FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023 - SPIRITUALITY

 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023 - SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS

Recently a friend told me about a group - The center for Contemplation And Action.  I find it interesting and relevant to me in the LOVE WINS, LOVE TRANSFORMS concept.

There was a recent podcast about “Are you ready to leave Christianity” that was interesting to me - through this CAC group

But I’m going to work toward that discussion, but take a side trip through “Cultural Christianity”.

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The speaker on the podcast suggested that all religions are ‘cultural’.  Arabs and Islam are definitely one - the cultural and political aspects of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other Arabic-majority countries are very wrapped up in Islam.  

Likewise, other Islamic countries (like Iran and Turkey) are not of an Arab majority, but their culture and politics are distinctly Islamic.

When I lived in Connecticut - a few years before I moved there, there were several Catholic Churches that were tied to particular cultures.  St. Patrick’s parish was the Irish Catholic parish and center of Irish heritage in New Haven.  St. Josephs was Italian (as were a few other parishes).  When I was in Winona, Minnesota, St. Stanislaus Parish was the Polish Catholic Church; in Cedar Rapids, St. Wenceslaus was the Czechoslavican Catholic parish. 

Jewish culture is centered in a Jewish synagogue (or temple).  Leading up to a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah Jewish children learned Hebrew in their local facility 

Lutheranism also has had cultural flavors over the years - Norwegian Lutherans, German Lutherans, and Swedish Lutherans.  

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But, those cultural factors also have changed over the years.  Being a Christian in the United States in the 1850s would have white churches and black churches.  (I find it interesting that the predominantly black church at that time was the AME Church - the African Methodist Episcopal Church.   

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Can you imagine being a Christian in a Boston Church in 1700?  The Pilgrims came first to the United States, but the largest group in New England was the Puritans.  If you weren’t in church in Boston on a Sunday, there were men who would come to your house to find out why you weren’t in church.  

England officially had the Church of England - an Episcopal group as the approved church.  Norway had the Church of Norway - a Lutheran Church.  

As a melting pot, Americans couldn’t remain quite as tied to a particular ethnic background and cultural identity.  As New York became more diverse, there were many churches and groups in the community.  The St. Patrick’s Day parade is run by the Loyal Order of Hibernians - an Irish group that stops the parade going up Fifth avenue to get a blessing from the Catholic Bishop at St. Patrick’s Church. (There are splinter groups of LGBTQ and Women that want inclusion in the St. Patrick’s Day parade - but are not accepted).

With cultural aspects, some traditions have continued.  First a story

St. Joseph Church in rural Finley North Dakota was a three-way parish.  The same priest visited Cooperstown, with Mass on Saturday night at 5:00, Finley with Mass on Sunday morning at 8:00, and Northwood, with Mass at 11:00 on Sunday.  The priest (who was located in Northwood), would drive to Cooperstown on Saturday and then back home to Northwood (unless the weather was nasty).  On Sunday, he would drive the 25 miles to Finley, and then the 25 miles back to Northwood.  

The old St. Joseph Church in Finley was a large gothic style with red brick and stained windows.  It took a long time to warm up the church in winter.  Elton Wagner was the parish janitor and would go about six on Sunday mornings in the winter to turn on the heat.  (But some days when the wind blew and the wind chill was about 40 degrees below zero, it would barely be warm by 8:00 Mass time.  As the people arrived, they gathered in the entry which had a space heater and warmth.  When the priest arrived they took their seats in the pews.  This became a tradition.  In the entry, the people would visit until the priest arrived.  Sometimes the priest was late, maybe due to bad roads.  The people would warm up and wait until he arrived.  As winter became spring, they would still gather in the entry to talk and visit.  As spring became summer, they would gather in the entry.  Year-round they gathered in the entry until the priest arrived.  It was a community tradition to gather in the entry and wait for the priest.  One year a tornado damaged St. Joseph Church in Finley and they built a new church.  And, the people still gathered in the entry of the new church - tradition had become the norm. Even though the new church had good heat (and even air conditioning) the people liked gathering in the entry to visit.  

Traditionals can both be meaningful and not so meaningful.  Some people this week got ashes and were attuned to the lenten journey and lenten practices. Others were there because it was “what you did on Ash Wednesday”.  They weren’t particularly religious, but it was part of their culture, upbringing, and expectation. 

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When I was first married, I got elected to the church board.  There was a man on the board who didn’t seem too religious, but it was good for business to be seen in this particular church.  Cultural Christianity.

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I’ve seen many cars in my community with Rosaries hanging from the rearview mirror.  I sense that the drivers don’t stop and pray the rosaries but it is a cultural aspect of being Hispanic.  Of course, when you got a new car, you sprinkled the car with holy water and put a rosary on the rearview mirror.  It’s just what you do.

So, is religion - however you see it - part of your life or just part of your family's tradition and culture?  Is it meaningful to you - or not?  Do you stay with it because it is your heritage or do you search for something that will give you meaning and direction?

I’m not condemning you if religion is part of your life or not.  But, are you looking for meaning in your life?

Interesting thoughts - I will explore more in the next weeks leading to Passover and Easter.

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, © FEBRUARY 24, 2023

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, GREED

 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 GREED

Oh oh, I’m writing about money and greed today - that sounds like a troublesome topic!!!

How about this from Matthew 26:

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.”

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Recently a School District Superintendent left her position and took a different position in a larger district.  She did quit her position, but she will continue to get paid until the end of the year due to her contract.

Likewise, a college football coach (with a multi-year guaranteed contract) was fired.  He will receive millions from the previous college because of the control.

“Outrage” was the (few) cries I heard.  “Why are we paying for somebody who is not an employee anymore?”  

Good question.  Maybe because when the superintendent was doing great things, the school board gave her a new contract with generous benefits?  Maybe when the coach was winning games and taking the team to bowl games he got a new contract.

That could be true.  But, who am I to say how a board might give a valued leader a nice contract?

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The old statement “You can’t take it with you” refers to death.  “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,  and naked I will depart”. Job 1:21.

Sure the rich can pass their money on to children and heirs through their heirs but eventually, it will “trickle down”.  

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But, greed happens. (From: https://www.flextalk.org/5-problems-that-come-with-greed/)

-Greed will make you jealous because you’ll always compare yourself to others – and someone else will always have more than you.  You never have enough.  You don’t have the biggest car, the biggest house, a personal (and the biggest) jet, or enough staff (servants) to take care of you. 

- If you’re a greedy person, you’ll eventually end up lying and cheating to get more for yourself.  Greed comes with a deep passion, and an unholy drive to get to the top in one way or another.  Lying and cheating justify the methods to get there!! 

- A jealous, dishonest person will only have relationships with people who can help him get more, and those relationships are always shallow. Greedy people will use you to get their goals for more money.  

- Greed makes you lose sight of your true mission in life or business because your focus is on yourself and your money.  “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

- At the end of the day, you’ll never be satisfied with life if your heart is full of greed because if your goal is always to have more, you’ll never get there.  You can never get enough if you are greedy.  

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I think I’ve had some aspects of greed.  (Maybe not to the “take over the world” greed, but personal greed).  I hope I have lost that greed in my transition - but can one ever stop wanting more?  While I was working, many summers I worked as a consultant/programmer for Citibank and did other consulting.  Was that greed, or just a little bit more into our savings account - or just want to keep busy.

I’ve been doing part-time jobs (elections clerk, substitute teacher), to both earn a little money and to keep myself busy.  I’ve been working for the past year-and-one-half at a senior living facility (including memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing).  I don’t like to be idle - or not too much, or I won’t get my daily blogs written!!! <grin>.  Or I will end up doing more jigsaw puzzles.  I  have goals for the money - to increase my endowment at Dakota State University. 

I don’t know and won’t judge wealthy people.  Did they get their money dishonestly?  I don’t know - and that is not a matter of my decision.  They too will die and If I understand the concept there will be a “reckoning”. 

So, be at peace in the world. Hebrews 13:5 says “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

LOVE WINS!!!
LOVE TRANSFORMS!!!

KAREN ANNE WHITE, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023 - ASH WEDNESDAY, LENT, FASTING AND NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY(?)

 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023 - ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT

I’m going to the Judeo-Christian world today.

From Matthew 6:16a “When you fast” (That’s just the first of the verse).  Fasting - that is abstaining from something (generally food and/or drink) - is expected.  One reference had done the counting. “Fasting is a discipline that God’s people have practiced in both the Old and New Testaments and throughout church history.  Mentioned in the Bible more than 70 times, the first example of fasting in Scripture is in Exodus 34 – “Moses was on Mount Sinai with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights. He didn't eat any food or drink any water.” 

I’m kind of worried about the 40 days and nights without any food or water.  But, anything with God - however you view Him/Her/It/The Force/Ahh - is possible.  But it does sound like hyperbole to go 40 days and nights without food or water - and then at the end of Moses’ life, he isn’t allowed to enter the “Promised Land” because he struck a rock twice instead of only once!!  My God is a God of Love, but in the Old Testament, it seems like God struck people down almost “willy-nilly”.

Fasting is good for you.  I have friends who have fasted and lost weight.  I have fasted many times over the years - sometimes going two days without food (I do allow myself water).  Sometimes it is a fast eating only one small meal a day between 10 a.m. and noon. 

So, when Matthew 6:16 starts with “When you fast”, I believe that God wants us to fast sometime.

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Now back to the whole Matthew 6:16-18 verses:

““When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

So, here we are - Ash Wednesday.  Maybe (most Catholics and some Protestants) you will get ashes in the shape of a cross placed on your forehead.  I will also get some ashes on my forehead - and shortly afterward will clean them off - or as the verse says “When you fast put oil on your head and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.”  

I want my spiritual life to be deep, meaningful, and personal.  And, I want my external expressions of faith to let LOVE WINS and LOVE TRANSFORM me.  

But, does washing my face after receiving ashes contradict Romans 1:16? “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes”.

I am not ashamed of the gospel - but I want to respect and love everyone - “I can only love God as much as the person I love the least” (Dorothy Day).  I hope I’m driven by humility and love when I wash my face as compared to “showing off”.

Taking the last part of Matthew 6:16, “Do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”  I do my fasting in secret - and I will not follow a specific timeline for my fasting.  I tend to check my calendar for days that are more “open” so I can spend more time in prayer and meditation.  As a single woman, I have no one that will question me “Why aren’t you eating today?” 

My fasting is for me - internally; not for you or for those around me. If somebody asks me to lunch I won’t answer “Sorry, I’m fasting today”; but rather suggest another day and time, or answer “I’m busy”, or “I’m not hungry today”.  (Or, more likely, I’ll go to lunch with you and fast another day).

There are times for celebration - feasting; and there are times for fasting and prayer.  My feasting will be public (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl parties, weddings, Easter, and birthdays), but my times of fasting to be quiet and alone and reflective.

If you feel like you want to get ashes imposed on your forehead today as marking the period of Lent - please do so.  If you want to wear them openly, in sincerity and humility - please do so.  If you feel like fasting tomorrow (but doing it privately), do so, and don’t tell me because it is YOUR day of fasting.

I take scripture at face value (but that seems to be changing).  The part of the verse “Do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”   

While I am a human being, living among other humans, I have a need to be liked; ultimately I need to please God.  What are my motives for my actions?  To be loving -yes, but to draw close to God - ABSOLUTELY.

For those observing Ash Wednesday and Lent, may God’s blessings and mercy be upon you.  For those of you on the sideline, may God’s blessings and mercy be upon you as well!!!  

I am not going to judge you and I’m trying not to judge your motives and actions.  May God be merciful to me - a sinner!!!

Love Wins

Love Transforms

Karen Anne White, © February 22, 2023

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 - MARDI GRAS

 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 - MARDI GRAS

Today in the Christian Calendar is Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, or Mardi Gras.  In some parts of the world, it is “Carnival” or “Carnaval”. 

The History Channel has this definition:

“Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world—mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations—on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. Brazil, Venice, and New Orleans play host to some of the holiday’s most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists and revelers every year.”

History Channel adds this:

“Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia.”

“When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.”

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New Orleans Louisiana has one of the biggest (if not the biggest) celebrations in the United States.

New Orleans tourism says this:

“Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one to a three-month stretch of the year in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers. Beginning on Twelfth Night, January 6, the best season of the year is upon us: king cake, bead-tossing, and parading begins and only increase as we make our way toward Mardi Gras Day. This year the season is a long one, with Mardi Gras Day on February 21, 2023.

“There’s so much to celebrate during Carnival season, where locals rule and visitors are more than welcome to join in on the fun. On the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades roll all over town. Spectators gasp at the colossal Endymion floats and delight in the political satire of Krewe du Vieux. T

There’s something to do every week of the Mardi Gras season.

Whether it's new traditions like Krewe of Chewbacchus (with its Star Wars-inspired tomfoolery) or decades-old stalwarts Zulu and Rex (which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year), visitors are encouraged to explore our Mardi Gras traditions. Some of our favorite ways to do this? Try ten different slices of king cake, stand in awe of community walking krewes, and make new friendships with your neighbors on the route. This is the place to have the authentic Mardi Gras experience.”

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You can’t write about Mardi Gras in New Orleans without mentioning King Cake:

“King cake is a New Orleans tradition that involves a pastry, a tiny plastic baby, and a party! The cake is baked with a tiny plastic baby hidden inside; whoever gets the slice with the baby in it has to host the next party.”

(I’ve had King Cake several times.  One of my colleagues at Quinnipiac - from New Orleans - would have King Cake for us.  Last year a friend at our social bridge club had a King Cake.  Last week, this friend was wondering who found the plastic baby last year - and none of us remembered - the joy of having a senior bridge group!!!)

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In reality, Mardi Gras is a HUGE Party.  My picture today is of the NOLA Girls in one of the big parades in New Orleans.  (NOLA - for New Orleans, Louisiana). I have a cousin who is in the group!!!

Considering the next day (starting at midnight) is Ash Wednesday - and the start of the austere season of Lent, the concept seems to be: “Let’s party so much that we collapse and can somehow stand the next 40 days of penance and fasting.”.

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Masks

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There are some fancy masks and amazing outfits for Mardi Gras.  I have an image of a feathered mask today.  (Aside, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - the Carnival season also has some nudity with masks, sequined outfits, and outlandish costumes!!)

If you are going to party - “Party Hardy”!!  

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A quick spiritual thought.  2 Samuel 6:14-16: “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, and David was girded with a linen ephod.” (Later his wife saw David frolicking and “uncovered”).  I guess King David knew how to party!!!

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Personal note.  Being joyous, happy, and even frolicking is good!!!  Who wants “Gloomy Gus” hanging around?

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, © FEBRUARY 21, 2023

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023 - PRESIDENT'S DAY

 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023 - PRESIDENTS' DAY

Ah yes, President’s Day (Is there an apostrophe? President's or Presidents' or not - Presidents). My analysis is that the day "belongs" to all United States Presidents - so Presidents' Day.

The origin of Presidents’ Day lies in the 1880s when the birthday of Washington—commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States—was first celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays. The change was designed to schedule certain holidays so that workers had several long weekends throughout the year, but it has been opposed by those who believe that those holidays should be celebrated on the dates they actually commemorate. During the debate on the bill, it was proposed that Washington’s Birthday be renamed Presidents’ Day to honor the birthdays of both Washington (February 22) and Lincoln (February 12); although Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, it was never an official federal holiday. Following much discussion, Congress rejected the name change. After the bill went into effect in 1971, however, Presidents’ Day became the commonly accepted name, due in part to retailers’ use of that name to promote sales and the holiday’s proximity to Lincoln’s birthday. Presidents’ Day is usually marked by public ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country.

But, let’s digress a little.

There are maybe four basic forms of governance:  President, Premier, Dictator (King, Czar), and Council

In the American System, the President is the head of the country, the head of the executive branch of government.  The U.S. President is elected for four years and may be reelected to a second term.  After Franklin Roosevelt was elected four times, (and after his death), the constitution was amended to be only two terms.  One U.S. President (Grover Cleveland) was elected two but not in consecutive terms. (Elected in 1884 and 1992).

Many other countries follow the presidential election/leadership process.

The second most popular form of government is the “Premier” (Prime Minister) form.  In this form, a person is elected for a certain period (say six years) but can call for an election anytime.  So, if the Prime Minister is doing well, he (she)can call an election after (say) three years and get another six-year term.  

This system tends to have multiple political parties.  The Prime Minister is elected from his or her district and then forms a government.  They might have to form a coalition with other political groups to get a majority of seats in the representative parties.  This is common in Great Britain, Israel, and other places where groups like the Tories, the Conservative Christians, and the Independents can combine to make a majority party.  In this form, if some of the policies of the Prime Minister are unfavorable, a vote of no confidence is held and if the Prime Minister loses, an election will be held.  

The Dictator system might be called other things (including the President). A candidate is elected.  For example, Alexander Lukashenko is the Belarusian president since the establishment of the office on 20 July 1994, making him the longest-sitting European president. 

But, in elections over the years, Lukashenko has gotten 97% of the votes.  It isn’t an “open election” and dissidents may suffer hardships and even imprisonment. If you vote against the leader you become an “enemy of the state”.

In olden times once a leader became the king, he (or rarely she) had his son (rarely daughter) become king (queen) after him (her) - as a dictator.  “Divine Right of Kings”.

A Council system largely is where a governing body controls the decisions (more like a mayor/council in cities).

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I remember celebrating both Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12), and Washington’s Birthday (February 22) growing up.  I don’t remember if we had no school on those days, or if the teachers had bulletin boards for those two Presidents.  In Iowa, our neighboring state to the east was Illinois - “Land of Lincoln”.  

Washington's Birthday was the first federal holiday to honor an individual's birth date. In 1885, Congress designated February 22 as a holiday for all federal workers. Nearly a century later, in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Law changed the date to the third Monday in February. 

(I remember some of the controversy surrounding the Uniform Monday Holiday law.  “The holiday should be celebrated on the correct day” was the mantra.  But having a three-day holiday for federal employees was a good bonus (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).

Washington as the first president of the United States - with the specifications of the United States Constitution set the standard for the new nation:

Some accomplishments of Washington:

Judiciary Act of 1789.Six-member Supreme Court and the position of Attorney General. ...

Naturalization Act of 1790.

Residence Act of 1790

Copyright Act of 1790

Bank Act of 179

Excise Tax on Whiskey 179

Coinage Act of 1792

Militia Acts of 1792

Of course, none of these things were only done by Washington - but a joint effort of the executive branch (president), and the legislative branch (congress).  

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The second major President honored today is Abraham Lincoln.  Some of his significant events were:

“House Divided” Speech.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates.

Presidential Election of 1860

First Inaugural Address

Civil War Leadership. ...

Emancipation Proclamation

Gettysburg Address

Second Inaugural Address

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Of particular note is Washington’s Farewell Address where he summarizes his thoughts about the presidency.  (Be careful of political parties)

Likewise, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address helped keep the perspective of a unified America in the middle of the Civil War.

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And, a trivia question.  Mount Rushmore has four Presidents - Washington and Lincoln are two of the four.  Who are the other two?

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, © FEBRUARY 20, 2023

(The other two Presidents on Mount Rushmore are Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt)

SUNDAY FUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2023

 SUNDAY FUNDAY

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2023

WARM-UP

Here we are more than halfway through February.  Many of us are still dealing with branches and tree limbs from the ice storm two weeks ago. 

The Super Bowl is over.  It was a good game with the winning field goal coming with only a few seconds left.  The ads were interesting (and I missed the half-time show - how was it)?  

Valentine’s Day is over. We should be started (and some are already done) with taxes.

The weather is still a little up and down.  (I check to see if I have to cover or bring my container garden inside - and the early prediction is for a night of 30 degrees last night), but with a prediction of 70s up to 80 in the coming week!!

NATIONAL DAYS
IWO JIMA DAY - February 19, 2023 - National Today

On February 19, 1945, the US Marines and the Japanese Imperial Army had a major battle on Iwo Jima.  The United States military wanted the island as an airfield for advancing on Japan.  The raising of the flag over Iwo Jima is historic.

NATIONAL CHERRY PIE DAY - February 20, 2023 - National Today

Thanks, George Washington!!!  

National Cherry Pie Day is on February 20. With all its fruity, buttery goodness, we have our forks ready to devour this delicious dessert in all its forms — homemade or store-bought everything is better with pie! With this holiday being celebrated only a few days after Presidents’ Day, it is believed that this pie flavor was chosen for its significance to George Washington and the myth created by his biographer about Washington’s honesty when he cut down his father’s cherry tree.

The old (I think it isn’t true) story was that the cherry tree was hewed down.  His father asked George if he cut it down, and George said “I cannot tell a lie, I chopped it down”).

From the old nursery rhyme:

Can she make a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy, Can she make a cherry pie, charming Billy? She can make a cherry pie, quick as you can wink an eye, She’s a young thing and cannot leave her mother.

AND, February 20th is President’s Day - lots of government offices will be closed that day!!!  

(I remember Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12th and Washington’s Birthday on February 22nd.  I also remember the year George Washington was born - it is the same as the square root of 3!!!  (1.732)

MARDI GRAS - February 21, 2023 - National Today

Yes, “Fat Tuesday” is here. 

It’s Mardi Gras time, arguably one the biggest celebrations in the world. It stretches from Twelfth Night (the last night of Christmas) all the way until Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” to reflect the practice of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. I think Bridge is going to have a “King Cake” - we’ll have to remember who found the baby this year!!!

ASH WEDNESDAY - February 22, 2023 

The period of Lent starts today and goes until the Thursday before Easter.  While it tends to be a Catholic/Christian observation, some other Christian denominations do observe Lent and Ash Wednesday as well.  It is a period of fasting, praying, and almsgiving.  Some traditions emphasize giving up something (like chocolate) during Lent and others favor adding something (like more prayer time and sharing more with neighbors).  It is 40 days -not counting weekends, like the 40 days Jesus was in the wilderness after His baptism, or the 40 years the Hebrews were in the desert after escaping Egypt.  (Note, Lent, and Ash Wednesday are not in the Bible but are part of the traditions leading up to Easter).

DIGITAL LEARNING DAY - February 23, 2023

We can learn a lot (and also waste a lot of time) with digital devices (aka - computers and smartphones).  When COVID hit, many schools switched to digital learning - with Google Classroom as the standard platform.

I’ve taught with digital learning devices since the mid-1990s.  I was in South Dakota and our Dakota State University President at that time honored some of us with “Pioneer Seed Corn” hats - since we were pioneers in that new format.  (Hmmm - I wonder if my old COBOL I and II courses are still available online!!!)

Two Related Days for Friday, February 24th:

FRIDAY FISH FRY DAY - February 24, 2023 

NATIONAL TARTAR SAUCE DAY - February 24, 2023 

In the Catholic/Christian tradition, fasting on Fridays was expected - including meatless meals on Fridays (which generally meant eating fish or macaroni and cheese).

Our Cleveland Elementary School served fish sticks and/or macaroni and cheese on Fridays during Lent.  I can still remember the smell.  (It was about a year ago that I ate macaroni and cheese for the first time in “forever”).  I also learned to coat (drown) fish in Tartar Sauce.  To me - they just weren’t appetizing.  I do eat fish much more willingly these days and still, use tartar sauce!!!

INTERNATIONAL SWORD SWALLOWERS DAY - February 25, 2023

Here’s a day that I have never taken part in.  Maybe (or maybe not) - this could be the year I try sword swallowing!!!  

The blurb says: “Sword swallowers, a.k.a. Those guys who pass long, pointy, sharp instruments through their mouths into their stomachs, often don’t get the same level of fame and respect as other entertainers. This holiday was specially created to recognize and appreciate sword swallowers while educating people about their contribution to the world.

This day has another, higher purpose, too — it attempts to eradicate all myths surrounding sword swallowing and bring global attention to how the sword-swallowing community has helped both medically and scientifically.

The month of February also plays host to National Swallowing Disorders Month. This initiative was formed to raise money for esophageal cancer research and fund medical treatment of injured sword swallowers.

Hmmm - maybe I’ll have to think about trying sword swallowing next year!!!

WHAT'S GOING ON

Yes, the Bluebonnet Philharmonic Orchestra is on March 5th at 3:00 at Georgetown High School Auditorium.  (Yes, I am biased - but I want to encourage this group to keep having matinee performances in Georgetown. Some of my friends don’t like to drive at night AND, I think you will enjoy the music - Movie themes - Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.   And, it is about an hour long - and definitely NOT BORING!!!!                FREE

The Granny Basketball team played last week in Waco.  It was a good game (and lunch with the Waco team afterward) but we were a little short - 52 to 48) and will be scrimmaging a new team in Killeen/Fort Hood coming up.  

Karen White, February 19, 2023