Backyard Inspiration

Most of us forget to look at our own backyard for treasures and inspiration. It generally takes an out-of-towner or a special occasion to explore and recognize the beauty that lives within our own little bubble.

This past weekend, we (the Dualitas crew) took it upon ourselves (hardly) to have a picnic among the old oak trees of the prestigious Stanford University.

The mission-inspired campus was founded in 1885 by California Senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, in memory of their only child, Leland Jr., who died of typhoid fever at 15.*

The wealthy family thought important to invest in children’s education and create a coeducational and non-denominational university, which was unheard off at the time. Most private universities then were all-male and had religious affiliations.

After a nice assortment of cheeses and a few glasses of Rosé, we found ourselves walking through the marble halls of Stanford's Cantor Arts Center.

The museum is free to the public and boasts over 44,000 permanent pieces and showcases world-renowned expositions. The Cantor Arts Center owns one of the largest collections in the world of French sculptor Auguste Rodin’s bronzes including the Thinker, the Burghers of Calais and the Gates of Hell.

A touch of Academia and the gentle heat of an early summer put us in a peaceful state of mind and reaffirmed the importance of taking some time away from our busy schedules to share meaningful moments with our peers and enjoy the small pleasures in life.

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