JOY IN NATURE! AND BEYOND!!

Recently I read a quote by Karl Barth which said, "Joy is the simplest form of gratitude."  That definitely reflects my belief, and simple as it might be, I try to find joy in every day, wherever and whatever that might be. Some of those days might be filled with unexpected difficulties and pain, but there is joy to be found, and above all, in nature.  I love being anywhere near water, and if there's a wooded trail nearby,  I

have found immense joy, for which I am extremely grateful.  A few days ago I discovered an idyllic area of the Twin Cities, with both a beautiful small lake and a long winding trail which leads to a very pretty regional park.  I just sat and watched the wildlife on the lake for about

an hour before I headed out on the trail.  These are some of the photographs I took and hope that you will enjoy.  

And as Shakespeare said, "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

BOB DYLAN, A MUSICAL GENIUS!

Bob Dylan, a Minnesota legend--singer, songwriter, and fabulous artist, once said, "Take care of all your memories.  For you can not relive them."  A good reminder for all of us, coming from a musical genius who has been recording for more than 50 years--folk, blues, country, gospel, and now has 30 new recordings of classic American songs in a three-disc album.  He's won 11 Grammies, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe.  He's a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.  In addition, in 2016 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama, as well as the Nobel Prize in Literature.  Remarkable achievements.  

Bob Dylan was born in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota.  Much of his work is from the 1960's, including "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are-A-Changin," and "Like a Rolling Stone." He's sold more than a hundred million records through the years.  

As I was recently walking down Hennepin Avenue in

Minneapolis, I spotted an incredibly beautiful mural of Bob 
Dylan.  I stood and just stared at it, feeling mesmerized. I doubt that I've seen any mural more stunning.  Hope you enjoy it too, and appreciate the brilliance of a world class singer and artist that Minnesotans will always remember with great pride.

A PERFECT SETTING--THE MINNEAPOLIS SCULPTURE GARDEN!

Minneapolis, in addition to having numerous professional sports teams, has a world class sculpture garden. It's located

close to Loring Park and the Basilica of St. Mary. The pedestrian bridge connects the sculpture garden to Loring Park.  Yesterday I was excited to visit its re-opening after the long awaited re-dedication.  Seventeen new sculpture pieces were included. On a very hot day it was still thrilling to see all the beautiful new sculptures and learn about artists who were new to me and what motivated their work.  

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden includes 19 acres and is

now part of the Walker Art Center.  It's one of the largest sculpture gardens in the U.S.  It opened in 1988. The most well-known feature of it is the Spoonbridge and Cherry fountain. Minneapolis has often been called the Minneapple.  It has a very vibrant art culture, second only to New York.

I've included photos of some of

the sculptures I saw yesterday.

It was a very fun and festive day.  Next time I want to also take a tour of the Walker Art Center, which is a dynamic and exciting place of its own.  Just one more reason to spend some time in Minneapolis this summer.  The City of Lakes has much to offer, including second-to-none bike trails! 

MINNEHAHA PARK AND WATERFALLS--IN ALL ITS BEAUTY!!

One of my absolute favorite places to visit in Minneapolis, (my home), is Minnehaha Park and the beautiful waterfalls you discover as you enter the park. The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a wonderful poem about it in the 1850's called Song of Hiawatha. It made the waterfalls famous nationally.  I find myself often drawn to the statue of Hiawatha and Minnehaha and the plaque of more than one hundred years ago commemorating it.

I've been lucky to have lived nearby Minnehaha Park at one time in the 1970's and now to be able to hop on a bus and be there about an hour later. It's a magnificent place. If you should ever visit Minneapolis, don't miss it.

THE SWEET FRESH LOOK OF SPRING!

I missed spring at home a year ago due to travels, so this year it

feels exhilarating to be out enjoying all the delightful parks and
lakes and trails in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.  This year both

Minneapolis and St. Paul won awards for being the top park systems in the U.S.  Although I sometimes complain about this

area in the winter, it is truly an exceptional place to live.  And here are just a few pictures to show it.  My camera is new--not fancy or exceptional--but I love being able to use it nearly everywhere. I hope to visit the new Minneapolis sculpture garden within the next week and proudly display another part of the vibrant art scene of my adopted hometown.  In the meantime, I hope these photos help express my love of nature
and this wonderful state.