Month: December 2019

While in our recent visit to the bustling metropolitan city of Phoenix, we visited a beautiful little gem of a Native American history museum. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park​​​​ allows you a glimpse into the life of the Hohokam people. Hohokam people had a unique relationship with the environment. You will be able to take advantage of the hands-on gallery that explains the process of archaeology, and the changing exhibit gallery, which features rotating exhibits on a wide variety of fascinating topics.

Our kids always have so much fun learning about this part of our rich history.

Hohokam Pueblo Museum (Phoenix, AZ)

Hohokam Pueblo Museum (Phoenix, AZ)

The day was so beautiful and after strolling through this great museum and we were able to do a little more sightseeing through town and did another great stop – Hole-in-the-Rock. Keith and Xavier were the only two that were dressed for that hike and took on the challenge!! The rest of us meandered around the surrounding area which looked like a watering hole in the backwaters of the Nile…

Hope you are enjoying our journey updates as much as we are enjoying our journey…

“Remember in not just the destination, but the Joy of Journey…”

Many have commented on the evolving “look” that my better-half, Keith has been sporting this past year. His facial hair has indeed been on a journey of its own… Many have concluded that he has become a “mountain man”. However, though he is not a stranger to facial hair this new transition to “full-bearded” Keith has taken many by surprise… I laugh a little as so many puzzles over his choice… Yet, when looking around it seems that “beards” have become the last frontier of masculinity that men have left (to quote a very funny comedian)… And in some aspects, I think this may be true…Whether sporting a mustache, a 2-day stumble or a well-groomed (or not so well) full beard men embraced facial hair all around us.

Beginning of the stumbles

The groomed 5-day stubble

A little bit “grizzly”

Looking throughout history men’s facial hair has had diverse meanings (such as masculinity, royalty, fashion, and status.) Many civilizations went as far as creating “fake beards” to achieve this imposing look (i.e. Egyptians)…Many have as intricate grooming rituals as we see today. Items as beard curling iron (to create fanciful cascading curls) to beard oils and specialty dyes to look more “dashing”. Beards have been seen as a sign of wisdom by some while others as a sign of “aggression and authority “…(in the Middle Ages – if one man touched another’s beard it could be construed as a sign of aggression and a duel 🤺 could be issued – glad this is not the case now or Keith would be issuing tons of duel to me…lol)

Of course, one core practicality is that it also keeps your face warm (Keith’s favorite attribute), his least favorite… drinks dripping from the beard constantly – and must be constantly wiped off (🙄)…Whether you are a fan of the fuzzy and full beard look or the smooth and clean-shaved  one… Beards are here to stay…As for me (humble wife) as long as it’s clean and groomed, we’ll live with whatever facial hair makes our better half happy…

Starting to look a lot fuller

Yet full beard its full glory

Mountain Man!!!

While in our visit to California. I was able to take the opportunity to have a day out with my special “girl” who loves history just as much as I do. Her love for ancient Egypt is contagious and she was beside her self when I discovered that near us was an Egyptian Museum…

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum holds one of the most extensive collections of Egyptians artifacts in western North America. Yet, it’s not just their interior exhibits that draw you in, but the entire complex. Not sure what to expect when we first arrived, it was such a delightful surprise to have been greeted by a lush “Nile” like-garden landscape. They recreated a mini temple, garden, and even a labyrinth for outside exploration. Also, as part of the museum complex, the Rosicrucian Planetarium which is currently been remodeled (we were disappointed to have missed). If your interests run deeper than just a visit to a great museum, a research library is available upon request. Even though their entrance fee was quite moderate, they still provided great deals for students too.

Each section takes you through a respective era of the known kingdoms and people of the areas. One thing to mention is the museum also included other civilizations that throughout history came into contact with the Egyptians and their influence (including if they conquer the land for a period)…

Hope y’all are ready for some history geeky photos’:

Back Facade of Museum

Walking through the garden grounds

Ella is contemplating her sennet move!

The world of mummification (the Egyptians took this very seriously- they not only mummified themselves- but everything they could get their hands on for their “afterlives” comforts)…

Ella – with a very shinny mummy

A Princess Coffin -woman like man receive mummification

mummy’s shroud

So this is a Nile Catfish – mummified…umm tasty for the after life!

Sorry – (bit graphic) yes a real mummy!

Fascinating to me (and hopefully to you) was how meticulous they were about all aspects of their life. They kept great record and all sorts of writing implements. Tools for trade. For home my favorite if you have not guess were their kitchen items – they had a full set of MEASURING CUPS for baking!!! How awesome is that??? Ella preferred to look at all the fancy bead works and all implements of tools they use to make their beautification routines.

Capstone from Ancient Building

Samples of intricate bead work as this necklace

Copper Mirrors, elements to grinds to make famous “kohl”

Head rest – ancient day pillows

Kitchen tools – Full set of measuring cups

Tools of the trade – Fishing

Blown glass usually to hold perfumes or oils

Lastly, a great replica of the interior of a burial tomb as you descend into the “lower” area on the museum to insight a real feel experience…

Selfie before going into the tomb

She is sooo serious

(She was so mad at my pose!!) lol

Wall painting inside the tombs to provide the “picture of the perfect after life”

Hope you enjoyed our little “detour” as much as we did…

”Remember it’s not just the destination, it’s the Joy of the Journey…”