so sing it if you understand

I'm getting really pumped to go home to MN for Christmas- leaving a week from today.
I'm excited to hang out with the fam, catch up with friends, play in the snow, and introduced shady to the wonders that are a Minnesota winter & the Brekken Family Christmas.
Oh the anticipation!

There is a lot I have missed about Minnesota these last 5 months (the longest I have ever gone without being home)- but mostly its the people, speaking generally and specificlly. I'm telling you- there is no place that grows good people like Minnesota. Perhaps its the mid-west in general- but really, we are a special breed. And of course I have my own handful or two that I miss the most and can't wait to see.

It really is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I realize that more and more each time I go away. And I think that it makes it feel even more special- because I have no idea how often I will be able to come back from now on. Dang airlines and their money-grubbing ways...

Today- as a nice little suprise in my mailbox- travelocity sent me some links to help me get in the mood for my trip. Every time I use travelocity I love it a little more. They have the best deals, funny commercials, and now this- to top it off- truly appreciated.

So I thought I would share the list with the general population- you can get some MN trivia- or maybe appreciate my home a little bit more. True, the list is Twin-Cities-centric (as thats the airport I am flying into), but its close enough.


Minneapolis/St. Paul Tunes

Tangled Up in Blue Bob Dylan
Born in Minnesota, Dylan started his music career in the coffeeshops around the U of M. The bit about being a cook in the great North woods for a spell is autobiographical.
Play Song

When Doves Cry Prince
Another Minnesota native, Prince still has his Paisley Park studios in Minneapolis and much of the movie Purple Rain was shot in the Twin Cities, including the famous nightclub First Avenue.
Play Song

Minneapolis Lucinda Williams
A devastatingly sorrowful ballad about abandoned love, this song is off her album World Without Tears. Williams previously recorded albums such as Essence in Minneapolis.
Play Song

Sabu Visits the Twin Cities AloneJohn Prine
The cruelest thing a producer can do in this classically quirky tune is to send a child actor to the "land of the wind chill factor" and the "jungles of East St. Paul."
Play Song

Sculpture Garden Semisonic
The Walker Art Gallery’s Sculpture Garden is one of the most romantic spots to take a walk in Minneapolis, and no one knows that better than hometown band Semisonic.
Play Song

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and, although I do not agree with all the selections-- not only is Fargo NOT in Minnesota, but we DO NOT talk like that!-- here is there mood-setting movie list as well.


Five Great Minneapolis/St. Paul Movies

Fargo
Never before has a movie captured the Minnesota “Well alrighty then!” accent so well. The Coen Brothers are up to their always-quirky tricks in this creepy but funny murder tale.

Untamed Heart
Marisa Tomei tries to elude attackers and is rescued by unlikely hero with a baboon’s heart on Nicollet Island. They both work at Joe’s Coffee Shop, which is actually Jim’s on Central Ave.

Grumpy Old Men
Between ice fishing, shoveling snow and drinking beer, retirees Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau find time to argue over everything, including their snowmobiling female neighbor.

Mighty Ducks (and sequels)
Ice hockey is an official sport in Minnesota, so it makes sense that this trio of movies about a spunky youth team were shot here. The Mall of America even makes an appearance.

Purple Rain
Contrary to popular belief, we do have royalty in America. Minneapolis native and pop music deity Prince stars in this 1984 movie featuring First Avenue, a premier Minneapolis music venue

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So- YAY for Minnesota! Treat yourself to a snow angel or a snow-cone on me, depending on your personal location.