Showing posts with label holidays and celebrations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays and celebrations. Show all posts

15 January 2024

Which is the Greatest Tragedy? In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

In the United States of America, we officially recognize and observe the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday of January every year.  Many people all around the world are familiar with the non-violent protests and related efforts spearheaded by this activist which ultimately resulted in the passing of the Civil Rights Act.  It was a tragic day in America when he was cut down by an assassin’s bullet.

To celebrate his birthday and honor his memory, I am sharing a statement he made that has taken root in my psyche.  It inspires me to be fearless and dream the dream he dreamed.





***
References:
  • https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/martin_luther_king_jr_133707
  • http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day
  • http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-act
***

Which is the greatest tragedy?

(A) To do things that you should NOT have done.

(B) To NOT do things that you should have done..

14 November 2023

My 5 Good Fortunes Per My Daughter

My Daughter's Advice Will Be Heeded

Whether the fortune cookie is an American or Chinese tradition is of no consequence because we can all write our own fortunes. However, it is especially nice when someone special writes one for you. In my case, my daughter (at age 12) wrote five fortunes to inspire me.

Even though another fortune says: Advice, when most needed, is least heeded; I'm going to listen to the wisdom of mouth of this babe. It is solid and sound. 


1)  You have great confidence in what you're doing.

2)  You can do great things with your energy.

3)  The voice within you is appealing to many.

4)  You are not afraid of what the future has in store for you. Go forth.

5)  Sharing and being fair to others is just part of who you are. Don't ever change.




* * *
Halloween is not traditionally linked with the Chinese fortune cookie. But in case you hadn’t noticed, traditions are made by humankind and we make them up as we go along, and change them when it’s convenient and sometimes just for fun!  Also, it's my daughter's favorite holiday.  :)





03 October 2022

Happy Halloween! If You Could Create A Monster (Reblog)

This cool post is a reblog from my fellow blogger and friend who is participating in a writing challenge.  It's perfect for the Halloween holiday!


Here are my responses to the questions, if I were going to create a monster.


What Does The Monster Look Like?

My monster would have to be green. It's a throwback from that old movie The Exorcist where the possessed girl puked up green vomit. That scene got stuck in my brain and ever since then, that puke color green is associated with monsters. Even though it was the devil. In my mind, devil and monster are the same thing!  But SHE would also be attractive or alluring.  That way people would at first want to approach her.



How Big Is The Monster?
Really huge! Way bigger than an ordinary person because it would give the monster a sense of believing SHE is too big to be overcome. Like the American banks.  (Sorry.  Bad joke.)  That way when the humans take her down, it will be a surprise! “Yeah! That's right! Take that! Bet you didn't even see us coming!!”   :)



What Is Unique About The Monster?
The monster would have a combination of traits borrowed from the X-Men mutants (because I'm not very original).  Not sure what combination, but it would be definitely be able to morph or shape-shift.  Although because it's so big, even though it can change its shape, it still wouldn't be so easy to go run and hide.



What Does The Monster Eat?

Humans! 

Monsters who eat fruits and veggies don't scare nobody! 



Where Does It Sleep?
The monster would have to sleep some place that is either extremely cold or extremely hot, because that would make it more of a challenge for the humans to try to get rid of it while it's resting up for the next day of ravaging the human race.



What would the monsters be called?

My monsters would be called Cannibellas. Well because they're flesh-eating monsters that are also female, and they're not really that ugly or crude to look at. Sort of like the sirens in Greek mythology. They could lure people, especially men.  But because they are so huge, most men would probably run from them!! :)

* * *

Image credits:  Disguise Men's The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Mask, One Size and Men's Deluxe Jack Skellington Costume

















22 November 2021

Happy Holidays! Celebrating Thanksgiving Around the World

“The world celebrates Thanksgiving for very different reasons and in very different ways; what unites the occasions are a communal feeling of gratitude.”

Do you know how other countries celebrate Thanksgiving?


glitter-graphics.com





05 October 2021

A Fun Look at the History and Traditions of Halloween

It’s October and it’s time for Halloween. For this article I wanted to present a quick discussion highlighting some interesting and fun facts about the Halloween holiday; mainly, its history and the superstitious beliefs associated with it.


The History (and My History) of Halloween

I attended Catholic school and can remember that one of my teachers was very adamant about NOT celebrating the Halloween holiday. She insisted that it supported pagan practices and traditions and it was a work of the devil. I did not want to disrespectful so I did what most well-mannered and well-behaved children did when their teachers said things they did not believe or agree with. I ignored her. Hey! I just wanted a pumpkin full of candy! LOL.

But as an adult, I was a little curious about the history of Halloween. It turns out my teacher was right. It was derived from pagan customs. More specifically, it is a modification of activities associated with an ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, which was a festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons from summer to winter. Uumm? That doesn’t exactly sound devilish.

Amanda Pagan wrote a post titled “A Brief History of Halloween”, which was published in the official blog for the New York Public Library. Her explanation of the holiday’s history is very colorful. As it is a library blog, she also provided a list of a dozen books as recommended reading if you want to know more. Halloween may have had religious import or application in the beginning but as of today, for most people (including me), the day no religious significance at all. It’s just a day set aside for apple-bobbing, eating tricks and treats, visiting haunted houses that simultaneously frighten you and make you laugh, dressing up in funny costumes, and maybe binge-watching some scary movies. Nothing more.

Halloween Superstitions

Black cats, witches, and pumpkins? Oh my! Where do all of these superstitions come from? Obviously, since the holiday is derived from a Celtic ritual, the superstitions that are prevalent to this day have Celtic roots. I personally don’t believe these superstitions, especially not the one about black cats being bad luck. Some believed black cats were witches in disguise or witches reborn or they were just witch-helpers. If you do the research you will find a lot of information pertaining to all of the folklore about black cats. You’ll find everything except the name of the person who started it!

There are numerous superstitions linked to this holiday. If you are interested in an explanation of the various beliefs about everything from bats and black cats to ghosts and spirits to spiders and trick or treat, check out this “Guide to Halloween Superstitions”.

* * *


Fun Links of Interest:

Halloween History – How Halloween Has Traveled the Globe | SAPIENS

The History of Halloween: A timeline through the centuries | Make It Grateful

Samhain Folklore, Superstitions and Legends | Learn Religions

12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions | Mental Floss


Original Source


13 November 2020

Happy Holidays! A Collection of Thanksgiving Recipes for Special Diets

It's that time of the year again.  You want to prepare the traditional recipes but certain family and friends coming over to share the holiday feast have dietary restrictions or dietary preferences.  What can you do?

Whether you're terrified because you're new to the whole holiday entertaining family and friends tradition and never cooked a meal for anybody OR you're an experienced host or hostess but need some new recipes idea and/or need to make changes to the feast because of the dietary restrictions or requirements of some of those invited to partake, you might find these recipes in our collection invaluable.

28 October 2020

Best of Halloween Costume Ideas - Queen for a Day and More!

Saw a picture of Beyoncé dressed up looking like a queen holding a scepter (below) and got inspired for a Halloween costume idea.  Be a queen!

This is a Marie Antoinette-style gown. Eh!  We know her history.  Try not to think about the fact that she lost her head.  Just think of all the pretty gowns she wore.








* * * Other costume ideas?


  • Arabian costumes.  Why not be a genie?  Remember the old comedy TV show "I Dream of Jeanie".

  • Mother and Daughter Matching Witches from the Wizard of Oz.










Celebrate National Black Cat Day AND Halloween!

A Halloween celebration would be incomplete without a black cat.  

Do you think black cats are bad luck or good luck?  

Did you know that in a certain part of the world "giving a bride the gift of a black cat is thought to bring her good luck"?  

In my world, I believe a cat is just a cat, no matter what color the feline may be.  But during the Halloween season, it could be fun to dress up as a black cat!  Buy the cat mask and the rest of the outfit is left up to your imagination!  This is my way of celebrating the black cat.  😉

Venetian Masquerade Mask Luxury Sexy Black Cat Lace Mask For Fancy Dress Halloween Costume Party Girls/Women

Guide to Halloween Superstitions

















Black Cats are not just for Halloween!
But black cats are perfect for Halloween! 
Agree? :)












26 January 2020

3 Famous Ghost Ships and Their Interesting Stories

The most famous ghost ship is the Flying Dutchman, which I knew nothing about other than the fact there was a vessel by that name and there was a movie made about it, set sail in 1680 and the first time it was spotted was about 200 years later and various more sightings ever since. Sounds believable!


HUBPages Contributor Teresa Coppens tells the stories behind The Flying Dutchman and three other ships: the Mary Celeste, the Octavius, and the Caleuche.


Famous Ghost Ships




- According to legend, the Mary Celeste was found abandoned, the crew disappeared and the only trace they left behind was their last meal. An unexplained mystery to this very day. But there is no shortage of theories.

- The Octavius left London in 1761 with the goal of transporting cargo to China. The intended destination was reached but on the return voyage, the ship got stuck in the Arctic ice because the captain thought he could take a shortcut to get back to England. Discovered thirteen years later. Guess where the vessel AND the entire crew were found?

- The story of the Caleuche is a legend in Chilota mythology. There are water spirits (with cute names: Sirena Chilota, Pincoya and Picoy), a ship with a mind of its own, lost shipwrecked souls brought back to life to party with music and laughter, kidnapped fishermen who have to serve the happy people, warlocks, and sorcerers allowed to come on board but not permitted to mess with the partying passengers. The people of southern Chile may truly believe it, but unbelievers like me would say the tales are loaded with the stuff of Halloween.





Famous Ghost Ships

Ghost ships bring to mind vessels materializing from a fog shrouded ocean. These ships represent a number of mysterious possibilites: manifestation of a tragedy that befell the crew of a long ago vessel; vessels found floating without crew, all hands on board missing and a mysterious tale begging to explain the tragedy.



I am also a HUBPages Contributor using the pen name "cmoneyspinner1tf". My HUB tells the stories of lost ships.  Not ghost ships.  These vessels were lost but then found.


True Stories of Ships Lost at Sea



True Stories of Ships Lost at Sea

In the Walt Disney film "Shipwrecked" (1990), a young boy whose sailor-father is injured and can no longer work as a seaman. The 14-year old boy must take his father's place and work to earn money for his family. On his first voyage, the ship sinks because of a hurricane and he ends up on a jungle island.





05 February 2019

Chinese New Year Symbols of Prosperity : Fruit

Today is February 5, 2019 and it's Chinese New Year – Year of the Pig. 



Adding on additional content to my previous post celebrating Chinese New Year, its customs and traditions.  Here is a little more info about the cultural traditions and symbols of prosperity. In the previous post, the spotlight was on flowers as an important part of the decorations for the Chinese New Year celebration.  This time it's on fruit.  Tangerines and oranges to be specific.



"The bright orange color of the fruits also symbolizes 'gold'; hence it has an auspicious meaning to bring in good luck and wealth."








►►► 
Related Links ~ Learn more about CNY traditions: 






https://foxnet2017.tumblr.com/post/182583165081/happy-chinese-new-year-these-are-called-xiao

24 October 2018

Modron, The Autumn Equinox ~ The Beginner’s Guide To The Wheel Of The Year (Reblog)

Found this post via the Authentic Blogger Group on Facebook. When the link was shared the image was a cornucopia. Grabbed my attention right away. Great intro to Celtic festivals and love the art!
* * *


     The Wheel Of The Year calendar comprises four Celtic fire festivals interspersed with two solstice and two equinox celebrations.  September’s Equinox denotes the height of the Autumn season.
     The Autumn Equinox is named variably as Modron (Mother Goddess) or Mabon (Divine Son) – deities from Welsh Mythology who can be found in The Legends Of King Arthur.
     Modron is a harvest and fertility goddess who shares characteristics with the Roman Ceres.  On the agricultural calendar Lughnasadh (August) is The First Harvest (grains and cereals) and The Autumn Equinox (September) is The Second Harvest (fruits and vegetables). ...

Originally posted on Lily Wight:
     Updated 23/09/2014

https://foxnet2017.tumblr.com/post/179401786901/halloween-in-ireland-the-history-of-this-celtic

https://foxnet2017.tumblr.com/post/179401854041/wheel-of-the-year-the-eight-pagan-holidays


02 July 2018

Celebrating Independence Day? Happy Fourth of July!

Greetings!  My fellow Americans (and non-Americans who celebrate The American Dream!).  Will you be celebrating America's birthday, the 4th of July? 
  
Beach? 
 Cookout? 
 Parade? 
 Movies? 
 Protesting in our nation's capital (or the border)? 
 Singing the National Anthem?  (Standing Up or Kneeling?)
 Participating in an act of charity? 
 Visiting a Native American reservation? 
 Attending Worship Service? 
 Other? 




♥ ♥ ♥ Wherever you and whatever you do, 
have a happy and safe holiday!  ♥ ♥ ♥  


31 October 2017

My Best of Halloween Posts on G+ - Halloween ~ Thanksgiving ~Christmas!

Winding down the year of 2017. It has been a productive and profitable year for Home Business Works (formerly Cmoneyspinner's Home Business Projects).  Today is October 31st and this is the last post at My Blog Stop! for the month.  Thanks for visiting, reading, and subscribing.  There are 2 more months left in 2017.  Let's hope they are happy and peaceful. 








My Best of Halloween Posts on G+ - Witches, Sorcerers and Wizards!

So witches, sorcerers, and wizards are not the same? 

What else don't I know?


glitter-graphics.com















My Best of Halloween Posts on G+ - Texas

Over the years, there have always been various businesses and organizations around Texas wishing folks a Happy Halloween. Here are a few.

Happy Halloween from Texas!



















My Best of Halloween Posts on G+ - Anime Art Fans

Sharing cool Halloween anime art found on Google Plus. If you have time hope you check out some of my posts celebrating this fun and spooky holiday. Stay safe!

Happy Halloween! Thanks for stopping by!
Hope you're having a great day!






















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