Wishing You Joy
April Born
This Month in History
- Walter Hunt received his patent for the safety pin in 1849.
- In 1853, Cincinnati became the first in the U.S. to employ a full-time, professional fire department.
- James Cash Penney began his mark in the retail industry. In 1902, he opened his first store, Golden Rule – before branching out and changing the name to J.C. Penney.
- In 1922, Annie Oakley shot 100 clay targets in a row (which was considered a record-setting feat). She used her expertise to train other women – as well as, members of the military.
- Jackie Robinson made his major league baseball debut, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, in 1947 – and earning the title, Rookie of the Year. The coveted award was later renamed (Jackie Robinson Award) in his honor.
- In 1952, Mr. Potato Head made its television debut – being the first toy ever advertised.
- Harold Washington was elected mayor of Chicago in 1983. His even-handed approach worked to bring reform in a seemingly segregated system.
- CERN released the World Wide Web in 1993.
- In 2004, Shrek was found after 6 years on the run!.. Viewers watched as the sheep had his 15-inch, 59lb fleece cut on live broadcast.
Scenic Route
Have you ever considered a cross country escape? One with scenic, panoramic views. Like now. ..when nature comes alive!
This could be a great time to explore the landscape…
National Parks via rail
Scenic Train experience
Canadian Rockies
Scenic Routes from around the world
March Born
This Month in History
- In 1762, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held. In tribute to the man – who was kidnapped and taken to Ireland. He became a slave but eventually escaped. Yet, remarkably returned to the country to serve in ministry.
- Yellowstone, the first national park, was established in 1872.
- Communication received a major upgrade with the patent of the telephone. Achieved by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.
- In 1877, U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed Frederick Douglass as U.S. Marshal.
- In 1903, the Wright Brothers filed a patent for their flying machine.
- Cherry Blossoms were sent to Washington, D.C. as a gift from Japan. The trees were first planted in 1912. Today, they remain a major tourist attraction.
- In 1931, the Star Spangled Banner became the official national anthem of the United States.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. led demonstrators from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama – paving the way for the Right to Vote Act of 1965.
Look Up!
This month brings two full moons and a reported planet parade.
Ways to Celebrate
Make this year special. Here are great ideas for your birthday celebration.
▕ Volunteer Your Time
Is there a better way to celebrate life? Head to the nearest senior center… Arrange a karaoke night and be dubbed ‘hero‘ of the month.
▕ Plan a Hunt
Celebrate with your spouse by planning an intimate treasure hunt with clues around a theme of ‘favorites‘… Your favorite chair… Your favorite spice. ..with the final clue leading to your favorite restaurant.
▕ Choose a Good Theme
Plan a party
▕ Embrace Nature
This is the month of Spring… Enjoy the changing climate. Try camping
▕ Rest
It’s a struggle when we’re always on-the-go but definitely worth the effort. Be still. ..and rest awhile.
▕ Send Thanks
Is there a teacher, pastor, or relative who’s helped you be the best you can be? Why not send them a note
▕ Try Something New
Here’s an opportunity to explore, learn, and do what you’ve always wanted. What’s on your bucket list?
▕ Celebrate the Entire Month
Your life matters!
Explore:
February Born
May this be a time of fun-filled moments, happiness, and joy…
This Month in History
- In 1863, Samuel Clemens adopted the pen name Mark Twain and began his mark as a famous American storyteller.
- In 1895, William George Morgan, invented mintonette – later to be known as volleyball.
- The Teddy Bear was born. It was in tribute to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt who, during a hunting trip – refused to kill a bear that was tied to a tree. Morris and Rose Michtom created the toy in 1903.
- U.S. President, Harry S. Truman, publicly supported civil rights in America. In 1948, he sought support from Congress and when that failed issued executive orders. His directives desegregated the military and Federal employees.
- In 1960, British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan – rattled South Africa with his wind of change speech against apartheid.
- In 1979, Curtis Sliwa brought his community together and formed The Guardian Angels. Today, their safety patrol efforts span worldwide.
- South Africa’s President, F.W. de Klerk – legalized various political organizations opposing apartheid. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison and became the country’s president (four years later).
- In 2005, Ellen MacArthur broke records as she sailed solo around the world in 71 days.
Quintessential View
A son watched his mother. Lovingly, he looked as she moved around. Her feet so steady and quick, but… he wanted to keep her fit. He asked her to join him for a run.
And she did. Around the track for 400-meters…
She was 93.
She enjoyed it so much she began competing in races. Winning gold at the age of 101.
…What an inspiration!..
No matter where we are in our journey.
It’s never too late…
▒ To Try
▒ To Begin
▒ To Dream
Embrace life with all its possibilities.
January Born
Let’s Celebrate…
This Month in History
- In 1793, Jean-Pierre Blanchard flew from Philadelphia to New Jersey achieving the first hot air balloon flight in the United States.
- In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female in the U.S. to receive a medical degree.
- After being kidnapped and forced into slavery for 12 years, Solomon Northup was rescued and able to return to his family in 1853. His life and memoir contributed to the Abolitionist Movement.
- Karl Benz patented the first gas-powered automobile in 1886.
- In 1929, Agnes Bojaxhiu arrived in Calcutta to begin her life as Mother Teresa.
- Barbara Hanley became Canada’s first female mayor in 1936.
- In 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter honored the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. proposing to make his birthday a national holiday.
- Miracle on the Hudson occurred in 2009 – when pilot Chesley Sullenberger III was able to land an Airbus A320 on the Hudson River after the jetliner lost power. All on board survived.
Eyes on the Skies
Our world is filled with wonder. This month brings shooting stars. Plus! A spectacular moon event where a full moon, supermoon and lunar eclipse occur on the same night.
Here’s an Idea…
Since our overall wellness improves when we focus on good things – let’s begin by taking a proactive approach to our daily routine.
Go, grab an empty jar.
Each time something good happens, write it down and place it in the jar.
Keep going… from this day on. Watch, as it piles up.
…This is our Jar of ‘Goodness’.
My first entry –
I Woke …(able to begin again).
Now, it’s your turn…
Write your good news.
There’s always a reason to celebrate.
December Born
Our birth is a beautiful beginning and every year that follows is a gift. No matter where we are in our journey. There’s a purpose waiting to be discovered. ..Enjoy every moment…
This Month in History
- Electric Christmas lights were first used in 1882. Before this, trees were lighted with candles.
- The Wright Brothers achieved their first powered flight in 1903.
- U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906.
- An incredible moment of peace occurred in 1914. During WWI, opposing troops paused from war to sing Christmas hymns!.. This phenomenon is known as the Christmas Truce.
- Segregated buses were deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme court in 1956 thanks to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- In 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas premiered. The classic remains the second longest-running Christmas special in America.
- Apollo 8 became a most memorable mission – as it was the first time Earth was seen from the moon’s perspective. In 1968, during their live broadcast astronauts read from the Book of Genesis.
World Wonder
Long before the space program, details of the universe (gravity, moon, stars) were disclosed in Biblical Testament. Including, the natural phenomenon that captured the eyes of ancient intellectuals.
A new star. So majestic… A group of Magi traveled into rival territory (King Herod’s domain) to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
A celebration lasting centuries.
Some Might Say
A birthday in December gets lost in the season. It’s not as special.
..Is this you?.. Know this,
Your day is unlike any other.
A momentous occasion… When
Your life.. and legacy began.
● ● ●
November Born
Let’s Celebrate…
This Month in History
- Nellie Bly challenging Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 days – began her travels in 1889. Ultimately, traveling around the world in 72 days.
- Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. President to visit other countries – visiting Puerto Rico and Panama in 1906.
- The first Thanksgiving Parade took place in Philadelphia in 1920.
- U.S. Route 66 was established in 1926.
- Kate Smith introduced Irwin Berlin‘s (revised) classic, “God Bless America,” in 1938. The song was considered by many an anthem of hope and quickly became an American standard.
- Sesame Street premiered in 1969.
- Douglas Engelbart received a patent for the invention of the first computer mouse in 1970.
- Sony launched Playstation 4 (PS4) in 2013 – selling 1 million units within 24 hours.
Party in the Sky
This month is full of celestial activity. Planets become visible. Stars shine and meteor showers light up the sky. Look up! The world is awesome.
We should enjoy every moment.
Moments Matter
The best moments are found in gems. Those unexpected treasures we encounter and learn from.
Recently while shopping a guy zipped past… We were in the same aisle and though I could reach the taller shelves, he was much faster. In this instance – he clearly had the advantage. ..His wheelchair was no hindrance.
Here was a man with zeal. His energy told the story… A gratitude for life. I watched in admiration, thinking of the times I’d taken so many things for granted.
But this was my gem…
Live a life of gratitude.
Indeed, we have so much to be grateful for.