CONvergence 2017 Playlist

July 13, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

My original set though I had to drop a couple of songs due to time constraints. Includes source material. Pretty awesome and looking forward to doing it again.

Yellow Flicker Beat performed by Lorde from the movie Mockingjay Part. 1 based on the novel Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
#1 Crush -Garbage from the movie Romeo & Juliet, story by William Shakespeare
In Your Grave -Jaymes Bullet from the movie Vampire Academy based on the books in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
I Want You to Want Me performed by Letters to Cleo from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You adapted from The Taming of The Shrew by Shakespeare
Kids in America- The Muffs from the movie Clueless an adaptation of the book Emma by Jane Austen (also recently featured in Riverdale)
Hush performed by Kula Shaker from the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer based on the book by Lois Duncan
Let’s Do It-Joan Jett & Paul Westerberg from the movie Tank Girl based on the comics series Tank Girl by Jamie Hewlett & Alan Martin
It’s On Again by Alicia Keys (featuring Kendrick Lamar) from the movie The Amazing Spiderman 2 based on the comic series created by Stan Lee
Backdoor Lover performed by “Du Jour” from the movie Josie and the Pussycats based on the comics created by Dan DeCarlo
Poker Face performed by Lady Gaga from the movie the Lightening Thief from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
Obsession performed by Sky Ferreira from the show The Vampire Diaries based on the book series created by L. J. Smith
Choosing Dauntless by Junkie XL featuring Ellie Goulding from the movie Divergent based on the book series by Veronica Roth
Into the Lair performed by Zedd from the movie The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones based on the book series by Cassandra Clare
Tea Party performed by Kerli from the movie Through the Looking Glass based on the book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Brand New Day performed by Diana Ross and Micheal Jackson from the movie The Wiz based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book series by L. Frank Baum
Be Our Guest performed by Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw from the movie Beauty and the Beast based on the book La Belle et la Bête by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
Other Father Song performed by They Might Be Giants from the movie Coraline based on the book by Neil Gaiman
Kings and Queens and Vagabonds performed by Ellem from the show Reign inspired by the Young Royals Series by Carolyn Meyer
Breath of Life performed by Florence and the Machine from the movie Snow White and the Huntsman based on the fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm
Once Upon a Dream performed by Lana Del Rey from the movie Maleficent based on the stories La Belle au bois Dormant by Charles Perrault and Briar Rose by the Brothers Grimm

For my 500th post-Vampires-obviously.

July 6, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

We’ve covered some heavy stuff in the last few days and Young Adult books are not all doom and gloom, so let’s talk about…HAHA Just Kidding-Yes they are! It just isn’t always nuclear war doom and gloom. Sometimes it’s dramatic, sexy, and yes everyone lives in a nice house and drives a nice car somehow even though nobody actually works doom and gloom-VAMPIRES! I generally think in the supernatural world you pick a side-zombies or vampires-and I most assuredly fall into vampires. In fact, it got to the point that I was reading so many vampire books I asked my friends and co-workers to stage an intervention if they saw me pick up one more.
What can you do? You read Lost Souls (Poppy Z. Brite) when you’re 15 and that’s that. And no one show or movie over the last twenty years can fill the role of drama and sexy quite like the Vampire Diaries.
The original books were first published in the early 90’s when Vampire stories were having something of a renaissance. Author LJ Smith created the series, which is set in a little place called Fell’s Church. When the rights were picked up for the show they decided to change the name of the town to Mystic Falls because the producers did not like the religious implications of the first name. (Mystic Falls is actually Covington, Georgia, where the series is filmed. That almost changed a few years ago when anti-gay rights legislation was set to be signed by the governor, but enough companies threatened to leave that the bill was dropped). Not too far into the show being filmed, author LJ Smith was fired from writing her own series after two decades because the television producers did not like the direction she was taking the story. This took a strange turn of events when the author turned to fan fiction to finish the storyline, and fans started to boycott her previous publishers and made her stories best sellers on Kindle Words. Fast forward 8 seasons and the Vampire Diaries has turned into one of the most successful vampire franchises out there, and includes another very popular spinoff: The Originals. (I somewhat prefer this one because I have a soft spot for stories set in New Orleans, because of course.)
The Vampire Diaries has all the trappings of escapist, young adult fantasy. Attractive 20-somethings playing teenagers, a mysterious small town steeped in folklore, what little evidence there is of parents of any kind is evidenced by their children discovering their long-hidden secrets of the supernatural and shenanigans from eras past, real life co-stars caught up in love triangles, being able to get up to anything at any time all while looking dashing, and last but certainly not least, a song attached to it that is instantly recognizable if you have even accidentally seen an advertisement for the show.
Forever undecided between who to spend eternity with (which is something we all seem pretty determined to figure out at the wise old-age of 18) this song mirrors rather perfectly the story’s ability to go round and round again the sordid love affairs of the Salvatore Brothers, Elena, and later on Caroline (and occasionally throw a bone to the other people in the group of friends and cohorts) (but only dangerously flirting with outsiders never to be taken *too seriously*). Obsession is most assuredly the theme of this particular mythology. Reincarnations, prophecies, destiny, and the inescapable ill-fated love-
Sky Ferreira’s song sums it all up quite perfectly. I give you one of the *many, many* fan made videos-
(As a side note one of the things that genuinely cracks me up about the Vampire Diaries: characters are beheading one another, drinking blood, performing witchcraft rituals, drinking, smoking pot, engaging in illustrious sexual relationships-but if anyone smokes a cigarette everyone has an absolute meltdown). Enjoy! And remember-*especially* when it comes to Vampires-age is just a number.

The 100 (but really only like 20 or something)

July 5, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

Nuclear War. Fanatical religion. Tribalism. Treacherous A.I. Ecological Disaster. Making our children fight wars for us. Just to name a few of the elements that fuel the storylines of the show "The 100". Based on a book series by Kass Morgan, the television show "The 100" sits on a lot of lists with titles “Best Shows You’ve Never Seen” and “Most Underrated Sci-Fi Shows.” The overwhelming majority of the time I do not agree about what shows are on these lists, but in this case they are correct.
Set a little less than 100 years after nuclear war has wiped out most of mankind, "The 100" tells the story of 4,000 survivors sent to live in a space station above the planet to ensure the continuation of the human race. Resources are scarce and they are supposed to last far beyond what they realistically can, so any crime, no matter how small, is punished by death-unless you are under the age of 18. These crimes include stealing needed meds or food, and having more than one child.
But best laid plans really are the road to hell. The ark (as the station is called) does not have what it takes to ensure the survival of anyone, much less 4,000 people, so they send 100 “prisoners” to see if Earth is in any way habitable. Here they find radioactive storms, toxic soil, warring clans, and societies that shun anyone not genetically attractive (not unlike leper colonies from history).
Merciless in killing off of characters, somewhere near the end of episode 3 The 100 is already down to less than half. (At this point into season 3 I am surprised if anyone makes it through an episode, much less a season).
"The 100" brings with it some of the more realistically theorized behavior of humanity after a nuclear war than I would say most shows do. In the sci-fi writing world there are genuinely only a handful of things writers seem to agree on. Humankind’s annihilation at their own hand, be it through nuclear war or ecological disaster, definitely is one of those things. And really, when you have a look around, I don’t think anyone (reasonable) would disagree that this is a possibility beyond measure these days. It also establishes once again that here on Earth we seem to have a pretty hard time learning any lessons.
The books had not yet been published when the CW picked up the rights for the story. I didn’t know much about it when it was being filmed, but I decided to avoid watching it for some time because what little I knew about it I didn’t want spilling over into my own writing as I was rounding out completing my first sci-fi novel at the time. (This ended up being unnecessary as the stories are pretty different).
In the first season of the show the soundtrack was comprised of popular, recognizable hit songs and it did not work. It was one the few elements keeping it from being a serious sci-fi epic, but season 2 came and that changed.
As the kids go out into the world and discover not only do they not necessarily have any idea what morality is or what that could even possibly mean in this world they now live in, the music gets more complex and immersive. And one way this is demonstrated is by the discovery of relics of the past. And it is UNSETTLING. It’s in these moments that the nature of the story really hits home. A very good example of this is a scene when a group is headed once again to find if there is any safe passage across a stretch of land and in a moment of seemingly carefree jubilance they sing along to "Add It Up" by the Violent Femmes-a pretty familiar song in the indy rock world. It’s only then you realize how eerie the lyrics to this piece of music really are, and that 100 years from now is not much time.
*as a side note, the linguist who worked on Game of Thrones has also worked in developing the Grounder language on "The 100"
*I also appreciate that sexuality is a non-issue. It just is.

Katniss Everdeen

July 4, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

Miserable, misanthropic, reluctant, trying to do the right thing even though you don’t always want to or even know what it might be-
Of all the Young Adult books I’ve read (which numbers into the hundreds the last 10 years) and of all the movies made in the genre, no one embodies these qualities more in my mind than Katniss Everdeen.
In the world of the Hunger Games, where the differences of status and authoritarianism is the rule, the most vulnerable of people paying the highest of price-one can’t help but notice the correlation to reality in our world where the wealthiest of us take more and more and the gap between economic classes continues to grow. The overwhelming anger this can cause is enough to make anyone want to hide away and not deal with it because who ever knows what to do to change anything? We seemingly often end up back in the same place. And Katniss Everdeen gets to live through all of this cycle. Her anger drives her and her detachment keeps her alive and her emotional reactions inspire a world.
Unsurprisingly, due to it’s “unsatisfactory religious content”, sexual implications, and seemingly violent political messages, this book has become one of the most challenged pieces of writing out there. In 2013 it hit the #5 spot on the list of books people tried to ban. As such, I think one of my most joyous moments as a reader was helping buy an entire classroom full of kids a copy of the first book.
These books are important. Our society tries very hard to stomp the rebellious spirit out of us as we grow older, and never more so than when we are teenagers. In a lot of ways the Hunger Games trilogy is not a new set of stories but simply a retelling of a world that has a very difficult time learning its lessons.
Reality television dominates the world that Katniss inhabits-sound familiar?
Suzanne Collins used as reference many of her father’s own hunting and foraging books as well as his knowledge he acquired growing up in the Great Depression. He also served in the Vietnam war and this had a big impact on her family growing up.
Not all that long ago I was talking with someone who felt uncomfortable saying they didn’t like the movie “since it was so popular.” I countered with explaining that it’s not the type of movie you like. Kids are killing kids to survive, it’s not a story to entertain you, it’s a story to make you think.
So as you have your celebrations today, with all the things that people enjoy on this day: hot dogs & hamburgers (created in Germany), apple pie and soda (created in England), cold beer (so old-think Mesopotamia, read: Ancient Iraq) and of course fireworks (invented where else but China?) consider what it means that we have an administration with implications of an election having been influenced by a foreign government and a president demanding to see the most sacred of documents in a democracy-the voter rolls- and recall what author Suzanne Collins hoped to accomplish with the Hunger Games which was, "questions about how elements of the book might be relevant in their own lives," like not taking your next meal for granted and being politically aware.
It’s not really a secret where the ideas for these stories come from. With that I give you Lorde’s excellent cover of Everybody Wants to Rule the World from the movie Catching Fire in the Hunger Games series.
(If you need something a little lighter to do with the Hunger Games I recommend looking up the Onion’s review of Catching Fire)

White Rabbit

July 3, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

In continuing with giving a glimpse of my upcoming dj set at Convergence.

If you know me even a little bit it would be no surprise to know this post is about Alice in Wonderland. At this point in my life I own over 50 different editions of the book everything from a replica of the original manuscript (which does not leave England) to the challenging interpretation(and often banned) version written By Alan Moore, Lost Girls.
White Rabbit most assuredly sits amongst my favorite all time songs. Although, I would suspect not for the reasons one might assume.
It is a story that has influenced everything from The Matrix to Guillermo Del Toro’s work and has numerous movie versions, the most recent ones being those produced by Tim Burton. Many people took issue with these movies and I can definitely see that point of view. And I do also fall into the category of people who feel at this point Tim Burton’s interpretations of others’ work is not particularly good.
However, there is some charm and merit to be found in the most recent movie Through the Looking Glass (and I might add a particularly enjoyable soundtrack). This film touches on the treatment women received throughout Victorian Times for not bowing to the conventions of society. Where anything out of the ordinary was an indication of mania or hysteria. In addition, Alice’s resolve to help her friend the Mad Hatter and making the impetuous decisions of a young person which often lead to unexpected consequences despite good intentions- a part of growing up that is very real.
At this point in my search for music I could likely play an entire evening of only Alice in Wonderland theme songs and none more so than covers of White Rabbit.
The original, of course, being that written and performed by one of my favorite vocalists, Grace Slick.
This was the first song written for Jefferson Airplane by Grace Slick. At the time she wasn’t officially a part of the band and had another job until a producer bought out her contract with another company for $750 so she could become a full member. The song was released in 1967, the height of counter-culture in the 60s, a time in our history most notable for protesting the Vietnam War. (People quickly took to the song as being an anthem for the use of drugs, most pertinently LSD.) She was brought on to be a part of Jefferson Airplane because the other members wanted someone who was outspoken and aggressive.
This, however, was not the point or the intention of why she wrote this song.
She maintained throughout her career that she wrote the song not to only encourage people to continue to expand their education (as noted by the lyric “Feed your head”) but to also point out the great hypocrisy she always felt came from parents reading kids stories like Alice in Wonderland that do reference drugs (Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz- being two other notable classics that do so as well) and then to punish them for experimentation and exploration as they grew older rather than educate them.
Despite being a song that has maintained a cult status since its release, the highest it ever reached on Billboard was #8.
Grace Slick is currently retired from music but still makes a living off of White Rabbit and runs a one-woman art show where her most popular series of paintings are based on Alice in Wonderland.
I came across this fan-made video of clips from the movie with Pink performing White Rabbit live at one of her shows. (She performs a different song on the soundtrack). I was surprised to find I liked her cover a great deal and read not all that long ago that so did Grace Slick. I might add, they nearly left it off the album altogether thinking it would never catch on…

In Which I am Going to Dj at Convergence

July 2, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

To be clear, I was never under any illusion that trying to dj was an easy task. As a party host/long time club-goer-if you put even a bit of effort into doing anything really- it’s a lot of work (and also money but that’s a conversation for another time).
However, now that I’ve been learning not just the gear but what it means to put together a specific idea for a set, I can tell you with certainty this is a wonderful but complicated and time-consuming craft. I was someone who liked to dig for music already, but getting into something that’s niche as is fantasy/sci-fi/horror music soundtracks specifically based on books for Young Adults -well, let’s just say my next book isn’t done yet because I decided to give this a try too. Yeah that’s it.
I wanted to share a little bit about what I’ll be attempting on Friday night by sharing videos and clips from movies in the theme. I decided for Sunday to start with something from The Wiz because as a kid growing up it was one of the few things I recall watching on TV from time to time, particularly on Sunday for family movie days. It was a pretty big deal because of course when we are honest we know that there there is not enough inclusiveness in the scifi/fantasy world -especially in movies. And really, when you know what you want to do and you know who is going to come I do not see the point in throwing a party if you are not even going to try to have something for everyone.
SO I start here.
A few things about the books and movies:
The Wiz is based on the 14-book series that started with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum in 1900.
The first Oz movie was not a commercial success even though the books were a smashing hit.
The Wiz also didn’t start as a box office success but did end with critical success including garnering 5 Oscar Nominations.
In the books Dorothy’s shoes are not red. They are silver. Diana Ross wore silver, Judy Garland wore the red ones.
L. Frank Baum worked for women’s suffrage.
The Wiz is when Michael Jackson started to learn choreography, which he took very seriously.
Quincy Jones, who put together the music for the film, never left the set.
There was backlash over this movie as people called it a movie “for black people” rather than a movie with “black stars” and it had a direct effect on the film’s original box office take and distribution.
Set in modern environments, the film pays tribute to the director’s home city by featuring landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island.
I picked this particular clip because I never recalled seeing it in the times that I watched The Wiz on TV as a child. I came to learn that it was, in fact, edited out because it was “too sexy.”
Considering this is a scene about opioid flowers I’m not sure the hot ass ladies are the problem but you can decide for yourself. I present “The Poppy Girls”.

What to Eat Wednesday: Vegan Ice Cream and Milkshakes in the Twin Cities.

June 28, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

People have no idea how good they've got it now. The first time I had some sort of vegan ice cream at the now defunct Mud Pie it was called Oatscreme and it was awful. I didn't try another dairy free dessert for sometime after that and I was pretty skeptical of anything put in front of me. I remember having a similar reaction the first time I had a rice based sour cream. Good grief, just dreadful. It's like those people who tell you carob is like chocolate. NOPE. This is one of the foulest lies in all of human existence.

There were sorbets but seriously *yawn*. Sorbet is not the same as a rich, wonderful ice cream and we all know it.

Many things in the world seem like they might not be making progress but when it comes to vegan ice cream and treats that's not the case. So at least we have something to soothe our troubled souls.

For those of you in Minneapolis some of these are pretty obvious but others are a little bit more under the radar.

Let's start with Izzy's Ice Cream. Izzy's has two locations: one in St. Paul and one in downtown Minneapolis. I've been to both many times. On a hot summer day there is usually a very, very, long line. They have a pretty decent number of vegan flavors. Some are sorbets and are better than your average and of those my favorite is the passionfruit. But they also have ice cream and it is wonderful. My favorite is the peanut butter chocolate followed closely by the blueberry. They offer a sugar cone that is vegan and a gluten free cone as well. They will wash scoops/use a new one for you. The kids that work there are great. You can also click their website for up to the minute flavors on offer. The strawberry vegan ice cream this time of year most especially is beyond. The strawberries being fresh and all. I like going to the downtown one because you can go to the park right next to it.

Next we'll head over to Milkjam. The newest spot of the bunch and currently has my favorite flavor: Black-a chocolate for the darkest at heart. It really is perfect. They have a variety of unusual flavors that are vegan including a Champagne, Curry, Banana Peanut Butter with Oreo, Coconut, Very Berry. They offer a vegan cone and cups. You can try what you like before you decide. The donuts for the ice cream sandwiches are not vegan. However, for my birthday last year someone went and got me vegan donuts and made me ice cream sandwiches and I could only eat a half. So maybe it's not the worst thing. The lines here in summertime get really long and there's not much seating so be warned. It is worth it for sure but be prepared to wait when it's hot.

Since we're in the area we'll go to The Wedge Coop. The coffee/juice bar offers coconut soft serve in a cone and vegan shakes. I love, love the peanut butter chocolate shake(yes, I am a chocolate freak)(Also extremely helpful for PMS and bad moods). Occasionally they will have vegan oatmeal cookie ice cream sandwiches and in March they have vegan mint shakes. For PRIDE they had rainbow sprinkles. Good stuff. And not unlike Dairy Queen from when you were a kid (but better).

If you find yourself out at the Mall of America because sometimes it can't be helped and you know, the Lego store is out there-there is a bit of a hidden surprise. Paciugo Gelato has a whole bunch of vegan flavors. Many of them are water based so they are really low-calorie too. These are franchises so different ones offer different flavors. Some of my favorites are the coffee, limoncello, berry. The fun part of this is even in a small cup you can get up to three different flavors. On the weekends they tend to get cleaned out, I sadly learned the hard way. But if you are out there during the week you'll have your pick.

It took so many years but Ben and Jerry's is finally carrying vegan flavors. They have pints in stores but at the Ben and Jerry's in Calhoun Commons they also have a few available for cones and a milkshake made with almond milk. The PB and Cookie shake is so decadent and so delicious. Even the small size I ended up sharing because it is rich (and dreamy). I walk around the lakes when I get these because these are NOT low-calorie.

you might not know as well.

The first being Wok in the Park.

A favorite place for dinner and dessert. They almost always have vegan coconut and mango sorbet and they have Chinese donuts that the chef will put together a vegan version for you. But every now and then they also have a vegan chocolate cake (sweet merciful crap) and even more rarely but not any less delightful: vegan strawberry ice cream with strawberry rhubarb pie. *Always ask* if dessert is your thing. The staff here is wonderful and they have no problem doing what they can to accommodate you.

A favorite coffee and breakfast place with friends is Bad Waitress. I should say I have not been to the new location yet. But the original is a good, old standby and in the last couple of years started to carry vegan chocolate cake from the Wedge and vegan vanilla and chocolate milkshakes. They are old-fashion style and they are huge. They don't have a vegan whipped cream but really you don't need it, you're gonna get a lot already.

I think of French Meadow as a fancier place to eat. Most likely because it tends to be on the more expensive side of casual dining. They are of course, known for their bakery and in the last few years especially have made more and more vegan (and some gluten free) items available. My personal favorite being the rose cake which you can also get with their vegan vanilla custard. The custard is creamier than your regular vegan ice cream and French Meadow uses quality ingredients and it genuinely shows in their treats. The custard comes served with a vegan caramel cookie normally but if you request it you can get it with whatever you like as this is another place with a great and accommodating staff.

I know there's more out there and I am getting to them. In between exercising.

At Home with Monsters: My favorite pieces in the exhibit.

June 26, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

The At Home with Monsters exhibit has no doubt been written and photographed more times than pretty much any art exhibit ever. I am no exception here. I went to see the exhibit three times spending many hours examining, reading, photographing and trying to soak up every detail I could from the magnificent collection. Not the least of which was Del Toro’s personal notebooks. I didn’t get my creative life off the ground until much later in my adult life. It is one thing I do wish that had happened and I try very hard not to wish for things. Only to work towards them. I did not grow up in any kind of environment that allowed for what was considered something so frivolous and a few times as I got older (into my early 20’s) I had a couple of boyfriends who informed me I had no talent and shouldn’t be bothered. And for some time I didn’t. I was surrounded by creative people and their talent intimidated me and I was quite sure I would never be one of them.

Then I just stopped worrying about it and started to do things. I can’t even say exactly why but I know part of it was that I just got tired of not creating anything and only consuming it. Don’t get me wrong, I am critical as hell of myself and I am nowhere near where I hope to be someday but I no longer wish for it and I try hard not to worry about empty, critical comments. Genuine critique sure but someone just being an ass, nope. It takes time to learn the difference but once you do, you sort of just smile and shrug. Possibly make sarcastic remark. Go about your business.

I am drawn to the weirdoes for inspiration. We have reached a peak in the creative world where the weirdoes have really taken over too. Monsters, fairy tales, superheroes, villains, etc…all the things we were shunned for when we were younger all sit on top of the popular culture heap.

Del Toro’s work is certainly for outsiders but it turns out that the outsiders number into the many thousands and even millions at this point. The universal appeal of the monster that lives in us all is something he has genuinely been able to communicate to the world. And that monster doesn't make us bad. And that brings comfort to many souls.

His unusual upbringing which includes odd things like his father winning the Mexican National Lottery and growing up in a tumultuous part of Mexico- that at one point his father was actually kidnapped and the family had to pay ransom to get him back- twice, brings with it a not ordinary point of view. Del Toro’s work is a wonderful example of how not white washing everything in the states keeps storytelling from growing stale. It’s not a secret that the horror, fantasy and sci-fi genre can sorely lack inclusiveness and for some reason that I have yet to comprehend this is a subject of battlement with some caucasian writers(can you hear my eyes rolling, I wonder).

I am so glad I got this peek into his personal world. His commitment to his art. His success in a world that does not make it easy for the weirdoes. Even though the weirdoes always tell the best stories. Literally, we all know this-with that here are some photos of my favorite pieces from the At Home with Monsters Exhibit.

Minnesota Monday: Niagara Cave

June 19, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

Some years ago I learned that the geology in Minnesota and Wisconsin is some of the oldest rocks and sediments in the world. There's no earthquakes here that disturb or move anything since the areas sit on a fairly solid deposit of Iron bedrock. Now I bring up something that I should've addressed a while ago when someone said something negative to me about one of my cave posts in the past: if you're one of those people who thinks earth is only 6,000 years old, I do not have time for you. It is not. It is millions and millions and millions of years old. It is so old that humans are still learning how old it is because in the short time we have been on this planet we have yet to uncover everything there is to find and there is no scientific proof that the planet is only 6,000 years old. That is "faith" based proof and I am not in the slightest bit interested in it. And if you want to deride scientists and all the hard work they do you can do it in your own time. My mother used to tell me that of course, scientists were doing God's work and why wouldn't he want credit for some of his smartest children? And I grew up in Texas, attended church multiple times a week and no one-not once -told us that creationism was literal. The story of God creating the Earth in 6 days and resting on the 7th was a simple way to explain a very complicated and divine idea. One that humanity could not grasp on their own since they were not God. It was never used to slander our teachers or our scientists. So no, I will not respond to negative comments about such things anymore.

You do what you need to do to find peace in your heart but this probably isn't a post for you if you think that way.

That said I move onto one of the coolest things I did in Minnesota last year and that was visit Niagara Cave. I have long been an amateur cave explorer and rock collector. I have no illusions to being an actual spelunker or hard-core adventurer but I do like a good hike and I do like a good rock formation. It turns out that Minnesota has pretty cool caves including this one which has an underground waterfall in it. You'll see it not too long after going underground and once you do and start to move through the cave-that's when things get really interesting. The cave is lined with fossils and formations that have been cut through by water. Some of them get super narrow and go high up. It is an absolutely fascinating walk. The guide pointed out corners shaped like the Titanic and that looked like an elephant. And they do have their place to take you for absolute darkness. All of the caves I have visited thus far seem to have this spot and it's always funny if there is a kid on the tour because they always say something silly when it gets totally dark. One time a kid growled which made me laugh. It's a couple of hours for a visit if you want to do the tour, mini-golf, picnic, etc.. worth it absolutely. The gift shop I might add had a pretty great selection of treasures to bring home....

My pics are a bit dark cuz, yeah, cave. I do sometimes wonder if I might not mind living in a cave far underground -although I'd miss the rain and snow. Though not the heat. No thank you summer time. Which is a good way to tell you that it is usually pretty cool (temperature wise) in these places if you need a break from the heat. Also-this place was found by pigs. True story. Seriously you should go. Also pigs are awesome. If clumsy.

A Visit to My Sister

June 13, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

Life is busy and overwhelming. With the 24 hour news cycles on top of that we are plied with more misery than ever before. It can make you feel like there's no possible way to help anyone ever.

The helpless feeling is not one that I really can live with and as such the last few years most especially I have been looking for easy ways to contribute to organizations and people who are trying to make the world a bit less horrible. With the internet filled to the brim with information it's not all that difficult anymore to take a few minutes and look up the ethics of a business. I personally am glad for that because I am pretty tired of giving my money to people who are ruining the world and it seems almost unavoidable at times to not give your money to some jerk who is going to buy a fourth house and yacht.

One of the ways I am incorporating this practice more into daily life is in my gift giving. I am looking for places who have good track records on ethics or support things that I care about and My Sister is one of those places. It's an organization who makes and carries gifts and apparel that is feminist oriented and uses it's funds in the fight against sex-trafficking. One opened in Minneapolis not all that long ago and I stopped in for a visit when looking for a gift for a friend.

They had great tops and stretch pants as well as other little treats. And if you're one of the people out there protesting especially in this heat-this is a good place for shirts to wear. The gifts I gave from here went over well I might add. People seem to really appreciate knowing you thought of them in a way that would contribute positively and that is a nice feeling. Stop in some time or visit the website My Sister.

Climate Change

June 12, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

I would really like to have something deep and profound to say about climate change and helping the planet survive humans.

I don't have much to say that hasn't been said already and really I am not important enough in any way for anyone to care what I think about much of anything these days.

No problem.

What I do know is that I love nature and getting to see flowers and rain and trees and animals. I've seen humpback whales and dolphins and blue morpho butterflies. I've been in the Grand Canyon and on a volcano.

I love the lake by my house and the deer that roam through it.

All these things mean so much to me and I can't understand how it is that others do not care. And even intentionally destroy these things and living creatures. I am weary of a lot of humanity these days. The funny thing is I have no long term investment in this planet. I have no children and as such no grandchildren. Yet I care very deeply about it's future.

I am not going to pretend I am some paragon of green living but there are things I do try and do consistently to help. I wonder often if everyone would pick three things to change and commit to how it would help our planet and in the long term themselves. Keep our air clean and our water drinkable, things we all need. It seems in many ways America especially is moving backwards. Maybe that's not the case and most of us stand on the same side to go forward. Numbers suggest that most of the country believe and want action taken on climate change. Somehow (I say somehow though I know it's not much of a mystery) we've managed to put in power people who do not care about anything as long as they line their pockets and apparently many houses with gold bars. This is the legacy they want? Who is going to be around to care? The "greatest" figures in our history often protected nature and parks. And yet...I could write 'and yet' about a million times.....

Here is a nice, clipped article on a few small things you can do to help: Fight Climate Change

I also have a short fairy tale for sale that is a fundraiser for the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund: here on Amazon and here on iBooks

I doubt I am helping but who am I not to try somehow.

Minnesota Monday: Can Can Wonderland

June 5, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

One of my new favorite places to open recently is Can Can Wonderland. Something odd I've learned about myself is that I love mini-golf. So does my partner. We just totally get a kick out of the silliness of it and the weirder the better. Plus if you can add a cocktail to the mix which adds giggles all the better.

Can Can Wonderland has weirdness and silliness in spades. They have VERY creative drinks and the course its self is just phenomenal. Add two performance stages, a "boardwalk" with some of the oldest and coolest pinball machines and games I've ever seen and picnic tables and you've got a really fun place to spend some time. I went for my first visit during the day so I got to avoid a big crowd or wait. Which is good cuz let's face it: some of the those holes don't come in under par.

The only thing for me that is disappointing is the menu as they offer almost nothing that is vegan. I had emailed ahead of my visit and was told they were "working on it." And I hope this is the case. They have many options for vegetarians if you don't mind diary and they do offer a few "hot dog" options using the local makers of vegan products but the person working wasn't even sure if the popcorn could be made vegan and that was a bit of a bummer. That said we had a couple of drinks and played one of the most fun courses of mini-golf in my life.

Things Learned and Facing Facts about Yourself Creatively

June 2, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

My first year of craft shows wrapped up with the end of 2016. I had previously had open houses at my own home but I had not participated in an actual show outside my home until last year. I had applied to some and been turned down over and over. Minnesota is flooded with makers and artists so the competition is pretty high. As a pretty new creative person, as frustrating as it was, it also was not all that surprising. I also don’t know anyone here in the arts organization. I know other artists, many of whom I have supported for years, but they tend to their own business and I try not to ask for their help. I know how much work it is just to find time to do any little bit of creative work in day to day life. I’m not even sure what I would ask. And as a jewelry maker not many people really feel the need to buy my jewelry over and over. I have a few kind and loyal people around who have bought pieces here and there(and I am very grateful to them, it genuinely means the world to me) but overall no one pays much attention. That is when you think that you should quit.

Don’t.

The truth is, I love making jewelry and even if no one ever wants to wear it again- I will still make it and recognizing that has helped me a great deal.

I do on occasion ask people to repost things on social media. Very few people do and I’m not really sure how to grow the interest, but maybe I should just accept that if they are not interested they are not interested and leave well enough alone.

I really run into this with my books. Almost no one that I know will read anything that I write. I have read threads on authors sites and apparently this is not exclusive to me. It is pretty common that the majority of your friends and family will not read any of your work no matter how you ask or what’ve you done or how you are related. No one is really sure why. I would imagine there is a variety of reasons and I try not to get frustrated by it. It is not easy. Especially when you did/do support others and their creative endeavors (and in many other ways) for years, but it is also not constructive. It took some time but I don’t think about it anymore. I offer that as a bit of advice. Of course you want the people you like and respect and support to do it for you, but you should be ready to accept that they might not. They really just won’t think about you. And yes, for a while I thought this was just because of me and that people generally don’t like me, but that actually does not seem to matter. I can’t imagine the dozens and dozens of posts I’ve read about this mean that all of those people are un-liked. In fact, one time I was helping a woman in the bookstore I used to work at find a copy of Coraline by Neil Gaiman. It was some years ago now and as I handed it to her she laughed. She looked at me and said, “I’m buying this for my daughter and you know what? My cousin is married to him and I’ve never read a single thing he’s written. Isn’t that terrible?” She laughed again and went to check out and I had no idea what to say. I had actually forgotten about this encounter until just now. So there you go.

The good thing that has come out of it most especially is that it has challenged me to refine what I do. Working on better displays, organization and products. Not to mention looking outside the usual suspects. My first craft show wasn’t even in my own town and it was really great. It was something new and unexpected. I enjoyed it immensely. I should probably say this even if it is obvious to some that these things are an INCREDIBLE amount of work. But if you don’t love it, you shouldn’t do it. I loved that the display was mine, the work was mine, the idea of what bags to use, boxes, everything was mine. My ideas, my work, every little detail.

I have trouble talking about my work, most especially my books. That is definitely a work in progress. It gets more difficult when you are not signed by a giant publisher that people know because at that point they just assume something is wrong with you and won’t heed any attention to you. This multiplies my difficulty in talking about my writing about a thousandfold. And of course, I am not an ace at social media. I have spent time on my social media accounts but the truth is those accounts are not where I want to focus my attention. I feel like I want my energy to go into my work. I don’t know how to curate my lifestyle or nor spend all my time color coordinating. Their are some people who can do all this and their art and it is very impressive. I am not one of those people and I doubt I ever will be. This is also something that used to frustrate the hell out of me. But once I made the decision of where the majority of my energy was going to go the frustration melted away. Now I just do it because I like something or went somewhere cool I think other people would like. If it’s not fun, don’t do it. It’ll just make you miserable. Plus we should probably not forget the world was filled with amazing, creative people before the whole world could like something on Instagram. I know that social media has opened up the art world a lot for some, but it doesn’t for most and it helps not only to remember that but not to let it affect what you do. Use it for inspiration. Not comparison.

Now the craft shows. So yes, they are fun. I did have one that was not a success financially but luckily I do have one very good cheerleader who reminded me of the fact that I spent a big chunk of time talking to an aspiring young sci-fi writer and she seemed so happy to talk to me that he kept telling me that mattered more than selling anything. And he was right. I have stayed in touch with this person and they seem to value my input. I can barely comprehend this but it is really amazing. SO there is another good lesson: What you take from these experiences doesn’t always tally into numbers.

Talking to people all day can get very tiring. You don’t want to just say the same thing over and over to people. And figuring out what experience to give each person is not an easy task.

This is most assuredly true since you don’t ever want to be seem tired nor rude. Choose your words carefully and yes, sometimes you have to because people say strange things to you that can either confuse or annoy you. For example: People looking over your stuff and outwardly tell you that they are going to copy your ideas. Yeah that is pretty darn frustrating. I don’t have one good response to this. I try to generally smile and tell them I appreciate their admiration but the reality is if they are going to copy something you did, you can’t stop them. I try not to make more than one copy of things I make intentionally to give someone a unique piece (I do on occasion if I have matching materials or a special request). I do try to go out of my way not to copy other people. I also try not to infringe on others intellectual property without paying my fair share. This gets tricky if you’re making fandom things which I do on occasion but I do try to pay for what I use and I don’t make other IP the focus of my work. I can’t say I always succeed but I am not without intention- I try to be my own person. And developing what that means takes time. I have often given myself endless amounts of grief for not filling a certain niche. Why is it I am not completely Goth? Or completely girly pink? Or sporty? Well, I am not. And that is that. Don’t try to force yourself to be something you’re not. You won’t like it. And really, no one is all one thing. Some people, like I mentioned earlier, are just better at curating a lifestyle to sell.

Some of the worst things I try to contend with is when people put themselves down at my table. (Yes people have insulted me, but I don’t even really feel like that is worth talking about it. Just laugh and thank them for stopping by, they’ll go away). One I ran into a lot at my last show in March was “I’m too fat to wear this stuff.” “This won’t fit my fat neck.” I absolutely hate people saying this stuff. For a lot of reasons. And anyway, in my case it’s really not true. There are a few pieces I can’t change the size of but I learned early on one size DOES NOT FIT ALL and you don’t even want to be that person. You want to create things that include everyone. All shapes, all sizes, all genders. My very first sale at my very first show was to a little boy buying himself a necklace. It was beyond delightful.

Now, there is always the chance that no matter how tactful you are you will put your foot in your mouth. I ran into this a few times as a party host at conventions. Some people are just sensitive and it is not always easy to figure out who can laugh at themselves or the situation and as such you could inadvertently insult someone. If this happens again, smile and thank them. More than once if necessary.
Be kind. Point out that this is not the case. That yes you do have things that would fit them. And if it’s in your ability to do so, offer to adjust the size of something for them. This will often diffuse the situation. Not always, as some people just can’t let the thought go. But more often than not just being friendly and saying “hey you know what, this is a place for everyone, even those of us having a bad me day” works great.

These couple of things, and I suppose people insulting me, are the most challenging things conversation-wise in my opinion. You can also end up being the person people try to use as an information booth but I would recommend that you do not let them. I almost fell into this trap and I am very careful about it now. Send them to the actual information booth. There is always one. Do not spend your time selling the show. That is not your job. Your job is your work. The information booth is there to answer questions about the show. Let them do it.

When the show gets off to a shaky start and it seems like everyone else is busy and you’re not, you’re going to fall into misery. I am as guilty of this as anyone. Just don’t. Next to impossible to do, I know, but don’t. You literally have no flipping idea how your show is going to turn out and yes, sometimes the result financially is going to suck. But the reality is you’re likely going to get something out of every one that you do. Oh, and if it’s a two day show, seriously, most of my business in my last show was in the last few hours of the weekend and it was non-stop busy and made up for all the rest of the weekend. Completely the opposite of the year before. You will spend hours trying to figure out why. Don’t bother. You can’t, and even if you can pinpoint a few things like weather and stuff like that-it’s not like you can do anything about any of that. You will save yourself hours of misery not worrying about what you can’t control. The reality is you win some, you lose some, but you can control how you approach it next time.

One thing I learned last year, for example, was that my packaging sucked. I was using boxes with cotton to display my pieces. This was not great as people always want to pick things up and people always drop the cotton and it makes a mess. So first thing I did this year was research and invest in new display pieces and cards. They are so much better this year and I am glad for it but I am still working on some of the pieces. Beware of what is happening. What are customers having a hard time with? What would streamline the process?

On the subject of time devoted to your work: Once you seem like you have your ducks in a row people are going to try to use you as a short cut. Now it is up to you whether or not you let them. I take it case by case. And anyway, information is different for every person. But you can let them know right up front that you have spent a lot of time trying to work something out and that you think that it’s best that they take their version of the challenge and research it themselves. I am hesitant to give advice about editors, business, display etc… because I am not expert and even if I was I still would have no idea how that is going to turn out for you. And truthfully, until I see your work or read it, I doubt I am going to attach my name to it unless I think it’s good. And I don’t feel bad about that anymore. I used to try to recommend everything but I don’t anymore. It’s not truthful. I want to like something and trust someone is doing a good job.

I *WILL* take the time to look into someone’s work most definitely. I try to give everyone a chance. I do try to support as many people as possible even if I don’t have a wide reach. But as far as the short cuts part-there are none. Seriously. People will tell you this all the time who are at the top of their game and they are not lying. Yes, sometimes they had it easier because they had all the money in the world to try something but think about it….unless what they did was amazing-is it still around? Nope.

And yes some people have connections. Good for them. You don’t. Get used to it and find another way in. No I don’t know where it is.

You need to get used to fucking up. And rejection in all its forms, be it from strangers or from your dearest friend whose work you have read thousands upon thousands of words of and they won’t look twice at what you write. And if you can’t, you won’t get far. And you can take that from someone who has come very close to giving up more than a few times.

American Gods and the rebirth of Laura Moon

May 25, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

I’ve been excited to watch American Gods. I was a little behind everyone else but now I’m caught up and I'm still pretty excitable about things. It's so crazy to think this book is 16 years old and to see it turned into such a huge production is really cool. Especially since Neil Gaiman is actually getting as much attention if not more attention than the actors. When does that happen? Having been a fan for more years than I can recall (hah j/k I just don't want to talk about how many years), it's always so heartening to see decent, hardworking people getting rewarded in a world that seems to reward jerks more often than not. The House on the Rock event in 2010 was definitely one of the coolest weekends ever. It's really the perfect place to spend Halloween. Plus I was with my friend Emily plus MPR picked my question to ask Neil Plus Neil told me he thought I was pretty and always dressed nice when he saw me(took this as marriage proposal was totally off on that one). Plus then I died(metaphorically as one does) and haunted the event with Emily.

Came back to life as pretty goth girl gave me handmade black cat brooch when I was creeping out on the Infinity Balcony. Yeah. Happy Memories for a particularly disturbing story.

I think my favorite thing about the episodes that have aired so far is what feels like a more substantial development of Laura Moon. Looking back she was a bit one-dimensional in the story and of course, sometimes you want to change what you create after time has gone by. I would be interested to know if this was a deliberate choice by Neil Gaiman or someone else’s. I am a long time fan of Bryan Fuller’s as well. The only work of his I have been unable to get through is Hannibal because I am especially squeamish to cannibalism. I am not even sure why it unsettles me when so little actually does *especially* considering the current state of our government is some sort terrifying dystopia.

Bryan Fuller and Neil Gaiman are a good team for one particular reason in my mind. Bryan Fuller has a knack for telling the story of women who don’t live up to their potential in what society would consider the right way or timely manner. He creates characters who usually are too smart for their own good and not entirely sure what to do with it. Partial commentary on our society’s lack of opportunities for such people it seems to me. He uses unconventional situations to give women characters the opportunity to make a difference in the world around them and he does it without being condescending. He doesn’t force them into having children or getting married or other traditional roles as deemed ok by the world.

Neil Gaiman adds to this as he’s never been one to write a story where a woman has to be rescued by a man. In fact, Laura Moon is most assuredly on her way to rescue Shadow. The creative team of the two of them is a good example of male allies to feminism in the arts.

Laura’s affair having seemed like it was central to her turnaround when in fact it was a symptom of something deeper rooted in who she was when alive and who she did not want to be in death. Recognizing that she only did it because she thought she did not feel anything else or believe anything. Only to be shown she was not only wrong but had loved another person and did not realize it as she was so mired in being lost in indifference to life(not dissimilar to Georgia in Dead Like Me. George’s love being for her younger sister.) She also did not really cared for being judged for it. Something I personally fully support. I am curious to see how this will continue. I know the story centers around Shadow and the battle for America’s soul but most particular at this point in history how could that not possibly include the women?

Here are some snaps from the event at the House on the Rock. Happy Easter!

MN Wine Bucket List

February 9, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

In my continuing quest to visit all the wineries in Minnesota I didn't do so well in 2016. I only visited two this passed year and I'm thinking that must be remedied this year. Here's a little bit about the two I did visit. I really enjoyed the blueberry wine in particular at North Ridge Winery. It tasted just like pie filling and I loved it. The couple bottles of it I brought home did not last very long.

North Ridge is a pretty new winery and when I was there had only been open for about 10 months. It'll be a bit over year at this point. One of the owners we spoke with was very personable and open to answering all questions. He also did not mind letting us try whatever we liked. North Ridge additionally had a cider on tap. The next best wine I thought was the Raspberry Explosion which went great with dark chocolate. Raspberry is always a pretty good bet for going with dark chocolate. Sometimes the Raspberry wines are a bit too syrupy for my taste but this one managed to find the balance that keeps it from seeming more like cough syrup. I know it's not acceptable but I love fruit wines with the exception of Blue Loon at Sovereign Estate Winery which is more of a floral aroma and I really enjoyed it a great deal. The light, airy almost romantic scent in floral flavorings is hands down my favorite in liquors, wines and aperitifs.

Some snaps of North Ridge Winery:

The second winery I explored last year was Crow River Winery. Now this is a big place and established as an entertainment venue and wedding venue as well. There is food served in the tasting room and the staff was beyond attentive, taking care of our table as well as giving us an informed and not over wrought tour of the facility. I have to mention that I really enjoyed that everything has crows printed on it because I love the carrions. The one wine for me that stood out here was the cranberry wine. I brought that one home. Cranberries are widely available in the Midwest with them being grown in this part of the country. It was not too shabby of a way to spend a rainy day. Also, as a side note, this is the first place that I saw a fully automated bottling machine. That was interesting to me as most of the other places are at least partially hand bottled.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Ella Cerulean's Instagram Account

February 7, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

Come follow Ella Cerulean's Instagram account and see how she views the world.

Oneiric Morning of Orchidology Observations Both Odd and Opulent.

January 30, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

I do so love orchids and they do not love me. My home is not conducive to the life of an orchid and I have certainly tried to make that the case but have failed in my attempts. I like to visit orchids however. Sometimes I get to see them natively but more often than not I see them in exhibits such as the one at Como Conservatory this passed weekend. Here is a place where there are people who are good with orchids giving out lots of helpful information. Me, I'm just gonna share some pictures of the beauties.

A Few Favorites Memories from 2016

January 19, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

Looking back on 2016 I picked a few things from the year I really enjoyed. I haven't written about all these things yet nor does this cover everything I thought was good about the year but here are a few cool things:

I started the year off in Costa Rica for a couple of weeks. I wrote about it a lot since it was such an amazing place. Here's one post: Costa Rica and a picture of me zip lining over the jungle.

Not too long after that I went to Houston for a wedding and was thrilled to go somewhere I had always wanted to visit as a kid: Johnson Space Center

Then there was my favorite art show from the year at Rogue Buddha Gallery: Rachel Girard's Dolls.

I had my first craft show in March in Madison, Wisconsin. It was wonderful. Geek Craft Expo.

I published my first e-book which spent a day at #1 on Amazon. You can buy it here.

I attended a few events hosted by the MN Historical Society and really got a kick out of them. You can read about some of them here.

I attended my first World Con. Which included a visit to some beautiful places in KC, MO. I will be writing more about them soon but here's a snap from the art museum.

I visited Las Vegas again. Seems to be a main stay in my travel. Wrote about the incredible food. Also took a day trip to the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon as I've wanted to go there for sometime as I am working on crossing off all these iconic American places on my travel list.

That's just a few good things.

There are more things actually. It was all-in-all not a bad year for me personally even if it seemed so very overwhelming for so many other people.

I'm not sure what 2017 will bring but I am trying very hard to look for the good in the seeming rising dark.

Ella's World

January 16, 2017 Trimid Dew Lanns

Follow here: Ella Cerulean

Buy the book here: Ella Cerulean Book 1 of the Connective.

Favorite Local Places for Shopping: Minneapolis

December 14, 2016 Trimid Dew Lanns

The holidays are fast upon us and as such many of us are scrambling to find meaningful, useful gifts that in some way give back to our communities.

Let's be honest: donations are wonderful and I love to do them but I also love giving gifts. Our artisan, small business economy is important. It supports makers, jobs and families.

I put together a list of places I like to buy gifts and treats for all holidays not just Christmas. But, of course, these are great Christmas places too.

First up: Ethique Nouveau. A shop full of handmade gifts and treats that also is not-for-profit as it's sales support animal charities. I love going here and have bought tons of things from here. In addition, they host bake sale fundraisers for members of the community in need of help.

Next on the list is near my house and I have a hard time going in here and not buying things for myself. I love their air plant collection and they also carry gifts for Jewish holidays.

Indulge and Bloom never disappoints.

On the high-end of artisan gift giving and filled with tangible dreams is Larue's. Jewels, clothes, small gifts, art, hats...

Even when I can't afford to get something I do love to walk around and look at everything. So many works of art in one space.

If those kinds of gems don't peak your interest, head over to ZRS Fossils for truly unique gifts. Rocks, minerals, crystals, jewelry. It's like shopping in a museum.

On the eco-conscious end of gift giving locally is Moss Envy. I can't find my pictures for here but click the link to see what they have to offer.

They have lots of home goods and I've frequently used this spot for eco-friendly party needs.

Now onto edible and drinkable gifts:

Glam Doll Donuts would have to be on the list. Vegan donuts, cute items all related to pin-ups and donuts.

My list would not be complete without The Herbivorous Butcher. They do have many vegan cheeses and meats for great gift giving but they also carry artisan chips, nuts, chocolates, dog treats, etc..

Bonus: Millner Heritage Winery. Not in Minneapolis though you can find their products in stores here. They make wonderful wines for dinner and parties. If you can make it out to the winery the tour is amazing. And when it's cold there's warm, mulled wine.

If all else fails you can never go wrong with memberships to museums. Two of my favorites are the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. (Also a good way to avoid crowds!)

Much luck and Happy Holidays!