Jan Stevens of Coldwell Banker River Valley, Realtors, Northfield, MN

03/29/2022

We just received our second Covid Booster at the Walgreens in Faribault. I made the appointments yesterday.

03/11/2022

Powerful….

VIEW Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The association of quilts with comfort and ‘lovinghands-at-home’ crafting long dismissed these objects from any serious consideration by art critics. This situation began to change slowly in the 1970s, with the seminal exhibition Abstract Design in American Quilts at the Whitney Museum. While many exhibitions, including those at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, have since focussed particularly on the aesthetics of quilts and considered them within the context of abstract art and formal art criticism, Fabric of a Nation takes a different approach. A quotation from quilt artist and scholar Carolyn Mazloomi–whose work Strange Fruit is included–opens the exhibition: ‘When people think of quilts, they think about warmth and security. So they can be a kind of soft landing–a way to tell the story of difficult topics.’

The curators of Fabric of a Nation take full advantage of that idea. In this display of 400 years of American quilts and bed covers–nearly all from the MFA’s own collection–this exhibition explores the history of the United States through deep examination of the objects, from the fibres to the overall designs. These objects, made by unknown hands as well as recognised artists, give voice to groups that traditionally have been ignored or actively suppressed. In the process, the curators show that quilts have embodied our complicated and multi-racial history since the seventeenth century.

Excerpt from Issue 105 Checks & Stripes, available in print and digital at link https://bit.ly/3ob12Ll

Review by Lynne Zacek Bassett, image of Harriet Powers quilt courtesy of MFA Boston.

01/30/2022

While in the past, winter has been a slow season for selling, this winter is proving to be unlike any other. The market is still moving quickly and there is less competition for sellers, which is leading to quicker and higher offers. If you have been thinking about selling, now is the time!

SHARE The market remains hot, but it’s still important to make sure your property appeals to buyers before listing. Check out a few easy steps you can take to help your home stand out and sell quickly.

01/22/2022

Your foundation supports your entire home and everything inside. When built effectively, it can last for decades, but over time your foundation may see some wear. These are the important signs to look for if you think your foundation has any issues!

Over time or due to major storm damage, a foundation may begin to show evidence of a damage. Here are four signs that your foundation may be in trouble.

01/15/2022

Paint is powerful, but it can be daunting to pick from the hundreds of shades at the store. These are some of the top colors homeowners are putting in their kitchen!

From modern desert clay to sophisticated seafoam and everything in between, these top 20 colors will transform your kitchen.

01/08/2022

A DIY project can not only help you save money, but can also add some extra value to your home. Not all projects have the same value, so for the most return at sale, these are the projects you will want to focus on! Contact me to learn how much your house is worth!

Not only can you save money by taking on home improvements yourself, you can potentially make money by targeting the upgrades that will pay off when you sell your home.

01/02/2022

Just because you have a high offer does not mean you will always be the winning offer. There are a few things that go into your offer, and many sellers will look at a few deciding factors. I can help you through the buying process and make sure you have a strong offer so you can buy your new home!

While cash—and lots of it—is certainly king, sometimes there are things in your purchase contract that may make your higher offer plain moot.

12/31/2021

Wishing you all a fabulous New Year! May it be your best one yet!

12/25/2021

I cannot believe that it is already here. I hope the magic of Christmas fills every corner of your heart and home with joy — now and always. Merry Christmas!