Happy Sounds Video, New Zealand Redwoods and Corrugated Pets by da-AL

Turn your sound up high to listen to the ASMR happy sounds of redwood trees creaking in the wind, sounding like old-fashioned rocking chairs... https://youtu.be/cRx4C8JdRKo Most people know of the redwoods of California, where trees are so awe-inspiring that they’ve got names and their Avenue of the Giants. But did you know that New Zealand has… Continue reading Happy Sounds Video, New Zealand Redwoods and Corrugated Pets by da-AL

Rousing Rotorua, NZ by da-AL

We landed at Auckland Airport early, rented a car -- and learned how to drive on the ‘wrong’ (har-har-har) side of the road. A quick look around and lunch later, we headed south for Rotorua (after that we had a great time at the Redwoods and Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon and Waitomo Glowworms Caves,… Continue reading Rousing Rotorua, NZ by da-AL

Old/New, Out/In: North Carolina Museum of Art by da-AL

Khashayar with Awilda and Irma, 2014, by Jaume Plensa.

North Carolina is far more than pine trees and the ‘pottery capital of the world.’ Noteworthy art fills the North Carolina Museum of Art’s two buildings — as well as its outdoors. Over the single week that my husband and I visited a dear friend in North Carolina, we gravitated back to the fascinating museum.… Continue reading Old/New, Out/In: North Carolina Museum of Art by da-AL

Chinese Lantern Festival Videos, North Carolina

Lighted panda at Chinese Lantern Festival, Carey, North Carolina.

What’s a Chinese Lantern Festival? It took visiting a good friend in North Carolina for me to discover. Theories vary about its origins, but always it’s tied to the Chinese New Year. This one was an eye-popping expanse of light sculptures beautiful enough to make all ages brave the cold outdoors … ... And there… Continue reading Chinese Lantern Festival Videos, North Carolina

Outspoken and Ancient Art in North Carolina by da-AL

Ancient art at North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

Brash and outspoken, traditional and gorgeous, if you love great art, North Carolina is happiness. This and this post, as well as this one and this one, introduced how much I love the North Carolina Museum of Art. (This one tells of NC's amazing Chinese Lantern Festival.)That was in only one of their two buildings... A second… Continue reading Outspoken and Ancient Art in North Carolina by da-AL