Notes From Captivity: Emerging
I have been spending long hours (with lots of breaks) reorganizing and redesigning the rooms at O Museum — and cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. I am grateful to my mother who had me scrubbing linoleum floors when I was 4 years old.
My hands-on cleaning (and reorganizing of our spaces) these long weeks have helped settle my heart and mind. I have begun ... again .. to let go ... to think with my heart and feel with my mind.
I realize it's all good. It was — and is — time for all of us to step back and reconfigure who we want to become. We must all hold hands (figuratively for now). No one is alone.
As we begin to think and pray about coming out of "captivity," here are five things to consider:
- Raise your expectations. Say yes to your dreams
- Clean, dance, and exercise off your doubts — and fears
- There is no more "normal". Accept this, and let it go
- Pace yourself. Have more compassion for others for sure, but don't forget your Self
- Smile more. If you smile before eating, your food always tastes better
If you have any thoughts about this, email me. I will personally answer every letter I get.
There is so much to be thankful for. Believe.
And don't forget to "scrub the floors."
H. H. Leonards, Founder
O Museum in the Mansion
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Artifact Stories: Norman Rockwell
We celebrate the hero in each and everyone of us.
Angels Exist - A True Story Of Angels at O Museum in The Mansion
Artifact Story: John Lennon's Psychic
The Mansion on O Street
O Museum Artifact Story: Russian Samovar
We'll Be Dancing Together Again Soon!
O Museum Artifact Story: Mrs. Rosa Park's Congressional Medal of Honor Maquette
Stories From Within: Cordell
Mrs. Rosa Parks & O Museum in The Mansion
Artifact Stories: Musical Bathroom!
Artifact Stories: Vanilla Ice the Electrician
Artifact Stories: The John Lennon Bathroom
Artifact Stories: Room Magic
Artifact Stories: Puzzling!
Artifact Story: Traveling Wilburys
Ted Talks Books at the Mansion on O Street
Music & Magic at O Museum. Featuring Felix Cavaliere: Everytime She Tells Me That She's Mine
Bring on the music and dance with us!
Enjoy a Concert
Esperanza Spalding - OH MY MY MANSION
Al Kooper Live at The O Museum In The Mansion 10.24.2015
Paul Williams Performs Rainbow Connection
Down By the Riverside: Cyril Neville w/ Darius Rucker and Mark Bryan of Hootie & The Blowfish
Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd Cover) - Milk Carton Kids Live at O Museum in the Mansion
Leni Stern, 5 Time Gibson Female Jazz Guitarist of the Year.
Esperanza Spalding, JD Souther, Leni Stern, Ida Jenshus
Walt Wilkins
House of Hats!
Maybe It's Time - Milk Carton Kids Live at the O Museum in the Mansion
Lez Zeppelin - Over the Hills and Far Away
Esperanza Spalding on the importance of O Museum's Artist & Heroes-in-Residence Program
Lez Zeppelin Part 2
Sister Rosa: Cyril Neville with Darius Rucker and Mark Bryan Live at the O Museum
Only Wanna Be With You: Darius Rucker and Mark Bryan of Hootie & The Blowfish with Cyril Neville
Getaway - Milk Carton Kids Live at the O Museum in The Mansion
Lez Zeppelin - The Battle of Evermore
Cyril Neville Talks About The Making of "Sister Rosa"
How Can I Be Sure: Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals
Hold My Hand: Darius Rucker and Mark Bryan of Hootie & The Blowfish with Cyril Neville
Ari Hest at the O Museum in the Mansion on O
Jesse Colin Young Performs 'Sugar Babe' At The O Museum In The Mansion
30 Second Lez Zeppelin Concert
Jimmy Vivino & Bob Margolin Live in the O Mansion
Lez Zeppelin
Milk Carton Kids Perform 'Charlie' Live at O Museum in The Mansion October 27, 2019
Daryl Davis: R&B and blues musician, activist, author, and actor at O Museum in The Mansion
Jesse Colin Young Performs 'That's The Way She Feels About You' At The O Museum In The Mansion
Jesse Colin Young of The Youngbloods - Performing: "Get Together"
Lez Zeppelin - Ten Years Gone at the O Museum
Milk Carton Kids Live at O Museum in The Mansion October 27, 2019
Laurence Juber Performs 'Cry Me A River' Live at The O Museum In The Mansion June 3, 2019
Jimmy Vivino & Bob Margolin
Laurence Juber Performs 'In My Life' Live at The O Museum in The Mansion June 3, 2019
Lez Zeppelin: The Battle of Evermore
Oh Mary - Dan Navarro Live
Dan Navarro - Walking on a Wire (Live)
Roger Street Friedman Concert in the Mansion on O
Milk Carton Kids Perform 'Michigan' Live at O Museum in The Mansion October 27, 2019
Jesse Colin Young Performs 'Song For Juli At The O Museum In The Mansion
Felix Cavaliere Performs 'It's A Beautiful Morning' At The O Museum In The Mansion
Dan Navarro with David Glasser
Laurence Juber at The Mansion on O Street
Jeff Plankenhorn Live at O Museum
Good Lovin': Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals
Milk Carton Kids Live at O Museum in The Mansion October 27, 2019
Jeff Plankenhorn Live at O Museum
Dee Dee Sharp Live at O Museum in The Mansion
Laurence Juber at The Mansion on O Street 2
Laurence Juber Performs 'Little Wing' Live at The O Museum In The Mansion June 3, 2019
Why We Fly, Together
It is during the periods of our worst suffering that cause us to fly in the same direction and be brought, together.
The bad times — and we've all had our share — are almost invariably the places where I've learned crucial lessons. In fact, I'd say that the bad parts (a setback professionally and/or personal) should be embraced more. Even though you really don't feel like that when you are suffering, or feel badly.
After a while, we begin to see how positive things can come out of the bad, which allows us to understand the pain that we've endured.
You learn to accept that one day you'll be famous, the next day infamous. One day you'll be rich, the next day poor. One day people will think you're great, the next day they'll think you're not so great. This is just the stuff of life.
Then one day, a light bulb goes on inside your soul, and you realize you are not alone, that life is ever changing, and not always in your control.
What makes you stronger and wiser are the lessons you learn along the way. This is how you learn to be grateful for what you have, and what is.
The way I see it, life is about growth, struggle, and trying to expand your love of self — and in this process, a deeper love of others.
I'm ready to fly again. Join me.
H. H. Leonards, Founder
O Museum in the Mansion
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Historic Site on The African American Heritage Trail