Emily and the Shanty of Misfit Toys

Anyone who has read her book, Glory Goes and Gets Some, knows that Emily Carter has been through some pretty rough experiences and has survived to tell the story. Last week, Emily and her dog, Lefty, agreed to brave a blustery afternoon on Medicine Lake in order to explore the shanties with me. While Lefty slid on the ice and sniffed various shanties, Emily and I discussed how it feels to have siblings who get married, have children, own homes and enjoy a financial security that eludes the likes of the two of us. Upon exiting the parking lot near the lake, Emily and I got the rental car stuck in a snowbank for dramatic effect and were rescued once again by Minnesotans.

Hard Times

What with the war, the economy, the mortgage crisis ... even shanties are struggling.

The Ice Museum

If this shanty had internet access and a doggie bed for Paris, I could almost live here...

Snap Shot Shanty

One of my favorite new shanties is The Snap Shot Shanty, where I had my picture taken. If I look slightly like a corpse, that is because it was awfully frigid out there, and I can't sleep more than seven hours straight to save my life. Or maybe I'm just creepy, who knows.

Norae Shanty

One of the oldest and most lively shanties is The Norae Shanty designed by artist, Mike Hoyt. Inside, you will find Minnesotans singing karaoke and drinking beer. Both my glasses and camera lens fogged up the second I walked in the door, so this is what the scene looked like to me ...

Auto Ethnographic Guide Service

Here's where all the fun began five years ago ...

Don't know what Auto Ethnographic means? (I didn't).

Ask Peter.

Jen Bekman

Peter Haakon Thompson and Jen Bekman in Art Shanty
Medicine Lake
Minneapolis, MN
February 2008

Another important woman in my life, Jen Bekman, is giving a presentation tonight about her experiences with artists and the art market at The Minnesota Center for Photography. Jen and I spent a few hours yesterday on Medicine Lake keeping warm with our dear friend, Peter Haakon Thompson, in the original shanty and touring the others. More photos to come soon.