Always curious…
I think I probably drove my parents crazy at times. I was always curious and into everything. If I’d been a kid today, I’d probably be on medication for ADHD. But, that curiosity has followed me into adulthood. For example, what happened to the U in curious when it became curiosity? But, I digress!
Curiosity…
Curiosity is “having a strong desire to learn or know something (source).” Interestingly, curiosity isn’t tied to necessity. It’s more about widening of horizons, of discovering something just because, and/or opening the doors to opportunities. Of course, there are those who would argue that curiosity is not necessarily a good thing. After all, there is that old saying: Curiosity killed the cat. I think curiosity is just like everything else, good in moderation.
Lifelong learning…
I know I often write about my teaching days. I hope that doesn’t bore you too much. But, one of the things we stressed was the importance of lifelong learning. Trust me when I say I was always learning something new when I was teaching…both from professional development and my students! I believe in the power of lifelong learning. Whenever we learn something new, our brains develop “new wrinkles.” That’s what we taught our students. As silly as that sounds, there’s sound basis for it in science. New pathways grow as new learning happens. If that learning is reinforced, those new pathways become stronger.
Think about it this way. How did you learn multiplication facts, historical facts, and spelling words? If you’re like most people, it was through repetition. And, that repetition created new neural pathways. Now, think about this. How long has it been since you’ve had to think about multiplication tables? Can you instantly recall a multiplication fact? I can, but that’s most likely because I was an elementary teacher. I’m sure all of you reading this can come up with some fact(s) you learned for your job and can instantly recall. But, do you remember the names of all your teachers? Can you recall your very first phone number or boss’s name or vacation? That information may not be something you access on a regular basis. That doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten it. You just can’t get to it immediately. But, you might wake up in the middle of the night with the names, the numbers, or the places on the tip of your tongue!
Always wondering…
When we went to Newfields (AKA Indianapolis Museum of Art) on this particular day, we visited the Clowes Pavilion. You can read about it here. There was no one in the area of the Digital Ceiling so we quickly found two comfy pouf-like things. As we watched, the ceiling changed from scene to scene. At one point, one of the fountains burst forth onto the screen. And, it occurred to me, I’d never really looked at it. It’s shown in the gallery below. Obviously, I don’t see it from this angle. But, I began to wonder how the water flowed through it. Later in the display, you could see. What occurred to me in that moment, however, was that I’m always learning. And, yes, I’m that person who reads all of the plaques in a museum. On this day, we had also ventured into a gallery featuring Van Gogh, Monet, Seurat, Picasso, and other Impressionists, Cubists, and Post-Impressionists. I was thrilled to see these art works and read about them. Nigel, as usual, wondered around the gallery, waiting for me to finish. He’s good about entertaining himself at museums…of course, that usually involves a comfy chair!
My outfit…
I’ve had this Autumn dress for a bit. At the beginning of the season, Gudrun Sjödén had a pre-sale so into the cart this went. It’s a linen dress, but it’s a heavy linen. I just noticed, on the website, they put the burgundy slip under it. I wanted to play up the dots on the dress itself. So, I added my polka dotted slip. Again, I didn’t like the neckline (what is up with me lately) so I added a Gudrun Sjödén scarf (they call them shawls). It reflected my purple/green color scheme. Oh, you didn’t notice that? That’s why I grabbed this purple Brahmin bag!
The Lewk!
Ah, boot season, I love you so! Rena (Fine, Whatever) recently wrote about the wrong shoe theory. In essence, it’s selecting the wrong shoe for whatever you’re wearing. But, Rena writes much more articulately about it. Go on over and read it. I’ll wait. So, here I am…hitting the trends before I even know about them. I’ve been wearing my boots with dresses and skirts for a few years now. The reason? They’re just so much more comfortable than heels. These Suzette boots by L’Artiste are available in very limited sizes here. The amethyst ring is by Effy, I think, and the earrings and bracelet are from eBay.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
One of these days, I’m not going to take photos at the museum and just spend the time being present. But, it’s such a wonderful place for photo shoots! I am so glad we have this beautiful spot just a few miles from our home. So, can we talk? How curious are you? Do you vacation in spots where you know you’ll learn something? Are you intentional about learning something new? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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Curiosity is a good thing! It means your interested. And that is always a good thing in my head. I’m always curious about people. Love your dress, I’ve always liked underskirt that pop under a skirt or dress. And I love green! Cool boots!
Thanks, Nancy! I agree that curiosity means you’re interested, but it also makes you interesting, right? I love to just watch people and wonder about what is going on in their heads! I had forgotten how much you like green! I really like this particular shade of green!
You know I am all about life long learning! In fact the focus in my homeschool was on raising lifelong learners and trying to foster that curiosity in all of my boys.
I am friends with several of my former students on Facebook. Some of them comment or post about something I taught them. Granted, it’s not often, but when it happens, it warms my heart and makes me smile. I think it’s so sad when people decide to quit learning…though I’m not sure you could truly ever do that unless you just sat in your home and did nothing.
Thanks, Joanne, for coming by!
Curiosity, or lack thereof, is one indicator of depression. Makes sense, right? So I consider it a good thing, but yes, in moderation.
These photos are so beautiful Marsha! I love the colors on you and the setting could not be more perfect, you are stunning!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann, you are the sweetest person! I so appreciate your words. I did not know the lack of curiosity was an indicator of depression, but it definitely makes sense. I will keep that in mind.
I’m that person at an art museum who does a walk through to look at everything, then goes through and reads everything, then stands for a while in front of my favorite pieces. I don’t tend to get the audio tour because I like to react/process things on my own first without being influenced. Your outfit is so pretty! I love that combo of scarf and dress.
Since we have a membership, we usually stick to one or two galleries so we can really absorb them. You go to museums like I shop! I like to look at everything quickly then zero in on what I’m truly interested in.
Thank you, Sally!
Marsha, I love your outfit. That said, I think the green dress would have a different look altogether with out the underdress. It would look more like a coat dress and a large belt around the waist would enhance your curves. And you could put a riddled lacy shawl at the neck or as a belt.
That museum looks fantastic. I love museums. We like to visit them everywhere we visit. I love to stand in front of a piece of art and look at it and discover different facets of it before reading the plaque to see if what I think I see is mentioned. (awe have a painting of a garden of flowers and I swear I see a baby moue in leaves and a mother looking down on the baby. Of course, both are just flowers, but I see the little mice every time.).
I love your stories from your time teaching. Brings back my own memories of teaching!
Marsha, I love your outfit. That said, I think the green dress would have a different look altogether with out the underdress. It would look more like a coat dress and a large belt around the waist would enhance your curves. And you could put a riddled lacy shawl at the neck or as a belt.
That museum looks fantastic. I love museums. We like to visit them everywhere we visit. I love to stand in front of a piece of art and look at it and discover different facets of it before reading the plaque to see if what I think I see is mentioned. (awe have a painting of a garden of flowers and I swear I see a baby moue in leaves and a mother looking down on the baby. Of course, both are just flowers, but I see the little mice every time.).
I love your stories from your time teaching. Brings back my own memories of teaching!
Thanks, Eileen! That’s a great idea. One of the things I’m going to start on the blog is a “Wear it again, Marsha” and this dress will show up there.
Oh, I like the way you look at art. I’m just the opposite, but I think your way is better. Look at it with an unbiased perspective and then go from there! We used to have some bathroom tile that I would see different things in. It was funny because I would always have to search for them.
I’m glad you enjoy my stories from teaching. I think it’s just so much a part of us, right?
I drove my mom crazy with all of the “whys” and it hasn’t stopped. Rob laughs at me because it’s a constant word in my vocabulary.
You realize that you can alter these necks that you aren’t liking, right? Not that I think the scarf is a bad idea, but sometimes it’s nice to have the piece the way you want it.
Love the boots for sure,
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I am guessing you mean turn them down to form a vee? Another reason I like scarves is my neck gets cold this time of year! And, why not is just as much in my vocab as why!!!
Curiosity leads to so many fun ideas and knowledge! Also, I love the green and purple combo. Two of my favorite colors!
Thanks, Sara! I think purple and green are made to go together! I should probably explore why that is…now, I’m curious!
Curiosity keeps us young Marsha. I look at my grandsons who are always curious about everything, asking questions, learning. They are a wonderful example and unfortunately, as we age many lose the excitement of learning new things. As an aside, I love those boots!!! Have a great weekend. x
Thanks, Sue! I think curiosity is one of life’s greatest pleasures! Just imagine how boring the world would be if people weren’t curious about this, that, and the other thing. I do think it is unfortunate when people stop wondering and stop learning.
And, these boots are one of my favorites!
I really do like going places where I can learn things. I am always interested in finding out more about people of history and places of history. It is like my brain can’t get enough – maybe because there were so many years I was in a fog. I don’t know why I was in a fog. I was always imagining things and daydreaming and then I had a heart condition that made my head feel weird. That got better with medication and then just sort of went away after I had my son so my brain cleared some. Then I developed brain fog from a thyroid issue so I was in a fog again. Then it was perimenopause. Ha! But even in the midst of brain fog I wanted to learn and I enjoy going places that I can learn.
I loved the dress and the whole ensemble too!
Sorry I didn’t comment much this week. It was a very busy week – the second half at least. I spread myself a bit too thin.
Thanks, Lisa! I love the ease of these dresses, and the slips are just a fun bonus. When we go on vacation, I’m always thinking about what we’re going to do. We aren’t the sit on the beach and do nothing kind of people. So, for me, it’s always going to be a museum of some kind. I didn’t know you had a heart condition, but I’m glad it’s gone. I hear you on the thyroid…mine is so lazy! But, I can no longer claim perimenopause but that was a nightmare. So, don’t worry about not commenting on my blog! I appreciate you whenever you can!
What a fabulous post Marsha! We all should always be curious and look to learn more. Love where you visited and I adore the look!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I love going to museums and learning something new!
Marsha, that dress is super pretty! I adore the colour! And you styled it beautifully.
I love learning too…I’m always trying to learn new things and I can remember my very first phone number (67831). Funny isn’t it, how the mind works? Having said that, my brain is all over the place at the moment. I can remember that phone number, but ask me about something that took place last week, or someone’s name that I’ve known for years…and BLANK! Bloody hormones!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks so much, Suzy! I really like the dress but can’t wait to style it differently. Oh, I can remember things from when I was really little, but then I forget the most mundane things. Maybe that’s the clue…it has to be important to us!
Have a gorgeous week, my friend!