Monthly Archives: February 2012

Right on Target

Bullseye
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February 28th, 2012|General|Comments Off on Right on Target

Copper Elephant

Copper Elephant
   365.58

February 28th, 2012|General, Photography|Comments Off on Copper Elephant

Windows Next Door

Porthole
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Today’s photo hunt was a quick one. My friend Carly says you shouldn’t have to look too far to find something interesting to shoot. And so, here are the windows next door.

February 27th, 2012|General, Photography|Comments Off on Windows Next Door

Art Faux Real

Lifelike
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Saturday morning included a visit to the Walker Art Center and its new exhibit, Lifelike. Contemporary art can be harder for me to absorb because my interpretation often calls me to question “What is art?” But, perhaps that’s precisely the point. While art certainly reflects the creativity and interpretation of the artist, a work of art also becomes something to be interpreted by viewers who observe it, react to it, admire it, and maybe even question it. Based on each viewer’s life experiences and creativity, art can have vastly different interpretations and meanings. And in that sense, the study or reflection on a work of art is as relevant as the art itself.

Art museums are important because they not only give visitors the best possible stage to see the art, but also experience the art. You can better appreciate the scope of a large work, or the fine detail of a painting or sculpture, by walking around it from different vantage points and seeing it three-dimensionally. Museums are also a shared experience, if you take notice to watch and listen to others as they interpret the art in their own unique ways. Museum staffer Carol was on hand to share info about the Lifelike exhibit, the museum itself, as well as offer tips on the best vantage point for photos. It’s clear she has enthusiasm for the arts.

I left the museum with an increased appreciation for contemporary art, and I’ll be back for more than Lifelike as a new, card-carrying member. If you’re in the Twin Cities, you can visit the Walker Art Center Tuesday-Sunday, on Target Free Thursday evenings, or Free First Saturdays.

En route to my car, I stopped in the Cowles Conservatory to warm up a bit and snap a few pics. More photos below.

Carol
Carol, Walker Art Center museum staff

MushroomsMushrooms (or are they?)

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - ConservatoryThanks to the couple who visited at just the right moment to make this photo.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Monkey Vines

February 26th, 2012|Minneapolis, People|Comments Off on Art Faux Real

Entusiasmo

Dictionary
    365.55

Me entusiasma el trabajo…the best work is the kind you have enthusiasm for (or entusiasmo), and it often leads to the best results. And if at times you feel far from fired up, at least find something to be enthusiastic about. Every job has aspects you might not choose, but as the FISH! philosophy advises, you can always choose your attitude.

FISH! Philosophy - Choose Your Attitude

February 26th, 2012|General|Comments Off on Entusiasmo

Mizuno

Mizuno running shoes
    365.54

Sometimes you just need a good cardio workout for a mental detox from the day. Music helps me power through, and I tried a new mix on my run tonight. Not my favorite playlist, but I’m quite certain it’s unique!

What’s your favorite workout music?

Tonight’s playlist:
1. Run-Around by Blues Traveler
2. Turn Up the Music by Chris Brown
3. Allouette by Delta Rhythm Boys
4. We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris) by Rihanna
5. Different by Ximena Sariñana
6. Miss Little Havana by Gloria Estefan
7. Any Way You Want It by Journey
8. Hero by Pat McGee

 

February 23rd, 2012|General|Comments Off on Mizuno

Ashes

Ashes
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Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.

February 22nd, 2012|General|Comments Off on Ashes

Pretzel Chicken Fingers

Pretzel Chicken
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This recipe is proof you should pre-test your recipes before inviting company over. Or, that your multiplication factors were off. Or that you should read the ingredients list more carefully. Let’s just say last week’s version was not fit for photos.

I rewarded myself for my blogging efforts this week with a new camera lens, to take better low light photos, food photography and portraits. Food photography is challenging, and even more so when you’re under pressure to finish, so your guests can eat! These pretzel nuggets go great with beer. And fortunately, after hosting a second happy hour in less than a week, I now have room to stock actual groceries in my fridge.

Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers
Ingredients:
(Makes 1 serving, so multiply accordingly for more guests.)
3 T. honey mustard  (not honey mustard salad dressing)
2 T. fat-free liquid egg substitute
5 oz. chicken breast, cut into strips
2 dashes salt
2 dashes black pepper
1 oz. (about 10) hard salted pretzels, finely crushed
2 tsp. sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix honey mustard and eggs in a small bowl. Season chicken with salt and pepper and marinate in the mustard-egg mixture for 5 minutes.

To crush the pretzels, use a rolling pin over a Ziploc bag. Mix crushed pretzels with sugar and spread mixture on a plate. Spray the baking sheet with nonstick spray.

Coat the chicken with the pretzel mixture and then transfer to the baking sheet. Mist the tops of the strips with nonstick spray. Bake for about 10 minutes, flip chicken and bake another 10 minutes or until cooked through.

February 22nd, 2012|Food & Drink|Comments Off on Pretzel Chicken Fingers

Parallelogram Windows

Windows
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Already, I grow anxious for days with longer daylight. It’s so much easier and better to take photos with natural light. I promptly left the office at closing time in search of my next subject, and I stumbled upon the building next to mine with two lights burning bright.

February 21st, 2012|General|Comments Off on Parallelogram Windows

The Emerald City

Minneapolis skyline
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Heading northbound on 35W, the drive into downtown Minneapolis reminds me a lot of the Emerald City. From the outer ring suburbs at night, you see an equivalent yellow brick road with street lights dotting a winding road and leading to a skyline that appears to rise on a hill. From the promise it held as an aspiring college freshman to today as an adult returning to work downtown, I never grow tired of seeing this view.

P.S. The Target semi truck was completely coincidental.

February 21st, 2012|Minneapolis|Comments Off on The Emerald City