It looks so Instagrammable: “Very volcanic over this green feather” features enlargements of artist’s childhood drawings while living in a Kosovo refugee camp. The reverse sides depict war, including a terrified little boy. Other exhibits continued to unsettle our perceptions of reality. Ways of Knowing, today, at the Walker Art Center.
Category: In This Together
What native speakers miss about learning English
Today I was reminded of how much native English speakers take for granted. Take the simple past tense: with words like “seemed,” “stressed,” and “added,” the “-ed” ending is pronounced differently in each case (/d/, /t/, and /ed/ respectively). Adult English Language Learners have to explicitly learn these distinctions, all while juggling their jobs and family responsibilities.
Cabaret, speaking to our times
The evening began with pre-show drinks at a pop-up Kit Kat bar before a sold-out performance of Cabaret at the Guthrie. Having revisited the story through the movie, a touring Broadway production, and Isherwood’s Berlin Stories over the years, the play’s dark themes felt timely tonight. Tomorrow, the daily news of rising authoritarianism in our own country awaits.
Independence Day 2025, foundational principles
When I became a US citizen, a conservative neighbor gave me this Uncle Sam figurine holding a slogan that ignores the beliefs of millions of Americans. Today, I substituted words that would have resonated in 1776 and align with our Constitution.
The aroma of fresh tortillas
After my Thursday Teacher Tom stint, I sometimes pick up a still-warm pack of 36 corn tortillas (shown here, today, between a bowl of corn flour and a millstone) for $4 from a nearby tortilleria. They do magic with just three ingredients: corn, water, and lime. Back home, with the aroma of fresh tortillas wafting out of my daypack, I froze them in groups of six, separated by parchment paper.
Two in a crowd
Cycled over to Loring Park to join the hundreds of thousands of people celebrating Pride this weekend.
No book bans here
At Franklin Library this morning, I sat with an adult learner near this Pride Month book display. On August 1, a new state law takes effect, prohibiting public, university, and public/charter school libraries from removing materials based on their content or opinions.
Summer school lessons in perseverance
Worked through English Language Learning materials with an adult learner who had missed yesterday’s class. I’m always impressed by the dedication and focus of adult learners, even when they’ve been working overnight and have family responsibilities.
Remembering
Cycled a loop north of downtown Minneapolis with a friend. Here at Victory Memorial Drive, a monument honors the sacrifices of Hennepin County residents during both World Wars. Flags across Minnesota are currently lowered in remembrance of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated ten days ago.
A utilitarian space gets a makeover
At the end of our steamy walk, two artists were putting the finishing touches on a geometric mural, its design inspired by shapes found in local historic landmarks. This softens a utilitarian side entrance to our building. Our main lobby and common areas regularly feature themed art shows by local artists. The art remains on display until the next show, and we have the option to purchase pieces.