By Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) Every member of the Grand Lock is familiar with the expression, “to every lock a key.” We,  members of our ancient order often take this to mean that every problem has a fitting solution; conversely, this can also be interpreted that some keys should not be inserted willy-nilly into […]

by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) There’s an old Irish expression that goes “the older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune.” Dear reader, this columnist is hardly a Stradivarius but I’ve seen enough Eden Prairie winters to know the that the most beautiful music of all is truthfulness. How true it is as Lord Byron […]

by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) It’s the little things. In this world of “super sized” excess, larger-than-life Leadership, and the media’s endless concatenation of insipid imagery exploding out of the at-home jumbotron, it can be a beautiful act of self-healing to pause, to behold a dandelion’s mane, to taste the icy kiss of a […]

by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) Eden Prairie winters are famously cold but we Grand Locks have a secret for surviving these long dark months. It is through lodge-hall fellowship and brotherhood that we kindle the coals of affection’s warmth. In this, the season of St. Valentin, Eros’ arrow has found even myself, I confess! […]

by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) All across Hennepin County and no doubt, the rest of the world, songs ring out professing this the “most wonderful time of the year.” As I sit here in my office watching the falling snow reflecting in the motion-sensor floodlight of the side yard, lulled by the purr of […]

by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) Fall is here in Eden Prairie and nature has revealed a glimpse of its peacock plumage in the changing leaves. Though we mourn summer’s passing, Autumn is a beautiful and transformative season here on the banks of the Minnesota River that invites self-reflection. I sit at my word processor […]

by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) Ye olde Grand Lock samurai had a saying of their katana blades: “a sword is forged through 10,000 cuts.” So too are the foundations of friendship and brotherhood built upon the myriad blocks of Grand Lock tradition. Even a cursory glance around Lodge 129 is enough to see tradition simply dripping down […]

by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) Lodge 129 has long found fulfillment and brotherly fellowship in congregating ‘round the hall longtable for a potluck supper. The proverbial “Jacob’s join” is a wonderful and exciting meal experience–the thrill of discovery, the pride in sharing a toothsome treat. Unfortunately, last week’s potluck was mired by a loathsome […]

Last Week’s “Bird Night” Was a Fiasco by Barron B. Hoffbeck (no. 12513) Our illustrious order has a long-standing custom of bird ownership. Most Locks and Keys know too well the quiet pleasures of a molted feather, a friendly ‘chirp’ good-morning. Our avian friends bring a blessed feathery drip of mother gaia’s milk into our […]