Nov
14
Finding Beauty – Survey
Filed Under Fridays Finding Beauty | 53 comments
The following TRUE STORY is new to me. I found it this early this morning. Many of you might have seen this, but bare with me to the end– I have a good question for you–
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The child stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, a onetime child prodigy, presently one of the greatest musicians of the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post (for Full story click here) as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.
The questions raised:
*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*Do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…
How many other things are we missing?
I know that taking a moment to capture that specific moment in time (with my Blog persuading me) has helped me to see more of the ordinary beauty that surrounds us daily. Perhaps it’s not that we don’t notice the beauty but maybe we don’t let it make an imprint on your minds and hearts.
Mary At Little Red House is hostessing another Mosaic Monday, stop by and see her.
In January… when life takes on a bit slower pace I was wondering if any of you would like to Participate with me on Fridays for “Finding Beauty – from the simple to the grand” ??
Please just make a note in your comments if you think you might want to join in …
Survey Time!!
OHHH and while you are at the comment box please leave me a suggestion for great movies– I love movies and am in charge of selecting the movie for our Monthly Girls night IN (I bring the movie) I need wonderful suggestions of perhaps ones I have forgotten. (Gimmie your top 3 please!)
Visit Beverly at Pink Saturday and see all the creative gals over there.
Thanks so much for your comments and help!
TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥
November 14, 2009 at 12:29 am | Fridays Finding Beauty | 53 comments
Comments
53 Responses to “Finding Beauty – Survey”
Leave a Reply
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Finding Beauty in our Every Day Lives
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Fairfiel House
Categories
- America
- American Idol
- Art
- Autumn
- Autumn Crafts
- Before and After
- Blog beginnings
- christmas
- clouds
- cottages
- December
- DipityRoad
- dreamy
- engagement
- Fairys
- Fall
- Family
- Farmers Market
- Favorite Things
- flowers
- Fourth of July
- Fridays Finding Beauty
- Friends
- Gatitude Attitude
- Halloween
- Heart Strings
- Hearts
- Holidays
- Imperfection Celebration
- Inspiration
- Interior design
- Living Beautiful
- love
- Memories
- Mosaic
- Movies
- Mr C
- Music
- Musings
- My studio
- Outdoor Wednesday
- Photography
- Pink
- Sam Kitty
- serendipity
- spring
- summer
- Tablescapes
- Tangents
- Texture
- Travel
- Uncategorized
- Videos
- Where Bloggers Create
- winter
- Writing
Recent Comments
Happy Pink Saturday, Claudia.
I had read about this occurrence. It is amazing the things people fail to take the time to enjoy. We have so many blessings in our lives, and it is glorious to enjoy each and every one. Your idea sounds wonderful.
My favorite movie is Out Of Africa. My favorite that I have seen this year is The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Hi Claudia and Happy Pink Saturday, This just made my skin crawl to wonder what I would have done and perhaps what I would have missed. I would just love to do the Friday Finding Beauty and think it is a unique and brilliant idea! Please remind us though, maybe by email? And I just saw This Is It and loved it, missed Julia and Julie but the one I am looking forward to is the new Sandra Bullock due out on the 20th. I saw the previews and it is amazing. Hugs, Mollye
I’d love to participate in “finding beauty”. Re: the movie -
the BBC version of “Shadowlands”
I’ve seen this, and I was amazed as well. Neat experiment. It reminds me of the song by Joni Mitchell about the guy standing on the corner playing his clarinet for free. Maybe that’s where the idea hatched.
I don’t think I can take on another Meme, but I do have suggestions for you for movies. I love the movie “French Kiss” starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. He sings “La Mer” in it which is enough to make me watch it. It’s funny and touching, a romantic comedy. I also love “IQ” which is another of her movies, and in it she plays Einstein’s niece. It’s a feel good movie, too. I love the version of “Little Women” starring Susan Sarandon as Marme and Winona Rider as Jo. The snow scenes and costumes are fabulous.
Then there is a movie that I always enjoyed called, “Impromptu.” It stars some great actors: the Australian actress Judy Davis as the controversial French novelist Geoge Sand, Hugh Grant as Chopin (her love interest), Mandy Patinkin (sp) Sand’s former lover is great in this, Emma Thompson as a French aristocrat, etc. Great cast, fine acting, and fascinating story. Has some wonderfully comedic moments, and some poignant ones, too. But it involves some of the greatest literary and musical talent of the 1800′s.
Happy Pink Saturday…
XO,
Sheila
I have heard this story before, but it always makes me stop and think. Even on a yucky rainy day like I’m having today, I looked out my window and saw 1 yellow leaf on a tree, surrounded by many other naked trees. I didn’t know if that was sad or hopeful, so I went with hopeful. I think I would enjoy a meme dedicated to finding the small special things in every day life.
Hope you’ll be stopping by for a PS visit!
It’s sad that sometimes we don’t slow downlong enough to know and hold the real beauty for a short time. What an opputurnity (sp?) missed. *deep sighs. I am one of the ones needing to slow down and smell the roses. I would love to join in your Friday meme. If you could somehow have a remender just before so I won’t forget, as I think it’s a wonderful idea. Happy Pink Saturday and have a lovely weekend filled with pretty pinks.
Happy Pinks, Claudia! First off, I’m one of those people who stops to listen and always put something in the hat. Use to drive my kids nuts! ha! But now, they too take a moment to appreciate the little gifts of beauty that occur daily.
Movie suggestions…well, I have to say there is a 2005 film that was directed by Woody Allen (he only directs, doesn’t appear in the film) called “Match Point.” It is a dramatic thriller in a non-traditional approach. More of an emotional rollercoaster. If you haven’t seen it, you might be quite surprised by your emotional reactions and emotional…shifts. Stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers (sookie sookie!) Scarlett Johansson and Emily Mortimer.
My next suggestion is a three-parter. I can’t say enough about it! Based on Edith Wharton’s novel of the same name. It is the PBS TV mini-series released in 1995; “The Buccaneers.” It has a wonderful cast, I love Mira Sorvino’s character, Conchita Closson, and Carla Gugino’s character, Nan St. George. There are other versions (film, other mini-series, etc.) but this is the one worth watching!
My last suggestion is a film that I just cherish despite a smige of weak acting. It is a film released in 1961, The “Pleasure of His Company;” starring Fred Astaire, Lilli Palmer, Charles Ruggles, (a very young) Debbie Reynolds, Gary Merrill and Tab Hunter. I adore this film! This is not a musical by any means. It’s a very light, charming film with some very funny and sweet sentimental scenes.
Sorry to have gone on as I did…can you tell film is one of my passions? ha!
Have a lovely weekend!
Tina
I cannot believe I wouldn’t have stopped. But, as a frequent visitor to New Orleans, I am accustomed to stopping to listen to music. Still, when on a schedule? who knows?
Yes, I would be interested in participating and encouraging myself to find beauty in Vermont. The touted beauty here doesn’t even appeal to me so there must be something and I would like to find it.
On movies, I am drawing a total blank. We have seen so few in the past four years.
Happy Pink Saturday!
Be sure to stop by to enter my gift certificate giveaway! Leave a comment so I know you were there!
PLEASEEEEE!!!!! Strictly Ballroom!!! We took friends to three different movie theatres in two different states, and all three times people stood and clapped at the end!! It is so much fun and will have you all up and dancing, great Aussie film. Everything is sacred, plant , animal, human, created by a loving Father. So there is beauty everywhere!
“Finding Beauty” sounds like a good idea! I had read this story about Joshua Bell. I always stop and listen to street musicians. When I was in San Diego the woman playing in Balboa Park added so much to our picnic. I thanked her.
Movies – can’t g0 wrong with Cary Grant!
Great idea Claudia! I would love to join Finding Beauty Friday! I’ve heard movie stars say that too. Before they were famous they couldn’t get a date, then become famous and are mobbed every where they go! Funny the things we place such high value on in our lives. I saw the movie The Proposal not too long ago and thought it was funny and cute! Great for a Girls Night. It’s with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. A good romantic comedy! Hope you are having a good weekend! Sherri : )
Happy Pink Saturday/Sunday!
I think your January idea is a great one. I love to find the beauty just simply in a fallen leaf but my DH….he is always in a hurry to get nowhere. I fuss at him all the time telling him that he loves his home and lake property so much but he doesn’t stop to actually enjoy it.
i would like to think i would have stopped and listened to him. i do tend to stop and “smell the roses of life” also, because by nature i’m very curious or as my husband puts it just plain NOSY!. thank you for your invite to your blog keep me posted on the up coming event you will be doing.
marie
Hi Claudia, I love the story! It is so true how we hurry on our day, forgetting to see all the beauty around us! About 15 years ago, I had a brain tumor and I was going in to have it removed and I didn’t know what the outcome would be, I was a workaholic at our business and everyday I would hurry in the back door to my office. One day right berfore the surgery, as I was walking in, I noticed a rose bush by my back door, it had the most beautiful roses on it, I remember stopping to stare at this one rose, the beauty was breathtaking, and then it dawned on me, that rose bush has been there for years, why haven’t I ever noticed those beautiful roses before? Why? because I was always in a hurry rushing in, never stopping to notice the beauty of the world until the day I thought I wasn’t never going to see it again. It was a life changing experience, not only did I retire young, I always stop now to smell the roses….
Enjoyed your blog, thanks for stopping by mine, I will be back!
~Ann
…Finding Beauty sounds right up my alley!
I know we miss a lot of things. I always feel as if I take plenty of time to see things in new perspectives – but then somebody points out something that completely flew over my head.
You didn’t mention the kinds of films your group likes to see. If you’re into fairly new movies, I thought “Burn Before Reading” was a lot of fun. If you’re into classic movies, you can’t go wrong with a Hitchcock, such as “Rear Window,” “Vertigo,” “North by Northwest,” or “Strangers on a Train.” If you like musicals, “Chicago,” “Hairspray,” and “Dreamgirls” are all fun. My favorite movies are film noirs – “Pick Up on South Street,” “The Big Sleep,” “Farewell My Lovely,” “Kiss Me Deadly,” “Murder My Sweet,” “Maltese Falcon,” and “Double Indemnity.”
I’m a huge classic movie fan LOL.
Thanks for your comments on my blog this morning!
I love your Finding Beauty on Fridays idea! I would be happy to join in and would be something to look forward to after the holidays.
Loved your post and it is sad how we sometimes are too into our own worlds to even stop for a moment to see, to listen, to absorb, to touch…beauty can certainly be found anywhere but first must be perceived…
Oh Claudia,
What a brilliant idea, I will surely want to participate. January is here before we know it.
I love that you want to help people to notice the beauty around them. I think many times in the middle of our busyness, we are blind to the feast of blessings that is given to us every day.
Karen
I know I would have stopped to listen, loving the violin like I do. I most certainly would have applauded if I was still there when he finished!
I’d love to join you with Finding Beauty on Fridays. Using a camera so much has reminded me that beauty is everywhere – in the middle of a muddy street you might find a gorgeous autumn leaf!
Three fav movies would be… let’s see… Iron Will is wonderful for family night; I love Room With a View (but it’s hard to find), The Inheritance is another rather obscure movie that’s very sweet.
Interesting experiment but I think the results would have been easy to guess, noting the location. :0) I guess I am a realist!
Movies:
~ Dan in Real Life
~ Shakespeare in Love
~ Circle of Friends
What a beautiful story, I think it was a brilliant idea! Yes we all need to slow down and especially notice our fellow man. I am not going to be able to participate as much as I can but I will pop by for sure because I love seeking beauty in everything and it’s nice to meet a new person who does too!
I don’t have a lot of time for movies right now as I am back in school but I personally love period dramas. The Duchess was great and made a good conversation about strong women and how grateful one can be for modern society!
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
Molly
Absolutely amazing post. I, for one, would have definitely stopped and listened and probably donated too. I’m a Boston resident and spent all of my 35 years working in Boston, although now I work out of my home. I used to love listening to the amazing artists and groups that would play in the train stations. The music was always exceptional.
Love the idea of Finding Beauty Fridays. A few of my favorite movies:
Pay It Forward(Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt), A Beautiful Mind (R. Crowe), The Color Purple, Stealing Beauty, Greenfingers, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Age of Innocence, Marie Antoinette (K. Dunst), Somewhere in Time, The Family Man(Nicholas Cage, Hancock (Will Smith), Moonstruck (Cher, Cage), As Good As It Gets
Hi Claudia
I didn’t hear this story about Joshua Bell, but in a way I’m not surprised so many quickly passed him by. Living in NYC, I often see musicians performing in subway stations, in fact the MTA holds auditions to apply to perform in prime stations, but most people are rushing off to work, meetings, doctor appointments, dropping off or picking up the kids from day care or school — not many have the luxury to stop and listen for long. I’m sure they would appreciate the brief seconds they heard the music however, and I often see people show their appreciation by tipping the musician.
I’d love to join in on your Friday “Finding Beauty” meme in January!
My favorite movies are Moon Struck, Casablanca, The Ghost & Mrs Muir, anything with Shirley Temple, You’ve Got Mail, The Notebook, Braveheart, Princess Bride, Labyrinth, The Never Ending Story, The In-Laws ( so funny!) Amelie ( French with subtitles), Little Women ( both old and new) Cinema Paradiso ( Italian with subtitles) Life Is Beautiful ( Italian with subtitles)
Recently we watched Casanova staring Heath Ledger and enjoyed all the scenes of Venice!
Hi Claudia! I’m so glad you stopped by and took the time to say hi~ I might have never found your wonderful blog!! It is sad that we often don’t see the beauty in life….. or we look right past it…… It’s also a shame people are judged by appearance, how many truly lovely people go unoticed because of it??
And, I would love to participate on my blog if you do the Friday feature, just please let me know!
As for movies, the only one I can think of right now is one I just watched with my daughter…. “Michael” with John Travolta~~ loved it!!
And, not a “bring home” movie yet, BUT if you get a chance, you should go see “the Christmas Carol” with Jim Carrey in 3D, I just saw it on Friday, had never seen 3D or IMAX, and I can’t stop talking about it, LOL!!
Have a wonderful week!
What an amazing story! Now I need to read the whole thing!
As for movies, I could watch “Sleepless In Seattle” over and over.
m ^..^
What an interesting story…of course I like to think that I would have stopped and enjoyed the concert…but you never know about reactions.
I think the meme would be great…it has a lot of potential in that the subject is so broad.
What a marvelous posting! Loved it!! Had heard this before and was in amazement.
The older I get, the slower I walk..the slower I walk, the more beauty around me I see. When my first little grandson was born, he spent a LOT of time at my house. We went on walks, always searching for treasures. And, boy, did we find them…a feather, a rock, a little earthworm….all kinds of great things. It is when I first started noticing all the good things around us. Then, blogging came along and opened my eyes to beauty even more. I tend to think that I would have stopped and listened to that wonderful talent playing those beautiful songs. I would like to THINK I would, anyway!! :O)
Movies…oh, my…I have so many favorites…
Tombstone with Kurt Russell
The Glenn Miller Story (oldie but goodie)
The Perposal (Sandra Bullock…so so good!!)
Ghost
Dirty Dancing (one of my very favorites)
Bridges of Madison County (just delightful)
oh so many more…I LOVE movies and watch all I can!
xo bj
What a wonderful blog! I love your story about Joshua Bell. So true!
As far as a movie, and a chick flick- how about Sense and Sensibility, Ever After, Gone With The Wind, It’s a Wonderful Life, An Affair To Remember,Sabrina, Little Women, and a fabulous old movie Rebecca.
Have a wonderful movie night!
Yvonne
Hello my friend
Sorry it took so long to get here.
I would love to participate in January. Great idea. Beauty is only skin deep? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder? What else? Did I get them right? should be interesting and fun.
I have seen and read the story of Josh before. Very interesting.I always throw in a Loonie or a Toonie. That would be our dollar and two dollar coins.
As for fav movies? Do you have an hour?
Top of my head.
I.Q.
Knotting Hill
It could happen to You (really cute Nicholas Cage, Bridget Fonda)
DeLovely (love all the music)
Laws of Attraction George Clooney, Jones
The BIG FISH….. love it, very whimsical
French Kiss
Somewhere in Time
Pride and Prejudice and for something fun with great music..
Bride and Prejudice funny and fun.
A night at the Museum
Serendipity (I think you know that one lol)
I could go on and on and on. Can you tell we are movie buffs?
Love You Ms. Utah
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo
Wow, what a wonderful post. And so true. I have been noticing much more now than in the past. Your photos and mosaic are truly beautiful.
I really stopped and thought about this one. What would I have done? I think certain life events can make you stop and enjoy the beauty around you. They can change your perception of everything. I would say that I would have stopped to soak in the beauty. Although I haven’t had a chance to read all of your comments yet, I would have to say that most people who blog would have done the same. Don’t we all like to share the beauty in our lives with others and receive the same back. I sure do! Thanks so much for stopping by and joining our blog party!
Denise
Claudia, you hit close to home for me with this one. My hometown in my mosaic this week is home to many wonderful musicians. There are a number of them regularly who play on the street and being the observer I am experience what you described somewhat. They also, I’m happy to say, experience appreciation for what they’re doing. I try to give when I can and recognize they’re work. I’ve photographed many of them as well. I would love to participate in your “Finding Beauty” meme. Wonderful idea! Love your collage(lest I forget) amazing colors and light! And the movie question, might I suggest “Swing Kids”, it’s an older bit obscure movie with Christian Bale and Robert Sean Leonard as teens in a Hitler Germany. Have a great week! ~Jeanne
Hi Claudia, Love the fall mosaic.
I think I saw a video of this experiment and one lady finally recognized that this was a renowned violinist and stood and listened. I hope that I’m awake enough to see the beauty and hear the beauty created for us to enjoy…
Fascinating story and post … one I’ll be mulling over for a while. Being in the moment and noticing what’s happening around us is a habit worth cultivating for there’s more beauty to be seen than we might realize when we’re in a hurry. Thanks for sharing
Hugs and blessings,
This was the best post. I believe I would have stopped and listened for awhile, because music is so important to me and I appreciate classical music having taken about 14 years of classical piano when I was young. I would be interested in joining in in your ”Finding Beauty Fridays”.
Now, for girlie movies, I love “Remains of the Day” and “You’ve Got Mail.
Yes Claudia, we go see things differently when we want to photograph them. Great mosaic.
I have read that story about Joshua Bell before and was amazed.
Ever since I got my dslr camera I have been in awe of the beauty we so often completely pass by without a second glance, the intricacies and delicate make up of everyday things evoke feelings of gratitude and awe.
Nice to know others are thinking the same way.
me again – sorry I didn’t read the part about the favorite movies. Here is a link to more than 3 – I was sick for 4 weeks and well – watched too many movies and of course blogged about it!
http://www.composition-life.bl.....l-tea.html
Hi Claudia
Love your autumn mosaic, and I thought of another fun movie: ”Calendar Girls” Hugs, Pat
survey sounds like a really good idea, it will be a hard month for everyone
the story i have heard before and a very good lesson for me in there and the waly we dress does not really reveal al our talents!!!!
i host a womens ministry meeting every month and usually in january we have a pj party and watch a video afterward for the second year in a row now we have watched miss rose white an emmy awad winner of 1992. it is a bit old fashioned but a little bit of a tear jerker too ut very touching …. your ladies will love it.
Hi Claudia
Love your autumn mosaic – never get tired of looking at pics of my favourite season.
A favourite movie of mine is ‘One Special Night’ with Julie Andrews and James Garner. It is definitely one us older gals can identify with.
Isn’t that an amazing story…does indeed make me slow my pace. Getting into this blogging world has opened my eyes…I’m no where near the greatest blogger or picture taker but it has made me really look around. Your Finding Beauty idea sounds wonderful. The blogging world also reminds me of how small my little world could be if I didn’t get to peek into others worlds each day.
Your mosaic is my favorite of the week, simply gorgeous.
I simple love Autumn, and your mosaic represent the beauty of the season. Just lovely!
What an amazing story and so sad we are always in such a hurry we can’t stop and appreciate true art.
My all time favorite - Sense and Sensibility
What a great story. I have to say that photography has made me stop and look for the beauty in the world. I can’t imagine I would have passed up hearing such beautiful music but then I bet that’s what all of those other people would have said.
I have to put in my vote for French Kiss my favorite, Amelie, and Chocolat (see a pattern here?)
Bonnie
Love your mosaic and I totally agree with. Blogging helps you to see more than you normally do…lol. Many times things I would just see and forget about I think, “Wow, I have to share this with everyone”.
Three movies huh? Ok, I love Finding Nemo. I know it’s a kids movie, but I love it. I thinks it a parent loving their child movie. I also love The Princess Bride. “My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!” And then, The Devil Wears Prada…there’s clothes and shoes, need I say more? Have a great movie night and be sure to let us know what you chose.
I too would have liked to think I would have stopped but it depends on how much in a hurry I was. Most people’s lives are so busy these days that they really don’t have time to stop and smell the roses (or listen to the music). I think it is a reflection on our culture that forces most of us to adhere to some schedule or another and just follow the rules. We are trained drones really. As to movies, there are so many beautiful ones.We just saw Pelham 123 with Denzel Washington and John Travolta . We all thought it was quite well done.
I read about that awhile ago… great story! Maybe we should pay more attention to street musicians!
I found beauty right there in your mosaic!
Love your “fall mosaic” – already MISSING the colors as they’re gone here!
MOVIE: Thomas Kinkade’s “Christmas Cottage”
This movie was a sweet surprise – great for the upcoming holidays, a little corny at times but WONDERFUL overall. Peter O’Toole plays a magnificent role as an aged artist – he turns any movie into magic!!!