This was one of those weekends that I'm pretty sure it will take me all week to recover from. Due in large part to the crazy amount of fun I had (details to follow later), but also due to the crazy celebration of Prince's life in the Twin Cities.
I honestly didn't believe the news on Thursday when Jonathan texted our family group text, and actually blurted out, full-volume in my office, "HOLY SHIT PRINCE DIED!" Needless to say, that got a reaction, and before I knew it there was a knot of people by the water cooler (literally) checking phones, texting friends and family, and freaking out. After that point, I was utterly useless for the rest of the day...headphones in, the Current live-stream on full-volume, and my phone and Facebook constantly refreshing.
In our family, we were basically raised on Prince. From an early age, we knew every song on his "Greatest Hits" compilation--it was an integral part of the soundtrack to every boat playlist, late-night summer dance party or family karaoke session. My parents saw him live at a benefit when I was a baby high-schooler and came home with the dorkiest, most hilarious choreographed dance thing to "1999" that I still giggle and cringe at. Bottom line, we loved him because he was incredible, because he was a visionary, and because he was ours.
I think all of Minneapolis felt that way, and it was so heartwarming to see the entire city unite, turn purple, and celebrate his life all weekend. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard his music this weekend, I'd be booking a round-trip flight somewhere fabulous. Everywhere I turned there was something commemorative, from cocktails and desserts to marquee signs and homemade banners. It reminded me most of Pride weekend, when everything goes rainbow and everyone is sort of quietly united in focus on one thing...which seems appropriate, given this state's insane hometown pride in him.
A few photos from my Thursday afternoon foray to the First Ave memorial, well before things got completely crazy:
And a few others from the weekend...
Emily's gorgeous hand-lettered tribute, screen-shot from her Instagram (you should follow her, and not just because I think she's a genius: @emmykatie702!).
The billboards outside the Xcel Center on my walk into work on Friday...
Tattersall's aptly-named cocktail tribute (it was delicious)...
And our attempt to go to the Saturday night all-night dance party at First Ave. Total fail. By the time we got there, the line was reportedly five hours long to even make it to the door, and that didn't guarantee entrance. Kelsie, her friend Nick, and I enjoyed the walk over from my apartment though, admiring the trifecta of purple buildings in the skyline...
...and the numerous marquees in his honor. We also had a blast people-watching and listening to the passing cars blasting his hits.
All things considered, and all tragedy aside, I loved how Minneapolis came together to mourn and celebrate and dance our faces off. I have a feeling that somewhere out there, The Kid himself is driving his little red Corvette, eating a stack of pancakes and loving it too.