Solar Eclipse 2017

Image of the Moon transiting across the Sun, taken by SDO in 304 angstrom extreme ultraviolet light on Aug. 21, 2017.

Credit: NASA/SDO

Last Updated: Aug. 21, 2017

Editor: Rob Garner

This composite image of eleven pictures shows the progression of a total solar eclipse at Madras High School in Madras, Oregon on Monday, August 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe.

Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Last Updated: Aug. 22, 2017

Editor: Sarah Loff

The Bailey's Beads effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe.

Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Last Updated: Aug. 21, 2017

Editor: Marc Levy

 

The first image above is from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, SDO and all three are from NASA. I was quite thrilled to be part of this amazing phenomena though only in its penumbra.  The sun showing for us in Minnesota looked like a glowing crescent when I used my solar glasses.

I went to Winona State University to do the viewing with about one hundred other people, students, teachers, and community people.  It was a great viewing all together though a few clouds were a little threatening.

I ran into my friends, Jill, Ethan, Addy.  

And then my little friend, Kinsley was there too with her Mom and Grandfather.

A gathering of friends and neighbors all viewing the natural world and science!

The Art of Fine Furniture Goes to Rochester, Minnesota

Bird Cabinet by Linda Sue Eastman 

Join artists and friends for an opening reception of the Art of Fine Furniture in Rochester, Minnesota,  on August 19 at 1-3pm at Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center, 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester. 

"The Art of Fine Furniture," an exhibit of studio furniture creations by artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin, which has been showing at the Winona History Center through the summer 2017 and will open Saturday, August 19th at Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center, 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester.  Additional fine art will be part of this show, according to Jamie Schell.

It was a bit of synchronicity that I got to see this show--it was extended one week.  And just as I was looking, my friend, Mary Alice came by and told me that I could open the doors on the jewelry cases.  Oh, how amazing to see all the intricacy that Mark Laub used with his design.

I appreciate  his statement, "Once inside, this piece reaffirms that, as in all life, true beauty lies within."   

This show is filled with true beauty.  I have great appreciation for seeing all of this fine art.  Thank you Jamie Schell and all of the artists in this show.

The Art of Fine Furniture

The Queen of Slipstream by Mark Laub

This beautiful wood piece is created to intrigue the eye and then to explore deeper.  The flower top spins upward to reveal the mosaic inside.

 Flower top spinning

Mosaic inside

Smaller drawers come out the side and off the top.

 
Open the top for more hidden beauty

 Closed top

And looking closer at the bottom, I find another treasure.

                                       
Just a couple more days in Winona, Minnesota at the History Center then the show goes to Rochester, Minnesota.  Hope you take a look. 

Here's the write up from the Winona County Historical Society.  Click the link below to learn more about the artists and the Art of Fine Furniture.  The Art of Fine Furniture is free and open to the public.


"The Art of Fine Furniture 2017,  June 17 - August 17 (extended a week!)  Slaggie Family Lobby, History Center
We are getting excited to bring you the 5th annual Art of Fine Furniture! This popular exhibit is curated with new pieces each year by local studio furniture maker and artist, Jamie Schell. For 2017 we will take a look at inspiration. What inspires artists, craftsmen, buyers, designers, and you...what influences throughout history have impacted inspiration for design?
Save the date for the Opening Reception to be held Saturday, June 17 from 1 - 3 p.m. Many of the artists will be there to visit with and it is a festive time downtown with Steamboat Days in full swing too! More information about the artists, workshops and programs can be found at www.theartoffinefurture.com! Sponsored by Winona National Bank and funded in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Minnesota Legacy Fund through SEMAC." 



 

Musing in August

The morning light over the Mississippi river today was so lovely.  The sun was up, a bit hidden behind some clouds and creating this pink light.  The breeze was blowing and the birds seemed to be delighting in the air and light as well.

 Movement is one of the things that feeds my being.  Lately, in my Nia classes, we've been dancing a routine called Deep Dive created by Winalee Zeeb.  It is all about flow and water as life.

Here's part of the path that I walk or I run.  I'm playing with the idea of running.  I remember how much fun it was as a kid.  Now, it is more a half hearted attempt.  I love to take pictures along the way and stop and feel the breeze or look at the water.  Maybe it is really a whole hearted way to walk/run.

I walk off the dike, passed the marina, and then on Hamilton.  It is being upgraded and I've feared for my friend's flowers on the corner of Hamilton and 4th.  She was so brave and talked with the construction people and told them that these flowers were from her mother and her grandmother and give many people great joy.  They agreed to work with her.  She moved some flowers and they moved carefully on her boulevard.

It rained last night and the leaves were filled with water.  When the breeze blew, it sent a little blessing all over me and the land.  I breathe in the day and I'm grateful.




 

Up North

Here are my friends who I've known since the 70's.  Lyn, Inge, Karen, and I are sporting our 'Life is Good' t-shirts.  We're a team of friends.

 The roses smell so sweet.

 Cats and hummingbirds welcome here.

Karen and Oscar, her very relaxed cat.

 Lake Superior in the distance.

 











Gathering with friends and going up North to Lake Superior is a welcome respite. 
Gratitude for friendships long and deep and natural beauty.