Thursday, April 28, 2011

Navajo Rugs

If you are a weaver, spinner, knitter, quilter or in general a crafter and you live in Minneapolis then the Textile Center is for you .  As an organization it functions as a shop, museum and library and is supported by over 30 different guilds.  Two of these guilds have permanent residence, one of them being the Weavers Guild of Minnesota.  Every time I visit  I am constantly discovering never ending inspiration whether it comes from the museums, a rare Swedish weaving book found in the library or the rotating displays in the hallways.  There is always something new to see and learn.  I appreciate being able to engulf myself in an environment and with people that strive to promote and advance the art of spinning and weaving.  More often than not textiles are an overlooked branch of our culture.  And yet they are one of the cornerstones of our civilization that has been present for centuries and still is.  Hand woven cloth is one of the most humbling and ancient arts that is taken for granted in the modern world.  Acquiring the knowledge and ability to keep this craft alive makes me feel connected to my roots it also gives me a huge appreciation for handmade goods-and even industrial ones.  It can’t be denied that the industrialization of weaving cloth is something to marvel at.  I am lucky to be part of this community.

Today I am inspired by these Navajo Rugs on display from the 1930’s.  I am typically not a fan of Navajo textiles, but somehow the color, geometry and design seems to come together in a way that is fresh and modern.  I can’t get over these color combinations either.  I might have to take that Navajo Weaving class after all.


Navajo Rug Display at the Weavers Guild.








Two of my favorite color combos.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Kickball: The Spokespeople

The kickball season has finally begun!  Our team gathered a few Sundays ago to screen our tees with our awesome logo.



Sunday, April 24, 2011

Morton Arboretum

I grew up visiting the Morton Arboretum regularly.  My mom and I would go, almost weekly, for tea in the Gingko Room followed by a walk on some of our favorite trails.  It is through these ramblings that I developed a genuine interest in nature and plants.  Rambling along my mom would stop and point out various trees and flowers, offering up facts and stories.  Later in life, I became that person that would walk and point out what I saw.  I took an interest in what was going on in my neighbors garden or down the street.

Today I am surprised at the general lack of knowledge society has regarding nature.  I assumed everyone grew up knowing the difference between annuals and perennials, marveling at morning glories as they opened to the sun and helping to gather a bumper crop from the family garden.  I may not have known how lucky I was then, but I certainly do now.

On my last visit home, my mom and checked out some or our favorite old haunts at the Morton Arboretum.  I was pleased to see the center has expanded and now included a full time children's garden and maze, which didn't exist 10 years ago.  Through these efforts, children have the opportunity to learn and grow with nature.

A yarn covered tree added excitement to the Children's garden.  Throughout a short walk around, I spotted little doilies randomly placed on other trees and shrubs, a fun activity even for adults.




The Morton Arboretum Prairie.


Bright green moss.  Eye candy for an eye used to seeing shades of brown and gold.



Buds beginning to form on trees.


Daffodil Fields.




In the Spruce Forest.  Even on the sunniest of days, this patch of Spruces offer a reprieve to the heat.  Entering into the grove is unexplainably nostalgic and magical.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

In the garden

In just one week my mom's garden continues to flourish.  Just look at this rhubarb plant compared to only one week ago.  At this rate we will have rhubarb pie in no time.


Other flowers popped up over my one week hiatus.  Marveling at them, I wait in excited anticipation for my little patch of garden that is sure to start blooming very soon.



Upon returning, I was delighted to see that my Minneapolis garden had in fact decided it was time to catch up to Chicago.  Despite our little snow outbursts, I am expecting tulips and daffodils to make an appearance very soon.


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

My boys

Muffin and Box Spring...at a tolerable distance
 No cat knows how to relax better than Muffin

Monday, April 18, 2011

Weekend Fun

I happened to be lucky enough to go home to Chicago for the second weekend in a row, but this time for work.  After spending the weekend in the suburbs of Chicago, I took the train downtown Monday morning to meet up with my colleagues.  We stayed at Hotel Monaco.  I would never, personally, spend as much money as we did on a hotel, but I have to admit it is nice to have a night in luxury.
While waiting I wandered over to Inteligentsia for a quick Cappuccino.  Serious coffee drinkers swarm here for their daily brew and for good reason.  These people don't mess around and it ain't no Starbucks.
Finally, I can never resist another photo of the bean in Millenium Park. If you go at 7AM you will have the place to yourself, a nice reprieve from the usual crowds.


Saturday, April 16, 2011

One last ride

The snow has finally melted.  The only lingering reminder of winter is the thin sheet of ice coating all the lakes.  Over the weekend that too has vanished.  My bike and I couldn't seem to get enough.  Year to date we have already put on 450+ miles of riding. 



Thursday, April 14, 2011

Weekend Fun

Pizza and Beer.  I seem to be developing a theme.  I swear I eat other things.  Next time you find yourself in the warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis be sure to stop in at Black Sheep.  Coal fired gourmet pizzas and craft beer; what more can you ask for?
 Market Salad 
 Top: Homemade Meatballs, Ricotta and Garlic
Bottom: Oyster Mushrooms, Smoked Mozarella, Rosemary and Garlic
Afterwards and slightly tipsy, we biked a few blocks east to One on One Bikes to view the Art Crank  exhibit "A Poster Party for Bike People".  In the past One on One has hosted the opening event, however the function has grown to be bigger than the accomodations.  I was happy, this year, to be able to skip opening night altogether.  The experience was much nicer.