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The International Flavor of Grand Canyon Visitors

The International Flavor of Grand Canyon Visitors

Jeff and I visited Grand Canyon National Park again recently. We started at the eastern end this time, which is much more open than the western section. You can clearly see the Colorado River just below you.

Before we got to the Park, we stopped at the Little Colorado River Gorge. This is an amazing canyon carved by a small tributary that flows into the Colorado River at the floor of the Grand Canyon.

While there, a German visitor started asking me questions about the Little Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. I was pleased to be able to answer her questions, such as why the water was so muddy and how it could be much bigger after a rain. She translated what I said to two older gentlemen with her. When they left, one of the gentlemen grinned and bowed to me.

Every time we visit the Canyon, we hear so many foreign languages. According to statistics, visitors from 41 foreign countries travel to it. And a recent study indicates that the number of foreign visitors has risen from 17 percent in 2005 to as high as 35 percent now.

Several times during the day, Jeff or I were asked to take someone’s photograph. We ended the day at sunset in Grand Canyon Village, talking with a family from Australia and answering some of their questions about the area.

We’re always delighted to act as local ambassadors to national and international visitors. It’s a side benefit to enjoying our local natural wonder.

Lesson Learned: Creativity Feeds The Soul

Lesson Learned: Creativity Feeds The Soul

I love weaving and embroidery, but have been so focused on work that I haven’t had time for either for a very long time. Also, my loom is in storage because it’s too big for our condo. So I’ve spent my free time hiking and doing other enjoyable things. But it hasn’t been the same or given me the same fulfillment.

Recently, I took a class that included doing a little bit of simple embroidery on some felt. I didn’t finish it in class but worked on it a few days later. Unfortunately, I found out that the embroidery floss supplied by the class was about 6 inches too short to finish the project.

I had to wait for several weeks until we went to a nearby city to get the needed embroidery thread. During that time, the project sat on the table, as a reminder that it needed to be completed. Every time I went by and glanced at it, I got a thrill of joy, excitement and satisfaction. The same feelings I had when I actually worked on it.

I realized that I needed to make the time to do some of the fiber handiwork that feeds my soul. Eventually, I need to find a smaller loom. Until then, I’m designing an embroidery project that will satisfy my need to create.

And I wasn’t the only one in my life to come to this conclusion. A friend of mine loves music and hasn’t been able to play her piano for quite some time. A few days ago, she went to play it, and once again discovered how it makes her heart sing. She’s committed herself to practicing again because it’s so important to her emotional health.

Creativity helps keep a person young and their brains active. It’s when we block our creativity that we begin to shrivel up inside.

What creative pursuit have you abandoned to focus on family, work, or other pastimes? How can you begin to include that activity in your life again? When you do, it will enhance your relationships, reduce stress, and give you more energy because you’re being authentic and attending to your soul’s needs.

Vacation In Vegas – Love the Creativity There

Vacation In Vegas – Love the Creativity There

Jeff and I took a short vacation in Las Vegas. Over the years, we’ve puzzled about why we are drawn to this glitzy, showy town. When I visited it in the early 1990’s, I couldn’t wait to leave. Jeff and I first visited in 2000 to enjoy the Star Trek ride (yes, I love Star Trek), and we expected that one extra day would be all we could stand.

Instead, we were enthralled with the themed casinos: Luxor, Excalibur, New York/New York, Treasure Island, and the Venetian. The waste of electricity and water violated our green sensibilities, and yet we loved the lights and Bellagio Dancing Waters.

After mulling over it, we finally realized that we love the creativity and sense of design. The details in some of the themed casinos are beautiful. Unfortunately, the new business attitude in Vegas wants to erase the themes. This is unfortunate, because most of the crowds were in the casinos and shopping areas that still looked different.

We found enough in Vegas to again want to return. This year, we went to Shark Reef in Mandalay Bay. I touched Stingrays, Horseshoe Crabs, and baby Zebra or Leopard Sharks. Our feet hurt from the miles we walked each day and we’re nursing blisters, but we’re elated from our adventure.

Yet Another Reason To Be Positive

Yet Another Reason To Be Positive

ScienceDaily (2011-03-01) — A review of more than 160 studies of human and animal subjects has found “clear and compelling evidence” that — all else being equal — happy people tend to live longer and experience better health than their unhappy peers.

Another study has found that being positive, moderately happy and having reduced stress increases health and longevity. They tend to have healthier immune systems and recover faster. This isn’t true for just humans but animals as well.

Pessimism, depression, and anxiety are associated with lower immune system, more disease, and a shorter life span.

One of the study’s authors, Ed Diener said, “…that health and then longevity in turn are influenced by our mood states.”

Since what we think directly affects the way we feel and our mood, here’s just another reason to be optimistic and positive. And optimism is a skill that can be learned. Aren’t the benefits worth it?

To read the entire article, visit Happiness improves health and lengthens life, review finds.