Tag Archives: Happiness

Again!

Again! We visited the Fernbank Museum of Natural History yesterday.

The little one enjoys it a lot. We know we are responsible for her tolerances and perspectives – the most important kind of education. We figure exposure is one of the best ways along with our careful actions and choice of words in all circumstances. Further, who else is she going to ask to take her places? So, we take her here, there, there, there and there. It is like when she was two and three years old and chose the same four-story books at bedtime, even though, there were about hundred others. We had to read the same four books over and over and over, again, with a ~~smile~~ tank full of patience and enthusiasm. So, again, we went to the museum and, of course, had to visit all three floors. We must admit we find it a visually stimulating place. Who wouldn’t? We are greeted by huge dinosaur skeletons every time. The newest exhibition is the largest collection of 13th Century artifacts from the Mongol Empire in one showing. There were pieces which have never been shown to the public! In particular, the exhibition is about Genghis Khan, “the world’s greatest and most misunderstood conqueror.”

It is fascinating to see up close. The questions asked …ruthless warrior? or, revered statesman?

A large painting. It spans an entire wall!

A second new and fascinating exhibition was about culture – clothes, hair, adornments.

It was fascinating to see and learn about cultures from around the world. We saw a big hairstyle from Democratic Republic of the Congo which looked complicated and time-consuming but beautiful. We cannot fathom tattooing our entire faces but they were beautiful pictures of full-tattooed faces from other countries. On display were large and decorated headdresses. Some headdresses are worn by brides and others worn by girls beginning at the age of five and throughout their lifetime. We learned the girls begin with only a few stones (such as turquoise) and amulets – and collect more as they grow – it can turn into their most precious possession. They can collect and wear over a hundred stones on their heads. Just interesting!

Is the title in the above picture true?

We must note an open mind and tolerance for styles which are different from your own are absolutely necessary for complete appreciation.

A couple more pics…

When standing next to a dinosaur, we are as small as ants!

A picture of the ceiling taken from a small round opening in the wall. It reminds us of the terrible limitations of narrow-minded thinking – and living.

In the end, we had a great time. The same way we did after reading the same four books day after day. Her amusement and happiness rewarded us then and now. It’s simple, her happiness makes us happy!

In complete appreciation,

Where Are You Going?

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Where Are You Going? …

- We were far from home the other day and went on an adventure on foot – in exploration of a trendy neighborhood. We ran into local pedestrians going places, pushing strollers, couples hand in hand moving at a steady pace and others slowly walking in giddy enjoyment. When we reached the railroad track (picture above) we stopped and looked not so much to check for an approaching train but at the beauty of its infinity. There seemed to be no end in sight. Further, it seemed to ask us a question, “Where are you going?” Not so much about that day in that time, but about every day to come, the future. Yes, we have a grand plan of where we will be, of when we want to get there and the only varying factor is “how.” We figured “how” will change as time changes, as technology changes, as our desires change and well, “how” is the exciting part. The part which makes us work hard, think hard and keep our eyes peeled late into the night. Still, the question was asked, “Where are you going?” We are going to greater successes as defined by us, greater happiness as defined by us and greater kindnesses as determined by us. We know we will get to where we have decided we are going for there is nothing impossible – which by the way is merely a self-imposed state of mind which handicaps determination and crushes goals. We know each sunrise gives us the opportunity to get where we are going, we know each minute is a step closer, we know we must always pay attention, we know actions are required and we know there will be… growth along the way!

People often say “time will tell.” We believe we tell time what to say. We believe we have determined tomorrow today! We believe in the power of our words and the power of our thoughts. We know those two potent and significant factors determine the course. So, where are we going?

Where we have decided – without derailment! Only improvements as we grow. We are not hasty regarding the future, we are cautious without fear of risks and we are above all optimistic, and certain!

Take a look at the railroad track, let it ask you, “Where are you going?” But before you answer, “Shhhh! Make it great for yourself before you spoil it!”

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