I Can Walk the Walk

2006-07-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Views from the lounge at the Guthrie. You can see for miles and miles.

Things I saw on my ride the other night:
1. 2 shirtless men working in their yards. (different yards, that is)

2. A dead turtle.

3. A can of opened beans in the underpass on the Kenilworth bike path. Reminded me of Jitterbug Perfume. Who was chomping down some pork and beans under the bridge?

4. Super skinny man in all red bike getup. Can bike enthusiasts bike without all the silly looking gear?

5. Orange chair at Lazor flat pak house? Where'd you get that cool butterfly chair, Charlie? I gots to me one.

2006-06-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

This tree came down during a recent storm. It looked to be about 100 years old and just snapped. When I got out to capture it on my digital camera, this old man saw me and asked if I wanted to get my picture taken in front of it, which I found odd but kind of cool.

I was out earlier tonight and I noticed several trends going on that I have to comment on. First, the faux hawk. Yes, it won't go away, but it should. But then again, men have limited hair options, so I guess they have to hold onto something seminally cool for as long as possible. Then there was the overload of ironic rock tees. I draw the line at men wearing unicorns and rainbows. It's just trying to hard. Then there was the moppy, greasy look. Why are boys resorting to bad, 70's style dos? There's got to be a better way. For the women, I guess it was those peasant tops that make you wonder if they're pregnant. Another surprising trend was the shaved head, severly cropped hair look. I give it up to the girls for having the moxie to pull it off. I have short hair and sometimes get shit but to go Sinead, skinhead ... it takes guts. I like to spend time watching those around me react to music and their friends. Sometimes it's way more interesting than the bands.

2006-06-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Very "Lord of the Rings" looking tree that I came across in Kenwood.

These two people have been strolling down the avenue, about 2 hours now, peddling water. Not sure why they are doing this or who's buying, but really, I wish they'd stop, as their yelling is rather obnoxious. What is this...a baseball game? "Get your ice cold water". If it's not the churchgoers bearing anti-war signs that produce hours of honking, now we have these people? Maybe if I go out there and buy up all of their stock they'll pack up shop and let me read in peace? I can only wish.

2006-06-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Spotted these young Hmong dancers around 9th and Hennepin for the Mosaic Festival. I complimented their flashy costumes. They told me they hand-sew them.

Right now, it's that "sweet light" time of day, when the United Methodist church in my neighborhood turns all these glorious shades of dark yellow and orange, that combined with the shadows -- it makes the church and its spires look like something right out of Medieval times. I'm looking right now and I see some people up near the belfry...how odd? I've never seen anyone up there before. Maybe if you become a member you get a sneak peak at the bells, like a members only perk? Some officials from that church kept calling me late last year, asking me to come to a service (trying to convert me or something?) because I was complaining on e-mail that their "no war" signs that they held on neon-colored posterboard were prompting too much honking along the avenue where I live and I liked to sleep in on a Sunday, so could they limit their peace demos to a new place and time? I don't think they appreciated that, but I'd burn in hell if I can catch a few more moments of shut eye on my day off. They've since stopped, so perhaps I converted them?

2006-06-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the inside of the Alligator Car Trunk that I got a sneak peak inside at the Minneapolis Mosaic Arts Festival. You might see this guy's art car driving around town, but the inside is even cooler. Framed pics, reptiles, rhinestones -- all around weird, cool, stuff. I spoke to the car owner briefly, this wacky art guy who concocted his machine, piece by piece. I was curious to know how much his car was worth, as he told he had to rebuild the engine again. He couldn't say, but let's just say, like one of those Kodak silly commercials...priceless. He probably thought I was some adjuster, but really, this car is one amazing piece of art on wheels. He loves to have people check it out.

It was an interesting weekend, indeed. I strolled home, past the Mpls Sculpture Garden to catch some of Catch the Flag, organized by Matt Bakkom. I happened upon a few hundred eager and anxious souls who were involved in the game. It was the adult version of hide-n-seek, and sanctioned from the powers that be, as they don't oftentimes let 200 people run around in there when it's dark. It was cool to see all these kids, the red and blue teams, running to-and-fro in the Garden, darting around, getting aggressive, getting into the spirit of the game. I caught two love-birds near the Cowles Garden making out, which is what I eagerly expected when you're trying to break out of the other team's prison.

I was heading home when some drunk man who kept telling me his name was Dean Koontz struck up a lively conversation with me. People here tend to keep to themselves so when some oddball does get chatty, I find it amusing. He wondered why the saying "cute as a button" exists...wondering if there are cute buttons. I didn't have an answer so I pondered and walked on. On my exit, the drunkard complimented me on my hair, so hey, I'll take what I can get.

2006-06-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

I was on the bike trails today when I came across an interesting formation on this tree. Not sure what the bulbous matter is but it resembled broccoli.

I got a chance to stop at two beaches and trek through some really dense trails around Cedar Lake today. Prior to the nature spree, I took in Frank Big Bear's work at Todd Bockley's gallery in Kenwood. Amazing stuff. Go see www.bockleygallery.com for more info. Late last year I had the pleasure of seeing Frank's son's work at the Plains Art Museum in Fargo. Star Wallowing Bull is his name and his work is equally as breathtaking. Both work in colored pencil and they utilize it in the most saturated and vibrant way.

Going back to the beaches note: Cedar Lake (southeast corner of the lake) is not bad, no lifeguard, a little rocky, but clean for a public beach and not too crowded. Hidden Beach was kind of full, and much to my dismay, no nudity or potsmoking, as it's so famous for. Hippie boys outnumber the women andI didn't spot too many little kids, if screaming and splashing are not your thing. I encountered several very secluded spots along the trails, where one could pull up a book and take it easy, which is just what I did on a dock where two young boys were fishing.

2006-06-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Does bimbo mean something different in Spanish? I saw this truck parked in front of a Mexican supermarket and found it funny and strange. Who's the marketing genius who said "Let's put a bear above the name Bimbo. That'll sell a ton of bakery items."

What's up with the people who honk needlessly at people on bikes? I mean, I don't take up that much space on the road and I obey all the road rules. I had some chick in a fat ass SUV honking like a nutjob at me tonight. It does rile me up but I don't want to go head to head with a dum-dum, so I try to pedal onward, snickering at the part where I can pedal faster than her white Escalade that cost her a mint. That's the best part when I beat someone to a light when I'm on just a mere hybrid two-wheeler. Put that in your gas tank and smoke it.

2006-05-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

No pictures today. Today is Bunny's b-day and that means pure decadence and enjoying life to the fullest. No work, no worries, no stresses...just pure enjoyable good times with myself and other friends. Tomorrow's a different story, but for one day each year, there is nothing wrong in the universe, just fun and frolic.

Upon reflection on another year on the planet, I wish to change many things, but change has to begin slowly. Today I apologized to someone for my misinterpretation of a series of events. As I get older, I realize I need to be accountable for my actions and apologize when I f-up. I strive to be better, but there are those moments when I act hastily. Thankfully I've been forgiven and can put this to rest and feel a bit more free.

So cheers to this day and I am signing off to watch the glorious sunset and soak in these precious spring moments.

2006-05-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing this artist's work on various dumpsters, electrical boxes, and public areas around town. I even saw one along the Greenway bikepath near Cedar, so it's spreading.

Glorious sunshine. What beautiful, if not slightly hot weather?! I don't mind hot. I am making strides to turn on the air conditioner, but something about being hot for a change...it is a long-forgotten but great feeling.

Cedar Lake felt exhilerating, once you get over that initial jolt to your senses. It was great to be on the beach, being a bum. These are the best days of the year.

2006-05-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Who knew the Big K incorporated a cool mural on the backside of their building? Unless you enter onto the Greenway from Nicollet, you would never see this beauty.

The Greenway bikepath is one of the best places to be in the city on a sunny, weekday. There's little bike and foot traffic and Vera's Garden is one of the best spots to think. Yesterday's excursion was enough to make me consider phoning into work with a sudden ailment, but duty called and luckily coming in around 11 am got me some prime time outside. There's some restaurant along that path, closer to Uptown that has the BEST smell coming from it. The smell permeates the path, so when I find out who's creating this scent, I'll report further.

Along my journey to get to work, I snuck into Steeple People. Sometimes that place has some fantastic deals. I was eyeing a cool tray there earlier this week that was in their window display, and to my dismay, it was gone. Ya gotta be quick! This is the one small problem with walking or biking to work, you notice more, you stop more, you buy more. If more people walked/biked, imagine how that could boost our economy? Why aren't the economists talking to me?

The Mpls Central Library is opening this Sunday. I am so excited. The design has people talking but from the advance tours and tidbits I'm hearing, it should be a spectacle to behold. Hey, the bus is free tomorrow, so save your precious gas fumes and hop on for a free ride.

2006-05-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

I found Eugene Ross II's wallet on the ground yesterday when I was riding to work. It was in the middle of the street, on Hennepin Ave, in one of the busiest intersections in the city. No cash, only a driver's license and some business cards.

I called 411 and no listing for him. I found a meal card that had been stamped many times, so I figured this might lead to something. Kozy Kitchen in Pine City knew Eugene, but school was out and no one was around. The old man who answered thought it was nice that I cared enough to call to track down Eugene about his missing wallet. I've lost too many wallets in the past, so I figured this would be good karma for later on.

The police just told me to drop it off at the downtown precinct. I wonder if Eugene is looking for this or if he got mugged and someone tossed it out? Now I'm rather curious what this leather wallet was doing in the middle of the street. Eugene lives up near Moorhead, so it's odd that his Kenneth Cole Reaction wallet was getting run over by morning traffic. Maybe this is a piece to some puzzle? I think I've been watching too many of those CSI shows.

2006-05-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

The Concretes from Sweden. I bow to thee, dearly.

This Swedish band rocked out and was so wonderful and heartfealt and dear. I might've been one of their oldest fans, but g.d, they have the harmonies and hooks and singular, deep moments down to a tee, that I can't boast more. Check these Swedish puppies out on iTunes and rock solid, which is exactly what I did at their show. I heart them and those harmonies, combined with the horns and keyboards. It made me yearn for lovesick days, spent hovered over a notebook, pouring my heart about my beau and my cat and my mum. They will be HUGE, well, more so with the Paxil crowd, butI gurantee you that London calls their name (which is where they are off to next) and makes them big and you'll be sorry you weren't one of the 60 people who knew them in the day. They were so sweet and tender, but these delicate Scandinavian lads and lasses understand the break up/love song very precisely. I love the lead singer's sexy, breathy vocals and what Peter kept saying was her "brownie uniform".

2006-05-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Photo: The Atomic Living Room Project.

After an exhaustive few days of pelting rain, finally...a few moments of sunshine today to remind me that it's not always going to be a bleak, desolate place. I spent a lazy Friday afternoon tucked under goose and chenille, reinvestigating "Norwegian Wood" and enjoying the pure, decadent pleasure of a late afternoon deep nap. It was lovely as can be, especially when a little motor boat, a.k.a. my cat, was embedded into my armpit, happy to nuzzle and keep me warm. Aahhh...the simple pleasures.

Where the F*&^%! is Icebox Gallery? Went around in circles and squares and back again looking for that place with the f-ing Bob Dylan photo exhibition? Does it exist? I must really suck at directions or it's in the most obscure location EVER. Nothing frustrates me more than being lost, but now I'm on a mission to hunt down this place and never forget for future reference. Off to listen to Susana Baca's new CD, Travesias, and unwind, unplug, and page through a new fashion photo book I picked up. Cheerio.

2006-05-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Have you seen her? Tell me have you seen her?

I caught this scene near an intersection on Hennepin Avenue last night on the way home from work. Yes, it's him again, up to some project or god knows what. The Artist Formerly Known as Scott Seekins was standing near rush hour traffic, in his white suit, in the pouring rain last night, with a cardboard sign that asked "Have you seen her?", while a photographer (not in the shot) was snapping pics. I saw Scott about a month ago, standing in the bus shelter, holding a cardboard sign and at that time I wondered if it was some ploy at getting attention, ie: starving artist working it on the street corners, or his schtick on all the homeless with signs in the area. I'm sure it raised a brow or two for the evening commuters. Hopefully he got a buck or two from passerbys.

2006-05-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

This owl ornament was set up on the side of an apartment building. It didn't make any sense in the spot where it was erected, but I appreciated some apartment dweller's attempt at a semblance of a mini sculpture garden. Perhaps the owl scares off breeding bunnies?

I was strolling home last night and noticed a beautiful ripe bush of sweet lilacs hanging heavily over my head. The blooms were lushly calling me from the sidewalk to pick them, at least that's what I thought I heard, but it couldv'e been the ringing in my ears from the earlier party. Nevertheless, I snapped several branches and wrapped them in my hands and marched home. Something about a woman carrying a handful of flowers when she's strutting down one of the main thoroughfares of town....it gets a few yells and honks. Not exactly the kind of attention I strive for, I should've known better, but I didn't want to duck onto dimly lit side streets. The fragrant purple blooms are sitting in a glass jar, nicely arranged on my windowsill. Is it wrong to pick bushes from the street? There are tons of lilacs all over my neighborhood, including the park, so curious if it's wrong to steal beauty in this manner?

2006-05-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

Funny parking sign I found today.

I was walking home and was standing on a busy streetcorner, waiting for the crosswalk sign to change. A woman pushing the walk signal button said, "Hey, if you look behind you at the church...I give it 5 years". I turned to see a cheery Saturday Methodist wedding, guests gayly dressed in their spring colors with updos and ties. She went on to say, "Most marriages end in divorce, 5 in 10, so why do people still honor this institution?" I didn't really have something deep to add, but chimed in, "Oh well, at least if they get good gifts, that'll lessen the regrets". I found it odd that a normal-looking female struck up a conversation with me, it seemed so un-Minnesotan. I mean, people don't often strike up conversations with me on streetcorners unless they're a bit odd. She bid farewell after we exchanged a few pleasantries. Turned out she increased her stride and got several paces ahead of me and walked up the stairs to my building. It's so funny to know that for a moment we weren't strangers, but alas, we are. I don't think I'm completely disenchanted with the concept of marriage but I like the idea of a strong woman just saying what's on her mind. It's refreshing. Maybe it helps to tell strangers our deep thoughts and convictions?

2006-05-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry this picture is not so great. I happened upon it during my walk to the coffee shop this AM and thought it was cool. I may try to go back with my real camera and capture it better.

Last night while out, I ended up at my neighborhood watering hole, up near the front counter, a seat at the end. Luck would have it that the woman sitting next to me happened to be the woman who used to date my ex-beau before I did. I don't think she realized it was me, as my hair changed, I was wearing glasses. We had met before at a party, he introduced us to one another, and she was cool that I was now dating him. Cie la vie, all was fine. Well, that was until she kept calling him, late at night on the weekends, with the premise that she wanted to know when this supposed mix CD he promised her was coming out. There's a general understanding that your ex-girl shouldn't be ringing you late at night to chat when he's with someone new. I was fine with it at first, but her calls persisted, even after I asked him to tell her to buzz off. Nevertheless, she continued, and over time things unraveled, so I'm not with this guy any longer. It really irked me and I have seen this woman around at parties and art openings and never felt like mentioning it, as it's in the past, but somehow, it still bugs me that she was a clueless twit during that time. I kept wondering how it would play out if I turned to her and told her I thought she was a total moron, but opted not to be an instigator, and kept to myself, drank my wine and took off. Funny how things could have gone, but I'd rather think about it vs. acting on it in real life.

2006-05-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

I found this guy strumming himself to the captive audience of the recycling bins, back by an apartment dumpster.

2006-05-02T02:47:00.000-07:00

A tagger after my own heart.

2006-04-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

This ironwork reminded me of yesterday's tag.

Today I saw two cars drive the wrong way down a very busy part of Hennepin Ave. How odd? This was during daylight, so not sure if the rain is causing people to drink heavily and drive, but that's my only guess. We got a bit spoiled last week with all the lovely weather, that this constant downpour is causing people to do crazy things.

Wrath of The Deli Nazi

2006-04-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing this image around town. It's a happy tag that doesn't seem like a lot of the random, crass grafitti.

What a crap, rainy day today, reminscient of London in October. Brrrr! I was making my way towards home and decided to stop into this deli to pick up a quick bite, as I was in a hurry before I had to run off to see a show tonight. It was kind of busy and this woman working at the deli appeared to be working solo. She got severely bent out of shape when I asked for some condiment, which meant she had to take a step back and throw it on. I realize some people like to stick to some defined order in the way they do things, as straying from the format it causes their brain to short circuit and steam comes out, but the way she reacted, you would have thought I requested her to scrap the previous sandwich and start over from scratch. I wasn't in the mood to have a showdown with this woman, as obviously her less-than-congenial attitude was triggered by stress, but c'mon lady, get over it. She wanted to make me suffer more, as if my request was that taxing, by taking her sweet ol' time wrapping up my sandwich to go, s-l-o-w-l-y ringing me up, acting like she had all the time in the world to linger and contemplate the connectivity of the universe (or lack thereof, in this case). I swear... one, I'll never return, as I don't like being reprimanded by someone comparable to The Soup Nazi, and second, the sandwich was sub-standard (get it?). Ohhh....groan. First time, last time...that's the mantra of a good friend and I'll use that for the moral of today's story.

2006-04-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Cool car spotted on a rainy morning.

2006-04-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Me and my Arrow. (actually me and my shadow, but if you know "The Point" by Harry Neilsen, there's a song in it by this name).

Scott Seekins, the artist formerly known as himself, strolling down the avenue in his white costume and red flats. I thought the white came out after Memorial Day. Rebel.

2006-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I don't have pics today. I just got so swamped and was riding my bike to-n-fro', which still made me take notice of various things, but not the keen observations that I attempt to make when I'm strolling along the avenues of this fair town.

I was noticing all these cool, chartreuse-colored leafy things piling up in the cracks of the street today, which looked like nature's confetti. I'm sure there are riddled with allergens and will send me straight to the medicine cabinet for a Claritin fix, but they look so cool, so wispy and colorful. I wish I had a whole bag to run my fingers through.

I also noticed more and more lost pets signs all over the 'hood but no pics. I am befuddled as to how any pet owner could really find their lost pet based on some black and white text, then sloppily stapled to a pole. I felt sad for all those people who didn't have pics of their little lovelies. I almost wonder if their pets packed up their rucksack based on lack of animal exposure. I would...I mean if you're cute, you need exposure.

I saw Jem Cohen's film, "Chain", which made me utterly depressed about American life -- everything looks the same when it comes to chain stores, suburbs, motels of this American pie. How bland, cold, and utterly void of feeling or thought. A real upbeat film! Run and see it now! Actually, Jem has an acute eye-- fixating for moments at a time on strange, surreal scenes. Something makes me think Jem walks a lot and notices the minutae of life. I went away realizing we fixate too much on our jobs and in the end, "Why?" -- it's important, but so it having a life. Damn if I'm going to the MegaSprawl for a while. Damn, if I'll be toiling until the wee hours at my cubicle.

On a completely different note, I met the Princess of Norway, who visited my workplace. My coworkers and I were a little unclear if we were supposed to address her as "m'aam" or "your Highness" or "Princess". In the end, she was a regular person, just said "hello my name is Martha Louise" and was sweet and gracious. She didn't wear a crown or any royal jewels, just a regular looking young woman with two children. I didn't cursty or bow, just a handshake. I'll have to bone up on my royalty protocol, as I'm not sure how it's all done.

Until tomorrow.

2006-04-26T02:18:00.000-07:00

Springtime tulips -- short but sweet.

How would anyone find their cat this way?

2006-04-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Pig gargoyle near a Whittier brownstone.

Cool tag in Wedge neighborhood.

A storefront apartment with a penchant for Chicken Little and Buddha.

2006-04-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

Springtime in Minneapolis

2006-04-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here's an odd-shaped lemon that a Wedge employee crafted into a bear or some animal, courtesy of a permanent marker. This was sitting near the coffee area when I first stopped in around 2:30 pm. Later, I returned to the store to buy coffee and it had migrated to the seafood/meat area where a Wedge employee working behind the counter kissed this lovely lemon on the lips. I guess the meat/fish guys get lonely degutting shrimp all day. Sorry for the quality. It was taken with my cellphone camera due to forgetting the Canon at home.

The second shot we have here is a nice little ditty, oh mean titty pic from a wall near Arise! Bookstore. How quaint? Maybe I'll send that to Cindy Crawford, as she married a man who's the heir to the Gerber Baby fortune and I'm sure she'd find this cute as can be! A must-have for her supermodel baby's room.

Lastly, we have a shot from the picturesque Vera's Garden, near the Greenway on Lyndale. Really nicely-kept plot with wildflowers, tulips, bonzais, benches to warm yourself in the sun. Quite lovely and meditative.

2006-04-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic from my recent walk. Could be considered a lovely scene or rather sinister? I couldn't decide, so you can decide for yourself.

Each day I'll post my findings and pics from my exciting travels to-and-from work. I never consider any day boring, just undiscovered adventures.

Yesterday on my way in, I got called "m'am" and was asked directions, which surprisingly, I gave without confusing the van driver more. I think of myself more as "miss" so please don't insult me that early in the day or I'll send you to Brooklyn Center!

Then I ran into a woman who was trying to corral her dog. While trying to get her terrier to come back inside her brownstone, I found out she got the dog from the Humane Society and he was rescued from a puppy mill. Ah...good feelings all over, well, sort of. He's probably insane and was kept in a closed room with horribly sanitary conditions. Good luck, lady on raising a little pooch like that in your little
apartment. She kept yelling his name to get him to come inside, like a crazy, mixed-up dog like that knows its new name? Hardly.