Peace
We will have to want peace, want it enough to pay for it, before it becomes an accepted rule. Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt’s words really resonate on this anniversary of the World Trade Center attack, one of so many in human history. Think of Pearl Harbor. Think of Germany’s Gypsy, Homosexual, Jewish Holocaust. Think of the decimation of this hemisphere’s first people. A 100,000 year war waged by our species now leaves us without another. See How Neanderthals and Humans Battled. Also see The Neanderthals War. While wars between humans have been brief by comparison, the longest include: The 781-year-long Christian invasion of the Iberian Peninsula The 681-year-long Greco-Roman vs. Persian [Iran] battles The 675-year-long Byzantine-Bulgarian wars in the Balkans The 602 years, five months, one week and four days of the Christian Crusades Here’s More Whew! Mrs. Roosevelt believed, ”The basis of world peace is the teaching which runs through almost all the great religions of the world. Love thy neighbor as thyself.” And some have also, historically advocated the conquest and killing of those viewed as different. Eleanor Roosevelt asked, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?” Personal peace is a start. What if more and more: Resisted guilt. Didn’t compare themselves to others. Challenged their ‘musts’ and converted ‘shoulds’ to ‘coulds.’ Took breaks from the hustle-bustle and visited tranquil places. See More Ways to Find Peace of Mind and Inner Calm. Predator-Prey is Earth’s MO [Modus Operandi, Method of Operating]. All animals and some plants kill other living things to live. That said, here’s a thought [illustrated in part by playing the original Super Mario]: What if Earth’s kill-or-be-killed conditions are a kind of test, a puzzle? What if a blissful after life is the reward for figuring out how to create on Earth all that’s promised in heaven, Eden, Paradise? What if Earth is, as some suggest, Purgatory where failure-flunking requires a re-do? Here’s another question: What price would you pay for more peace? Succeed and Soar! Remember September 11 is also “Make Your Bed Day” September 12 is Grandparents Day September 15 is International Day of Democracy September 17 is National Constitution Day Image by pikepicture Eleanor’s Insights Collection Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here
Life Well Lived #4: Three Steps to Paradise
I took three steps and found myself in Paradise. The first step was a good thought, the second, a good word, and the third, a good deed. – Friedrich Nietzsche This week’s plant is Echinacea, also called purple cone flowers, known for boosting the immune system, especially in helping to heal the common cold, and other wellness benefits. Echinacea is a perennial. Once planted, it returns every year. Thinking of health, for the past twenty years, I’ve intended to improve mine by trimming and toning my body. Alas, perhaps you’ve heard the saying: Repeating the same behaviors and expecting different results is, ummm, unrealistic. In my journey to a life well lived and physical fitness, Nietzsche’s three steps would be a good start, especially the third which would involve turning off my television and getting off the chaise lounge [smile]. Join me! Continuing on last week’s love note about drive-in theaters, just found this list of the Parade’s top picks from each state. I hope you’re soon enjoying movies under the stars. NOTE: The videos offered with each post are chosen for visual interest, inspiration, ideas and brevity. This week’s pick will definitely make you smile Ice Cream This Sunday, July 19th is National Ice Cream Day. Even better, all of July is National Ice Cream Month. Here are eight easy, breezy recipes for making your own fabulous ice cream at home. One is a three-ingredients, chocolate delight [no ice cream freezer needed]. There’s also a dairy-free coconut caramel treat. Yum! This Week’s Special Offer: Rocket Echinacea Each week, a featured item is offered at 25% off [plus any discounts offered by my Galleries] which can save an additional 30% savings. Shop here. Thank you to everyone who visits the galleries and for your purchases. They support Succeed and Soar. NOTE The original was shot with a Nikon Coolpix camera. The jpg was “developed” in Microsoft Digital Suite. [I like this software and keep it on an older computer.]