Well folks, after knocking down walls, kicking out cabinets, and one very unfortunate battle with the trim (Trim 1, Molly 0) we are getting into the “good enough” phase of renovations.
Seriously, I spent six hours fighting with a door frame. With stakes so low, there can be no winners. Enough is enough. Anne Lamott said, “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.” For the sake of the people, then, I will lay down my paintbrush.
Besides, I already love this place. I’m starting to see home in the crooked doorways, the frays in the carpet, and the floors that could keep a marble rolling for days. It reminds me of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. It’s a way of celebrating flaws. So go out, imperfectly, and find a great weekend.
I’m starting to see home in the crooked doorways, the frays in the carpet, and the floors that could keep a marble rolling for days.
Friday
There’s Fair Food Frenzy at Fleet Farm this Friday (say that five times fast) from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. They’ll have fresh-squeezed lemonade and all your fried favorites.
For those struggling with food insecurity during the Covid-19 crisis, there is a free distribution available through Blue Earth County at the Prairie Winds Middle School from 6:30-8:30 pm. No registration is necessary.
Then take your pick of fantastic and local virtual entertainment, perfect for tuning in from the comfort of your own home. The Living Earth Center is putting on another Virtual Open Mic from 5:30-7:30 pm. August’s theme is “Roots” and will feature a huge variety of local talents. “From singers to poets to artists to belly dancers have submitted,” said organizer, Melissa Martensen. “We will have musicians performing with guitars, ukuleles, and harps! And we will have belly dancing with silks, with fire…with a sword on fire! Plus, Fly Fusion and Aerial Hoop performances.”
Rock 95 will be raising money for the Disabled American Veteran’s Charity live from the Rock Recon bus with SuperLung. They’ll be touring the area from 3:00-7:00 pm and SuperLung will be performing two brand new songs. You can tune in on their Facebook live or simply set your station to 95.7 FM or 101.7 FM.
Saturday
MSU’s InterVarsity and Bridges have partnered for the International Student Furniture Giveaway. Many students come to the United States to attend MSU, and of course they have no furnishings, so this event is the perfect way to give your gently used items to good use. After moving, I know we have a lot of things that are ready for a new home. Stop by Bethel Baptist Church to give your imperfect pieces new life.
The St. Peter American Legion is putting on a Curbside Sloppy Joe Feed from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with proceeds going to support school supplies for area children. I can’t remember the last time I had a sloppy joe! The messiness makes it all the more delicious.
Is there anything more perfectly imperfect than a sunset? Join the Wine Café in their Moonlit Cabaret on the patio. Be delighted by delicious drinks and talented dancers. This event is 21+ – call ahead to reserve a table then sit back and enjoy the sunset.
Sunday
Lazy Sunday? No problem. The Connecting Commerce Virtual 5k runs (or walks) all day every day from the 22nd to the 30th so take your time. Just register and tag #connectingcommerceNM with your race selfie or time. Plus, you’ll get a $10 gift card to a local business when you register here. And in case you slept in Saturday and missed the farmer’s market, Valley Veggies is open on State Highway 68. You can build your own bouquet and take home so many fresh veggies, including saucy tomatoes and pickling cucumbers.
Bonus
Monday is my puppy Jolene’s first birthday and I think that’s a good enough excuse for ice cream. Besides, life’s too short to not celebrate the silly little things. So, while I’m tracking down a pup cup for Jolene, treat yourself to the FREE ice cream social at 6:00 pm at the Storybook Park by the North Mankato Taylor Library. This delicious event is open to all ages. Cheers!
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Weekend High Notes is a regular feature by Molly Butler. Molly covers weekend events, live music, and culture in the Greater Mankato Area. Suggestions are welcome using the MankatoLIFE contact form.
