Urban Tourists: The Minneapolis Institute of Art

Growing up in Minneapolis, I (Chris) never really took time to seek out the local "attractions". But as RVentures take us to new places, we enjoy discovering the unique local treasures. So, this past week while researching "attractions in Minneapolis", the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) popped up as the #1 attraction. The reviews sounded fabulous ... the entrance fee was within budget (free) ... and it was easily accessible on our bikes. Time to become a tourist!

We drove to Hopkins and hopped on the bike path leading into Minneapolis. After getting off the Midtown Greenway and biking through some ordinary urban neighborhoods, we saw it ... The MIA is a huge, magnificent building inviting all to come in and enjoy art in all forms and spanning all ages.

The massive sculpture, The Doryphoros, greeted us as we entered. Now, while neither one of us will ever claim to know much about art, we were both humbled by the fact that we were able to learn about and appreciate a piece created by an anonymous artist approximately 100 years before the birth of Christ. Each piece of art in the museum included information on the artist, the year created, and the history and significance of the piece.

The MIA is massive ... where to begin? Some of the reviews that I read suggested starting on the top level and work our way down. My elevator operator handled to "old-fashioned" doors to get us on our way.

With hundreds of cozy exhibit "rooms", one could get lost in art of all kinds. While Doug would have liked to quickly walk through the whole museum to get the "big picture", I wanted to study each individual piece of art. My method proved to be difficult due to the sheer quantity of beautiful and historic works of art ... and the fact that I know very little about art! But, since I believe that there are more than a few of our readers who are as "art illiterate" as me, I will just post some of the pictures of the pieces that moved me.

The Denial of St. Peter, c. 1623 by Gerrit van Honthorst struck me with his dramatically night lit scene.

There were many beautiful depictions of Mary and Jesus, but this is one of my favorites which shows a visit from His cousin, St John the Baptist. It is fun to realize that Jesus enjoyed his family as much as we enjoy ours!

Ah, an artist that even this amatueur art lover is familiar with ... Rembrandt's Lucretia c. 1666 depicts a sad and solemn Roman noblewoman as she takes her life to preserve the honor of her family.

Thanks to the blog of our fellow RV friends, The Jacobsons' Journey, we both became familiar with the artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Doug spotted one of her paintings, Chestnut Tree - Gray. Wow ... he is becoming quite the "art know-it-all"!

As we strolled through the museum we enjoyed sculptures dating back to the birth of Christ ... 

as well as some fun modern creations.

We studied some greatly detailed paintings ...

and enjoyed the fun of the totally abstract ...

Yes, the Minneapolis Institute of Art has something for just about everyone ...

OK, maybe I have pressed my luck a little too much ... time to find Doug something that he can really relate to ...

LTD Brewing is located at the end of the bike path in Hopkins. Time to continue to Live The Dream ... I'm sure Michelangelo would have loved to join us if he could!

Until next time ... Live Your Dream ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!

Pedaling Paradise

It's been two weeks since we arrived to Baker Park Campground to begin our month of "camp hosting". We are enjoying our evenings of hanging around the campground when "on duty". But it is our "off duty" time during the day that has been really fun, as we discover where all the bike paths lead. For, as you see, we have arrived in "pedaling paradise."

Often referred to as "the best bicycling city in America", Minneapolis boasts of over 83 miles of off-street bike trails as well as the many miles of bike lanes and bike-friendly roads. The trail that runs in front of our campsite leads to a six mile loop around a Baker Park Reserve lake and forest area. A ride around the preserve is a great way to relax and also prepare for the longer rides to come.

One of our first long rides was a 38 mile loop around Lake Minnetonka. Leaving from our campground, we pedaled out of the park on the Lake Independence trail and connected with the Luce Line trail. Doug's directions sometimes involve some interesting maneuvers in order to get the bikes over the highways!

Wayzata, our first stop, is a cute town on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka that provided the perfect refueling treat!

Our tanks full, we pedaled on following Doug's GPS directions past huge mansions and under busy highways. We connected with the Lake Minnetonka LTR Regional Trail that brought us into Excelsior for lunch on the lake at the Bayside Grille.

Utilizing some "bike friendly lanes", we were able to finish our loop while taking in the views of the beautiful homes and parks that surround the lake.

How about this one, Doug? The driveway appears long enough for the Wildebeest!

With the success of being able to find our way around some beautiful Minneapolis areas, we became "fair weather bikers", taking advantage of the nice weather to explore more miles of scenic trails. Some favorite rides included:

A loop around Medicine Lake in Plymouth, Minnesota,

A stroll around Lakes Harriet and Calhoun in Minneapolis with friends,

And a bike ride with our sons to one of Minneapolis' more famous breweries, Surly.

Some days we took longer trips cutting across Minneapolis on the Midtown Greenway,

And other days we just meandered down the path from our campsite to Lake Independence to enjoy a sunset.

Whatever our destination, we are enjoying the beauty of the journey ....

and the treats along the way!

Until next time ... treat yourself to some fun ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!

"AnniMaBir" Month in Rochester

Early in our married life, my wonderful husband realized that he had a big problem. The month of May would always be a bit "stressful" for him as it included three big gift-giving occasions: our anniversary, Mother's Day and my birthday.

Knowing that he was bound to forget one or more of the special days, we proclaimed the month of May "AnniMaBir" month.  No big gifts/celebrations needed ... we just enjoy the everyday blessings of family, friends, and each other ... everyday of the month. I was so happy to be in Rochester during my "AnniMaBir" month this year as it provided many opportunities to celebrate these everyday blessings!

Celebrating the gift of church friends

We were happy to be able to spend Sunday mornings with our hometown church friends. We have only been gone seven months, and already my sweet church kids are getting taller than me!

Although for this year at least, I'm still taller than my Godchild Ella!

Celebrating the gift of biking friends

Rochester has many fabulous bike trails, and we were grateful to be able to bike along the Mayowood Trail to see the bluebells in bloom.

A ride on the Douglas Trail with our Outspokin' bike group brought us to the Better Brew Coffeehouse in Pine Island for some delicious homemade pie and lively conversation. 

Celebrating the gift of work friends

The original reason to spend a month in Rochester was so that I could work the required shifts to keep my employment status active with my former employer. While returning to work may not be considered by some to be a great way to celebrate, I enjoyed the chance to refresh my nursing skills as well as reconnect with my work family! Happy hour (even at midnight) is a fun way to recharge after a busy shift!

Celebrating the gift of TRAM friends

When Doug and I were more serious bikers, we participated in The Ride Across Minnesota (TRAM). TRAM is a five day, 300 mile bike ride that raises money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The money raised supports those affected by this devastating disease that affects young people like my cousin. While we no longer ride, we were happy to support the "Kreb Cyclers" as they work to maintain the title of the top "fun" and "fund-raising" team. To find out more about the ride and/or to contribute to a great cause, click here.

The gathering included a silent auction ... I was happy to take home a basket of "consumables" from the local co-op.

Celebrating the gift of girlfriends

I enjoyed many meals and gatherings with special girlfriends. It is always good to know that no matter how long it has been since we last saw each other, the smiles and support are still there for me!

Celebrating the gift of new RV friends

While in Rochester, we stayed at Autumn Woods RV Park. Other than some highway noise, the campground proved to be a comfortable place to call "home" for the month. The owners keep the grounds, showers and laundry area pristine.

Located nine miles south of the Mayo Clinic, the campground provided a relaxing atmosphere for patients seeking medical treatment as well as their supportive families. We were delighted to meet new friends Robin and Glen, and celebrate her successful surgery.

Celebrating the gift of "great outdoors" friends

Biking along the Cannon Valley Trail

We were happy to be able to continue another "tradition" by spending Memorial Day weekend camping with friends at Lake Byllesby Regional park. Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial beginning of summer in Minnesota, usually brings some rain and cold. But that doesn't stop us "hardy northerners" from enjoying the great outdoors!

Serious Dominos competition

Bella and Paige give two thumbs up for Doug's peach dump cake!

Celebrating the gift of my lifelong friend

Keeping busy at work and with RV projects took away from something that we have come to take for granted ... spending time with each other. What a great gift to arrive at Lake Byllesby a day before the busy weekend crowds and enjoy the quiet beauty together!

We had the campground and hiking trails all to ourselves ... Yes, the best "gift" is still time with each other.

I ended my "AnniMaBir" month on a special note. We moved on to our next "home" at Baker Park Reserve on Memorial Day, and I was able to enjoy a combined Birthday/Mother's day celebration with our sons! We look forward to spending more time with them as we explore their current home of Minneapolis in the next month. With Father's Day approaching, I suspect that there will be some brewery tours in our future!

Until next time ... appreciate the gift of others ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!