Posted: 3 years ago

Been reading a marvelous book about the life and photography of Ruth Bernhard, a German-American artist and teacher of art, by Margaretta Mitchell. I would recommend it to anyone, especially Rotarians. It is called Ruth Bernhard: Between Art and Life. In the early part of her life, she lived in Berlin and was isolated from other children (except her sister) and had two parents who were not warm or attentive to this sensitive human being. Her isolation forced her to see the world in a special way that opened visions for many others. At the end of the book, she gives her "Recipe for a long and happy life." It is a recipe that any Rotary eClub member could adopt, should adopt. Here it is:

1. Never get used to anything.

2.Hold onto the child in you.

3.Keep your curiosity alive.

4. Trust your intuition.

5. Delight in simple things.

6. Say "Yes" to life with passion.

7. Fall madly in love with the world.

8.Remember Today is the Day!

Ruth Bernhard, October 14, 1995

Yours in service above self and without borders,

Joe