Marie Joie Hughes’ Post

Stop wandering in your self-imposed desert. Pharoah enslaved the ancient Hebrews. They were to make bricks for earthly monuments. Each brick made had to be to specific standards. The brick represented uniformity. A man came to free the enslaved. He stood in the face of tyranny and led the enslaved to a new land. As they journeyed in the desert, they stopped to make an altar of stones to worship. Each stone used was unique. No two were identical. You were made unique. There is only one like you. In your uniqueness, a White Stone awaits. Etched in this Stone is the name set aside for you. Your unique name represents the gifts you have within you to use for impact. Living out your unique gifts is your ability to change the world. You have wandered long enough. Don’t make it another forty years. The journey of self-discovery will reveal the name etched on your White Stone. The uniqueness of your journey needs to be released. Stop wandering in your self-imposed desert. Take some action! Let’s have a conversation. Be Bold! #strategy #business #innovation #creativity #kingdombuilder

To those observing Yom Kippur, may this day bring you joy, peace, and prosperity! . . #elisesternrealestate #harveykalles #harveykallesrealestate #torontorealestate #torontolistings #torontoliving #torontohomes #torontorealestatemarket #torontorealestateagent #torontorealtors #torontolife #gtahomes #gtarealestateagents #gtarealtors #luxurylisting #torontointeriordesign #interiordesign #luxuryrealestate #openhousetoronto #YomKippur #YomKippur2023

There's a common misconception out there about Israel being a vast desert where everyone rides camels. Let's set the record straight: Israel is much more diverse than just desert landscapes, and no, we don't use camels as our daily mode of transportation 😆 However, camels do hold a special place in the history and culture of the region. In singular, /ga-'mal/ גָּמָל, and in plural /g-ma-'leem/ גְּמַלִּים, these animals were in ancient times a vital part of life in the Middle East, including in parts of Israel. These resilient animals were essential for long journeys across arid landscapes, valued for their ability to carry heavy loads and travel long distances without water. Today, you're more likely to find cars and buses on the roads of Israel than camels. That being said, camels are still a part of the Israeli landscape, especially in the Negev Desert. They are not just relics of the past but are living symbols of the region's history and tradition. Camels in Israel today are mostly found in Bedouin communities, where they are still used for transportation and as a source of milk, meat, and wool. One fascinating fact about camels is their incredible adaptation to desert life. Their ability to go for long periods without water is well-known, but did you know that their eyes have three eyelids and two rows of eyelashes to protect them from sand? Or that their feet are specially adapted to prevent them from sinking into the sand? In a way, camels are a bridge between the ancient and modern worlds in Israel. They remind us of a time when these majestic creatures were a lifeline for people living in harsh desert conditions, a far cry from the technologically advanced, diverse country that Israel is today. So, next time you think of Israel, remember that it's a land of contrasts and diversity, where history meets modernity, and where camels are a cherished part of the cultural heritage, not the primary mode of transportation! #camels #middleeast #transportation #israel #camelback

Approaching Twelfth Night (tomorrow) and devastating in love with my early morning mantel and holiday greeting cards 🃏 notice the palm fronds? It’s a Creole symbol of honor of loved ones, family history, traditions! My mirror and mantel have been infilled with holiday cards of loved ones. Although normally set behind portrait of a relative that has died, I like to include the palm in my décor to honor friends and family, alive or not. The leaf has spiritual significance, as well as ethereal beauty ✨ 1) In Ancient Greek mythology, palm branches symbolized Nike, the winged goddess of victory & eternal life. The Greeks bestowed palm leaves upon victorious Olympic athletes. 2) The Bible tells us that people cut branches from palm trees, laid them across Jesus’ path and waved them in the air as he entered Jerusalem the week before his death. (Catholics recognizes “Palm Sunday” a week before Easter). 3) in architectural history, the palmette is a stylized palm leaf motif, which was used as an ornamental decoration for thousands of years. This motif originated in ancient Egypt, where it represented death, life, and even divinity. We have a few variations of palm leaves in Southern states, which ones do YOU like?! My yard is filled with the Windmill Palm Trees 🌴 so use their wide leaves. Other variations are the Sago Palm Tree which have narrow, elongated leaves. #historichouse #fireplacemantel #mantel #palmleave #architecturalhistory #historicdecor #arthistory #twelfthnight

Nature often tells stories more profound than any book, and historical trees stand as living monuments to our past. These silent sentinels have witnessed centuries of human history, seen empires rise and fall, and have become symbols of resilience, wisdom, and continuity. Here are a few remarkable examples: The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, England: Legend has it that this ancient tree, estimated to be around 800-1000 years old, was a hiding place for Robin Hood and his merry men. Its sprawling branches have become a symbol of folklore and defiance. The Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India: Under this sacred fig tree, Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. A direct descendant of that original tree still stands today, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. The Anne Frank Tree in Amsterdam, Netherlands: A horse-chestnut tree that Anne Frank could see from her hiding place during World War II. Despite being felled by disease in 2010, saplings from the tree have been planted globally as a symbol of hope and remembrance. General Sherman in California, USA: This giant sequoia is the largest tree on Earth by volume. At over 2,000 years old, it's not just a natural wonder but a testament to the enduring power and grandeur of nature. These trees remind us of the stories they hold within their rings. They are not just botanical marvels but touchstones of our cultural heritage. In their longevity, we see the passage of time and the enduring spirit of life itself. Next time you come across a venerable old tree, take a moment to consider the history it has witnessed and the stories it could tell. 🌲✨ #Nature #History #Trees #Conservation #Heritage #Storytelling #EnvironmentalAwareness

https://lnkd.in/dMA8TrqU transition from pyramids to the valley of the kings. In ancient Egypt, the practice of burying kings evolved significantly over time, transitioning from the iconic pyramids to the hidden treasures of the Valley of the Kings. This shift marked a significant change in funerary practices and reflected larger trends in Egyptian society and culture. The era of pyramid construction, notably exemplified by the grand pyramids of Giza, spanned thousands of years and defined ancient Egypt's burial traditions. These massive structures served as tombs for pharaohs and were filled with treasures and artifacts believed to accompany them into the afterlife. However, the construction of pyramids was not only labor-intensive but also attracted tomb robbers seeking the riches within. As a response to the challenges posed by pyramid looting and the desire for greater secrecy in burial practices, the New Kingdom pharaohs began to seek out more discreet burial sites. This led to the emergence of the Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile near Thebes. The valley's natural rock formations provided natural hiding places for tombs, which were elaborately decorated and filled with various items for the king's journey to the afterlife. The transition to the Valley of the Kings offered several advantages over pyramid construction. The tombs were carved into the rock and often featured intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions and colorful frescoes, providing a rich source of information about ancient Egyptian beliefs and customs. Additionally, the hidden nature of the valley helped protect the tombs from looters for many centuries. Notable rulers such as Tutankhamun and Ramesses II were interred in the Valley of the Kings, highlighting its significance as a royal necropolis. Despite the shift away from pyramid construction, the Valley of the Kings continued to be a place of great importance for ancient Egyptians, serving as the final resting place for numerous pharaohs and high-ranking officials. Overall, the transition from burying kings in pyramids to the Valley of the Kings represented a shift in burial practices driven by practical considerations and a desire for greater security. This change not only reflected the evolving nature of ancient Egyptian society but also left behind a rich archaeological legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world. #valley_of_the_kings #valley_of_the_kings_egypt #valley_of_the_kings_tour #valley_of_the_kings_tombs #valley_of_the_kings_music #pyramids_tombs #pyramid_tombs_in_ancient_egypt #egypt_pyramids_tombs #pyramids_of_giza_tombs #pyramids_werenot_tombs #papyrus_museum

Precious stones… 💎 I visited one of my favourite historic sites last weekend which is the Avebury stone circle in Wiltshire. 🪨 This World Heritage Site consists of a henge monument with huge stones arranged in giant circles. The outer ring is the largest and most complex stone circle in the world and was built and altered over the years between about 2850 BC until around 2200 BC. As ancient monuments go, Avebury is more interactive than most. It’s perfectly OK to stroll amongst and touch the 6 metres high, 40 ton monoliths and wonder at the faith, spirit and determination it took to transport them there. Along with numerous other families and their dogs, we took along our part-time pet, Billy the Greyhound to walk the circuit of the ¾ mile circumference and enjoy the variety and sheer mass of the stones as they stood there lit by the autumn sun. I find Avebury more spiritual and involving than its more famous sibling Stonehenge, 17 miles to the south, which gets all the plaudits. The stones are breath-taking in their size especially when you consider that they were placed there by humans with only primitive tools. 🪓 This outstanding Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape is a place where you can connect with history and take time to imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago.  What is your favourite way to connect with history? 👑 Click on and FOLLOW MY HASHTAG #hospitalityandleisurephotographer for regular posts. #marketingdigital #hospitalityindustry#history

Uncover the secrets of the pharaohs with Ancient Navigator. Our expert guides will take you on a journey through the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. #AncientNavigator #Egypt #LuxuryTravel #ExclusiveTour #Pyramids #Temples

Uncover the secrets of the pharaohs with Ancient Navigator. Our expert guides will take you on a journey through the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. #AncientNavigator #Egypt #LuxuryTravel #ExclusiveTour #Pyramids #Temples

Uncover the secrets of the pharaohs with Ancient Navigator. Our expert guides will take you on a journey through the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. #AncientNavigator #Egypt #LuxuryTravel #ExclusiveTour #Pyramids #Temples