Local Challenge: #1

I know this is only about a week late. I have a good excuse... except, I don't. My sister in law came for a lovely visit, and I've got a serious case of Lazy Bones.

So, here we go-ooooooo!

LOCAL COFFEE SHOP:
The Blue Heron Coffeehouse
Winona, MN
Full disclosure, I work here. Nonetheless, it's super great.

We have a 6 ft (or so) wooden fish. The Fish was handmade by a local artist. It's a really bright and colorful space, with amazing food. The coffee is Fair Trade, organic, and roasted in Minnesota. The food is So. Good. The menu changes with whatever fresh, local ingredients are available. It's pretty great. No joke.

(xichuan noodles & heirloom tomato caprese)

I forgot to photograph my lunch before I started eating... and I forgot to photograph my beverage of choice. That day, it was 90-something degrees, so I had a Plum Lemonade. House-made, by the way. Local plums. It is the epitome of refreshment, and the loveliest rose color.
Om nom nom.

Local Challenge.

A blog I read displayed this badge:



Okay, I'll bite.
The Mister and I are always interested in supporting small and local whenever possible.
I clicked on the button, and read about the challenge.

This is going to be a way for us to get to know the area better. We're good as far as eating local. Most of our groceries come from our local farmer's market, co-op, bakery and on the rare occasion we eat me, a local butcher. I'm well acquainted with a few thrift stores, but I'd sure like to hit up Target less.


Prompt #1 is tomorrow!

Simple Summer Bliss: Root Beer Floats

He + She + rootbeer from the Lakeview Drive Inn + vanilla ice cream = best Independence Day since 1776.

Summer in the 'Snowta.

Boy am El Terrible at posting on this thing.

Venus zine was bought by someone who thinks feminism is irrelevant. What?

Dear Venus Zine;

We were in love once. I will always cherish the good times we had. Sadly, I think we need to break up.

At 24, I was hoping I wasn't too old for you. I thought we were going to make it work. Alas, due to some of the comments made by Ms. Beardsley that were quoted in a recent Chicago Reader article (and I know you know what I'm talking about), I have reconsidered. Anyone who thinks feminism is irrelevant or an "old-fashioned concept" is pretty lame. We can celebrate all artists, regardless of gender, even if we are just lousy feminists.

I know that Ms. Beardsley didn't mean her comments as a slap in the face to all of the women who read Venus... but it was. Feminism is about at old-fashioned a concept as equality, fairness, and a sense of pride in oneself. I know you need to grow-up, but to forget your history makes me feel almost... betrayed. I guess we just don't have the same values anymore.

If I wanted to read a trend filled "woman's magazine" devoid of substance, I would have read Jane. But I didn't. Because it sucked. Sometimes I would read Bust if there was someone I cared about on the cover, and I always read Bitch, but you and I... we had something special. I guess those memories will have to be enough.

I'm pretty disappointed, and I need you to know it's not me. It's you. I hope you will fare well in the future. It just won't be with me.

Sincerely,
K.