Galas-Inauguration, January 20, 2009

Courtesty of the New York Times

Inauguration-January 20, 2009

Since I couldn't be in DC, I relied upon CNN again. Now more than ever we all need to say: "Yes, we can!"

"I know there’s something better down the road.
We need to find a place where we are safe.
We walk into that which we cannot yet see."

Praise Song for the Day by Elizabeth Alexander, Inaugural Poet, 2009

Monday Night Before the Inauguration

I got all these photos from CNN on Monday night while watching television. If it had been possible, I would have liked to have been in DC with the rest of the well-wishers; instead I'll be watching the Inauguration from the warmth and security of my own home. What an exciting time, though!

Birthday-Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Camera Critters-Sofie

While sitting in Starbucks and looking out the window, I noticed that a young couple secured a lovely looking dog outside on the bicycle rack before they entered the cafe. With their permission I went outside and had a friendly chat with Sofie, a sweet and gentle animal. She patiently allowed me to snap several photos so I could show y'all this 4-year-old beauty. Thanks Sofie!! If you want to see some more interesting "camera critters" click here.

100 Strangers-#4: Melissa and Brian

Sitting on the floor between the bookstacks at Barnes and Noble, Melissa and Brian were engrossed in a story. Brian, age four, who attends a neighborhood preschool, told me that he was going to learn how to read when "I'm a grown up." Until then he seems content to let Melissa read to him.

Dog Park: Where are the dogs?

This is a photo of the dog park along the banks of the Mississippi River where we take our dog, Maggi, for a run. There aren't any dogs in the photo because it's difficult to capture them; all they want to do is sniff and run. On Monday when I took these pictures it was snowing with tiny flakes drifting and dancing as they floated to earth. It almost makes me appreciate winter, but despite this lovely (but cold and icy) winter wonderland I'll be happy to be going to Mazatlan, Mexico in just 19 days. Maggie remains behind with our son who is our favorite caretaker.

Convertible?

Recently I was a bit startled to see this open-air car. No-one seemed to know the story behind the broken rear window, and the next day it was gone from the parking lot. Must have been a breezy exit.

100 Strangers #3-Kathleen

As I was leaving my table at a Barnes and Noble bookstore, Kathleen asked to sit there so she could use her laptop. Originally from the Twin Cities she now lives in northern Wisconsin. She was visiting a friend who works in a near-by guitar shop, teaching music. It's a small world: I was born and reared in northeastern Wisconsin, live in the Cities and have a friend who gives lessons in the same guitar shop.

100 Strangers Project-#2

On Wednesday morning a friend and I went to Hell! A downtown Minneapolis restaurant, Hell's Kitchen, got some good press recently so we decided to check it out. While there we met Robin, one of their many charming staff members. When I asked where she is from, she responded, "From lots of different places." Robin grew up in the Chicago area and went to college in Arizona. While attending a friend's wedding, she meet this young man from Minnesota. The rest is history. Going to Hell and back and meeting Robin was a great experience! Those Minnesota boys have really good taste!

"A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet." Will Rogers

Caught in Flight

Altho this photo is pretty grainy, I wanted to post it anyway because of the basketball in flight, which I caught quite accidentally while trying to get action shots of my grandson.

"All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.” -- Magic Johnson

100 Strangers Project-My #1

My interest was recently piqued by Virginia's (Birmingham, Al) informal 100 Strangers Project, which she has modified from the original that is sponsored by Flickr. With her help and my own scouting around, I found some guidelines publicized at the formal 100 Strangers site. For some representative portraits and the guidelines, click here. Now I'm looking forward to meeting and photographing Stranger #2.

My first "portrait" is of Alex (Alexandra) with whom I spoke at the Minneapolis Minnehaha Dog Park that DH and I visited for the first time on Friday. Alex has been going there for about 4 years, or longer, and gave me some tips about the location of wildlife in the enormous park: chickadees and other birds,including an owl who is a regular visitor. The large woods is a perfect spot for walking, playing with dogs, and photographing the scenery: nature, people, and pooches. The dogs our Maggi met were of all sizes and breeds; Maggi ran with many of her kind for about 50 minutes...almost non-stop! What a treat and good exercise for us as we walked this spot that borders the Mississippi River. Hope to visit often to make new canine friends and to meet more strangers!

"On this shrunken globe, men can no longer live as strangers."
- Adlai E. Stevenson

Hmong Women

Yesterday's post has information about the Hmong in Minnesota. The woman in the small photo told me, in answer to my question, that they weren't celebrating anything special in their lives, except perhaps joy regarding New Year's and they were "just having fun!" Their positive spirit filled the place and they delighted in posing for all the photographers who clustered about them. I was invited to pose with them and declined because I wanted to preserve the ethnic quality of the group, but now I wish that I had!!

"Honor women! they entwine and weave heavenly roses in our earthly life."
- Friedrich von Schiller

Hmong in Minnesota

People go to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to see and to be seen. While I was there recently, a large party of Hmong people arrived in tribal dress and had a wonderful time being photographed. If you are not familiar with this ethnic group, here is some information.

Why the Hmong Came to Minnesota

The Hmong are an ethnic group living throughout mountainous regions of southeast Asia, in China, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. The Hmong have a distinct language and traditional customs. Most Hmong who have immigrated to Minnesota originally came from northern Laos.

The first Hmong families emigrated as refugees. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. recruited Hmong villagers and farmers to help fight its “secret war” against communists in Laos. At the war’s end, the communists sought revenge on the Hmong for aiding the United States. Tens of thousands of Hmong fled their homes on a perilous journey—many suffering injuries and losing family members along the way—and settled in refugee camps. Beginning in the late 1970s, the U.S. and other nations began resettling the Hmong; Minnesota was among the U.S. destinations. In 2004, the resettlement of several thousand additional Hmong refugees began in Minnesota.

Demographics

More than 60,000 Hmong individuals live in Minnesota. At least half of those individuals live in St. Paul, making it home to the largest urban population of Hmong in the world.

Object of Attention

Yesterday I posted a snapshot of a photographer intend upon his subject. These two women, especially the one with very long hair, attracted much attention. The photographer spent a great deal of time capturing their image.

Say "Cheese!"

On Thursday, January 1, I went to Como Zoo to try out my new tripod in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The holiday allowed many people to enjoy the zoo and gardens, and photographers were out in full force. Come back tomorrow and I'll show you what captured this man's attention.

Favorite 2008 Photo-January Theme for 2009

I published this photo on April 4, 2008, which is a statue in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Today is the first theme day of 2009! Travel around the globe to see many of the "best photos of 2008" for 151 photo bloggers, but don't forget the time differences. Visit as many as you can! Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Tiaras are a Girl's Best Friend!

You can be anything you want to be, my love, as long as you believe.

A Girl and Her Dog

"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic." - Henry Ward Beecher

NBA Material?!

Our dessert!

A Yule log is a large wooden log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in several European cultures. It can be a part of the Winter Solstice festival or the Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Twelfth Night.

The expression "Yule log" has also come to refer to log-shaped Christmas cakes, also known as "chocolate logs" or "Bûche de Noël".

Christmas Day

This photo does not do the tree justice. My sister spends literally hours on her rotating Christmas tree. All of the ornaments are made by her, with beads and "jewels" imported from various European countries. She receives kudos and newspaper publicity for her handiwork, all well-deserved.

My posting has been hit and miss this season because of family illness, memorials, and other time-consuming events; it's not been a terribly terrific year, but 2009 will be better. Posting will be hit and miss 'til we get to Mexico January 31 when I will resume my Mazatlan photos. In the meantime, stick around--don't abandon me! More important: HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!! PEACE TO THE WORLD AND GOOD CHEER TO ALL!!

Camera Critters

Winter Wonderland? Circle Theme #17

Find the circles!
"Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart." Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885

Circle Theme #16

Encore is a consignment shop where I find many, many great bargains. Right now I've got my eye on an Eileen Fisher 2-piece dress that would look terrific in Mexico during our stay there. Waiting for it to be reduced because it is a spring and summer outfit and hope it won't be sold before I buy it.

"The difference between style and fashion is quality." Giorgio Armani

Circle Theme #15

Jim, a good friend of ours, has had several eye surgeries, but the eye patch makes him look sort of dashing...like a pirate, perhaps??

Mark Twain:
"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life."

Circle Theme #14-Woven Baskets

The Art Fair I attended a week ago featured these baskets made by Martha Monson Lowe from Decorah, Iowa. It's so interesting to see the skills of artisans, and how wonderful that they're able to display and sell their products in many different states at summer and holiday art fairs.

"It is not in life, but in art that self-fulfillment is to be found."-George E. Woodberry

Camera Critters-Maggi (Circle #13)

My favorite Santa!! To see other fantastic critters, click here.

Circle Theme #12

This delightful piece of art is a product of Clay Squared to Infinity. Want to see more? Go to www.claysquared.com.

Circle or Half Circle?

I'm trying to find a circle in here, but I guess a half-circle will do to follow my December theme. Despite the cold,snowy pictures I posted last Wednesday, there is some beauty, too.

Musical circles - #10

Through the generosity of a former member of the JCC, each year the public is able to attend several free concerts conducted by the St. Paul Jewish Community Center Symphony Orchestra. Last night I was treated to an evening of a splendid musical performance which included "Overture to Ruy Blas" by Mendelssohn, "Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K.466" by Mozart and "Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90" by Johannes Brahms. What a wonderful gift to the community!

Winter Circles #9

Circle themes continue in a winter wonderland. Look carefully and you will quickly see why DH and I flee to snowbird in Mexico during the winter season. "We're leavin' on a jet plane" on January 31st!

Pretty as a pitcher! Circles #8

Mugs- Circles #7

The art and craft fair that I visited last Friday had booths with textiles, baskets, clothing, paintings, photography, jewelry, leather goods, pottery and much, much more. These mugs caught my eye because of the way in which they would fit this circle theme. Is anyone getting tired of it yet?

Pottery Circles

I'm still carrying on the circle theme, and I'm having great fun doing it. Every December, there is a holiday Art and Craft Fair held in Ramsey Junior High School on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Although I seldom buy anything since my quest is for more photos, I visit each year...only this time I was looking for...what else? Circles!! Potter Kate Daly had wonderful objects for sale at her booth.

Church Circles

The is part of the top of the door on the main entrance to the Cathedral of St. Paul, an imposing structure itself built on a high hill overlooking the downtown area.

History: The Cathedral of St. Paul is over 100 years old. The cathedral is the vision of Archbishop John Ireland, and architect and devoted Catholic Emmanuel Louis Masquery. Construction of the building commenced in 1907 and the exterior was completed in 1914. Work on the interior proceeded at a slower pace, as funding allowed, but the Cathedral was able to hold the first Mass in the partially completed building on Easter Sunday in 1915.

Masquery died in 1917, before completing his design for the interior. Archbishop Ireland passed away only a year later. Archbishop Ireland's successors, Archbishop Dowling and Bishop John Murray, oversaw work on the interior, which was to take until 1941 to complete.

Architecture: The Cathedral of St. Paul is considered to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in America. The design is in the Beaux-Art style and was inspired by Renaissance cathedrals in France.

The exterior is Minnesotan St. Cloud granite. The interior walls are American Travertine from Mankato, Minnesota, and the interior columns are made of several types of marble.

Topping the Cathedral is a 120-foot wide copper dome. A lantern on top of the dome brings the total height of the Cathedral to 306 feet tall from the base to the top of the lantern.

The interior space is no less impressive. As you walk into the Cathedral, watch out for the people visiting the cathedral for the first time. They tend to stop abruptly in front of you to stare at the stunning interior.

Laid out in a Greek cross, the interior is bright and open. Masquery envisioned a Cathedral with no obstructions for anyone attending Mass.

The interior ceiling soars to 175 feet high at the top of the 96 feet wide dome. At the base of the dome, stained glass windows let in light, and more several windows pierce the walls.

A bronze baldachin, a canopy over the altar, honors the life of St. Paul.

Although the Cathedral's design was inspired by ancient French cathedrals, it has modern conveniences, like electric lighting, and heating. Heating a place like this can't come cheap, but it's sure to be appreciated by the congregation on winter days. (by Clara James, About.com)
If you wish to know more about the Cathedral, check this Wiki site.

More Circles #4-Classic Tiffany

I have no idea how to describe a "Classic Tiffany", but that's the name on the car. It looks pretty cool. I'd like to give it to DH as his birthday gift today, but, alas, it's not to be!

Even more circles!

I wonder how long I can continue the circle theme with photos from my archives? Not totally a whim on my part, but this nasty cold is still hanging on, and I haven't ventured out for days.

More circles

I suppose I could still follow the circle theme, and I have always been fascinated by these hay bales. I found these three at the stable where my granddaughter takes riding lessons. Still have a miserable cold, and can't wait 'til February when we're off again for Mazatlan, Mexico.

Circles/Spheres, December 1, 2008 Theme Day

This stained glass window faces the Mississippi River in the Pool and Yacht Club. The image of the steamboat within the circle is historical. I feel so lucky to be able to see the most beautiful river in the states on each and every day.

I'm a little late posting this because I have been sick with a typical Minnesota winter cold, but I've rallied. There are 187 bloggers posting today. Try to get to as many as you can. I'm sure you'll find many creative, interesting, amusing, and astonishing photographs!
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants