Arbor Hood Ornament

I like this arbor topper better than the porch ornament across the street.  Such a decorative neighborhood.

Porch Hood Ornament

I wasn't sure what to make of this and would like to see it lit up, but not sure I could find it again.  I know I found myself going the wrong way on a one way street and turned around and somehow ended up on this street.  It is fitting for the Art District.

Lamppost

Return of the Prodigal Son

Sleeping Squirrel

As I was leaving the Sculpture Park I almost stepped on this squirrel snoozing in the park.  Enjoy a lazy Sunday.

Everyone wants a picture with these Sculptures

Henry Moore - Three-Way Piece

I am fond of this sculpture, I like the colors, the shape and size which is much taller than my 5'8" frame.

Door Artwork

Everything about the Nelson is amazing.  I still have a few more photos around the sculpture park.  In a few weeks I will be visiting an exhibit inside.  The inside is just as grand as the outside.  

Gallery of Art

The details around these doors are stunning but the substantial pillars create difficulties in capturing the details.

Renoir Sculpture

Renoir is my favorite Impressionist.

Say Shuttlecock

The shuttlecocks scattered around the grounds of the Nelson are quite popular.  I took advantage of these students posing for their group photo.

View from the steps

From the steps of the Nelson looking over the lawn to the south toward the University of Missouri Kansas City.

Peace on Earth

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

  

These are the steps leading to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  In the coming week I am going to bring you photos of the Kansas City Sculpture Park which sits on the lawn of the museum.  Despite the look of the sky, it was a nice day and many people were out on the lawn.  I think I can speak for others and say we are ready for spring.  

I've ran several post about William Rockhill Nelson who founded the Kansas City Star newspaper in the late 19th century.  He was a real estate developer who was responsible for the development of the Rockhill District, currently known as the Art District.  Nelson donated his estate for the creation of this museum.  His mansion and the homes in this area were created using limestone from a local quarry.  One of my favorites was this home.  I ran several post about the Art District in January 2011.

Currently the Original Rules of Basketball are on display in the museum.  I had limited time when I took these photos but plan to head back to the museum soon to see these original rules.  Another exhibit I plan to attend is the Monet Water Lilies which is an exhibit from April 9 until August 7.  

Happy St Patrick's Day

Wearing Green

Liberty Memorial Flame

The last two mornings I've seen the flame on top of the Liberty Memorial burning.  I have researched a bit but have only found in 2008 there was a group trying to save the Eternal Flame.  I know this flame is not lit daily because I drive right by this view every work day morning.  I cannot find out what causes the flame to be lit.  I know the flag was flying at half staff due to the last survivor of WWI, Frank Buckles died.  Since the World War I museum is at the base of the Memorial, I believe the flame is burning in honor of those who fought for liberty for all.

During World War I, approximately 4.8 million Americans fought for freedom and democracy while serving in the armed forces. With the passing of Frank Buckles, the last known American veteran of the Great War, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial honored this generation of Americans at a ceremony on Sat., March 12, 2011.

Downtown Living

We had a spring snow this morning and by this evening the snow was mostly gone.

Gloomy Day

Even though the temperature made it into the 40's today, a cool wind from the north and cloudy skies kept it feeling cold.  This church in Liberty, MO had a face lift in the last year.  Notice the chimney brick compared to the Steeple brick.  This church is a beauty to keep maintained.  I do love the old churches, although this one I didn't get an opportunity to visit inside, perhaps on another trip since this area is close to home.

Snake Saturday

Just across the river from downtown KCMO is North Kansas City.   NKC celebrate Irish fun and charity giving with Snake Saturday, every year on the Saturday before St Patrick's Day.  There is always a big turnout for this event.  The weather was in the low 50's this morning so families were all out in NKC.  There is a carnival, food, car show, entertainment and a lad and lass competition.  Here a man is getting the boys in celebrating form.

Reflection

To reflect on the events happening in Japan and the areas in the path of the tsunami.  My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone everywhere.  I can only follow the story through media, but I am deeply saddened and concerned by the devastation and impeding disasters.  Please know that I am with those affected with my prayers.

I found this building in the Garment District downtown.  It is on the National Register of Historic Places.  In the 1930's many large clothing manufacturers has businesses here, making it the second largest garment district next to New York City

Ready to get outside

It was great to see this family out practicing soccer.  Still cold but I think we are all ready for the outdoors.  Park University is seen in the background, I showed it last summer here.

Missouri River

I was at English Landing Park in Parkville this last weekend.  The weather was a bit cool but above freezing with blue skies.  This park has great trails for runner, and walkers.  Also has playground, picnic areas and is right next to the Missouri River.

Independence 1859 Marshal's Home and Jail

Many pioneers and emigrants prepared for the start of their journey west on the Oregon, Santa Fe and California trails in Independence, MO.  Frank and Jesse James were housed in this jail along with the others who caused unrest in the early days of the westward ho....

Truman Home

When I was in Independence last weekend, it was extremely foggy and rainy.  I toured this home several years ago, it is a unique step back in time.

Independence and the Opening of the West

Thomas Hart Benton began this mural at the Truman Library and Museum in 1960.  Benton and Truman, two of Missouri's favorite sons, became good friends while work proceeded on this mural.  Truman was even known to get up on the scaffolding to take the brush from Benton and dab some paint on the sky.  Benton describes this work as the Plains Indians against the hunter, trapper, the French and the permanent settlers.   Independence was known as the last city before the frontier.  Truman did not want Benton to glorify him in a painting but accepted Benton's idea of this mural.

President Harry S Truman

Harry Truman made crucial decisions in his presidency.  The decision he struggled with most was using atomic weapons.  His presidency saw the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, NATO and the start of the Cold War.

April 12, 1945

Harry Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri in 1884 and grew up in Independence Missouri.  Last weekend I visited the Harry S Truman Library and Museum.   President Truman made some of the most crucial decisions in history.  

Eye Catching

This light fixture caught my eye.  I think this could be hand made with string and a balloon and, and I am not sure what but I like the look.  I also liked the old brick against the red wall and the white light.  I was even more pleased with the wooden ceiling.  I found this at T2, a world of moving images.  They have a fun website. 

CDP Theme Day - Favorite Area of Town

Some of you may already guess this but the old buildings and history of downtown are my favorite area.

Today is Theme Day at CDP
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