A few weeks ago, I met Soren and his family at Purgatory Park for a casual and fun senior portrait session. We also took a few family photos to remember this important milestone.
Stomp Out Suicide 5K
This past weekend, All Are Welcome Here sponsored an art booth at the Stomp Out Suicide 5K Run/Walk, a fundraiser for Canvas Health. This year's theme was "Stronger with Every Stomp" and Kat Perkins from The Voice was the key note speaker. It was an honor to be at such a beautiful event that both celebrated life and the lives lost to suicide. Many friends and family members stopped by the All Are Welcome Here tent to create and share a message of support and love.
There were many tears and many hugs. "We are so glad you are here. We are so glad you are doing this today."
Carlson's Lovable Llamas
Last summer, I joined my daughter and her preschool class on field trip to Carlson's Lovable Llamas. I was so excited to see one of my favorite animals that I could hardly sit still on the school bus.
After a short presentation on the llama's unique physical characteristics and intricate social structure, the class was divided into groups of two and each group got to take their llama on a walk around the farm. My daughter and I were matched up with a lovely llama lady named Cocoa. The group behind us walked with her daughter, Mocha.
The staff and the llamas were so patient with the kiddos and my camera. Fun fact: Llamas only have front teeth in their lower jaw and they are HUGE.
Carlson's Lovable Llamas is only open to educational groups, but in my perfect world, they'd make exceptions for adult birthday parties... you know... for all of us llama super fans.
Smiling Cicadas
During July in Minnesota, sunny days are filled with the songs of cicadas. The adult males sing loudly to find a mate and begin this fascinating life cycle anew.
Minnesota cicadas are Dog Day Cicadas. Unlike their more famous relatives down south who emerge en masse every 13 to 17 years, Dog Day Cicadas transition from egg to nymph to adult in about a year. When they first emerge as adults, they are the most vibrant and electric green. As their new exoskeletons harden, they turn dark and metallic.
