catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Awakenings: Wyoming: Home to Many Firsts

This Day in History: July 10, 1890

Wyoming, the Equality State, the Cowboy State, Big Wyoming

Land of geysers & hot springs, cowboys, bucking broncos, bison, free-roaming wild horses & some of the most spectacular scenery in the world…Wyoming, part of Awesome America!

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Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1869. This action lead to the nickname “The Suffrage State” and later to “The Equality State.” “Equality” is also the state motto. Wyoming has officially adopted a cowboy on a bucking horse as a symbol of the state. This has lead to the reference of Wyoming as “The Cowboy State.” With Wyoming being the 10th largest state in total area in the nation, it has also earned the nickname “Big Wyoming.” This connotation pays homage to the rugged natural beauty of Wyoming, a state where the Great Plains meets the Rocky Mountains.

 

Source: www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

When you hear someone mention Wyoming, what are your first thoughts? I doubt very seriously they focus on the Triceratops. [Yep! Wyoming claims a state dinosaur.] What about buffalo or bronco riding? Now, that’s more like it…symbols of the wild, wild West and native to Wyoming.

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Awakenings: Countdown: 1 Happy 4th of July

Fourth of July is here! 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 

We have counted down and the celebration is on! Adrenaline is pumping as you seek out the best fireworks to display or watch. Imagination is running wild trying to outdo last year’s celebration. Creative juices are flowing as you are knee deep in preparing the best mouth-watering recipes ever. Hot dogs, Star-Spangled Burgers, BBQ, chips & dip, nuts, salads, fruit, desserts, etc. are ready to serve. Right? WHEW! The guest list is complete thus vanquishing all possibilities of chaos and stress. 

BUT, one question remains: Are you truly READY? Have you forgotten anything?

5 – In God We Trust  
4  – Star-Spangled Banner
3 – Pledge of Allegiance2 – Remember Our Troops1 – Happy Independence Day!

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

The American Flag: Wave it proudly!

An icon of American freedom, a symbol of liberty, a motif referring to the United States, a banner for independence––all symbolize America and the principles upon which she stands.

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Awakenings: Idaho: Rugged Beauty

This Day in History: July 3, 1890

Idaho, the Gem State or the Gem of the Mountains, the Spud State, Little Ida

Idaho, as part of the Oregon Country, was claimed by both the United States and Great Britain until the United States gained undisputed jurisdiction in 1846. Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state.

 

How Idaho Got Its Name: Idaho is an invented word! It is not from the Indian language. The name was made up by a politician and he was not an Indian! Mining lobbyist George M. Willing presented the name “Idaho” to congress for a new territory around Pike’s Peak, claiming it was a Shoshone Indian word meaning “Gem of the Mountains.” By the time the deception was discovered, the name “Idaho” was already in common use.

Have you ever heard of the gemstone Star Garnet? Did you know Idaho has a state raptor? What is Idaho’s state dance (Hint: It is the same as 22 other states!)? So much to discover, so much to explore in America!

 

 

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

When you hear someone mention Idaho, what are your first thoughts? If the light bulb that comes on for you is the potato, switch off that thought. Venture into the rugged beauty of Idaho beyond the famous potato!

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Awakenings: July is…

…jam packed with celebration! Of course, at the top of the list is the 4th of July – America’s Independence Day! But, that is by no means the beginning and end of the list.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Visit Awakenings to see what is up for grabs during the month of July.  You might be surprised at some that are totally unexpected! Happy 4th of July week, my friends!

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Awakenings: Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!

Today in History: June 27, 1939

 

On this day in 1939, one of the most famous scenes in movie history is filmed…

Scarlett O’Hara: Rhett. . .Rhett. . .Rhett, if you go, where shall I go? What shall I do?  Rhett Butler: Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.

There is probably no movie line reaching iconic status any more than the famous scene of Rhett Butler walking away from Scarlet in Gone With the Wind. And to think it was almost NOT in the movie, at least the use of the curse word. Remember, the year is 1939 with censorship at the beginning of the 20th century being much more stringent than that of today.

 

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Do you think it would have had as much impact or be remembered and revered had the curse word been removed?

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Awakenings: Virginia & New Hampshire

This Day in History: June 25, 1788

Virginia, “Old Dominion,” “Mother of Presidents,” “Mother of States,” the Birthplace of a Nation

Each of the state nicknames independently, as well as in combination, attribute to Virginia being declared the “Birthplace of a Nation”. Virginia is an American history icon! This is where our country began…the founding of Jamestown on the banks of the James River, our first permanent English colony, in Virginia in 1607 – 13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in Massachusetts. So much American history, so many historical sites. No wonder it is said Virginia’s history IS America’s history!

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Bit of Trivia: Maine, Maryland and Massachusetts have a state cat, Maryland also has a state dinosaur, West Virginia has a state rattlesnake and Virginia has a state BAT!

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New_hampshire_in_autumn

Also in June, 1788 is the establishment of New Hampshire as the 9th state to join the union. Did you know New Hampshire was first named North Virginia, and it was once under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts?

This Day in History: June 21, 1788

New Hampshire, the Granite State, the Mother of Rivers, the White Mountain State, Switzerland of America*

*This state is also called the Switzerland of America, on account of the salubrity of its climate; its wild and picturesque landscapes; its lakes and rapid streams. The celebrated White Mountains, in the northern part of the state, are of great elevation, and afford the grandest display of mountain scenery in our country. [From Hayward’s New England Gazetteer of 1839]

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com 

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Awakenings: West Virginia: The Mountains are Callin’

This Day in History: June 20, 1863

West Virginia, the Mountain State

 

West Virginia’s karst topography contributes to its cool trout waters, diverse landscapes, whitewater rapids, historic caves and lost world caverns. The state motto of West Virginia Montani Semper Liberi or “Mountaineers Always Free” was adopted in 1863 reflecting the character and beliefs of the citizens of the state at the time of its adoption. Being known as the land of rugged mountains (the scenic Allegheny Mountains cross the state), it is most appropriate for West Virginia to be nicknamed The Mountain State.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

On June 20, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, West Virginia became the 35th state to join the union. West Virginia is the only state in the Union to have acquired its sovereignty by proclamation by the President of the United States. Statehood was proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln.

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Awakenings: Arkansas: Natural Wonder

See on Scoop.itAwakenings: America & Beyond

This Day in History: June 15, 1836

 Arkansas, the Natural State, the Land of Opportunity

Arkansas is famous for its natural scenic beauty, clear lakes and streams, and abundant wildlife. Since 1995, it has been officially known as the Natural State. This nickname replaced the official Land of Opportunity nickname adopted in 1947 following the slogan, Arkansas Is a Natural, which was used to promote tourism and outdoor recreation. The state motto of Arkansas is “The People Rule.” As with many state names, origins can be traced to native American Indian languages. The name Arkansas is the French interpretation of a Sioux word: acansa, meaning “downstream place.”

As part of the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase,which nearly doubled the size of the United States, Arkansas became a separate territory in 1819. Nearly twenty years passed before it achieved statehood in 1836 becoming the 25th state (13th slave state) to join the union. Arkansas withdrew from the United States and was the 9th state to join the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

“Because of its location as a gateway to the Wild West, Arkansas didn’t luck into the romantic Southern moonlight-and-magnolia image. Rather, it became known as a rough crossroads where people — and outlaws — hid in the mountains, married cousins and sold moonshine.” Source: Arkansas Hillbilly Image

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

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Awakenings: Happy Father’s Day!

See on Scoop.itAwakenings: America & Beyond

Sunday, June 15, 2014 is Father’s Day…a day of honor and celebration for our dads and fathers. Not all fathers are dads nor are all dads fathers. Each holds a special place in a child’s, teen’s or adult’s heart. Regardless of the role—dad, father or both—not any one of us could be here without having been fathered. With fatherhood comes a tremendous responsibility encompassing tasks of sharing, caring and preparing for life’s journey.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

May this Father’s Day be filled with wondrous blessings that continue through each day of the year! To each of you…A Father’s Day Salute!

See with pictures on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

A father’s day is every day
Not just one day of the year
Holding a wee little hand
(day time and nighttime)
Wiping away a tear
*****
It’s faith, hope, love
All rolled into one
Encouragement, patience
(never giving up)
‘Til a task is done
*****
It’s being thankful
Gratitude of heart
Knowing what you need
(when you need it)
Right from the start
*****
It’s together time
The thrill of hearty laughter
Seeing what you’re going through
(even if it doesn’t show)
The morning of the day after

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It’s helping with decisions
Staying taut through outs or ins
Teaching life’s not easy
(taking the right road)
Supporting losses and wins
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It’s hurting and being hurt
Holding discipline’s place
Leaving behind a legacy
(not of material ‘things’)
Rewards of saving grace
*****

It’s compassion and comfort
When a hug is all that’s needed
Priceless moments in time

(Teddy Bear hugs)
Quickly and tenderly heeded
*****
It’s shaping, molding
Each life that has begun
Making an investment
(often without return)
‘Til the full course is run
*****
It’s when having to leave
Looking back with pride
Releasing all the tears
(happiness and heartache)
Bottled up inside

 

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Awakenings: Tennessee: Volunteers, Chiefs & “The King”

See on Scoop.itAwakenings: America & Beyond

Aerial America
Tennessee: Sneak Peak

What does the name Tennessee mean? The state of Tennessee was named after a Cherokee Indian village called Tanasi. Tanasi was also the Cherokee word for the river. Tennessee became the 16th state on June 1, 1796. Many states derive their names from native American languages. Officially adopted in 1987, the state motto of Tennessee is “Agriculture and Commerce” (taken from words on the state seal of Tennessee).

Tennessee was admitted to the Union on June 1, 1796 as the 16th state. It was the first state created from territory under the jurisdiction of the United States federal government. Apart from the former Thirteen Colonies only Vermont and Kentucky predate Tennessee’s statehood, and neither was ever a federal territory.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Between smoky mountains and a mighty river lies a state with a fascinating story. Tennessee is the home of Cherokee Chiefs and “The King” of rock ‘n’ roll.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Featured poetry creation for Tennessee: Volunteers, Chiefs and “The King”

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