Winter Home & Garden
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Volume 30, Issue 796 • November 27-December 10, 2025
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Inspiration Steven W. Anderson (1954-1994), Timothy J. Lee (1968-2002), Russell Berg (1957-2005), Kathryn Rocheford (1914-2006), Jonathan Halverson (1974-2010), Adam Houghtaling (1984-2012), Walker Pearce (1946-2013), Tim Campbell (1939-2015), John Townsend (1959-2019), George Holdgrafer (1951-2024), Julie Dafydd (1951-2025)
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BY NOAH MITCHELL
Home is Where the Distant Relatives Are About to Visit, Whether You’re Ready or Not
This time last year, my From the Editor column offered a singular winter home decorating tip aimed at keeping oneself sane. Since then, I’ve moved into an apartment all my own for the first time, and my perspective on home decorating (and staying sane) has evolved.
As an umpteenth-generation Upper Midwesterner and someone blessed and cursed with eldest-sibling responsibility, I’ve always taken pride in hosting guests, to some degree. I’ve always tried to keep my digs clean, be gracious and offer something to eat or drink when I have people over.
However, with college-aged male roommates and without a divinely inspired tolerance
for cleaning up other people’s messes, there’s only so much one can do to keep their space presentable. As an aspiring capital-H Host, my roommates were a thorn in my side … but also a convenient excuse, should I get too lazy to clean.
Having moved into my very own apartment, that excuse is now gone. For the most part, it’s been lovely — cleaning up after myself feels a whole lot better than cleaning up after others. Cleaning isn’t the only responsibility now fully on my shoulders, though. I, for the first time in my life, am responsible for the interior design of my entire home.
Now, I don’t want to be misleading — the apartment is a studio, and not that much space to
decorate. But still, for someone with my experience (that is to say, a complete lack of it), it’s a bit daunting.
As a Host, for my Guests, I’ve done my best to make my space presentable, pleasant and comfortable. I’ve been told it’s “nice,” “cozy” and “feels like home,” which, while short of the “Holy s—, your apartment is so cool!” of my wildest dreams, is a great start.
I’m not satisfied, though — so I’m reading this issue of Lavender with an extra bit of personal zeal. I hope that you, as well as I, find something in these pages that makes your home a bit brighter this winter, whether it’s for you, your guests, your nosy neighbor or your cat.
Photo
BY E.B. BOATNER
Home and Hunger; Loss and Longing
Have you ever travelled in foreign lands? When you do, are you adventurous, sampling the local cuisines, or do you frantically search for something well-known, comforting, even when strolling about Paris, City of Light, or basking on a sun-warmed Barbados beach, always yearning for a link to home?
What if, for whatever reason — war, politics, seeking a safer life — you’ve had to actually leave your native home and hearth, have, for example, as a child or adult, been transplanted to Minnesota? Are there foodstuffs for which you still hunger, whose loss you mourn?
The anthology “What We Hunger For,” edited by Sun Yung Shin, editor of “A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota,” author of the children’s book “Cooper’s Lesson,” and whose poetry collection, “Unbearable Splendor,” won a Minnesota Book Award, presents 14 Minnesotans’ responses to that very question.
Contributors to this Minnesota Historical Society Press volume are transplanted writers whose often impassioned essays attest to the worldwide need for nourishment, of both body and spirit, and the myriad ways that regional foods connect to family and the sharing of love itself.
While authors’ varied backgrounds include Hmong, Laotian, Syrian, Haitian, Afghan, Ugandan, Sikh, South Korean and Somali, food is the binding thread throughout. Some offer specific recipes for special ingredients; others relate to their new environment. Roy G. Guzmán’s “Beans or Bullets: A Feminist Reading of Baleadas” is just that — a societal take on that specific foodstuff.
Kou B. Thao’s “Mov Ntse Dlej” asserts, “Every Hmong child grew up eating mov nise dlej whether they were raised in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or Milwaukee, Wisconsin.” Minnesota doctors often criticize the over-consumption of this innocuous dish of warm, steamed rice doused in cold water. But, explains Thao, it’s “central to who we are and our existence.” When doctors warn, “Don’t eat so much rice,” and “Don’t eat so much meat,” it’s seen as a slap in the face of those who worked so hard to feed their families, to survive; to arrive here. It’s not that doctors are wrong, Thao concedes, but “Don’t punish us for surviving and blame our culture.”
Approaches to cooking vary widely. Lina Jamoul’s “Fragments of Food Memories; or Love Letters to My Dad,” notes, “Arabs don’t really bake … There is little precision, few specific ingredients, and not a lot of attention to exact tim-
ing in Arab cooking. We throw things together … I guess that’s why you were either a good cook or you weren’t.”
Others, like Valérie Déus in “Haitian Kitchen,” offer quite specific recipes, listing directions for Banan Peze, or Fried Plantains, and Mori, Salted Codfish. If you’re game, try the instructions for How to Make Lao Beef Jerky in Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay’s essay, “The Summer of Lao Beef Jerky at Rivoli.”
Memory, though not always accurate, is persistent and runs deep. I remember my Mississippi-born dad as likely the sole Connecticut gardener tending 20 running-feet of okra or consuming chicken hearts and gizzards. (Later, at college, no one ever pilfered my food containers.)
What are your food memories? Even those still living in the town where they were born may have strong and enduring experiences based on early years around the family dining table. What did you cherish? Abhor? Were/are your feelings strong in either direction? Holidays rush upon us; will you smile heading home, or close your door and settle in solo?
These fascinating essays show how gastronomically diverse the world’s perception of food is, including those of your neighbors right here in Minnesota.
BY CARLA WALDEMAR
Deep In The Heart
Texas occupies an XXL-sized chunk of the USA, and I’m deep in the heart of it. But here in Fredericksburg, deep in the heart of the heart, the greeting is “Wilkommen” rather than “Howdy.”
The sweet town of 11,000 was settled in 1846 by German immigrants, seeking the milk and honey promised them in the Promised Land. Weeks into their trek from the seacoast, they looked around at the abundant forests and deep, rich soil here and decided to slog no further: As Promised Lands go, this looked pretty promising.
They staked out a Main Street wide enough to maneuver their oxcarts and built tiny, one-room Sunday houses where these pious German farmers could conduct their Saturday trading, enjoy a beer that night, then attend church before heading home. Many of those limestone Sunday houses remain today, serving as boutiques, B&Bs and cafes. You’ll spot many a one on a narrated trolley tour leaving from the Tourist Office.
On it, driver Dave points out the venerable Verein Kirche on Market Square, built in octagon form so its windows might spot the approach of hostile Comanches from any direction. Dave then directs us to a memorial where, later, a peace treaty pipe was smoked by German and Native leaders.
Down the street at the Pioneer Museum, docent Evelyn continues the story. As a kid, she spoke no English until enrolled at the schoolhouse where she now stands. We wander to the working windmill that drew water for the one-stop barbershop-cum-bathhouse, then to the smokehouse, the Sunday house and more. As we step over the threshold of each structure, a voice narrates tales from back in the day.
Turning to a more recent era in American history, the National Museum of the Pacific War brings World War II home to proud Texans and visitors alike. But what’s it doing here, deep in the heart of Hill Country, not the deep blue sea? Turns out that Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, who commanded all Allied units in the area, came from this very town. And Fredericksburg is justly proud.
Today, the fascinating museum has undergone a dramatic revision of its presentations in order to focus on the individual people involved and their points of view — such as the true story of a little girl saved from Japanese invaders via a submarine escape. (And we’re sitting right there, in that “submarine,” with water misting our faces as the sub jiggles us through the girl’s journey.) P.S.: You can spot actual submarines on display, too — in fact, the very two-man Japanese version that attacked Pearl Harbor.
Replica of the Vereins Kirche, shopping on Main Street, Wildseed Farms Pumpkins. Photos by Carla Waldemar
As a chaser, how about attacking Main Street and its block upon block of alluring indie shops? The Hat Bar can supply you with the Ten Gallon of your choice; choose whatever add-on ribbons, feathers and whatnot you may fancy. Leather and Style called my name with its enticing cache of belts, bags and billfolds. Boots proffers just what it promises, from plain-vanilla to power striders. (I had my eye on hot pink ankle boots on the Reduced Price rack for $200.)
My Sister’s Corner catered to my inner cowgirl with quilted jackets, heavy silver-and-turquoise jewelry and femme-fatale earrings, Texas badass style. The local Mercantile proffers toys galore (princess tutus to Godzilla costumes), while Rustlin’ Rob’s offers Texas gourmet foods to sample and savor, from Bourbon-smoked pecans to chili mix. There’s also a coffee house/bookstore nearby to revive mind and body.
Revitalized and credit card back in business, I head to a corner off of Main Street, which boasts a trio of upscale showrooms to outfit one’s home, too. Carol Hill Bolton’s urban warehouse displays unique antiques from her European expeditions, while Neighbours courts a modern vibe, and Room 5, the all-white look.
Your yard and your green thumb are the focus at Wildseed Farms, where proprietor John Thomas salutes his passion for Texas bluebonnets and bright poppies on his acres of blooms. October’s pumpkins of all shapes and colors rule his spacious gift shop.
Two more out-of-town venues vie to capture your love for this neck of the state: The sweet little town of Luckenbach serves up nostalgia for twosteppin’ to fiddlers’ tunes along with plenty of cold beer at its dance hall and stages, whose occupants have included Wayne Jennings, Willie Nelson and many a once-or-future Hall of Famer in between.
While you’re on the road, head to Prochnow Vineyards for a tasting of fine Texas wines (5 samples $25), from a bright Picpoul blanc to an easyto-love Sangiovese rosé and a bold, red Tannat. Those original German settlers savored their beer, but today over 70 wineries flourish in Hill Country. And the food scene is just as rich and rewarding. At Vaudeville, on Main Street, accessories rule on the main floor. But foodies know to scoot downstairs for a chance at their smile-inducing soup of the day or a Mediterranean platter rich with feta, spreads, dips and those little, wizened black olives that belong in the world’s top food groups.
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Dinner tonight is at Hill & Vine, where “every plate tells a Texas story,” declares its dedicated chef. After sharing onion rings big as truck tires, I called for the watermelon and green tomato salad, a-bling with goat cheese, spiced pecans, basil and mint. Then what? Bison Bolognese? Hill Country rib eye? Chile-citrus brined pork chop? Tempting, all. But the kitchen’s fried chicken sandwich proved one for the record books. Bravo to the all-Texan wine list, too.
Das Peach Haus looks like a shack in the forest, but don’t let that fool you. From a tiny peach stand, where founder Mark Weiser used to sell peaches as a kid, now stretches the flourishing food empire he and his family grew. Today, Fischer & Wieser speeds products to Whole Foods and beyond for national fans, including its signature best-seller, roasted raspberry chipotle sauce. Take a class at the attached cooking school, or let them serve you (as we did) from a menu leading off with spinach salad with Bourbon cranberry preserve dressing, pork loin with orange-cranberry sauce, then baked pear dressed in cinnamon pear preserves.
Step a few paces along the path to the brainchild of the youngest entre-
preneur of the food family, Dietz Fischer, whose passion runs not to soft fruits, but hard likker. His distillery produces several singular spirits, the inspiration for an ultra-inventive cocktail list that delights imbibers at the tiny bar.
You can overnight in the sweet cottages at Hill Country Herb Garden, or simply stop by for lunch to dine tastefully but healthily on soups, sumptuous salads, quiche and such. But remember to save a corner of your appetite for dinner at Otto’s German Bistro, where German beers and wine accent a menu of Old World Meets Texas Modern. Go classic with a pretzel and beer cheese starter or sauerkraut balls (don’t knock ’em till you try ’em). Then steer toward time-honored entrees given a New World spin, such as my duck schnitzel with cheese spaetzle, red cabbage and Kirsch. Or the pierogi paired with caramelized onions. The chicken paprikash. The wurst plate. Well, speaking of wurst, er, worst: Time to get back on the plane. To plan your own immersion into Hill Country’s German heritage, log onto visitfredericksaburgtx.com.
Wildseed Farms pathways between flower fields, Trolley Tour, Pioneer Village
Park City, Utah — A Mountain Haven of LGBTQ Inclusivity
Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Park City is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and those seeking a world-class dining and relaxation experience. Originally a silver mining town, it has evolved into one of the most popular destinations in the United States, offering not just world-class ski resorts and summer outdoor activities but also a rich blend of culture, fine dining and leisure. Whether you are planning a winter getaway, a visit to the renowned Sundance Film Festival or just a weekend escape, Park City offers something for everyone. Among the many things that make it a premier destination are events like the Park City Wine Fest.
Park City Wine Fest is a premier event that draws wine lovers from across the country. Held annually, this multi-day festival is a celebration of fine wines from around the globe, paired with the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains. The event is perfect for both wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike, offering something for every palate.
The Wine Fest is not just about tasting a wide variety of wines; it also showcases local cuisine, with restaurants and chefs from Park City presenting gourmet dishes that complement the wines. Wine education is another key aspect of the event, with seminars led by sommeliers, winemakers and wine experts who share their knowledge on everything from pairing wine with food to understanding different wine regions.
The festival is a true highlight in Park City’s event calendar, combining the beauty of the location with a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. Attendees can explore a variety of experiences, including scenic mountain hikes paired with wine tastings, grand tastings at the base of Park City Mountain Resort and intimate, wine-paired dinners, like the one I attended at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria. The Rustic Reds dinner was a wonderfully sophisticated wine-paired feast led by Wine Academy of Utah’s Jim Santangelo. The five-course meal began with a delicious amuse-bouche followed by beef tartare, endive salad, filet mignon and chocolate cake, each paired perfectly with a glass of wine hand-selected by Santangelo.
For those who appreciate fine dining, Park City is home to a variety of outstanding restaurants, with Edge Steakhouse being one of the best. Located in the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, Edge Steakhouse blends traditional steakhouse fare with an innovative approach to cooking. Known for its exceptional service, high-quality cuts of meat and fresh seafood, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and satisfying.
Park City landscape photo courtesy of Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau
What sets Edge Steakhouse apart is its attention to detail. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of cuts, from Wagyu beef to dry-aged steaks, all expertly prepared to perfection. Additionally, Edge offers an extensive wine list, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. The combination of excellent food, a sophisticated atmosphere and top-notch service has earned Edge Steakhouse numerous awards and recognitions, making it a must-visit for any foodie in Park City.
No visit to Park City would be complete without a stop at High West Distillery, the first legally licensed distillery in Utah since Prohibition. High West offers a unique experience, blending the old-world charm of the American West with modern-day distilling techniques. Located in the heart of downtown Park City, High West is known for its award-winning whiskeys, but it’s also a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat.
High West’s rustic atmosphere is part of its charm, and the distillery offers a range of whiskey varieties, from smooth bourbons to bold ryes, all made using time-honored methods. In addition to tastings, visitors can take tours of the distillery to learn about the history of whiskey-making in Utah and the art of distillation. I had the chance to attend an elegant Woodland Masquerade at the distillery in Wanship, a quick 20-minute drive from Park City. The event contained entertainment, delicious food and, of course, whiskey.
Park City isn’t just about great food and drinks — it’s also a haven for those looking to relax and recharge. One of the standout lodging options in Park City is LIFT Park City, a modern mountain resort located in the heart of Canyons Village. LIFT offers luxury accommodations with a contemporary design, providing guests with all the comforts of home while being just steps away from world-class skiing, hiking and biking trails.
Continued on page 16
LIFT Park City is designed with both relaxation and adventure in mind. The resort features spacious residences with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies and stunning views of the mountains. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center and other amenities that make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.
Speaking of relaxing, after a day of outdoor activities, there’s no better way to unwind than with a visit to Serenity Spa. Located within the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, Serenity Spa offers a wide range of treatments designed to soothe both body and mind. From massages and facials to body wraps and aromatherapy, the spa’s expert therapists provide personalized treatments that leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The spa’s tranquil atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. With its serene decor, calming scents and peaceful music, Serenity Spa creates a truly relaxing environment where guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Whether you’re indulging in a full day of pampering or just popping in for a quick treatment, Serenity Spa offers a luxurious retreat that will leave you feeling revitalized.
For those seeking a cozy and casual dining experience, Cafe Terigo is a local favorite. This family-owned restaurant is known for its delicious Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Located on Main Street in downtown Park City, Cafe Terigo has a charming, rustic atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
The menu at Cafe Terigo features a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, from wood-fired pizzas to house-made pastas. The restaurant is also known for its creative salads, seafood dishes and delectable desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or a hearty meal, Cafe Terigo’s menu offers something for everyone.
Park City is home to a gay ski week, Elevation Utah, which takes place February 25 to March 1, 2026. It features Après-ski events, dance parties and casual meetups, and draws attendees from around the country.
As my time in Park City came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the town’s unique charm and diversity of experiences. From the adrenaline of skiing down powdery slopes to the peacefulness of a sunset hike, Park City captures the essence of adventure and tranquility in equal measure. The warmth of its local community, combined with its breathtaking natural beauty, makes this mountain town a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Our final evening consisted of the Rarities & Reserves tasting at Red Pine Lodge. We had the chance to sample a wonderful selection of small-batch and boutique wines from around the country in the most wonderful setting, high atop a mountain. It was the perfect way to end a perfect trip discovering Park City. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or a nature lover, Park City should be on your list of places to explore.
Enjoy the Journey!
Photos courtesy of Joey Amato
‘We are
Everywhere, Doing Everything’
“Queering Indigeneity,” the latest exhibit at the Minnesota Museum of American Art, acts as both celebration and reclamation of Two Spirit and Native Queer identities
Before it was an art exhibition, “Queering Indigeneity” was a project grounded in community. One of many lasting consequences of colonial violence against Indigenous people in what is now called the United States is the erasure of queer identities within Native communities, particularly of folks who now call themselves two-spirit.
Though the term was coined in 1990, it refers to a wide range of queer identities with long histories of cultural significance for tribes across the continent. However, colonialism has led to lateral violence, or violence from their own communities, against two-spirit people and their exclusion from their own cultures.
“Every Queer 2-Spirit child is said to be a gift to our community,” says a message on the wall welcoming visitors to the exhibition. “Historically, we were celebrated leaders, warriors, mediators, teachers, healers, name-givers, marriage-brokers, artists and more … Over generations, we have felt the disruption of our traditional roles.”
In search of ways to heal this violence, Curator for Community Collaboration Penny Kagigebi (White Earth Ojibwe direct descendant) looked to art-making. In 2022, she began collaborating with people on the White Earth reservation, where she lives.
“The thought was that if we make birchbark baskets together and make art together and have conversation, that from that would spark this twospirit cultural reclamation,” she says. “We would just come together in community, support each other, share our knowledge and celebrate each other.”
Kagigebi also describes the rarity of two-spirit and queer Native-only spaces as something that made the initial collaboration even more special. It was something she got to experience again at a friends-and-family event before the exhibition’s Oct. 11 opening reception.
On view until Aug. 16, 2026, at the Minnesota Museum of American Art in downtown St. Paul, the exhibition showcases artists from a variety of tribal backgrounds, youth and elders alike, utiliz-
Birchbark Basket by Penny Kagigebi, Tree of Peace by Sharon Day. Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Museum of American Art Loon leaf on the Tree of Peace. Photo by Sommer Wagen
ing a range of media, from traditional birchbark basketry and beadwork to printmaking, photography and pen-and-paper drawings.
The diversity highlights how there is no one way to be two-spirit, and not every Native queer person is two-spirit.
In Kagigebi’s words, “When you meet a twospirit person, you’ve met one two-spirit person.”
Driven by dreams
Kagigebi says the “Queering Indigeneity” journey began in a dream, telling her that her path is to be highly visible, so people can seek her out as a source of safety.
The show’s name, she says, came from a birchbark basket she worked on for nearly two weeks, very early in the morning before sunrise, when “all the birds go nuts.”
“Over that period, I just had all of this information downloaded into me during that early morning time,” she recounts. “All of these things just distilled into two-spirit cultural reclamation, because our two-spirit relatives are missing in our communities, and that’s why we have the issues that we have.”
The resulting basket, with teal criss-crossed cordage lining its edges and white porcupine quills forming spirals on its front, became a physical vessel for Kagigebi to bring two-spirit people back into visibility and celebration. “Queering Indigeneity,” she says, was the perfect name.
Other artists in the show also attest to being spiritually motivated. Giiwedin (St. Croix Chippewa), who uses any pronouns, says they have been aware of their two-spirit identity from a young age, and that has translated into drawing on magic and mysticism in their artwork.
“Two-spirit people are closest to the spiritual mix of both (masculine and feminine), we actually don’t see one side or another,” Giiwedin explains. “We’re almost the pure embodiment of spirit. We were and are the healers. There’s a certain kind of magic and medicine to seeing the world in a vastly different way.”
Giiwedin’s body of work in “Queering Indigeneity” includes drawings of Ojibwe spiritual beings made only with ballpoint pen and paper, a testament to the only materials she had growing up in poverty on the Leech Lake Reservation. Giiwedin says they hope other queer Native kids are inspired and see what they can do with what they have.
Also on view is a compilation of reels Giiwedin has posted to Instagram (@giiwedinindizhinikaaz) as a way to educate about Indigenous and two-spirit culture through a modern form of storytelling. In the exhibit, he explains the origins of the word “two-spirit” and Ojibwe words for gender, as well as demonstrating a jingle dress dance.
“The showing and telling of histories and explaining gives people an understanding of people like me and of the diversity of the people in the exhibit, and that’s what I try to emphasize,” they say. “That’s what I hope to accomplish with the Reels.”
Living history
The presence of two-spirit elders Nick Metcalf (Sicangu Oyate, Rosebud Sioux) and Sharon Day (Bois Forte Ojibwe) in “Queering Indigeneity” points to the undeniable impact of two-spirit people throughout history and speaks to the blessing it is to witness their artwork.
Metcalf, who uses they/them pronouns, was one of four founders of Minnesota Men of Color (MMC), a nonprofit that served queer men of color, women of color and gender-non-conforming people of color between 1998 and 2003. Day created the Minnesota American Indian AIDS Task Force and is now the executive director of its current iteration, the Indigenous Peoples Task Force.
“We are, we were and we do everything,” says Day, who states she prefers the term Indigiqueer for herself.
Day’s artwork is emblematic of the community she has spent decades working to uphold. “Tree of Peace” is a 12-foot-tall sculpture made of driftwood from Lake Superior (Gitchi Gami, in the Ojibwe language), adorned with textile leaves created by her friends. Created in the tumultuous year of 2020, it’s a testament to enduring connection in spite of difference.
The figure in Day’s mosaic, “Animikee is Dancing!” she says, is “clearly a dyke!”
“We think of these spiritual guides, they’re always male. This one I wanted to clearly depict as feminine energy being shared with the person standing below,” Day explains. “That was a very personal piece, but it’s an important image for those who never see ourselves in art.”
“A better place for everyone”
All told, Kagigebi says the focus “Queering Indigeneity” puts on two-spirit and Native queer people is “A focus that’s not meant to alienate.” That is, all are welcome to observe, learn from and connect with the exhibition, regardless of how they identify.
When asked what being Indigiqueer means to her, Day says, “It makes me want to make the world a better place for everyone.”
BY GREGG SHAPIRO
What Matters Most: An Interview With Gay Country Artist Ty Herndon
Gay country music legend Ty Herndon, who came out publicly in 2014, has plenty of reasons to celebrate. He’s been happily married to his husband, Alex Schwartz, since 2023. His forthcoming memoir, “What Mattered Most,” is being published by Harper Collins in March 2026. Herndon is also celebrating his 30th year as a country music artist by releasing “Thirty: Volume 1” (Club 44/The Orchard), an eight-song album on which he revisits songs from his career with a host of high-profile duet partners including Kristin Chenoweth, LeAnn Rimes, Ashley McBryde, actress Chrissy Metz (of “This Is Us” fame) and out country artists Brooke Eden and Shelly Fairchild. Ty generously made time for an interview shortly after the album’s release.
Gregg Shapiro: I’m intrigued by the way that artists choose to commemorate career anniversaries, in the way your new album, “Thirty: Vol. 1,” celebrates your 30 years as a recording artist. How did you come up with the concept of revisiting some of your biggest hits as duets for the record?
Ty Herndon: When it comes to messing with original songs that were on the radio, because the songs have nestled into people’s hearts, you don’t want to venture too far from something they love. I read an interview where Ashley said, “When I was just a kid loving country music, ‘A Man Holding On,’ me and my mom used to sing it at the top of our lungs.” So, it was special to her already. One of the cool things we did was I went ahead and produced the track with my producers, and I did my part. I kept it as close to … I didn’t change a lot of melodies. In some places, I just made it a little more modern. Then I gave them (the duet guests) free rein to do what they wanted. We sent everything over to their producers and said, “Play with the melodies and make it yours.” It gave them the freedom to do what they wanted with it. I didn’t want to hear it until they sent it back. I would go and put my harmonies on it. Ashley made some beautiful melody changes. And LeAnn! We were on tour together when she was 15. Right in the middle of that tour, (her single) “Blue” blew up. She came to me and said, “Mr. Ty, we’re gonna have to switch.” I said, “I was waiting on this, sweetheart. I’m happy to open for you [laughs].”
GS: You know the famous story that in 1977, Kenny Loggins was headlining a tour with Fleetwood Mac as the opening act. When “Rumours” blew up, they switched, and Kenny Loggins became the opener.
TH: There’s no room for attitude or anything like that. You just want to work. If you’re out on tour with somebody and you’re not happy for them, then you probably made the wrong choice.
GS: Two of the songs on the album, “I’d Move Heaven and Earth” and “A Pretty Good Thing,” feature vocals by queer musical guests Brooke Eden and Shelly Fairchild, respectively. Was it important to you to include members of the community among the performers on the album?
TH: Shelly and I are old friends, and she’d kill me if I didn’t call her to be on the album. I wanted “Pretty Good Thing” to be playful. At the very end of the song, you hear Joanna Cotten say, “I still think I can change him.” She surprised me with that, and it’s the cutest thing. This is about two friends saying, “Look at Ty! He tried to date all these girls. He was just being ridiculous.” I said, “I want you guys to be campy and have fun with this, as the soulful artists that you are.” They both can sing their booties off! That vamp at the end made the whole record for me. (Co-producer) Erik Halbig put a spin on that song that made it country-radio-ready today. I hadn’t met Brooke. I respect the work that she’s doing. I love that she’s married (to Hilary Hoover) and they have this awesome baby. They were over for dinner the other night, and the baby took to my husband like you wouldn’t believe. They were just pals! Brooke honored me and said she’d do the song. It’s a love song. “Volume 1” is “hits and missed hits.” The missed hits were songs that were slated to go out to country radio if we had gone one more single deep on the album. Sometimes the radio people say they don’t want anything else from the record. That’s kind of heartbreaking. We were getting ready to do a video for “Heaven and Earth,” but it didn’t happen. But it’s a fan favorite. I called Brooke and said, “We’re most likely going to put this out for independent radio in the next year. This song is simply this for me. I want you to come into the studio, I want you to sing this to your wife, and I’m gonna be singing it to my husband. We’re going to create an anthem, a beautiful love song for our community that speaks loudly of love.” I knew Brooke could sing. I was sitting there producing her vocals, and she sang the first and second verse through. I was so stunned that I didn’t say anything. She said, “Is that okay? I changed the melodies.” I said, “I knew you could sing, child. I didn’t know you were Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt!” On that bridge, where she goes up to that C sharp, she asked, “Is it all right if I belt that out there?” I said, “Yes, please!”
GS: Listening to you sing “Heart Half Empty” with Tony Award-winning Broadway chanteuse Kristin Chenoweth made me wonder if perhaps there might be either a role in a Broadway musical or your own original Broadway musical in your future.
TH: When did you get into my psyche, man? You’re asking all the bullet point questions. When this book (Herndon’s
Photos courtesy of Taylor Dickens
memoir) hits on March 25 (2026), the readers are gonna go on a ride, and it’s gonna be a ride that equals “Steel Magnolias” and “Fried Green Tomatoes” meets “The Kardashians” [laughs]. I’m going to New York right after Thanksgiving to do the audiobook. I’m gonna read it myself. We’re going to print this week; the final changes were made. We’re going out for a possible made-for-TV miniseries kind of thing. But my absolute vision for this book is a live musical. When you hear the audiobook, there’s going to be a lot of music in it because there are so many stories behind the songs that wouldn’t work putting them in a book. The memoir is laugh-out-loud funny, and it’s heartbreaking. The last chapter is called “Some Enchanted Evening,” when I meet my husband.
GS: A Broadway musical reference!
TH: [Laughs] I sat on the floor as this Southern voice was reading the last five chapters to me. I told (co-writer) David Ritz, “I don’t want it, I don’t want to hear the wrap-up till the very end.” I’m going to cry (Herndon chokes up). I basically fell down on my knees in the kitchen. It was a Holy Spirit moment. It’s so beautifully written. I told David, “Gosh, if I had done this book 20 years ago, I wouldn’t have to have all this therapy.” He said, “Yes, but you wouldn’t have this book!”
GS: “Thirty: Vol. 1” closes with the song “Big Hopes,” which features vocals by your husband, Alex Schwartz. What was it like for you to record a song with Alex?
TH: Are you really gonna make me keep crying?
GS: I’m sorry! Here, have a tissue.
TH: It’s happy tears, man. I spent 20 years of my life not able to cry, so I welcome it. Wide open heart. Alex’s mama, my mother-in-love — we don’t say mother-in-law — Charlotte Medley is a renowned songwriter and an amazing woman. I’m actually recording a song that she and I co-wrote for the rerelease of (the album) “Journey On” for its 15th anniversary. Alex has been around it his whole life, but he’s not a singer. He’s creative and brilliant, but he did not want to do this. I said, “Here was your fatal mistake, husband.” He got up at karaoke one night, the first time he did karaoke, by the way, and nailed a Talking Heads song! I’m sitting there with my eyes crossed. Another little hidden secret. He said, “Don’t even think about it.” I said, “Too late!” I dragged him, kicking and screaming, into the studio. He stayed for about 45 minutes. He sang, and asked, “Happy?” I said, “Yes, very. Thank you.”
GS: It sounds like you were having fun doing it.
TH: He didn’t hear it until it was done. To be honest, he was on the fence about releasing it until we finished it. He was like, “OK, that’s really special.”
GS: Are you at liberty to share with the readers what songs will be featured on “Thirty: Vol. 2”?
TH: The rest of the radio singles will be featured. “Living in a Moment,” “No Mercy,” “It Must Be Love,” “I Want My Goodbye Back,” and then we’re going to let the fans, and the winners will be the next three songs. I’m a little scared of that [laughs]. I looked at my manager and producer and said, “Really?”
GS: As we mentioned, your memoir “What Mattered Most” is coming out in March of 2026. Why was now the time to do this?
TH: Honestly, I had had a few folks shopping a book deal for the last 10 years. Not because I think I’m important; I think the story is important. I’m not supposed to be here, but I am, and I’m healthy and I’m happy. It’s a story, especially now, that our youth and, even if you’re 90 years old, that you need to hear. Because anything’s possible with hope and love. I’m a God guy, so a whole lot of God. I think the real reason was because everybody would say, “Country doesn’t sell,” and I think that was somewhat of an excuse that people were using because they didn’t know a lot about my story. The book proposals weren’t really going that deep. This amazing person, David Ritz, who’s 84 years old, had, I think, 51 number one bestsellers. Aretha Franklin’s story, Aerosmith, Willie Nelson, all these great stories. He’s bisexual, and he sought me out after seeing the People Magazine article. Talk about the chips falling where they’re supposed to. He goes, “I want
to write your story. I’ve been following you for a long time. I got arrested at Stonewall, man. I want to take your story and insert some pivotal moments.” We met two years ago. He’s a family member now. His vitality and his heart; he found my voice. Doing a timeline is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It all gets jumbled up. But laid out so perfectly beautiful, and everything makes sense. That’s the journey readers are going to take. I start this book out saying, “As much as I want you to love me, by the middle of this book, you’re not going to like me. But the hope is that you’ll come back to me by the end of it.
GS: Finally, in the 30 years since the release of your major-label debut album, What Matters Most, and the 10 years since you became the first male country artist to publicly come out, the country music world has undergone a transformation when it comes to the LGBTQ community. What advice would you give to a country artist, whether new or established, struggling with coming out today?
TH: Put it in your music. I say this all the time. If you’re coming to this town, the number one thing that you need to know is your country music history. If you don’t know who Loretta Lynn is, or little Jimmy Dickens, you might as well stay at home. You’ve got to know your generations of country and then pour your heart and soul into your authenticity in your music. Once you’re successful and you get there, you’ll be amazed at how happy you are. I always say this, “Let your authenticity shine through your heart and your music. I’m giving you advice that I wish someone had given me. It wasn’t necessarily that I had to change the pronouns. I’ve looked back over my volume of 30 years of recording; I’ve been telling the story all along. Maybe the pronouns were different, but I was telling the story. David Ritz pointed that out to me. He goes, “Dude, you’ve chronicled your entire life in this music.” He started connecting the dots, and I was like, “Well, I’ll be damned!”
‘The Nose Knows’ – According to Laundry Evangelist Patric Richardson, Sniffing Is Believing
He spits warnings, one after another after another, like chewed sunflower shells … but each warning echoes like thunder, thunder, thunder. He cites texts and tomes, ancient and justified, as irrefutable proof of his horrifying admonishments. He describes things which may have been made real in the real world or may live only in the fiery aftermath of temptation.
He is the Evangelist, and he’s here to save your immortal soul from eternal immolation … whether you like it or not. Well, more accurately, he is an Evangelist. There is more than one sort — this sort is merely the most familiar sort.
Another Evangelist cut from a wholly different cloth is based out of the Mall of America, and he doesn’t want to save your soul — he wants to save your skin. And maybe your nose, too. And definitely your fabrics. He is Patric Richardson, and he is… …the Laundry Evangelist.
“I love ‘Evangelist’ because I think it’s fun … and I like to have fun,” Patric Richardson says, explaining his title. “The Laundry Evangelist is about telling other people about laundry.”
And that Patric Richardson has done. From his Mall Of America-centric laundry camps, to his features on HGTV and Discovery+, to his two bestselling books, to his appearances on morning infotainment programs (where he often turns eye-rolling skeptics into doe-eyed believers), Richardson has become famous by preaching a gospel which told the great unwashed that cleaning their clothes need not be a chore — it can be a celebration of appreciation.
Put another way: washing clothes can actually be fun.
His latest sermon, delivered from his MOA store, Mona Williams, brings the Laundry Evangelist’s celebration to a new level, the level of your old schnozzola.
“Everything with my name, the Laundry Evangelist, on it up to this point has been scent-free — that was a big deal to me,” Richardson recounts. “But we had so many people who wanted a fragrance … so the only way to do that was find somebody who did it the best.”
The Laundry Evangelist scrubbed the globe, searching for an apostle who might help him create a detergent that could extend the joy of laundry to his customers’ olfactory tracts. Specifically, he sought out a perfumer, a professional who crafts customized scents by blending aromatic chemicals and natural ingredients.
Photos courtesy of Patric Richardson
Richardson found his acolyte of aromas in Provence, France, in the form of the luxury home care brand, Maison France Luxe.
“I knew right away that I wanted three kinds of fragrances,” the Laundry Evangelist catalogs, “a green one, a floral one and an earthy one.”
This began what might have looked like a trans-Atlantic tennis match played with nostrils and samples instead of rackets and balls. Richardson discloses the process:
“The perfumer submits the scent profile. Then you tell them, ‘I want it greener, I want it more floral, I want it figgier,’ whatever it happens to be. Then you keep going back and forth until you get the scent that you want.”
All of this professional sniffing eventually paid off when the three dirtdefeating liquid detergents finally came into sharper focus(es): Linge Frais, or Fresh Linen, which Richardson likens to “standing in a field in the middle of the summer, and then there’s a breeze”; Rose Française, or French Rose, which Richardson likens to “an 18-year-old running through Versailles”; and Figue Du Morac, or Moroccan Fig, which Richardson likens to “something dark and moody.”
Each scent is designed to stand out, but they enjoy some commonalities, as well. “All three fragrances are very sexy, and that’s intentional,” Richardson confirms. “I wanted each one to evoke a mood. I wanted them to feel vibrant.”
The detergents’ non-smelly ingredients had to pass a smell test of their own.
“They have to be clean,” the Laundry Evangelist proselytizes. “Anything I put on me, it has to be safe. There’s nothing in it that’s harmful to you or to your clothes … both of those things have to work. It’s clean, they wash clean, but they leave the fragrance — that’s what I wanted.”
It turns out that, where the new fragrances are concerned, accommodating direct customer input is good for business.
“People love them,” Richardson reports, “and they’re responding.”
And Patric Richardson is responding to the response, remembering that these scented dirt-busters are merely a natural extension of why he became the Laundry Evangelist in the first place.
“I want people to have fun with their laundry,” he proclaims. “Things are dark, and if doing some laundry makes you happy, it’s awesome.”
maisonfranceluxe.com/collections/the-laundry-evangelist-x-maisonfrance-luxe
Veterans Fought for Us. Why Shouldn’t We Fight for Them?
Lavender had the privilege of sitting down with Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) Vice President of Property Operations, Sara Riegle. Riegle immediately expressed her appreciation for veterans and her passion for lending a hand to those who raised a hand and took the oath to protect and serve their country. MACV specializes in housing, legal and employment support for veterans in need after they transition out of the military and navigate civilian life. A deep and persistent area Riegle mentioned that affects vets the most is homelessness; an unfortunate crisis that affects veterans at higher rates due to service-connected trauma, health barriers, economic instability and gaps in systemic support. MACV has pledged to achieve a functional zero in homelessness among veterans in Minnesota and set an example by advocating that access to housing should be a right. MACV has been on a continuous mission to close these gaps.
For example, a recent project involving the building formerly known as the Robin Hotel upcycled and repurposed it to serve as multi-unit housing for homeless and at-risk veterans. This project compounds the goal of decreasing the number of unhoused veterans both quantitatively and qualitatively. An additional 14 remodeled units address the quantitative aspect, while their careful and intentional reconstruction adds to the qualitative aspect. Furthermore, this renovation adds to the nearly 70 years of the building’s history of serving many lives, from housing elderly men on pensions in the 1970s
to offering low-cost rooms to people living on the edge of stability. It will forever hold the memory of providing those in need with a place to land.
Beauty alone wasn’t enough because the interior was aging, and the shared spaces offered little privacy throughout the building. It no longer reflected the dignity of the people who relied on it.
“Restoration is deeper than renovation, and shared, adaptive reuse lets us carry history forward,” Riegle says. “If a building already holds stories of care, we do not need to start over. We can build on what’s already there.”
Inside The Robin, MACV has sourced a Resident Services Coordinator whose main role is to support veteran residents through parts of healing that housing alone cannot fix. They will provide services including credit and financial literacy information, navigating VA benefits, family and community connections, and rehabilitation and integration into society.
“Some residents are coming from tents, others from shelter beds and many from long periods of isolation,” Riegle says. “They need a different type of long-term support that encourages their growth.”
Veterans who have faced difficult situations have an opportunity to relearn how to live in a place called home. And speaking of home, Riegle mentions that there were design methods of inclusivity that went into planning and execution.
“We intentionally designed The Robin to affirm belonging, especially for our LGBTQ veterans, in-
cluding transgender veterans who have recently experienced discrimination and or trauma during service and or while seeking safe shelter,” she shares.
The Robin features full private, gender neutral bathrooms with reinforced locks. This detail communicates safety and respect. The building’s artwork helps to emphasize the diverse forms of military service, including the Black, Native, LGBTQ+ and other lesser-known veteran histories often left out of overall narratives.
We asked Riegle what she would hope the narrative would be if someone were to come across the history of their work with The Robin 70 years from now, and learned about the overall initiative of solving the issues of veteran homelessness.
She responded, “I hope they say we were brave enough to try something new. That we didn’t give up when things were complicated. And that we created something beautiful and lasting for veterans because they deserved it.”
The Robin symbolizes that home is not just a structure; it is a continued story we choose to add to. Buildings and architectures that carry history remind us that healing is not always loud or immediate. But it can be intimate and quiet. The Robin has sheltered many before and will continue to do so. If veterans fought for us, then the least we can do is fight effortlessly for them and with them. Their healing and safety are our duty.
Let It Grow (Even When It Snows): A Winter Gardening Reflection
I’ve always dreamed of having a “green thumb,” yet I have never dared to admit that the perpetrators of this lack of skill are my lack of effort, mere intimidation and slight hope that my grandmother’s emerald thumbs would pass on to me.
As a child, I was often tasked with holding the watering can or patting down the dirt with my tiny hands, but what I really found interesting was the worms. The beings that were found under the pots, soil and rocks that lined my grandparents’ garden.
And, as a 20-something college student, I am not my plant-loving roommates’ first choice as a designated “waterer” when she is out of town. In fact, I practiced saying “no” for the first time when it came to plant sitting because I was scared they would all faint on my watch. (Me, dramatic? No…)
And, when I think back to gardening, it nestles itself right into summer and often forgets to pay homage to the colder months, the months that make the unbearable Minnesota tundras, well … difficult. Gardening has a place in our homes, in the preparatory work we do in the colder months and even in our Pinterest boards. (Hey, the pros do it too!)
Gardening is Art!
How else better to gather gardening tips and reflections that are the “cream of the crop” than by seeking the co-founder of Tangletown Gardens, Scott Endres, who has owned the center for just over 23 years. Endres says Tangletown Gardens is a business that evolves with the ever-changing community around it, which has made his passions hone inwards even more deeply.
Endres sees the design and idealization process of creating a garden as a type of art form and says that the principles and elements of design students learn in art school can be applied to horticulture in similar ways.
“The one difference is that we’re working with something organic; it changes,” Endres says. “You can always have your mind set to what you think a plant combination is going to from research, but whether or not the plants can actually do that for you is a totally different thing.”
Plants are what Endres refers to as a “healthy addiction,” as one plant often leads to a second — and the rule of three takes over, because as Endres says, “things always look better in odd numbers.”
Since plants evolve with the seasons, so do the operations at Tangletown Gardens. They have a strong emphasis on pausing and reflecting as new seasons arise. Endres notes that they are always a “season ahead” when it comes to strategic planning, idea generation and taking protective measures.
Tending to Houseplants in the Wintertime
During the colder, snowy months, Endres says the most important thing is to simply enjoy the house plants inside, and to “give into it,” by adding to one’s repertoire.
“The reality is, we seem to have the most time to tend to our plants during the winter, but they actually require the least amount of inputs during this time,” Endres says.
With light levels being the lowest during this period, fewer hours of daylight and less intense light rays, even tropical plants slow down, using less water and nutrients, which Endres says can make them prone to overwatering, which increases the risk of being preyed on by mealybugs or spider mites.
During late fall and into early March, Endres says it’s important to abstain from fertilizing most houseplants, waiting until late March to start using a halfstrength liquid fertilizer and until later May through August to use full strength.
If houseplants do become exposed to excessive bugs, Endres says that keeping a “defense lineup” of earth-friendly solutions like insecticidal soaps or oils, which contain natural insecticidal and fungicidal qualities, to stop future outbreaks.
Photo courtesy of Scott Endres
Endres says that sometimes, a bad actor has to be eliminated to save the rest of the plant community. He emphasizes that sometimes people hang on to unhealthy plants for too long, even when they don’t serve them any longer.
“Recognize that, ‘Hey, you really were great to me for the first three years of your life,’ but now — the plant can still serve the world by taking a funeral procession with me to the compost pile to be incorporated back into the earth,” Endres says.
What to Know Before Picking the Perfect Christmas Tree
For the team at Tangletown Gardens, the freshness of the trees being supplied is a high priority. Trees are typically brought in right before Thanksgiving.
The trees are stored in shaded areas and covered to ensure freshness is retained, and for quality reasons, only a few trees are housed on the retail lot at a time, according to Endres.
When it comes to deciding on the type of tree to select, Endres says that, typically, firs are the best option because they tend to last longer, with strong and stiff branches and good needle retention.
“When you’re looking for a tree, give it a spin,” Endres says. “You know, actually, it’s a fun activity to do with a partner or a friend and just one person, hold up the tree and just give it a spin!”
By spinning the tree upon purchase, customers can see potential flaws that are not always obvious when the tree is stationary, such as symmetry problems, dead spots or a lack of freshness.
When buyers choose a tree, ensuring that the tree gets a proper cut is vital, making sure to remove at least an inch off the base of the tree before it is put into fresh water, Endres says.
Endres also emphasizes obtaining a tree stand that holds plenty of water, recommending the German brand Krinner, which has a water gauge and can be put up with one person present. Prices range from $80 to $139 for a larger trunk diameter.
How to Protect Plants in the Winter
When it comes to taking care of outdoor plants during the winter, Endres says Mother Nature is the best guide, with the snow acting as an insulating blanket for the soil to help avoid large temperature fluctuations.
If this year’s winter has temperatures that fluctuate drastically, the vascular systems within the plants, which transport water, nutrients and sugars throughout the plant, could be destroyed.
Ensuring that plants are properly watered before winter commences is vital, especially with some parts of Minnesota warming significantly, Endres says. Some areas of the state have been reclassified by an entire zone by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map since 2010, which is used by growers and gardeners alike to determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a certain location.
“The big thing is to get started,” Endres says. “Don’t be afraid of plants there. They might be from a different kingdom that you aren’t a member of, but that’s what makes them so special and unique and interesting to discover.”
Timeless Winter Decor Is Simpler Than You Think
Hear from MartinPatrick3's interior design team on how they curated The Four Seasons Nordic Village and their tips to liven up your home during the colder months.
Bye-bye pumpkin spice and hello to sugar plums, peppermint and sugar cookie delights. As we approach our everlasting winter here in the Midwest, and fight to maintain our energy as the days grow shorter, spice up your life and your space with a lively winter feel.
Redecorating for winter doesn’t need to be daunting; it doesn’t even need to be redecorating at all. Keep an eye out for some fall decorations that can be repurposed or altered to fit the winter season.
With the rest of the pieces, find inspiration to use them in a different way, such as adding an embellishment or placing something in a different location, MartinPatrick3’s interior design team says.
That’s what they did with this year’s Lodge design at The Four Seasons’ Nordic Village. The team has worked with Four Seasons on the village for the last three years, from designing its debut to revamping it each year. The cozy Scandinavian-inspired rooftop village experience contains eight cabins, all designed based on each of their unique names, and The Lodge, a cabinstyle bar.
The bar is open to everyone, whether they’re waiting for their cabin dinner, a guest at the hotel or just looking for a cozy place to have a drink. And this year, the interior design team aimed to add a luxurious feel to the snug, cheerful environment, Studio Manager Greta Anderson says.
“One thing that we wanted the space to feel was a little different than all of the other cabin experiences, so we came up with the idea of staining the interior of it, just really create this warm, cozy feeling in there,” Senior Interior Designer Leigh Hull says. “And we took some of the existing things from the previous year and added a little something to them.”
They dressed up the curtains with plaid trim, added art and a vintage Lutsen map, draped the door with a velvet red curtain, dimmed the lighting with lampshades and added a photo op with a floor-length mirror.
“It runs from November to March, so really the goal is for it to be able to live past that holiday time period and truly lead into just a winter feel,” Anderson says. “We wanted people to be able to experience it in February and not feel like they’re looking at Christmas decor, but rather they’re just looking at something that’s comforting and warm to be in during all the winter months.”
Winter decor doesn’t need to be equivalent to holiday decor. While red
Photos by Photogen Inc., courtesy of Greta Anderson
and green can be tempting and flood the stores once Halloween passes, don’t be afraid to mix in some color, says Hull. Blues, camels and metallics can help contrast the dull greys that come with winter.
You can also explore different themes and color palettes within each room of your home, such as giving each room a different look by adding embellishments in small places like the bathroom mirror, a scented hand soap, a candle or adding some vintage pieces, says the design team.
“I remember growing up, my grandma always had her pink room, which had a pink Christmas tree in it, which was a totally different look from her living room and dining room space, which is more reds and greens, but all of the girls love to go into the pink Christmas room,” Anderson says. “I feel like there’s part of it where you can make your winter decor almost like an experience as you walk through the house, and have each room really feel like its own moment and make those memories, kind of like we used to when I was little.”
Invest in quality pieces that will last through the years, Senior Interior Designer Arielle Slobotski says. Add some throw blankets for the season, revamp your coffee table books and restock your drink cart.
Additionally, bring some nature into your home by adding plants, natural elements such as wood in a fireplace or garlands, and add the natural smell to liven up the space while it’s too cold to be outside, says Interior Designer Caitlin Drew.
While this all may seem overwhelming or intimidating, keep in mind that this team redesigned the Lodge in about six weeks and installed it on their own in one day.
“We installed all of it, so if we can do it, you can do it,” Anderson says. “We weren’t paying anybody to hang anything, so you’re able to do that in your home too; you really can make it your own and do the work yourself.”
Don’t be afraid to get creative, find inspiration in other spaces or through Pinterest and implement it in your home. What may seem challenging might be as simple as adding a trim to a curtain or adding a festive throw to your couch.
Visit the Nordic Village at The Four Seasons through March to experience the decor by MartinPatrick3’s interior design team and find inspiration to bring a timeless winter feel to your spaces.
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ANIMAL RESCUE
Second Chance Animal Rescue
Dedicated to rescuing, fostering, caring for, and adopting out dogs and cats into forever homes.
P.O. Box 10533 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 771-5662 www.secondchancerescue.org
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
Quorum
Minnesota's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce working to build, connect, and strengthen for a diverse business community. 2446 University Ave. W., Ste 112 St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 460-8153 www.twincitiesquorum.com
ENVIRONMENT
The Nature Conservancy
TNC is an environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature thrive. 1101 W. River Pkwy., Ste. 200 Minneapolis, MN 55415-1291 (612) 331-0700 minnesota@tnc.org www.nature.org/minnesota
EVENT VENUES
Landmark Center
A classic venue, with a grand cortile and beautiful courtrooms, accommodates celebrations of all sizes.
75 W. 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 292-3228 www.landmarkcenter.org
GRANTMAKERS/FUNDERS
PFund Foundation
PFund is the LGBTQ+ community foundation that provides grants to students and grants to non-profits. PO Box 3640 Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 870-1806 www.pfundfoundation.org
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Aliveness Project
Community Center for individuals living with HIV/AIDS – on-site meals, food shelf, and supportive service.
3808 Nicollet Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55102 (612) 824-LIFE (5433) www.aliveness.org
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
Radio K
Radio K is the award-winning studentrun radio station of the University of Minnesota.
330 21st. Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 625-3500 www.radiok.org
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
MEDICAL SERVICES
Red Door Clinic
HIV and STI screening, treatment, education, and referrals. Doxy PEP, nPEP, PrEP, and Reproductive Health. 525 Portland Ave., 4th Fl. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 543-5555 reddoor@hennepin.us www.reddoorclinic.org
MUSEUM
Bell Museum, University of Minnesota
Discover Minnesota’s rich natural history through engaging exhibits, wildlife dioramas, and an exciting planetarium experience!
2088 Larpenteur Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55113 (612) 626-9660 bellinfo@umn.edu www.bellmuseum.umn.edu
Minnesota Historical Society
Create your own adventure at MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota. www.mnhs.org
Minneapolis Institute of Art Home to masterpieces from around the world and through the ages. Always free. Everyone welcome.
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 870-3000 www.artsmia.org
Science Museum of Minnesota
Mississippi Riverfront Museum featuring dinosaurs, hands-on exhibits, Omnitheater films, and interactive science performances. Café onsite.
120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 221-9444 www.smm.org
PERFORMING ARTS
ARENA DANCES
ARENA DANCES presents innovative contemporary dance, fostering community, dialogue, and inclusion through performance and education 711 W. Lake St., Studio 308 Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 804-0238 www.arenadances.org
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
The nation's largest professional dinner theater and Minnesota's own entertainment destination. 501 W. 78th St. Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 934-1525 www.chanhassendt.com
Children’s Theatre Company
Children’s Theatre Company excites the imagination with world-class family-friendly theatre for kids, teens, and adults.
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 874-0400 www.childrenstheatre.org
Guthrie Theater
Open to the public year-round, the Guthrie produces classic and contemporary plays on three stages. 818 S. 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 377-2224 www.guthrietheater.org
Minnesota Opera
World-class opera draws you into a synthesis of beauty; breathtaking music, stunning costumes & extraordinary sets. Performances at the Ordway Music Theater - 345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 333-6669
www.mnopera.org
Minnesota Orchestra
Led by Music Director Designate Thomas Søndergård, the Minnesota Orchestra, one of America’s leading symphony orchestras. 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 371-5656, (800) 292-4141 www.minnesotaorchestra.org
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Leading performing arts center with two stages presenting Broadway musicals, concerts & educational programs that enrich diverse audiences. 345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 224-4222 info@ordway.org www.ordway.org
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus
An award-winning chorus building community through music and offers entertainment worth coming out for! 1430 W. 28th St., Ste. B Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 339-SONG (7664) chorus@tcgmc.org www.tcgmc.org
RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
Everyone is welcome at Hennepin Church! Vibrant Worship. Authentic Community. Bold Outreach. 511 Groveland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-5303 www.hennepinchurch.org
Plymouth Congregational Church
Many Hearts, One Song; Many Hands, One Church. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. 1900 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-7400 www.plymouth.org
Spirit Garage
A Christian community of creative, quirky, curious folx where All Means ALL. Sundays, 10:30am.
100 W. 46th St. Minneapolis, MN 55419 bigdoor@spiritgarage.org www.spiritgarage.org
St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ
We are an Open & Affirming, Progressive Christian Community. Real Church. Real People. Real Life. 2129 Commonwealth Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 646-7173
www.sapucc.org
Westminster Presbyterian Church
An open and affirming congregation, welcoming persons of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. 1200 Marquette Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 332-3421 www.westminstermpls.org
SENIOR LIVING
Lyngblomsten
Offering caregiver education, resources, support groups, and The Gathering (daytime respite, memory-loss enrichment program).
1415 Almond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 632-5320 caregiving@lyngblomsten.org www.lyngblomsten.org/CServices
Senior Community Services
75-year-old nonprofit providing nonmedical services to older adults and their caregivers.
10201 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 335 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 541-1019 www.seniorcommunity.org/lav
SOCIAL SERVICES
Friends & Co
Fostering meaningful connections for older adults for 50+ years. Offering quick drop-in chat line, phone & visiting companionship services.
2550 University Ave. W., Ste. 260-S St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 721-1400 www.friendsco.org
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Serving all Minnesotans with individualized services that promote full and abundant lives.
lssmn.org | (651) 642-5990 | (800) 582-5260
Foster Care and Adoption | chlss.org | (651) 646.7771
PICS (Partners in Community Supports) | (651) 967-5060
Pooled Trust | (888) 806-6844
Supported Decision-Making | (888) 806-6844
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Westopolis
Minnesota’s Sweet Spot! St. Louis Park & Golden Valley offer exceptional dining, attractions, shopping, hotels and event space.
1660 Hwy 100 S., Ste. 501 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 426-4047
www.westopolis.org
Our History: Embraced, not Erased
I’ll soon be on my way to Virginia Beach, Va., to speak to the Association of National Park Rangers about what the erasure of history means at our national parks — and particularly, the erasure of LGBTQ+ history. Sadly, we’ve already seen examples of this on the National Park Service’s Stonewall National Monument website.
As one of the few remaining participants of the Stonewall riots, I am a witness to that history — and I will not be silent while any part of our community is erased.
This week, Jason and I will attend the opening of what will likely be the defining exhibit for our nation’s 250th anniversary at the Museum of the American Revolution: “The Declaration’s Journey.” It’s a stunning and deeply thoughtful exhibition exploring how the Declaration of Independence has inspired movements for freedom and equality throughout history.
The exhibit begins with two remarkable artifacts — a chair used by Thomas Jefferson while writing the Declaration, and a stool used by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while in jail. Together, they embody the ongoing American promise of liberty and justice for all.
As you move through the exhibit, it becomes clear how the Declaration’s words have inspired independence and human rights movements not only in the U.S. but around the world. And while some institutions are retreating from telling our story, the Museum of the American Revolution is boldly embracing it.
Turn a corner, and you’re greeted by a giant rainbow flag — impossible to miss — standing proudly over stories and artifacts from our community’s fight for equality. Harvey Milk, Reminder Day, Stonewall and the Gay Liberation Front are all represented, alongside others who
helped shape our shared history.
It was an honor to serve as a consultant on this exhibit, knowing that hundreds of thousands of visitors will experience LGBTQ+ history — many for the very first time.
For me, one word has guided 57 years of activism: visibility.
And our visibility is now loud and proud at the Museum of the American Revolution. So when you visit Philadelphia for America’s 250th anniversary, come see how our history is being told — and don’t forget to stop by the new Philly Pride Visitor Center, one of the first of its kind in the nation.
Because as our country celebrates its independence, Philadelphia stands as a living reminder that true freedom means every voice — including ours — belongs in the American story.
Photo courtesy of Mark Segal
Maltese Falcon, 2025 oil on hemp, 22 x 15 in (detail)