Puxsatawny Phil (our National Ground Hog, yes, there is such a thing) predicted an early spring on Ground Hog's Day this year but somehow Massachussettes didn't get the message. We started our Spring Break trip in Northampton, Mass., a quaint small town with oodles of charm. The main industry here is Smith College, which boasts notable alums Sylvia Plath and Gloria Steinem, amongst others. It's a bit of a sleepy town which rolls up the sidewalks at 8:30PM. There is also a strong lesbian and non gender conforming population here, upping the coolness factor substantially. One of the purposes for coming here was to assess whether this is a good retirement spot, and although it checks off a few boxes, unfortunately it is too small of a town without alot of the amenities needed for a happy retirement for us at least.
Northampton Town Hall
As many of you know, I'm finally trying to make the switch back to elementary school after nine years in middle school. Although it is less money and I do love middle school, it is where I truly feel the most at home. Given that, the universe seems to be encouraging me on, or at least I'm taking it as a sign, when we stumbled upon a gallery that sells art from many different children's authors. Before moving to middle school I had quite a collection of children's books and have always been drawn to the art work.
OK, Elementary teacher nerds...yes, these are Eric Carle pieces. And yes they are priced way outside an Elementary Teacher's price range - or Elementary Principal for that matter.
A statue of Where the Wild Things Are. (Maurice Sendak)
What children's author artwork is complete without Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss again, such fun whimsy.
A whole wall of Seuss originals.
After the amuse bouche that was Northampton, we decided to drive an hour north to see the Norman Rockwell Museum before heading to Boston. I've never been a fan of Norman Rockwell. I've always considered his brand of art whimsical Americana constantly reminiscing to a past that never truly was. After seeing Leyendecker's work (an artist that heavily influenced Rockwell) I felt the pieces in this museum were more like an old worn comfortable slipper where Leyendecker's work was a bit edgier. As an aside, Rockwell was famous for Saturday Evening Post covers but Leyendecker actually did more - by just one or two I think. At the museum there are several pieces that are very powerful and have very strong political sentiments and had to change my opinion of his work somewhat.
After FDR gave his 1941 State of the Union Four Freedoms Speech (just before the US entered the war), Norman Rockwell used the theme of four freedoms to paint four different art pieces. Each one on its own evokes a feeling but the four together are very powerful.
Freedom of speech or expression.
Freedom of worship.
Freedom from want.
Freedom from fear.
Rockwell also reflected the civil rights movement in his art. A few of these paintings really struck me.
A commentary on desegregation. In the background of this photo you see neighbors peaking through the curtains certainly not providing a welcome.
This painting of Ruby Bridges is iconic of course but little known fact, it hung in Obama's office. There was also a painting of the three poll workers murdered in Mississippi that is exceptionally powerful. Unfortunately I did not get a usable photo of it.
Of course his Saturday Evening Post covers were on display as well filled with the whimsy and reminiscence you would expect.
A couple using a spirit board. A little bit off brand for him as he was a Christian.
Halloween themed cover.
OK Universe, you have been sending me signs, but including a show of children's book author Leo Lionni at the Rockwell Museum is a little heavy handed. The show was good. His artwork includes lots of collaged figures. He inspired Eric Carle. Elementary teachers will know him as the author of Frederick (the mouse).
The World's Biggest House, artwork by Lionni.
A piece in the book Frederick.
And finally, in honor of Easter, Let's Make Rabbits. The bunny in this one is super cute.
A view outside the Rockwell studio (we didn't get to see the inside of it as it wasn't open).
Amazing store, gotta love the immersive experience at Johnny Cupcakes.
The ovens in the background actually open when you receive your purchase and smoke also comes out...mind blown - soooo on brand.
The entrance/exit to the store.
Easter Sunday Brunch at Bootleg Special, super cool restaurant design and the best corn bread I've ever had!
One shouldn't come to Boston without taking the Freedom Trail walk around the town. The walk includes a great deal of historical monuments, buildings and burial grounds.
The old North Church. of..."One if by land, two if by sea," fame.
Paul Revere's home...we chose not to tour.
Paul Revere's grave stone, this is actually a monument and the grave stone is the small stone on the right.
The site of the first public school in the US. It is now a clever little hopscotch and the actual building has been moved to Harvard. I'm always amazed at how underwhelming different monuments to public education seem to be...this hopscotch is clever but somewhat underwhelming.
A sassy sailor's pose at a monument in the park downtown. Our very own salty sailor, Rusty, striking a poae.
The grave marker to Mother Goose in the Granary burial grounds (although I think the guide book says Mother Goose was most likely an amalgamation of people).
The Franklin monument at the Granary Burial Grounds. BenFranklin isn't actually buried here, his parents are but I believe Ben Franklin is buried in Philadelphia.
One of the coolest things we did was tour the USS Constitution. The launch date was 1797. This ship is the oldest still floating ship in the US and is still commissioned in the Navy.
Alot of crew in a small space.
Lots of cannons...
Cannons everywhere you look.
We also did a night tour of Boston to see the ghosts and graveyards, because...of course we did. Lots of fun stories but no good pictures, The guide reminded me of the Jungle Boat operators at Disneyland filled with interesting facts and super bad jokes, A good time none the less.
From Boston, we finally made our way to our destination, New Haven, Connecticut, Yosiell's old stomping grounds. New Haven is a very quaint and charming town, also the home of Yale University,
One of Yosiell's besties, Nicole took us on a hike up to East Rock, a wonderful overlook of New Haven.
Rusty and Yosiell making the trek, while certainly not avid hikers, they were real troopers.
New Haven and the ocean in the background. Good times.
Did someone say Pano Trick Photography? Good times people.
We also stopped at Elm City Games, Yosiell's former band mate Matt and his ex wife and good friend Trish own this wonderfully successful spot. The store boasts game rooms, a gaming library, and retail space. Matt also displays artwork from friends, including very early paintings from Yosiell.
The gaming library at Elm City Games. Quite the selection.
This is a model of Elm City Games an ardent fan made. The roof comes off and one can see the layout of the shop. Very cool.
AYosiell's artwork from the final show before leaving New Haven, hanging up in Matt's shop.
More artwork a la Yosiell.
We spent sometime at the Peabody Museum and the Museum of Art...two very well appointed museums with lots of interesting displays.
The Peabody had lots of interesting fossils and dinosaur skeletons. Your traditional Natural History Museum recently renovated with really good displays, Nicole, dragged us through both of these museums - seriously a kind gesture trying to herd us three cats.
A dinosaur skull - not the largest by any means, but I thought this looked particularly gruesome.
A Basquiate...and a pretty good one.
I'm not sure of the artist but this struck me.
Ancient Roman groovy hipster, complete with beard and moustache. Even the expression says I'm over this and ready to move on to the next cool thing. (I expected to see a vaping pen in the display as well as a cup of single source shade grown sustainably sourced coffee).
Perhaps Kandinsky? Not sure but still a beautiful piece.
The museum had a Munch display and this linocut really impressed me. Kinda creepy.
Ganesha in a dance pose....
There is a certain feeling that is bourn from gathering chosen family members that haven't seen each other in quite sometime. That feeling is part nostalgia, part hope, part uncompromising love, and part past regret. The gathering of Yosiell's New Haven chosen family was no different. Such lovely, creative and supportive people.
What shenanigans are Yosiell and Tom (Drew) up to?...probably contemplating having another slice of mashed potato and bacon pizza. Esther, (Tom's wife) was an absolute delight as we reminisced about North Carolina and the lack of a good biscuit outside of the south.
Phil (Nicole's husband) and Emily (Matt's partner) enjoying New Haven's finest beer and pizza.
Matt and Nicole wonderful loved ones we didn't get to spend enough time with.
Rusty bonding with Trish and enjoying her wit and wisdom.
Well, gentle reader, this spring break trip was filled with history, art, culture, site seeing and friends. The themes of this trip seemed to be children's book authors, and getting free stuff (in new Haven we got a free T-shirt from a restaurant and a free salad from another restaurant). I expected the trip to be filled with Mass-holes and rude North Easterners. Nothing can be further from the truth, we found the people warm and generous and our expectations were shattered. Our thanks to our wonderful hosts, we will miss you Connecticut but will make the trip back very soon.
