Feeling French

I went to the museum with one of my very best friends the other day.  In milwaukee, it is the "Summer of China" and all the local museums have brought in big shows about China.  We went to the Milwaukee Art Museum and man, that place is entertaining.

We drove there from her place and didn't realize how far away we had parked until about halfway through the thirty minute walk through 90 degree weather.  After we got to the museum, we discovered that it was packed!  I have never seen that many people there.  Turns out, there was some kind of live performance by some Chinese musicians and dancers, as well as a dinner afterwards.  So we fled to the upper level to look at the smaller galleries of non-chinese artwork.  I still can not stand minimalism, but they had a few good shows set up besides the minimalist paintings of a black dot on a white canvas.

After we had traveled through the upper level (and suffered several immature moments), we decided to brave the main level and go through the galleries that remain the same, for the most part, at all times.  I saw a few paintings I hadn't seen there before, but overall I was familiar with the work displayed there.  Dana hadn't been there in awhile, so we did spend some time talking about the artists and I got to dig into the knowledge I gathered over years of living with my art teacher mother and share knowledge and fun facts.

Then we moved into the area of the museum that always has my favorite exhibits.  It holds the Infinity Room, what I call the "milwaukee black bean," and many other modern sculpture and other art.  It always has some very interesting and entertaining pieces. One of my favorites this times was the collection of sculptures standing around all in the same laughing pose.  Dana and I took the opportunity to  do some creative poses next to them.

After the museum, we headed back to her car and came upon a couple that we had noticed on the way in, laying on a park bench, most likely drugged up on a serious dose of heroine.  It was super depressing to see.  We felt like we should do something to help out but what could we have done, short of calling the police.  If one of us had had the non-emergency number for the milwaukee police we would have called it in, instead we kept our eyes out for a park ranger or police car.  Sadly we didn't see anyone who could help us out.

After that sobering moment, we felt dinner was in order.  We went to Nessun Dorma, a great little place with a wonderful wine selection, and delicious food.  Our waitress was amazing, and answered all our questions about the olive appetizer with honesty and a great sense of humor.  Dana's boyfriend showed up half way through the meal and spoiled our talk of the trip we are taking to europe on my way home from South Korea.  He also left earlier than we did, which allowed us to have some great one on one girl time.

Overall, it was one of the best days I have had in a long time.  And I can not wait for the Day of Epic Wonder that is coming up.

Oh, I almost forgot.  This morning I woke up at 6 and decided to spend my morning baking.  I made some rye bread, blueberry scones, corn bread, blueberry cornbread, and some Irish soda bread.  After spending the next few hours finishing up packing and writing a list of things I need or don't need, I am going to spend my afternoon cooking.  I think Tofu Pad Thai, Enchiladas, Zucchini rolls with goat cheese, and some coconut-lime Curry are in my future.

Now to my lunch of cornbread and homemade chilled Gazpacho.  Yum.