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!

Jun 1

Awakenings: Kentucky: From Mountaintop to Stove top

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

This Day in History: June 1, 1792

Kentucky, The Bluegrass State

The name Kentucky is of native American origin and has been attributed to several different Indian languages, with several different possible meanings including the Iroquois word “Ken-tah-ten,” which means land of tomorrow. The official state motto of Kentucky is “United we stand, divided we fall” – appearing on both the state flag and great seal of Kentucky.

After the American Revolution, the counties of Virginia beyond the Appalachian Mountains became known as Kentucky County. Eventually, the residents of Kentucky County petitioned for a separation from Virginia. On June 1, 1792, Kentucky became the 15th state to be admitted to the union.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Kentucky is…
famous for breeding horses, tobacco farms, fine bourbon, Kentucky Derby and, of course, nothing says Kentucky better than Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Featured poetry creation for Kentucky: From Mountaintop to Stove Top

Awakenings

1 Comment »
Jun 1

States at a Glance

by catnipoflife

catnipoflife‘s sister site Awakenings began a journey in January across the United States focusing each month on the state(s) that was admitted to the union during that month. Now six months into the year 23 states have been visited. Some of these have been Scooped onto catnip but not all. What is the idea behind this journey you might be wondering?

United-States

Could you place each state correctly as to location if given a blank map?

America. The United States. The United States of America. The USA. How much do you know about our nation’s states or better still, what do you know about the state in which you live? Do you know which state(s) have a State Cat? What about the one with a State Dinosaur along with a State Cat? Which state(s) claims the Spirit of the Ladybug as its state insect? Do you know which state is nicknamed after its Busy Buzzin’ Bees? This next one surely you know…the state famous for The Shag and Shad Roe?

The first state featured @Awakenings Georgia On My Mind leaves no room for questions as to which state hosted the first visit. Within that post is a special poem for Georgia, which set the stage for each state that follows. The challenge has been and continues to be not so much the research for each state but creating the special poetry attributable to the nature of each one. With that being said stay tuned for the next two Scoops of two states visited today…Kentucky and Tennessee.

Which of these boasts times when ‘Mountain Music harbored life in song’?

Awakenings

4 Comments »
Jun 1

Adopt-A-Cat Month

by catnipoflife

June is Summertime!  There are a lot of celebrations during the month of June but one most fitting to catnip is Adopt a Cat Month. With summer comes the rising temperatures and efforts being made to cool things down. Have you ever thought about our feline friends who don a fur coat all year long? The sweltering summer heat can indeed be a torment.

adopt-a-cat-month1Adopt a Cat Month is HERE!

blockquote_iconWhy is Adopt A Cat Month in June? During the spring, shelters are brimming with cats and kittens of every age. Unfortunately, there are often more cats in a given shelter than they can handle.

This overpopulation causes millions of perfectly healthy, loveable and adoptable kittens and cats to be euthanized every year.

Even though June is designated as Adopt a Cat Month, it is not just about the cat. June is loaded with Pet Celebrations:

  • Adopt-a-Cat Month®. From the American Humane Association.AdoptAShelterCatMonth
  • Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. From the ASPCA.
  • National Pet Preparedness Month. This month, timed for the first month of hurricane season, urges people with pets to make preparations in case they should be hit by a disaster…and that includes making plans for what you would do with your dog in case of a hurricane, tornado, flood or other natural disaster.
  • June 4, 2013: Hug Your Cat Day.
  • 1st week in June. Pet Appreciation Week.
  • June 10, 2013: World Pet Memorial Day.
  • mid-June: Animal Rights Awareness Week.
  • June 21, 2013: Take Your Dog to Work Day.
  • June 21, 2013: National Dog Party Day.

Ready? Set! Adopt a cat!

If you missed any of the links at the beginning of the post, click HERE for MORE CELEBRATIONS in the month of June!

Cats & Catnip

3 Comments »
May 29

Awakenings: Wisconsin: Land of Dreams

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

This Day in History: May 29, 1848

Wisconsin, The Badger State, The Dairy State, The Cheese State

Miners earned Wisconsin the nickname Badger State because their act of digging homes out of hillsides near the mines was a little too similar to that of the badgers who also dug underground places of abode. Since Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese and butter in the country, it is of no surprise that it has also been given the nickname ‘America’s Dairyland’, which is synonymous with the The Dairy State and The Cheese State. Wisconsin’s state quarter features the state motto, which is simply Forward. Other agricultural symbols of Wisconsin also appear on the quarter: a dairy cow (state domestic animal), a round of cheese (milk is the state beverage), and an ear of corn (state grain).

Wisconsin was admitted to the Union as the 30th state on May 29, 1848.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

When you hear someone mention Wisconsin, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Of course, it has to be CHEESE! Since Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese and butter in the country, it is of no surprise that it has also been given the nickname ‘America’s Dairyland’, which is synonymous with the The Dairy State and The Cheese State.

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Wisconsin-Cheese-Smile

Awakenings Scoop.it

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May 29

Awakenings: Rhode Island: Spectacular in the Fall

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

This Day in History: May 29, 1790

Rhode Island, the Ocean State, the Southern Gateway of New England

The Ocean State is the official nickname formulated to attract tourism to Rhode Island and appears on non-commercial license plates replacing “Discover” in 1972. With over 400 miles of coastline, all Rhode Islanders live within a 30-minute drive to the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay. The historical nickname, the Southern Gateway of New England, was bestowed because Rhode Island was the most southerly of the New England states with harbors suitable for ocean-going ships.

It was the last colony of the thirteen colonies to ratify the United States Constitution on May 29, 1790, once assurances were made that a Bill of Rights would become part of the Constitution, thereby making it the 13th state in the union.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What Rhode Island lacks in size it makes up for in historical significance. Take the high-flying tour of the little state with big stories.

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

sunset-newport-RISunset at Newport, Rhode Island – photo © G.E. Long on Flickr
noncommercial use permitted with attribution

Awakenings Scoop.it

1 Comment »
May 28

Peace at the End of the Day

by catnipoflife

After a hard day’s work, whether stressed out from an office position, working at a construction site or laboring in the back yard, there is no better method of relaxation than a massage. It can be as simple as a hand or foot massage to as elaborate as a full body massage. The result is the same…peace at the end of the day!

The story goes that a stray cat on a beach in Thailand befriended a group of teachers who were taking advantage of a little rest and relaxation. The cat climbed into the lap of one of the teachers and got the massage of a lifetime. After watching the video you’ll swear this is not this cat’s first massage!

Okay, all you kittie moms and dads, where is the training video for Cat Massage 101? If a dog can be taught to fetch, why not teach a cat massage therapy! After all, it is in their nature to knead, knead, knead. Once naptime is over, it is time to stre-e-e-tch and limber up those limbs and paws. “Foxie! Come to Mama.”

cat-shiatsu-massager

Of course, if no one is available to give the massage, there are a plethora of tools or massage equipment that can be put to good use. Take for example the Shiatsu kneading fingers portable massager that kitty seems to be enjoying immensely! Okay, time’s up feline friend…Mama’s turn!

Cat-MassageThe Master Masseur
10-min Massage: 2 cans tuna + extra cat treats

pawPrints

Cats & Catnip Humor Quick Post

8 Comments »
May 23

Memorial Day Weekend

by catnipoflife

Memorial-Day-Icons

Today marks the eve of one of the most celebrated weekends in America…Memorial Day Weekend! This weekend commemorates a beginning as well as an end. It is anything and everything red, white and blue.

Memorial-Day-Flag

As you are out and about this weekend…shopping, visiting, picnicking, bar-b-queuing – remain mindful of the importance of remembering what this weekend is all about, especially on Monday, May 26, 2014. Be sure to pay particular attention to whether an American flag is flying or if a sign is displayed in store windows in honor and respect of our fallen soldiers. If one is not visible, I challenge you to ask WHY not?

AmericanFlag-Animated

Awakenings Reflection

6 Comments »
May 23

What do you say?

by catnipoflife
bob-marley-quotes-4

Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981)

 Dance in the rain,  savor the raindrops & rainbows, cherish the hours from dusk ’til dawn observing sunrise to sunset, capture the spirit of messages in the wind, enjoy the beauty in the world through the eyes of love!

Don’t be afraid when someone says, “I love you.” Simply return the love!

Heart-of-Love

Inspiration Reflection

5 Comments »
May 23

Awakenings: South Carolina: The Shag & Shad Roe

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

This Day in History: May 23, 1788

South Carolina, “The Palmetto State”

South Carolina was the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation, and the 8th state to ratify the US Constitution on May 23, 1788. South Carolina later became the first state to vote to secede from the Union which it did on December 20, 1860. It was readmitted to the United States on June 25, 1868. The state motto of South Carolina “Dum Spiro Spero” means ‘While I breathe, I hope.”

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What about the shag and shad roe? Where do they fit in the scheme of things in South Carolina? The answers and more @Awakenings…

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Scoop.it

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May 23

Awakenings: Lucky Penny

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

How many times have you found a penny only to check if it is ‘heads up’ before picking it up? If so, that must mean you are superstitious. Superstition has it that you should only pick up a penny that is lying face up. The others…leave them where they lie. I disagree as will be noted later. First, let’s take a look at the day’s celebration.

Today is…

Lucky Penny Day

 

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Next time you find a penny, heads up or not, remember our nation’s motto! If you feel you do not need the penny, place it in the hand of another, repeat the motto, “In God We Trust” and say “pass it on.”

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Scoop.it

4 Comments »
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