One of my favorite places to go, whether to photograph or to soothe my soul is the McNeely Conservatory in Como Park. The Sunken Garden flower shows are a feast of color to the eyes and a treat to my sense of smell. Right now the summer flowers are on exhibit in the garden. I was fortunate to be there one night this past week when there were only a few fellow photographers. It was peaceful, calm, and very quiet except for the water flowing at the base of the sculpture. This bronze piece is titled “Play Days” and was created by Harriet Frishmuth in the early 1900’s. On this night the young woman was surrounded by a beautiful reflection of the evening sky and the blooming flowers of summer.
St. Paul
Double rainbow at Como Park
Spring is an unsettled time of year in the upper Midwest. Our weather comes from all four directions, oftentimes colliding over Minnesota. Last week we had a beautifully sunny and warm day. Until about 5:00pm, when the clouds rolled in, the winds picked up, and it started to rain. I headed to my office to get some work done, not realizing that the front was moving through quickly and it would be followed by clearing. About 7:30 the clouds parted from the western horizon, creating a beautiful low directional golden light. With the rain still to the east a vivid double rainbow emerged. I grabbed my camera and hurried to nearby Como Park and the McNeely Conservatory. Luckily I arrived before the rainbow disappeared, thanking the weather and photo gods for presenting such a stunning and vibrant display.
Arrival of spring
I was out early this morning on a short run through my neighborhood. Last week’s cold and stillness of winter has been replaced by the activity and cacophony of spring. My breathing was accompanied by the songs of robins and cardinals and the tapping of a woodpecker, and my running was in synch with the scurrying of squirrels and the neighbors walking their dogs in the early light. Everything comes to life with the promise of spring, including the blowing of white clothes freshened by the spring breeze and warmed in the heat of the sun on the clothesline.
Snow sculptures, before the thaw
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival concluded this past weekend, and just in the nick of time. We finally climbed above freezing on Saturday, January 31st with a balmy 45 degrees! It appears once again that our Vulcans have persevered over winter, and spring can’t be too far away. This is a photo of the winning snow sculpture this year, titled “Hormel McSwine & Friends” (obviously captured before our January thaw!). The sculptures were on display at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and drew crowds of people admiring the art & craft, with the kids (and adults too!) wandering through the snow maze and dreaming of the summer use of the Fairgrounds, with animals, rides, entertainment, and all types of food on a stick! Warmer weather will prevail…soon!
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