The Museum Mermaid

On this day, in 1832, the first ever US Democratic National Convention was held in…

I’ll give you three guesses 😉

🦀 🏁 💛🐦‍⬛🌻🐎🏈💜🇺🇸🚢🏊🏖️🧡⚾️

I don’t know about you, but if I ever met a Rabbit-Deer, I’d sure as heck let it guide me.

Spirit Guides, a temporary sculpture installation by Jacobo and María Ángeles, is now on view at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Inspired by the Zapotec calendar, Each mythical hybrid animal depicts a different spirit guide or astrological embodiment of human traits.

Walking through the Botanic Gardens at this time of year, when Denver’s long, slow Spring is slowly beginning to result in perennial blooms and budding tree foliage, is already an act of meditation and patience. This exhibit simply amplifies that feeling of anticipation, by providing another dimension for thought as visitors explore the grounds.

Spirit Guides is on view until September, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go and be awed by its artistry and precision as soon as possible.

While I’m funemployed, I’m considering a mini series on Denver museums and cultural experiences. Thoughts? 🤔

🇺🇸 Did you know that on this day in 1814, Francis Scott Key penned the poem that would become the "Star-Spangled Banner"? 📜🎶

🌟 Key’s words were inspired by the breathtaking scene at Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812, and beautifully captured the resilience and pride of the early United States. Here's a glimpse into the history and significance of this iconic moment:

🌆 The Inspiration: Standing on a British ship during the Battle of Fort McHenry, Key watched as the American flag, with its stars and stripes, continued to wave proudly amidst the chaos of battle. This sight moved him to write a poem originally titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry."

🎼 A National Anthem: Many years later in 1931, this poem was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States, known as the "Star-Spangled Banner." It symbolizes the enduring spirit, unity, and unwavering defense of freedom Key witnessed.

🏙️ Baltimore Harbor Today: Baltimore Harbor remains a symbol of American history and progress. It's a bustling port, cultural hub, and tourist attraction, with museums, historic ships, and the stunning Fort McHenry National Monument. Visitors can experience the same waters and views that inspired Key's patriotic masterpiece, as well as more modern marvels like the innovative Light City festival, where this picture was taken in 2016.

❓When I think of my time in Baltimore, the Baltimore Harbor is a key piece of my remembered iconography of the city. What iconic places bring back deep memories of places you’ve lived in or visited?

Cole is 1️⃣ YEAR OLD 🥳

Our little baby, that tiny little squish muffin we brought home from the hospital last July, has existed for an entire and incredible 12 months. I’m sure I say it way too much in these posts, but this little girl is the most incredible gift of a human. She’s the happiest, smiliest, giggliest, most curious and determined little person and we’re blessed to be her stewards in discovering her amazing world.

Baby Cole can now…
🍨 Walk up to 11 steps
🍦 Say mama and dada
🍧 Sign ‘milk’, ‘food’, ‘water’, ‘kitty’, ‘all done’, and ‘more’, among others
🧁 Give open mouth “kisses”
🎂 Make lots of new sounds
🍩 Open and turn pages of books
🍰 Go up and down stairs

Sweetie had an amazing time celebrating her birthday. She even received a fresh dose of antibodies 🤦🏻‍♀️ All and all, we’ve had the most life-changing, magical, special year with this brilliant baby.

Something in this photo is not like the others. Bonus points if you spot it!