Culture? Who Me?

This is so cool!
Sometimes I have regrets that we dont live in a metropalitian area where art exhibits abound. (then I get over it) We are missing out on some pretty sensational things though.(denver art museum)

This causes me to reflect on my Museum experiences. (in no particular order)

As I have mentioned on several occasions, I grew up in Maryland-10 minutes from downtown Washington DC. I havent acturally 'googled' to find out exactly how many museums there are in DC, but I sort of picture the whole of the District as one large Museum!!! Growing up in that area, and having a dad who did what he did for the government (what is that exactly dad? why dont you just jot down some thoughts for us....) Dad and Mom had a lot of visitors it seemed. We entertained a lot of sightseers. Thus, there were many trips down-town to the amazing museums. I recall a few favorites. The Smithsonian Natural History Museum would head the top of the list. As you walk in the front door you are greeted by a HUGE pacaderm in the foyer. Life size diaramas seemed to stretch out for miles on every floor. There were bug displays, along with reptile and mammal exhibits that held endless fasination for me. My other favorite museum was the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. I remember seeing the space capsule that plunked into the ocean after it had visited the moon,and then seeing the display of hermetically sealed black rocks that the astronuauts brought back with them. The Wright Brothers' first airoplane dangled from the ceiling. There is so much wonder in this world.
There of course were art museums in town too. But I dont think my folks were much into that kind of thing, so it was a rare occasion to visit their halls.
My life and education was greatly enriched by my becoming familiar with the many D.C. museums. Thanks Mom and Dad!!


In 2001 Builder Bob and I took an amazing, glorious trip to Europe!


Somewhere I may have recorded each and every one of the museums we visited while we were there, but....that would be terribly boring. And the list would be long! Believe it or not, when we were in Paris, the Louvre was closed! Just our luck. (EXCELLENT reason to return someday!)There was Monets home and gardens, numerous art museums in Paris beside the afore mentioned famous one.The Orsay was a great one to be sure! Then there was Italy. Oh My. The museums. They bring tears to my eyes just thinking about them all. I have already written about my most favorite experience in a Florence museum. Ahhhh...Italia!!! I promise I will return someday!!!

In 1987 Builder Bob and I took our maiden voyage away from home and kids. My parents were living in England for a short time. We went to visit them! Here is a country that IS a museum!! Its OLD and full of history and it is so BEAUTIFUL! (I'll have to write a post soley about this trip someday) we were lucky enough to spend some time in London and of course went to the famous National Gallery of London. The steps and entrance to this museum are often used in movies. I remember it being a magnificaent place, and realizing that it could never be taken in completly in one day, or even in 10 days! Wow! This may have been the beginning of the end for how I saw the world and its art.


Our visit to Japan was truly a once in a life time experience. Being with our fluent, Japanese speaking, handsome missionary son was a dream. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.commemorates the explosion of the first atomic bomb! Words will never describe the horror.


Did we ever visit a museum in Mexico? Not so sure it was a museum. I recall a hole- in-the-wall place that was attempting to teach us about the ecology of the Gulf and its' animal life. Not much-just a blip as far as education or impact. Swimming among those sublime creatures in that dazzling blue water was and is the best way to build appreciation for the enviroment there.

Just last year we had the opportunity to visit the BODIES exhibit in Las Vegas. This was a remarkable and inspiring display. It was yet another testiment to me of just how grand and glorious our bodies are, and what a gift they are for us to use and take care of. Its a 'must see' exhibit if ever you find an opportunity to go and see.


So MANY museums, so little recollection.
Church History Museums
Williamsburg, Virigina (the whole town was a living museum)
The Alamo in San Antiono Texas
Mt Vernon
New Orleans
The Everglades
Pearl Harbor
to name but a few.
Good heavens- Im reminded once again of just how charmed a life I lead.