TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: Blog

Fort Snelling State Park – Twin Cities – Minnesota

There are so many beautiful winter trails in the heart of the Twin Cities!

We visited Fort Snelling State Park the day after Thanksgiving (we needed the exercise after eating so much food). 🙂 Minnesota state parks waive the entrance fees on Black Friday to encourage people to get outside and explore.

Fort Snelling State Park is where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet. You can hike to Pike Island where they converge and enjoy 3 miles of packed walking trails. You can also leave the park and hike to the historic Fort Snelling.

The rivers offer amazing scenery and views as you hike the trails. We loved all the reflections of the snowy trees in the water. There are 12 miles of cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing anywhere but on the groomed trails.

Fort Snelling State Park also links to an extensive regional trail system.

Our favorite thing is that the park is pet-friendly! The dogs loved getting out on the trails and meeting new friends.

There is a visitor center with gift shop, exhibits, and flush toilets that is open year-round. We got another sticker for the Thule!

It’s hard to believe this park is in the middle of the cities and right next to the airport.

Make sure to get out and explore the Minnesota State Parks and Trails this winter!

©Tracy Blowers

December 1, 2019
See Things How They Are…

This quote! It always opens my eyes. We navigate our days and interactions based on how “we are”. We make assumptions without realizing we are doing it. There’s no way we can know what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. Our hard might be easy for someone else OR our hard might be harder for someone else. Today I will do my best to see things as they are…

November 25, 2019
One Blanket, Two Hearts

The human connection.

Traveling always offers the most interesting conversations and connections with strangers. Each encounter teaches us something and leaves an imprint.

While staying at Jackson Lake Lodge, on a brisk early morning, we met Adel.

One of our favorite things to do is to take the Jackson Lake Breakfast Cruise to Elk Island. We’ve learned from the past that mountain mornings on the boat can be pretty chilly and this year we packed a blanket.

Jackson Lake Lodge Breakfast Cruise

After we arrived on the island, the sun was rising and I started warming up. I unwrapped from the blanket and had it resting in my arms while talking with the ship captain. An older, beautiful, petite woman walked up and stood next to me. I thought she was waiting to talk to the captain but shivering, she said…

“It’s so cold, isn’t it?”

As I started to answer her, I realized how cold she was and asked…

“Do you want to use my blanket?”

Her face lit up and she said, “Yes, thank you, thank you!”

She wrapped herself in it and my heart smiled. I felt so thankful that we brought the blanket and that I could share it with her. She kept herself wrapped in it all through breakfast and on the boat ride back. When we got back to the dock, we reconnected and she gave us this advice…

“Stay together, trust each other and love each other.” – Adel

We hugged and as she walked away she said ” You’re an angel on earth.” which is exactly what I thought about her. That morning, strangers connected over a blanket. I will never forget Adel. ❤️

The Blanket: We love our Rumpl blanket and bring it everywhere! It’s lightweight, packable, eco-friendly, and machine washable. We have two dogs and it’s their favorite to cuddle up in. It’s so durable that even after three years, it looks like new.

Rumpl is offering 25% now through December 2, 2019!

Click here to purchase and for Free Shipping + Free Returns on Orders $49+

This post is sponsored, which means if you purchase, What Stirs Your Soul may get something in return. Thank you for your support!

November 24, 2019
See Them Shine – Art Gallery

It’s been so inspiring to work with Art of Edina and Jill Emmer. Jill is the Director of Art of Edina which provides public space and funding for rising and established artists to display their art. I am the social media manager and event photographer.

Here are a few photos from our recent “See Them Shine” launch party at The Hilltop Restaurant. This project features free-spirited citizens of Edina. Jill captured 12 photos representing each month. The photos are hanging up at The Hilltop through the holidays. You can also purchase a calendar of the photos at The Hilltop or the Edina Senior Center. 100% of the proceeds go to the Art of Edina non-profit partners: Edina Senior Center and Senior Community Services.

© Tracy Blowers

November 20, 2019
Getting Plowed: A Holiday Survival Guide – Brave New Workshop – Minneapolis
“If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” – Robert Frost

If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off the holiday season, check out “Getting Plowed: A Holiday Survival Guide” at the Brave New Workshop (BNW). It’s the perfect way to keep the holidays in perspective and release some stress through laughter. The show is quick-witted, entertaining, and hilarious!

Some cool information about BNW:
- BNW has been creating original comedy and improv in Minneapolis since 1958
- Longer than any other theatre in the U.S.
- BNW was founded by Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus aerialist, Dudley Riggs
- Dudley Riggs decided to start BNW after a near-fatal fall from a trapeze
- BNW boasts the most comprehensive improv training curriculum in the country
Before the show…

After the show. 😉

Brave New Workshop

824 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis

612-332-6620

www.bravenewworkshop.com

#sponsored
November 19, 2019
An Irish Engagement

It was an incredibly humid day and I was so impressed with how this couple kept their cool. Every photoshoot has a challenge but those challenges are what make perfect moments. xo

© Tracy Blowers

November 11, 2019

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