s2048/IMG_4026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="2048" height="585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ9E1wGM3oqUCxlQ4wFChYoCynh6Jq83lMnG1rZDtX2wF-uki3q7z7Gsk7HPRR7pglMwMSzTZ-d8OtPMGg0fpa3Of5Jyyuw0PLFLKQPQlLfpUWh8IKGI2mo6NxvkF7Hcz_MBUvhTPxXHd/w800-h585/IMG_4026.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p>Sharing that tropical vibe was another one of my very favorites, <i>She Makes Rain</i> by Chholing Taha of Anoka. Oil, acrylic, mixed media, gorgeousness. Loved it so much. (And it definitely brought the rain).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSxOK_B3uELcZOiPojaCR5XG_9YACUCSq_8dVV3ysvwatWqKX-JFRWF-dfPTUcEtF5E1NfGQOzcM9TWiL8CTDkwIP53WdN9Av62HOXtjxKQEn9jES03Orr5iIgWwEFRT0RmFvDuzahjJg/s2048/IMG_4047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2048" height="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSxOK_B3uELcZOiPojaCR5XG_9YACUCSq_8dVV3ysvwatWqKX-JFRWF-dfPTUcEtF5E1NfGQOzcM9TWiL8CTDkwIP53WdN9Av62HOXtjxKQEn9jES03Orr5iIgWwEFRT0RmFvDuzahjJg/w800-h589/IMG_4047.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p>Oil painters that are so realistic that they can make things look like photographs are so impressive to me, and Cynthia L. Higgins' portrait of <i>Undredal Norway</i> brought us right into the Scandinavian fishing village ... via paint. Amazing! <br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjf_Q6OaImG9DLMMyib3NEIyYP4YtCWcDcWCHJ7F6m5-EZDLdVjUrmz367VKsuiiYhpPck3MtMuqhWv1Te8V2xkovwHkfM9OYLNCcRqDctv_D3eS2Dxp6isYE2Afi1hzBODzNp50To0Ce/s2048/IMG_4038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="2048" height="719" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjf_Q6OaImG9DLMMyib3NEIyYP4YtCWcDcWCHJ7F6m5-EZDLdVjUrmz367VKsuiiYhpPck3MtMuqhWv1Te8V2xkovwHkfM9OYLNCcRqDctv_D3eS2Dxp6isYE2Afi1hzBODzNp50To0Ce/w1000-h719/IMG_4038.jpg" width="1000" /></a></div><p>Equally impressive was the oil painting of Downtown Minneapolis by Leila Rastegar called <i>Sunset Over The Bridge</i>. This beauty touches my heart, because this is the city that I'm from, this is the city where I'm so hopeful that real, systemic change that will make the whole world better began this Summer of 2020, and this is the city that I love. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4o1WxXr7pFEHmevBYNrlrBNjKG998UdmYOZkdJrDRU4vncwy2gPE90XbJ5oVD9XFVGXth70UHXizTzYTHHNQ6EJLUWP45vp6Vm1gZM2cxUaB7tWqZJ3VPPtwnl_Me9Pg8xvRG4erGAcp/s2048/IMG_4042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4o1WxXr7pFEHmevBYNrlrBNjKG998UdmYOZkdJrDRU4vncwy2gPE90XbJ5oVD9XFVGXth70UHXizTzYTHHNQ6EJLUWP45vp6Vm1gZM2cxUaB7tWqZJ3VPPtwnl_Me9Pg8xvRG4erGAcp/s640/IMG_4042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We made it through the show with just a few minutes left in our time slot to spare. There is SO much that I didn't put here (or I'd get carpal tunnel), that you should really see, and you still can look at the show's catalog, where I believe some pieces are still for sale. Artists need our support more than ever now, so if you see something you like, reach out to them to see how you can give a home to some of their work. Because, don't forget, art can be the hammer that shapes our world. Here is a photo of two happy ladies who finally got to see art in person again (and not just on plywood covering up windows, though all of that work was great too!). Art saves. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEgW5-37VBFv2BwRdJjyDzu1SMIz_3F2B31OFZJDJ0p9FJCx-jTp8QgK_1-qF7Sq37ii90oCscgTxL4vVUjA_r108vkhyfI4MEyJ6jAoW-rlTEb4PBUVj6Mi7gXjiJBLaH0Ri5OqjhX6L/s1800/E4F42466-5CEA-442B-8B1D-A8071FDBF504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEgW5-37VBFv2BwRdJjyDzu1SMIz_3F2B31OFZJDJ0p9FJCx-jTp8QgK_1-qF7Sq37ii90oCscgTxL4vVUjA_r108vkhyfI4MEyJ6jAoW-rlTEb4PBUVj6Mi7gXjiJBLaH0Ri5OqjhX6L/w640-h800/E4F42466-5CEA-442B-8B1D-A8071FDBF504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Love to everyone from your art lovers in Minnesota! <br /><p></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676550240235939148.post-53771347955384306652020-08-26T15:37:00.002-07:002020-08-26T21:15:54.435-07:00A Dignified Birthday In South Dakota! <p>2020 has altered a LOT of plans, and that's what happened to my birthday plans this year, like everyone else. As it's been an extra difficult year for me and mine (like everyone else), I really wanted to get away and do something special ... but that was not to be. Or was it? A closer, actually do-able plan took shape, as I've been dying to see the statue <a href="https://www.lampherestudio.com/dignity" target="_blank"><i>Dinity: Of Earth and Sky</i></a>, located in Chamberlain, South Dakota.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-WrIfDewKT3-zjPmRl44vUndWa8cUwdsw5FrLbN1kXTWFNVoAdDgblMK1gFXWIoq3YpvunkvZQBqV6PnMWEoiA0c2M9_hKFCRE-rDew7AoCkLc5gO7tyif1CNFn5N4SifoFp24t8I008/s1795/816A8BBE-4A5B-4A1D-A312-4EC966700547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-WrIfDewKT3-zjPmRl44vUndWa8cUwdsw5FrLbN1kXTWFNVoAdDgblMK1gFXWIoq3YpvunkvZQBqV6PnMWEoiA0c2M9_hKFCRE-rDew7AoCkLc5gO7tyif1CNFn5N4SifoFp24t8I008/w641-h800/816A8BBE-4A5B-4A1D-A312-4EC966700547.jpg" width="641" /></a> <br /></p><p>I booked a room and put Mom in the car, and we set out to drive hours across the dusty, hot plains to look at a statue at a rest stop on the 90 freeway overlooking the Missouri River ... and it was totally worth it. I actually got a little emotional when we pulled up, as even just the word DIGNITY is so loaded to me right now. I thought it was funny to say "I'm aging with Dignity!", because I really want to (A lady doesn't share her age, but just know that I could legally be President. And probably should be.). But also the Dignity of our Native people, who have been so mistreated in this country, but are still so beautiful and resilient, and yes, DIGNIFIED, that it's very emotional for me. The racial unrest in this country also came to mind, as well as my Mom who has handled losing her leg with such dignity, and she was with me, and had me on this day, and we were together doing fun things in spite of it all ... so yeah, loaded. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBsboHQIo19wi0u0zmty3IbfGl2pgTMB5T2kqTAOg4efljYoSL1ZXrlLjrwN_qYEscb21QfKHFAGYKDrvAbKssD3iHTsxEAfiUjocWKXvX_dsuP-VhXEnji7SsMRT7u__NNIkPm-HDhQC/s1800/2EB38136-7545-43CD-BA5C-957AAE89F510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBsboHQIo19wi0u0zmty3IbfGl2pgTMB5T2kqTAOg4efljYoSL1ZXrlLjrwN_qYEscb21QfKHFAGYKDrvAbKssD3iHTsxEAfiUjocWKXvX_dsuP-VhXEnji7SsMRT7u__NNIkPm-HDhQC/w640-h800/2EB38136-7545-43CD-BA5C-957AAE89F510.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p> The 50 foot tall Native woman created from stainless steel by sculptor, Dale Lamphere, is one of the most stunning works of sculpture I've ever seen. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JIRjZTb7bY9F7g8rOajA6Qclmwy55URwme5bsKVPDNlZMUqK_hRbEe4eqoHFIy8XiM9BhbYNuO_-UFMuT-rXAs4uj9vbh36fa6uSW23M-atwOeomNz620UnniN93wI4AAoahQYkRQBrS/s1795/7D2177DD-F3A2-4FDD-89A6-3EC0952673C7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JIRjZTb7bY9F7g8rOajA6Qclmwy55URwme5bsKVPDNlZMUqK_hRbEe4eqoHFIy8XiM9BhbYNuO_-UFMuT-rXAs4uj9vbh36fa6uSW23M-atwOeomNz620UnniN93wI4AAoahQYkRQBrS/w643-h800/7D2177DD-F3A2-4FDD-89A6-3EC0952673C7.jpg" width="643" /></a></p><p>Three different Native women served as the models for the Plains woman receiving the traditional Star quilt of the area tribes. The blues in the quilt are representing the water and sky that surrounds it. It's something else. I met a lot of people there taking pictures and generally standing around in awe as the sun set into the river. Many of them did not know this work of art was here and were just going to the rest stop where she resides. A few, like myself, were there as their final destination, like the female biker couple who had ridden 500 miles from Iowa just to see her. I understood. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM84Uu2KZYyqOSchs-nGPyd9exv1_RjPewJhRO1LMclhI4je_ta3dP22Zg4KyZ-k2yr_doOs4n2DmmrgBmfS6Qo6UTmYoNBcQxGtmc1F0HZiHqxz0PxxFVyoqSICyyBr_lwPyvrsTgT1EB/s1800/B83993D1-24E1-4E0B-B65F-ECB0D53CF944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM84Uu2KZYyqOSchs-nGPyd9exv1_RjPewJhRO1LMclhI4je_ta3dP22Zg4KyZ-k2yr_doOs4n2DmmrgBmfS6Qo6UTmYoNBcQxGtmc1F0HZiHqxz0PxxFVyoqSICyyBr_lwPyvrsTgT1EB/w640-h800/B83993D1-24E1-4E0B-B65F-ECB0D53CF944.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>When the sun sets, Dignity lights up and becomes even more beautiful. We visited the <a href="http://aktalakota.stjo.org/site/PageServer?pagename=alm_homepage" target="_blank">Akta Lakota Sioux Museum</a> the next morning, and they told us that they are going to be adding fringe to Dignity's quilt, so they will move in the wind. And now I have to go back. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FikglWxKbxL6Gpt0UPXdXB9PshgVhyphenhyphenWixwhiG8DORnOco9315IWPcH3tOEQVOGMyc_a6vh3tqsu1BAU5FjLfGWVtEWuOAvxKmCNzTgH_6wzjK08WE5aBFbFMOI5PCrCPJukiwA9C53Ma/s2048/IMG_3841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1589" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FikglWxKbxL6Gpt0UPXdXB9PshgVhyphenhyphenWixwhiG8DORnOco9315IWPcH3tOEQVOGMyc_a6vh3tqsu1BAU5FjLfGWVtEWuOAvxKmCNzTgH_6wzjK08WE5aBFbFMOI5PCrCPJukiwA9C53Ma/w776-h1000/IMG_3841.jpg" width="776" /></a> <br /></p><p>The museum was awesome, with a ton of information about the Dakota, Lakota, and Sioux tribes of the Plains - as well as an awesome gift shop. It's located on the campus of the St. Joseph Indian School, a free boarding school for Native kids to learn and keep their traditions alive. Super cool. </p><p>There is a beautiful medicine wheel outside, where my Mom offered up a prayer to all of the directions. I can't believe I had never been to South Dakota before, and am so happy to be able to check off another state on my list. I will say that not a single person seemed to care about Covid in South Dakota, so that made me a little bit nervous with Mom, but we took every possible precaution and stayed far away from others. No masks, everything was open (even pool and hot tubs!), and I overheard an old dude say "I turn down my hearing aids when anyone brings up Covid." Yeah. So, use your best judgement. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSstlFobQMEjbrRYLKhGbbe069GpGe07daeXHRoxcNqlNYG8zyTi9R3swYVn16TxQumH9vsJD2Pgw7ote7Qj39eAhPgrJKkSPhCvMyBoTRkigSwSnEgKQcV5AyMc0Q6dhrrNAOgfPHkVsh/s2048/IMG_3855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSstlFobQMEjbrRYLKhGbbe069GpGe07daeXHRoxcNqlNYG8zyTi9R3swYVn16TxQumH9vsJD2Pgw7ote7Qj39eAhPgrJKkSPhCvMyBoTRkigSwSnEgKQcV5AyMc0Q6dhrrNAOgfPHkVsh/w600-h800/IMG_3855.jpg" width="600" /></a> <br /></p><p>I was tempted to keep on going to the Black Hills and The Badlands, but we only brought enough meds for the one night, so back we had to head. I think I'll wait to hit those more touristy spots until all of this mess dies down, but now I know that I'm really into it. I didn't get a chance to respond to any birthday messages or anything with all of the driving, so please don't feel bad if I haven't called you yet - I will! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqAuZ5U7ArThyphenhyphenrLmvnJIgdRm-Uy8ZSQVaCWYht_j6SoQW2_y0BrRvXa8u7NgYDbhSEpJS9_LDa5l3LTPajH5K9WMfQ3zPuTnJFMGEjarLCbytjUYyKca34W79-SnPdaG5g6hU8o6Xzedu/s1795/FDCDBA9F-DE17-4034-8642-650502872601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqAuZ5U7ArThyphenhyphenrLmvnJIgdRm-Uy8ZSQVaCWYht_j6SoQW2_y0BrRvXa8u7NgYDbhSEpJS9_LDa5l3LTPajH5K9WMfQ3zPuTnJFMGEjarLCbytjUYyKca34W79-SnPdaG5g6hU8o6Xzedu/w641-h800/FDCDBA9F-DE17-4034-8642-650502872601.jpg" width="641" /></a> <br /></p><p>We headed back to Minneapolis in 100 degree heat, but we had the air on in the car so it was fully pleasant as we watched all of the gorgeous scenery fly past (80 is the legal speed in SD!). I had heard about a new mural in Mankato, Minnesota that covered huge silos, so that's where we headed next on the way home. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEDpxeQFe6alpddRh5csSoYmFLctRsY2Y2a6WpKdMPsOywqPEUnc6yB01y1SGtCyA-rC0YThoeHdLMRTXMa-VsybMFdVSPW1wqRBGywB7WMf7TIHVkn_oqk_hVrx0AbCmx38i04VCPyKm/s1440/93BAA3AD-6A62-4AF1-BD8B-25055FDFA241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEDpxeQFe6alpddRh5csSoYmFLctRsY2Y2a6WpKdMPsOywqPEUnc6yB01y1SGtCyA-rC0YThoeHdLMRTXMa-VsybMFdVSPW1wqRBGywB7WMf7TIHVkn_oqk_hVrx0AbCmx38i04VCPyKm/w800-h600/93BAA3AD-6A62-4AF1-BD8B-25055FDFA241.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p>WOW. <a href="https://www.cityartmankato.com/tours/silo-art/" target="_blank">The work by Guido van Helten </a>is about the same height as Dignity (maybe taller), and depicts Native kids in what looks like a black and white photo but is in fact a painting. I had to climb down across some railroad tracks (and wait for a massive cargo train to go by) to see all of its angles, and it really is something else, there for everyone to see as they fly down Highway 169. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUthn6BLHGfJ5tXJtB0qbbhEVCcS-lxZ7TUUXB3mnGkRnWiNuADSKPpb0KetUwhXwXGMjV9VoXxdMIJZLDvOrSAzPe162wUYHbp_49P-n7YKOLEnxR4wn7j0cXDUcwLOCGQqrJq8zFNQq/s1440/342A79ED-21C5-4480-BE73-926BE21B72AC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUthn6BLHGfJ5tXJtB0qbbhEVCcS-lxZ7TUUXB3mnGkRnWiNuADSKPpb0KetUwhXwXGMjV9VoXxdMIJZLDvOrSAzPe162wUYHbp_49P-n7YKOLEnxR4wn7j0cXDUcwLOCGQqrJq8zFNQq/w800-h600/342A79ED-21C5-4480-BE73-926BE21B72AC.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p> Birthday 2020 definitely had a Native theme, and I'm so happy that at least this part of the world shows them the absolute reverence (and apologies!) they deserve. This is truly THEIR America, and it's high time we all start acting like it. Thanks. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgTYQcWw46V5pDOuXrpo8DZHu7QueslGU8LZDvrO7MknhyphenhyphenI5pDWBn2XMny_qWlBkrtthdMyVgEWi2qkabHX_fYFBQEftJkyFVY450ijgtI_nHLLLbuMnkPA_QkpsBYhUxwxffZZfzjTqM/s1440/2CA492C6-85DC-4ECB-A62C-49E126AC5E54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1440" height="603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgTYQcWw46V5pDOuXrpo8DZHu7QueslGU8LZDvrO7MknhyphenhyphenI5pDWBn2XMny_qWlBkrtthdMyVgEWi2qkabHX_fYFBQEftJkyFVY450ijgtI_nHLLLbuMnkPA_QkpsBYhUxwxffZZfzjTqM/w800-h603/2CA492C6-85DC-4ECB-A62C-49E126AC5E54.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /></p><p>Yesterday was also the picture wrap of our documentary film, 90291: VENICE UNZIPPED!! The crew had some pick-up shots to get yesterday, and when they were done they FaceTimed me and I talked to and thanked everyone for all of their passion and hard work from the side of the road in the 100 degree South Dakota sun ... and was once again emotional. We could never have imagined how much things would change in the world during the production of this film ... and make our topics of income inequality, gentrification, homelessness, and art in our BELOVED Venice even MORE timely. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7adLsdx-eFw9t_0EN_JurN59e9Vh0XrIqCwNJWfKhbdw1vc4PzncCz9WkXLjr9SdjgX5RKa-KDLVni4My3ytErDy5_lFQqLCRrEZqEyLbJMzRIwCG4YgzC0mGVrqaTrRxfnsbFrvGepm/s1800/35D82794-DC1E-4863-A205-9A1C97C46ADD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7adLsdx-eFw9t_0EN_JurN59e9Vh0XrIqCwNJWfKhbdw1vc4PzncCz9WkXLjr9SdjgX5RKa-KDLVni4My3ytErDy5_lFQqLCRrEZqEyLbJMzRIwCG4YgzC0mGVrqaTrRxfnsbFrvGepm/w640-h800/35D82794-DC1E-4863-A205-9A1C97C46ADD.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>Everyone kept their heads down and continued to do the work, and now we will have a beautiful, important film to share with the world, and maybe help to make it a little better. I'm SO proud of the crew, and of this film, and of the wonderful hearts, minds, and souls that made it all happen. I'm bursting with love and just can't wait for it to be out in the world! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbBSXYg4S1eElnwlv49We-KYREvEfpO760ksey3XKdK7szB8LafQ0UGA_hkmEQR21hz1HmJyOYcfkJJ98UiH3RrbSMV8696d-HOTgSRZwNNFC9ZWoRp4quRc7oebelYR_f7Os2yxtHt-N/s1801/D1EAE4DA-CBE9-466D-A606-D1AB06A16663.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1440" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbBSXYg4S1eElnwlv49We-KYREvEfpO760ksey3XKdK7szB8LafQ0UGA_hkmEQR21hz1HmJyOYcfkJJ98UiH3RrbSMV8696d-HOTgSRZwNNFC9ZWoRp4quRc7oebelYR_f7Os2yxtHt-N/w640-h800/D1EAE4DA-CBE9-466D-A606-D1AB06A16663.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>So, Birthday 2020 is behind me and now I can kick off a new, cool year ... PHEW! Made it through another one! Gratefully, for sure. Please put beautiful Dignity on your list of must-sees, because it's just stunning (and I think a lot of people just fly by the hill if they don't need the rest stop, because the Missouri River lying ahead is so majestic you might now even notice the sculpture up above unless you know about it)!</p><p>THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CARED AND MADE ME FEEL SPECIAL AND LOVED! I love you. I thank you. I hope I can actually party with you soon! I can't wait. Love, your Ceej</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>CJ Gronnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06398621907471292064noreply@blogger.com0