Characters

When I'm out and about in the crowds, I look for people who catch my eye because there's something about their character that make them 'special'.

Sometimes it's the way they make their mark among the others.

Sometimes it's the way they move.

They might dare to do something you're afraid to do.

Or they know how to control themselves, their body.

Sometimes they look at you with that deep, wise look.

Or you feel in tune when hanging around them.

Sometimes you're fascinated by their 'happy-to-be-here' look.

And sometimes the whole personality pops-out like a shining star.

Some characters are so strong that you notice them right away, but I believe, when you stay long enough among the people, you can find something that fascinates you in every person you see.

For-ever

Some things are meant to last for-ever:

celebrations (with a style)...

focusing on important things...

tender thoughtfulness...

smiles...

and smiles and smiles and smiles...

greatness...

humbleness...

glowing personality...

a little connection with roots...

great company...

and walking home with a fulfilled heart...

No matter the year, the season, the age... - some things are meant to last for-ever.

What is school

Watching the past times brought back to life, watching the kids dressed up like in the old times... I wonder who loved learning more...

Is going to school nowadays a privilege or burden? Is it a joy or a modern torture?

Do we cherish the gift of learning or not?

School is so much more than just a school. It is a box of knowledge, mystery, excitement, interesting stories that can help us grow, full of teachers as role models, school-friends as social network to challenge our emotions and believes, pleasant or unpleasant environment, noisy and calming moments, freedom and limitations. 

School is so much more than it was years ago, but we get stuck focusing on little things and get lost before noticing how many oportunities we can find in school for learning and experiencing great lessons for life.

How about if we start this school-year differently? Let's step back, learn from the past and look at the school from a distance to see the whole picture, to see the greater meaning of school - all of us: the kids, the teachers and the parents.

Enjoy the journey and keep calm!

Transformations

It was a long, beautiful summer - a good one for taking pictures and not so good one to sit behind the screen and update the blog regularly. Oh, well, let's hope things will get back to normal again now that the days are shorter and cooler...

So today, I'd like to take you on a special journey - to the place where the past meets the future...

It is colorful.

It is melodical.

It is happy, although in pain.

It is mysterious...

...and serious.

It is brave...

...and it is strong.

It is modest...

...and proud.

And now imagine 'you' - how would you look like when transformed by the past?? Summer is almost over and it's time to put ourselves together again. What will you choose?

Art of Wood

Nature is full of gifts. One of them is wood - it can be used in so many ways, shapes and forms. Here, in Austria, I think living with wood has become a tradition, glorification of Nature and art.

There's something about wood that makes you feel 'at home', warm and comfortable. Like you are held in the arms of Mother Nature. 

But here, people went further with it. Full of imagination and love for Nature, they started to play with the wood, carve in it, paint it, build with it... You will find it everywhere in their lives.

Houses, fences, playgrounds, furniture, bikes, shoes, bowls, pots... Things are not just made from wood - they are carved in, decorated little pieces of art. With a personal touch, every piece of wood becomes more than just a wood. It becomes a story-teller, an expression of feelings and a dance of natural forces.

Wood lets you play with it, but it doesn't allow you to do everything with it. It gives you freedom and boundaries. It gives you a lot, but not everything. You still need to listen to it, love it and care for it. You still have to respect it and use it the proper way.

Wood is like a living being. It can make your heart sing when you treat it with love and care. Or it can burn out in a few minutes when you treat it bad.

We always have a choice how we treat others, how we treat everything in our world. In our Lab, we are choosing harmony, beauty and respect. How about you? Has art of wood taught you anything for life, too?