Solomon's Castle

Last year, Austin and I visited this quirky place.  It ended up being one of our favorite things since we went on the road.  We have tried to explain what it was about this place that captured our hearts, but it is really hard to put it into words.  Last week, Nathan and Aric were able to see what all the hoopla was about.

 

First, there is the castle.  This eye catching art studio/home was built by Howard Solomon. 

Then there is the art.  If you hadn't realized there is a sense of humor in the artist just by seeing the castle, you will know it after seeing the art.

 

Some of the art, like the stained glass windows, is so beautiful.

The bonus to this neat place, is Howard Solomon.

 

I think Aric said he was one of the funniest guys he has ever met.  When you take the tour, and hear his life story, he is equally impressive in his drive to follow his own path.  Given we are living a somewhat out of the box lifestyle in order to pursue our dreams, we always respect it when someone else is bold enough to do the same. 

 

And we love it when someone finds a way to take what is burning inside of them, and instead of quenching that thing...finding a way to keep it alive, and share it with the rest of the world.  Even if it is not "our thing", we can appreciate the beauty in the process and the delivery of someone honoring what is their thing.

We use a lot of sappy phrases when sharing with our kids to convey what we hope for in their lives.  You know..things like, "You only have one life to live so you might as well make it yours".  And sometimes they look at us like uh yeah...sure...what does that even mean though????  It's a really cool thing when they can see what that looks like, and we can simply say "that, is what we are talking about".  So we thank this artist for being a fine example of that.

Not that my kids seem to need a whole lot of help in living their lives as their own.

They still can use heroes though, even if they are the most unlikely ones.


Living the life, our life, in still so chilly Florida!