A Renaissance Girl Revival

JUSTIFIED!!!!! COMING BACK ON TUESDAY!!!

2012-01-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/justified/

OMG LOVE TIMOTHY OLYPHANT!! HE IS GREAT!!!! FINALLY A SHOW GREG AND I CAN WATCH WITH AN OUTSTANDING PLOT AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. I AM SO DONE WITH THE NETWORKS CANCELING SHOWS THAT ARE TOO EXPENSIVE TO MAKE AND HAVING STUPID REALITY SHOWS ON. I DETEST REALITY SHOWS!

Cool Art News

2012-01-12T19:53:00.001-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/video/whoknew-19124225/secret-codes-in-art-27855385.html

The Church Loves a Good Race!

2012-01-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

Real Books Rule!

2012-01-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Love a Man with Faith - Kudos to you!

2012-01-08T18:01:00.001-08:00

Greg summed it up SO well - Do you want your kid to look up to Ben or Tim for their values????????

Good for you Tim for sticking up for what you believe in and having the conviction to not back down.

I don't know if I could do it, but I'm so glad you can for my kids. BLESS YOU!

Validation for My Love of Atticus - I Never Doubted

2012-01-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Lessons in Manliness from Atticus Finch

by BRETT & KATE MCKAY on FEBRUARY 2, 2011 · 110 COMMENTS

in A MAN'S LIFE,LESSONS IN MANLINESS

When it comes to manly characters in literature, my thoughts always return to one man:

Atticus Finch.

Perhaps this character from To Kill a Mockingbird seems like an unusual choice. A gentleman in a three piece suit. A widower of two kids, Jem and Scout. A man who was quiet instead of brash. Polite instead of macho. A lawyer who used his mind instead of his fists, who walked away from insults. Who didn’t gamble or smoke, who liked to walk instead drive. A man who liked nothing better than to bury himself in a book. Yes, Atticus may not seem very “manly,” at least when measured by the modern rubric for manliness.

But it is the subtly of his manliness, the way he carried himself, taught his children, made his choices, that makes his manliness all the more real, all the more potent. His manhood was not displayed in great showy acts but in quiet, consistent strength, in supreme self-possession. The manliness of Atticus Finch does not leap off the page; instead, it burrows its way inside of you, sticks with you, causes your soul to say, “Now that is the kind of man I wish to be.”

The examples of honorable manhood that can be wrung from To Kill a Mockingbird are plentiful and powerful, and today we’d like to explore just a few.

Lessons in Manliness from Atticus Finch

A man does the job no one else wants to do.

To Kill a Mockingbird unfolds against the backdrop of Atticus’s representation of Tom Robinson. Robinson, a black man, has been accused by Mayella Ewell, a white woman, of rape. While Atticus is assigned to be Robinson’s public defender by a judge, he earns the townspeople’s ire in his determination to actually defend him, honorably and fairly, to the best of his abilities.

He does the job that must be done, but that other people are unwilling and afraid to do.

Indoors, when Miss Maudie wanted to say something lengthy she spread her fingers on her knees and settled her bridgework. This she did, and we waited.
“I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them.”
“Oh,” said Jem. “Well.”
“Don’t you oh well me, sir,” Miss Maudie replied, recognizing Jem’s fatalistic noises, “you are not old enough to appreciate what I said.”

A man stands in the gap and does what must be done. Doing so earns the respect even of one’s most ardent critics; after facing a myriad of taunts and threats from his neighbors for his defense of Tom Robinson, Atticus is once more re-elected to the state legislature …unanimously.

A man lives with integrity every day.

In Maycomb County, Atticus was known as a man who was “the same in his house as he is on the public streets.” That was the standard he lived by. He did not have one set of morals for business and one for family, one for weekdays and one for weekends. He was incapable of doing anything that would broach the inviolable sanctity of his conscience. He made the honorable decision, even when that decision was unpopular.

“This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience-Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man.”
“Atticus, you must be wrong…”
“How’s that?”
“Well, most folks seem to think they’re right and you’re wrong…”
“They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,” said Atticus, “but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

Atticus understood that a man’s integrity was his most important quality-the foundation upon which his honor and the trust of others was built. Stripped of integrity, a man becomes weak and impotent, no longer a force for good in his family or community.

“If you shouldn’t be defendin’ him, then why are you doin’ it?”
“For a number of reasons,” said Atticus. “The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem to do something again.”
“You mean if you didn’t defend that man, Jem and me wouldn’t have to mind you any more?”
“That’s about right.”
“Why?”
“Because I could never ask you to mind me again. Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine.”

The most important form of courage is moral courage.

There are different types of courage: physical, intellectual, and moral.

While unassuming, Atticus certainly possessed physical courage; when Tom was in jail, he sat outside all night reading and faced down an angry mob intent on lynching the prisoner.

But moral courage is arguably the most important type of bravery, and this Atticus had in spades. Moral courage involves the strength to stick with your convictions and do the right thing, even when the whole world criticizes and torments you for it. Atticus’s decision to represent Tom Robinson brought a slew of insults and threats to him and his family. But he was willing to bear the onslaught with head held high.

Moral courage also supplies the fortitude to take on a fight you know you’ll lose, simply because you believe the cause to be honorable. Atticus knows that he will lose his defense of Tom Robinson. When Scout asked him why he continued to press on, Atticus answered:

“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”

Atticus used the example of Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose to teach Jem the power of this kind of moral courage.

Mrs. Dubose was a sick, cantankerous old woman who would berate Jem and Scout whenever they passed by her house. Jem tried to heed his father’s counsel to be a gentleman, but finally snapped one day and tore up her flower beds. As punishment, Atticus made Jem read books to Mrs. Dubose every day after school. She hardly seemed to pay attention to his reading, and he was relieved when his sentence finally ended.

When Mrs. Dubose died soon afterwards, Atticus revealed the true nature of Jem’s assignment. She had been a morphine addict for a long time, but wanted to overcome that addiction before she left the world; Jem’s reading had been a distraction as she worked to wean herself from the drug. Atticus explained to Jem:

“Son, I told you that if you hadn’t lost your head I’d have made you go read to her. I wanted you to see something about her-I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Mrs. Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew.”

Live with quiet dignity.

Despite the fact that Bob Ewell “won” the case against Tom Robinson, he held a grudge against everyone who participated in the trial for revealing him as a base fool. After the trial, Ewell threatened Atticus’s life, grossly insulted him and spat in his face. In response, Atticus simply took out a handkerchief and wiped his face, prompting Ewell to ask:

“Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin’ bastard?”

“No, too old,” Atticus replied before putting his hands in his pockets and walking away.

It’s often thought that the manly thing to do is answer tit for tat. But it can take greater strength to refuse to sink to another man’s level and to simply walk away with dignity. Frederick Douglass said, “A gentleman will not insult me, and no man not a gentleman can insult me.” This was a credo Atticus lived by.

Atticus’s quiet dignity was also manifested in his authentic humility.

At one point in the book, Jem and Scout feel disappointed in their father; at 50, he is older and less active than the dads of their peers. He doesn’t seem to know how to do anything “cool.” This opinion is transformed when Atticus takes down a rabid dog with a single bullet, and they learn that their father is known as the “deadest shot in Maycomb County.” Jem becomes duly impressed with his father for this display of skill, all the more so because Atticus had never felt the need to brag about his prowess.

“Atticus is real old, but I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do anything-I wouldn’t care if he couldn’t do a blessed thing.”
Jem picked up a rock and threw it jubilantly at the carhouse. Running after it, he called back: “Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!”

Cultivating empathy is paramount.

If Atticus had one dominating virtue, it was his nearly superhuman empathy. Whenever his children felt angry at the misbehavior or ignorance of the individuals in their town, he would encourage their tolerance and respect by urging them to see the other person’s side of things:

“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Atticus understood that people could only be held responsible for what they knew, that not everyone had an ideal upbringing, that folks were doing they best they could in the circumstances in which they found themselves. Atticus strove above all to see the good in folks and to figure out why they did the things they did.

When Scout complained about her teacher embarrassing a poor student, Atticus got her to see that the teacher was new in town and couldn’t be expected to know the background of all the children in her class right away. When a poor man that Atticus had helped with legal problems showed up in the mob to hurt him and lynch Tom, Atticus defended him, explaining that he was a really good man who simply had some blind spots and got caught up in the mob mentality.

Even when Bob Ewell spit in his face, he responded with empathy:

“Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there. You understand?”

Teach your children by example.

Atticus is probably best remembered as an exemplary father. As a widower he could have shipped his kids off to a relative, but he was absolutely devoted to them. He was kind, protective, and incredibly patient with Jem and Scout; he was firm but fair and always looking for an opportunity to expand his children’s empathy, impart a bit of wisdom, and help them become good people.

“Do you defend niggers Atticus?” I asked him that evening.
“Of course I do. Don’t say nigger, Scout. That’s common.”
“’s what everybody else at school says.”
“From now on it’ll be everybody less one.”

As a father he let his kids be themselves and nurtured their unique personalities. During a freak snowstorm in Alabama, Jem, determined to build a snowman from the scant snow on the ground, hauled a bunch of dirt from the backyard to the front, molded a snowman from the mud, and then covered the mudman with a layer of snow. When Atticus arrived home, he could have been angry with the kids for messing up the lawn, but instead, he was pleased with Jem’s enterprising creativity.

“I didn’t know how you were going to do it, but from now on I’ll never worry about what’ll become of you, son, you’ll always have an idea.”

Atticus’s sister wished that tomboy Scout would wear dresses, play with tea sets, and be the “sunshine” for her father; she often hurt Scout’s feelings with her disparaging remarks. But when Scout asked her father about this criticism:

He said there were already enough sunbeams in the family and to go about my business, he didn’t mind me much the way I was.

And he bought her what she wanted for Christmas-an air rifle.

Most of all, Atticus taught Jem and Scout by example. He was not only always honest with them, he was honest in everything he did himself.

He not only read them the newspaper each evening, but modeled a love of reading himself. And as a result, his kids devoured every book they could get their hands on. (Modern studies actually bear the truth of this out; kids with fathers who read are more likely to read themselves).

And he not only taught his children to be courteous, he was a model of courtesy and kindness himself, even to prickly types like Mrs. Dubose:

When the three of us came to the house, Atticus would sweep off his hat, wave gallantly to her and say, “Good evening, Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening.”
I never heard Atticus say like a picture of what. He would tell her the courthouse news, and would say he hoped with all his heart she’d have a good day tomorrow. He would return his hat to his head, swing me to his shoulders in her very presence, and we would go home in the twilight. It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.

My Inspirational Person By Joe Clark

2012-01-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

My Dad is an inspirational person to my faith because he motivates me to go to mass every Sunday. He also encourages me to pray every night so my relationship with God will grow. He also helps the church by donating money to the church every Sunday. The reason he inspires me is I want to do all of this when I grow up with my own family, but I'll start with some of the things today.

My whole family is Christian and loves our religion, but my Dad loves it the most. He also does all of the rituals of Christians like not eating meat on Fridays during Lent or lighting the candles during Christmas. He also likes to set up the Nativity set at Christmas.

My Dad is a very caring person to others by helping those in need. He helps those who are hurt or needing money. One day a guy lost his wallet and my Dad found it. We looked forever to find his house, then finally we found it. He was so thankful for finding his wallet he offered my Dad fifty dollars. My Dad said, “No, you can keep it.” Everyone was happy now. My Dad was happy the guy had his wallet, the man for getting it back and me for helping.

Another fact about my Dad is he never misses mass. I can't remember a time my Dad missed a mass, especially a holiday when we all would like to sleep late. We usually all go to the 8:30 am one. He also volunteers at church by bringing up the gifts, hanging signs, and doing charity work.

All in all he is a very nice Dad and I love him the way he is and that is it.

We're With you Jack Jablonski! We're all Praying Hard

2012-01-05T20:09:00.001-08:00

Good For you for doing what you have to do if push comes to shove

2012-01-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/27777235

A young Oklahoma mother shot and killed an intruder to protect her 3-month-old baby on New Year's Eve, less than a week after the baby's father died of cancer.
Sarah McKinley says that a week earlier a man named Justin Martin dropped by on the day of her husband's funeral, claiming that he was a neighbor who wanted to say hello. The 18-year-old Oklahoma City area woman did not let him into her home that day.
On New Year's Eve Martin returned with another man, Dustin Stewart, and this time was armed with a 12-inch hunting knife. The two soon began trying to break into McKinley's home.
As one of the men was going from door to door outside her home trying to gain entry, McKinley called 911 and grabbed her 12-gauge shotgun.
McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO that she quickly got her 12 gauge, went into her bedroom and got a pistol, put the bottle in the baby's mouth and called 911.
"I've got two guns in my hand -- is it okay to shoot him if he comes in this door?" the young mother asked the 911 dispatcher. "I'm here by myself with my infant baby, can I please get a dispatcher out here immediately?"
The 911 dispatcher confirmed with McKinley that the doors to her home were locked as she asked again if it was okay to shoot the intruder if he were to come through her door.
"I can't tell you that you can do that but you do what you have to do to protect your baby," the dispatcher told her. McKinley was on the phone with 911 for a total of 21 minutes.
When Martin kicked in the door and came after her with the knife, the teen mom shot and killed the 24-year-old. Police are calling the shooting justified.
"You're allowed to shoot an unauthorized person that is in your home. The law provides you the remedy, and sanctions the use of deadly force," Det. Dan Huff of the Blanchard police said.
Stewart soon turned himself in to police.
McKinley said that she was at home alone with her newborn that night because her husband just died of cancer on Christmas Day.
"I wouldn't have done it, but it was my son," McKinley told ABC News Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO. "It's not an easy decision to make, but it was either going to be him or my son. And it wasn't going to be my son. There's nothing more dangerous than a woman with a child."

crazy kitty

2012-01-03T08:46:00.001-08:00

2012-01-03T08:28:00.001-08:00

Giving the LOVE

2012-01-02T20:25:00.001-08:00

http://www.nba.com/video/games/timberwolves/2012/01/02/0021100072_sas_min_play4.nba

Love me some Rubio!!!!!

2012-01-02T20:19:00.001-08:00

http://www.nba.com/video/games/timberwolves/2012/01/02/0021100072_sas_min_play5.nba

Adrian Mole The Lost Years

2012-01-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Adrian just cracks me up! He is just so self absorbed, but really, just wants to be a writer and I adore that!
I rarely laugh out loud when reading, but I cannot contain myself when I read Adrian's antics. I will read them all!

Why I post what I do.

2012-01-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

I post what I like and what inspires me to do other things.

Ben's video validates what I think is true, God is there. Do I want to convert or preach?
No, but I am not ashamed to state that I do believe in God and an afterlife with him and his followers. We all have our own beliefs. If you believe what you do, live your beliefs and do not be wishy washy. I can not stand people who sit on the fence!

I do not like when people scorn, mock or try to dissuade my ideas. I leave you to do what you want, leave me alone too.

Life is short, hold what you deem true to your heart. I have seen the power of God and that is why I put my life in his hands. Do what you want.

My favorite people in the world! Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve - I believe Ben, Peace to you and ENJOY!

2011-12-31T15:58:00.000-08:00

Books From VACATION

2011-12-30T20:42:00.000-08:00

I need to find a job to just read. I love getting up at 5 and having coffee and reading. Lottery tickets????
This book made me hysterical with laughter. I gave it to Louise because it is filled with English humor. -

Wednesday June 10th
Pandora and I are in love! It is official! She told Claire Nelson, who told Nigel, who told me. I told Nigel to tell Claire to tell Pandora that I return her love. I am over the moon with joy. I can overlook the fact that Pandora smokes five Benson and Hedges a day and has her own lighter. When you are in love such things cease to matter.The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is an unabashed, pimples-and-all glimpse into the troubled life of an
adolescent. Writing candidly about
his parents’ marital troubles, the dog, his life as a tortured poet and ‘misunderstood intellectual’, teenager Adrian Mole’s painfully honest diary makes hilarious and compelling reading.

Great Vacation Book - OUTER BANKS, ANNE RIVER SIDDONS
Elegant Kate, walking a tightrope over an abyss of lies...sensitive, sensible, self-contained Cecie...Ginger, the heiress, sexy, vibrant, richer than sin...and poor, hopeless, brilliant Fig -- they came together as sorority sisters on a Southern campus in the '60s. Four young women bound by rare, blinding, early friendship -- they spend two idyllic spring breaks at Nag's Head, North Carolina, the isolated strip of barrier islands where grand old weatherbeaten houses perch defiantly on the edge of a storm-tossed sea. Now thirty years later, they are coming back. They are coming back to recapture the exquisite magic of those early years...to experience again the love, the enthusiasm, the passion, pain, and cruel-betrayal that shaped the four young girls into women and set them all adrift on the...Outer Banks.

ANNE RIVERS SIDDONS

Growing up in Georgia, the only child of a prestigious lawyer and his wife, Ann Rivers Siddons did all the things expected of a southern belle until college, when an article she wrote in favor of integration taught her the power of the written word. Siddons wrote several books before publishing her horror novel, The House Next Door, which was hailed by Stephen King as an example of “the new American Gothic.” But with Peachtree Road,"the Southern novel for our generation" (Pat Conroy), she was propelled onto the literary fast track and hasn’t looked back. Best sellers Outer Banks, Up Island and Nora Nora,are just a few of her highly regarded works. Siddons still lives in the south with her husband Heyward and summers in Maine.

AZ Lowertown Art Show

2011-12-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.273110536073460.78983.136350709749444&type=3&l=b3b158dab7

I won the Wet Paint Purchase award! I was so honored that the owner chose my painting. Sometimes you need validation in our life and I needed it. I was questioning continuing my membership. It is really hard to juggle being a Mom, teaching, going to grad school, choir, WOHS leadership, and athletics at Claver. I am tired, but we got to keep it all going on. Art is funny. It is really just people's opinions on what they like and don't. You can have great training and technique, but when it comes to shows and voting, it is all about what they like. Luck and Karma come into play. Be a good person and you will be rewarded some day.
Peace to all, Amy

It was great to have someone like your art who doesn't know you. It means that your art gives pleasure to someone else and that is my big thing. After the show, I felt that I should continue on as an artist and I will. I will juggle my kids, teaching, schooling, and all to make it work. Buck up or something to that effect would be my Dad's response. We all know what my Dad would of said... : )

The reception was great and My Sister Kathy and Brother Gary won great door prizes - $25 to Golden's Deli and 2 tickets to the Landmark Theater. Greg won a bottle of wine.

Good Book alert:
http://theslayerchronicles.com/
I loved that it connects the The Vladimer Todd series within the storyline.

WATCH- ONCE UPON A TIME!!!! GREAT!!

Lowertown Art Show

2011-11-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

azgallery.org

December 2-January 15

The AZ Gallery and Black Dog Cafe are proud to jointly present the First Annual Lowertown Art Show, a juried show designed to showcase the work of Artists who live and work in the lowertown neighborhood and downtown of Saint Paul, MN.

SHOW LOCATIONS: AZ Gallery, 308 Prince Street, #130, St. Paul, MN 55101 & Black Dog Café, 308 Prince Street, #100, St. Paul, MN 55101

December 2, 2011: 5-10 pm Show Opens/First Fridays in Lowertown
December 10, 2011: 7-10 pm Awards Reception – Prizes generously donated by our sponsors
January 15, 2012: Show Closes

Heather Brewer Post on Bullying and then Michigan????????

2011-11-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

I love Vladimer Todd books and Heather has the greatest mind as an author and a young adult mentor. I wish I could do what she does so well. She is a mastermind.

Michigan and Penn State- WHAT is wrong with y'all. As a mother, teacher and a human being...WHAT is wrong with you????????

« Remember that time when Vlad and Joss were bunnies…and British? | Home |

Haikus and bullies and changes, oh my!

Look at that, Minions – I hadn’t been blogging regularly and now, you’re getting PUMMELED with my blogginess. Sick of me yet? I hope not. I do know, however, that many of you are sick of not being able to comment on my blog. There is, apparently, a bug that’s in need of fixing, so I’m sicking my web guru on the issue ASAP. Also, I’ll send along a list of awesome changes to the site. The forum is getting totally revamped, and the FAQ (plus several other parts of my site) are getting updated. I feel like I’ve been living under a rock, but now it’s time to do something about this mess. Somebody grab a broom, forcryingoutloud! And by “somebody”, I of course mean ME.

So, there are two reasons that I had to blog today. One is because we have winners to my latest contest! Jacob Coates, who’s thirteen and from Washington, is the grand prize winner of my haiku contest. He won an XBox360, with a skin that looks like the cover of FIRST KILL! And he did it with this fangtastic haiku tribute to Vlad:

tendancy to kill
tries his best to control it
on a strict diet

Looooove it! Plus, our two first place winners (Aubrey Peel – 16, from Florida, and Kayla Rupper – 16, from Utah) each win an autographed copy of FIRST KILL. Out of almost 400 entries, it wasn’t an easy pick, so congrats to the winners! If you have any ideas for future contests, just drop me a line. I’m always curious what the Minion Horde wants to win and how they want to win it.

Now…THIS. As a home-state Michigander, I am outraged, sickened, and disgusted. Spread the word, Minions. Because we can change the future, but we have to rally together in order to do so. Bullying has to STOP.

P.S. I love each and every one of you. *squish*

2011-11-11T20:25:00.001-08:00

What's New at the Library From Sissie Jess in Sunny Cali -So Proud of Her!

2011-11-09T20:20:00.001-08:00

http://www.millvalleylibrary.net/blog/?p=2453

Why You Shouldn't Get Tattoos

2011-11-09T04:44:00.001-08:00

FUNNY and Spot On

2011-11-09T04:37:00.001-08:00

KOKO! I love Koko and that would be my dream job

2011-11-08T20:35:00.000-08:00

2011-11-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

It has been quite the week for 'Harry Potter' fans. Monday was not only the 30th anniversary of the death of Harry's (fictional) parents, but also when author J.K. Rowling revealed that she almost killed Ron Weasley before having a change of heart. That blood-lust almost extended to Rubeus Hagrid as well. Say it ain't so, J.K.!

It's so. In an interview on the Blu-ray release of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' with star Daniel Radcliffe, Rowling explains that she liked the idea of Hagrid carrying Harry at the beginning and end of the story, a bookend that kept the gentle giant "safe." Per Rowling, your favorite bearded gameskeeper was a "natural" option to be slain otherwise. Yikes!

On the flip side, Rowling was going to keep Remus Lupin alive, but realized that during a great war, atrocities like new parents getting killed is often reality. As such, Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks were casualties in the Battle of Hogwarts. Hashtag: tears.

[via EW]

[Photo: Warner Bros.]

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2011-11-05T09:43:00.001-07:00

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2011-10-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

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2011-10-29T14:43:00.001-07:00

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Cheryl LeClaire Sommer - Friend and GREAT Pastel Artist

2011-10-29T11:54:00.001-07:00

Grimm - Surprise Attack - Video - http://www.nbc.com

2011-10-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

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Grimm and Once Upon a Time - Something to watch!! FINALLY

2011-10-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

Paul Metsa

2011-10-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

Memoirs are nonfiction stories written to share the knowledge gained from personal experience. Author Paul Metsa said, “Memoirs are constrained by the truth.” They hopefully engage and entertain the reader, but they also might be written for therapeutic and utterly selfish reasons by the author. The deep seeded conviction that their story needs to be told, telling their story will probably not change one and all. They are also written to make money for the author and the publisher. They wouldn't be on the shelf if a publisher didn't think some profit were to be made from the author's life story. When you look at the bins of clearance autobiography and biography books you wonder why some lives were chosen to sell. The appeal of some lives seems limited (that sounds so horrible and scathing, but ask yourself, is it worthy of $25.95 and three days at minimum of someone's life to read?) and clearly so, since no one bothered to buy their books. Memoirs are somewhat of a gamble in their enjoyment factor. I believe readers of memoirs are always comparing their own lives and justifying the importance of the lives in print to their own. They also want to figure out how to achieve that same level of success.
The panel assembled on October 15th to discuss their Minnesota Memoirs at the Rain Taxi Twin Cities Book Festival was varied in their memoir styles. They had works that were either: humorous, sad, touching, inspirational, reflective, or motivational. From excerpts read, some piqued my interest, but others I know I will not pick up. I might not like a writer's style or craft, but I always give kudos for getting it published. I believe the writer had to have some chutzpah and charisma to get it sold. The panel consisted of: Patricia Hampl - The Florists Daughter, Paul Metsa - Blue Guitar Highway, Martin Kihn – Bad Dog:A Love Story, Nancy Paddock - A Song at Twilight: Of Alzheimer's and Love, Theresa Weir – The Orchard, Mary Rondeau Westra – After the Murder of My Son.
The panel answered questions brought to them by moderator Patricia Hampl. The authors had different approaches to the craft of memoir and varied responses to the questions. Patricia fielded a question from the audience that asked, what do you do after your memoir is finished and published? Kihn answered that he has concocted different experiments to aid in the process of creating maybe more memoirs and retellings of certain aspects of his life. I felt that he was a crafty writer that will always know how to sell himself. Nancy Paddock said she would go back to poetry and not write another memoir. She had stated her thoughts on her life and that was enough. I felt that her memoir was poignant and her last hurrah about that relationship. Theresa Weir stated that she had one story to tell and she had told hers for now, but that could change. I felt she was realistic. She is young and life has a lot of stories to give you.
The next question was what is the role of editor? Metsa answered that an editor will take 1500 pages and bring it down to 400. He stated that his sister editing his work was like Mother Teresa of Calcutta editing Hunter S. Thompson. Mary Rondeau Westra responded that you have an obligation to leave your reader at a good place after reading your words and an editor helps you find that place.
Hampl felt that an editor centered her and reigned in her craft. I learned limitations have to be placed on the work in process or egos will surface and the author will ultimately think all is very important and nothing should be edited.
The most important idea I grasped out of the panel's knowledge was the words of wisdom from Paul Metsa's Dad and Kihn. Metsa was worried about how his words would be perceived by his Dad. His Dad responded, “Just tell the truth son.” Kihn said, “You cannot undo the truth, so let it be.” How eloquent and simple are those words? I think writers worry about having the sales and monetary rewards for their stories and that encourages them to embellish. If you write what you know and you speak the truth, no one else will tell the same story. Your story will be the unique and your own.
Paul Metsa the author came to Magers and Quinn bookstore to do a reading from Blue Guitar Highway. Metsa is a local music legend in the Twin Cities and northern Minnesota. An Iron Range boy that made it good in the land of rock and roll. When Paul walks into the reading he looks weathered and worn. He still has his hair, but it looks like it has lost it's natural blondness. His skin looks reddened, he has the crimson tone that years of drinking can do to one's complexion. He has glasses to see and a wide circumference to his torso. Hopefully, he has replaced his bottled demons with food. At least he doesn't have the sickly thinness of rockers that are on the needle or up the nose. He still sports the leather and the smugness of cool still clings to his weathered soul. You can feel the audience's apprehension of failure in the room. He is a writer of lyrics, a poet of songs. Is he a writer of substance that can carry a memoir or was it someone else? Did he have a ghost writer? The audience visibly relaxes when he says his introduction and performs a song. They realize his vocals are still intact. They haven't been damaged as much as his facade. He then begins to read and his charm begins to seethe from his pores and the audience gasps at his humorous attempts to downplay his demeanor. Paul Metsa can write!
He depreciates his life in his reading and that draws his audience in even further. He is a master of making his audience seem worthier than him. He is the boy that grew up poor and didn't realize his potential. He only realized his determination to get the hell out of the Range. His gravelly voice gives credence to his words as a rocker that has seen hard times and won. Paul Metsa is an artist that gives the people what they want. He did that as a singer and lyrical mastermind. He is no fool and knows what people want to hear as a writer. He begins with his words and the audience is entranced. That is what makes a great memoir writer, the reader wants more. His story hurts. We all might of failed in our promise, but his demise was worse, because he had a grasp on that chance of fame and abused and lost it.
His memoir will do well in Minnesota. I am not sure how well he'll do outside the Midwest, but one never knows. The book should interest musicians, rock and roll aficionados, young adults and memoir enthusiasts. His book is a reflection of the choices he made in his life. Memoirs are memories of lives transformed into stories that are personal or public. If you choose to share, make sure you are truthful in the memory and try not to hurt. Tell the truth and it will set you free.

Halloween for Pets

2011-10-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

http://animalvideos.yahoo.com/video-detail?vid=27020446&cid=24037714

Lacey the manicured alpaca meets baby kitten

2011-10-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Cutie Hamster

2011-10-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

Books for MEA

2011-10-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

The first book i finished on my MEA Holiday was MICE by Gordon Reece

I read it like I read ROOM, by Emma Donoghue. I have a hard time reading about kids that suffer trouble and skim through books that highlight this. This is a book worth reading, like ROOM, but it is hard to read. As a mother and a teacher, these things really eat me up.

There are plot things that I did not like and writing that had heights of excitement, but then went down to mediocre. It was a good premise for a first book.

I read Tangerine on the way home from Duluth and it went by in a heartbeat. GREATNESS!!! And I know, I am late to the bandwagon. Sometimes with YA there are some topics that hurt your soul and you have to take a break from all of that. I stayed away from Tangerine because I knew it was great, but I knew it would hurt. It fulfills both prophesies.

This is a deeply moving and heart felt book. It is in the Chris Crutcher genius mode, that made me want to be a teacher and writer. Great characters, plot twists and emotional YA thought processes wringing through. The ending made me want a different resolution to the character's problems, but it was satisfying non the least. Read it.

Schooled immediately grabbed me with the characters in it's drama. Cap Anderson is a boy whom I would love all children to be. Let's go back to that day of innocence. Let's go back to that time of no expectations for our kids. I do not like what I see of the mounting pressures our kids face as young adults. Things have gotten so amped up. Situations that use to happen as sophomores now occur to seventh graders, especially with girls. Girls need to take a time warp vacation and chill.

This is a book that will make kids look at the kid that is overlooked all the time. The kid that is smart, but strange to the norm. The kid that might irritate, but why is that irritating? Is the only reason it's irritating is because they are different? I am not perfect, and when I was young and was picked on, I struck first before being the one struck. Maybe that is why it hurts so bad to read these YA books. I was those characters. The good and the bad. Maybe we are these characters through all of our lives. I want to be the good ones and I hope more people do too.

http://www.caribousmom.com/2011/08/22/mice-book-review/

2011-10-20T08:04:00.001-07:00

Mill Valley Public Library Blog

2011-10-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

My smart baby sissie Jess has a new posting on her library blog: Mill Valley Public Library Blog

She knows her book lovers and is the Queen of Mill Valley Library!

Love you Jess!

Mary - God chose well.

2011-10-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

Were you scared when God spoke to you?
Did you about faint when he said you were going to be pregnant with his son?
Oh, wow! I would have freaked!
What were you going to tell everyone?
Were people mean?
It seems like it would have been horrible, but you were so brave.
I always think, what if you had said, no.

Joseph seemed like a nice guy, but he was old and a stranger too.
That must have been weird to have God pick your husband.
You don't know anything and then, WHAM! BAM!
An instant marriage for you, my dear.
You didn't even get to fall in love.
I always think, what if you had said, no.

The biggest thing that would have made me back out
of the whole deal,
is knowing Jesus would have had to die to save everyone.
Really?
Would I give my son up to be slaughtered?
I don't know if I could do that.
I love my sons.
I will protect them, hide them, and die for them.
I know you felt the same way.
You must have had faith stronger then anything I could ever imagine.
I always think, what if you had said, no.

There would be nothing.
No Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection.
We would not be saved.
There would be only darkness and evil.
You were one in a million.
God chose well.
Mary, thanks for not saying, no.

2011-10-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Middle School Ride

Middle School is the purgatory

carnival that you dwell in

before you become a teenager.

Kids jump on it's roller coaster ride,

hoping it will be the coolest trip of the lives.

It can be a nightmare in which the car you're riding in

suddenly flings itself off the rails and hurtles you to

the ground.

Don't buy that ticket too soon.

Girls in middle school say, “I want”.

I want to wear make-up.

I want to go to dances.

I want to date.

I want to be beautiful.

I want him to call.

God, please make him call.

Boys in middle school say, “I don't”.

I don't want to ask a girl out.

I don't want to do homework.

I don't want to clean my room.

I don't want to kiss you good-bye Mom.

I'll just grunt and walk away.

Should they jump on that ride?

There really is no choice, but be leery how fast you travel.

Buckle up and strap yourself in.

Follow the rules and you'll

be safe.

You might even have a great time

over some hills and turns.

Or barf.

Cool Site with Songs and Lyrics

2011-10-18T04:16:00.001-07:00

http://www.paulmetsa.com/

Weren't You My Friend Yesterday?

2011-10-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

Weren't you my friend yesterday?

Everyonenoticed the look you gave me

Really?What was that about?

Everytime you do that, it hurts

NowI hate being here

Takeme home please!

Yellingloudly, just to be cool

Outrageousoutfits you wear

Uselessgossip you spread around these halls

Mybest friend is now on your side

Youalways bribe people to be your friend

Forgivenessis hard for me

Rarelydo I let things go

Insecureabout my life, I guess

Everytime you talk about me

Noone ever listens to my side

Downthe hallway you spread your lies

Youhave nothing better to do

Eventuallyyou'll get bored

Setyour sights on someone else

Todayit's me, tomorrow it's her

Eachof us glad you tire quickly

Rarelya day goes by we don't wish you were gone

Dreamingof the day you would be done

Attackingus for being who we are

Youneed to grow up, please

New Poems - exercises from class

2011-10-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

The first line of the poem is used as the first letter of each line of the poem:

Mother to Son

Sing the paean of mothers to my son

Incite the strength and sorrow of matriarchal warriors long ago

Nuances that spill clever from your mouth son, mean nothing to me

Gestate the idea that I will triumph your fantasies and you will lose to the ignorance of wisdom

Together we will unite after this battle of misdeeds

Help this boy that fears my love and challenges it

Eloquence awaits him, after he chooses not to succumb to the trash of the city's adjectives

Prejudices of the young against the ripened seem insurmountable

Alienating mother from son once again

Exacting all feelings from seething hate, to serendipitous worship

All is forgiven once the time has passed, the allegiance solidified again

Negotiating our territories until the next crusade

Or is he just a boy that doesn't realize how easy cruel is?

Forget the searing sarcasm that came from my DNA, that would never be tolerated.

Maybe my dad wouldn’t be so cruel, but I disagree.

Or how about my mother run amuck?

The gene that gives us our loquacity

has bred in us a virus, that sometimes seems overreaching,

ever seeking the potential victim.

Random you think? Not really

So ready to strike first, to protect our own.

To all my offspring, be ready.

Origins of my faults are ready on display, I do not choose them for you.

Maybe you can pretend you are the neighbor's child

You are too beautiful to deny our genes and it will be unearthed.

Someday, you’ll realize that you're better then the rest,

only then the good in you will reign, mistakes will be forgotten

Never forget you are my son, my glory on this earth.

Look at what you’ve become!

Look at what you’ve become!

Outgoing young thing, you have no fear

Outrageous slang spews from your lips

Kicking lesser foes to the ground

Admiring boys strut on by, whistle and coo

Tenaciously touching you with their eyes

When did this transformation occur?

Hidden for years by youthful bliss

Awareness of your power slowly begins

To rise and tantalize those around

Young women beg for your attention

Only you choose who rises

Useless drones fall to the wayside

Voices call, but you ignore

Encouraging their worship of you

Bewitching siren whose power

Electrifies and ignites

Come and show the world what you have become
Outlandish and wild one day
Moral and melancholy the next
Enjoy all that you will become

Creative Writing Course - My present to Kathy because I love her

2011-10-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

PHOTOGRAPH - Amy Clark

The image was a mere illusion of what it use to represent. The photo had set on the windowsill for the last twenty years at the cabin. It had born the brunt of the sun’s ultra violet tentacles massaging its surface until it had sucked the ink from each pore. The image was that of the first grandchild, a promise of greatness and potential to be cultivated.

The child was born by emergency C-section. A choice had to be made to save the mother or the child. My Father chose my Mother. I think he was more afraid of losing someone he knew than someone who was only an idea to him. The baby was a dream, a thought that was in the future. His wife was cut open and losing blood fast. He had to make a decision and not waver. He had wavered on every issue in his life so far: college, the army, jobs and getting married. He never had finished anything in his life that had the stamp of respectable mature decision on it. Even the wedding was more about the reception. He liked a big party, a social event where he could tell a good story, smoke cigarettes and have a good stiff drink. The stroking of egos, the laughter and the tears streaming down their faces was their seal of approval of him after a good joke .

So he chose my Mom, but the baby wasn’t about to head out to pasture that quickly. She was a fighter and must of wanted to stay with my Mom. I hope she didn’t overhear the decision, but maybe that made her fight even harder. Imagine hearing that you have entered a world that you didn’t want to enter to begin with, and then be given a death sentence because you were deemed not as important.

They both survived . Both had to stay in the hospital a while longer to get stronger. I think my dad always felt a bit guilty every time he looked at my sister. To be honest, I think everyday he was surprised she was still here.

Inchworms and God

There was no fear blanketing our lives when we were ten. We saw images of a country called Viet Nam on WCCO when we ate dinner on our TV trays from Shell Oil, but that would go away at the turn of a knob. Mr. Gufterson’s son supposedly went to a party and someone had put LSD in his pop, but he was sent away and would never bother us. Macalester College was planning another demonstration, and we could watch unless they brought out the tear gas again or the dogs came with the police. Life was simple then, because if it got uncomfortable, it could be made to go away.

We were all sitting on the curb waiting for the inchworm man to come. That summer millions upon billions of inchworms had infestated the elm trees in the Macalester- Groveland neighborhood. The first truck had gone by warning all kids and pets to go inside, so you wouldn’t get poison on you. It never made us sick. We loved all the clouds of spray the truck would make and we delighted in watching the inchworms drop in masses from the trees. It was like a scene right out of Horror Incorporated. We then played Night of the Living Dead and put the dead inchworms all over us. We loved a good reenactment with the right theatrical props highlighting our talent.

On this particular day of inchworm slaughter, we were in front of our buddies house. Their house was on Stanford and had a better proximity to the street compared to mine that was surrounded by a fence. My buddy’s house also was crazier than ours. They had eight kids, all a year apart and a mother who was nuttier than squirrel with rabies. She alternated between being a long suffering Catholic wife who bore the children dutifully and a mother’s little helper addict who was meaner than a honey badger in pursuit of a cobra. Honey badgers look sweet and cute, but will rip the guts out of anything when hungry or just plain bored. If you never seen one in action, check it out on Youtube and you‘ll be amazed by the sheer savagery. Honey badgers and my buddy’s mom would slice you open if it came down to it. Honey badgers would if they were hungry, my buddy’s mom if you interrupted her soap operas, sat on the wrong coach or ate the last of the Hamburger Helper with potato chips. We never had Hamburger Helper with potato chips at our house, so I got slaughtered with verbal lashings constantly. I loved the new technology breakthroughs they were having in the seventies with food products and preservatives, so I took my beatings gratefully. My mother insisted all those new products such as spaghetti o’s, Trix cereal and Tang were fake foods. Didn’t she know that the astronauts drank Tang everyday and 9 out of 10 essential vitamins and minerals were included with the Trix rabbit? Geez, if she would put down her books and just turn on the TV she would be so much smarter. She was a meat and potatoes eater, a card carrying member of the Guild of Catholic Women Altar and Rosary Society and a book snob. She did not fit into the free and groovy life of 1975.

We were all Catholics in our neighborhood and pretty much knew that God was our savior and he had pretty strict, but decent rules. They all seemed fair enough, so we abided by his rules and skirted around the lying and obeying our elders commandments. We made sure we didn’t kill anyone or covet our neighbor’s wife, but who really in their right mind would want old honey badger herself, my bud’s ma? We worked our beads and went to church and we were all basically just trying to stay out of hell. We were unprepared then, while waiting for the slaughter of the innocent inchworm infestation, when God spoke to us.

The voice boomed from above, “Children stay where you are and look at the ground! Do not look up and question who is speaking to you. This is the Lord who spoke to Moses like in that burning bush with Charleton Heston, all the plagues and that freaky angel of death!“ We all stayed still and looked at the gravel in the gutter in amazement. “Do you really think it’s God or the inchworm man?” said my buddy. “I think it could be God because he tends to come out of nowhere and scare the bejesus out of people.” Above us God started singing Godspell and we sort of hummed along with it. The urge to look up was getting greater and greater. “Let’s take a peek at God” whispered my buddy. “What if we die and we don’t get to watch our Friday night shows. You know this is the night the Brady’s go to Hawaii. I am not missing Greg on a surfboard!” I said with a vengeance. I was totally in love with Greg Brady and maybe Peter. Peter could be kind of weird and his voice was changing, so maybe not that much.

God was done singing Godspell and was on to Nights in White Satin when the police came to a stop in front of us. My buddy put his hands in the air and yelled to the police not to look up. The police looked at us kind of strange and asked what was going on. “We were waiting for the inchworm man to come and God started singing to us and telling us to look at the ground.” my buddy said. “Does God sing to you two dirt heads all the time?” he asked sarcastically. “Well, no. Come to think of it I’ve never really heard his voice. I always thought he sounded like Father Tiffany or Monsignor Steiner, not Peter Frampton.” my buddy said. “Well geniuses, it’s not God. It’s a kid on a roof with a Mr. Microphone, hopped up on goofballs or smokin’ the wacky weed. I suggest you two get on your bikes and go to the park until the street lights come on. Understand?” We jumped on our bikes and pedaled as fast as we could down to Mattocks park and rec.

While we were throwing rocks and talking about what God really would sing if he was on American Bandstand and if he would wear a fringe vest or not, the cop cruiser drove by. My buddy’s oldest brother was in the back swaying back and forth and looking not so distressed by the whole situation. We got back on our bikes and headed back to my house to watch the Brady Bunch. We forgot about my buddy’s brother, drugs, God and the cops. Life was easier with Mike and Carol Brady in Hawaii, so we joined them in front of the console on my living room

Fame

Speak to me vacant prospect.
Where is my muse?
Will it arise like a phoenix
or continue to be the Grail
that eludes and beseeches.

Obscure imp named Fame,
be gone!
He who tugs at my heart and
deceives me with dalliances
and charades of fortune.

I am worn and tired with this amusement of yours.
Your little carnival of my desperation for sale.
Why do you play this game with me?
Leave me alone, if you will not let me win.

I am tired of the glimpses, the illusions of grandeur,
and the eternal fantasies that end in nightmarish rides
through the hell of my ego-centric mind
Abscond from my heart.

I will paint for me and
banish my demons.
Find some other fame monger who will
Pay your price.
I am done.

Early Morning Journey
The early morning dawn holds visions of promise:
Vibrant cobalt skies, hoar frosted dew on the ground,
birds beginning their requiem soliloquies,
and no one awake to stir the pot of despondency.

Inspiration, creativity seething to the mind
brings an introspective, a relevance
to the notions of ingenuity
in solving the mind boggling riddle
that eludes the deduction apparent
by even the basic of apprentices in the game of art.

Monet, Hokusai, Renoir, Picasso, Hopper,
Kadinsky, Van Gough, Michaelangelo
Suffered ragged doubts of depression because
their muse had hopped a bus taking a long
serendipitous journey to visit
the other turpentine linseed oil
saturated fame seekers of ill rebuke
that huddle and amass in small pockets
of decrepit city ghettos and urban communities that
serve as their own Winchester Cathedrals to their
Souls.

I keep walking this morning sojourn with
My faithful Retriever Labrador companion
Who guards me as if I were Guinevere and he, Lancelot.
He knows we are on our daily quest to
solve our continuous conundrum for the day.
We hurry back and hastily apply the layers of acrylic and oil
before the answer slips away and the thief of evening comes
and takes the luminescent light away
to shroud us in our blanket of midnight ebony.

A Present from Janet

2011-10-02T19:59:00.001-07:00

If you just want to watch the movie trailer, you can do so at...
http://www.oneforthemoneyfilm.com/

Enjoy!

2011-08-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

I read this book because it was on the Alex Award winners. Alex awards are given out to adult books that hold teen interest, so they become a pseudo YA book. The story is divided by each sister telling a part and begins with Phillip, their brother's perspective. My interest would come and go, but I wanted to se how it would end. I thought the ending would be tragic, but it ends more like an episode on the Kardshians. Lots of pop culture references in the novel, so I don't know how long the story will hold relevance in this fast changing world.

A Visit From the Goon Squad - a weird,yet compelling tale of people's lives

2011-08-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

That might be exactly the point Egan is aiming for. Goon Squad expertly captures the spirit of our times, where technology increases the number of people's relationships even as it renders them shallower, and "everybody sounds stoned, because they're e-mailing people the whole time they're talking to you."

Jenny Shank

Eddie - Target Kitty

2011-08-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Eddie is actually quite small and that is why he can lounge so well in a bowl

He loves to eat flowers and is quite destructive to plants

He adores me and calls me his angel!!!

XXOO Eddie

Sammy's Room

2011-08-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Faerie Houses - My new passion!!!!

2011-08-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

Cool Pics from the Cabim

2011-08-01T20:02:00.001-07:00

Kitty Mayhem!!!!

2011-08-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

What a great event for Joe! He loved the cats and all their expertise in Rock N' Roll and acrobats!

So innovative! Remember it is cats, not dogs, so you know she is really talented training these cats. Cats do not like to learn anything that they do not want to know. They especially do not like to be told what to do.

Cat costume is the give away for the lady all in charge.

I WON AT SKINNER'S BINGO!!!!!!

2011-07-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.skinnersmn.com/

919 Randolph Avenue Saint Paul 651-291-0146

Thursday BINGO NightFREE BINGO from 8-10PM. $50 progressive pot Great drink specials and prizes
$2.50 Rails and Domestics 8:00-10:00

About the Owners

Pete and Molly Skinner are life-long Saint Paul residents and have owned Skinner's since July of 2000. Pete has cooked at perhaps twenty different bars and restaurants in Saint Paul and knows his way around the grill. In fact, Pete met Molly while they were both working at the Tower Tap (now Goby's) on Snelling. Pete and Molly had been looking to open their own place for many years when the opportunity to open Skinner's Pub came along, and they continue to work to improve the place and make sure everyone has a great time when they are here.

About the Building

This location has been the home to bars and restaurants for many years; previously operating as Novak's, Sonny's, and Paul's Place. It is truly a neighborhood institution. For much of the early part of the twentieth century, the dining room was the home of the Vogelgesang Grocery Store.

General Information
Reservations: not needed
Payment Accepted: Cash, Visa, and MasterCard (ATM available onsite)
Attire: casual
Kids welcome?: absolutely! Check out our kids menu

The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus -Sonya Sones

2011-07-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

One word - FABULOUS!! Free verse at it's best. A compulsive read that I read in 2 hours(and it is 417 pages). I could totally relate to the heroine of the story and feel her emotions. Laugh, cry, get scared and mad with Holly.
Sonya Sones has been on of my favorites since, What My Mother Doesn't Know. She is a poet of greatness and a force to be reckon with.

Let's Cheer Them On! Go girls and GOOD LUCK!!

2011-07-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me from my friend Sandy. I hope one of them wins. I LOVE the State Fair and all the cool traditions.

From my cousin Dean and wife Elizabeth - their two girls are up for Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair - see the link below.
Sandy

2010 Princess Kay of the Milky Way sits

for a butter sculptor at the Minnesota State Fair

Johnsons are history-making dairy princesses

By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com

HERON LAKE, Minn. — April and Chelsey Johnson are cheering each other on to be the next state dairy princess.

They are the first sisters in the 58-year history of Princess Kay of the Milky Way program to be finalists at the same time. Ten other county dairy princesses join them in the running. The selection will be made Aug. 24.

The Johnson sisters of Heron Lake are Cottonwood County dairy princesses who grew up sharing milking duties and working on 4-H projects. They competed together on the team that took first place in the state during the 2009 4-H senior dairy project bowl.

If one of them is selected to be Princess Kay, they say they will both be happy that their county, family and the state's dairy farms are represented. The other sister would still get to share in the experience as they help during the year-long reign.

"We're competing for each other rather than against each other," said April.

April, 21, is the eldest of Dean and Elizabeth Johnson's four children. She is the detail-oriented one who started keeping records on her family's dairy cows at age 8 or 9.Chelsey, 19, is the tomboy who liked running through the feed alley, dodging cows to improve her agility and shooting baskets in front of the barn between chores.

For three years, Chelsey has helped her older sister prepare for the May event, where Princess Kay hopefuls are narrowed down to 12 finalists. When they decided to run together this year, they met in Chelsey's room every night once they were on summer break from college to practice media interviews and their speeches.

When April was named a finalist, Chelsey uncharacteristically shed happy tears.

"It's something that I've always seen in the future for her," said Chelsey. "With her passion for dairy and her leadership abilities, I think she would do an excellent job.

For April, being crowned Princess Kay would be an honor, a chance partly to show — though they're few — that there still are dairy farmers in Cottonwood County. There hasn't been a Princess Kay from the county since the 1980s, she said.

April was president of the Windom FFA chapter, Springfield Sparklers 4-H Club and Cottonwood County 4-H Federation. Chelsey also became president for those groups, saying it's because of April's example that she felt comfortable taking them on.

But April says Chelsey is also a guide for her in some ways. It's Chelsey she turns to for support and encouragement.

"I think Chelsey would be an excellent Princess Kay of the Milky Way," said April, "because she's an excellent communicator, really good at writing and delivering speeches in a really creative manner. And also, going into ag communications, I think this role would be something that would really benefit her in any future career path that she would choose."

Chelsey wants to be Princess Kay for a chance of self-improvement and to continue developing her skills as a dairy promoter.

A sophomore at South Dakota State University, she is studying agriculture communications and English education. She plans to be an ag journalist or a writing teacher. She is a historian for SDSU's dairy club, of which April is president.

April is a senior at the university, double majoring in dairy production and agricultural education. Her hope is to work for an AI company, as a 4-H program coordinator or as an agriculture teacher.

April is driving 1,500 miles a week across the Midwest this summer as an Alta Genetics intern, picking out sire's daughters to be photographed for a catalog. Meanwhile, Chelsey has been leading orientations on the SDSU campus and working as a nanny for a local family.

The Johnson family milks approximately 80 cows, mostly Holsteins, and raise their own replacement heifers. They farm about 320 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Both of April and Chelsey's parents grew up on dairy farms; the family lives now on the farm where their father grew up. Their mother's 10 siblings are all farming in the area.

Very Healthy Food that Only I Seem to Enjoy

2011-07-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a review of the new cafe in St Paul from the Mpls St Paul mag. This is our family's review: Mom - YEAH!!! Great, fresh and tasty. Dad - ick, bland and I am still starving. Son - totally gross and can we please now go get Chipotle?

They have the nutrients listed for each item which I like. My husband and son will never return. I will walk down with my dog Bear and dine solo I believe some day again.

Checking Out LifeCafe - Foodie File | Mpls.St.Paul Magazine + mspmag.com

A Beautiful and Poignant Visual Tale - Share it

2011-07-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.porcelainunicorn.com/

Highland Pool - OASIS!!!

2011-07-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=2665

Saints Game

2011-07-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

A fun night of baseball at Midway Stadium. The Midway kids got to play on the field and take batting, pitching and fielding practice. Then we watched a good game with a 4-4 tie. We then had a quick and fun bus ride home. A great night with Joe.

Oh, how fast they grow!

2011-07-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

2011-07-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.noodles.com/tendegrees/checkin.php

I went and got my free salad. I got there at 9:45 and then JP at Noodles gave me my tee. After spending only 45 minutes in-line with 2 awesome home schooled chaps, which we discussed literature and food, I got the 3rd free salad!!!!

I had the berry salad and it was spectacular, I really enjoyed the balsamic fig dressing it was the crowning touch!

So fun and delicious at the same time. A 7/7 to remember! And then I went and got Harry Potter Part 1 to get ready for the final.............................................................

Books from the 4th

2011-07-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Another great read by Crutcher. This book is a continuation of characters lives from his previous books. I hate when his novels end, so this was a blessing to find on the shelf while waiting for my son.

I also found this Last Apprentice series that I enjoyed and found the hero to be Potter like in his appeal. The story also is because it combines a good amount of scary, heroics and emotions. I am going to continue on with it.

Sh*t My Dad says is like seeing Poppa all over
again. I laughed so hard I cried. He was missing some Pat Leahy sayings, but maybe only us daughters should share those with each other.

Catching Fire #2 in the Hunger Games stays true to the series originality and suspense. Katniss is just hitting her stride in #2.

Backyard Beauties

2011-07-05T07:12:00.001-07:00

The Blue Footed Booty

2011-07-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July for Junie and Bear

2011-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Junie laughs and giggles over her delight that Bear is afraid of fireworks.

Junie says - Joe just brought home bottle rockets from the cabin.

Thanks man!

Honey Badger ain't scared - Bear is! Heee, hee.....

I plan on staying here all weekend - between Mommy's legs.

I hate fireworks. :(

They scare me!!!!!!

Cabin Clean-up from the Storm of July 2nd

2011-07-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

It is really so awful. All those trees gone. No power for all the resorts and restaurants who had laden their cupboards and refrigerators for the the big weekend. All lost.

But people, animals and houses were spared.

Thank God for his protection of those we love, especially Nonee, Louise, Millie and Buds.

How we found the cabin - thank goodness we could read Bertels still.

This is what our road looked like:

We could get get down Bertel's road and the new neighbors were so nice and let us park there all weekend.

All the trees missed the cabin.

Chris, Alex, Nick, Joe all helped Greg clear the road.

And then we all went golfing. We had to play around some fallen trees and we had the place to ourselves basically. We also went to lunch at Rosenthal's. The only place with a generator to have cold drinks, hot water in the bathrooms and great food.

Thanks Nonee and Louise for a good two days filled with memories of a job done well with family love.

Rainbows and Such

2011-07-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

I think sometimes I get very self centered and don't see the whole picture. I want everyone to be happy and fail to see that some people are and will alwys be very competitive. That wears on me and I tend to react with my irish temper and say things that I regret. I know I have to work on forgiveness and empathy. Sometimes though...I think WTF is wrong with you. Sorry, but I am working on it all.

So I look for rainbows and as I tell my kids, spread the love. They think I am crazy talking to people (customer service people, that I believe deserve your WHOLE attention) and getting to know them so well that we can walk in to any store around St Paul and have people yell out my name. I like that. That is St Paul to me. I would never, ever trade that for anything. I adore people, all sorts, and that makes life wonderful to me.

This is a rainbow after Friday's storms. You have to look really hard to see it, but if you get there and spot it, it is worth it.
Peace-Amy

Target Kitty

2011-06-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

I went to Aldi to get my great deals and then stopped at the big red T. I needed bags for my vacuum (which I broke somehow and now need a vacuum!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
I went in and was of course awestruck by the D'amico deli. Great food, inexpensive and awesome! They discontinued my Broccoli salad and that stinks, but whatever....................................
I ran into maestro Justin and Magic's mom Amy. Fun to chat. Justine's fan died and we all know 100 degrees will be back tomorrow. I then ran into my beauty niece Jen and Dad. Jen, you'll be ultimately fine and superbly cool as usual.
After talking to a new Momma with a babe I went out and found a kitten abandoned! Who would leave a kitten in 100 degree heat, no water, food and black hair in the sun?????
I knew it would be bad, but you have to stick up for the underdog. And if the people who do things like this don't know, Karma comes around and yours will come back to teach you a lesson. Be ready.............................

Goodbye My Kayla - damn great teacher and friend

2011-06-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

“There comes a time in the spiritual journey when you start making choices from a very different place. And if a choice lines up so that it supports truth, health, happiness, wisdom and love, it’s the right choice. ”

Angeles  Arrien (born 1940);

Anthropologist

Ape House - READ IT! And it can be done in a day.....

2011-06-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kathy, book lover extraordinaire!

I have thought about this book for a couple of days now. I look into my Bear's eyes and see thoughts, emotions and empathy. I think one day we will all be accountable for what should be so easily understood.We are all too busy to listen and it could be our downfall.

Ron Charles's review points out what the novel lacks, but it fails to realise what the the novel inspires. His points are valid, but there are also many nuances he fails to ponder.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/07/AR2010090705677.html

Pottermore - Great Animation!!!

2011-06-28T07:45:00.001-07:00

I am going:Great Ape Trust- DesMoines, Iowa

2011-06-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.greatapetrust.org/

One student makes a difference to a teacher

2011-06-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

I really think a lot about being a teacher. Am I qualified, do I make a difference, do I care too much and blur the line between giving too much and not giving?

I received an email today that made me smile and think last year was worth it and a student learned something.

Maybe I do make a difference and I should continue down this path and not quit.
This is the hardest job in the whole entire world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!( Mom job not included of course!)

Claver Art Press

2011-06-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's good to check and see what's out there about your art things. I was curious if there were pics on our Flint International Experiences and found some links:
http://ordwayfestival.blogspot.com/2011/03/saint-peter-claver-is-back.html

http://ordwayfestival.blogspot.com/2011/02/paint-shirts.html

http://ordwayeducationnews.blogspot.com/2011/05/artwalk-recpetion-success.htm

Our installation at Alliance Bank:

On Mike's blog giving us some PR on the kid's art show at the AZ:

Finding yourself stuck on a project? I recommend a little inspiration. As previously mentioned, The AZ Gallery is hosting a Elementary and Middle School Art Extravaganza! I went to the opening last weekend. In addition to seeing loads of great artwork, the reception itself was impressively complete with snacks, painting stations AND a DJ. I found it to be "a rockin' good time." Don't believe me? Just ask these fellas.

This is the last weekend that the show is up so be sure to go check it out. Happy art making!

- Mike

CSA - Community Supported Art - Pick - Up at AZ Gallery What a PARTY!

2011-06-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

What a great night at the AZ!

Grilling on the Patio, Music by the Roe Family, Great Artists, Great Patrons and sales for all!

Here is some background about the whole CSA project from Springboard.

http://www.springboardforthearts.org/AboutUs/AboutCSA.asp

What is Community Supported Art? Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy seasonal food directly from local farms. With the same buy-local spirit in mind, mnartists.org and Springboard for the Arts are joining forces once again for a similar endeavor to support local art, artists and collectors. Last week the project assembled a panel of local food and culture tastemakers including artist Amy Rice, photographer Becca Dilley (The Heavy Table), and J.D. Fratzke (The Strip Club). The panel reviewed over 140 artist applications and selected the nine CSA artists, working in a wide range of disciplines: installation artist Liz Miller, printmaker Drew Peterson, furniture maker and woodworker Scott McGlasson, fashion designer Danielle Everine, fabric artist Nou Ka Yang, photographer Areca Roe, ceramic artist Peter Jadoonath, painter Dana M. Johnson, and visual artist Luke Aleckson.

The selected artists will receive a commission to create 50 shares for the program. Interested collectors will purchase a share from Springboard for the Arts and in return receive 3 boxes of locally produced artwork over the course of the summer. Each artist's work is specially created for the CSA program. One share could include work in any number of media, from a limited edition print or painting to a sculptural object or functional ceramic. Each member share will include one piece from each of the 9 CSA featured artists over the summer, and will also include a "bumper crop" of additional artwork, coupons, or tickets. The pick-up evenings will be at local art sites in June, July and August, and will feature musical performances, readings and food. The pick-up events are also when shareholders will have an opportunity to meet the CSA artists in person.

Tasty on the Grill - Wednesday Dinner with Steak/Potaoes/Corn and Onions

2011-06-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1 large head romaine lettuce, trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 teaspoons olive oil
Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 cup canola mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
2 garlic cloves, minced

Preparation
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush cut sides of lettuce evenly with oil. Place lettuce, cut sides down, on a grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cut each lettuce half lengthwise in half again to form 4 quarters. Sprinkle cut sides of lettuce with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
3. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, mayonnaise, and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well. Place 1 lettuce quarter on each of 4 salad plates; drizzle each serving with about 4 teaspoons dressing. Serve immediately.

Kind of A Cool Weird Thing

2011-06-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

Money bags

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags. Chinese legend says , forward this to your friends and money will arrive within 4 days. Based on Chinese Feng Shui. The one who does not forward.....so sadly will be without money.

Kinda interesting - read on!!!

This year we're going to experience four unusual dates.

1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 and that's not all...

Take the last two digits of the year in which you were born - now add the age you will be this year,

The results will be 111 for everyone in whole world. This is the year of the Money!!!

OMG I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!

2011-06-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger (original narration by Randall)

2011-06-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

http://youtu.be/4r7wHMg5Yjg

A Renaissance Girl Revival

JUSTIFIED!!!!! COMING BACK ON TUESDAY!!!

Cool Art News

The Church Loves a Good Race!

Real Books Rule!

Love a Man with Faith - Kudos to you!

Validation for My Love of Atticus - I Never Doubted

Lessons in Manliness from Atticus Finch

Lessons in Manliness from Atticus Finch

A man does the job no one else wants to do.

A man lives with integrity every day.

The most important form of courage is moral courage.

Live with quiet dignity.

Cultivating empathy is paramount.

Teach your children by example.

My Inspirational Person By Joe Clark

We're With you Jack Jablonski! We're all Praying Hard

Good For you for doing what you have to do if push comes to shove

crazy kitty

Giving the LOVE

Love me some Rubio!!!!!

Adrian Mole The Lost Years

Why I post what I do.

My favorite people in the world! Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve - I believe Ben, Peace to you and ENJOY!

Books From VACATION

ANNE RIVERS SIDDONS

AZ Lowertown Art Show

Lowertown Art Show

The AZ Gallery and Black Dog Cafe are proud to jointly present the First Annual Lowertown Art Show, a juried show designed to showcase the work of Artists who live and work in the lowertown neighborhood and downtown of Saint Paul, MN.

SHOW LOCATIONS: AZ Gallery, 308 Prince Street, #130, St. Paul, MN 55101 & Black Dog Café, 308 Prince Street, #100, St. Paul, MN 55101

Heather Brewer Post on Bullying and then Michigan????????

What's New at the Library From Sissie Jess in Sunny Cali -So Proud of Her!

Why You Shouldn't Get Tattoos

FUNNY and Spot On

KOKO! I love Koko and that would be my dream job

Wordle - Cool

Harry Potter Patrick

Cutie!!!!!

Cheryl LeClaire Sommer - Friend and GREAT Pastel Artist

Grimm - Surprise Attack - Video - http://www.nbc.com

Grimm and Once Upon a Time - Something to watch!! FINALLY

Paul Metsa

Halloween for Pets

Lacey the manicured alpaca meets baby kitten

Cutie Hamster

Books for MEA

Mill Valley Public Library Blog

Mary - God chose well.

Cool Site with Songs and Lyrics

Weren't You My Friend Yesterday?

New Poems - exercises from class

Creative Writing Course - My present to Kathy because I love her

A Present from Janet

A Visit From the Goon Squad - a weird,yet compelling tale of people's lives

Eddie - Target Kitty

Sammy's Room

Faerie Houses - My new passion!!!!

Cool Pics from the Cabim

Kitty Mayhem!!!!

I WON AT SKINNER'S BINGO!!!!!!

The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus -Sonya Sones

Let's Cheer Them On! Go girls and GOOD LUCK!!

This was sent to me from my friend Sandy. I hope one of them wins. I LOVE the State Fair and all the cool traditions.

From my cousin Dean and wife Elizabeth - their two girls are up for Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair - see the link below.Sandy

2010 Princess Kay of the Milky Way sits

for a butter sculptor at the Minnesota State Fair

Johnsons are history-making dairy princesses

Very Healthy Food that Only I Seem to Enjoy

A Beautiful and Poignant Visual Tale - Share it

Highland Pool - OASIS!!!

Saints Game

Oh, how fast they grow!

Books from the 4th

Backyard Beauties

The Blue Footed Booty

Fourth of July for Junie and Bear

Cabin Clean-up from the Storm of July 2nd

Rainbows and Such

Target Kitty

From my cousin Dean and wife Elizabeth - their two girls are up for Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair - see the link below.
Sandy