Whatever You Do, Don't Throw Stones in Corning

November 28 2023 Day 28

When the alarm goes off and echoes through the museum chamber, Little Bean and I look around to see who set it off.

“Looks like somebody got too close,” I say.

A moment later, a friendly docent taps me on the shoulder and points at our feet, all four of which are standing clearly beyond the blue marked tape in front of an absolutely spectacular glass sculpture of ravens perched on tree branches.

“Oooops,” Little Bean says and we both step back and the alarms stop.

My wife pokes her head around the corner. “You know whenever alarms go off, I pray it isn’t my family, but it always is. Why is that?”

We shrug. The alarm goes off again. “See momma, not us!” Little Bean says pointing to the new family that has wandered beyond the tape.

Try to imagine the most precious, expensive and breakable museum in the world. Did your mind’s eye picture the Corning Museum of Glass in New York? Now imagine being there all day with my curious eight-year-old who wants to touch everything. Or make everything. Or draw it. Or take pictures.

We did manage to get in and get out without shattering anything and to her very great credit, Little Bean mostly kept her hands pocketed. But that’s very hard to do in this place of extreme color and shine. Around every corner awaits another sparkling, delicate, bold treasure. I can’t remember the last time I was so impressed by a mid-sized museum.

For Little Bean’s part, the Ramen at the cafe and the 90% off Holiday ornament sale was a big draw! Have any of you stopped by the Corning Glass Museum? We’d love to hear your story. Or maybe you can suggest another small museum that unexpectedly made your day!

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Housekeeping: Join us tomorrow for the winners of our Name That Rock contest. Little Bean sat down with all your entries and picked her favorites.

Meantime, with only two days left in this month long extravaganza, I’m once again curious about what you all enjoy, and conversely don’t. I tried to keep these daily missives short and punchy, just a refreshing mint each day on a variety of subjects. Did that work? Was it too much? Would you like more or less of something? Let me know, I’m open!

Till then, stay kind. Onward!