Julia Child

I saw this article about Julia Child and had to share. As a person who loves homemaking, I have always followed the life of Julia Child, especially when she was on TV with the Pampered Chef. Perhaps I loved her also because I love all things Parisian and her focus has always been French cooking. Hope you enjoy this article as much as I did. Enjoy! Life is good:)

http://mentalfloss.com/article/92087/day-1963-julia-child-debuted-french-chef

Happy MLK Day 2017: Trump Meets with MLK, III

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Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2017!

MLK, Jr. was an awesome American who unified this country as he fought for the Civil Rights of people of color and women; and for that he gave his life. Today and everyday we have a decision to make. Do we live in fear of the future or do we embrace hope for a better life. MLK's legacy is that of hope, despite the current circumstances.

Today our country is in turmoil with regard to the issue of race. Every other day there is something on the television about police brutality against people of color. Sadly, even the police are being abused though many of them are working in this field simply because they believe in equal justice under the law and are fervently trying their utmost to do what is right.

What do you we do? Do we cast blame at the feet of those who we deem to be our adversary? In his farewell speech, President Obama said that we should get from behind our computers and speak with each other.

Well today, January 16, 2017, President Elect Trump has invited Martin Luther King, III to the White House to speak with him http://usat.ly/2iEyMjf. Just recently, he invited Steve Harvey. Trump's open style of communication may ultimately be a blessing in disguise. The first step of diplomacy is communication. No matter your politics, we can all agree that communicate we should.

The Bible says to bless your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you. MLK, Jr. said "Love is the only force capable of turning an enemy into a friend." So today, I have hope for tomorrow, hope that MLK, Jr. did not die in vain; hope that the activism of current leaders is also not in vain, hope that ultimately we love America enough to live by the creed of our founding documents and that hope and love conquer all.

And finally I pray that whatever is spoken today between President Elect Trump and MLK, III further serves to bind us in the bonds of brotherhood, the bonds that were spoken about so eloquently by the late and great Martin Luther King, Jr.

How do you feel today with regard to MLK Day, the state of our country, the fact that Trump met with MLK, III? As you think about whether or not to share, remember that communication is the first step of diplomacy. Life is Good! :)

Vince Lombardi Quote

Vince Lombardi said, “It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer,  
the achiever-the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it.” These words resonate with me. At times I have been the one who recognized the challenge but yet did nothing; a sad state of affairs because my conscious is always in shambles as an after effect. It is important that we all are both aware and that we respond to our awareness. So if you are aware that you are overweight, then do something; if you are aware that there is a bully on the playground, do something, at least tell someone; if you are aware that you are a  spendthrift, then create a budget. Where ever your awareness leads you, respond  and in so doing you are leading yourself on the inevitable path of success. Let  us be doers. I have always said that the Universe/God that great spirit that created us all, rewards action. Be action focused and action centered.

Salvation Army Red Kettle

The Salvation Army's red kettle is a staple of the holidays. You see them outside of the grocery stores, department stores and various other public spaces where people frequent. I know it is the holidays when I hear those bells. It puts me in the spirit of sharing and giving.

How many times do we pass them? For me it leaves me with a guilty feeling when I don't have not even a single dollar bill to place in the kettle. But that red kettle reminds me to give, not only to the Salvation Army, but also to the people who have served me so willingly throughout the year: my postal carrier, hairdresser, manicurist, garbage collector, etc. etc. That red kettle reminds me to go to the bank and collect the money that I will give to these individuals. It also reminds me to give my favorite charities an added bonus.

The spirit of giving should not only be for the holidays. We should embrace it each and every day. However the holidays reminds us of the importance of giving and the Salvation Army's red kettle is a physical symbol of the joy of giving and sharing.

To learn more on how the red kettle tradition started, read here and Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas:) Life is Good!

Libraries

Libraries are serene, beautiful, peaceful spaces. As a lover of knowledge, it is expected that this space would be one where I am perfectly and divinely in my element. But what about you? We all need to find spheres/spaces, whether public or private, that inspire us to live more and to be more. We are very much influenced by our physical environment. So if you need to go somewhere to be inspired, then bon voyage. If you can't go, then imagine you are already there. Your mind's eye is more powerful than you think. Whether you create it mentally or you are there physically, your place of peace, tranquility, inspiration will help you live your best life ever.