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.
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
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.
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….”
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.
Alaska’s nickname is The Last Frontier. The state motto of Alaska is North to the Future, which was adopted in 1967 during the Alaska Purchase Centennial. The motto is meant to represent Alaska as a land of promise.
This Day in History: January 3, 1959 Alaska is in the farthest northwest extremity of the North American continent. It was purchased from Russia on March 30, 1867 for $7.2 million, which equates to approximately 2 cents per acre. Alaska became the 49th state in the USA on January 3, 1959.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Awakenings features poetry for Alaska – Wolf in the Wilderness. Alaska is the wolf in the wilderness — loyalty among her own within an affectionate, playful nature.
Georgia, the Peach State, aka the Empire State of the South
Georgia was the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. It was established in 1732 and named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
When you hear someone speak of Georgia, what comes to your mind? The song or good ol’ Southern Peach Cobbler? Yum on that succulent cobbler!
New Year’s Day, everyone! It has been nearly a year since the release of my book, Awakenings from Then ’til Now. You might ask “What is Awakenings about?” I would answer “What does it mean to be an American?”
Awakenings allows you to embark on a journey spanning five centuries of America’s awakening that identifies who you are and ultimately defines your future. It provides a manner to seek understanding through inspiring quotes from influential men and women in history as well as poetry.
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
I am asking for your support while I participate in an INDIE BOOK REVIEW & PROMOTION.
Click the icon @ Awakenings and please Like and leave a Comment. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for all who desire to support my writing.
With New Year’s Eve comes immense celebration: partying well into the night and even beyond the bewitching, magical midnight hour. Do you Wanna Dance? Just the thought of New Year’s Eve makes you feel all Wooly Bully, wanting to (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty, Dance the Night Away! Feel like a Dancing Queen! Wanna Dance with Somebody, any body, just DANCE!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
See which dance tune brings back your happiest memories of a New Year’s Eve past…
Today is the 365th day of the year 2013, the last day marking preparation for the final hour, minutes, and seconds of yet another year. With the passing of its last second comes a new beginning, a new year filled with hopes and promises in the form of resolutions for some while others enter the year without resolve.
Embrace the past. . .History of Auld Land Syne and New Year’s Eve @Awakenings!
Sharla Shults‘s insight:
Let your hearts be mindful of those who will not be celebrating with family and friends, some perhaps on homeland soil, while others across oceans and continents. They continue to protect and defend our nation from enemies who lurk about waiting, watching, plotting for the right moment to destroy.
catnipoflife 