Happy MLK Jr. Day
For over five years, I have always blogged my respects for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I continue that ritual today.
I just wanted to say thank you for always believing in a better future for all. And thank you for your courage to not only fight for social injustices, but to fight with leadership, positivity, and non violence. You continue to inspire me to be a better person and to help others in need. You never stopped believing in the hope and future for the generations to come. I hope we all can continue your dreams.
This I Believe
A couple of years back, a friend of mine gave me a wonderful book titled "This I believe, The personal philosophies of one hundred thoughtful men and women" for my birthday. It was actually the original copy from 1952. The book is based upon legendary broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow's radio program. Listeners were asked to send in an essay about their views of life and what they believe in. The essays came from people from various backgrounds and all walks of life. There were essays from regular people to Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt and more. So many different people, so many personal philosophies, but all truly inspirational.
The series still goes on today. You might even catch it on NPR or their podcast. The book series has also continued with and updated version of "This I believe" and "This I Believe II". Other noteworthy writers in the new series are William F. Buckley, Jr., Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Newt Gingrich, Colin Powell, Tony Hawk, Yo-Yo Ma, and more. I'm finishing up the 2nd edition, but I just wanted to share this great series with everyone, especially on MLK Jr. Day.
One of my favorite stories that I would like to share is by Andre Kostelanetz. In 1945, he was in France and visited the renowned French artist Henri Matisse. Inside Matisse's small house was an abundant amount of magnificent paintings. He then asked Matisse, "What is your inspiration?" Matisse replied back... "I grow artichokes". He then further explained, "Every morning I go into the garden and watch these plants. I see the play of light and shade on the leaves and I discover new combinations of colors and fantastic patterns. I study them. They inspire me. Then I go back into the studio and paint." Andre was amazed, because at that time, Matisse was just about 80 years old. He thought Matisse would have surely seen every combination of light and shade by that time. However, everyday he received new inspiration just by looking at artichokes.
It just goes to show you, inspiration is all around us. You just need to take time and look a little closer.
Music Video Of The Day: Michael Jackon: Man In The Mirror
Continuing the theme of MLK, Beliefs, and change... I present to you Michael Jackson's Man In The mirror. A song that has always struck me to become a better person.
As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favorite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
Man those lyrics always hit me. Anyways , enjoy and Happy MLK Jr. Day!