Happy News - Today is World Kindness Day

Today is World Kindness Day

This separate day dedicated to acts of kindness to humanity was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Organization. The Cosmos flower is adopted as a symbol of World Kindness Day. This Day is observed in many countries including Canada, Japan, Australia and India.

The purpose of World Kindness Day is to look beyond ourselves, our country, our culture, our race, our religion and realize we are citizens of the world.

Hopefully, kindness is something which should be displayed on a daily basis and not just on one day, the fact remains that we are so caught up in our own comforts, problems and needs that many times we fail to look around and see the needs and hardships of others or help them.

So what can we do on this World Kindness Day to make at least a small difference to mankind? I think there is no better gift one can give to a fellow human being than peace and happiness. Let us do at least one act of kindness on this day. Let us help ourselves and help our global brothers and sisters by spreading the message of peace and happiness.

You ask the question ‘What can I do?” – just look around you – help an elderly person or someone in need, contribute to charity, give food for a needy person, donate blood, visit an orphanage or a nursing home, spend time with the inmates and so on. Have you ever tried to meet the local refugees who may be living in your community? Reach out to them in kindness. Give everyone a smile today – it will bring you personal happiness.

If a person should try to pay you for your act of kindness – just smile and say “Just pass it on – do something nice for someone else when you can.”

peacesojourner

Remembrance Day - Veterans Day 11/11 at 11a.m.

The eleventh month, the eleventh day and the eleventh hour –

is the time that many countries take a moment of

silence to remember the veterans of wars.

Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day (the event it commemorates) or Veterans Day – is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War.

It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.) King George V specifically dedicated the day on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war.

In the United States it is called Veterans Day, Canada and Australia observe "Remembrance Day" on November 11, and Great Britain observes "Remembrance Day" on the Sunday nearest to November 11^th.

In Great Britain, the day is commemorated by church services and parades of ex-service members in Whitehall, a wide ceremonial avenue leading from London's Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square.

Wreaths of poppies are left at the Cenotaph, a war memorial in Whitehall, which was built after the First World War. At the Cenotaph and elsewhere in the country, a two-minute silence is observed at 11 a.m., to honor those who lost their lives in wars.

The practice of wearing of poppies takes its origin from the poem In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 by Dr. John McCrae. Poppies grow best in freshly turned earth, and the battlefields of the First World War were covered with red poppies and they became a reminder of the many people who had died during that war.

*****

IN FLANDERS FIELDS by Dr. John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Remembering all persons who have served in the military around the world

and continued prayers for peace on earth.

peacesojourner

November Full Moon - Beaver Moon

The Full Beaver Moon - November 2011

In the Native American culture, now it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter.

This can also be called the Frosty Moon, and as this is also the next full moon after the Harvest Moon, it can also be referred to as the Hunters' Moon. With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, also other animals, which have come out to glean and can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest.

The different phases of the moon do not happen on the same days each month because the moon’s orbit around the Earth does not take exactly one month. The cycle of the phases from new moon to new moon, takes 29 and ½ days. Because of this, moon phases can happen anywhere during each month.

This Full Moon is also known as the Mourning Moon

This is the time of Taurus when the full moon is exalted, and draws us into a mood of reverence for natural rhythms. When we slow down we become enchanted with the sensual delights of Mother Nature. At this time we are relaxed and as slow as nature itself. Are you giving your natural gifts the time and effort they need to come into full flower?

This is a psychically potent moment to see what's holding you back. It invites you to release the grip of control, and take risks to be creative. This is also met by a desire to act on what makes you unique, and share that as part of your gift to the world.

It sets you up to be courageous and express who you really are.

Claim your true gifts, whatever it takes. That might mean turning yourself inside out, to heal from psychic-emotional wounds that prevent you from stepping out. It takes courage to make changes in our life and this is a perfect time to do it.

Try to take special time this evening to view the full moon that is an affirmation of who is in control and a confirmation that all is right with the world.

peacesojourner

if It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Preparing for Thanksgiving

Remember the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair

I love this time of year with the beauty of the red, orange and yellow foliage of autumn; however, I also have a feeling of sadness as we prepare for the colder climate ahead. By November 1^st the local outdoor farmer’s markets close down and I miss my weekly visits to buy their products.

In the United States, foods travel an average of 1300 miles from the field to the table, using a large amount of fuel during their transport. Purchasing locally cuts down on the distance food travels, thus reducing the consumption of oil and carbon emissions nationwide.

The benefits of buying organic are obvious (no pesticides or herbicides). When consciously buying locally you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer. Buying local also keeps your dollars circulating in your own community.

Farmers Markets have experienced a growth over the past ten years and are continuing to increase. The organic food industry has risen from sales of $1 billion in 2001, to $20 billion in 2011.

Why not take the time to set new, environmentally friendly, traditions as we celebrate Thanksgiving this month?

Check with the farms in your area for your traditional turkey. Ask if any hormones or antibiotics have been pumped in the bird. Also, ask if it's range free, which means the turkey is allowed to go outdoors and see the light of day. If the farm passes all these tests, then order a fresh turkey to be picked up, usually the day before Thanksgiving. If this is not an option, try finding an all-natural turkey at a local market. The Lexington Co-op on Elmwood Ave in Buffalo usually stocks such turkeys. Remember to place your turkey order well ahead of time to ensure you have one to cook.

To liven up your Thanksgiving dinner, add a few decorative touches on the table. Purchase a tablecloth of a seasonal color, which you can wash and reuse for years to come. Use cloth napkins, silverware and glasses - all of which can be washed, thus reducing waste in landfills.

Fresh local vegetables are always the best so look for seasonal veggies such as butternut squash, peas, green onions, potatoes and sweet potatoes. If you are too overwhelmed to bake, go to an organic bakery and order fresh pies.

Remember that going green on Thanksgiving doesn't have to be complicated. Stick to the dinner basics and get the children to help decorate.

From cooking an organic menu to making your own decorations, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to get the whole family involved in a green lifestyle. An organic Thanksgiving feast is not only healthy and tasty, but can also help the environment. Free-range turkey, fresh vegetables from local farmers, and treats from the organic bakery are just a few choices for your healthy cornucopia of food this year.

Make a commitment to recycle. Make sure you are properly recycling all the paper, plastic, and glass from your Thanksgiving festivities.

Use soy candles to decorate with. Decorating your living and dining space with soy candles is an eco-friendly option, and you'll find plenty of fragrant pillar or floating candles to complement your table.

Teach your children to carry the work of conservation forward; the next generation must absorb its lessons. Encourage them to read on the subject, and persuade their teachers to include ecological studies in their curricula. Above all, show them by example how to reuse, recycle, avoid waste, and care.

Happy 'Green' Thanksgiving!

peacesojourner

Another Glimpse of Autumn

this season
Jean Rodenbough

sun-filled trees, light filtering through leaves
while we walk along the walled path
where, who was it, once took this way
full of thoughts that wilted
for lack of witness

the dog and I make our autumn way
on fallen leaves in air tinted
by heat of fading summer—warmth
follows us into shaded shelters
along the path that opens in shadow,
woods too long in waiting for the cool

who was here before us? when light
urged the dark red earth to its seasons
before our present course—
no signs of former travelers, no hint of history,
only this moment:
the astonishing awareness of color
the day opening into memories

Photo by Stephanie Schmidt, OSB

Today is Election Day - Don't Forget to Vote.

SO YOU DON'T THINK THAT YOUR VOTE COUNTS -

DID YOU KNOW THAT JOHN F. KENNEDY'S MARGIN OF VICTORY

OVER RICHARD NIXON IN 1960 WAS

LESS THAN ONE VOTE PER PRECINCT?

GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY! PLEASE.

peacesojourner

Guy Fawkes is still remembered after 406 years

Today is the 5^th of November. This date is set aside in Great Britain as Guy Fawkes Night - also known as Bonfire Night – which celebrates the foiling of an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London on November 5, 1605. This incident is still remembered 406 years after the event.

The attack was planned by a group of Catholic conspirators, which included Guy Fawkes. The explosives would have been set off when King James I of England (King James VI of Scotland) and many parliamentary members were in the building.

The conspiracy is also known as "The Gunpowder Plot”. The object of which was to blow up the English Parliament that was scheduled to open on November 5^th of 1605. They hoped that such a disaster would initiate a great uprising of English Catholics, who were distressed by the increased severity of penal laws against the practice of their religion. Guy Fawkes (considered the ringleader) and his co-conspirators were arrested, tortured and executed for their part in the plot.

Today, one of the ceremonies, which accompany the opening of a new session of Parliament, is a traditional search of the basement performed by the Yeoman of the Guard.

So who was Guy Fawkes? He was born on April 13, 1570 in Stonegate, Yorkshire. He was originally raised as a Protestant but attended a Catholic school.

At 23, he enlisted in the Spanish Army under the Archduke Albert of Austria and was known to have held a post of command when the Spanish took Calais in 1596 under the orders of King Philip II. Described at this time as a man of great piety, of exemplary temperance, a faithful friend, and remarkable for his punctual attendance upon religious observance."

Guy Fawkes was a Catholic who wanted to restore Catholicism as the Church of England. In order to do this, he had to find a way to dethrone the Protestant king, thus the conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament because on that night the king and most of the aristocracy (Protestant and Catholic) would be inside.

The conspirators were found guilty and on Friday, January 31, 1606, Guy Fawkes, Thomas Wintour, Ambrose Rookwod and Robert Keyes were taken to the Old Palace Yard at Westminster and hung, drawn and quartered "in the very place which they had planned to demolish in order to send the message of their wickedness."

*****

When we were children it was always a time of great excitement. Children would find donated men’s clothing and fill them full of fallen leaves and an effigy was made of Guy Fawkes. Held together with a belt at the waist, he was placed in a wooden wheelbarrow and wheeled around in the community. The tradition was to call out “penny for the guy”. This custom started originally to collect money for fireworks.

For several years we had a bonfire in our garden. We did not have fireworks but we always had ‘sparklers’ which we were allowed to hold in our hands. For us it was truly a magical experience.

Our mum would place potatoes wrapped in foil (jacket potatoes) in the fire to cook but they took such a long time we usually lost interest in those.

Traditionally there is a ceremonial effigy burning of Guy Fawkes, with fireworks glowing in the sky overhead. Nowadays I believe that it has become more of a community event in some towns and cities, where the municipality organizes a bonfire and hold a professional firework display in a park.

What is interesting to me, as I researched this topic for accuracy, I cannot remember ever hearing that the plot was the work of Catholics. So I am assuming that in more recent times that piece of history has been forgiven and we just use the tradition as a day to have fun.

I also checked with my family in England today to make sure that this is still happening as I have been away for a while. My sister just now emailed a reply “yes, bonfires and fireworks are going on as I type - Pebbles (her dog) is not happy!”

*****

The children sing traditional Rhymes:

Remember, remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason, why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

*****

Guy, guy, guy

Poke him in the eye,

Put him on the bonfire,

And there let him die.

*****

Remember, remember the fifth of November

It's Gunpowder Plot, we never forgot

Put your hand in your pocket and pull out your purse

A ha'penny or a penny will do you no harm

If you don't have a penny a ha'penny will do.

If you don't have a ha'penny, then God bless you.

"A Penny For the Guy"

I have to say that writing this article has brought back some fond memories of childhood. I hope that present day children in Britain are also having fun today. :-)

November is Native American Indian Heritage Month

November is Native American Indian Heritage Month

Many Native Americans celebrate their culture every day. This month, you can too! It is no coincidence that Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month coincide. We often think of the first Thanksgiving as being the harvest feast shared by the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people in the autumn of 1621.

But many Native Americans regularly celebrated successful growing seasons with a big feast long before European settlers moved in. It is important to honor the history, contributions, and sacrifices of the Native Americans who lived on this land long before the settlers claimed it as their own.

A Month to Honor and Remember - In 1914, Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation from Montana, thought a day should be set aside to honor American Indians. He traveled more than 4,000 miles on horseback, dressed in traditional garb, getting endorsements from 24 governors to establish such a day. In 1915, the Congress of the American Indian Association approved a day to be celebrated in May.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush proclaimed November as the first official National American Indian Heritage Month. Since then, the month has also been called Native American Heritage Month and National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

Native American or American Indian?

It is difficult to use one name for such a large and diverse group of people. Tom Arviso Jr., the publisher and editor of The Navajo Times, the largest Native American–owned weekly newspaper, has explained, "I... would rather be known as... a member of the Navajo tribe, instead of... a Native American or American Indian. This gives an authentic description of my heritage, rather than lumping me into a whole race of people."

Loriene Roy, a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, agrees. "It is always better to ask the individual what they would like to be called," she says. "With over 500 federally recognized tribes, there isn't one term that everyone will agree on." Roy is a professor of library and information science at the University of Texas. She believes it's valuable to celebrate the people who inhabited this land first. "It is important to remind children of the stories and people of the past," she says, "and that those stories and people are still living today."

Ancient Wanderers

No one is quite sure where the first Americans came from. Thousands of years ago, a land bridge linked what is now Russia and Alaska. The traditional theory is that some 10,500 years ago, people from Asia migrated to the Western hemisphere by way of that connection. Over time, the people moved south and populated North and South America.

Another theory is based on fossils, which date back more than 12,000 years, that have been found in Chile. The evidence suggests that boats might have brought people from Japan, Australia, or other areas in the Pacific Ocean. Those people would have migrated north. Perhaps both theories are true.

Native Americans Today

When the first European settlers arrived, there were approximately 2 million native people living in what is now the continental United States. Today, according to the U.S. Census, there are 4.5 million people, or 1.5 percent of the U.S. population, who identify themselves as American Indians or Alaska Natives. That number is growing and is expected to reach 8.6 million by 2050. More than 560 federally recognized tribes exist in the United States. Of those, the largest are the Cherokee, the Navajo, and the Chippewa.

Today, between one-third and one-half of all U.S. Native Americans live on reservations. A reservation is an area of land managed by a tribe, but owned by the U.S. government. Native Americans may face many challenges in today's society. Issues include poor health, unemployment, and poverty, as well as a high dropout rate among high school students. As both American citizens and tribe members, Native Americans often straddle two cultures. They struggle to connect with their heritage, identity, and ancestral lands. Some are trying to revive their original languages, which are dying out.

Despite the difficulties, many Native Americans have achieved success and made important contributions to the country—in the arts, politics, sports, literature, medicine, education, the military, business, and other areas.

I will write more about some of them later - to be continued............

(Information for this article taken from Weekly Reader News)

If It Is Thursday It's Going Green - Cut Cost of Electricity

LIGHT BULBS: Cut LIGHTING Costs

As the seasons change this is a great time to replace regular incandescent bulbs and fixtures with Energy Star–qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), available at most hardware stores. CFLs cast a warmer glow than the cold, harsh fluoros of old. They cost more than regular bulbs, but they use 70 percent less energy; last longer (10,000 hours, compared with 750), and look just as good.

Use task lighting. Turn off lights when you leave a room.

CAUTION: If you have a torchière-style halogen lamp anywhere, get rid of it. It probably runs a 300-watt bulb and heats up to about 970 degrees. It can also be a fire hazard.

Install dimmers on all bulbs to save energy and extend their life. Timers work well for front door and security-related lights; sensors, which turn on lights only when needed, are ideal for outdoors. Solar-powered outdoor lights (www.solarilluminations.com has a wide selection) are an energy-free option.

SOLAR POWER: Don’t underestimate the power of daylight. Use skylights and well-placed mirrors to reflect natural light and help reduce lighting costs.

Take advantage of free solar power. You can reduce your heating bills by up to 10 percent.

Open your curtains and shades during the day to let the sun in so you can turn off lights. Open window coverings also bring free warmth into the house on sunny winter days. Cut heat loss by closing curtains and shades at night.

Think your electronics and appliances are turned off? Probably not. Hair dryers, phone chargers, TVs and other devices use energy for display clocks and memory chips all the time.

This hidden energy drains account for 5 percent of total domestic energy consumption and sends 18 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. Unplug them—or make it easier on yourself by connecting them to a surge protector and flipping the switch.

By making some of these small changes you can save on your utility bills and help the environment.

Don’t forget, together we can make a difference.

Where Did Pumpkins Originate?

As we start to feel the coldness in the air we

can still see the wonderful colors of Autumn around us.

Recently there were fields and fields of colorful

pumpkins. These photos show their beauty.

Here are some interesting Pumpkin facts:

Pumpkins originated in Central America.

The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.

The name pumpkin originated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon."

Pumpkins are 90 percent water.

Pumpkins are fruit.

Total U.S. pumpkin production in 2010 in major pumpkin producing states was valued at $142 million.

The top pumpkin production states are Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California.

Around 90 to 95% of the processed pumpkins in the United States are grown in Illinois.

Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack.

Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.

Pumpkins are used for feed for animals.

Pumpkin flowers are edible.

Pumpkins are used to make soups, pies and breads.

Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits.

Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.

Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.

Enjoying the Autumn Season - 'Trees'

TREES

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918)

A sergeant in the U.S. Infantry who was killed at the Second Battle

of the Marne in 1918 at the age of 31

*****

It was September when I first arrived in the United States. We visited in Detroit, Michigan for about a week and then we drove from Detroit to California. It was Autumn and my strongest memories of our travels are when we drove through Colorado. The trees were so beautiful and the landscape was breathtaking.

Here we are in the Autumn season again and now I live in Western New York. As I travel around the community I am in awe at the incredible colors of the foliage.

If you live in an area that does not have the four seasons I urge you to try to travel to New England or New York state, especially along Route 20.

Yes, as I have confessed before on this blog,

I am proud to declare that I am definitely a tree hugger.

peacesojourner

How to Cook Acorn Squash

Here is a seasonal vegetable that is delicious and so easy to prepare.

Baked Acorn Squash

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Baking pan

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2:

Use a paring knife to score the insides of each half several times.

Add 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the baking pan.

Step 3:

Coat the inside of the two halves of squash with 1/2 tablespoon butter

and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Place each half into the baking pan, flesh side UP.

Step 4:

Bake squash for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until squash is soft and tops are browned. Spoon sauce which has not been absorbed over exposed areas.

Slice and enjoy!

This is a great substitute for potatoes with a meal!


Acorn squash contains magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and A, and calcium.


An entire acorn squash only contains 172 calories!


Alone, a whole acorn squash contains less than 1 mg of fat.


Acorn squash is at it's peak in fall through winter, but can usually be found in the grocery store year round.


Store an acorn squash in the refrigerator for up to a week when placed in a paper bag