Circus Gratitude

Certain “things” are a ‘Sure Thing’ to increase my gratitude. Today I spent time with my family at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Yes, it was the “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus” Ringling!

Gratitude-Mansion

(Picture from Ringling.org)

In 1911, John Ringling and his wife, Mable purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota, Florida.
They proceeded to build Cà d’Zan (The House of John). This mansion has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings and were available to be toured. Let your gratitude fly as you walk through this building. It was tough to imagine that this was someone’s home!

Not only were the furnishing amazing, but the architecture was awesome! Even through I don’t think I would want to live there (after all, the furnishing and decor was from the early 1900’s) it certainly was a sight to behold. The view out on the terrace overlooking the water WAS something that I am sure I could get used to.

Setting a goal to have my own home like this may not be for me. Even if money was no problem and I could afford something like this, my style is different. I would like something on the water, but I think I have less lavish tastes. Would my answer be different if my lifestyle were different? I don’t know. But given where I am now, I can easily express my gratitude for my current ‘simple’ home.

Since vacation is still going strong for me right now, this post is a little short… But I will be back with more of an update tomorrow. Until then –

Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru

7 Comments

  1. Melissa Smith on February 19, 2011 at 7:33 am

    And, Paul, we are grateful as your family to have spent the day with you and your beautiful wife. Sharing Sarasota landmarks such as the Ca d’ Zan is always wonderful, especially when someone is as open and easy going as you, makes it all the better.

  2. Laurence Hansen on February 19, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    You have brought a smile to my face along with images of the Bradenton and Sarasota area from when my in laws lived there. Thank-you.

  3. Joy Randall on February 19, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Thank for bringing to our attention that we don’t have to be grateful for getting what we wanted, it is an attitude to carry with us in all things. I really appreciate your words, enjoy your vacation!

  4. Debra Pickford on February 19, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    Be grateful for where you are at is such an feat in itself! So many people see homes like this and wish “if Only” it’s refreshing to hear people happy right were they are!! Thanks for sharing

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  6. james samy on February 20, 2011 at 7:32 am

    Simple and short post Paul. Thank you sharing is simple post … enjoy your vaction and have fun

  7. Victoria Gazeley on February 20, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    How fun! I love museums – thanks for sharing this one with us.

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