Remembering

This is a traditional Hopi prayer written for those who have passed from the world as we know it.

Do not stand at my grave and weep:
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints of snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumns rain.

When you awake in the morining's hush,
I am the swift unlifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.

This prayer is in honor of two beautiful people who have left this world as we know it. My brother left on Dec. 17th and my dear friend Beth, left on Feb 17th. These two people left such different legacies in their lives but they both left with thoughts that will last forever. Over the next few days, my blog will be focusing on these thoughts and feelings. Blessings to all.

Valentine's Day

Today is the day that everyone expresses the thoughts and feelings they have for others. Why is it that Valentine's Day is set aside for that sentiment? Is this a reminder to us that we should be doing this everyday? or Is this the one day that people can express it without feeling silly? As I researched the history of Valentine's Day, I came across some interesting information about the events that took place before the 4th century. I prefer to begin there.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

After spending the day with my two favorite Valentine's, my husband and grandson, I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love and happiness to follow throughout the year.

Global Warming

Laurie David, the Force Behind the Solution
We all need a source for inspiration, fortunately I've found one. It's Laurie David's new book "Stop Global Warming, The Solution is You!". That book just brings it home for me. Laurie David is truly my eco-hero (sorry Al Gore!). ...doesn't look like she lives in hemp and on granola (not that those are bad things of course!). Click on the link below for a 10 minute PBS interview where she talks about fighting the good fight - truly inspiring!
PBS Interview with Laurie David

Consciousness of Empowerment

Consciousness of Empowerment:
The greatest joy -- Making a Difference
The most satisfying act -- Giving
The most powerful internal gift -- Allowing Yourself the Ability to Receive
Our greatest natural resource -- Laughter
The most motivating word -- A Word of Encouragement
The most prized “state of mind” -- Peace of mind
The most powerful force in the Universe -- Love
The world's most Magnificent Computer -- The Brain
The two most Self-Perpetuating words of Creation -- “I AM”
The most valuable part of any attire -- A SMILE!
The most catching emotion -- Enthusiasm
The most endangered natural resource -- Gratefulness
The most powerful tool of manifestation -- Faith
Reflect on these ideas and make them a part of your life, and notice how your Consciousness of Empowerment develops exponentially…
So what have you resolved to manifest in this year?
Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to require a Consciousness of Empowerment in order to pull it off…