Playing street pianos in New York City

We were going through some photo and video files from our vacation this last summer.  We had gone to the East Coast and New York City and had taken lots of pictures, but had not gone through the videos on my mom's BlackBerry. 

Last summer, there was a really neat art project in New York City.  Basically, an artist placed 40 pianos around the five boroughs and had local artists decorate each one.  They were all over the place, like at Times Square, Madison Square Gardens, Battery Park, Julliard, etc.  The web site that tells more about this is http://www.streetpianos.com/.

We found several of the pianos and played them.  They all said "Play Me, I'm Yours" on them!  Of course, we had lots of fun.  I played some Schumann, Gershwin, and even Lady Ga Ga that day, while my brothers played Rachmaninoff and more!

I hadn't realized that my mom took a video of me playing at Times Square.  The piano was literally sitting on the curb so taxi cabs would zip by at 30 mph.  In fact, my brother was playing one time and a cabbie reached out and gave him a $1 tip!  It was so cool. 

In the video I have uploaded, a man in the upper left corner is teasing me that I "can't play" piano without any music.  There are also two men in the upper center of the video who are talking about that day being the birthday of one of them, named "Apollo."  So, I decided that it would be fun to play "Happy Birthday" for Apollo.  The look and expressions on their faces was priceless! 

1/14/2011 Mrs. Norlin's 5th grade class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mrs. Norlin's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mrs. Vennes' 4th grade class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mrs. Vennes' class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mrs. Julie D. Olson's Kindergarten class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mrs. Olson's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mrs. Okeson's Kindergarten class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mrs. Okeson's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mr. Almquist's 5th grade class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mr. Almquist's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mr. Christiansen's multi-age class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mr. Christiansen's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mr. Shafer's Multi-age class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mr. Shafer's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

 5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mrs. Rhonda Johnson's 1st grade class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mr. Johnson's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mrs. Froiland's 1st grade class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mr. Froiland's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"

1/14/2011 Mrs. Geiser's 2nd grade class, Challenger Elementary, Thief River Falls, MN

On Friday, January 14, 2011, I had the opportunity to visit with Mrs. Geiser's class at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN.  The class was very receptive to learning about the Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program, The Children's Miracle Network, and the Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  When we were finished discussing the State Parks, I awarded everyone in the room a "Junior Explorer" sticker to encourage them to get out and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"  We talked about:

 1)  The Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Program is part of the Miss America program and is designed to help teens facilitate development of leadership skills by promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement.

2)  I also promote the importance of teens visiting the Minnesota State Parks and Trails because it helps in all of the areas listed above.  When we visit State Parks, we learn about our State's history, geological science, culture, and more!  We also have the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking, swimming, snow shoeing, and more!  Don't forget to tell your parents that with the tough economy, our State Parks make for great "stay-cations" since there is a State Park within 50 miles of every Minnesotan and a day pass for one park only costs $5 while the annual passes cost only $25 and get you into every Minnesota State Park for a full year!  That's a bargain!

 3)  The State Parks offer lots of diversity, from Soudan Underground Mine's only underground state park in the USA, to double waterfalls at Minneopa.  From camping in a tee-pee at Upper Sioux Agency to a ghost town and cave at Forestville Mystery Cave!  Explore Your Backyard:  Visit your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!

4)  While at the parks, there are lots of things to do-  besides what I mentioned above, one of my favorites is Geocaching.  Most state parks offer this activity and many even have GPS units available for use!  How cool is that?

5)  Another favorite activity is the Junior Naturalist programs.  All you have to do is go to the Ranger Station and ask for a junior naturalist activity book.  Complete the activities in the book and return it for a junior naturalist badge!  Once you earn a badge from each of the park systems regions, you also receive an Expert Junior Naturalist Badge!  This is impressive to your teachers.

I enjoyed our visit!  I hope to see you again!  In the meantime, get out there and "Explore Your Backyard:  Visit Your Minnesota State Parks and Trails!"