Agriculture Lesson #1: Tulip Time in Holland, MI & 11 More Flower Events

Oh Volksparade, the sound of wooden shoes on pavement

The costumes in a row, the friendly waves and smiles

Oh, how the tulips bloom in never ending rows

The wooden shoe factory still operates

How I want a pair, but don't need one

Why not celebrate what you grow? May you also experience the delightful Holland Michigan with it's Tulip Time Festival in May. Rated as the "Best Small Town Festival" by Reader's Digest"; 2009 marked the 80th Anniversary. 

My family also celebrated flowers by traveling to the Lilac Festival in Mackinac Island, MI.  Here's 11 other flower festivals to attend:

1. North Carolina Azalea Festival
Wilmington, NC, April, circus, garden tour with Southern Belles

2.  Azalea Festival
Muskogee, OK, April, chili cook-off and BBQ contest

3.  Azalea & Spring Flower Trail
Tyler, TX, historic home tours in the Azalea City 

4.  Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
Waimea, The Big Island Hawaii, Feb, taiko drumming, Japanese tea ceremony

5.  National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington D.C., kimono fashion show, sushi

6.  International Cherry Blossom Festival
Macon, CA, March, "IFEA World Festival & Event" city award

7. Lilac Festival
Rochester, NY; 5K family fun run, wine and farmer's market

8.  Daffodil Festival
Tacoma & Puyallup, WA; crowns 24 daffodil princesses, watch the parade

9.  Daffodil Festival
Meriden, CT, bands, boxing, and Little Miss Daffodil

10.  Bluebonnet Festival
Chappell Hill, TX; arts and crafts and southern cooking

11.  Biltmore Festival of Flowers
Asheville, NC, April/May, it's a day trip from the Smoky Mountains, if you are looking for a cabin rental, check out our cabins Lightning Bug Lodge and Indigo Moon Lodge

Animal Lesson #2: Sea Lions and More at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo in Indiana

My brother in laws closest friend is Amish. I enjoy hearing their stories and when I lived in Fort Wayne, I found it interesting to be a suburban dweller, but have Amish buggies pull up and hitch at the same grocery store. A place I loved in Fort Wayne was the Fort Wayne Children's zoo. This photo capture's two unique experiences in one.

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is much bigger than one would expect from the size of the city or the name. It's divided into four sections and I'm impressed with the thematic approach to the African Journey, Australian Adventure, and Indonesian Rain Forest.  Here's my ranking of sections with the Australian Adventure as tops:

1.  Australian Adventure - I love that the eastern grey kangaroos are in an open area instead of behind fences or bars.   They can jump right in front of your path.

2.  Indonesian Rain Forest - The tropical plants and humid atmosphere take you to a different place.  After learning in the research station, you will find more exhibits with leopards, tiger, orangutan, and gibbon.

3.  African Journey - It has a nice pathway and I always felt amused by the curious ostrich.  You can also see leopard monkey, zebras, giraffes, wildebeast, hyena, and sitatungas.

4.  Central Zoo - More traditional zoo exhibits.  My favorite animal to visit was the beautiful red panda. 

Admission is less expensive (approximately $15) than some other zoos, but expect to spend more because you'll need to purchase tockens ($1 each) for more experiences.  We visited often and these extras did make the experience more exciting for the kids.  I think we've experienced nearly all the add-ons except the Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride (slow moving automated canoe ride, likely best for younger kids) and newer additions (Stingray feeding and Sky Safari Ride).

Here's the list of ticket options:

  Z.O. &O Railroad (3 tokens)

  Endangered Species Carousel (3 tokens)

  Sky Safari Ride (3 tokens)

  Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride (3 tokens)

  Pony Trail (6 tokens) - small circular trail best for young kids

  Stingray Feeding (5 tokens)

  Giraffe Feeding (1 token)

  Goat Food (1 token)

 

To learn more about the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, visit http://www.kidszoo.org/; for a few more personal photos, visit my set "Fort Wayne zoo" at http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenda/sets/.

Wherever you live, may you be curious and open to learning about the people and places around you.

History Lesson #2: Mackinac's Grand Hotel (Michigan)

Pride. It's obvious when you see it. Grand when I toured it as a kid, just as grand when I toured it as an

adult. The artwork, the geranium carpet, real geraniums blooming in boxes, so vivid in my mind.  Author Patricia Schultz lists "Mackinac's Grand Hotel" as a must see site in her book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die.  She recognizes the local pride, "The first thing ferry passengers spot as they approach Mackinac Island is the rambling white Grand hotel, perched larger than life, high atop a hill sheathed in emerald green lawns and untold thousands of blooming flowers...local authorities tout as the largest summer resort in the world (with some 380 rooms)."

As an adult, perhaps I spent a little more time noticing the artwork and decorations.  My kids noticed the gigantic porch and the numerous white painted rocking chairs, just waiting for a rocking kid.

Here's a few fun facts

385 rooms, and no two are the same

660 ft. front porch makes it the world's largest

2,500 geraniums decorate the porch in 260 planing boxes

1 million people visit Mackinac Island every year, but only 600 year round residents

Tip: The overnight stay cost may be expensive, but if you eat at one of their restaurants, your reciept works as a pass to enter the hotel. Unless you are wearing formal wear in the evening, visit before dinner.

Open since 1887. May we all take such great care of places for the next generation.

If you would like to travel back in time, take the ferry to Mackinac Island.  You will step off the ferry onto a magical place filled with horses, natural beauty, and fudge shops.  The island bans automobiles, so you enter a place where everyone walks, bikes, or takes a carriage or horse ride to the next natural or historical site.

Travel tip:  To appreciate this timeless island, watch movies filmed on Mackinac Island.  First watch the movie "Somewhere in Time".  Second watch the movie "This Time for Keeps" which features the Esther Williams swimming pool on the Grand Hotel property.
http://www.somewhereintime.tv/

For more photos, check out my flickr set "Mackinac Island, MI" http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenda/sets/

Architecure Lesson #1: Loveland Castle in Ohio and 5 US Castle Tours

Loveland Castle, photo by Krenda

You don't need to travel to Europe to teach your kids about European architecture.  Take a castle tour in the US. 

We took our kids to the Loveland Castle (Chateau Laroche), located in Ohio.  It began as a project with his boy scout troop called Knights of the Golden Trail.  The visionary was Harry Delos Andrews (1890 to 1981) who became inspired after serving in WWI and afterwards touring castles.  See the website for the full story http://www.lovelandcastle.com/.  Just by touring this castle, you can show your kids three styles of architecture - German, French, and English.  Ask your tour guide about the four types of towers.  Sturdy and impressive, beautiful blooming garden; it all began with some donated land due to newspaper subscription and a dreamer.

Here's 5 other castle tours:
1.  Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC; largest private home in US, representing the Gilded Age; if you need a rental in driving range, consider our luxury cabin rentals Lightning Bug Lodge (www.lightningbuglodge.blogspot.com) or Indigo Moon Lodge (www.indigomoonlodge.blogspot.com)

2.  Oheka Castle, Long Island, NY, 2nd largest private home in the US, built in 1920s, French-style chateau; $25 adult, tour includes coffee, non-alcoholic beverage, and cookie

3.  Hearst Castle, San Simeon, CA, includes an ancient Roman temple and listed in Frommers 100 Places to Take Your Kids, part of CA State Parks, $25 adult, $12 kids

4.  Grey Towers Castle (Dupont Castle), Milford, PA, inspired by Alnwick Castle in England; $8 adult, $5 kids

5.  Lambert Castle, Paterson, NJ, Catholina Lambert built, inspired by his boyhood in England; tours Wed. to Sun. 12 to 4PM, check with Passaic County Historical Society for updates

Ode to Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program

Disclaimer: I am a former Pantene Assistant Brand Manager. I love the Pantene brand.

What's cool: Pantene sponsor Beautiful Lengths, a program that donates to women's wigs with real hair to cancer patients.

I did it a couple years ago. I grew out my hair and donated approximately 10 inches. 8 inches is the minimum.

If you live in the Cincinnati area, here's your chance. This weekend, go to the Gabz The Salon, 6360 Tylersville Road, Suite G in Mason. You get free shampoo, cut and style. You'll be giving someone else a smile in a difficult time.

Giving is beautiful and it is contagious. May you feel the joy of giving.

Gym Class #1: Adventure with Zip Line

Zip Line at YMCA Camp

National Geographic 100 Best Affordable Vacations lists Camp at the YMCA as a vacation idea.  The introduction brings nostalgic memories "Remember summer camp?  A typical day might include swimming, hiking, and making crafts.  Evenings were reserved for campfires and long conversations.  You can relive those idyllic days at a YMCA family camp."

I have so many fond memories of many camps including Girl Scouts, 4-H, YMCA, Science Camp, Cheerleading Camp, and Business Camp.  Hikes to bogs, learning to canoe, building campfires, making candles and other art projects, dances, and so much more to keep kids moving and exploring.  One year I served as a camp dishwasher and another year a camp counselor.  It's great leadership training for tweens and teens.  You don't necessarily need a membership to attend camps.  Check out the requirements.

For older kids, many camps provide challenge courses.  As a Scout parent, I joined other moms in encouraging girls to overcome their fears and climb to new heights.  

Some camps offer family weekends in which you can book a cabin or tent site.  One weekend, we booked cabins for ourselves and relatives at the YMCA Ohio Camp Cambell Gard.  While the weekend surrounded the kids with fun activities, the adults also liked trying the zip line.

Lessons from a 2 year old

As a parent, you expect to be a teacher. If you listen, you learn lessons from the student. Here's a few lessons my 2 year old reinforces:

Be kind, be genuine
Dance your heart out when you hear music
No matter who is watching

Speak your mind, Sing out loud
Even if you are off key, your voice will be heard

Trips from the parking lot to the door equals fun
If you choose to skip

Everyday is a gift, live in the moment
Don't feel guilty about eating cake , Wear it on your face
Laugh so hard that you snort

Be generous with hugs and kisses
Smiles are contagious too
Be bold, be fearless

May you find lessons from unexpected people and places.

Religion: Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico and six other places to celebrate

Puerto Rico Photo Taken by Krenda in San Juan

One of my former Procter & Gamble bosses raved about Puerto Rico.  The experts agree.  Puerto Rico ranks as the most blissed-out place in the world, followed by Mexico and Denmark, according to a study the World Values Survey Association a nonprofit group (reported in Glamour March 2005).  My boss eventually moved from to Puerto Rico and I was fortunate to visit her on the island.


Author Patricia Schultz listed Old San Juan as a must see in her book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.  She describes the historic scene "El Viejo San Juan, the seven-square-block landmark zone of the island's capital, is a perfectly preserved microcosm of Spanish colonial architecture and a remarkable walk back through history."

Our cruise happened to dock during the Three Kings' Day or El Dia De Los Reyes celebration, mixing historical sites with colorful lights and costumes.  Christians in Latin America and Spain  mark the time when the three Kings or three Wise Men visited baby Jesus.  Families follow traditions including dinner, gifts for children, and eating King's Bread or "rosca del ray".  The circular bread represents the King's crown and the loaf is baked with a hidden "baby Jesus" figurine.  Whoever finds the toy in their slice must prepare tamales for everyone on the Day of the Candles (Feb. 2nd).  Families may leave shoes by the door or salt or a box of grass/hay and water for the Three King's camels.  Most of the hay will disappear.  The trail of hay left by the camels may lead children to gifts.

You don't need to travel to Puerto Rico to celebrate Three King's Day.  Consider attending the following celebrations:

1.  El Museo del Barrio's Three Kings Day Parade; Meeker & Graham Ave., NY, NY
Over 5,000 participate in the event; volunteers hand out crowns at the parade.  Besides puppets, the parade includes camels and shee.

2.  Brooklyn Three Kings Day Parade; Brooklyn, NY

3.  Three Kings Day Winterfest & Parade; Division & Campbell St., Chicago, IL
Hosted by The Puerto Rico Cultural Center; provides toys to first 200 registered kids age 12 and under; event includes parade and ceremony

4.  Puerto Rican Heritage Society Three Kings Day; San Antonio, TX
free art workshop for children, storytelling, traditional music

5.  Night of the Three Kings; Phoenix Zoo, Arizona
mariachi music and games, Mexican food for purchase, Three Kings arrive on camels

6.  House of Puerto Rico Three Kings Day; San Diego, CA
bring a dish to potluck, kids make a craft such as box with straw

Loving Caterpillars in Ohio

Did you know that while some people claimed that the banded wolly bears caterpillars predicts whether there will be a mild or cold winter, the color actually indicates its age?
I learned this in the Oct. '08 Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Here's an ode to the "banded woolly bears" or as Southerners call them, the "woolly worms", the caterpillar of the Isabella tiger moth.

Caterpillars, remember how you stopped & found them when you were a kid?

You'll most likely find them in the fall, but whatever the season, may you take time to notice the little creatures.

Ode to College Friends

Taking a moment to celebrate relationships that last. This is a shout out to a group of 6 college friends who have kept close for over a decade.

Jewish, Budhist, Catholic, Protestant, Athiest...
Landscape Architect, Pilot, Lawyer, Physical Therapist...
Married, Single, Married with Kids, City, Suburbs...
Republican, Democrat, Independent...
Short, tall, West Coast, Mid West, Blonde, Brunette...

Yes, I am just describing a group of 6 girls, a diverse bunch

And our mutual love for life, having purpose, achieving goals, finding adventures
Being victorious over obstacles and always discovering joy
Such deep similarities are so much stronger than the obvious differences

To my "group of 6", I treasure each of you. May everyone find such a group to cherish throughout the years.

Ode to The Prom Shop Project

I read about The Prom Shop Project on the internet. It's a non-profit organization in Dallas, TX that gathers gently used gowns to girls who can't afford a Prom dress, but dream of attending Prom.

Doesn't Prom make you feel like a princess...
Days of chatter with your friends
Which dress, what neclace, the date, the dinner plans
Doorbell rings with flowers in a special box
Like a glass slipper on a pillow

Smiles flash, cameras flash, paparazzi style
Strutting into the Prom as if there's a grand entrance
Strolling with your friends, like a parade of gowns
Sweatheart invites you on the floor for every slow dance

Shouldn't every girl feel like a princess? The "Cinderella was not just a fairytale" article about The Prom Shop Project inspired me. I plan to donate a gown this week because fairy tale dreams should come true. Ask me & I'll post the Prom dress photo.

Ode to Impact 100

Yesterday I met a friend in downtown Cincinnati who told me about Impact 100. I could hear passion for the organization's purpose "Women together, Changing lives".

So here's a shout out to the organization that has given grants of over $1.6MM. Small gifts combine to big gifts, given to non profit organizations in the Cincinnati and Northern KY area. Check it out at www.impact100.org.

Isn't that how life is? Little things can make a big difference. In such difficult economic times, we are all in this together. And we can make a big difference.

Athlete Bonnie Blair

What a way to start the day! I met inspirational Gold Medalist Bonnie Blair today.

As her agency summary states "success under pressure is the measure of a true champion"

"Bonnie began her race in the 500 meter event of the 1988 Calgary Olympics immediately after her rival Christa Rothenburger of East Germany set a world record. Not to be outdone, Bonnie proceeded to skate the 500 meters faster than any woman had before or has since, capturing the gold medal in a world record time of 39.1. This record stood for 5 years until March 1994, when at the age of 30, Blair met her ultimate goal of shattering the 39 second mark with a time of 38.99"

Isn't that the best, when you set a record and then you beat your own record?!?

Art Lesson #1: Chihuly at Indianapolis Children's Museum

I've met many famous people, but never Dale Chihuly. Yet, everytime I see his art, I feel connected.  The University of Wisconsin Madison's Art Center held his first solo exhibit in 1968. It was earlier than my time, but a special school to me too as my alma mater.

Everytime I see his artwork, I feel inspired. Dale took glassblowing to a whole new level, making it a fine art, a contemporary art full of imagination and a kalediscope of color.   

You can find Chihuly's art on permanent display:
While visiting the Indianapolis Children's Museum, the largest children's museum in the world, I photographed his glass displayed in the ceiling. The kids looked up in awe at the bright colors and seashell-like shapes.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass In Seattle Center opened in 2012.  This center provides a much bigger collection of his art with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.  I was fortunate to visit at time which included local artists demonstrating glass blowing.  Visit my blog article to read about my visit and experience.

Also, look online for Chihuly's traveling art:
Cactus flowers bloomed, the sun set over the horizon, and I thoroughly enjoyed strolling past Chihuly art in sun and darkness at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona.

You may find his art at other botanical gardens or museums such as Chihuly Catalina Island Museum (Avalon, CA), New York Botanical Garden (The Bronx, NY), Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville, Arkansas).

There's so many artists creating beautiful glass art.  If you'd like to inspire your children's creativity by viewing glass art, here's 6 other museums to explore:
1.  Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (Winter Park, FL), the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany http://morsemuseum.org/
3.  Musuem of Glass (Tacoma, WA) focusing on contemporary and Pacific Northwest glass art http://museumofglass.org/
4.  National Heisey Glass Museum, (Veterans Park, Newark, OH)
http://heiseymuseum.org/
5.  The New Bedford Museum of Glass (New Bedford, Massachusetts) opened 2010 in former textile building  http://www.nbmog.org/
6.  Toledo Museum of Art including The Glass Pavilion, (Toledo, OH) The Glass Pavilion with curved glass walls and a Dale Chihuly sculpture opened in 2006 http://www.toledomuseum.org/glass-pavilion/
7.  Corning Museum of Art, (Corning, NY) Finger Lake area, $15 adult, free for kids
http://www.cmog.org/visit/hours-and-admission

Leadership & Math Idea

Leadership
It often feels like a math equation to me

Subtract the fear
Add the change
Multiply the positive results

That's all I have for today folks.