Today's reflection uses the definition that requires the fixing of the mind on some subject, serious thought, or contemplation. During a tour of Charleston, South Carolina we learned of a local National Treasure, an ironworker named Philip Simmons. Our tour guide recounted how Mr. Simmons, over a period of 70 years, fashioned more than five hundred decorative pieces of ornamental wrought iron: gates, fences, balconies, and window grills. The city of Charleston from end to end was truly decorated by his hand. Owners of Simmons's gates are so proud of their ironwork they take the gates with them when they move. If they move to a place that cannot accommodate a gate, the gate is hung on a living room, dining room or some other prominent wall. Mr. Simmons was awarded the highest honor that the United States can bestow on a traditional artist. He received one of the first National Heritage Fellowships. Wouldn't it be nice to open your mail one day and find your photographs were recognized by the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts and you were named as a National Treasure? Not likely? Well, that is exactly what happened to Mr. Simmons for his hard work as a blacksmith. This image will be both PaD and Reflection image for today. You are invited to visit my blog: AS I SEE IT