Looking Ahead: 4th of July

As we approach the Fourth of July in celebration of America's independence, take a look inside Awakenings: Embrace the past, empower the present, enrich the future.

 

Awakenings from Then 'til Now available in paperback or Kindle @ Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/Sharla-Lee-Shults/e/B007YUYUG4

When Kids Are Heroes

There are all kinds of heroes. There are the soldiers and military leaders of our nation who sacrifice daily for America. . .those who top the list at the heart of Awakenings. Each was once a child...

 

Then, not to be overlooked are the unsung heroes. . .those who are the quieter type of hero acting on impulse without thinking other than righting a wrong, bettering a situation or lending a helping hand in times of need. Each was once a kid...

 

Of course, you might readily connect to the superheros featured in the comic books and movies. . .those who test the realm of mysticism and provide insight into a world of imagination. Each reach out to the youthful heart...

 

Each of us was once a kid. . .we possibly connected with a hero. . .we may have even been a hero. Now we may have a kid(s) of our own. . .our hero(s). When Kids are Heroes, each one has the power to change the world!  

"These are the children who are making a difference through their selfless acts of giving. These kids are drilling water wells in Africa, helping orphans in India and building homes in Haiti. They are recycling and cleaning up their neighborhoods, helping their local animal shelters and making life better for their neighbors. And guess what? They are ALL just like YOU!!!"

Amy and Emma sell cookies for the homeless at Kids Are Heroes Day 2012.

Meet the heroes at Kids Are Heroes Web site  - The place where all kids can make a difference!

 385 Heroes from 17 Countries!

Learn About Featured Heroes...Become a Hero...Nominate a Kid!

The future of the world lies in the hearts and hands of our children!

 

A Father's Day Salute

 

All across America, tomorrow (perhaps today in some parts of the country) is a day of celebration for "honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society." Fathers, of course, have been around since the beginning of time but what about this celebration? What inspired this special one-day focus on fathers? Should this celebration rest primarily on one day?
  
Mother's Day: Inspiration for Father's Day

In 1908, Mother's Day became a commercial holiday. With the overwhelming success of the establishment of Mother's day came the desire to create similar holidays for other family members. The most likely to succeed was, of course, a celebration for fathers, thus the establishment of Father's Day. Even though the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 10, 1910, it met with much resistance from Americans who perceived it to be no more than just an attempt by merchants to cash in on yet another commercial success. It was not until 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed it into law, did Father's Day become a permanent national holiday.

As so many Americans scurry about at the last minute in search of the 'perfect' Father's Day gift, I found myself reflecting on similar events of Christmas Eve. It's all about gifts. Material things. Cards. Presents. Packages. Does Dad really need a new tie? Is last year's leather wallet already worn to a frazzle warranting the need for a new one? Is the cologne you got him on his birthday a few months back already gone? 

Then, in the middle of my reflection, I received a phone call. It was from our son, Scott. Since his dad is on Day 37 of hospital confinement Scott knew Father's Day would be no different than the days spent together over the past 2+ months. Being on life support lends itself to very little communication. It was our son's words and his own perception of Father's Day that truly brought tears to my eyes. 

Father's Day: Through a Son's Eyes

Why should Father's Day, or Mother's Day for that matter, be celebrated only one day of the year? I celebrate the blessings of you and Dad every day of the year. While we may have had our differences that growing up naturally brings, I am ever so thankful for the joys, as well as sorrows, shared as a family. I had much rather remember you throughout all of the days a year brings than wait for one day to buy a meaningless gift.

I am not advocating the abolishment or non-observance of Father's Day. Do not get the wrong idea. I am simply reflecting on our son's perception of this day and the importance of not letting this celebration be limited to just one day out of the year! Every day spent with a mother or a father should be in celebration. 

Father's Day: Through a Soldier's Eyes
 

SSG Davin Hand and his newborn daughter, Aurora.Photo courtesy of Kelly Young/Lolak’s Photography

For many, their Father's Day celebration will be distanced across our nation, continents and oceans. They face separation, some in the midst of conflict. They await comforting words from loved ones. For those who are serving our country here at home or overseas, I salute you. To those deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places around the world, hopefully next year you will be celebrating at home with your families.

Remember...More than being soldiers, many are also fathers!

 

To those who serve near and far

I rejoice in wishing you a Happy Father's Day!

To all those currently serving in our military, 

as well as their children, spouses and families, 

thank you for the sacrifices you have made 

to keep America a free nation. 

The Ford and the Year 1910

1903 Ford Model A - http://en.wikipedia.org

1928 Ford Model A Business Coupe - http://en.wikipedia.org

                           
Ah-h-h! The Ford! It has been around for a long, long time. The first vehicle of its kind was sold to Dr. E. Pfenning, a physician from Chicago, Illinois. It was shipped to Dr. Pfenning on July 28, 1903. This sale came at a most appropriate time for the fledging Ford Motor Company. The 1903 Ford Model A was a simple machine with a 2-cylinder engine, producing eight horsepower and could reach 30 miles per hour (only on smooth roads, which were rare indeed!) Since that first Model A in 1903, Ford Motor Company has gone on to produce over 300 million vehicles. Go, FORD!

As we look back on the times of the early 1900s, we find it much, much different from today. The past 113 years have been witness to depression, war and peace time, as well as medical and technological advances that appear to be something out of a sci-fi movie.

Here is just a taste of the happenings of 1910 that will hopefully whet your appetite to want to learn more. This is history. . .American history. How much do you remember?

Fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only.

The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.
The average  US worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME.
Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
There was no such thing as under arm deodorant or tooth paste.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
The five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of  Las Vegas  Nevada was only 30!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE  USA!
I am now going to forward this to someone else without typing it myself.
From there, it will be sent to others all over the WORLD...all in a matter of seconds!

Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.

Boots, Spurs and Cowboy Hats

As iconic symbols of the Western Frontier, boots with spurs and well-worn cowboy hats are at the top of the list. What is it about the cowboy that is so intriguing?

There is handsomeness and a bit of charm within the ruggedness of the cowboy of the Wild, Wild West! Is it the solidness of his boot laden footsteps or the song of his spinning spurs or perhaps the way he tips his hat that draws attention? Of course, it is all of these and the cowboy is not just a cowboy, he is a way of life! 

The cowboy way of life quotes to live by:

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction.
Don't squat with your spurs on.
Don't judge people by their relatives.
Behind every successful rancher is a wife who works in town.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

 

Talk slowly, think quickly.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older & think back, you'll enjoy it a 2nd time.
Don't interfere with something that ain't botherin' you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

 

It's better to be a has-been that a never-was.
The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm. The colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
If it don't seem like it's worth the effort, it probably ain't.

 

It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
Sometimes you get and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you shave his face in the mirror every morning.
Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.

A classic image of the American cowboy, as portrayed by C.M. Russell.

The Cowboy 

He rustles

He wrestles
He loves jerky 
Not pretzels

He herds

He tends
 He fights fiercely
Often defends

 He yippees by day
Ki-yays at night
Handsome and rugged
Fearless on sight

As buckaroo or cowpoke
The ladies he wows
He is more than a boy
Who simply tends cows!
©2013
Sharla Lee Shults

“Look at all the stars. You look up and you think, "God made all this and He remembered to make a little speck like me." It's kind of flattering, really.” –Tombstone