In the past, I’ve written about how challenging Minnesotan winters can be. And that was without the added obstacle of a pandemic, when it was still safe to gather indoors with friends and family. Now that we’re into our third pandemic winter, I know I took past indoor winter hangouts for granted. Or just anti-social […]
winter
The First Citizen of Minneapolis
The Ancient Oak Last winter seemed to be never-ending. There were far too many of those soul-sucking Polar Arctic Vortex days with dangerous windchills. So severe that classes were canceled on multiple occasions. A rare thing for Minnesotan schools! This winter has been far gentler (knock on wood). Mild enough that I was able to […]
Famously Gloomy
Salt and Light Last weekend we attended the annual Winter Kite Festival on Lake Harriet. The weather has been remarkably mild, which makes the winter more bearable. But it’s been awfully overcast. And the mild temps might not hold so I’m adding to my previous list of activities to get us through until Spring: Each […]
Polar Night
The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul The shortest day of the year is behind us now, in the Northern Hemisphere. As are the holidays and the distractions they bring. Now what’s a Minnesotan to do? Sadly it looks like the Art Shanty Projects are taking this winter off. But the St. Paul Winter Carnival […]
Mistletoe & Wine
Baby, It’s Cold Outside I feel extra out of sorts this holiday season. Thanksgiving came late. Hanukkah came early. And my car got smashed up. Saturday morning, as my son and I were leaving for the Santopticlaus holiday sale. A neighbor intervened when she barreled out of an icy alley and collided with the front […]
Faux Fighting
Battle(s) of the Bands In some ways, winter in Minnesota can yield more inspiration than our warm weather months can. More time to sit still and allow plans to form. Not that I’ve been sitting still much. With this winter being so very mild I’ve been going out more, instead of falling into the cozy […]
Poetic Edda
The Wild Hunt This past Friday night’s art opening was a smashing success. Many thanks to: the Black Dog for hosting; to all who came out for it; to my amazing models; to our curator Pati Hibbard Chavez; and to my co-exhibitors, Josh Journey-Heinz and Dan Wieken, whose artwork was brilliant. Dan even put out […]
Guttural Visions
Extreme Metal, A Visual Interpretation It’s really happening. And soon! Below is the information for our upcoming show, with an opening reception on Friday, March 4th, 7:00pm – 11:00pm at the Black Dog Cafe in Lowertown. Experience The Darkness!!! Black Dog flexes its metal muscle this March featuring artworks inspired by Extreme Metal Music! Visual […]
Flying High
Winter Fun With Strings Attached Minnesotans must find unique ways to entertain themselves over the long winters. Some are into snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing. I prefer the more inexpensive yet creative options. Yesterday we braved the sub-zero windchills, bundled up in snowpants, to toddle around on Lake Harriet for the 10th Annual Kite Festival. […]
Winterlude
Too Much of a Good Thing In Minnesota it is Mother Nature who is the supreme authority. Plans can be tentatively made but ultimately? They must be rubber-stamped by her. And she can be a cruel cruel mistress. Take last Saturday. I had lined up back-to-back sessions with families around the metro area, and had […]