catnipoflife

Hopefully you are aware of “Taps” but many of you may have never heard the version played in its entirety. “Taps” was originally written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in the clip presented below. In 1862, it was shortened to 24 notes and re-named Taps.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

The video @Awakenings features 13-yr-old Melissa Venema playing “Taps” on a trumpet whereas the original was played on a bugle.

1 Comment »

Awakenings: Stuck in the Mud

by catnipoflife

This Day in History: January 20, 1863

With today being celebrated as Robert E. Lee Day along with Martin Luther King Day, it seems most fitting to include a little story about mud and an event of the American Civil War. This, in turn, leads to a personal childhood mud story.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What is history without a story from childhood? Each of us has a fond memory that perhaps either directly or indirectly connects our lives in some way to past historical events.

Mine is a story of mud. . .@awakenings

Awakenings PoetrybySharla Scoop.it

4 Comments »

Awakenings: The Decade That Changed a Nation

by catnipoflife

We are in the midst of the three-day weekend honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. This was a man with a committed life during a period of enduring highs and unforgettable lows in American history. This was the 1960s—a time of social revolution where choices led to “tune in and drop out” or lead a normal life with focus on work, family and home. This was the era where women wanted to stand up and be counted—counted for more than just wife and homemaker—in other words, they were seeking equality with men. Good education. Good job. Good pay.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

@Awakenings scroll down to some groovy music! Which ones do you remember…songs of protest or easy listening? Let me know your favs!

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

4 Comments »

Awakenings: Polar Bear, Polar Bear & Winnie the Pooh

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Did you know today is Winnie the Pooh Day?

Along with Teddy Bear Day, Teddy Bear Picnic Day and Have a Party with Your Bear Day, Winnie the Pooh Day has to be one of the cuddliest days of the year. Of course, we can include Valentine’s Day in the cuddling category also. But, for today, we will concentrate on one of the most famous bears of all time, Winnie the Pooh.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What does Winnie the Pooh have to do with a polar bear? Perhaps it is not Winnie at all but the date January 18? Check it out @ Awakenings…

1 Comment »

Awakenings: A Salute to Our Troops

by catnipoflife

All too often our country’s military misses out on life’s most precious moments. A soldier (in the sense here meaning any member of our military forces) may be thousands of miles away when news arrives of the birth of a son or daughter. Perhaps, the news is the opposite end of the spectrum, the death of a parent, brother, sister, or even a child. Distance separates families leaving times for communication often few and far between, time passes slowly …months … years … without seeing loved ones. Whether a first hello or final goodbye, the moments can never be regained. And, their stories touch the Heart of America.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

There are five branches to our military each with their own terms of identifications and regulations. The poetry Soldiers of America is being used in its broadest sense to honor all troops.

Awakenings PoetrybySharla Scoop.it

2 Comments »

Awakenings: Democratic Donkey, the Pentagon & Football

by catnipoflife

Awakenings: Democratic Donkey, the Pentagon & Football

This Day in History: January 15, 1870, 1943, and 1967

There is always numerous events happening on the same day but different years. Today, Awakenings is going to highlight three such events relative to this day, January 15th.

Featured poetry @awakenings: The Pigskin

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

1) First appearance of the Democratic donkey:

January 15, 1870

2) Construction completed on the Pentagon:

January 15, 1943

3) Packers face Chiefs in first Super Bowl:
January 15, 1967

2 Comments »

Awakenings: And the music goes on…Contemporary & Classical

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

One cannot leave the music scene without reference to adult contemporary music and contemporary classical music. Adult contemporary music prior to 1979 was sometimes referred to a Easy Listening or Middle of the Road Music. Classical music as most people are familiar is everything from Bach to Copland.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

For the adult contemporary music, there is one that not only must be mentioned but should be included for your listening pleasure. Enya awaits @awakenings…

Awakenings Inspiration Scoop.it Video Clip

2 Comments »

Awakenings: Norma Jean Marries Baseball Legend

by catnipoflife

For some of you, the name Norma Jeane may not ring a bell but once I mention Marilyn Monroe its tone will surely be loud and clear.

Marilyn was born Norma Jeane Mortenson June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. She endured a difficult childhood that was anything but glamorous, instead filled with insecurity and instability. She spent her adolescence in and out of foster care and an orphanage. In spite of her immense vulnerability and extreme odds being cast against her, Norma Jean went on to become one of the world’s biggest and most enduring sex symbols, Marilyn Monroe.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

“Being a sex symbol is a heavy load to carry, especially when one is tired, hurt and bewildered.” –– Marilyn Monroe

Awakenings Reflection Scoop.it

3 Comments »

Awakenings: And the music goes on…The 21st Century

by catnipoflife

As we enter the 21st century, many songs from the 50s all the way through the 90s are still popular. Of course, it was by way of the 20s, 30s and 40s that music has evolved into a passion relative to survival as many listeners would so declare today. Look at the plethora of choices available for listening pleasure, dancing, rapping, or simply relaxing: contemporary music, popular music, traditional music, hip hop music, country music. Each decade has offered its own unique genres of music.

Read on @awakenings…

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

To quote Bob Dylan “I don’t know anybody who’s made a record that sounds decent in the past 20 years, really. You listen to these modern records, they’re atrocious, they have sound all over them. There’s no definition of nothing, no vocal, no nothing, just like … static….”

3 Comments »

Awakenings: Busy Buzzin’ Bees

by catnipoflife

This Day in History: January 4, 1896

Utah, the Beehive State

Utah was Mexican territory when the first pioneers arrived in 1847. It became the 45th state admitted to the union on January 4, 1896. Great slideshow dedicated to the state of Utah.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Visit Awakenings for the special poetry and great slideshow of the state of Utah.

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com