US Holocaust Museum

You've got to be taught

To hate and fear,

You've got to be taught

From year to year,

You've got to be carefully taught.

You've got to be taught before it's too late...

{You've Got to Be Carefully Taught - South Pacific}

I was last at the US Holocaust Museum 19 years ago when I was 10.

It was time to go back and in light of the recent riots and tone in the nation right now it was a hauntingly fitting time.

It was a somber experience. So much of this history I knew. I've read and learned in school and it's just part of my collective religion and culture.

It was powerful to really learn more about Hitler's slow, calculated rise to power. How so many believed nothing would come of it, denied it, did nothing.

The history and darkness of the murders that took place in the ghettos, the villages, the camps I knew. But, sometimes we need to revisit even the darkest of times in history; it helps us wake up...remember what happened...what we vow "never again."

Never again. Yet the hate and anger simmers here at home, in a country that in school I was taught "would never allow a Holocaust to happen."

Never again. The Holocaust Memorial in Boston has been vandilized twice this summer.

Never again. Hate filled individuals marched in VA shouting about Jews and surrounded a synagogue.

Never again comes from us all taking a collective stand against those with hate and evil in their hearts. Together we can remember the 11 million who were exterminated for who they were and protect their memories and protect those who some Americans choose to still hate because of religion, race, or skin color.

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The Good. The Random. The Fun. v. 34

The Good:
I was in DC over the weekend for a family event. Was great to get back to AU to see campus, exactly 11 years after I first moved in!

The Random:
There are these 2 giant heads outside the MFA...I always find them a touch creepy but they make for fun run photos!

The Fun: 
I was in DC to celebrate my uncle's 75th birthday. Always so fun to celebrate and see cousins I don't see too often - my aunt throws a fantastic party and we had a blast.

   

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Scav Hunt Sunday: Pool and Peach

Abundance:

Red:

Bright red brick wall.

Relax:

Peach:

Melted:

Perfect ice cream weather is when it's melting as fast as you can lick the drips!

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New Digs

Welcome to my new home sweet home!
I am one of those odd folks who must unpack and be settled as soon as possible! It just makes it feel like home so quickly, especially after weeks of boxes everywhere; it felt good to get my things back!

Anyway...I hung this antique mirror in the entry hall. Great sneaky view into the dining area...

My old place had one small living area. My desk was always right on top of my couch and just felt cramped. It's so great to have space and an actual dining area now rather than the table shoved into a corner of the kitchen. 

There is just so much light. I love it! Just makes me (and the plants) so happy. Plus...the porch. I b-lined for Home Depot to get some color out there. I've gone out onto the patio every morning since I moved in and just taken a moment to appreciate where I am and how happy I am here.

My room feels so cozy. It's a tad bigger than my old room (with a ceiling fan!!) and has been a great place to wind down each night. 

This doesn't do the kitchen justice at all, but if you've ever seen pictures of my old kitchen (how it looked soon after I moved in 7 years ago) it is like I moved from a box to the Taj Mahal. Now I have tons of space, a dishwasher, pass through window, actual cabinets. Cannot wait to entertain from this space!

And there she is. 1.5 weeks in and I feel at home. I wasn't happy I had to move, but as Bubbe used to say...out of bad comes good!

   

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JFK Museum

Come on and vote for Kennedy
Vote for Kennedy
Keep America strong...

Kennedy, he just keeps rollin' - a -
Kennedy, he just keeps rollin' - a -
Kennedy, he just keeps rollin' along.

{High Hopes - Frank Sinatra} 

I've lived in Boston for 7 years (nearly) and finally made it to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.

The Kennedy influence is still strong in these here parts...JFK's birthplace and childhood home is mere blocks from my apt, his elementary school just down the road, and his grand-nephew is my US Representative. But, I really only knew the history class basics of JFK's presidency - so off to the museum I went.

The visit began with a 20 minute video, narrated with old clips of JFK about his childhood, time in college, the military, and early political career. The film ends as JFK accepts the 1960 Democratic nomination for president. Then you wind your way through the exhibits detailing the election, his inauguration, and all the crucial and fascinating parts of his too short time in office.

I learned so much. I had no idea JFK started the Peace Corps, I had no idea the election was so close, I really got such a better understanding of he Cuban Missile Crisis and what really unfolded in that tense time.

Peppered throughout the exhibit rooms were also bits about Jackie's time as first lady and the overall influence JFK and the Kennedys had on American politics and history (like the Special Olympics). I also loved seeing original copies of his speeches - the font was so large, it was amazing. Some had his last minute hand scribbled edits, too!

His assassination is poignantly presented. Suddenly the White House-esque rooms just stop. There is a narrow black corridor with the date "November 22, 1963" - small video screens line the wall with footage of the funeral. Then you exit out into the stunning atrium and are standing beneath the flag.

It really is a gorgeous space. Overlooking the Harbor - set there because it reminded the family of their Cape compound. So much history in those walls. I really had to wonder where this country would be if JFK had lived and continued to serve as POTUS.

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the Good.Random.Fun. each Monday and Little Things Thursday...right here!