LUNCH AT THE MINNEAPOLIS CLUB

I’ve stated before that the Minneapolis Club is one of my favorite places in downtown Minneapolis.  It was one of the first buildings I encountered when I moved here over twelve years go, and its distinguished style and beauty, lends an element of sophistication to the busy and growing downtown.  Since I’m not a member I don’t get there very often, but for the last couple of years I’ve attended a lunch meeting there for work, and the experience is always wonderful!

The meeting I attended this year was once again sponsored by the School of Theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville.  They do a number of Theology Day presentations throughout the year, and this particular one always centers on bridging spiritual values and principles with the business world.  This year’s speaker was August Tursk, whose topic was “Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks: Making Meaning While Making Money,” and the presentation was truly excellent.

August Tursk gave an excellent presentation to packed room.

Equal to the quality of the presentation for me though, is the quality of hospitality shown by the Minneapolis Club.  The stereotype we often have of private clubs is that they are a bit standoffish, but that has never been my experience of the Minneapolis Club.  Every time I have attended an event there, I have always been made to feel extremely welcomed. 

After his presentation, Mr. Tursk signed copies of his book.

This is one of my favorite paintings at the Minneapolis Club.  

I guess I'm still a farm boy at heart.

The food is always amazing, and the staff is friendly, helpful and polite, as they go out of their way to ensure that guests feel at home.  This level of hospitality is just second nature to them, and the superior service is always provided in a smooth and seemingly effortless manner which, I’m certain, is the reason they have been placed among the Five Star Platinum Clubs of the world.

This grand lady kept a watchful eye on the event.

While it is doubtful that I will be in a position to be a member, I appreciate the opportunities I have to attend functions at the Minneapolis Club.  They provide a gracious atmosphere that is both contemporary and traditional, and above all, welcoming.  I can truthfully say that each time I visit there I leave feeling privileged and honored to have been hosted by such a fine institution.  They are amazing!!!

GREEN BLOCK OPTIC DEPRESSION GLASS

Every year on Mother’s Day, I find myself missing my Mom.  Mom passed away 14 years ago, but her presence is always with me.  Not only is her memory in my heart, but I am also surrounded by her presence in a number of the things I have inherited from her.  I remember her most keenly at the Holidays when I bring out her china for my dinners.  This year, however, I’ve found myself using my green Depression Glass dishes which also carry a connection to her.

I inherited a number of miscellaneous pieces of Depression Glass from my mother.  While most of them were random pieces from a variety of patterns, there were several matching pieces in the green Block Optic pattern. I fell instantly in love with these dishes and thus began my mission to collect a complete set.

For those who may not know, Depression Glass refers to glass dishes that were made from the late 1920’s until the early 1940’s, in short, during the Great Depression.  This pressed glassware was made inexpensively and almost always contained flaws and visible marks and seams from the molds.  What was unique about these dishes is the array of patterns and wonderful colors they came in, which were certain to brighten the table of any host or hostess.

Christmas 2011

In addition to their beautiful colors and patterns, they were also obtained very easily and inexpensively.  You could purchase pieces for five-cents or ten-cents, but they also came free in cereal boxes and soap boxes, with gas purchases, movie ticket purchases, insurance policy purchases, and a host of other means.  This easy obtainability ensured that most families had at least a few pieces in their household.

Mardi Gras 2014

My pattern is called Block Optic, and I collect it in green (it also came in pink, yellow, and crystal, with a few pieces in amber and blue).  Block Optic was made by the Hocking Glass Company in Lancaster, Ohio between 1929 and 1933 and, to my knowledge, was never reproduced like some patterns.  The green dishes were more widely produced so it is fairly easy to find additional or replacement pieces.  Most of my additions have come from eBay. 

Easter 2014

I love the Art Deco style of the Block Optic pattern, and the light green color (the color I inherited from my mother) has quickly become my favorite.  I also like the connection these dishes have to my mother.  Regardless of how large my collection eventually becomes, it will always have its genesis with her, and will always invoke her memory for me, and that is truly priceless.

BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS - PART TWO

Marion Gadient White

May 9, 1925 - May 26, 2000

Thinking of the woman who taught me the art of hospitality, and who gave me my great love for entertaining.  As she would say, "There's always room for one more at the table!"  Today my Mom would have been 89 years old!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

ART IN BLOOM!!!

Over the weekend the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) hosted their 31^st Annual Art In Bloom event.  

This year’s festivity hosted 150 floral arrangements designed to reflect works of art from the museum’s permanent collection.  This was my first year attending this exhibit and it was truly spectacular!

Floral art.  Glass art.  People art.

Some arrangements were taken directly from the artwork.

Floral Picasso.

This free, four day celebration of floral beauty is presented each year by Friends of the Institute, an organization that has provided support to the MIA for 92 years.  Over the years they have also provided educational outreach to the community to help make art accessible to everyone. According their website, last year nearly 93,000 pre-k through grade 12 students were served by off-site arts education, while 81,000 students made a trip to the MIA for a guided tour. 

This Lovely vase . . .

. . . Became this beautiful arrangement.

Some interpretations were quite literal.

Do you think they captured the essence of George?

The MIA is one of the very few Art Museums of its caliber that still offers free general admittance every day (there is a fee for featured and visiting exhibits), however, the Museum’s permanent collection is amazing, and is a wonderful way to spend your day!

DERBY WEEKEND BOW TIE FRIDAY!!!

The four panel, reversible bow tie from Jos. A Banks is perfect for Derby weekend!  The four panels alternate wonderful shades of blue, pink, orange, and green, to welcome this quintessential springtime event!

While ladies will be sporting beautiful hats, vibrantly alive with spring colors, this tie allows gentlemen to keep pace with them at the track.  The versatility of the four colors allows it to be tied in a number of different fun ways to highlight a gent's personal style and flair, while adding a bit of fun to their outfit.

(UPDATED PHOTO)

When it comes to Derby weekend style, color, and fun, this four-panel, reversible bow tie from Jos. A Banks is my pick for the "Run For The Roses!"  

HAPPY DERBY WEEKEND 

EVERYONE!!!