catnipoflife

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.

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

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Memorial Day Weekend

by catnipoflife

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.

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?

Awakenings Reflection

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Awakenings: Armed Forces Day

by catnipoflife

Not only on this day of celebration but any day, salute sharply to all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and each of us as individuals. They can be called upon at a moment’s notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for the freedoms America offers on a continuous daily basis. They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

See a soldier, salute a soldier, thank a soldier!

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

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Awakenings: Maine: Beacons by the Sea

by catnipoflife

This Day in History: March 15, 1820

Maine (the Pine Tree State, also commonly known as the Lighthouse State) became the 23rd state on this day as part of the Missouri Compromise. This geographically limited the spread of slavery and enabled the admission to statehood of Missouri the following year, keeping a balance between slave and free states. The state motto of Maine is Dirigo (Latin for “I Direct” or “I Lead”).

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Lighthouses, sea coastal living and lobsters are the most common associations with Maine.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Maine is one of few states that has a designated cat. Every heard of the Maine Coon Cat? Check it out @Awakenings!

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Awakenings: Barbie’s Debut

by catnipoflife

Today in History, March 9, 1959

Today is one of the few days of celebration to which a reason for this particular day actually exists. This Day in History, March 9, 1959, is the date when an 11-inch doll with a waterfall of blond hair made her debut, her name…Barbie!

Do you know Barbie’s REAL story? Have you ever seen the real-life Ken and Barbie who by the way actually do NOT like each other?

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Barbie has become a global icon of many faces with some body changes throughout her career. She has even acquired different cultural identities. Barbie remains, however, a fashion doll, unlike her predecessors, the baby dolls.

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Awakenings: Getting Nuttier with Chocolate!

by catnipoflife

Today is…Chocolate Peanut Cluster Day

Yep! Another food holiday…not just any food but chocolate…not just chocolate but chocolate swirling over, under, around and through salty peanuts! WOW! With all the chocolate and nutty days already celebrated, what is one more? Right? Dieting went to pot during Thanksgiving and Christmas now the push for chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate is making weight watching almost an impossibility.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Check out the recipes for Chocolate Cluster-Peanut Butter Cake, Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Clusters, One Perfect Bite: Chocolate Peanut Cluster! Try creating small clusters to use when decorating cupcakes and desserts, especially yummy when sprinkled over vanilla ice cream!

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Awakenings: Vermont: Magical Landscapes of Green

by catnipoflife

This Day in History: March 4, 1791

On March 4, 1791 Vermont became the 14th state as the politics of slavery threatened to divide the United States. Vermont’s nickname The Green Mountain State is a direct relationship to the Green Mountains mountain range, which runs south to north specifically within this U.S. state. It is home to many beautiful and natural wonders being truly one of those green magical places. Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the U.S.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Find yourself, lose yourself, anything goes
Take off your shoes, exercise your toes
Run the hills, fields, everything in between
Bathe in the magical landscapes of green

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings Humor Scoop.it

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Awakenings: Temporary Insanity Day

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

Today is…Temporary Insanity Day. NO! I am not kidding! Actually, that’s how the day made the calendar. February 19 is the first day a plea of temporary insanity was accepted as a plea in court.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

Watch the video People doing the Most INSANE TRICKS EVER! Plus MORE…

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

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Awakenings: Presidents’ Day 2014

by catnipoflife

What does Presidents’ Day mean to you? Do you have the day off from work? Are you seeking out the best deals and sales? Are you into Clothing and Accessories, Shoes and Purses, Home and Garden, Health and Well Being, Tech/Computers/Accessories? Slow down. . .actually, STOP!

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

My contribution is a video poem in honor of seven of Our Founding Fathers, many of whom went on to become President of the United State.

Featured @Awakenings…

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

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Awakenings: Ever met a grouch?

by catnipoflife

Today is…

Do a Grouch a Favor Day!

At one time or another, each of us has experienced moments of grouchiness. We do not want to be bothered by anyone. Just left alone. In a terrible mood! Then, there are those who display the face and attitude of the epitome of grouchiness. Never happy. Everything’s wrong. Leave me alone. Total misery! The latter are the ones we try to avoid the most…the habitual grouches, grumps, scrooges and sourpusses that somehow appear on any given day.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

You are challenged to make that prickly, stern, cranky individual smile if nothing else…make him or her show the pearly whites! Go for it! You just may make someone’s day or that person will walk away just as grumpy as ever. At least you will know you gave it your best shot and that, my friend, will keep YOU smiling!

See on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com