minnesota

I decided to take a slightly different angle for this post.
I love Minnesota. I mean really love it. I'm sitting in a laundromat on Lyndale Avenue, watching the slight rain through a big window and I couldn't possibly be more content. Not really because of anything specific other than the fact I feel embraced by my surroundings.
So here's my plan: I'm going to write all the things I love about this great state. I urge anyone who has thoughts of their own to send them to me, pictures included if you'd like. I'll compile a list and perhaps piece together a Minnesota love-fest post in the near future. You can either add comments to this or send stuff to the hotmail address on this blog. Yeah, I like this idea, let the love flow.
OK, here we go:

I love that on a random Saturday on mainstreet of a small town my kid can receive a hearty squeeze from the most famous mascot in Minnesota history. From the Land of Sky Blue Waters...

I love that while writing this it takes only one click of a button to play an all Minnesota mix on my itunes (which would, given the opportunity, play non-stop for 1.2 days).

I love that I received a ten cent discount on my cup of coffee this morning because I could clearly and proudly answer the question of the day, "What lake serves as the headwaters to the Mighty Mississippi?"

I love that after answering the above question I engaged in a five minute conversation with the man making my coffee, exchanging river stories and observations.

I love knowing that when an artist at a rock show in these parts says, "I gotta tell you, Minnesota is one of my all time favorite places to play", he's telling the truth.

I love that a group of eleven elementary school kids playing hockey on the January ice in any given neighborhood park could most likely give high school teams from the surrounding forty nine states a run for their money.

I love that my friend avoids the trappings of soccer mom status by displaying a Replacements sticker on the back window of her minivan. And it works.

I love that every year our sports teams suck but we collectively think, "Next year we have a legitimate shot." Except for the Wild, who actually do have a legitimate shot, of course.

I love that a northern Minnesotan speaking the words "cubic zarconia" brings tears of laughter to my eyes.

Your turn....