San Jose Museum Of Art

The San Jose Museum of Art is a "go-to" place for my son and I.  A week ago I decided to come on my own for a bit of quiet time. This is a small museum. The majority of the museum has very contemporary art. The main exhibits are on the 1st and 2nd floors. On the 2nd floor was an exhibit called "Border Cantos", which is about immigrants migrating into the United States from Mexico. One thing from this exhibit that really caught my eye was this "Migration Community Quilt" made with octagon shaped Post It notes. Guests of the museum are welcome to draw something on the paper about where they come from such as the flag of their country. I loved the honey comb design it created by the shapes along with a printed map behind it. I also loved the combination of colors; blue pink, lime green, turquoise, and navy.  I also love the thought behind it.

This was posted on the wall of the exhibit which I found very interesting: " International migration is a global phenomena that is growing in scope, complexity, and impact. Migration is both a cause and effect of broader development on intrinsic feature of our ever globalizing world. While no substitute for development, migration can be a positive force for development when supported by the right set of polices. The rise in global mobility, the growing complexity of migratory patterns and its impact on countries, migrants, families, and communities have all contributed to international migration becoming a priority for the international community". 

To continue with the international theme after the museum I walked over to one of my favorite Japanese stores in down town San Jose, "Muji".  This store started in 1980. They have locations in New York, LA, San Francisco, and San Jose. It offers a wide variety of products from stationery to household items and apparel. Muji in Japanese translates as "no-brand quality goods." 

I have always had a fetish for Japanese stationery products. I love how small and compact everything is and the simple minimalist design. One of my favorite items is the "Mini Markers Pen Set" which comes with 10 different colors. They are packaged in a clear octagon-shaped plastic container with the markers of the same shape inside. They are perfect for my son to use while we are traveling or when we go out to eat since they don't roll away!

Since I always end my outings with a fun place for a snack I went next door and treated myself to a piece of chocolate mousse cake at Bijan Bakery & Cafe. This bakery has a wide variety of pastries, cakes, cookies, muffins, and croissants. It is a great place for a breakfast or an afternoon treat. Bijan Bakery has been in the bay area since 1986.  They have this location and one in Saratoga.  I soaked in the day on the outdoor patio area and enjoyed my perfect chocolatey chocolate mousse cake. I couldn't help but think of one of some of my favorite words of wisdom: "What ever the question is chocolate is the answer".