Women's Prayers for Peace

Given the proximity of Mother's Day to Memorial Day, I've been reflecting lately [see quotes below] on what one mom (this mom) might be able to actually DO to further the cause of peace. I've decided that, for now, I'll encourage the women I know to join me in an exercise of positive intentions. I invite YOU to join me in honoring all those who have served and sacrificed for their country (ALL countries -- but here are the stats on some of America's fallen; this doesn't include the current war, which can be found here and Iraqi casualties are currently over 50,000), by praying for peace.
For the next 5 Tuesdays (May 20 thru June 17), let's take a few moments in the beginning of our day to remember/pray/meditate/reflect on peace. I'll be inviting friends to join me at my home at 8:00am Tuesdays, and though you may not be able to be here physically, you are certainly welcome to join us spiritually. Soon I'll post a link to a lovely collection of interfaith prayers I've accumulated on peace, in case you're looking for something appropriate to use. If you have a favorite quote or prayer about peace, I'd LOVE it if you'd share it with me.

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"Therefore, strive to show in the human world that women are most capable and efficient, that their hearts are more tender and susceptible than the hearts of men, that they are more philanthropic and responsive toward the needy and suffering, that they are inflexibly opposed to war and are lovers of peace. Strive that the ideal of international peace may become realized through the efforts of womankind, for man is more inclined to war than woman, and a real evidence of woman's superiority will be her service and efficiency in the establishment of universal peace." 'Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 284

"Today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the "Most Great Peace." Peace is light whereas war is darkness. Peace is life; war is death. Peace is guidance; war is error. Peace is the foundation of God; war is satanic institution. Peace is the illumination of the world of humanity; war is the destroyer of human foundations. When we consider outcomes in the world of existence we find that peace and fellowship are factors of upbuilding and betterment whereas war and strife are the causes of destruction and disintegration. All created things are expressions of the affinity and cohesion of elementary substances, and non-existence is the absence of their attraction and agreement. Various elements unite harmoniously in composition but when these elements become discordant, repelling each other, decomposition and non-existence result. Everything partakes of this nature and is subject to this principle, for the creative foundation in all its degrees and kingdoms is an expression or outcome of love. Consider the restlessness and agitation of the human world today because of war. Peace is health and construction; war is disease and dissolution. When the banner of truth is raised, peace becomes the cause of the welfare and advancement of the human world. In all cycles and ages war has been a factor of derangement and discomfort whereas peace and brotherhood have brought security and consideration of human interests." 'Abdu'l-Bahá

"Briefly, I have traveled this long distance, crossed the Atlantic Ocean to this western continent in the desire and hope that the strongest bond of unity may be established between America and Persia. I know this to be your wish and purpose also and am sure of your cooperation. We shall, therefore, offer supplication in the divine threshold that a great love may take possession of the hearts of men and unite the nations of the world. We will pray that the ensign of international peace may be uplifted and that the oneness of the world of humanity may be realized and accomplished. All this is made possible and practicable through your efforts. May this American democracy be the first nation to establish the foundation of international agreement. May it be the first nation to proclaim the universality of mankind. May it be the first to upraise the standard of the Most Great Peace, and through this nation of democracy may these philanthropic intentions and institutions be spread throughout the world. Truly, this is a great and revered nation. Here liberty has reached its highest degree. The intentions of its people are most praiseworthy. They are, indeed, worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Most Great Peace and proclaim the oneness of mankind. I will supplicate God for assistance and confirmation in your behalf." 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1912

Inspiration for the Week

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer,
it sings because it has a song."
* Maya Angelou

Fav. Foto Friday - Folkmoot Edition, part deux

As if last Friday's international celebration were not enough, the whole week following Folkmoot, the gym is transformed into an international bazaar called the "Learning Gallery."All the countries represented that year have a display;
here's the Native American one:
It centers around a beautiful backdrop, painted by the art teacher (on a single bedsheet), in a postcard-style tribute to that country/culture. The artwork that each child made is also part of the display. There's a variety of cultural items on display as well. And finally, each area has an engaging learning activity (or two) for that country/culture.

Each child is given a "passport" (complete with school photo on their personal info page) and invited to explore every country they can (they're listed in the passport).You can visit India:

Play with cars in homage to Detroit:
Try to guess the English equivalent of certain Australian words:
Take a stroll through New York:
Color your very own flag of China:[Elle's class got to go through with their "4th grade reading buddies"]

Make paper butterflies in Chile:Or, you can head over to Russia:
Where you can challenge a buddy to a game of chess:
Once you've had lots of fun at a particular country, you go to get your passport stamped for that country. You earn your stamp by sharing something you learned about or did in that country.
[Third graders and older must share 3 things.]
Then, it's off to another country, like England, for a little futbol.
You can also simply admire the wonderful artwork created by your school-mates; like these carnival dancers from Brazil:Russian artist inspired found object art:
or Greek pottery:

Banners from countries made in previous years, but not featured in the current year, are used to decorate the hallways. I know I said it before, but it bears repeating...
I LOVE this school!!!

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm

I've been deeply pondering this one lately.I may have arrived at a personal action step.
I promise to share it next Tues.

Extra. Extra.

Thank you Elle for reminding me just how beautiful dandelions are.

Politics

How exciting it is to have so many strong, qualified, ethical women on the state ballot - even if only half of them end up elected, what an AWESOME Council of State we will have in NC!!
[for those out of the loop/state, we have the potential for a female: Governor, Auditor, Labor Commissioner, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Treasurer -- whoo hoo!!]
Oh, and while we're on the topic... a big shout-out to "women", without whom we wouldn't have an election - at least if my experience is the norm. It seems like poll-workers (selfless servants of democracy) are almost always AT LEAST 85% female. I'm just sayin'...

Inspiration for the Week

You become what you believe, not what you want.

Fav. Foto Friday - Folkmoot Edition!!

You're going to want to come back later to witness the most amazing, adorable, heart warming event you've seen in a while. Here they are all ready for it:
Today was my favorite day of the year - it's Folkmoot at the girls' school. Every year, each class chooses a country and they learn a traditional dance (during p.e.) from that country, as well as creating arts (in art class, of course) reflective of that culture. Then they get together and the whole school performs their dances in front of the whole school and families. It's the most beautiful display of global kinship and unity I've ever seen at a school - and yes, I cry every year at some point.

In honor of Folkmoot [it was inspired by this], I must do a multiple photo posting - there's just no way to capture it in one. ENJOY!!

It begins with the parade of nations, as representatives from each class
come in to show us what countries will be featured.

Some of the countries we saw were:

Chile
Egypt
Vietnam
England
China
Pouran danced the Tarantella from Italy
Brazil
Faith and her older brother, Vahid, check the
program to see what's coming next
India
As usual, several classes did the United States. We had a tribute to Detroit (Motown), and Gabrielle did the bunny hop
and some fancy moves with her pink cadillac
there was a Native American friendship dance
North Carolina (cloggin' to Cotton-Eyed Joe)
that's the music teacher (in pink) and Faith's teacher from last year leading the class (you can see the assistant teacher ducking out from a cirlce of kids in the back left)
The guaranteed crowd-pleaser, New York, New York
There was also a step dance and a cajun two-step.

And we always end with a cute little number from the teachers.
In total, there were 22 dances. Countries not pictured above:
Portugal, Greece, Mexico, Russia, and Australia.
Man! I LOVE this school!!

My "Extra $2 Tip"

So, as the Princess of Rizvania prepared herself the other morning, my husband asked me why I went through all that just to read a story. I told him it was HIS fault and got the usual "whaaa....???!" expression in response.

You see, when my husband and I were first married, we ate out ALOT. Not because I couldn't cook (Hon, it was NOT because I couldn't cook!), but because, with both of us working, we had the money and not much time (funny how things can 180 on ya). Anyway... my husband would typically leave "extra-large" tips, even if the service was average, which, as a former professional waitress, drove me nuts. [I liked to think you should EARN an extra-big tip by being totally awesome - which, in all honesty, I was - I totally LOVE serving people!] When I confronted him over this nasty habit, he simply explained, "How many opportunities do you get in this life to REALLY make someone's day for only $2 more?"

So, yes, I could have gone to the school that morning in a nice outfit (not my sweats), and the kids would have enjoyed the story, but with just a small investment in time (15 min.) and a little creativity, I decided to give them an extra $2. You should have seen their faces - so how could I not?!

Inspiration for the Week

"Peace cannot be kept by force.
It can only be achieved by understanding."
Albert Einstein

Fav. Foto Friday

Today I get to be the mystery reader for Gabrielle's kindergarten class. Last time I came as the Queen of Sheba and told a story of my encounter with the wise King Solomon. I wonder who will show up today?!

pssst... I'll give you a hint - I'm sticking with the royalty theme.

p.s. just got back - the Princess of Rizvania had a delightful time!

What Was I Thinking?!

My postings of late, while never very consistent, have been minimal at best. And it's not for lack of material to write about (sorry Foolery). I have a small notebook I keep with at least 15 good ideas of stuff (nonsense and in-depth) that I could share. But for some reason, when I sit down at the computer, all I can manage are a few quotes and photos here and there. I'm not sure if it's laziness or fear of putting myself out there or equal parts of both - whatever it is, I need to get over it quickly, because I foolishly (pun intended) promised Foolery I'd share one of these posts that I have in my head this week. So now, not only do I have to motivate myself to type/think, I have to clean my kitchen before I can even write the silly post!

p.s. Happy Earth Day!!

Inspiration for the Week

"The earth is but one country,
and mankind its citizens."

Bahá'u'lláh

Fav. Foto Friday

This is one of those eternal photos that really captures the essence of a person - even though it was taken four years ago, it's THESE faces I see everyday when I look at my girls. That's grandpa in the photo with them.

Inspiration for the Week

The only thing that keeps us from seeing spirit in all beings
is our judgement.

Extra. Extra.

She's back!!!

Fav. Foto Friday

This sweet little toddler just left today for her very first trip away from home, ALONE! (i.e. without me). She's headed up to Asheville (4 hours away!!) for a middle school Model U.N. conference. How do the years disappear so quickly?!

Compensation

Having to read all the exciting adventures of Bossy as she travels the country strengthening new-found (and long-time) bloggy friendships with some face-to-face time, I'm left feeling a little envious, especially since I wasn't able to make it up to Richmond to join in on the fun.
But I DID manage to meet a really awesome group of moms last night at a Self-Renewal Party (Amy, I wish you could've been there.) Let me introduce them to you.From left to right: "in search of some spontaneous adult playdates", "gave up being a 'respectable young adult' for salsa dancing in the Rockies", "in love with the Body Therapy Institute", "really loves singing the bed-time song", "just realized how much she enjoys playing hide-n-seek", "is working on ditching her self-criticism", "goes jogging even when it's rainy and cold", yours truly - "exposing everyone on her blog", "can still do an amazing handstand", and "has always loved sneaking away alone for a bit". I can't wait to get to know them even better (and my road trip would only take me 40 minutes on the longest leg - except for the little detour to Atlanta!)

Inspiration for the Week

"It just seems to me that as long as we are both here,
it's pretty clear that the struggle is to share the planet,
rather than to divide it."
Alice Walker

Fav. Foto Friday

We've always loved going to the Zoo.

One of our favorite spots - the polar bear cave (2002).