Day 12 Beautiful Things

Hey, check out these two amazing pictures! They capture the same place at different times. The top one was taken by me, and I couldn’t believe it when I saw the bottom one on Facebook yesterday. Both images are absolutely breathtaking. It just goes to show that you can find beauty anywhere, even on Facebook!

Day 11 Beautiful Things

I’ve previously posted this picture on my social media. However, I see this sculpture almost every day. It serves as a reminder of what matters: Be kind. Always.

Day 10 Beautiful Things

I was in downtown Minneapolis about a week ago for a meeting. While waiting, I looked out the window and saw Shindig. Although the name is still on the building, it has been closed for a couple of years, a victim of the pandemic and economic challenges. Most people only see it as an abandoned, closed event center.

It’s a charming venue with a small chapel-like room connected to a slightly larger event space with a bar. It would be perfect for a group of 50-100 people.

Even though most people pass by this place without giving it much attention, I always smile when I see it. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my oldest child got married just before the pandemic. It was a beautiful day with beautiful people, and I have so many wonderful memories from that day and that place.

Day 9 Beautiful Things

Recently, I’ve been spending more time reading things other than the news. I’ve never been a fan of fiction. This past weekend, I revisited Ernest Hemingway’s “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”. It’s been a few years since I last read any of his work, and many years since I read this story.

I was reminded of the beauty of his writing. His clear and concise style brings to life outstanding character development, despite this being a short story. Even though the story was written and set nearly 90 years ago, its themes of courage, masculinity, transformation, and mortality remain relevant today.

As I read, I could identify with the main characters and their challenges. Perhaps that is the essence of literature – to recognize oneself – good, bad, or otherwise – in the characters.

Day 8 Beautiful Things

The picture I want to share isn’t recent. It was actually taken last year. This church holds a special place in my heart as it is located in my hometown, close to my childhood home. As a kid, I never really stopped to appreciate its beauty. But now, having gotten married there, I believe it to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Day 7 Beautiful Things

Today was full of beautiful moments that I wish I could have captured in photos. Instead here is a picture from the past,

I enjoyed a delightful lunch at the new local restaurant called Bibisol, conveniently located just a block away from my office in the historic Carpenter Hotel building. The ambiance was so pleasant, and the food was absolutely fantastic, with perfect portion sizes.

In the evening, I had an amazing dinner at 22Ten! I’ve been here a few times and they never disappoint. I tried the Korean Glazed Pork from the feature menu. The pork was perfectly coated with a sesame onion crumble and served with delicious soy glazed sweet potato and charred bok choy. Presentation was wonderful. Simply delicious!

While enjoying dinner, I delighted in watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris. Witnessing the various countries float down the Seine brought back memories of my visits to Paris and the breathtaking beauty of the city.

Day 6 Beautiful Things

During the pandemic, this place brought me so much joy. Although I don’t visit as often due to my career change, I made time to stop by on my way home from work to reconnect with this special spot.

Day 5 Beautiful Things

I’ve passed by this sculpture countless times this summer. Named Playtime, it reminds us to prioritize relaxation and joy over work and stress. I particularly love its placement with the historic State Theatre in the background.

Day 4 Beautiful Things

You just know it was only a matter of time before a picture of my adorable dog made an appearance. I used to be a die-hard cat person, never thought I’d have a dog. But guess what? Things change, and now I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Day 3 Beautiful Things

I used to work in downtown Sioux Falls over twenty years ago. Back then, the area was pretty rundown and deserted, especially after dark. I remember a particular day at the office when the senior partner, an incredibly visionary individual, asked us a thought-provoking question. “Do you know what really brings people to downtown areas?” After a few failed guesses, he revealed the answer: public art. It’s the vibrant art that draws people to downtowns and city centers. Sculpture Walk burst onto the scene a year or two later, and downtown was immediately rejuvenated into a dynamic, secure, and thrilling hub of activity!

I took a break from work today and decided to walk along part of Sculpture Walk, which is now celebrating its 21st year. I stopped at several of the sculptures, admiring their beauty and intricacy. One particular sculpture caught my eye. It’s titled “and…” and the artist intends for it to symbolize connection and bring people closer together.

Art has the power to be thought-provoking, mesmerizing, and uniquely beautiful. Its unlikely this is last you will see of Sculpture Walk.