This post was inspired by the following blog post and its embedded video created by Jennifer…
* Refuse to be Dumbed Down [dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com]
If you only click on a single link of this entire post, make sure it’s this one. It’s a valuable video suggesting many ways to seek out the arts, cultivate your mind, and enrich your soul.
Sure, I do agree with Jennifer about the current state of popular culture. In fact, I do not even own a TV at the moment in order to get away from it a bit and to, instead, spend time on other activities important to me, to truly live life well. You have greater control over yourself than others though. And you should participate in the arts and/or culture because you want to and it makes you come alive. So, as a former student of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Winthrop University, I believe in embracing the arts and culture. You should simply do things you are passionate about. Life is too short not to lead the most exciting lifetime possible.
I wanted to share the kind of art and culture that captivate me.
The following links are cultural event suggestions with specific dates and locations…
* Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea [nmwa.org]
Every once in awhile, I will go online and check the future exhibitions at my favorite art museums in Baltimore, Washington, DC and Philadelphia. Last time I made the rounds, this particular show piqued my interest the most. I’ve only visited the National Museum of Women in the Arts in DC once so far, but I loved it. I look forward to viewing this current exhibition which ends on April 12, 2015. Hopefully, I can visit when I go and see the cherry blossoms this spring.
* Così fan tutte [www.marylandhall.org via livingsocial.com]
I’ve enjoyed the minimal exposure to opera that I’ve had so far. I daydream of taking in an outdoor performance in the Arena in Verona, Italy one day… This opera is on March 13th and 15th in Annapolis, Maryland. There is a livingsocial deal available for purchase at the moment, so let me know soon if you’d like to be my date!
* Cooking Classes [surlatable.com]
I’ve been trying to branch out in cooking lately. There’s a Sur la Table close to E’s so I daydreamed about taking a cooking class or two there. Upon further investigation, they do not conduct classes in that location nor at the only other Maryland store. Maybe someday I’ll live close to one that does. Date Night: Paris in Spring! Ooh la la! So many of these classes pique my interest! Embrace the culinary arts too.
Anyone can take in a little culture anytime anywhere simply by clicking on these lovely links…
* What’s the Italian word for good morning? [vimeo.com via facebook.com/GirlinFlorence]
I adore this quick video using language, culture, art and photography.
* Ravenna, Italy [anamericaninitaly.com]
This is just the first blog post of five documenting this blogger’s recent trip to Ravenna. I’ve seen the mosaics in person and they are stunning.
* 13 Reasons to Love Paris Anytime [girlinflorence.com]
See why Georgette suggests that ‘Paris is always a good idea’ …even during the winter!
Even though it is not a broad selection, these things mean a great deal to me. They have been on my mind lately. I hope that either these links specifically or this post in general inspire you to embrace the arts and culture. Go and find what you’re passionate about, and then make participating in it at least a semi-regular part of your life. #cultivateyourmind
