Einstein # 13: Things we get for free
Sometimes one pays the most for the things one gets for nothing. – Albert Einstein Once upon a time, the lovely and speedy Princess Atalanta agreed to marry any man who could outrun her. After all worthy suitors failed, a young man arrived who wanted the pretty princess, not her kingdom. Each time Atalanta passed him, he tossed a golden apple. Each time, the nimble young lady gathered the precious fruit then regained her lead. As they approached the finish line and Atalanta raced ahead, the young man threw his last apple. In catching it, Atalanta lost the race and her single status. Perhaps another tale would better match this week’s Einstein wisdom, but I use any means to remind myself that freebies can be costly. Einstein’s words also made me wonder if – as the saying suggests – the best things in life are free. Can you think of any free ‘best things?’ Love came to mind, but it requires fidelity. Friendship costs time and caring. With Earth Day on April 22nd, I accept that a price must be paid to keep our water clean, air fresh and land beautiful. Here are 10 ways to help, including how to attract hummingbirds. *** Earth has a bit of a bulge at its waistline. Our planet’s circumference at the equator is larger than anywhere else. At the equator, you would weigh less than at the North or South Poles. People [everything] at the equator is spinning around the planet at about 1,000 miles per hour while at the poles, there’s almost no movement. Read more Facts About Earth.
Einstein # 12: The Difference Between Clever and Wise
A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it. – Albert Einstein I can’t add to Einstein’s words but want to share that this is International Dark Sky Week. It encourages us to enjoy starry skies and reduce light pollution. This week, those who rise before the sun can see the crescent skim Saturn, then Jupiter, backed by the constellation Capricorn. Read more. Since 2002, the third Thursday in April has been National High-Five Day. It began when students at the University of Virginia gave away lemonade and happy hand slaps. BTW, the High Five uplifted the earlier ‘low five,’ also called “slip-slapping”, “slapping the plank” and “soul shake” Read more. Whether by clever means or wise, succeed and soar enjoy high-fiving folks Thursday and star gaze all week … always! Shop “Hydrangea,” this week’s Featured Art. Blessings & best wishes. Ramadan This week’s new crescent launches Ramadan. These thirty days are best known for prayer and fasting, when Muslims eat and drink nothing from daybreak to nightfall. As a month that focuses on the inner life, these four weeks and two days offer much to any spiritual practice. Gossip and arguments are avoided. Patience, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and gratitude are highlighted. What a wonderful way. This year, Ramadan starts at sundown, Monday, April 12. Read more. Photo Credit: PNGTree.com
Life Well Lived #5: The Power and Delights of Three
The best things in life come in threes. Friends, dreams, and memories. Mencius Because the number three was also the foundation of last week’s post [the three steps to paradise] and because a friend mentioned “three” is a special number, I investigated and found these beliefs: If you keep seeing the number 3, it means a guardian angel is telling you to expect good luck. Read more. Biblically, three is the Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, which signifies growth. Read more. Three also indicates that the combination of mind, body and spirit are elevated. Read more. Astrologically, three is associated with the planet Jupiter [abundance, knowledge, wisdom] and Sagittarius, the sign associated with Jupiter. Read more. Last on this list [though there is much more], three indicates versatility and the pure joy of creativity. Three also represents past, present and future. Read more. I had no idea numbers could mean far more than what they add up to. So, enjoy friends, dreams, memories and all good things that come in threes. Live well, stay safe and enjoy this week’s featured video. Keep A Diary This pandemic period is an extraordinary time. Because it seems pivotal and is changing us, why not keep a photo-journal. Memories of how we shop, shelter in place, communicate, observe social distancing and our evolving views of life could be precious in years to come. Here are tools and resources: Importance of Keeping a Pandemic Diary How to Start & Keep a Pandemic Diary * This Week’s Special Offer: Lilies Each week, the featured art is offered at 25% off [plus any discounts offered by my Galleries]. Shop here. Thank you to everyone who visits the galleries and for your purchases. They support Succeed and Soar. NOTE The original image was shot with a Nikon Coolpix camera. The jpg was “developed” using Microsoft Digital Suite [kept on an old computer].