Where I've Been

You may have noticed that I haven't blogged for quite some time* now. My life has been drastically changing for the better, and I've been practicing my renewed joy for life and all things creative. Where have I been?

Since my last blog post, I have:
1. Gotten a new (amazing) job working at an art museum.

2. Flown on an airplane for the first time in my entire life.

3. Visited my friend Jessi (@ The Design Slice) in Chicago.

4. Done a ton of vintage/thrift shopping. Yay for $6 dresses!

5. Gone to 3 apple orchards, 1 in Iowa (for my brother's 21st birthday) and 2 in Minnesota.

6. Discovered my love for music again.

7. Gotten in my first car accident.

8. Made new friends.

9. Watched 7 seasons of The X-Files.

10. Eaten at several delicious Mpls restaurants.

11. Realized I'd like to dabble in fine art and collaging in my free time.

12. Watched as a co-worker made her dream of opening a restaurant come true.

13. Watched Don pursue school (again) while working 1 full-time job and 2 part-time jobs.

14. Decided (for sure) to get a tattoo in memory of my dad.

15. Revisited the idea of taking guitar lessons and learning left-handed so I can use my dad's guitar.

16. Become conscious of how my lack of exercise will affect my body long-term.

17. Tried to reduce my $5 coffee intake by grinding my own beans and taking coffee to work.

18. Truly started to feel like Minneapolis is my home now.

19. Felt happier than I have in a very long time.

20. Eaten a ton of soup.

I've also been pondering the future of my blog and the direction I'd like it to take. Now that my life is more stable and I have time for creative ventures, I'd like to share them with you. After what has seemed like a brutal 2 years, I'm eager and ready to explore again.

* = Yeah, I know. Sorry.

Urban Experience Community Art Project

The other day, the Uptown Association (Uptown is a neighborhood in Minneapolis for those who aren't aware) posted a description for the Urban Experience Community Art Project. The deadline is quickly approaching on July 16th, but it's a great way to unleash your creative skills on the world, or at least on Minnesota.

Below is the description from the Uptown Association's Facebook page.

"Each individual has their own interpretation of what an 'urban experience' is and it is this assortment of ideas that brings character and vitality to the Uptown community. With the theme of this year's art fair being 'Urban Experiences,' we would like to invite you to participate in a community wide art project that will bring people and art together to display this diversity. The postcards collected from this project will be displayed during the Uptown Art Fair kickoff party, the Uptown Art Fair, and at Calhoun Square. Your vision of what an 'urban experience' is will be seen by all that come to experience Uptown. A winner will be selected in each of nine age divisions to receive a 2010 commemorative print. Directions: Take the back of this postcard and create your representation of what an 'urban experience' looks like. Fill out your contact information below and then stamp and mail the postcard when finished. Please postmark by July 16."

A separate post encourages you to "Contact stephanie@uptownminneapolis.com if you would like a postcard to decorate!"

A View of the Peace Garden

 

As I mentioned in my previous post, my dad's camera has been following me on many of my recent excursions and adventures. On Tuesday Don and I had planned on visiting the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis to have a picnic and listen to music. We packed up our food (forgetting the fork for the fruit salad as well as something to drink) and made the short drive to the lake. Fortunately (and unfortunately) it was a beautiful day, and we therefore couldn't find a parking place within a reasonable walking distance.

I let my spontaneous spirit lead the way, and as soon as I saw the Peace Garden I told Don to stop. We first explored a walking trail in the forest that looked like a scene from a fairy tale. I could have spent an entire day hiking if time had allowed.

The Peace Garden came next with its stunning flowers, fountain and typical park atmosphere.

What really caught my attention was the sculpture with origami cranes draped over it. Along the walking path you can find paper as well as a description of the folding process to make your own crane. This is how the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board site explains it:

"The sculpture represents the international tradition honoring Sadako Saski, a girl who developed cancer as a result of radiation released by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Told of a Japanese legend that people who fold a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish, she folded over one thousand cranes before her death at age 12."

The story behind this sculpture really inspired me, and its use of color stood out even among the thousands of flowers. Allowing the viewer to actively participate in the origami as Sadako did helps us feel like we are part of the story and its ultimate sadness. It was emotionally powerful.

On our way home the sun was beginning to set, so we camped out on the beach and watched the sailboats and ducks. We were even able to hear the end of the concert we missed at the bandshell.

It is so easy to get wrapped up in the world's noise. When I feel stifled creatively, separating myself from my everyday routine is a breath of fresh air. Sometimes it seems counterproductive to step away from the never ending lists of things to do, but it is exhilarating and makes the daunting tasks seem easier.

Below are a few of the photos I took that night.