Life is About Experiences

I read a lot of books.  Mostly on leadership and self-improvement.  (There is much work to be done!)  Anyway, after each book, I try to think of at least one important message I gleaned from the book.  And, although I cannot remember the book, I do remember a message that resonated loudly for me, "Life is not about stuff.  It is about experiences." 

Today we went into a warm and humid greenhouse.  From room to room, there were plants to admire.  Cacti.  Spring bulb plants in brilliant blooming colors.  And then, the butterfly greenhouse.  Walking through a screen curtain, into a vestibule and then another screen curtain, we entered a hot, humid, plant filled room.  With butterflies. 

Standing there mesmerized, it was a somewhat magical experience.  Mind you, it was 16 degrees this morning in Grand Rapids, Michigan!  The big blue hand-sized butterflies flitted here and there.  Their iridescent blue wings darting around peoples' heads, around giant plant leaves, and never seemed to land.  A waterfall cascaded in a corner.  The humidity was thick and the air tropically hot. 

 
And if this wasn't enough for the $14 entrance fee, there was a Ai WeiWei exhibit - his first exhibit in the world of this type.  If you are going to be an artist, make a statement.  WeiWei certainly does! Each piece of his work, unique and unusual, makes a statement.  Check him out at Weiwei  What a bonus, treat, and privilege to the day's experience!  Here are some pictures of his work.

Don't be fooled - these are not plastic crabs - they are individually made of porcelain and represent a  crab feast thrown by Weiwei which he was not able to attend after being taken into custody by the Chinese government.  Seems the government isn't too fond of his political artistic statements. 

 

Another porcelain piece.  Amazing detail. 

 

Last, but certainly NOT least - meet grand niece, Reighlynn.  Although it is the first time I have met this gem, I still feel like I know her, thanks to her enamored contingent of relatives, eager to post pictures, videos, and stories of her entry and growth into the world.  She is tall and squirmy at this stage.  Her mother hauls her around, bouncing and chatting to quell the impatient youth.  This girl is going to be something.  I can feel it!! 

 



We finish our afternoon, weary but content with the day's really neat experience.  I would come back.  And spend a day next time.  They say the outside gardens are amazing.  Next time. 

In closing, a few more images with the reminder - life, my friends, is about experiences.  Not about stuff!