For a year or so, on Wednesdays, I’ve posted random entries from wikipedia, a feature I borrowed (probably without blessing) from another blogger. And while I still like to spin the roulette wheel at wikipedia to learn interesting tidbits, and while it’s been a no-brainer way to blog, I’m looking for a new regular feature—something that will make at least one post a week easy and fun to approach. And so I am unveiling “Field Trip Wednesday” in which I report on little forays around the Twin Cities. This is certain to get me out of the house, as well as give me a midweek treat.
I truly needed a big treat today. My day started poorly. I felt lousy upon waking. Typically the boys take the bus to school, but only if I can get out of bed by 6:20. If I snooze, then I can sleep in ten-minute increments from an extra hour. I hate the drive but prefer not to rush the boys in the morning, especially Winston, who cannot be rushed for anything. Plus I love the extra time in the car with them.
As I was driving home [from taking the boys to school], I realized that I was feeling SAD. The sky is gray, the weather is fiercely cold, and the ground is dangerously icy. My environment is ugly and difficult to maneuver in. I’ve lost a favorite warm glove, but I can’t be bothered to replace it even though I’ll need gloves for another couple months. I’m tired of trying to fish my keys out of my pocket with the gloves on. I could cry. And I recognize that I’m SAD and PMSing so I needn’t worry that I’m finally having a big breakdown. I give myself permission to take care of myself. I decide to curl up on the couch, read a comforting book (House by Michael Ruhlman), caress my warm Thermos coffee pot, and wallow under a pile of blankets until I can face the music.
Pretty pleased with myself for writing a prescription that will get me through the day, I pull into the alley to face a Ford 350 coming my way. The truck, which is pulling a trailer, is trying to creep down the last 15 yards of the icy, steepish alley to the street, while I’m preparing to gun my car up, what are for me, the first 15 yards of the icy, steepish alley. And because the driver didn’t yield to me, I pulled over. I didn’t know I had driven into a snowbank until the truck had passed and I tried to go my merry way. Insert choice words here.
To make a long story less long, the transaction was witnessed by my neighbor Erin, who lives catty-corner across the street from where I was stuck. She came over with her contractor, who directed my tires and gave my car a push until I was free. Did I mention that it was 2 degrees? All this time spent fuming and spinning my wheels in the bitter cold snapped me right out of my funk. After expressing ample gratitude, I had one of those moments when everything crystallizes and it becomes clear that I needed to shop. Sure, I warmed up with coffee and read for a bit once I got home, but after I confirmed that there were no publishing jobs, I hopped in my car and headed to Eat Street—Jasmine Deli for aromatic and restorative beef pho and hot jasmine tea. Then, I drove to France and 44th.
Situated southwest of Minneapolis, France and 44th is a fairly underwhelming intersection, especially when compared to the snazzy shops and restaurants further south, at France and 50th, that define Edina. My destination was France 44 wine shop, which is the most notable business in the area. Although I have taken a number of wine classes here, I rarely schlep over when I need wine, especially when there are plenty of fine wine shops in St. Paul. In addition to an amazing wine and spirits collection, France 44 has an outstanding cheese counter, featuring many American artisan cheeses. The cheese shop even has a blog, which I urge you to visit. Mostly, I stocked up on wine for an impending in-law visit, purchasing a pinot noir to accompany arctic char for Friday night’s dinner, a few chardonnays for MIL’s “happy hour” spritzers, and a handful of Argentinian malbecs and Spanish crianzas to fill out our wine rack.
But, the intersection is also where you’ll find Russell + Hazel, the boutique dedicated to stylish organizational tools, such as binders, files, paper, post-it notes, and more. I love Russell + Hazel! Years ago, when the company debuted its products, you could buy them at gift shops like the Walker Art Center’s museum shop or the Bibelot Shop, but also at the grocery store. I remember buying my first notebook at Kowalski’s. Crazy, heh? Now R+H sells its wares online and at its stand-alone store at France and 44th. Among other little lovelies, I fondled a Lucite desk set, basically a tray with compartments for paperclips or rubberbands or any of the things that junk up your desk. In an effort to organize my paper clutter, particularly household records and manuals and business cards, I purchased two binders with colorful book-linen spines, metal-reinforced corners, fat rubberband to hold together, and dry-erase interior. I also selected loose-leaf paper with a slate blue rule, as well as pocket folders and tabbed index dividers to fill the binders. Plus, I bought a red file box for concealing unsightly paper piles on my desk. I’m excited to put my new organizing gear in action!
And while I was conducting my retail therapy, the sun emerged and the air warmed up just enough to help hope spring eternal.
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