Living the Talk – NEIGHBORLAND

Thursday, since I was at Sister Kenney for PT,  I took a mini-break from my normal day and headed over to Whittier to check on the BEFORE I DIE storefront window.  As I turned off 26th onto Stevens, there it was – and a small gathering stood before it – reading the entries and contributing their thoughts in the provided blanks…people empowered to share their thoughts and dreams in public, in their own neighborhood, as part of an arts project!  It was amazing.

And yes, it motivated me to do my part as well – not only to add to the BEFORE I DIE stories, but later, I deviated from my normal daily walk along the river and chose instead, to meander down Nicollet taking in the sights and sounds of an early Farmer’s Market /street food ritual of summers in Minneapolis; and then cut over to Hennepin for an up close and personal stop under the three interactive signs that day and night are asking for input from all of us about our vision for Hennepin Avenue.

Yes, even in my splints, – me – who does not communicate generally via texting, added my own dream for Hennepin Avenue to the input – an intracultural gateway to the riverfront…planned as a permanent gathering for celebrations of all kinds- to the growing list of dreams being assembled as part of Plan It Hennepin, and the Neighborland experience.

And what fun to get an IMMEDIATE reply; thanking me for my idea and encouraging me to check in at the Neighborland site to follow the ensuing discussion.

It made for a great day – although I am sure those other pedestrians I met as I made my way north on Hennepin to the river and home, wondered what in the world was up with that crazy woman  they had just passed – who couldn’t quit smiling!

Keep an eye on those billboards – maybe you will see my idea up in lights and hopefully, you, too, will be motivated to take part in this community effort and will share YOUR thoughts for how we make Hennepin Avenue the cultural corridor of Minneapolis from the Walker to the riverfront!

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Over the years, I have been fairly active in the arts and culture scene here in the metro area. From long time memberships at the MIA and MHS to rotating season tickets for the Guthrie to the MN Orchestra, Hennepin Trust Theatres and local dance and theatre companies through-out the area, I sampled and enjoyed what MSP had to offer. I’ve had concert series tickets, dance and lecture series tickets at the University, and was a frequent visitor to the Dakota at Bandana in its first iteration-not to mention the occasional event from the Penumbra to ballet to a jazz concert to an exhibit at the Science Museum, the Walker, or the Soap Factory that caught my interest. I’ve experienced the wonderful world of the Capri with friends, many a neighborhood arts crawl, and a variety of culturally diverse pageants and celebrations-not to mention some absolutely wonderful fund-raising events that support the local arts and culture scene. I was even privileged to assist with events in conjunction with the opening of the new Guthrie and the re-newed Walker.

But one medium I have never experienced either here or during my extensive world travels in my youth was the opera. I am not sure why – mostly, I think, because it seemed intimidating. I had never been exposed; I was sure I would not understand it; and more certain that I would not like it. Although I had been intrigued by the Grapes of Wrath production, time passed, and I missed the opportunity to experience it.

But last night, a dear friend invited me to the closing performance of the Minnesota Opera season – Salome, and a whole new world opened up before me-proving once again, I guess, that it is never too late to learn! The English captioning certainly helped- as did I think, that it was in German- where if I really concentrated, I could understand a phrase or two along the way. I was captivated and so glad I accepted the invitation.

This morning, I found myself re-reading the program and making a note to get tickets – at least for the Garden of the Finzi-Continis next April – if not some of the earlier productions!

So another wonderful Spring Weekend – from a field trip with a friend to explore Target Plaza and traverse its entire circumference; then on to a visit to the Arboretum to see the 36,000 blooming tulips, early spring blossoming trees, and lunch; to helping another friend do a set for a special family wedding being filmed for TV, and then, after a nap, off to a great dinner and conversation followed by the Ordway for the opera; to finally, to spending a rainy Sunday afternoon by myself-browsing amongst the book stacks-as I think and puzzle about a pending consulting opportunity. What more could one wish for?

I’m sure with that kind of weekend, I will be well-poised for a great week. Here’s hoping the same to all of you!