Post 4: The Elegance of the Capital

Nebraska, home of Runza, the original Cabelas, Car Henge, and the Cornhuskers, is also home to the Nation’s most architecturally beautiful state capitol building, which is located in Lincoln, NE. Being a college student living in Lincoln, the state capitol is a must-see, so I figured I had better go visit, being the good Nebraskan that I am.

Traipsing by the sparkling, blue water fountain, clambering up the two flights of stairs, and then hefting open the gigantic double doors meant my arrival to the capitol. With the buildings huge shadow casting down upon me, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

One step inside, I realized that they weren’t kidding about the amazing architecture. As an art major, I have a deep appreciation for the arts, and I was mesmerized by the stunning beauty and elegance of all that surrounded me. Gazing toward the heavens, I discovered a ceiling rising way up, which when it finally ended was rounded and had an incredible mosaic upon it with a chandelier hanging from the middle. This was surrounded by four intricate and sturdy columns, one in each corner lead my eyes back to the floor, which was masterly laid out with tiny square tiles forming another mosaic. Following the floor, I was lead straight through the main interior hall of the structure. More chandeliers of various sizes lit the dark hall and extravagant works of art decorated the tall walls. Continuing my walk down the hall and gazing around at all the doors, never-ending hallways, and stairways, I realize how easy it would be for one to get lost in this labyrinth.

As a native Nebraskan, I never knew there was such an amazing building within Nebraska’s borders. I felt as if I had journeyed to Europe during an era bygone when architecture was still considered an art form, just in the time it took to pass through the capitol’s double doors. I loved the architecture, and beauty of the building, but wish I had had more time to explore all of its hidden crevices.

Post 3: Animal Rescue in Crete

Have you ever been to an animal rescue shelter and seen all the abandoned and forlorn critters? While reading “Vineyard now a haven for once-hurting animals”, from the Lincoln Journal Star by Rebecca Svec, I realized that there is a greater need for these kinds of places. This article focuses on Andrea Holmes, who has taken animal rescue into her own hands and to a totally different level.

I thought the article was very heartfelt and sentimental. It showed how one lady’s compassion and love can truly make a difference in a part of the world, not only in our lives, but the lives of numerous animals, as well.

An old Shih Tzu with a cancerous tumor, named Wezzle, started Holmes animal rescue obsession. She fell in love with him despite his flaws and illness. He taught her to be more compassionate and she decided to continue adopting more neglected, ill or abandoned animals.
Holmes’ generosity is reflected in the fact that she does all of this and more without expecting to be paid or recognized for her efforts. With the purchase of an outbuilding on 20 acres of the former Blue Valley Vineyard site east of Crete, NE, she planned to use it as a sort of sanctuary for all of her animals. This is shows great character in Holmes, who, with a full-time job, and other time and money commitments, still creates the time and provides the necessities and love needed to care for all of her 'unwanted' animals.

If everyone took on a part in this world as Holmes has, the world would be a much more loving and gentle place to live. But in the meantime, “she’ll just keep saving animals in her corner of the world…” says Svec, “…And remember all the animals need love every single day…” That’s how Holmes does animal rescue.