Food For Thought: Did You Know?

"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus." Alexander Graham Bell
 

Food For Thought: Did You Know? eobihfrank photos ©

 

DID YOU KNOW...?1. Your shoes are the first things people subconsciously notice about you. Wear nice and decent shoes. 2. If you sit for more than 11 hours a day, there's a 50% chance that it will make you severely sick in two years. 3. There are at least six people in the world who look exactly like you. There's a 9% chance that you'll meet one of them in your lifetime. 4. Sleeping without a pillow reduces back pain and keeps your spine stronger. 5. A person's height is determined by their father, and their weight is determined by their mother.

 I was reading some posts on a friend's Facebook page when I came across this list of nineteen (19) Did-You-Know facts? I was so taken by them that I had to share them with you. We can live consciously and in awe of the magnificence of the universe we inhabit or we can remain blinded by worry.  We can work to maintain our health or worry ourselves to death. Worry won't change a thing. Information can and will.


"The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear." Brian Tracy

Food For Thought: Did You Know? Honey Bees help keep us alive? eobihfrank photos ©

 

6. If a part of your body "falls asleep", you can almost always "wake it up" by shaking your head. 7. There are three things the human brain cannot resist noticing: food, attractive people and danger. 8. Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side. 9. Putting dry tea bags in gym bags or smelly shoes will absorb the unpleasant odour. 10. According to Albert Einstein, if honey bees were to disappear from the earth, humans would be dead within four years.

I was quite impressed by the fact that honey bees add more to our livelihood than we ever consider. The pollination work they do, helps seeds and plants flourish and grow, and they feed us in so many ways. When was the last time you gave those bees much thought?


"Life is too short to spend in negativity. So I have made a conscious effort to not be where I don't want to be." Hugh Dillon

Food For Thought: Did You Know? eobihfrank photos ©

 

11. There are so many kinds of apples that if you ate a new one everyday it would take over 20 years to try them all. 12. You can survive for weeks without eating, but you will only live 11 days without sleeping. 13. People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don't. 14. Laziness and inactivity kill just as many people as smoking. 15. A human brain has the capacity to store five times as much information as Wikipedia.

I love apples and have always been a member of the "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" club. I had no idea that we had enough varieties to keep us munching for the next 20 years. Who knew? This confirms what I've always known, and still believe, that we live in an abundant world with enough to go around... We just need to learn to share more.

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Healthy Living: 5 Key Tips On Staying Healthy

"I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you." Joyce Meyer

 We often hear people talk about being healthy and then they list exercise and losing weight as their goals. While doing both can contribute to our feelings of well being, we need more than physical activity and goals to maintain our overall health. I believe that if we focus on a holistic approach to healthy living, we will be in better health and, ultimately, in better shape. If your goal this year is to build a healthy lifestyle, my question to you is: Are you taking care of the whole person? Are you taking social influences and other factors into consideration? If No, then you need to reconsider your efforts and make healthy decisions that cater to the whole person. If Yes, then congratulations, you are ahead of the game!

There are five key elements we must keep in mind on our journey to healthy living: In any healthy living plan, we must care for our Physical, Nutritional, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health.

 Physical Health: Exercise is the first thing that comes to mind, and there are many ways to maintain our bodies and get in shape. Whether you choose to run, walk, do yoga, martial arts, swim or lift weights, it's important to learn how to maintain our bodies in the proper way. Any form of physical activity can lead to injury, if we don't learn the proper form or way to do it. Avail yourself of an expert trainer, even if for a short time, so you can learn the right way to do any type of activity you choose. Walking is a no-brainer, but having the proper footwear is imperative, ditto wearing comfortable clothing. We are never too old to learn and it's never too late to improve our form.

Nutritional Health: The worst thing we can do for our bodies is to feed it junk while we are increasing our physical activity. If you commit to lose weight or increase your activity levels, it's key to keep your nutritional well-being in mind. It would be defeatist to line up the best gear and workout clothes, pay for an expensive gym membership, and then feed your body a diet of junk, high cholesterol, artery clogging foods. If we eat fruits, vegetables, grains and lean proteins with some fat, and add plenty of water to our daily diet, we will be on the road to staying truly healthy. I'm a big advocate for organic foods and fresh foods, but you can eat well by eating a balanced meal from the major food groups. The goal should be to eat in moderation.


 "A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier."Tom Stoppard 

 Mental Health: Our mental health is as important as our physical health. If we are surrounded by negativity or have addictions that interfere with our well-being, it is important to take care of them on the road to total health. While our endorphins increase when we work out, if there are issues in our lives that need mental health attention, we must seek help from the appropriate professional to assist in addressing those issues. Anorexia and Bulimia are eating disorders that require mental health attention. If someone you know is excessive about restricting food intake, encourage the person to seek help. Some people fall into a dangerous eating pattern, while claiming they are getting in shape. Anything we do in excess must be addressed with the help of a professional. Maintain your mental health.

 Emotional Health: Our emotional well-being is tied into our mental well-being and, if we are emotionally spent, we need to take time out to resolve any issues that are pulling us down. If we don't take care of our emotional health, it can create more problems for us. Some of us eat too much or too little when we feel hurt or break up with a loved one. Some us become hoarders or excessive, emotional spenders when things fall apart in our lives. So, it's very important to check in with our emotional state, seek the help of a therapist or other professional,  and sort out our problems. Ignoring the promptings to do something could lead to other emotional problems. Staying healthy also means staying emotionally healthy.

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Veterans Day: In Honor Of All Who Served

"This day, and every day, we pay tribute to America's sons and daughters who have answered our country's call. We recognize the sacrifice of those who have been part of the finest fighting force the world has ever known and the loved ones who stand beside them. We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not yet returned home. As a grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by honoring all our veterans and working to ensure the promise of America is within the reach of all who have protected it." Excerpt from President Barack Obama’s Proclamation on Veterans Day 2014

Are you familiar with the history and ceremony around Veterans Day? Veterans Day is a special day that honors all our service men and women, living and dead, who fought in wars. Initially, it honored those who served in the World wars but now includes all Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  

How did it start? On November 11, 1947, Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, organized a Veterans Day parade to honor all of America's Veterans for their loyal service. At the time, it was known as Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward H. Rees of Kansas proposed legislation to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in honor of all who have served this country. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day. In 1968, the date was moved to the fourth Monday in October, but Congress soon recognized the historical importance of November 11th and changed it back in 1978.

What is the Ceremony like? The tradition of having the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery continues till this day. On the morning of the 11th, at 11AM, a group of guards from each of the military services, pay their respects to those who died at war in an impressive ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The President or his designated representative then places a wreath at the Tomb. A bugler sounds “Taps.” which is quite haunting and then the ceremony moves to the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. A "Parade of Flags" by Veterans service organizations is also part of the second half of ceremonies on that day. The Veterans Day National Committee which organizes the ceremony, also supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites: There are 67 sites in 39 states and the sites hold a variety of community Veterans Day celebrations to keep the memories of loved ones lost alive. Did your/your community participate in it this year?

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Haiku: They Live In Our Hearts...

 To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”  Thomas Campbell

Haiku: they Live In Our Hearts - Sept 11 Tribute

We look at the sky
In hopes to find ... the missing
They live in our hearts

We reach out our hands
Pained to comfort ... the living
Shedding tears of grief

 The September 11 attacks left an indelible mark on our psyche. For several hours, many of us watched from our homes, from the streets, from NYC buildings and even globally as the nightmare unfolded. This is in honor of the memory of those lost on that day. There were 2,996 innocent lives lost on that day.
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Gratitude: Moving Forward In All Things...

"Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer." Denis Waitley  Follow my blog with Bloglovin
 

Gratitude: Like the SuperMoon, all things change

 Did you see the Supermoon on August 10th?  It was a huge moon shining bright in the sky and, because it was closer to earth than your average moon, you could feel the power of its presence.  Some believe that when such occurrences happen, there is a shift on earth and dramatic events take place.  Whether it is true or not, what it augurs is a reminder that change is a constant in our lives and we must flow with the tide. There are times to shine and times to retreat; a grateful heart makes the changes easier on our psyche.  I have spent a good portion of this year in retreat and, while I have legitimate grounds for my quietude, I know it is time to move forward and reconnect with the creative side of my spirit. My return hasn't been easy as there is so much to do. Yet, I know that all things, like the moon, change and that patience and gratitude will take me where I need to be. What about you?

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Walt Disney 

  Why am I making comparisons to the Supermoon? Because it is a perfect example of how everything that connects us on earth moves forward.  The term was coined by an astrologer, Richard Nolle, who believed that " the upcoming full moon “lunar perigee” – the point in which the moon’s orbit is closest to the earth – will bring an array of disastrous events when it is a mere 221,567 miles away."  While we have witnessed the passing of two beloved actors, Robin Williams and Lauren Bacall, in the last 48 hours, in my opinion, the moon phases serve as a catalyst for change. The new moon awakens something deep in our spirit and reminds us to stretch ourselves and move forward. What are you resisting? What is shining before you that needs your attention? It could be mental, emotional, material or spiritual. Only we know and, with a bit of shift in our thinking, our challenges can be faced with less fear.

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Haiku: Happy Mother's Day Wishes...

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." Abraham Lincoln 

 

Happy Mother's Day!
May you delight in old age
Lifted in Prayer

Mother's Day Wishes
May your family love grow
Hugged in gratitude


I hope you are enjoying this day even if it includes sad memories... Our parents did the best they could and  we are the richer for it. While some parents crossed the line and hurt us, we can break the cycle by becoming better parents. That is, above all, my main wish for all Moms. Be a blessing to someone today.

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Haiku: Signs Of Spring Fever

"Spring beckons! All things to the call respond; the trees are leaving and cashiers abscond." Ambrose Bierce

Signs of spring - forget me not blooms

 The flowering bud
looks keenly for eager mates...
Seeking love and more



Plants and bugs peek through
Fecundity on our minds
A lover's tiff calmed


 Today is a special day. Can you guess? Yep, it's the first day of spring! It’s official; it's time to take stock for our actions and embrace new ways of being.  I am thrilled that the plants and seeds we sowed will soon show their precious blooms. Recently, I walked around my yard and took a few pictures of our early flowers. I hope you enjoy them and the poems I’ve shared.

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." Doug Larson

signs of coming spring - the equinox unfolds

As night turns to day
Sun and moon woo equinox
Signs of  Spring fever

Dogs and cats in heat
Man's yearnings rise in tandem
Spring opens the cage...

With the arrival of spring comes cleaing and uncluttering our space. We rid ourselves of winter burdens and unfrl from our cocooned life... The warmth brings a sense of  invigoration or laziness. Some of us become moody and listless while others venture out into nature restless to shed winter's heavy clothing for light and sun. I'm of the latter group. It's been a long cold winter, and I'm ready for the joys of spring... What about you?
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How Gratitude Can Inspire Your Life & Work

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."
 Oprah Winfrey

 

Make the best effort at work with a grateful heart.. it shows.

Unless you've been living in a bubble or under a rock, you know that the global economy took a massive hit in the last 3-5 years. In the USA, it cost millions of people their jobs, homes and lifestyle. According to the U.S. Department of Labor |Bureau of Labor Statistics,  as of February 2014, "the number of unemployed persons (10.5 million) and the unemployment rate (6.7 percent) changed little."  However, even with these dismal figures, businesses are thriving and new ones are created daily. Why? In down times, it's very easy to join the masses of people who see only gloom. Yet, for those who stay upbeat and look for positive ways to move forward, the struggles are blunted. Also when we adopt an attitude of gratitude for what we do have and look for the good in our challenges, new experiences present themselves to us.

  For those fortunate enough to hold unto jobs, remembering to be thankful and to always give their best should be a given. When we make the best effort at work with a grateful heart, it shows. For folk still hunting for work, developing a spirit of gratitude for the help received and for the opportunities that lie ahead will open doors to new experiences and ways to earn a living. Every time we take a moment to say thanks and express our gratitude for what we have, we feel a deep joy and humility. Every time we stop to help a less fortunate friend, family member or stranger, our actions create ripples of good karma that spreads out and blesses us and others who cross our path.  By the same token, our grateful spirit flows into our creative endeavors and our interactions with others around us.  With each act of grace we encounter and each gesture of thankfulness we express, we become steady, calmer, and compassionate.  How are you expressing gratitude in your work life? What helps you stay inspired in your life?

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Reflections: Gratitude Makes Miracles Happen...

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse. Henry Van Dyke

Simple gestures of gratitude create miracles

Every day miracles are not a thing of the past. The very breath we take is a miraculous gift of life. By the same token, events that give us pause are reminders that we live in a world where mystery and miracles exist. A Gratitude Story: A grateful student gave her favorite teacher a white rose, as a sign of gratitude for all the help the teacher had given her during a difficult time. The teacher was equally touched and placed the rose in a vase on her living room mantle. Days passed and the rose bloomed away. Weeks passed and it glowed brightly as if it had been cut the day before. Almost a month passed before it slowly dropped a petal and then another... The teacher was so taken by the miracle that it inspired a book....  When we act from a place of true gratitude, miracles, healing, and revelations happen.



"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." John Milton

Remembering to say thanks increases our miracles.

We give red roses to those we love but for once, let's consider giving a complete stranger a red rose and see how much it will lift and bless us too. What some of us tend to forget is that when we give freely and joyfully, we are quadruply blessed. Giving of our time, love, effort, kindness, and compassion are all forms of prayer. Our actions bless us, the recipients and, by extension, humanity; they create a ripple of blessings that uplift us and others. This is why all the great spiritual teachers taught us about selflessness which is the opposite of selfishness. We limit our contributions to the world when we are selfish, cliquish, and limited in our love quotient. By love, I mean respect, care, consideration, and support.  We all benefit from acts of gratefulness; both directly and indirectly.

Another Gratitude Story: Once, a lady was walking home after a long and difficult day at work. There had been a turnover and many colleagues were fired that day. She was spared and was grateful.  To cheer herself up, she stopped and bought some red roses for her bedroom. As she continued her walk home, she turned a corner and bumped into a young man, knocking his cap off his head. She apologized  profusely as she picked up the cap and handed it to him.  He smiled sadly at her, took the cap and started to leave. Immediately, she stopped him and handed him one of her roses. At that point, he burst into tears. "My mom just passed away after a long battle with cancer. Before she died, she promised to look out for me and send me signs when I feel down". He said
"Signs? What sort of signs?"  The lady asked the young man.
"She promised to send me a red rose to cheer me up.... Your rose is that message." He replied. Yes, she sent a sign through a grateful stranger.
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Musings: Lost And Found...

"Not all those who wander are lost." J. R. R. Tolkien 

Musings: Lost and Found Tabby came home.

Have you ever lost something dear to you and later found it? How did it make you feel? When you couldn't find it, what did you do?  Recently, our Tabby cat, Tangy, disappeared for almost 24 hours. He had quietly snuck out the front door when the cable guy was leaving and I only realized he was gone when he didn't show up like clock work to eat his supper.  In a panic, I looked everywhere for him; upstairs and downstairs and beyond. He was nowhere to be found. I sat down and cried... I was worried that, being a house cat, he'd be mauled by the wildlife around me. I had to stop, catch my breath and say a prayer. I was very worried.
A few hours later, a friend stopped by and we searched the house together. No cat... We sat and talked about where he might have wandered off to. We had to come up with a strategy to find him especially as it was getting dark outside.

Since this was Tangy's first great escape, we figured he would be nearby and our best strategy would be to call out to him as we walked up and down our cul de sac. Before heading out, I noticed a group of deer near the staircase that led to the street. One was slamming its right hoof on the earth. It would make sense later. Outside, we made our way up the cul de sac, calling his name. "Tangy! Tangy! Tangy!" We turned back and headed to the main road at the bottom of our street.  By now, I was upset and started calling his name loudly. Suddenly I heard a meow. I stopped and called out again. And another meow responded. I followed his meows in a call and response fashion until I found him - caught under one of our heaviest shrubs. Tangy was stuck! I released him gently, picked him up and ran indoors; we cleaned him up and fed him. He was happy to be home. I was happier to have lost and found him.... For that, I am grateful! Have you lost a favorite pet or a precious item? Did you find it?  Do share your story in the comments below.
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Haiku: A Simple Thank You...

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." Meister Eckhart 

A Thank You Smile

A simple thank you
Is enough, to bring a smile
Happiness abounds...


 Saying Thank You for all we have, is the way, under all circumstances, to push through challenges and move our lives forward. It is easy to see the darkness and the challenges but we forget that every disappointment has a blessing in its path. As I wrote my gratitude post for this week, I came to the realization that, slowly but surely, questions and concerns I've had are shifting... In its place is Grace.
What am I thankful for? For life and all it brings; for revelations, smiles and songs, and for the gift of a new day.
What are you thankful for?
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Reflections: The Challenge Is To Love...

"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge." Thomas Carlyle

Reflections: The Challenge Is To Love...Where is the love?

Love Defined: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; attraction based on sexual desire; affection and tenderness felt by lovers; affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interests Merriam Webster
Aside from the dictionary definition, When you think of Love, what is the first thought that crosses your mind? Pause and reflect on why that particular thought jumped before you. Is it affectionate, benevolent or obsessive love? Most of us spend our lives searching for romantic love and ignore other important elements that contribute to experiencing a healthy and robust love. We spend our time pursuing a lover, loving and hating each other, ignoring those who care about us without ulterior motives and, at the end of the day, we fall over exhausted from the emotional strain we've placed on ourselves.

Some people confuse pretending to be sweet as love. We act lovingly for fear of rocking the proverbial boat. But, pretending to be loving and not speaking the truth about wrong doing is not love; it's hypocrisy. The best teachers are forthright about what their students do because they see the potential for greatness in them. That is an act of love. If we sit back, pretend all is fab fab, and then participate in acts of meanness, we have failed ourselves and our opportunity to grow. That is not love. The challenge is to love ourselves and others unconditionally without expectation. When there is expectation, there is bound to be pain. How have you shown love to others today?


"Where there is love there is life." Mahatma Gandhi

Love is a universal language felt by all. Above is the Hebrew symbol of Love.  Sculptor: Robert Indiana

When I researched the word Love for this post, I found well over 450 million articles on the subject; clearly love matters to many of us, but we don't spend enough time cultivating a spirit of love. One article I read pointed out 15 types of love from: infatuation, romantic, passionate, companionate, unconditional, conditional, puppy, maternal, paternal, soulmate, spiritual/divine, patriotic, self, brotherly to tough love. However, when you look closely at the list, some are actually a subset of others within the grouping. The underlying message is that while love is filtered through many lenses, the essence of love is simply LoVE.

In Ancient Greece, people believed in four kinds of love: Agape; a pure spiritual love, Eros; a passionate/sexual or romantic love, Philia; an affectionate friendship love, and Storge; a parental/familial love. They added a very important fifth type of love: Xenia which is hospitality or charity to others. This act of generosity to strangers remains important today. When we look at the list, the first four are probably the easiest to implement because they generally, not always, come with conditions attached. We feel invested in those relationships, so we act accordingly - in a loving manner. The fifth which is a call to perform frequent random acts of kindness and to treat others by the Golden Rule is harder to do. Why do we find it hard to love unconditionally?
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Haiku: Our Parents...

"We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves." Henry Ward Beecher 

We thank our parents...
For all they gave us - life, birth
Held us close - tears, smiles

We come into the world naked and expectant. We depend on our parents for every little thing. Our lives are in their hands and, as our earliest guardians, they make a huge impact on us. Some of us were raised by biological parents and others by grandparents or adoptive parents. All are PARENTS.  I was reading today about how a mother's role never ends; even when her children fly the coop. Parenting is not an easy role and we all fail at it sometime. The best thing we learn from becoming parents is the recognition that our parents had a tough job that came with no training manual. As parents, we repeat the good and bad habits/practices of our own parents and it takes a concerted effort to change the old pattern of behavior. So this Haiku is dedicated to all parents; especially those who made the best of the tools they had and shared their unconditional love. More below

Gratitude: Are You An Optimist Or A Pessimist?

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust 

Gratitude: Is the Water Glass half empty or half full?

 Do you think you are more of an optimist or a pessimist?  I've always imagined myself as a rational optimist; meaning I'm typically happy for specific reasons. However, when I started practicing meditation and attending positive, faith driven services, many moons ago, I connected to a joy inside that was not dependent on concrete events. Of course, being human with my share of flaws and foibles, I've also experienced the ups and downs of this seemingly elusive emotion called Happiness. Why do so many spend their lives chasing after Happiness? Why is it that some seem to have more of it and others less? Is it the Law of Attraction? Grace and a grateful heart? Personality? I've met very, very few people, aside from some spiritual teachers, who are perennially joyful. A friend once said to me that being born into the world = a certain percentage of unhappiness. Is that so?


  
"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." Denis Waitley 

What makes you think you're happy?

 What makes you happy? How has the month of February been for you?  What makes me happy today? Aside from the major examples people give like family and friends, the simple things we take for granted make me happy; breath, water, vision, completion, and peace of mind. February opened some great doors for me. For example, when I discovered the Weekly Gratitude Sharing group on NaBloPoMo, I was looking for a concrete way to remind myself to stay grateful.  Despite the usual challenges in life, I wanted a way to publicly acknowledge the good in my life; to see the glass as, at least half full.  I'm delighted to say that it was a wise move because my  wishes were met. So far, writing my weekly Gratitude post is a wonderful reminder that we are not only responsible for our own happiness, but also must make a commitment to honor it daily. 
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Gratitude: A Sunday Haiku...

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul." Henry Ward Beecher

Grateful for all life

Grateful for all life
Memories of up down days
Outside, the sun shines

A grateful heart smiles
Hopeful when sad tears arise
Inside, love unfolds

Happy Valentine's Day 2014: A Special Gift Day

"Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another." Thomas Merton
 

Happy Valentine's Day 2014 - Virtual Gifts To All

Happy Valentine's Day to You, You and You! I hope you are having a great day. While many of you are eating chocolates, opening gifts and having a good time, some folk are not. Let’s share some Valentine’s Day love by sending out virtual love and special gifts to all. So, if you are alone, we haven't forgotten you and I send you love-hugs and blessings! If you got nothing material from your loved ones, please join the giveaway below for a chance to win a price. Virtual gifts sent your way too. What are you doing today? What kinds of gifts did you get?

Did you get what you wanted for Valentine's Day? If no this is the giveaway for you! Enter to win and then you can get the Valentine's Gift you really wanted! Or, if you are super nice use it to make someone else day.

I’m joining a group of amazing bloggers to bring you this fun giveaway! One lucky winner is going to get a $50 eGift Card of your choice!! What would you choose?

We are making it easy peasy to enter! Just use the form below.

Remember, this giveaway ends in 24 hours, at 11:59 pm on February 14! Tell your friends so they can enter, too!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Enjoy you special day and hope to see you again soon. More below!    

Inspiration: What Are You Grateful For Today?

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melody Beattie 

During this Valentine's Day Season, What are you grateful for?

Happy Valentine's Day 2014!  With Valentine's Day around the corner, people are thinking about their loved ones and making arrangements for a fun day. This is also a time to pause and be thankful for all that we have. At the end of the day, nothing  matters more than the love we share and the grace we receive from others. Below are six of  twelve things I am grateful for today and during this season. The remaining six are in the latter half of this post. There is also a NaBloPoMo Gratitude linkup below; feel free to add a gratitude or happy post to share with others. Thank you! What are you grateful for today? What am I grateful for today?  I am grateful for the following:

 Life:  It is such a precious gift and when we lose someone dear, we are reminded how important it is to always say thank you and show love. One of my favorite child actors, Shirley Temple, dead recently at 85. She was a great gift and I am thankful to the love she shared in her films.
 Love:  We love our friends and family; that's a given, but with Valentine's Day a few deep breaths away, random acts of  loving kindness will make someone's day and the world brighter.
Family: Everything begins and ends with family, and our family includes those whose friendships go deeper even than familial bonds. Family is kin and kindred souls. I'm grateful for both.

True Friendships:  Friendships matter and we don't forget them ever. I cherish my friendships and wish all the blessing of true friendship; unlike the one shared in this story of friendship gone wrong
Food:  We have abundant food in the US and so it's easy to forget that, in many parts of the world, people eat once a day ... and not healthy foods. With about 90% of the world's population estimated by the UN to be food deprived; they eat one meal a day. food is medicine and a blessing.
Maintaining a Sense of Humor:  We need humor to help us stay healthy physically/mentally, and maintain our calm in hard times.  The Dumb Starbucks parody made me laugh and that is something to be thankful for - Laughter
Happy Valentine's Day. What are you thankful for today?  More Below

Haiku: Nelson Mandela - In Memoriam...

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Nelson Mandela

Haiku: Nelson Mandela - Madiba Rest In Peace

Nelson Mandela
Tata Madiba, Goodbye!
God called Khulu home...

He fought Apartheid
The rainbow nation would thrive
Black, White, Colored, all

The struggle is done
South Africa's people freed
Your legacy, sealed...


 This week, the prompt is: Rainbow

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





I've used the prompts from this week's haiku to create a memorial for one of Africa's great sons; Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, 1918-2013, who passed away today at the age of 95. He paid a great price for his fight against the oppressive, racist Apartheid regime in his native, South Africa, spending 27 years imprisoned in a tiny cell in Robben's Island. Many believed he would never be set free and that Apartheid would end in a bloody war. In February 1990, he was released and started a new journey on the path to full liberation of all people in his nation.

Like many others around the world, I celebrated his freedom and rejoiced when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and when he became South Africa's first democratically elected Black President. His death brings great sadness to my heart. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world. If you'd like to learn more about the legacy of this great son of Africa, The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory has documented much on his life. Take a moment to visit the site. What are your memories of Nelson Mandela? I have added more below.

More Below!

Haiku: Dreams Of A Seventh Haven...

"...True prayer is measured by weight, not by length. A single groan before God may have more fullness of prayer in it than a fine oration of great length." C. H. Spurgeon

Haiku: Dreams Of a Seventh Haven - Above Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda

Hidden from the storms
Seven days had come and gone
A sacred cocoon

Anchored in a cove
Many in the boat, breathe, life.
Saved from destruction

Lips part in prayer
Requiem for souls lost at sea
Resting in heaven


 This week, the prompt is: Seven

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy wroth by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Philippines, my heart has been heavy with pain and prayer for the families affected by the typhoon. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to all the people of the Philippines during this difficult time. I had a dream that Mother Earth would avert natural disasters by creating pockets of safe havens for her children; cocoons of divine protection from earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis and hurricanes. So many people are suffering and need relief.

Haiku: Dreams of A Seventh Haven -  Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda Survivors do laundry near  debris of a boat.                           Photo Francis R Malasig/EPA

In times like this, we are reminded of the ephemeral nature of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of offering compassionate aid to our fellow men, women and children. There are many organizations raising funds and helping out, please don't forget those affected and lets all so our bit; write, donate, volunteer, post an unselfie, - every gesture carries enormous weight. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”

 If you are looking for ways to help, you  may contribute to/through the following sites: Feed the Hungry/Ayala Foundation USA, Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), AmeriCares, UNICEF/GreaterGood, Compassion International, Things to donate -> MommyUnwired's post, Feed The Children  and NBC's List of Organizations Offering Relief.

See more Haiku: Tan Renga, Relief effort below!  More below!

Haiku: Watch A Blade Of Grass...

"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself." Henry Miller 

Haiku: Watch A Blade of Grass -  Above is a blade of flowering Zoysia Grass

Watch a blade of grass
Dancing gaily in the wind
Teeming, green with life

Cut a blade of grass
Leaking all its life, turns brown
One perspective? Death

Nurture all our grass
Planting, feeding, in season
What we sow, love grows

 This week, the prompt is: Grass

What is a haiku?
 As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables. It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5 syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure





In addition to the weekly Haiku Heights piece above, I have joined the haiku poets of Carpe Diem to work on writing Ten Renga.  According to Kristjaan of Carpe Diem, "a Tan Renga is a short-linked poem which has two stanza, the first stanza has 5-7-5 syllables (the haiku assigned) and the second stanza has 7-7 syllables (I write it). The second stanza is a response on the first and has to have a 'kind of link' with the first stanza, but it can also be completely different say 'a kind of reaction or answer' on the first, but there always has to be, in some way, a 'link' with the first stanza." 
See more on this form of haiku below.