Walking around The Arboretum this cold, crisp morning was not the first thing I would have normally planned to start my day but it turned out to be an awesome start to my Thursday. It was so peaceful and actually felt really good to have that long walk so early in the morning. It’s beautiful there and I can’t believe I didn’t take the opportunity to see it earlier in the year. I’m extremely glad we did this together as a class activity because now I know where it is and what I wonderful place it would be to return to.
Kristen and I walked around the concrete sidewalks and dirt paths, finding mysterious and unique little plants that caught our attention, like the tiny red blooms resembling chili peppers or the wavy, purple leaves that reminded me of saturated purple cabbage. I loved experiencing all that was around me and having a peaceful time to just talk to Kristen and get to know her even better. The walk was relaxing and made me see the beauty that surrounds us here at Penn State; sometimes it’s easily overlooked.
Another aspect of The Arboretum I enjoyed was the sundial. I am wondering what the stones were around it, is that a way to read the time? It’s intriguing because it’s something we don’t see nearly as often today. I can’t wait to return next year to see the decorative gourds and vines that wrap around the archway that Sheila described. I think that would be beautiful. The orange pumpkins were awesome! The huge pumpkins by the pavilion were magnificent; I wish I could carve one! Now I know that The Arboretum’s pumpkin festival is something I should have attended and most likely will attend next fall.
Experiencing The Arboretum this morning made me realize how lucky I am to be at such a great university. Comparing my experiences to those I know from home, so much more is available to me here. I am so thankful to be at main campus as a freshman because I have access to far more than I would at another campus and even the other universities I applied to. I was very unsure at first but it is only the first semester and Penn State is already proving that it is the university for me and I will not regret my decision to come here.
While walking through gardens, all this was coming up in my mind, the beauty, the art and the thankfulness I was feeling. Perfect for the month of Thanksgiving. It’s a wonderful place that I would encourage anyone to visit, especially those interested in the arts or looking for inspiration. The criteria in which Kristen and I discussed that made art was engaging the senses and then conveying, or executing emotions or inspiration into something thus creating a work of art. I often think both the artist and the viewers define art, because art is different for everyone. Together Kristen and I felt like engaging the senses was key because art does just that. It engages one into a variety of feelings or emotions based on their senses, whether it is the visual of a painting, the sounds of music, the tastes of culinary creations, or the smells of plants and blooms arranged strategically to create a beautiful garden. Art is everywhere, even at The Arboretum.
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