TToT: Light

In the midst of winter in a dark world, this sunbeam greeted me when I woke up Thursday morning. Shining its rainbow light on my happy sign, it just made me feel better about the world.  I experienced a particular pang of thankfulness reflecting on all the people who contribute to my personal happily ever after.

I have also noticed lately that the days are getting longer once again.  I am a winter person, but the realization that one day is a little longer than the day before just picks up my spirits this time of year.

I have been feeling healthy --both light of heart and light of step-- lately.  

The Annual Women's March makes my heart soar.  It restores my hope. It made me so proud that my grown kids participated.  As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to serve on the poster committee giving me the opportunity to take part in my own introverted way. 

I believe love really does trump hate, and that light will overcome the darkness.  For that I am truly thankful.

tenthingsofthankful.blogspot.com

The North Carolina Statehouse

Additional images from our visit to the North Carolina Statehouse.

Statue commemorating the US Presidents North Carolina gave to the country.

A stone stairway shows an unusual amount of wear and tear.  One theory says the damage came from carts of wood regularly hauled up the stairs to heat the building in the many fireplaces throughout the place.  Another story claims that the practice of dragging heavy barrels of whiskey up the stairs left the marks and chips on the stairway.

The color palate in the statehouse is very understated suggesting a simplicity at first, but the moldings, ceilings, and columns show quite a lot of detail.

The rooms which once housed the legislative bodies are still set as though lawmakers will return any minute.  However, this building is no longer used by the legislature, but the Governor's office is still located on the first floor.

TToT: I Need a Break

We celebrated the birthday of America this week.  One of the things we did to mark the event was to tour the North Carolina State House.  When the kids were little, we stopped at every state capitol we passed on our epic road trips.  Somehow we missed Raleigh, but we have now rectified that.  Lawmakers no longer gather here so it mostly houses commemorative displays including some very old American flags.  Between the glass protection and bright lights behind and above, I struggled to get decent photos but figured I could jazz them up with Befunky photo editing later.  

Like nearly everyone else in the country I have grown weary of the violence and hatred that is so abundant right now.  I needed a break, and Monday provided it.

Looking at these antiquated flags reminded me that we Americans have a lot to be thankful for:

For people who had the courage to face the consequences of declaring our independence.

For a government that changes leadership in the highest office of the land every four to eight years without bloodshed or battle.

For unity that has stood the test of time and differences of opinion.

For the right to peacefully assemble

to express our deepest convictions

in what we are right to believe should be a manner free from bodily harm from someone attempting to stifle our voices.

For the fact that everyone--those I find brilliant and those I find buffoons--is expressly given the right of free speech.  It is not always easy, but it is never boring.

For a land of natural beauty from sea to shining sea

filled with people who possess basic goodness.  May we all work to get in touch with our own personal goodness again so that the whole country can benefit, because all this hatred and violence...we are better than that, and we all need a break.

At least ten reasons to be thankful.

Never boring