icons & toys

Are there really plans to discontinue Elf on a Shelf? Terrible news and rotten timing - 2024 has been rough enough without this downer. 

Has humanity lost its sense of humor? Elf on the Shelf was intended to create cheerful holiday moments and precious family memories to last a lifetime. 

Russ Toys vintage troll elf

The Elf on the Shelf is the title of a 2005 American picture book for children. Written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell - comes complete with a scout toy elf. 

fortitude of gratitude

In the practice and application of gratitude we revisit past memories, become mindful in the present moment, envision what the future holds for us. Each requires a different lens to increase gratitude with the right focus.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform lives. Being grateful is more than just a list of the good stuff. Its feeling the emotions of a memory, a moment, an idea. 

We examine and reflect on the meaning and purpose of past experiences, enjoy peace in the present moment, and create a vision for a future filled with hope and possibility. 

colonialism | civilization, christianity, commerce

From George Washington to Barrack Obama, we tend to idealize our president. We put them on a pedestal, raise them above the rest. We conveniently paint wide swaths of praise, washing off any stain or whiff of wrongdoing or misstep they may have committed. 

United [?] $tates of America

The United States of America is adept at whitewashing its history and covering up crimes and horrors committed throughout its short lifetime. Indulging in egocentric praise for the nation's forefathers - the same group of men who ruined the land and its people through their avarice and mandate. 

The road to hell is paved with the intentions for these evangelists spreading their word with their forked tongues and personal agendas. Blatantly using the power vested on them by their office and the folks who elected them. Then and now government officials are tainted by the system they operate in. 

How do we fix and correct our information infrastructures? So facts are accurately reported rather than distorted or embellished or even fictionalized? So historical events are recorded across the board and not just by the winners? 

Even more complicated and daunting is the road we take to retrieve our lost histories - recovery, repair and reparations - to move us forward. Otherwise, we risk wallowing in and perpetuating the mistakes and crimes of our past. 

The choices we stand by today are the paving stones of our future. May we have better cause to celebrate future Presidents Days. 

collaborative art

wonder | wander | world is currently working on a project close to our hearts and our homeland roots - the long lost mystical babaylans of Negros Island. 

Mahala's Art

wonder | wander | women are collaborating on a joint project we are thrilled to be venturing into. Issa is writing the story and Mahala is illustrating it.

epigenetics on arbor day

wonder | wander | women at wonder | wander | world celebrate and honor two on going themes this month - happy days and science.

The Canlaon Wonder Tree is a 1,328 year old balete or banyan.

Happy Arbor Day! Hope you planted your tree or better yet many trees. 

While we are on the subject of green and growing, let us focus on science in general and epigenetics in particular. 

Say what?