State of Renovations

It is probably the most beautiful state capitol building in the entire country. I can say that because I am not modest! The Minnesota State Capitol building has been under renovations for several years and this weekend was the great unveiling with three days of open house events. It truly is the people's house, which always amazes me. No security to go through, you can wander the entire building unescorted, and sit in on hearings if you so wish. 

My job this morning was to help assist people with finding various activities or specific locations in the building. I was in the hallway right outside Governor Dayton's office, that too open as part of the tour or just for self guided folks to wander in and take a peek. His staffer even allowed, and in some cases encouraged visitor to take a seat at this desk. It wasn't overly crowded yet, being I worked right away when the building opened. Still, I gave directions to too many to count on how to get to the top of the building to see the horses. I worked with an extremely interesting women who worked for the House of Representatives as a legislative analyst. Prior to this job, just started in January, she traveled and lived all over the world for decades doing volunteer and humanitarian work. Her husband is a corporate executive, but she herself never could get a work visa, so gave of her time and talent. She seemed like someone with a strong gratitude for the wealth of abundance she has, so when seeing needs, she did something about them. Now stateside, and with a daughter long since out of the nest, this was her time to have a career of her own; she seemed completely genuine and content. I hope I have the opportunity to run into her again sometime.

There was an 8:00 free yoga class on the capitol lawn that went until about 8:45. Those that took the class, each said it was a completely wonderful experience to participate in the class. Many filled up their free water bottles, a give away at an outside station, and then joined a tour, yoga mats in hand. There was a class yesterday and one more tomorrow morning. I would have liked to stay, but I had something to take care of late morning, plus, after touring colleges all day yesterday and an early morning rise, I was ready to get home. I'll come back another day, a family day, and give it a proper look. In my former life, I spent many hours here, but still, it felt revitalized and special. 

Here's a few pictures I hastily snapped. On Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook you can see others by searching for #mymncapitol.

L'etiole du Nord-named by the first European settlers, the French fur traders.

 

The gorgeous rotunda ceiling.

and more stunning architecture.

Henry Hastings Sibley-first governor of Minnesota in 1858.Each governor has a portrait hanging in the Capitol.

Alexander Ramsey. Minnesota Territory Governor and 2nd state off Minnesota Governor.

 

                     Foyer of Governors office. Minnesota became a state just in time to be officially part                            of the War between the States, otherwise known as the Civil war.