The really great news for me is that he loves to be photographed! (Unlike his big brother Pete.) I took these photos on Thursday … just two days after his 11-month birthday.

Happy New Year!

Last weekend I spent an hour recording the beautiful waves coming ashore on Lake Superior. I took this video at “The Land” my friends and PCYC colleagues Anne and Jim Long have on the south shore of Lake Superior (just outside of Cornucopia, Wisconsin).

This video is a five-minute compilation of the video I shot at the lake’s edge.

Lake Superior has always had a special allure for my Dad … who is fascinated about all things related to boats and boating … so he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to spend a long weekend right on the lake at what the Longs call “The Land.”

This morning the sunrise was spectacular!

Reynaldo admires a magnificent Elm tree in the midst of Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis on Sunday.

I’ve also seen a similar fountain (nearly 20 years ago) while visiting Sydney, Australia. I’m now curious: do these fountains in Minneapolis, New York and Sydney share a common designer?

A quick Google search doesn’t reveal much, so I’m on a quest to learn more. I will let you know what I learn!

“This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.” ~WaterFire.com

Serendipity is with me as I make my way from Portland, Maine, to New York City. The proof? Last night’s magnificent WaterFire festival in downtown Providence!

After spending three days in Portland this past week with my longtime friends Gary and Demetrios (formerly of the Twin Cities), I decided I wanted to explore another smaller, artistic city before heading to Manhattan. I didn’t realize that the timing of my visit coincided with last night’s WaterFire … an amazing artistic installation that combines visual beauty with an amazing sound track of music.

“WaterFire is accompanied by music selected by Barnaby Evans that combines recorded natural sounds with eclectic and unusual music related to the ritual, religious, and symbolic sources of the sculpture. The soundtrack changes with each performance and works by artists from throughout the globe are deliberately juxtaposed. The emotional character of the music is opposed to the minimalism of the sculpture—just as fire is paired with water. The music program begins before sunset and ends at 1:00 AM on all full WaterFire events.” ~ WaterFire.com

Each WaterFire is made possible by hundreds of volunteers. If I were to spend time in Providence in the future, I want to paddle one of the fish canoes! (See photo below.)

It’s hard to adequately convey the emotions I felt walking along the rivers. It was a sensational experience. WaterFire is brilliant.

Last spring I recall our Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak talking about the need for Minneapolis to embrace its “winter city” status. We have our very popular Holidazzle in downtown Minneapolis during the holiday season. How about adding a new tradition in late January or early February by turning over Nicollet Mall to just pedestrians (and cross country skiers) one weekend … allowing them to make their way up and down the avenue to the warmth of crackling, artistic bonfires and music?

September is a bittersweet time of year for me. I am savoring these beautiful, temperate days, but as several friends commented to me is various conversations this week: “We know what’s coming around the bend.”

I’m in awe of the Morning Glories blooming on our balcony (pictured here). All summer long I watched as their vines wove their way around the balcony rails … and their long-awaited blooms now embrace the morning sun. The delicate flowers, heralds of autumn, are stunning.

This beautiful Gothic Revival church, built by Norwegian immigrants around 1910, was named after Seljord, a municipality in the Telemark region of Norway … about 80 miles west of Oslo. (Click here for the city’s official website.)

More than 40 years have passed since worship services were held at Seljord. In the mid 1960s the small Lutheran parishes were consolidated with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Clearbrook (where my family attended and where I was confirmed at age 16).

I could see Seljord through my bedroom window, walking between our house and the barns and waiting for the school bus at the end of the drive way. I often wondered what it would have been like to attend services there “back in the olden days.”

My connection to Seljord, however, strengthened during my high school years … when I was hired by Good Shepherd to mow Seljord’s cemetery and grounds (as well as the six other cemeteries in the area the church maintained). My connection deepened during those many hours I circled the church with my push mower.

Eventually I built up the courage to enter the church on my own. (I could never understand why I would be afraid to enter a house of God by myself … but at age 16 I cast that fear aside.) As a young vocalist, I discovered that Seljord was a great place to rehearse for the times I was asked to sing at worship services, weddings and funerals. The acoustics in Seljord are exceptional … with its arched tin roof and wood floors. And the upright piano holds its tune remarkably well … especially since the church has not been heated or cooled these past decades.

While I was in high school and college, I also participated in the annual summer music social neighbors hosted at Seljord.

As I prepared for my senior recital at Bemidji State University (a requirement for my music degree), I spent my late winter break that year in the cold sanctuary bundled up in with thick winter clothing vocalizing and rehearsing my music hours at a time.

For me Seljord has become a place I can find a deep peace, and I try to spend time in the sanctuary once every year.

I am told that the stained glass windows were purchased from a parish in Iowa. During my high school years vandals stole the bottom half off all but two of the windows, and I remember the shock I felt that people would actually violate a house of God.

From that time on, I never take this beautiful church for granted, and it has become a frequent subject of my photography. Within the past two years, neighbors came together to restore the church with new siding and a new roof on the outside (thanks to a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans), and the interior was repainted and cleaned thoroughly.

I think it is time that I discover more about the history of this beautiful church … the landmark I treasure most in my life.

During the Fourth of July weekend, I walked over to Seljord to take a new set of photos. The sanctuary looks so good with a fresh coat of paint.

This original painting of Jesus on canvass is inserted into the alter at Seljord. The artist signature is “Klagstad.” I want to find out more about who created this beautiful piece of art … inserted into the altar that is also a stunning piece in its own right … adorned with Luther’s seal.

Off to the side of the altar is a smaller stained glass window with a rose-colored panel. I have always enjoyed this view of the Seljord outhouse and my parents’ farmstead.

“Do you have your Bible? Do you have your quarter for offering?” I remember my Mom always making sure we didn’t forget. It looks like the Seljord parish was very diligent in keep track of attendance, offering given and Bibles brought!

A bulletin board in the entry to the church has a display of photos of the recent restoration work completed by volunteers who care deeply for Seljord. In the middle of the display is a photo of Seljord Kirke in Norway … a church built in 1180.