PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK
because I forgot to take pictures...
They claim their kernels are smaller, so they don’t get stuck in your teeth. I generally agree!
Minneapolis is really (not that) cold!
Or, I like what I’ve already got, but had no idea until I wanted it.
Some things you just have to experience to believe. I’ve spent much of my life living in places where winter meant temperatures around 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. I was always cold. And now I live in San Francisco, and find it chilly in the 50’s. But going to Minneapolis knowing the temperature were going to be around 6 or 7 degrees, I wasn’t prepared for it to not feel that bad! I’m guessing it has been so cold so long, the air is very dry, and the sunny days made it feel no worse than 30ish degrees. Which I expect you to doubt! I’m sure I would just reading it, but it’s one of those things you have to experience to believe…
Why go somewhere I thought may be awful? For years I’ve wanted to see the Art Shanties, artist made huts out on a frozen lake. And they were great! Each one had a unique service or experience inside. One let you notarize an official, if nonsensical, proclamation with an actual notary. Another a small boat that rocked back and forth. Another that was a tomb to the unknown minnow. All out there for a month on the ice. I was really impressed with their dedication, their production/performance level, as well as the amount of fun they were having!
My host was the wonderful Al Daniels. We got a tour of the inspiring costume shop they work at, making mostly of Henson character costumes. I even learned some of the tricks they use to make them look more lifelike! Al also took me to a great cafe with a downstairs pinball arcade and we explored the nuances of smoked fish! (A food I am going to have to spend more time with!)
Al also suggested we go to the Walker’s Museums showing of The Little Box Sauna - a custom built sauna trailer. I didn’t know much about it, but I love mobile art and spa/sauna stuff, so it seemed like a great idea. It was truly lovely, well thought out and lovingly executed. The running outside in a swimsuit to cool down really confused the other museum patrons! The artist and her dad were there, andy they had a great story: she was a professor in architecture, she designed it with another person and her dad worked on the build. permitting was a challenge, but those sorts of challenges that aid civic growth. She also spoke of traveling all over the world and the different sorts of spas she had visited across many countries.
At some point, I could feel a ray of jealousy rise up: how great to have an art practice that would compel you to see the world through spas and culture around them! I wish I had an art practice like that! And, then, much to my internal embrasement, a small voice in me said, “you do.” I mean, there I was in an mobile art thing in a place I’ve never been, exchanging ideas with like minded folk, compelled by an art practice of mobile art and civic engagement.
It was an odd experience to sharply want something, then realize I already had it. It was interesting to see something so starkly and then realize how lucky I am.
But, some things you just have to experience to believe.
Evening In Missoula tea! It’s a blend, and it smells like Dr. Pepper!
We saw a table and chairs affixed to a ceiling. We talked about how to make mirrors to put under trees to make it look like you are flying in the sky. This paint came up. You spray on the reverse side. On the side you spray, it is a bit grey. But on the other side, it’s a mirror!
Have you used it? Do you recommend it?
