Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
Here we are four days away from the 4th of July. Topic for today: Music. Got to have music at a Fourth of July celebration! Of course, a plethora of songs can be found most befitting to this holiday.
But, one stands out over all the rest. . .
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Awakenings features two renditions that will knock your socks off: 7 yr-old Rhema Marvanne and Star Spangled Banner- Music video from AmericaTheBeautiful.com!
Countdown: 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 to Happy 4th of July!
For the next five days Awakenings will be featuring special tributes to America in recognition and honor of her independence: July 4, 1776. Let us not forget those who have fought or are fighting for our nation; they are the epitome of the human spirit called freedom!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
OOPS! I forgot to post this one yesterday so you will two today on catnip! The beginning of the countdown features the original FIRST broadcast radio performance of “God Bless America,” an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918, revised by him and first performed by Kate Smith in 1938.
Are you already prepping for the Fourth of July celebration? Have you made out a list, done your shopping, invited family and guests over for a BBQ? There is a good chance you answered Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! and yet there is the possibility the most important item was overlooked: the American Flag!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
YOU CAN BET, for each passing day that the flag is not waving, especially on a national holiday, someone somewhere is smiling because of its absence. The enemy does not sleep. It is up to us to be Forever Watchful. . .
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”
Sound familiar? More than likely your answer is, “Yes!” Memories are quickly triggered: the beginning days of summer as a child, teenager, even adult. Do you know the who, what, when, where behind this little nitty? In case your answer is “No,” read the trivia @Awakenings and store it in your memory bank.
Jeannette Anderson, writer/blogger, posted a marvelous video today on Google+. Upon watching the video there was no doubt it should be aired on Awakenings. Tomorrow is Memorial Day but first, it is important to understand Memorial Day vs. Veterans’ Day.
“Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty…”
Nature’s Doorway video poem was created and posted last year but sometimes repeat performances are called for at just the right time! After viewing the video, take a few moments to step outside and enjoy all the beauty around you!
Even in times of hardships and sadness one can find beauty. That beauty to me is the beauty of heart. While tears may seem to never subside, the heart still remains strong within its rhythmical beats of life. Take life one heartbeat at a time relishing in each moment, never forgetting you are beautiful! Just stop & listen for a while.
Life has loveliness to sell, all beautiful and splendid things, blue waves whitened on a cliff, soaring fire that sways and sings, and children’s faces looking up, holding wonder like a cup. —Sara Teasdale (American lyrical poet, 1884–1933)
Treasures of the Heart: Moments Captured
Life is a trail of tears, the will to cope
A mountain of discomfort based on hope
It is a highway of dreams, a road very demanding
Out of balance at times, but not without understanding
Along life’s journey appear visions of despair
Wants and desires, times that seem totally unfair
While the expedition can be arduous and cruel
It can also be full of beauty shiny as a jewel
Life’s bounties offer gifts to lovingly share
Ready to be opened and handled with care
Its treasures of the heart tenderly unfold
Becoming moments captured within the soul
A kitten’s purr or a dog standing guard
These are life’s blessings in our own backyard
Images snapped with the blinking of an eye
Are stored in the mind’s diary never to die
Family and friends enjoy a wonderful relationship
Rallying around a campfire in fun and fellowship
Reminiscent of times past—love, lives and such
Stories echo memories thought of so much
Life is an incredible album of sad and joyful times
Echoing of discordant notes and melodious chimes
Count not the yearly months, weeks or even days –
Capture the moments encountered within each phase
Lighthouses have been the sentinels, the protectors, of shoreline after shoreline for centuries upon centuries. In the beginning, these were not ‘houses’ at all but instead simply bonfires built on hillsides as beacons to guide ships. Many a seafaring vessel would have crashed upon the rocks had it not been for the angel of light shining through the darkest of night or penetrating the thickest fog. Throughout history, the lighthouse has cast mysterious auras, sometimes romantic and often times echoing a ghostly resonance.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Have you ever vacationed or lived near a lighthouse? If so, did you sense its romanticism or feel a ghostly presence?
catnipoflife 