Junk Art Again-Different poses

I promised several people that I would post more pictures of this bird from different angles so .... here they are!

Interesting truck

These two beautiful people obligingly posed for a picture by their interesting truck. I had two very nice shots of the truck itself, but, alas, damaged them as I was trying to transfer them to the computer. Don't ask; I don't know how I did it. Today I took better pictures in Minneapolis than in St. Paul. Go see them on kate-musing. I still have lots to learn about photography and linking, which is still a mystery to me.

Zen Center-Downtown St. Paul

I haven't been to this Zen Center but it is tempting. I think I'll go back and check it out!

Clock Tower

A modest clock tower, but its time is accurate which is not always the case. The symmetry of the tower seems almost austere.

Look up!

While "seeing" my environment, I don't look up as often as I should.

Junk Art

A huge bird made out of junked pieces of metal. Look closely!!

Workman

Workman, one of three, who are beautifying our home by adding shrubs and trees to the front yard.

Baby Panda

Another tree sculpture in front of Groveland Elementary School. This one and its companion which has disappeared forever was vandalized several years ago. But baby Panda doesn't look too bad, despite its wear and tear.

LATER: This corner has a poor history. Before I took this picture I put the camera case with additional objects in it on the trunk of my car. After I arrived home I realized that I had driven away and it obviously had slipped off. Within 30 minutes I returned, but no case. I've returned two times, checking with shopkeepers to see if anyone had turned it in. Gone forever!!

Anathema

Whenever a student walked into my English classroom with one of these, that person was immediately "suspect." Unfair perhaps, but too often foolish young sprouts would rely upon these tidy little books instead of reading the novels. And often wondered why they flunked the test! Have to smile whenever I pass this rack at a bookstore since retirement allows me to be merely amused now when I see them. I no longer have to convince students that they'll get lots more from the book itself.

Tree Sculpture

Instead of whacking down trees and then grinding down the stump, some innovative artists have become tree sculptors. When I get a decent camera I'll retake this wonderful full-length creation of a woman in period dress, holding a parasol. Standing across from the University Club, an old St. Paul watering-hole, this woman fits right in. I wonder if F. Scott is looking down on her?!

THe Little Engine that Could

What child wouldn't like to play on this train? It's located in a small park at the Orchard Recreation Center, not far from Como Park.

St Catherine's College Campus

St. Kate's campus is a serene spot in the middle of a busy residental and business section of Highland Park. The college is generous with the neighborhood and has given us a wonderful spot to relax and reflect.

Ordway Center

The Ordway Center across from Rice Park in downtown St. Paul is a gem. The interior has old world charm with red velvet seats, brass rails, and lots and lots of wood which enhances musical sounds.

Science Center

In this building adults and children have spent many happy and educational hours viewing exhibits covering a broad range of subjects. The most recent is "Body Worlds" which has dozens of donated, plasticated cadavers showing the human body in various poses: soccer player, chess player, ice skaters, a teacher, and even a pregnant woman with a well-developed fetus. It has been a resounding success. While going through the exhibit, I was impressed by the hushed tones in all the galleries. Reverential almost.

Graduation!

What could bring a smile on young faces. Graduation from high school, of course! 92 students from St. Paul Academy-Summit School got their diplomas on Sunday, June 11, 2006.
All over the country ceremonies are taking place that will launch these young people into the world. Congratulations to one and all!

Another Landmark!

Landmark Center, a former legal center, was saved from the wrecking ball by a group of civic-minded and concerned citizens in the 70's. A state-wide contest then was held to name the building. My contribution, alas, was not selected. Good thing since I now can't remember what it was!

Ye Olde Water Tower

A remnant and a memorial to times past, this landmark rises high in a park in the Highland Park neighborhood. Closed to the public for most of the year, it is opened in July each year during the Highland Arts and Crafts Fair. Youngsters and folks heartier than I climb the many steps for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.

The Shadow

On a non-descript street in Merriam Park, the door promised a startling and extraordinary activity. It made me pause, but the photo made me smile with my own "soul" exposed on the door. Something, someone must think I need some readjustment to my personality and bechons me to enter.

Cafe Latte

Brewberry's Neighborhood Coffee Shop has always been a favorite place to meet and greet friends and, after years of hard work, the owners have enjoyed success in this converted gas station building. Too good to be true, recently corporate America decided to move in. Caribou did a market study and did indeed decide that the corner of Fairview and Randolph Avenues would be a good location for another cafe. Neighbors and students from St. Catherine's College and St. Paul Academy-Summit School have remained loyal, and despite the presence of Caribou directly across the street, Brewberry's is still thriving--and serving great pastries, sandwiches, soups, and coffee!

Aloha!

A friend who has had a love affair with Hawaii for many years brings part of the Islands with her wherever she goes in Minnesota.

A Visual Feast

What the vendors sell in the week-end downtown Farmer's Market nournishes both the soul and the body. Early in the season there are more flowers than vegetables or fruit, but what a feast for the eyes!

Old Man River

The Mississippi River runs through the city and touches the heart of all its citizens.

F. SCOTT

F. Scott is the only name you need mention, and everyone knows to whom you are referring. F. Scott Fitzgerald is known and loved by the people in St. Paul. This life-size statue in Rice Park downtown immortalizes him just as his novels do. The legendary wordsmith is alive in the hearts of all true St. Paulites.

A Rite of Summer

A seasonal activity that probably occupied each of us at one time or another, as seller or buyer. It reaches a fever pitch in early summer, and signs sprout up all over like crab grass. This one was a great find! I was surprised at the low, low prices; for my charming grand-daughter, I bought 6 collector dolls (no, not American Girl) for the grand total of $21.00. The couple just wanted to downsize. Was okay with me!

The Better Mall

©KateMura
Bloomington has the Mall of America, but we have the better mall. Check it out on the corner of Selby and Fairview.