she rode the trolley to work

You will recall my mention of the sweet potato latte a few posts back. Along with my vow to get there soon, and describe the visit. I worried that perhaps I had blown it up into something that could never taste as good as it did in my mind. 

I was wrong, wrong, wrong. It was better than my imaginings - smooth, creamy, perfectly blended, with hints of sweet potato but not cinnamon. In no way like pumpkin. That big home-made marshmallow that you see on top, slowly melting into a sea of sweet potato, espresso, and milk, that has been kissed with a hint of nutmeg and torched to give that tiny hint of smoke... oh. I left it in the cup until the latte was exactly 1/4 gone then I reached in with my fingers and scooped it into my mouth. Unapologetically, I warmed Joan to look away it was not going to be pretty. But it was wonderful.

When you go, which you must if you are in the area, enjoy the view of the landmark Western Auto sign with the turning tree in the foreground. At the Monarch location on Grand there is indoor seating - well spaced and it's not crowded, but instead go across the street to that little park and marvel at the wonder of Kansas City.  

When you are done there, zip over to the Nelson/Atkins and stroll through the sculpture garden. 

It is a treasure. Above and below is a bronze work by Judith Shea - Storage.

I told Joan she might get stuck in that sculpture, but she had tomfoolery on her mind and there was no stopping her. Interacting with art is hard to resist.

At the very top of the museum walls on the outside there is this quote by Victor Hugo.  I am not sure why I have not noticed it before. "The human soul has still greater need of the ideal than of the real.  It is by the real that we exist, it is by the ideal that we live." It speaks to the need for art in the world. 

Above is Peace on Earth by Jacques Lipchitz.

The paths for walking among the sculptures is shaded in many parts and there are benches for sitting. And reading. 

The Large Bather, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir is spectacular. Strong, capable, perfect. The meandering Walking Wall is made of stone from the flint hills and is the work of Andy Goldsworthy. No mortar was used in it's creation. 

Finally, we closed our morning with an outdoor lunch. Where we discussed when it might be safe to fly and the medical management of the Donald's COVID 19.

But the most interesting topic of conversation was that Marti Huff, in 1943, at the age of 19, worked on the 12th floor of the Western Auto building as the executive secretary to the Vice-President. She rode the trolley to work and her favorite coat may have had squirrel trim on the bottom. 

Thank you to the Huff girls, for making me an adopted sister. How else would I get to hear such stories?

Comments

[Carol McKay]

Love your posts and this one is another beauty..where was your lunch place?

[carol]

Thanks Carol - that is Verbena at Meadowbrook park. Lovely patio. Nice park for walking too.

[jacki long]

A perfect day.

[Joyce Resnik]

OMG I’ve forgotten your blog for far too long! Today’s is a treasure. Glad to enticed me back via your latte as shared on Instagram. I’ve never been to Kansas but today’s post makes me want to visit. What a sculpture garden!!! WOW. Miss seeing you in California and look forward to the day we can reclaim our lives. And travel. XxOo

[carol]

Joyce: my fingers are crossed for a trip to your part of the world in the spring... that will of course include a visit with you even if it's in a mask, outside :-)

[Michele Perrin]

I grew up in Kansas City, but I always love seeing it from your eyes.