I’ve passed by this sculpture countless times this summer. Named Playtime, it reminds us to prioritize relaxation and joy over work and stress. I particularly love its placement with the historic State Theatre in the background.
Tag: Beauty
Day 4 Beautiful Things
You just know it was only a matter of time before a picture of my adorable dog made an appearance. I used to be a die-hard cat person, never thought I’d have a dog. But guess what? Things change, and now I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Day 3 Beautiful Things
I used to work in downtown Sioux Falls over twenty years ago. Back then, the area was pretty rundown and deserted, especially after dark. I remember a particular day at the office when the senior partner, an incredibly visionary individual, asked us a thought-provoking question. “Do you know what really brings people to downtown areas?” After a few failed guesses, he revealed the answer: public art. It’s the vibrant art that draws people to downtowns and city centers. Sculpture Walk burst onto the scene a year or two later, and downtown was immediately rejuvenated into a dynamic, secure, and thrilling hub of activity!
I took a break from work today and decided to walk along part of Sculpture Walk, which is now celebrating its 21st year. I stopped at several of the sculptures, admiring their beauty and intricacy. One particular sculpture caught my eye. It’s titled “and…” and the artist intends for it to symbolize connection and bring people closer together.
Art has the power to be thought-provoking, mesmerizing, and uniquely beautiful. Its unlikely this is last you will see of Sculpture Walk.
Day 2 Beautiful Things
Before I headed back home from the Twin Cities, I was really hoping to fit in a nice outdoor walk. Even though the skies to the north were looking pretty ominous, I decided to brave it. About five minutes into my walk, I reached the pond where I had spotted the ducklings previously (See Day 1 picture). I was so disappointed when I didn’t see them in the water.
As I turned to make my way back to shelter, I caught sight of a lone duck standing near some bushes. Approaching cautiously, I saw the bushes start to rustle. Before I knew it, adorable ducklings were emerging one by one, and I managed to capture a picture of the mother duck and her little ones. Just as I finished, it started to sprinkle, cutting my walk short. Nonetheless, it was a fleeting yet magical moment in an otherwise ordinary day.
Certainly Beautiful Day 1
Let’s always remember to find the beauty in the world, despite its uncertainties. Starting today, I will capture one beautiful thing each day for the next 30 days and share it.
These little ducklings jumped one by one on to this rock in pond. Mom swam close by occassioinly making a noise or two.
Day 24 Gratitude Challenge
“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris
Yesterday was a very good day. Both of my sons came home for Thanksgiving. My wife prepared amazing food for all. I took a nice walk with our dog. We watched football and basketball.
Except for the walk, all events took place in our home of 19 years. Our home is so beautiful (almost entirely because of my wife’s decorative skills). Over the last couple of years, we have transformed and modernized our space. Much of this has involved decluttering which is challenging for me. However, the joy I felt yesterday, made it all worth it.
The challenge today is to look around your living space. Notice the things that are beautiful and useful. Additionally, notice the things that are neither – and get rid of those things. Commit to getting rid of two things today. Dispose of two things tomorrow. Repeat until the above quote is a reality.
Be grateful for the beauty around you. I have included a picture of our dining-room table set for Thanksgiving meals. At least four generations have enjoyed meals at this table. I was young when my mother received this table from her mother. Years later, my mother would pass it on to me. I hope you can see the beauty and usefulness of this table – and the joy it has brought to my family for approximately a century.
Day 20 Gratitude Challenge
“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
William Morris
I came across this quote yesterday and it resonated with me. We recently “remodeled” our home. Additionally, we refurnished the house. The result is what was old and aging has been revitalized. Our home looks and feels new.
As part of the remodeling process, we gave away and/or disposed of many things in our house. Furniture, clothes, papers, books, and knick-knacks were all disposed of. It was a liberating experience.
While getting rid of unnecessary things is liberating, it is also overwhelming. It is overwhelming because of the amount of stuff we have accumulated over two decades. Where do you start? What do you keep? What do you throw away? Can you repurpose it? Here is my advice, use the rule above. Is the item useful or beautiful? If not part ways.
The challenge today is to look around your living space. Notice the things that are beautiful and useful. Notice the things that are neither – and get rid of those things. Commit to getting rid of two things today. Dispose of two things tomorrow. Repeat until the above quote is a reality.
Be grateful for the beauty around you. I have included a picture of my dog on the new furniture. Beauty and usefulness in a picture!
Sireadh Toileachas 