easter tree.

Volker Kraft decorates a tree with 9,200 Easter eggs in his garden in Saalfeld, Germany. The Kraft family have decorated their tree with Easter eggs for more than 40-years.

fun things I found online.

Rainbow Cake! I think it would be fun to make this. Click on the picture to learn how.

Tulip Fields. I want to see these in person. Wow. Click on the picture for more photos.

camera 1. camera 2.

I have a mild obsession with the Gold Medal Flour sign at the Mill City Museum. It's a great symbol for the area by the beautiful Mississippi River. And at night - the words light up one by one in a repetitive pattern. It's glorious.

These pictures were taken from the Guthrie Theater. The yellow-hued photo is from Level 9 (or is it Level 8?) of the Guthrie. It's the part of the building that is a big yellow box. The windows are floor to ceiling yellow and create a crystal clear image of the surrounding area. Next time you are there you should check it out.

spoonriver.

I finally made it to Spoonriver for a meal last week. I met Julie and Brenda there for lunch and we had a delicious time!
Pics from the top to bottom: ravioli, omelet special, fish special.

awesome.

Who wouldn't want one of these You Are Awesome posters?!

movies on vacation

I never want to be the type of person who goes on vacation and then while on vacation goes to see a movie at a movie theater. I'm sorry, but you can see a movie at home when you have nothing else do to. Why would go see a movie when you are in a new and exciting place?

There might be an exception to this rule of 'no movies while on vacation'. If it's raining and you absolutely cannot go outside and do some exploring then maybe you could go see a movie. However, I think your time would be better spent creating a scavenger hunt in the rain and meeting strangers along the way. OR you can watch a movie while you are on vacation if you are on a plane. These are the only two exceptions.

And then, when you return from a vacation where you went to see a movie... don't let that be the first story you tell about the trip. Furthermore, don't try to tell everyone else what happened in the movie. Don't be a scene spoiler!

pretty little things.

If you have yet to discover Etsy... well, then you have been missing out. It's the place buy and sell handmade items. It's incredible.

Here are some pretty little purses I have been drooling over. The trouble is deciding which one I like best.

Then check out these necklaces!

And just when you thought you couldn't find other earrings that looked like disco balls!!

25 Things.

Here's my list of 25 random things.... I also posted this on facebook.

1. I am always early. Always. This only means that I spend a lot of time waiting. I wish I could add up the time I spend waiting and use it for something fun.

2. I like to have plans.

3. Owning an airstream camper would be fun.

4. I don’t like to wear red.

5. I fell down a mountain at Glacier National Park. It’s still my favorite National Park and I want to go back there to camp.

6. I want to go to New York City for Thanksgiving. I want to see the parade and ice skate at Rockefeller Center.

7. I have a collection of 2 Dollar Bills. My Grandma used to send them to me for Valentine’s Day.

8. One time I drove a friend crazy with the song, John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt. Sorry Krissy!

9. My memory is horrible. I don’t actually remember a lot from when I was little. I mostly remember things from pictures. My Mom has a really good memory.

10. I'm going on a trip to Washington, DC with about 40 other women this summer. We are taking a bus!

11. I would like to go on a bicycle trip across the United States. It would be great if I could get outside today for a ride. Is it summer yet?

12. I don’t use table salt on my food. If a recipe calls for salt I am likely to omit it completely.

13. My goals for 2009 include the word: simplify.

14. My roommate is always the big spoon.

15. I’m really excited to be an Aunt.

16. I ate meals outside this past weekend. I was in San Diego!

17. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is on the top of my list of parks to visit. It’s Kelly’s favorite park and I haven’t been there yet.

18. I like the fish fry from Ten Point Bar.

19. I have been rockin’ to Car Jams 2008 – a mix made by Leah.

20. I was born on my Grandma's birthday.

21. I like to recall the atmosphere of football practice in August: dewey grass, athletic tape, white paint, and videotaping from the roof of the equipment shed.

22. I just want to be happy.

23. I still need to find someone with a video camera that I can borrow. Anyone? Beuller?

24. I think I should learn how to golf.

25. My life is blessed with an amazing crew of family and friends. Quality is better than quantity.

I like what I see.

Maybe you have taken a peek at some of these incredible photos.
It's all eye candy for me today!

Tree Houses

Inauguration of President Obama

Snow Tires

And I can't wait to see this:
32 X 4

Office Art

The two photographs above have been printed and framed and are now on display in one of the conference rooms in my office building. Thanks to my co-worker Chris who took great care in finding the right frames. The final product turned out great!

brain freeze.

The temps are frigid today and my mind wandered into thoughts of all things summer. Don't get me wrong - I don't mind the winter and snow. I can enjoy the snow. It's the brutal cold temps that I loathe. But back to all things summer - just imagine yourself at sunset waiting in line at Belt's for a fresh raspberry sundae. Ahh... that hits the spot!

it's that time of year again . . .

Art Shanty Projects 2009
January 17 - February 14

Let's hope that I actually make it out there this year!

happy.

Happy New Year 2009.

Looking back...
2008 was a pretty good year. Here are some highlights.

I went to 21 music concerts. It's hard to pick which ones were the best because they were all so very good. The Hotel Cafe Tour at the Fine Line in March was incredible. Over two hours of constant music and I was in the front row. I went to the Cabooze for the first time in the summer to see Heidi Newfield. Her voice was so strong. Brandi Carlile put on a free show at the State Fair. She shared her passion and we rushed to the stage at the end of the show. Then I saw Journey at the Target Center. Despite the big venue I was impressed and loved the energy of the new lead singer. And what about Gaelic Storm? I only saw them once in 2008... but it was probably my favorite performance of theirs. The show was at the Guthrie on St. Patrick's Day. Hard to beat.

In July I spent a week on family vacation in Montana. Ah... Yellowstone National Park was just lovely. It was on the top of my list of National Parks to visit so I can cross that one off now.

On August 10th I turned 28 and celebrated the birthday with my Grandma, who turned 83.

Over the summer I ventured up north three times. Memorial Day and Labor Day were spent with family at the cabin by the Willow Flowage. I was with friends for the 4th of July near Brainerd, Minnesota.

I traveled a bit for work this year - to Nashville and Indianapolis and then to South Dakota. I managed to swing by Mount Rushmore and get a few good pictures.

The year ended with the holidays in a bit of a flurry. Everyone was at home in Edgar for a very white Christmas. Poor Grandma fell and broke her hip on Christmas Eve.

It's hard to believe all of these events, and many more, all fit into one year. My life is so full of family, friends, and adventure. I know how fortunate I am to be blessed with all of these things.

Looking forward...
I'm excited for 2009!

There are several blogs and websites that I read regularly. One of the things I have read is about the little word concept. Basically, you pick a word and then it's something for you to focus on throughout the year. I'm not sure I'm committed to choosing a word for 2009. It's hard to pick just one word. So... here are a few words for me for 2009.

happy
simplicity
calm
transition
journey
inspired
vibrant
serve
wellness

I don't really make new years resolutions. Rather, I like to set goals for each year. I've only started this list in my head right now and have yet to put anything on paper. I really want to buy a fancy new journal to write in and plan to put the goals in there.

home for the holidays

Snowfall on Christmas Eve morning at my parent's house.

Ornament on my parent's Christmas Tree.

ahhh...

The 3rd Annual Christmas Throw Up party was this past Saturday.
It was a joyous occasion full of laughs and glistening lights. Now we are basking in the glow of our Christmas Tree.

christopher radko

My mind keeps thinking about decorating the Christmas tree. Is it Saturday yet? My favorite type of ornament is like the one pictured here. Glass ornaments from Christopher Radko.

Now, certainly I do not need the originals because they are (in midwestern speak) a little spendy. A couple of years ago Target carried an inexpensive line of Christopher Radko ornaments and I was sure to scoop up a bunch of them. I love getting out my decorations and unwrapping each ornament from it's tissue paper. It's like a magical secret just waiting to be re-discovered each holiday season.

I know your secret.

Minneapolis Central Library

PostSecret Exhibit

I finally made it downtown to check out the Minneapolis Central Library. The new building opened in 2006 and includes a variety of eye-catching features. My attention was drawn to the PostSecret Exhibit on the second floor. The secrets on display cover a full range of emotions. I think one of my favorite things about the secrets is seeing original handwriting. Not every secret is handwritten, but many of them are. Perhaps the handwritten secrets seem more personal - or maybe the reader feels closer to the person sharing the secret because of the handwriting. Either way, all of the secrets are interesting to read.

Did you know the Central Library had a green roof? 18,560 square-feet of green roof to be exact. I guess that means I need to go back in the spring to take a peek at that.

Long Shadows and Echoes

Yesterday was my last bike ride of the year. Here's a recap:

The high temp for the day was set to be 74 degrees. Glorious. I left work early and was out on my bike by 3:45 p.m.

Prior to my departure I had a huge internal debate about taking my camera along for the ride. I knew I would find the urge to take photos along the way... but I also knew that sunset was set for 4:59 and if I spent time stopping for pictures I wouldn't be able to bike as far in the daylight. Sadly, my camera stayed at home.

I started off on University and followed that until I could cut over to the Stone Arch Bridge. The south wind took me by surprise but the additional force made a better workout. From there I picked up 2nd Street and biked in front of the Guthrie Theater and Gold Medal Park. I joined the bike lane on 11th and crossed over Washington Avenue. Traffic was light so my navigation was quite easy.

There is a trail that runs parallel to the light rail, so I took advantage of that to join up with the Midtown Greenway. There is always good people watching as you bike by the Cabooze. The light rail was pretty active and for the first time I really noticed the echo sounds from the rails as the train approaches. I'm not sure how to describe the sound but I like to think of it as a magical hiss.

One of my favorite parts of this route is the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge that goes over Hiawatha Avenue. I especially like the way this bridge looks at night. I really need to trek down there sometime after dark and get some night photos.

The first section of the Greenway after the pedestrian bridge is pretty simple. I think this is where I started to pay more attention to all of the long shadows from people and buildings. At one point I was biking and there was a great shadow of myself to my left. Traffic on the Greenway was light and I found comfort in my increasing speed. I continued on to Uptown and knew I needed to turn back around 4:30 p.m. I didn't want to end up biking through downtown in the dark and rush hour traffic. My bike lights came in handy during the last 20 minutes of my ride and I got back home at 5:00 p.m.

This ride feels like a good way to end the biking season for me. I don't have the cold weather gear to keep riding through the cooler temps. Plus, most of my daylight hours will now be spent indoors at work. My next workout will be tonight - my usual loop around St. Anthony Main. The temps are supposed to stay warm and hopefully I can find something bright to wear so I can be seen as the sun goes down.

Go VOTE.

fading fast.

The beautiful colors of fall are fading fast.
Get out and enjoy the season before it's gone.

calm.

concerts to crave

One of the best things about the twin cities is the great access to concerts. I've been averaging more than one concert per month. Fabulous. Here is a snapshot of what's heading to a place near you this fall...

Rachael Yamagata - October 2 at the Fine Line

Yonder Mountain String Band - October 19 at First Avenue

Hotel Cafe Tour - November 6 at the Varsity Theater

Ingrid Michaelson - November 17 at the Pantages Theater

Jason Mraz - November 19 at the Myth
...already have tickets to this one!

things I am loving today...

tupperware.

football on sundays.
and aaron rodgers.

super sweet emails.

fall sunshine.

cupcakes.

love

I took this picture on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus. I was there in July.
I like the simplicity and complexity of the word - both in placement and in practice.

things that make me smile today

sweet words that make me feel special.

new music.

orange peppers.

and pictures like this:


My sister and my Dad at the Packers vs. Vikes game last Monday night.
Go Pack Go.

photo booth fascination

I can imagine that the inner operations of a photo booth are quite complex. I'm sure that if I ever own one and it broke I wouldn't know the first thing about fixing it. But I still want one. Photo booths are magical. Once inside, with the curtain drawn, you are in your own little world. Free to pretend and play.

Books about photo booths.

Blog with photo booth pics.

You can rent a photo booth!

good to know

Here are a few things I have been soaking up...

Minneapolis is going to start a bike share program next spring.

Two great bike events are coming to a city near you!
St. Paul
Minneapolis

Go bike the Greenway!

yellow

My new favorite picture.

found this online recently...

Rainer Maria Rilke : Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day.

birthday girls

My Grandma and I have the same birthday!
Here we are at our birthday party.
I love you Grandma!

sunday hiking

I really wanted to go biking today. However, with the looming storm clouds I decided to make a trek to Hyland Lake Park Reserve and go for a hike instead. I used my great book and found the trailhead quite easily.

Initially, I left my house without my camera. But before I even got to my car I knew that was a mistake so I went back and grabbed it. Best decision of the day. Right now Hyland Lake Park Reserve is full of wildflowers.

And here is my favorite shot of the day:

P.S. Yesterday was Tell Your Roomie She's Awesome Day.

Wish I Was Here

My Dad has been working hard to complete
the new cedar siding on the cabin.
It looks absolutely beautiful!

another world

Parts of Yellowstone National Park made me feel like I was in another world.

satisfaction

okay. alright. I'll admit it. I don't have any plans to see my favorite band (Gaelic Storm) anytime in the near future. Sad but true.

So to tide myself over I have been watching video clips from here.

enjoy!

true story

I'm in Wisconsin. It's hot and humid. The storm clouds have been building in the sky all morning so I make it back to the lovely dorms just before the big rain hits. The alarm system in the dorm announces we are under a severe thunderstorm warning. Then I'm on a conference call for work. The sky is progressively turning dark grey and the winds are picking up. Before I know it the alarms in the building are sounding. I assume - tornado warning - I excuse myself from the conference call and head to the basement.

I run in to a few others along the way. We find it odd that people are outside walking and it appears that the other buildings do not have a similar alarm sounding. So we go to the front desk and learn that it is in fact a fire drill. The fire department is on the way and "why didn't we evacuate sooner?"

Seriously? You are going to have a fire drill in the middle of severe weather? How does that make any sense? We all thought it meant tornado warning and proceeded to the basement. While waiting for the fire department to give the 'all clear' we got to stand out in the rain. Just lovely.

summer snapshots

barefoot runner

I've seen him a few times now. This guy. Running around northeast Minneapolis barefoot. Everytime I spot him I do a doubletake. It's hard to imagine what it would feel like running barefoot through city streets.

After a quick google search I found this article. I don't think this is the guy I have spotted in my neighborhood. But in any event, the barefoot running isn't just a one-man habit.

someday when I have an airstream camper...

I want these plates to go inside.

2 posts in one day! Woo Hoo!

and this is how i feel today...

reaching for the sun
getting pulled in many ways
the world is a blur

photo friday: the great outdoors

the view from the road by the willow flowage dam.

wedding blur

wedding night a glow
never leaving the dance floor
this makes me smile most

Most Interesting Stories of the Day

Did you hear about that woman who lived in some guy's closet?

or What about that hidden tribe in Brazil?

And apparently humans aren't supposed to be monogamous. But I don't have a concrete source for that one yet.

It's been an interesting news day. So here is an interesting picture to go along with it.

Take Advantage of the Farmer's Market

Here's a goal for the summer:
Go to the Farmer's Market.
Many, many times.

pop tarts

You know what happens when you go to the grocery store hungry and you don't have a list to shop with? You buy things you don't need!

Like pop tarts.

Oh but they taste so good!

Yum!

I don't have photographic proof of the lovely and delicious desserts from Sunni's Grill. However, I can tell you from first hand experience that they ROCK. If you go to Howard Lake you should really stop in and try one for yourself. I had the strawberry rhubarb pie with ice cream. Yummy! Everything is made from scratch and tastes so fresh.

75 Things

Hmmm... here's a list of 75 skills that every man should master.

Where's the woman's version?

weekend outlook

it looks like lots of rain this weekend. rain has a purpose. rain makes things green and i like green so rain must be good.

speaking of green. if you are reading this you should really consider going to the living green expo this weekend at the state fairgrounds. i promise you will learn something new. i'll be there on sunday with a smile.

Sundogs

Don't get me wrong... I love sundogs. They make me happy. They are fun. I love seeing them glow in the sky. When I see one I want to point it out to everyone.

However... I saw one yesterday and I really hope it's the last one I see for awhile. I'm ready for sunshine and warmth - not sunshine and ice crystals in the sky.

Love Your Earth

What have you done for the Earth lately?

I've been on a little crusade around the office the past few months to turn off lights when they are not in use. Who knew that so many employees ALWAYS leave the lights on when they leave a conference room? I'm doing what I can to turn them off everytime I walk by.

And also...
Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. It's really not that hard to do.

seriously

Apparently I forgot that I had created this blog. I'm going to try to breathe some life back into it and see what happens. Maybe I will share it with friends and maybe not.

shoes

Yay! for green shoes on St. Patrick's Day :)

Celebrate!

Yay! for birthday celebrations with my wonderful roomie!

Gobble! Gobble!

Okay, so I know that Turkey day has come and gone... and now it's already December. But I thought I would share a photo from Turkey day in the northwoods of Wisconsin.
Willow Wood Lodge is located close to my parent's cabin up north. The family and I went there for a free and fabulous turkey dinner!

Parked on I-94

I went to Madison last week to see Gaelic Storm (my favorite band). On the way back to MN on Friday I was parked on I-94 for four hours.
In the same spot.
No books to read or anything to do.
Sadly, I was stuck in a snowstorm and traffic was stopped due to multiple accidents. It took me twice as long to get home, but at least I was safe. A big thank you to the truck driver behind me who shared his twix candy bar with me!

Who's That Guy?

Michael J. Fox (clearly an impersonator) and Me.
I took photos at a corporate event and here is one of the 175 photos.

Home Sweet Home

In the past month I have been home to Wisconsin several times. I thought it would be nice to get a few shots of my Mom and Dad's house in Edgar. It's great how each home has it's own unique qualities; it's own unique history. This house was built right before I was born and I lived there until I moved away to college.

Fall for Pumpkins

This past Sunday I drove from Central Wisconsin back to Minnesota. The drive was sunny and many of the leaves in Wisconsin were beautiful shades of reds and yellows. I made one quick stop along the way to fulfill my pumpkin fix for the year. I doubt I will actually carve the pumpkin I selected, but it certainly adds a touch of fall to my place.

Please remember:
Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker.