Spring Left the Building and Summer Has Arrived!
Whoo-hooooo! Today is the first day of Summer! The Summer Solstice arrived June 21, at 12:24 A.M. EDT.
Summer Pursuits
It’s time for a little hot fun
in the good ole Summertime sun
vacations at the beach or pristine lake
grillin’, cookouts, or an evening clam bake
drenched in silkiness of warm drizzling sweat
quench your thirst with a drink, ice cold and wet
summer reading, water skiing, road trips and more
leisure pursuits, relaxation not meant to be a chore
strolling through shady meadows, memories of yesteryear
that summertime madness is a state of mind oh so fresh and clear.
© Kym Gordon Moore
As we begin this new season, go for the gusto, make new memories and have some hot fun in the good ole summertime!
Celebrating the Bald Eagle on American Eagle Day
Today, June 20 we celebrate Bald Eagle Day or American Eagle Day. The Eagle has stood as a symbol of freedom and liberty, known for its beauty and strength. This majestic raptor was chosen as the featured emblem on our coat of arms representing the United States of America on June 20, 1782.
I have always been fascinated with the presence of an eagle. The following Bible passage sits on my desk as a reminder of the tests, endurance, and strength of this mighty bird, and what happens when we adopt such characteristics of an eagle:
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
As we pay tribute to this national bird in flight, spread your wings and soar today!
Juneteenth: Emancipation for Humanity
Image Source: North Amarillo Now
Slavery has remained one of the darkest clouds in the history of the United States and in many parts of the world. Slaves were not even considered people, but property like cattle. The Emancipation Proclamation was a presidential proclamation and executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. This proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states (more than 3 million enslaved people in designated areas of the South) “are, and henceforward shall be free.”
Also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth commemorates the day Union General Gordon Granger along with 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas (a rebellious state) to take possession of the state in order to enforce the emancipation of its slaves.
I always wondered whether the last line of the poem, Defence of Fort M’Henry written in 1814 by poet Francis Scott Key, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave (better known in our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner) had any significance behind the writing and execution of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863? There are many resources for learning about the historical influences behind Juneteenth. You can find out more about this holiday and how it is celebrated 152 years later around the country, by visiting Juneteenth.com.
Happy Juneteenth!
Observing National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month on Food Porn Friday
Oh, the brilliant rainbow of bold colors that you see displayed in the fruit and vegetable bins when you visit your local farmers market or free standing produce stands. Did you know that June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month? This is another great reason to celebrate eating healthier during these hot summer days while getting your heart-smart grub on.
There is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your area that provide some amazing health benefits, which include lowering your cholesterol, helping you to lose weight, contains beneficial fiber, improves your vision and cellular growth. Fruits and vegetables also contain natural sources of daily recommended vitamins and minerals. Here are 40 Garden-Fresh Vegetable Recipes that are quick and simple to whip up from the folks at Midwest Living.
Happy #NationalFreshFruitandVegetablesMonth on #FoodPornFriday!
When You’re Smiling
Our faces assume various expressions that indicate happiness, pleasure, favor, mockery, anger or deceit. A smile is a healthy expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth. Today is Power of a Smile Day.
Note to self: SMILE today! Here is a haiku reminder:
Just Smile!
An upside down frown
sweet, charming, friendly, happy
a warm, pleasant smile.
©Kym Gordon Moore
Enjoy this classic song, “Smile” sung by Nat King Cole, featuring Charlie Chaplin. Don’t forget to smile today!
Murals: Exterior Canvases of Art
How I love getting sucked into those huge exterior canvases of art painted on a dilapidated wall, a sidewalk or the side of a ho-hum looking building. I think exterior murals display an explosion of expressionism that magnifies the imagination, brings awareness to a social consciousness, defines a noteworthy cause or in observance of iconic figures.
Image Source: http://weburbanist.com
Image Source: The Creative Trade
The use of colors and detail on such a large scale are extraordinary!
Image Source: CPAG Guide
Image Source: ART & SOUL WALL MURALS
Image Source: Quora
Image Source: mikehumbert.com
