AIRBNB: Darmstadt, Germany

 Throw Back Tuesday Time!   This may have been the occasion that further promoted my love for skylights, large windows, and free-standing bathtubs  😀😁😃

❤💙💚💛❤

Our very first rental though AIRBNB! We arrived safely from Chi-town, and this gem was our destination for our first 2 nights. We rented a whole apartment located on the 3rd floor. 

Frankfurt

The apartment itself had 3 levels of living space. There were enough beds to house 4 guests. Complete with kitchen, full bath, wifi, cable, and plenty of windows to let the sunshine in.  Its real appeal to me was its modern vibe and airiness; along with its reasonable rental cost. The whole building is owned and designed by a friendly architect married to a hairdresser wife (her shop was in the basement). They also happen to live in the same building, one floor down. 

Front of building facing the street.  

That's our bedroom and balcony on the third level.

Metal stairs to the apartment's  upper level and catwalk. 

Entry/Front door on left

Upper level kitchen

Upper level sitting area; same level as the kitchen. 

 Rooms connected by catwalk

Steps to loft area, uppermost level.

 View is facing catwalk to the kitchen from upper-level sitting area.

Bedroom (ours), lower level 

Another view of the bedroom; balcony, mirror, floor-to-ceiling window.  Faces the main street.

Bathroom's bathtub area, lower level

Outdoor view from kitchen, upper level

Looking down at the backyard from the same kitchen. 

We saw a cat "fishing" at the little pond

Flower pot in garden

**

Proof That Conservatives Are Generous Givers During Coronavirus

There I was, minding my own business and wondering when Covid-19 would no longer be *the* topic of posts and conversations, when the dogs would not let-up their barking. Unusual! This is what I saw when I looked out the window:

Son's employer, Chick-fil-A, dropped off 3 paper bags of food and treats -- at no cost to us -- and just because... Whoa. My favorite chicken sandwiches for Lunch!

Nothing beats FREE, and thank you, Lord, for the generosity and kindness of people.

The liberal soul shall be made fat: 

and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Proverbs 11:25

NOT Stingy: Political Conservatives

Chick-fil-A

Field Hospital to Open in New York City’s Central Park

Proverbs 11

***

List of Habits to Be Ridiculously Likeable or Darn Irritating

Too many people succumb to the mistaken belief that being likable comes from natural, unteachable traits that belong only to a lucky few — the good looking, the fiercely social, and the incredibly talented. It’s easy to fall prey to this misconception.

When I speak to smaller audiences, I often ask them to describe the most likable people they have ever worked with. People inevitably ignore innate characteristics (intelligence, extraversion, attractiveness, and so on) and instead focus on qualities that are completely under people’s control, such as approachability, humility, and positivity.

These qualities, and others like them, describe people who are skilled in emotional intelligence (EQ). TalentSmart research data from more than a million people shows that people who possess these skills aren’t just highly likable, they outperform those who don’t by a large margin. Ninety percent of top performers have high EQs, people with high EQs make $29,000 more annually than people with low EQs, and a single-point increase in your emotional intelligence adds $1,300 to your salary. I could go on and on.

Being likable is under your control, and it’s a matter of emotional intelligence. Unlike innate, fixed characteristics, such as your intelligence (IQ), EQ is a flexible skill that you can improve with effort.

To help you improve your EQ, I did some digging to uncover the key behaviors that emotionally intelligent people engage in that make them so likable.

1. They are genuine. Being genuine and honest is essential to being likable. No one likes a fake. People gravitate toward those who are genuine because they know they can trust them. It is difficult to like someone when you don’t know who they really are and how they really feel.

Likable people know who they are. They are confident enough to be comfortable in their own skin. By concentrating on what drives you and makes you happy as an individual, you become a much more interesting person than if you attempt to win people over by making choices that you think will make them like you.

2. They ask thoughtful questions. The biggest mistake people make when it comes to listening is they’re so focused on what they’re going to say next or how what the other person is saying is going to affect them that they fail to hear what’s being said. The words come through loud and clear, but the meaning is lost. A simple way to avoid this is to ask a lot of questions. People like to know you’re listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows that not only are you listening, you also care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much respect and appreciation you gain just by asking questions.

3. They don’t pass judgment. If you want to be likable you must be open-minded. Being open-minded makes you approachable and interesting to others. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who has already formed an opinion and is not willing to listen.

Having an open mind is crucial in the workplace where approachability means access to new ideas and help. To eliminate preconceived notions and judgment, you need to see the world through other people’s eyes. This doesn’t require you believe what they believe or condone their behavior, it simply means you quit passing judgment long enough to truly understand what makes them tick. Only then can you let them be who they are.

4. They don’t seek attention. People are averse to those who are desperate for attention. You don’t need to develop a big, extroverted personality to be likable. Simply being friendly and considerate is all you need to win people over. When you speak in a friendly, confident, and concise manner, you will notice that people are much more attentive and persuadable than if you try to show them you’re important. People catch on to your attitude quickly and are more attracted to the right attitude than what—or how many people—you know.

When you’re being given attention, such as when you’re being recognized for an accomplishment, shift the focus to all the people who worked hard to help you get there. This may sound cliché, but if it’s genuine, the fact that you pay attention to others and appreciate their help will show that you’re appreciative and humble—two adjectives that are closely tied to likability.

5. They are consistent. Few things make you more unlikable than when you’re all over the place. When people approach you, they like to know whom they’re dealing with and what sort of response they can expect. To be consistent you must be reliable, and you must ensure that even when your mood goes up and down it doesn’t affect how you treat other people.

6. They use positive body language. Becoming cognizant of your gestures, expressions, and tone of voice (and making certain they’re positive) will draw people to you like ants to a picnic. Using an enthusiastic tone, uncrossing your arms, maintaining eye contact, and leaning towards the person who’s speaking are all forms of positive body language that high-EQ people use to draw others in. Positive body language can make all the difference in a conversation.

It’s true that how you say something can be more important than what you say.

7. They leave a strong first impression. Research shows most people decide whether or not they like you within the first seven seconds of meeting you. They then spend the rest of the conversation internally justifying their initial reaction. This may sound terrifying, but by knowing this you can take advantage of it to make huge gains in your likability. First impressions are tied intimately to positive body language. Strong posture, a firm handshake, smiling, and opening your shoulders to the person you are talking to will help ensure that your first impression is a good one.

8. They greet people by name. Your name is an essential part of your identity, and it feels terrific when people use it. Likable people make certain they use others’ names every time they see them. You shouldn’t use someone’s name only when you greet him. Research shows that people feel validated when the person they’re speaking with refers to them by name during a conversation.

If you’re great with faces but have trouble with names, have some fun with it and make remembering people’s names a brain exercise. When you meet someone, don’t be afraid to ask her name a second time if you forget it right after you hear it. You’ll need to keep her name handy if you’re going to remember it the next time you see her.

9. They smile. People naturally (and unconsciously) mirror the body language of the person they’re talking to. If you want people to like you, smile at them during a conversation and they will unconsciously return the favor and feel good as a result.

10. They know who to touch (and they touch them). When you touch someone during a conversation, you release oxytocin in their brain, a neurotransmitter that makes their brain associate you with trust and a slew of other positive feelings. A simple touch on the shoulder, a hug, or a friendly handshake is all it takes to release oxytocin. Of course, you have to touch the right person in the right way to release oxytocin, as unwanted or inappropriate touching has the opposite effect. Just remember, relationships are built not just from words, but also from general feelings about each other. Touching someone appropriately is a great way to show you care.

11. They balance passion and fun. People gravitate toward those who are passionate. That said, it’s easy for passionate people to come across as too serious or uninterested because they tend to get absorbed in their work. Likable people balance their passion with the ability to have fun. At work they are serious, yet friendly. They still get things done because they are socially effective in short amounts of time and they capitalize on valuable social moments. They minimize small talk and gossip and instead focus on having meaningful interactions with their coworkers. They remember what you said to them yesterday or last week, which shows that you’re just as important to them as their work.

Bringing It All Together

Likable people are invaluable and unique. They network with ease, promote harmony in the workplace, bring out the best in everyone around them, and generally seem to have the most fun. Add these skills to your repertoire and watch your likability soar!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.

Follow Dr. Travis Bradberry on Twitter: www.twitter.com/talentsmarteq

6.07.2020

**

Birthday: Manny Pacquiao & His Recent College Graduation

 card by NoteCardCafe

Happy Birthday to Mr. Manny Pacquiao -- an all-around sports Champion, Politician, and Nice-Guy to boot! 

He also has one more accomplishment to add to his many trophies:  college grad!

He received his university degree from the University of Makati, PI :  
Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Local Government Administration.

Not bad for a poor kid with hardly anything but fast feet and a wicked punch.

Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao Just Got His Bachelor's Degree: 'It Is Never Too Late' - by People Magazine

pc: Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao is already the only boxer in history to win major world titles in eight different weight classes, but now, he’s a college grad too.

The 40-year-old athlete graduated from University of Makati in the Philippines this week, he revealed on social media, posting several photos from his graduation ceremony.

Pacquiao said that he received a bachelor of arts degree in political science, local government administration.

Alongside the happy images, Pacquiao shared a powerful message, “Let us engrave this in our hearts: It is never too late to dream bigger dreams. It is never too late to accomplish our dreams. LIVE YOUR PASSION, not just for yourself, but for your family and for our country.”

Pacquiao’s new degree will be put to good use — he currently serves as a senator in the Philippines.

Read the People Magazine article H E R E

Pacquiao Degreed!

My Boss: Senator Pacquaio

Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao




***

Fine Art: How to Buy Wisely

art by Agnes Rathonyi

This is a practical and helpful article by kristikohut studio.

Kristi Kohut's Art is on my bucket list: Modern. Bright. Colorful.  Beautiful.

This month, I will be looking and possibly shopping for Fine Art.  Articles such as this are always good for reference.


MAKE A HOUSE A HOME: HOW TO BUY FOR YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

Art is personal, and nowhere is that statement truer than when you’re decorating your home. And selecting work isn’t just about whether you like the flowers or faces in a particular painting. Artworks are, ultimately, objects in space that work in concert with the objects, surfaces, and barriers around them. Here’s some tips for hitting the picture nail on the head.

Keep placement top of mind

First, where will the work go? You can either shop for work by looking to fill a particular space, or by being open to what art speaks to you and then figuring out where it will go. While the latter sounds more romantic—and a personal connection is one of the most important reasons to invest in art—you might find it less overwhelming to keep your space in mind as you shop.

Know your dimensions

Consider both the height and width of the available wall space. Is it in a corner, bookended by windows, above a bed frame, or adjacent to other artwork? It’s important to give other architectural features or furnishings room to breathe: if the available space is 6 feet wide, you may want a foot or more left free on either side of a frame. If you don’t feel like you have an intuitive eye for scale, use blue painter’s tape to mark out a rectangle on a wall and see how its boundaries engage with the surrounding space.

Protect against sunlight

Generally speaking, you can never have too much natural light at home. But the sun can cause the same damage to art that it does to skin. UV rays fade colors, and even the daily heat from a sunny window can cause work (especially paints and glues) to crack. While it’s certainly ok to further enhance the mood of a sunny room with art, prioritize walls that don’t receive direct sunlight—somewhat counterintuitively, that can actually be the walls that hold the windows. Be sure you know the full spectrum of light on a given wall throughout the day so you can help your artwork live its longest, most vibrant life.

Factor in color

Speaking of vibrancy, don’t forget to account for the color palette of your space. Works of art are always in conversation with their fellow paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures. But wall color, furniture fabrics and finishes, accent decor, and even the floor will also have some say in  how your artwork presents itself. And be sure to factor in the tone of the mat, as well as the color and texture of a frame in addition to the hues of the artwork.

IBIZA abstract painting

Don’t forget about the mood

Last but not least, let your feelings come into play. Though we’re not advocating for impulse buys (but if that’s your style, no judgement!), one of art’s greatest gifts is the way it impacts our mindset. Think about how you currently, or hope to, feel in a certain room. Do you wish to cultivate calm in the bedroom, conversation in the dining room, and focus in a study or den? Choose works that align you with the way you like to use your space.

pc: Hapiart, FB

HOW TO BUY FOR YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

***

The Importance of Posture

What makes someone outwardly and inwardly beautiful?  POSTURE!!

I just had to re-post this entry from someone I follow on IG. (Note:  I do not always agree with Ms Crawford, but I find some of her posts worth the read). 

Here’s my gorgeous friend @vickiarcher with her fabulous silver grey hair . She is one of the most intelligent, interesting , hard working, stylish, clever women I know. I’m always so invigorated after seeing her .. she’s so cool, so informed so ahead of what’s happening in the world. She has started many conversations on her super successful blog that resonates with women of my age ...#betternotyounger is her famous hashtag. Recently @vickiarcher has become a granny, a boutique hotelier in St Remy and done up her fabulous London flat. She juggles her many businesses and projects and now she has written what I call a inspirational Beauty eBook! “20 Best Kept Beauty Secrets”. I’ve read it twice because it’s not long and I loved it.I’ve also given it to my daughters. One chapter sent a shock of recognition and it was on “Posture”. This is something I’ve got to become more aware of ... I often slouch in chairs, I run around unconsciously not holding myself upright engaging my core mostly because it’s hard work, I’m lazy and I forget. A video someone took of me alerted me to my somewhat haphazard posture. After reading @jordonpeterson brilliant book “12 Rules for Life” the first chapter is “Stand up straight with your shoulders back” It’s clear Posture is a BIG DEAL. This chapter is about dominance, hierarchical structures and why bad posture indicates being defeated by life and all its terrible consequences and good posture sends an important message to the world and to yourself .. and all its wonderful consequences. It’s a hallmark of taking on responsibility and being resilient. In @vickiarcher eBook “20 Best Kept Beauty Secrets” she says that upright and confident posture is the beginning of beauty, that it shows and creates a positive state of mind ... she says it really is one of the simplest ways to feel and look more youthful. I couldn’t agree more. Her uplifting book is lovely reminder and a précis of everything that makes someone beautiful in body and spirit. I’m off to Aqua aerobics ( my version of Pilates ) with my stomach held tight, my core engaged, my back straight ..... I hope I’m still remembering this at 11 am ! Serena Crawford

23.07.2020

**

Cricketer C T Studd Wrote a World-Famous Poem

Charles Thomas Studd was born 159 years ago (2 December 1860 – 16 July 1931).  He is often known as C. T. Studd and was a British Christian missionary to China and to Africa. He died in the Belgian Congo at age 70 while doing Christian work.

According to his conversion narrative, the preacher asked him if he [C T] believed God's promises to give believers eternal life, and as Charles would only go so far as to profess he believed Jesus Christ died, the guest pressed the point, and Charles then believed on the Lord Jesus for salvation. Charles later recalled the moment:

"I got down on my knees and I did say 'thank you' to God. And right then and there joy and peace came into my soul. I knew then what it was to be 'born again,' and the Bible which had been so dry to me before, became everything. -- wikipedia

Praise the Lord for his conversion!!  C T is better known to us nowadays as the author of a very famous poem:  Only One Life, 'Twill Soon Be Past.  Artwork was a gift from a dear friend. 

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

— extra stanza —

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee

Charles Thomas Studd

Belgian Congo

**

**

CS Lewis & President John Kennedy

pc: wikipedia

Author, Clive Staples Lewis, was born on November 29, 1898.  His day of death was largely overshadowed by the assassination of President John F Kennedy on the same day (November 22, 1963), approximately 55 minutes after Mr Lewis collapsed. 

Based on  the authority of holy scripture, I can say that one man was eternally saved in Christ, while the other perished into an awful Christ-less eternity.  Good works, fame, family wealth and earthly power had no bearing whatsoever. "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him [Jesus]: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. -- Mere Christianity

C S Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia





**