When we open unknown doors, are we ready for what we may find on the other side? How do we bring harmony out of absolute chaos? Can we forgive after heinous atrocities?
Questions we may find ourselves asking today, interestingly ride in the underlying themes in Book 3, “Destiny of Daring: Never Forget.” As it launches today in both paperback and digital formats, I shake my head as I recognize that very little in our human progress has changed in 100 years.
A 5-star Goodreads review by Anthony Avina clearly notes the “shocking connection to the modern-day horrors of the Middle East.”
In the trilogy’s finale, I finish the telling of the Armenian saga through my own family’s story at the hands of the waning Ottoman Empire. After families were ripped apart and usually massacred, glimmers of hope and resilience flickered into full light. Stories of hope and survival can overpower hatred and evil.
In the end, prejudice, bigotry, distrust, and hatred must be overcome… so much like today. If you do choose to read a copy of “Destiny of Daring: Never Forget” please do try to leave a review on any site, from Amazon to Goodreads. The chance for hope and love to prevail always needs a boost.
Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don’t. But if chocolate is a passion, try these super simple beauties! Your tastebuds will thank you.
Go ahead. Satisfy your sweet tooth today, because we’re celebrating the pink- and white-coated candy from by-gone days. You either love it or hate it, but Good & Plenty is the oldest brand of candy in the U.S.A., originating in Philadelphia in 1893. The Choo Choo Charlie TV commercials boosted its popularity in the 1950s. Come on… sing it! “Charlie says, ‘Love my Good & Plenty.’ Charlie says, ‘Really rings the bell.’ Charlie says, ‘Love my Good & Plenty. Don’t know any other candy that I like so well.’”
There is no decent nor acceptable rationalization or justification for terrorism. Period.
May I include a cat story or picture of your beloved feline in an upcoming book? If so, please email CathyBurnhamMartin@gmail.com with your cat’s photo and/or story, the kitty’s name, and how you would like the kitty’s human to be identified, along with the name for the photo credit.
Most folks likely see this as a day to emphasize washing our hands to prevent the spread of germs. Important for me is a twist on Global Handwashing Day that suggests we all wash our hands of hatred, bigotry, jealousy, violence, anger, divisiveness, control freakishness, intolerance, terrorism, political self-righteousness, disrespect, animosity, and all the other crap that makes society seem lost and crazy.
Vermont, the Green Mountain State, was the 14th state, joining the U.S. on March 4, 1791 as the first state following the 13th original colonies. On November 25, 1858, Vermont became one of the first states to abolish slavery.
At 160 miles long and 80 miles wide, people consider Vermont to be a small state, but it is the 2nd largest state in New England, behind Maine. It is the 2nd smallest state in population, just behind Wyoming. Vermont is big on raising cows and is home to nearly half of all New England dairy farms. And it has the nation’s highest human to cattle ratios, coming in at 0.41 humans to every cow.
With all those dairy farms, it is little wonder that Vermont is known for some of the nation’s finest cheeses. Also, Vermont is home to the famed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (founded in 1981). Ben & Jerry’s donates ice cream waste to local farmers, who feed it to their hogs. (Reportedly, the hogs like all flavors except Mint Oreo.)
And here are a couple of little-known facts about Vermont. To preserve the scenic beauty, the Green Mountain State is one of just 4 that forbid billboard advertising (along with Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine). Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the U.S. calls Vermont home. Vermont has the least violent crimes out of all 50 states. Until 1996, Vermont was the only state without a Wal-Mart, and Montpelier remains the only state capital without a McDonald’s. Vermont-born U.S. President Calvin Coolidge is the only President born on the 4th of July.
“It is inaccurate to say I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.”
“The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels.”
Some of the National or World “Days” are fun… some are informative… some are downright silly. But “You Matter to Me Day” matters more than many. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be easy to take our loved ones for granted. In a blink it can be too late to un-ring some stupid bell, perhaps one that never should have been rung in the first place. Remember to bond with loved ones daily. A simple “I love you” can help someone who is struggling to feel less taken for granted. Remind someone today that they matter… deeply. I love YOU!
Ahhh… religious freedom is not just for non-Christians. Remember that separation of church and state was introduced so that the government could no longer restrict voting to strictly white males of the royal governor’s same religion in that colony. It also means that the government cannot mandate prayer in school; nor can the govt forbid it… well, not legally anyway.
Woo-hoo! The Kindle version of Book 3 in my Destiny historical fiction trilogy just went into pre-order on Amazon.
Each year on September 30, National Love People Day is recognized. For me, it was particularly remarkable this year to spend that day attending the wedding ceremony of the daughter of very special friends. Every now and then, it’s warmingly wonderful to be reminded of the sheer bliss of a young couple crossing that threshold. Congratulations Elizabeth & Connor Keehn! And thanks for including us in your joyous celebration on the shores of Chesapeake Bay. May your lives sparkle with many blessings.
“Beer, it’s the best damn drink in the world.”
Favorite foods in the US range from Buffalo chicken wings and hot dogs to crab cakes, mac & cheese, popcorn, and nachos. If Americans are cooking at home, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, chicken, and apple pie rank highly. So, on National Cooking Day, what are you cooking?
Super Simple Stuffed Roasted Peppers
