First Day of Spring

Spring's Very First Day

Sun in an Overcast Sky

No Buds or Blossoms

Bouncing Babe

~Spring is Here!!~

Soaring above the crowd with Landmark Center reflected in the building.

Getting ready to soar!

Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band

Brian Boru c. 941 – 23 April 1014, Old Irish: Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig; Middle Irish: Brian Bóruma; modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe) was an Irish king who ended the domination of the High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. Building on the achievements of his father, Cennétig mac Lorcain, and especially his elder brother, Mathgamain, Brian first made himself King of Munster, then subjugated Leinster, eventually becoming King of Ireland. He is the founder of the O'Brien dynasty.
Credit: Wikipedia

Three Red-headed Irish Lasses

The Parade was Full of Red-heads!

A Clanish City

 Just a few of the many clans marching in St Paul today 

St Paddy's Day Prelude

Tomorrow I am going to go downtown to the St. Patrick's Day Parade to see if I can get a better photo  to represent that important day.  Knowing what parades are like, perhaps this is prophetic…cleaning up the streets after the revelers have left!

Bill, the Bibliophile-Minnesota Worker #5

I love libraries
Bibliophiles are  my friends
Shall we read a book?

Minnesota Worker #4-Marvelous Madeline

Madeline  is a Volunteer Coordinator for a Unitarian parish in St. Paul.  She seems unflappable and manages to hold together many different events, helping to find people to fulfill a variety of tasks and necessary roles for the various functions at her church.

A Trend? Fashion?

A little break from the Minnesota Workers theme. . .

On a somewhat chilly Minnesota afternoon in a crowded cafe, I looked up from my journal writing and noticed two high school girls at the counter.  Short, shorts, high black boots, black stockings and some interesting tattoos.  I couldn't help but wondered what the reaction from my parents (way back when)  would have been if I had dressed like this young woman?  What would my reaction had been if this had been my daughter?  Would I have followed this fashion at her age? I puzzled over those questions as I watched the girls, but after examining a number of variables, I didn't come to any definite conclusions.  What's your reaction?

Minnesota Worker #3-Amazing Amanda

Amanda is our favorite waitperson at Cook's Restaurant on Payne Avenue in St. Paul. Cook is one of our recent culinary finds and Amanda is part of the experience that continues to draw us back for breakfast or brunch.  She is professional, charming, and friendly.  Amanda has a great sense of humor and makes all patrons feel special.  A very special woman!

Meet Marvelous Megan-Minnesota Worker #2

 Megan was a stranger about a year or so ago, but since I discovered this marvelous resource person at T-Mobile, she has become a familiar face.  She is not only charming and beautiful, but she is patient with people "of a certain age" who want to become more internet savvy.  Megan has become our private "tutor" of choice at the retail store in our neighborhood.  Whether she is conferring with a co-worker or a customer, Megan is professional and friendly. T-Mobile has been lucky to have this smart woman as an employee for the past 7 years.

Minnesota Worker

According to his co-worker John is a very hard worker.  After graduating from De La Salle  High School in Minneapolis John spent sometime in a community college but now is trying to determine which direction he should follow for his future.  In high school he loved and participated in athletics, especially enjoying both basketball and football. Friendly and helpful, John has all the qualities for success in whatever field he chooses.  In addition, he makes a terrific latte!

America's Future

During St. Paul's balmy 45 degree weather on Sunday, I noticed this enterprising young woman selling Girl Scout cookies.  17-year-old Rachel is a high school senior at a local suburban high school and has been in the Girl Scouts for 14 years, since kindergarten.   Her sash contains many badges, among them bronze, silver, and gold.  The gold, which she just recently earned, required 80 hours of community service. Rachel mentioned that it is equivalent to an Eagle Scout.  Okay, Boy Scouters, let's see you match this beautiful young woman.! Judging by her poise and motivation, our future is secure with young women like Rachel.

International Women's Day-Make it Happen!

Getty Images

To learn more about the History of International Women's Day, 

go here.

Come visit me in Mazatlán

Remember to come visit me at my Mazatlán  blog for the next two weeks.  
¡Muchas gracias!

http://kate-mazatlanmexico.blogspot.com

A Big Heart

Happy Valentine to All My Fellow Bloggers!!

Tomorrow I am flying away to Mazatlán, México.  Whoo! Hoo!!  

Warmer weather: sea, sun, and sand.

For the next few weeks, please follow me at my México blog. 

Anniversary!!

I posted this on Facebook today for Throwback Thursday, but since I am having a hard time keeping up with my blog, I decided to enthrall all of you with the same photos and message:

Throwback Thursday: Five years ago some wonderful friends gave us a great anniversary party in Mazatlán. On Tuesday of this coming week, Jim and I will celebrate our 52 BIG ONES. . . Who would have thought?! Happy Anniversary, JIm aka Jaime, Seamus, and DH! It's been a wild and wonderful ride!!~

Flying to Mazatlán Sunday.  We won't be spending this one together because Jim has some health issues, but we are celebrating together tonight!!

More literary figures

It's time for another visit to the O'Shaughnessey Library on the St Paul campus of the University of St. Thomas. A few months ago I posted three other stained glass windows of literary figures found in a small meeting room on the first floor.  There are many other delightful windows scattered around the building, and it is wonderful that they all were saved when the library was renovated several years ago.

Although some communities and academicians have criticized the teaching of Huck Finn, I enjoyed discussing the novel with my students, primarily because I felt that Jim was more of a father figure to Huck than Pap could ever be. Lots to love and criticize about its structure, characterization, and themes, but that's what a good novel fosters.

Meet Mary

 At the Women's Retreat that I have described in yesterday's and previous posts, I met Mary and immensely enjoyed our conversations.   She recently moved here from out-of-state.  Her daughter, who also lives in St. Paul, gave Mary a house-warming party to which I was invited.  There I met Mary's charming 3-year-old grand-daughter who generously shared her angel wings with her grandmother. I feel fortunate to have made two new friends: one small angel and another angel a little bit older.

Women Drumming

Remember the Women's Retreat I told you about last week?  Well, the last workshop  of the day taught drumming to those who were interested.  Before the closing reception, the talented musicians gave all of us a rousing performance of their newly-acquired musical skills.  Highly entertaining!

Winter Warmth

Well, this is one form of protection from the Minnesota low temperatures and winds during the winter! Perhaps I should try that!

Such talent!

The teachers in the Art Department in the school where I used to teach are exceptional and the students in K-12 receive terrific instructions on how to release their creative talent. These four pieces of art were made by 6th graders! The process is colored pencil on colored paper, cut out and attached to home-made paper.  Students' art pieces are currently hanging in the school Gallery.  If you are good and attentive (as well as appreciative) I'll show you more art work!

It works!!

After several weeks of repair and resortation brick and mortar work by the guys from Pixley Sweeps, we built a cozy fire for the first time in years!  Looked and felt pretty good.  Christened during the Super Bowl game last Sunday.

Writing Women

Meet my new group of Writing Women, formed January 31, 2015

"Woman Writing" by Valerie Hardy
Oil on Linen

Added later:  We had our first meeting today with six committed writers able to attend.  It's going to be a worthwhile and creative experience. We're going to "keep the fire."

"Keep the Fire"

 Last Saturday I attended the 7th Annual Women's Retreat at Unity-Unitarian Church. Because I enjoyed the one last year, I decided to attend this year as well, and I am happy that I did.  After a light breakfast, the day began with a performance by a women's acapella choir that is active in the church.  In fact, the musical program is exceptional, and is one reason I attend there.  The theme of this retreat was focused on creativity, encouraging us to inspire, create, and "keep the fire."  I attended two writing workshops, in which one resulted in some interested participants forming a writers' group. At the end of the day I skipped the third workshop, and instead I sat in a common room talking to new friends while enjoying leisure time before the closing reception.  A highly successful day all around!

My Main Man!

Happy 21st Birthday, my favorite grandson.  I will love you FOREVER and EVER!!

Theme Day: February 1, 2015-Ole' Man River

It was a difficult choice between rivers and lakes, but Ole' Man River won out!  When I initially read the proposed February theme, the Mississippi River was the first image that came to my mind.  After I thought about it for awhile, others quickly rose as possibilities: lakes, boats, kayaks and canoes, family and friends, art museums, parks, my neighborhood and library, health care, just to name a few, but it was no contest. Gotta be the Mississippi.  For laughs I thought that I'd post winter snow scenes, but I knew a few of you would call me out!

 
Check here to see what other CDP bloggers would miss if they left their home town.