Last night I took a walk around the lake with my buddy Lucy (who takes *beautiful* nature photos -- check her out), and I was struck by the buds on this tree. It was still really cold yesterday, but the light was fantastic (and this week it just looks to get better and better!). Please forgive me if the blog suddenly seems to live at the lake, but it's springtime, there are a gazillion birds out (I spotted some of these last night!) and that's the best way to clear my head and get inspired right now.For your internet share of the day, this story about skinny, skinny models fascinated me (yay Britain!) and this article about the changing role of fatherhood made me think a lot about how the roles of moms and dads is changing.

Man, this place. The weather here? I sometimes dread it, but then it turns around and just makes me love Minnesota all over again.This morning it was snowing. Not, like, "flurries"... but it was like full on, windy with lots of large, white flakes snowing. IN APRIL. It kinda made me mad.I mean, I'm ready for long bike rides! And picnics! And I want to feel the sun on my bare legs! Apparently, that's further off than I thought. But then I got over it and decided to grab my camera and head for the lake.So gather round, here's what happened when I got there.First, I was delighted to see tons and tons of American Coots.  They look like fatter, squatter loons on the water. They dive and bob and are dark like loons, but their beaks are white. And whenever I see them, there are about 100 (or it seems that way), so obviously they travel in huge groups. And I only ever see them in the spring, so they must be migrating somewhere warmer (because they are geniuses).(Also, I just threw in that lakeshore image above because I love how the reflection in the top, left corner is all swirly like paint.)Then I noticed that beyond the Coots were Northern Shoveler ducks! I've never seen those up here before, but their feathers are gorgeous. I walked around a little to get a different angle on them, and right then, they took off in flight to a further spot in the lake. Check out the colors on those mallard wings though! And you can see downtown off in the distance. I love this city.Next, the snow was coming down harder... but the sun started coming out!And then I noticed all the birds were flying away! (Except the Coots, they were swimming to hide in the trees). I thought it was because the sun was now going away and the snow was getting quite heavy.But I was wrong. It was because of another bird that was flying above.Oh, hello Mr. Bald Eagle. What a place I live in!For your internet share of the day, this video made me think extra hard about why it's important for white people to get involved with the struggles of other races. I know that's heavy for a Friday, but it really moved me. Happy weekend, y'all!

I cannot believe it has been a year since this guy died. It feels like five years ago because so much has happened. But when I stop and think of him, I can still smell his fur and feel those ears. I miss him so, so much. Sometimes my computer makes this error noise, and I always say (or think) "Sorry buddy!" That noise would *always* make Merlin jump up, no matter how deep his sleep.I recently read this book, and it made me hope beyond hope that Merlin's soul comes back to me some day in the form of another dog. That would be such a wonderful treasure. And, by the by, I truly enjoyed that book, but the cover is horrible. Let's be clear.For your internet shares of the day, that new Star Wars movie trailer is pretty fantastic, no? And this editorial cartoon made me smile.

Two concerts in two nights!?! Was this "having a baby" thing just a fluke? Haha. No. We are *slowly* getting our lives back a little now that our spawn has a more regular sleep schedule (knock on wood).So since The Joy Formidable were in town last night, and since they are one of our favorite bands, we got a sitter and had a wonderful night out. We had dinner at one of my very favorite spots, we had dessert at Milkjam, an *amazing* new ice cream spot in town, and then on to the show.Ah, and if you are curious about The Joy Formidable's music, watch this as an intro -- and note that Jamie and I were at this taping! It was the first time we had ever heard or seen the band and we FELL IN LOVE HARD. God bless SXSW.And if you want to see more photos from the show last night, here you go.I am so sorry that I don't have an internet share today -- I was on set all day and didn't spend a minute online, so I have nothing for you. Tomorrow, I hope to be better.

Last night I was lucky enough to photograph the Iggy Pop concert. Oh man, it was fun to watch that man perform. It really reminded me that getting old is just a mindset. Plus? I got to see a bunch of friends at the show as well.And guess what?! Tonight I get to shoot another concert! I'm happy as a clam over here.For more shots of Iggy, you can see my slideshow on the City Pages website. Enjoy!

  

My dear friend Ashley just moved her store, Roe Wolfe, to a new location this week, and today I got to check it out! Man-oh-man is it lovely in there! She some *amazing* clothes, but you guys, don't pass on the jewelry. There are some fantastic finds the more you look. For your internet share of the day, I think Quilted Northern won the April Fool's Day contest. Don't you?