MINDFUL MONDAY-SHOWING CARE FOR OURSELVES

I hope you are having a Wonderful Monday and a great start to the week!  We all know it can be so easy to lose sight of what is right in front of us when life spinning all around.  Today's Mindful Monday topic is going to serve as a reminder for us to take time and gently adjust our focus.

I'm sorry I missed you last week and I must tell you that I am experiencing a bit of block, or should I say- Blogger's Block, lol.  The demands of work & life can make each day a FULL DAY.  Lately, I have not had the extra time to blog...(so now I'm on edge over the fact that I'm not maintaining my goal of 2 posts per week, grrr).  I decided I need to make more time for ME in order to regain my focus, so I'm going to be taking a break...but not permanently.  I have plenty of fun blog topics to share, I just need a few weeks to Regroup & Recharge...And That means the same for you! 

This week & for the next MINDFUL MONDAY's in August , let's show care of ourselves & just try to focus on Regrouping, Reorganizing, Recharging, Redesigning, etc! Think of it as honoring yourself by taking a walk to clear your mind or a nap to get some extra rest.  Maybe you need to clean your closet, paint your nails, play an instrument or just light some candles & do a prayer ritual...just Find 10 minutes a day or whatever fits with your schedule and do it with care. 

I will be happily returning in September! School will be back in session!!! So TUESDAY ART DAY will be popping up along with other staples like Down to Earth & Music to Inspire.  I will finally be introducing my newest Feature SUN SPIRIT! And my hope is to give my blog a little makeover :-) 

So, adjust your focus- by showing care for yourself & stay tuned in- for our next topic!!

MINDFUL MONDAY ACTIONS

They say ACTIONS speak louder than words.  We, as adults, are entirely responsible for our own actions...no one else.  This is wonderful news!  It means we have the ability to change our actions, we have the power!

I know at times we can feel powerless to change our life, our job, our eating habits, our attitude.  But it is good to know you're not alone.  At times you might feel helpless, anxious or even fearful of a challenge that you are facing in your life.  Sometime this week, take time to recognize that you have the power.  You are the king or queen of your castle. 

Take Action to make the changes needed to live the life you've always wanted.  

I recommend making a list of any hopes, dreams or goals-Even if they sound downright silly...like "I want to be the next Mr. Roger's"!  That is one of my dreams & however crazy it sounds....it's the truth.  This list will give you a sense of direction, plus it makes it easier to tackle one obstacle or hurdle at a time.  This Mindful Monday technique should start by making a list.  By doing so, you are taking the first step...aka ACTION.... in starting the process of having the life you always dreamed of.  It's yours for the taking, just be clear and honest with yourself. 

 

MINDFUL MONDAY MAKING A CHANGE

CHANGE (not like the kind in your pocket)

Does the phrase Making a Change scare you?  I've been thinking about change a lot lately.  Recently heard someone say "People don't make changes because things are wonderful in their lives". 

Often times we are reluctant to change.  It is easier to do what we've always been doing VS trying something new or different.  At times, we are  forced to change.  This usually occurs in situations of tragedy, trauma or turmoil.  But whether we want to or not, change is inevitable....so that got me thinking. 
  
Can we ever think of Changing as an opportunity to grow or evolve?  Can it be perceived as a positive transition in our lives, our family or our future path?

Lets face it, no one ever said making a change is easy.  So in times of difficulty, think of it as letting yourself go with the flow.. by choosing not to resist it.   For me, a good analogy is that water flows in the path of least resistance.  It changes course to allow for an easier transition to the next resting place.

So what does this all mean for Mindful Monday? Well, think of yourself as a flowing spring!!  Where is your path of least resistance? Maybe you need to change course if you feel you are at a dead end or your river has run dry.  Let your natural spring flow & just let go!  Find One Change you can make this week.  How are your relationships, thoughts, diet, communication style, environment or habits doing?  If you don't know where to start, let your heart be your guide, it will tell you what needs the most improvement or where the path of least resistance may be.

MINDFUL MONDAY CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

I am so excited for Mindful Monday today.  I wanted to share with you a story from one of my favorite iconic images entitled GRACE (upon research I discovered the original was a photograph, not a painting!) 



This story just goes to show that you never know who may be walking into your life and changing it....In 1918, Eric Enstrom was preparing a portfolio of pictures to take with him to a convention of the Minnesota Photographer's Association.



"I wanted to take a picture that would show people that even though they had to do without many things -because of the war - they still had much to be thankful for"



The door to his photography studio opens and in walks Mr. Charles Wilden-a bearded, saintly, old man, who was selling foot-scrapers.  Eric recalled that there was something about the old gentleman's face that immediately impressed him, his face was kind, there weren't any harsh lines. Eric sprung into action and on a small table, he set up a composition known as a Still Life.  He placed a family book, some spectacles, a bowl of gruel, a loaf of bread, and a knife. Then he had Mr. Wilden pose in an manner of prayer.  http://www.gracebyenstrom.com/history.html

 With his camera, Eric captured a special moment- one that transcends time.  Little did he or Mr. Widen know that their Chance Encounter would produce a world famous iconic image.

So for MINDFUL MONDAY think of any Chance Encounters that you have had in your life and the blessings, stories or moments that have come from it. 

SUMMER VACATION!!

The Fabric of Real Life is on SUMMER VACATION this week.  I hope every reader has a wonderful Holiday Season with friends and family.  It is times like these that create family memories and traditions.   

I LOVE fireworks!  They are so spirited.  You can naturally be "in Awe" when starring at them...it's an incredible feeling.  So Why do we use fireworks for the 4th? Well, it's a tradition that we've used from the beginning of our Independence.  In celebrating our 1st Anniversary of freedom from the British, we used fireworks. 

According to the Smithsonian blog:
In 1777, one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia held a massive celebration. American University’s James R. Heintze dug up this account, from the Virginia Gazette:

One of the most elaborate celebrations in 1777 and the first organized celebration of its kind occurred in Philadelphia. This event had all of the elements of typical future celebrations–the discharge of cannon, one round for each state in the union, the ringing of bells, a dinner, the use of music, the drinking of toasts (it would subsequently be traditional to have one toast for each state in the union), “loud huzzas,” a parade, fireworks, and the use of the nation’s colors, in this case the dressing up of “armed ships and gallies” in the harbor.

The fireworks celebration that night began and ended with 13 fireworks being set off from the city’s commons.  Boston also had fireworks that year, and the tradition grew from there. July 4th fireworks displays have even occurred in Antarctica, when explorer Richard Byrd set off fireworks on a relatively warm day—33 degrees below zero.  Now that’s patriotism.

Read more: http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2012/07/why-we-set-off-fireworks-on-the-fourth-of-july/#ixzz2X9I175Ln 

Why We Set Off Fireworks on the Fourth of July | Smart News

So there you have it!!

The Fabric of Real Life will resume with MINDFUL MONDAY next week & you will see more from MUSIC TO INSPIRE and DOWN TO EARTH.  I will also be introducing a NEW Feature SUN SPIRIT!!!  So Stay Tuned

MUSIC TO INSPIRE: Man inthe Mirror by Michael Jackson

Every time I Hear this Song, I am reminded of the Strength within Myself.  I have the ability to Make a difference and So do you!

I hope you ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps

MINDFUL MONDAYS- LETTING OTHERS GO FIRST

Welcome back to another addition of MINDFUL MONDAY.  This weeks tip is an easy one!  Sometime this week, let someone else go first.  

You could be at the Grocery store or driving in rush hour traffic.  Maybe you're getting off the elevator or waiting for a fitting room.  There are so many ways we can let others go first.  See how many times you can incorporate it into your week & show others that you respect them just as much as you respect yourself.  It is YOU and ME that get to create the world around us.  Let's make it a positive one- through one SIMPLE ACT. 

TONIGHT'S SUPERMOON

One of the biggest celestial events of 2013 is upon us!  Set to peak this evening, June 23, this Supermoon is Special.  It is the largest Full Moon of the year!  Its intensity comes from the Full Moon being brighter and bigger in size.  In Fact, The moon will not be this close to The Earth again until August 2014.

Also known as a perigee moon, the event occurs when a full moon lines up with the Earth and the sun at a specific point in its orbit, called the lunar perigee. That's the point at which the moon is nearest to Earth as it traces its elliptical path around our planet. 

Since it's closer to us, the moon appears up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual. Coined by astrologer Richard Nolle, the term "supermoon"essentially means a bigger and brighter full moon.

It will reach its closest point to the Earth 22 minutes earlier and will be visible after the sun sets that evening.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/20/supermoon-june-2013-perigee-moon_n_3461899.html

So this evening when you are settling down for the night, go outside.  Take the kids, even if it is for 3 minutes.  Witness the glory of tonight's Full Moon.  For me, staring at a Full Moon feels primitive, even primal.  It's always so mesmerizing- & at the same time, I feel rooted, more grounded.  How does the Full Moon make you feel?  I'd love to know....

COSTA RICA

WOW it has been over 2 months since I got back from my vacation!!  My how Time flies.... I wanted to share with you some pictures of my experience and a few tidbits that I learned.  This experience was essential in keeping my spirit bright & grounding me at the same time.  



This is what I'd like to share from my journal:


Resistance is what makes things "Hurt"

We attach to emotions as if they are the only truth.

Stopping judgement creates mindfulness. Just let go, open up, follow it, let it be!

Holding onto lies creates restrictions in the body



Choose to surround yourself with people who reflect that love back to you

Nothing in the divine world is unworthy



Check in and ask yourself--Does this serve my highest good? Then use your senses to listen for the answer







One of the best moments of my trip was this affirmation.  AS I was walking along a beach, I asked SPIRIT for a "heart shaped rock" I even said I'd be happy if it was abstract heart shape.  Well how more literal of a shape can you get?  Within 5 minutes, this is what I found on the beach.

My Heart Shaped Treasure

MINDFUL MONDAY- PHONE ETIQUETTE

Phone Etiquette you say?  Today, the MINDFUL MONDAY tip is recognizing & giving yourself permission to know that IT IS OK to not answer your phone! I know this sounds down right silly but Mondays are all about practicing awareness.

Our ways of communicating are evolving as a society.  So often our cell phones are connected to us- physically. I mean, it has become an extra limb! At times it feels like I'm connected to my phone 24/7, and I know we can all relate to that feeling.

But when we are in the moment of life, can we ever step back- maybe by choosing NOT to answer the phone?

For example, at the grocery store & the Clerk is ringing you up. Be kind & respectful to them by putting your phone away. Apply the etiquette you've always known--by getting off the phone and looking at the person I front of you. By this, you are acknowledging that you are present, aware...Mindful!

I recently got chewed out by a man. We were both shipping packages at UPS. While waiting in line, I was on my cell phone talking care of business. This man yells "Do you think we all want to hear your conversation?" I was shocked! SPEECHLESS, I mean, I was just waiting in line. I thought to myself (after a few swear words in silence) "What if the person I was talking to on the phone was standing in line with me. I'd still be having the same conversation, just in person". Even though I felt scolded by this man, maybe he was right. I could have placed that call when I got back into my car, right? (blue tooth is a great invention). Not everyone wants to hear our conversations in their ear, especially at restaurants and stores. So don't get mad, just get even by being aware of the people around you....that's Mindfulness too.

Let's face it, our lives are jam-packed with all sorts of ways to communicate. In order to find balance in the highly social arena, practice mindful phone etiquette. Think about chosing a time that's convenient for you to chat. Next time you have your hands full or your child is crying- remind yourself that its OK to not answer the phone. Call back when you have a moment to focus on the conversation. I know the person on the other end of the line will understand for the delay. Plus, they don't get all back ground chaos or our distractions and that's being polite too.

I hope you've enjoyed this moment of reading....

Have a great MINDFUL week!

WORDS OF A WISE MAN- Paul Harvey - An Open Letter From God

I stumbled across this and felt compelled to share it with you.  Regardless of what you believe in, it is 8:28 minutes long and worth listening.  It speaks to everyone who believes that there is a higher power and how we can understand ourselves and our neighbors.  I hope you understand the message Paul Harvey is conveying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlp0GBn02wM

MINDFUL MONDAY- CARDS SAY IT ALL

Monday is here again!  I recently came across some cards that my Mom had saved, homemade one's that I had made years ago. 

I always enjoyed making cards for people. I would mostly make birthday cards for friends & family, along with making Mother's and Father's Day cards too.  I loved making and sending them.  So why did I stop doing this?  As stated before, being MINDFUL is about Awareness, Attentiveness and Care. 

For Mindful Monday- try to find the time this week to send an e-card or a hand written note for no reason at all.  Has anyone been on your mind lately? Maybe that person needs that extra poke.  Showing you care or expressing your feelings through a card is a simple gesture.  Tell someone why they mean the world to you or just check in and let them know you are there if they need you.

Happy Monday, lets make it a MINDFUL one!

MUSIC TO INSPIRE: In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel

I absolutely LOVE this song by Peter Gabriel.  What an amazing melody.  I hope you can listen to the words and be inspired by it too.  Although the video is a hoot, the lyrics are enchanting to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU8OJAOMbPg

MINDFUL MONDAY- FORGIVENESS

Welcome back to another Mindful day.... Monday! Last week we explored Apologizing, so to follow up with that, today's topic is also one of the most important factors in human relationships.  FORGIVENESS.  But what does really mean?  Well, when I looked up the definition, I saw" the end of blame".  Wow! The end of blame....Sounds like the path least traveled.  

So this week let's think about Forgiveness.  Maybe you need to Forgive someone for a minor resentment that has been bothering you.  Maybe you need permission to forgive yourself for a past mistake.  Do you need to ask someone for forgiveness?  Whatever the need, the time is now.  You might not know where to start, but Forgiveness is about moving on, putting an end to blame and starting on a new path.  When doing my research, I read the following on Wikipedia & was pleasantly surprised to see what was the most effective tool in learning how to forgive! So I thought I'd share it with you.

The need to forgive is widely recognized by the public, but they are often at a loss for ways to accomplish it. For example, in a large representative sampling of American people on various religious topics in 1988, the Gallup Organization found that 94% said it was important to forgive, but 85% said they needed some outside help to be able to forgive. Akin to forgiveness is mercy, so even if a person is not able to complete the forgiveness process he or she can still show mercy, especially when so many wrongs are done out of weakness rather than malice. The Gallup poll revealed that the only thing that was effective was "meditative prayer".[32]   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgiveness

Find time to FORGIVE.  Remember to focus on stopping the blame game & starting on a new path.  This is your life and only you get to turn the pages, better yet, I encourage you to start a new Chapter!!

 

 

DOWN TO EARTH: So God Made A Farmer by Paul Harvey

DOWN TO EARTH is a regular feature that shows my passion for everything related to the Earth.  I am also a HUGE fan of Paul Harvey...so this is a double bonus for me. 

Most of you may remember this advertisement from the Superbowl commercials this year.  I hope the voice and words of Paul Harvey speaks to you with the same understanding, sensitivity and reality of what tough job Farming really is.  It takes a special person to do this job, it is essential to our lively hood and for that I commend every farmer. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuzhwkaNC40

MINDFUL MONDAY-APOLOGIZING

Thank you for joining me again today.  This week, MINDFUL MONDAY is about Apologizing.  Life's too short to have regrets. Sometimes we say or do things, whether purposefully or not, that can hurt another's feelings.  We all make mistakes but how often to we actually apologize? 

I'm about to share with you an embarrassing story... thankfully you were not there to witness it person.  I was going through a rough patch a few years ago.  One night I was out at a bar and I made a complete Ass (yep, no sugar coating that) out of myself to a stranger.  This guy didn't deserve my attitude or excess baggage that I was carrying & unfortunately he got the brunt of my pain.  I've seen this young man volunteering at the Salvation Army in Royal Oak, MI several times since then.  Whether he would remember me or not, I don't know.  But I've felt sick to my stomach about my behavior ever since that night.  Several times I've tried to work up the courage to apologize, but haven't yet.  I need to be a bigger person by recognizing my faults and correcting them- so that is why I'm writing this today.  I promise the next time I see him I am going to apologize.

Above all, the lesson I learned was to be quick to apologize.  You may not get another opportunity to clear the air and caring around excess baggage is unhealthy-physically, mentally, emotionally.  Try to find the time this week to reflect upon who may need need an apology & offer it up.  Remember, all actions have a ripple effect. Maybe you will receive an apology too. 

See you next Monday for another MINDFUL post.

MUSIC TO INSPIRE by John Denver - Annie's Song

I LOVE this song!! 
It's so inspiring, pure and lovely...It fills my senses! I hope it makes you feel as good as I do when you listen to the voice, melody and lyrics sung by the late John Denver.

You may need to sign into YouTube to view. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C21G2OkHEYo

MINDFUL MONDAY - OPENING DOORS

Welcome back for MINDFUL MONDAY!! Ahh the joy of warm weather is here & today Mindful Monday is about Opening Doors.

It's a wonderful gesture that produces a positive ripple effect.  In my job as a sales rep, I quite often have my hands, arms & shoulders full of product.  I am always so thankful when someone helps me out by holding the door for me. In turn, I also do this for others because I know how good it feels and it is a simple & easy gesture. 

So this week, while you are out & about- try to practice this Mindful Monday tip.  Maybe it's a mom with a stroller who needs assistance at the store or maybe it's someone who, like me, just has their hands full.  Whatever the case, big or small, open the door for someone.  I can guarantee you that most people will smile at you & say "Thank You".  Some will even be caught off guard by this nice gesture from a complete stranger!  

Chivalry is dead- unless we continue to practice it!!  Have a great week.  I hope that this exercise of opening doors-literally  -will transmute to opening the doors to our own awareness, attentiveness and caring for ourselves and others. 

DOWN TO EARTH: Mushroom Season

Growing up in my house, Morel Mushrooms cause quite a stir.  For as long as I can remember my mom, aunt, step dad, uncle -and anyone else who wants to- head out to the forest for mushroom picking. 

Morels are picked by thousands of people every year simply for their unique and exquisite taste, plus the joy of the hunting them is fun too.  There's nothing that compares to the flavor of these little guys.  I love being in the woods and this is a great way to enjoy a family tradition.  Although the season is short and sweet, I look forward to the frenzy every year and savoring each bite.

On a side note, I wanted to mention one thing to be aware of before heading into the woods.  When gathering morel mushrooms, care must be taken to distinguish them from the poisonous "false morels"

The key differentiating features of false morels in comparison to morels include:[26]

• The false morels can be told apart from the true morels by careful study of the cap, which is often "wrinkled" or "brainy", rather than honeycomb or net-like. It has a cap that is generally darker and larger than the true morels.

• The caps of early morels are attached only at the apex (top) of the cap, unlike true morels which have caps that are attached at or near the bottom. The easiest way to tell the false from the true variety, is to simply look inside the stem.

• False morels contain a cotton-ball looking substance inside their stem while true morels are hollow inside.

• The caps of the false morel can be easily twisted in comparison to the normal morel.

• False morels are often a brown, reddish color.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morchella

MINDFUL MONDAY- MANNERS

MINDFUL MONDAY is all about creating Awareness.  Today I'd like to talk about Manners.   Some people say that they are extinct... and that got me thinking.  How often do we use manners in our daily routine?  When you bump into someone, do you say "Pardon Me"? Or  when you're in rush hour traffic and someone lets you in front of them- do you wave your hand "Thank You"? How about "Yes Please", "Excuse Me" etc...

Using manners is a way of communicating respect and showing human kindness.  Plus, it never goes out of style!  One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was given to me by my sister.  I was traveling to Europe for the first time and she said "know your manners" in every country/language I was visiting.  Wow! She was so right.  Manners are universal.  (Grazie Sorella!)

So in honor of Mindful Monday, let's  focus on how we can use manners this week and set a good example, especially if we want our kids to learn them too.

~Ciao!

MOTHER'S DAY

Today marks a special time for us to celebrate the woman who carried us into the world!!  The older I get the more I realize how much of my mother is WITHIN me.  I like to think of it as a seed that's growing to create another generation.  I am starting to look more like her.  We have similar mannerisms and I have her bright smile.  So today I wanted to say I LOVE YOU MOM! And to all the Mother's out there HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

MINDFUL MONDAYS

Happy Monday!!  Today I'd like to introduce you to MINDFUL MONDAYS. I know that Monday isn't our most favorite day- but it is a good day to set the tone for the rest of the week. 

So what does being Mindful mean?
mind·ful [mahynd-fuhl] 
adjective

attentive, aware, or careful (usually followed by of ): mindful of one's responsibilities.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mindfulness?s=t

By practicing MINDFULNESS, we are showcasing our awareness. By being aware of our thoughts, actions and emotions-we are making ourselves, our life, our community and our environment better. These small actions in life are the ones that lead to bigger steps.

Thankfully, going to Costa Rica in April helped me recharge & I was able to focus on what Mindful Living means to me.  The topic can be soo vast & complex, yet simple.  I knew this was a big topic to explore and it was also very important to me....to my heart.  Thru research & brain storming, I was able to wrap my head around concepts that have meaning and by expressing our awareness and showing we care, we create a wonderful ripple effect with our actions!   Stay Tuned for next Monday as I will introduce to you the first of a series of Tips, Practices & Gestures in Mindfulness.  I hope you enjoy it.

Are you the FACE OF TODAY?

The FABRIC of REAL LIFE is LOOKING FOR YOU

I know there are so many people out there who should be recognized for their actions.  So far, I've featured two people who have been named as the FACE OF TODAY. These everyday citizens are making a difference by performing a SIMPLE ACT.  For me, they were the FACE because they did something proactive to make the world better.  Whether it be through Manners or Composting their actions and kindness deserved to be noticed. This is why I need your help!!

Are you the FACE OF TODAY?

As I've mentioned before in this blog, it's everyday people-like you and me- who make this world a better place. Citizens whose actions deserve to be noticed. The FACE could be someone who volunteers their time or greets you with the warmest smile and puts you in a better mood. They may run in charity races, have started a non-profit organization, clean areas of neglect, run for office, feed the hungry, lead by example, mentor kids, be a good neighbor..... the list is endless.

So who will be the next FACE OF TODAY?  I hope it's you!

Please submit your nominations to thefabricofreallife@gmail.com. The criteria is as follows: A description of what Simple Act you (or someone else) are taking to make a difference along with a nice photograph of this FACE. 
The Simple Act needs to be a positive action. The FACE OF TODAY does not have to be a living person and I want to highlight that no action is too small to be recognized.

TUESDAY ART DAY is on Spring Break

It's Tuesday already!  For the past few months TUESDAY ART DAY has been a consistent blog post for readers.  Since Violet was the last of the colors to explore- our Basic color wheel is now complete! It has been a pleasure to introduce you to the Color Wheel and Color Theory as it  relates to painting or other Artistic mediums. 

Even if you are not an aspiring Picasso~ I hope you have an understanding of  color and hopefully you SEE your environment in a more colorful way!

There is soo much more to cover and this is just the beginning so TUESDAY ART DAY will be back this summer with more lessons on the Color Wheel & Artistic Inspirations.

Stay Tuned for MINDFUL MONDAY'S, DOWN TO EARTH, MUSIC TO INSPIRE and many more topics.

DOWN TO EARTH: Celebrating Arbor Day

DOWN TO EARTH is going to be a regular feature on this blog.  As you may already know, Mother Nature is a constant inspiration for me.  So I'm glad to introduce ARBOR DAY as my first DOWN TO EARTH post. 

Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to Take Action by planting and caring for trees. 

It originated in Nebraska City, NE by J. Sterling Morton. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872 and an estimated one million trees were planted that day!! Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.  In Michigan, we celebrate Arbor Day the last Friday in April.

Below are a list of a few activities you or a Group can do to join in celebrating such a wonderful holiday. Its is a SIMPLE ACT that makes a difference.

• Enjoy the outdoors. Visit a local park or take a nature hike.
• Attend a class on tree and plant care.
• Volunteer with a local tree-planting organization. You’ll meet new people and make a difference in your community.
• Raise the flag & strike up the band, make Arbor Day fun. Make it memorable.
• Organize a beautification project in a public area.
• Get people into action~ Ask a civic or service group to promote a recycling program and save a tree. 
• Celebrate Arbor Day in a personal way by planting a tree yourself. It is an act of optimism and kindness, a labor of love and a commitment to stewardship.
• Read a book about trees. Learn to identify trees in your yard and neighborhood
• Hold a poster, poetry or tree trivia contest.  Give away trees to winners.
• Tell people to take a hike— a tree identification hike — and have girl scouts or boy scouts act as guides.
• Dedicate a forest, a tree or a flower bed in a park, and make it an occasion to talk about stewardship. Get a local nursery or garden center to hold an open house or field day. Organize an Arbor Day Fair.

To become an Arbor Day Volunteer, please click on this link:

http://arbordaynow.org/volunteer.cfm

Thank you for reading, I hope you are inspired to be DOWN TO EARTH!!

The Full Pink Moon, what is it?

I've always been fascinated by the Full Moon & its phases.  So when I heard about the Full Pink Moon, I knew it was time to do my research.  

Was the moon really going to look Pink?

The Full Pink Moon is always in the months of April.  This name came from the Herb moss pink, or Wild Ground Phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring.  Other names include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and amongst coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon because this was the time when the fish swam upstream to spawn.  

Naming full moons dates back to the Native Americans- of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year. 
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/


Speaking of Full Moons, in August 2012 we witnesses a Blue Moon.  The phrase "once in a blue moon" is derived from the fact that it is a rare occurrence. (And Blue Moon beer is pretty good too.)

A Blue Moon is when there are 2 full moons in one Month. A full moon occurs roughly every 29.5 days and on the rare occasions when the full moon falls at the very beginning of a month there is a good chance a Blue Moon will occur at the end of the month. According to this modern day definition, the next blue moon will occur on July 31, 2015.
http://www.moongiant.com/Blue_Moon_Calendar.php



So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed learning about our moon phases.  I look forward to sharing more stories about the Moon.  Maybe you have a good story I can feature? I'd love to hear from you.