TRESemme Saves the Day

I have been spending much time preparing for a weekend in my home town, Forest City, Iowa.  The weekend included a city wide garage sale and a photo shoot...My man, R.R., came with me and was able to snap a few shots of the photo shoot in progress...one of his photos is posted here.  More from the photographer to come at a later date!

It was an interesting day. 

The plan was to head to Heritage Park and take some shots with my photographer's father's '57 Ford, but upon awakening on Sunday morning (the day of the shoot) it was dreary and raining.  Needless to say, I was a bit pessimistic about the prospects of the day.  My hair has historically been very temperamental when it comes to humidity (as I'm sure many of you curly haired people know).  I stood in the hair care aisle in Pamida that morning for nearly 20 minutes deciding (and undeciding) what "humidity control" and "curl boosting" products to rely upon.  I settled on TRESemme - Climate Control Mousse and was very pleasantly surprised.  Hair care products for curls can be so hit and miss...which is why all curly haired individuals (even strangers to one another) always have the same conversation with each other..."I love your hair!  What on Earth do you USE???"

After applying the mousse and hoping for the best, I called the photographer.  The weather was a bit drizzly and the outdoor shots were a no-go at this point, but she had a solution.  I would go to her house for some indoor shots and we'd then play it by ear.  By the time the indoor shots were completed, the weather had subsided and it was time to head to the original shoot location!

Here's one of my favorites.  This is one of R.R's behind the scenes shots.  I will surely post more when I get them from the photographer.  This ended up being quite a delightful day!

Good Morning! from The Lowry Cafe

Yum!

This weekend, my mother, brother and I went to The Lowry Cafe on Lowry Avenue in North Minneapolis.  We all ordered breakfast, although we were there late enough to enjoy the lunch menu as well.  The place is wonderful.  The staff have always been very friendly, calling everyone Dear, or Honey...you get the idea...

The walls are adorned by art from local artists.  The Goddess of Glass is just next door and from what I gathered, the pieces decorating the walls came from her.  I regularly go out for breakfast once per weekend.  My Hun Bunny and I have made it somewhat of a routine to find a different location every Saturday morning.  He, however, went to Milwaukee this weekend to celebrate his mother's birthday...sad I couldn't go to celebrate along with them, but I had my own celebration to attend.

I ordered French Toast and my token Chocolate Milk (which was mixed right in front of me...just the way I like it!  They even asked my preference of chocolatiness...very thoughtful).  My brother ordered the special, Corned Beef Hash.  We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals, but I only took a photo of the omelet.  While delicious, the french toast and hash's presentation left something to be desired.  This is a photo of the hearty and HUGE veggie omelet my mother ordered.

The prices are very fair and the location is prime for me...being just blocks from my home in North Minneapolis, and perfect for a Saturday morning jaunt.  Head to the post office to take care of business, purchase a sweet token of affection for a loved one from the Goddess of Glass and get the tools and supplies you need for your next inevitable home improvement project at North End Hardware. 

More on all these fab N. Minneapolis businesses at a later date. 

Rainy Day Tune

It's a dreary day...

but this song always puts a spring in my step.

Mayor in the Hood

Minneapolis Mayor, R. T. Rybak waits in the wings of the Capri Theater before he delivers a speech to many political figures and activists.

On his agenda?  "Getting North Minneapolis Right".  Maybe he should follow my blog...and Johnny Northside (although, I wish there were more good news on that blog, I digress).

Here is a link to the Star Tribune Article

Later that day...

The Mayor crowd surfing at the Trampled By Turtles concert at the First Avenue Main Room.  Killer.

Mugsy McBunny

My good friend was kind enough to take some photos at the Easter show.  Le Cirque Rouge Cabaret & Burlesque put on a delightfully tasteless holiday show...Jesus showed up and everything!

This is me, Mugsy McBee, singing "The Stuff is Here".  The stuff, in this case, was ice cold beer for the band, delivered in my Easter Basket!  I, of course, saved the White Russian for myself. 

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Muybridge Toy

In honor of photographer/teacher/inventor/acquitted murderer, Eadweard J. Muybridge's 182nd Birthday, I would like to encourage all of you iPad/iPod/iPhoners out there to check out the Muybridge Toy App.

I'm usually one to scoff at the "time waster" apps, but this one is particularly fun.  You have to spin the reel at just the right speed to get the picture to look right, then go twice as fast for double time galloping!  Just search Muybridge Toy in the Apple iStore and enjoy!

There's always next Easter...

I have seen so many adorable vintage photos of women in their holiday costumes...it just makes me realize that I should have been on the...egg, and organized something a little more festive for tonight's show.

...there's always next Easter.

March Showers Bring April Flowers

It's a beautiful day in North Minneapolis.  I wanted to take some photos of the various plants and flowers growing in my yard before the potential frost has a chance to ruin everything...

Ok, so Diego should be fine in the frost.  He's pretty fuzzy.

Rhubarb! 

Sourdough

I have recently completed my first class with EXCO entitled Bread!

We worked as a group to create and feed our individual Sourdough Starters. 

I grew up eating only homemade bread when I visited my Grandmother and dream to continue the legacy.  I did realize, however, that baking bread from your own starter can be a bit tricky...so it's a work in progress.  Either way, I'm proud to announce that my starter (second, because the first one died) is alive!!

The Myth of Classless Society in America

I've just signed up for a very interesting class with EXCO (Experimental Community Education of the Twin Cities).  EXCO is a collective dedicated to supporting community initiated educational opportunities as a means for social change. Classes organized through EXCO are spaces of learning where people share their talents in an inclusive, open, non-hierarchical, and non-coercive setting. EXCO brings together community members, organizations, and movements to engage in a shared education mission.  This organization offers opportunities for community members to facilitate classes free of charge to participants. 

This particular class is called The Myth of Classless Society in America.

Here is the information if you are at all interested:
America has long considered itself a "classless" society, in part because of the many myths about class mobility and pulling yourself by your bootstraps. But all of those things mask the truth of class in America, which is now being recognized by the Occupy and 99% movements. Republicans call this recognition "class warfare." We will explore issues of class and how class combines with race and gender in a complex matrix of social structure.  We will use discussion, group activities, theatre, creative writing, and many other forms to explore issues of class and have genuine conversation about the unspoken values of America.

Cheers to being a complete and utter Nerd for Learning!

Easter Kitchen

I saw this kitchen and could NOT resist posting it.  These colors are too cute!

It's like eating inside of an Easter Basket...everyday...

All of the metal cabinetry, ceramic wall tiles and appliances are vintage (circa 1950's and 1960's) finds on ebay.  I want that yellow refrigerator.  If you've seen my kitchen, you'd understand why.

Here's a link to more photos and information about this space and how it came together.

TaTa!

Fare Thee Well - Nick & Eddie

Some surely disappointing news:

This, my friends, is the last weekend the Harmon Place Bar, Nick & Eddie, will be open to the public...in its current location anyway.  The weather should cooperate appropriately for a killer send off.  Located just across the street from Loring Park, the restaurant/bar has a great view of the park and multiple outdoor tables to enjoy the projected mid-70's weather and partly cloudy skies.    Tip: the brick paved alleyway is beautiful and a perfect backdrop for photos!


Here's a map for your convenience.

 

  
Nick & Eddie has been a long standing supporter of local music and this particular watering hole is certain to be missed.  I frequented the bar last fall after my Thursday night burlesque class with Tomahawk Tassels.  It was quite conveniently located, close to the dance studio and the place was always crawling with musicians.  And I do love musicians!

The space is "probably" being replaced by Cafe Maude at Loring.  The Star Tribune recently released rumblings of an exchange of the lease.  There are also rumors that Nick & Eddie will be moving...not closing, but that has also not been confirmed.  So, for the time being, let's all go have a drink at Nick & Eddie!  Say goodbye to an old friend and welcome the inevitable change around every corner. 

See you there!

Swing Away

A very dear friend of mine has inspired me to try my...foot...at some swing dancing.  I went into it with great apprehension and a suprising amount of anxiety.  There were instances I was asked to dance and not only would I not...I literally felt as though I COULD not!  I was intimidated by images running through my head like this:

Goodness...
But, last week, a kind gentleman asked me to dance more than just once.  He allowed me to say no, but came back a second time.  To avoid seeming unappreciative of his request I agreed to get on the dance floor and boy, am I glad I did!  Through my journey of infiltrating the "Swing Dance Community", I have learned that most people, regardless of how skilled a dancer they are, are just happy to see a newcomer. 

There are FREE swing dance lessons with Bill & Shannon every Monday (7:15pm @ Famous Dave's in Uptown) and Wednesday (8pm at Lee's Liquor Lounge).  Bill & Shannon are excellect dancers and teachers, one tip...when Bill says "1, 2, 3", hush up and learn something!  

Here are some 'dancing notes' for April!  All events are FREE, unless otherwise noted. 

Sat   31 Mar : L'Assassins with the Violent Shifters at Lee's, $6 cover
Sun  01 Apr : Battle of the Blue's Band Semi-Finals 4pm
Mon 02 Apr : Riverside Swing Band at FD
Wed 04 Apr : Davina at Lee's
Fri    06 Apr : Trailer Trash at Lee's, $6 cover
Mon  09 Apr : Jessie B & That Thing Called Swing at FD
Wed  11 Apr : Scotty & the Country Killers at Lee's
Thu   12 Apr : Southside Aces at the Eagles Club (2507 E 25th St, Mpls, MN 55407) $5 cover
Fri    13 Apr : Big Sandy (!!!) with Elmer & the Thunderjetts at Lee's, $10 cover
Mon 16 Apr : DJ & the Swing Cats at FD
Wed 18 Apr : Davina at Lee's
Mon 23 Apr : Elmer's Army at FD
Wed 25 Apr : Bad Companions at Lee's
Mon 30 Apr : Stockcar Named Desire at FD

See you on the dance floor!!!

Le Cirque Rouge

I have recently (one year and three days ago) become acquainted with a wondrous group of performers.  I became interested in the art of burlesque in (roughly) February of last year.  I then Googled 'Burlesque in Minneapolis' and was fortunate enough to stumble upon Le Cirque Rouge, Cabaret & Burlesque.

I was encouraged by Amy, the Ring Leader of the troupe, to attend a show.  I and two of my girlfriends went to 331 Club in N.E. Minneapolis to get an idea of what this troupe is all about. 

WOW!

I will never, for the rest of my life, forget that night.  The women were beautiful!  Singing, dancing, laughing, drinking, LIVE JAZZ MUSIC?!  Who could ask for anything more...I was in heaven.  Amy invited me to the backstage area where I was able to meet everyone involved in the show.  I immediately began to sing to members of the band...inquiring about their interest in the numbers I had been most recently working on. 

Then, out of nowhere, I turn my head to see this man...casually leaning on the edge of a tall counter top.  Assuming, in my self-proclaimed drunken stupor, that he would also LOVE to hear my songs, I engaged him in conversation.  He eventually asked to call me later in the week for a date...so I must have sounded OK.  And now, just over ONE YEAR LATER, I am singing and dancing on stage with Le Cirque and am still involved with that casually leaning man...who just happened to be the Saxophone player in the band.  What a life I have been so fortunate to fall into!

Happy "Meetiversary" RR and all you Lovelies of Le Cirque, I'm such a lucky gal!

Le Cirque Rouge, Cabaret & Burlesque will be performing at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul, MN on Saturday, April 7th, 2012.  Doors open at 7:00pm, Showtime is 7:30.  I would most definitely encourage purchasing advance tickets, St. Paul loves us!

Tickets available online.

Winnable - Wearable Vintage Fashion

For some time now, I have been following a delightful blog written by a terribly fashionable woman in Finland.  It's quite interesting to be so easily connected with someone who lives over 4,000 miles (7,000km) away.  Even with the latitudinal location being roughly 15 to 18 degrees different (Finland being further north) the weather even seems to change in tandem. 

Freelancer's Fashionblog is often posting give-aways and I particularly like this one.  Wanted to share it, in hopes that someone I know can enjoy a good read.  Then maybe I can read it when you're finished...or the other way around. 

North Side Gal

So, while driving to work I heard a terribly catchy tune.  All I have to say is...

That's right, Mr. McPherson; you're all crazy 'bout us North Side Gals.

Thanks to The Current for putting this on my radar!