“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” – Mark Twain.
What does Mark Twain have in common with a Slavic Festival? At first glance, not much, you might think, but if you keep reading, you might change your mind, and once you change your mind, you might be able to change your life too, which resonates with to my recent event. Spotlight and Book Review: "Change Your Space, Change Your Life" with Feng Shui Expert Julie Ann Segal (genuinebeauty.net) that took place on August 26,2024.
Get ready to be inspired and empowered by this absolute gem of a book! It's a must-read for all those eager to embark on a journey of self-improvement and growth, both on a professional and personal level.
In the Macedonian language, the collective activities of reading, book publishing, teaching, and similar intellectual pursuits are referred to as Enlightenment, or simply "Просветителство."
The st-art of August was filled with activities and time spent with loved ones. I had few lady's spa days at the Sauna, a Sunday trip to Duluth, and I also got an invitation to the Slavic Festival, all while I was planning my Summer Event for August 26. Even with a full event calendar, I was able to make it to every event, and I'm glad I did. NO excuses. No Excuses is also a fantastic short book by one of my very favorite game changer educator Brain Tracy. A true must-read.
The resemblance of a man to Mark Twain, with a feather in his hair, got me thinking and reflecting on the profound impact of the written word. The Word of God was translated and brought to the light to the Slavic world by the work of Macedonian brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius, who earned the Title "the Apostles of the Slavs" respectfully for their pivotal role in the religious and cultural evolution of the Slavic peoples. Roaming the Slavic festival, I found myself contemplating our past and the significant influence of the Glagolitic alphabet. Their work has left a lasting legacy, especially in the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, which continues to unite many of us today.
The power of the written word extends to contracts, deeds, journals, financial disclosures, wills and more, serving as a pivotal tool for change. Think on INK. Think like Mark Twin. Think like God.
I was educated once - it took me years to get over it.
Mark Twain
Met The Kolacky Queens
Check it out here History — Kolacky Days - Montgomery, MN (montgomerymn.org)
Met The Kolacky Queens
Check it out here History — Kolacky Days - Montgomery, MN (montgomerymn.org)
The Slavic Festival is a celebration of our shared culture, a chance to gather with others who, like me, carry pieces of our history no matter where we are in the world. As I walked around the festival, I met some incredible people and learned some fascinating things.
I discovered a language village in Minnesota where people could immerse themselves in the richness of Slavic and other languages.
More info here Concordia Language Villages
The village of words rekindled my passion for literature and reading, a passion I have cultivated since my childhood all the way through studying Philology at the University of Veliko Turnovo,"St. Cyril and St. Methodius," which proudly bears the name of what we call "Просветители" - the Enlighteners, the Educators.
The Gold of the North: Polish Baltic Amber
I even learned about the amber being the national stone of Poland, something I had never known before. Poland’s ties with amber have a long history – as early as the Neolithic period, humans were crafting objects out of amber on Polish soil. Amber has been made into jewelry for thousands of years.
The Artist behind the beautiful Jewlery he makes
Two kind folks from Slovenia, and a musician who played the harmonica, adding a nostalgic touch to the atmosphere. Every time I meet someone from Slovenia, it reminds me of my late father, Dimitar, who left Macedonia to attend college there. It's an incredibly good feeling, as if I'm reconnecting with him.
"Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life." Mark Twain
To dance is human, to polka is divine. - K. D. Lang
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, there are over 4.2 millions of Slavic descent living in the United States, making up about 1.4% of the total population.
Living in the USA since 2005 this was the first time I encounter a Slavic Festival, and I was delighted.
The Slavic Festival, with its rich food, warm conversations, and the joy of gathering, keep our heritage alive, even when we are scattered across the globe.
If you missed the event, I'm glad you're reading my article on the Slavic experience, and I hope it brings a little piece of Slavic culture into your heart, through the art of photojournalism. Reach out to me Ana with Genuine Beauty LLC and Colorado Royal Photography | Genuine Beauty Net for your fall photoshoot. Real Estate, events, graphic design, and journal needs services.
Although I didn’t meet one Macedonian, I learned a lot, took great photos, and had a wonderful time.
Until next time, we Slavs say "dovidjenja," which simply means "until we meet again."
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