Celebrating Ramadan with Feasting and Philoxenia at the Divan Center

Last night I had a very special opportunity to celebrate the Islamic spiritual practice of Ramadan, even though I am not Muslim. Ramadan is one of the most sacred traditions in Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an through a month in which Muslims shift their focus from their material world to their spiritual … More Celebrating Ramadan with Feasting and Philoxenia at the Divan Center

Motivational Music Monday: Let’s All Jump on the Peace Train

It hasn’t been a great week or two for Peace. The ceasefire in Gaza has collapsed. If there ever was a ceasefire between Russia and the Ukraine, that also has ceased ceasing bombing each other. But we can only manifest what we believe is possible. So this week’s song invites us all to jump on … More Motivational Music Monday: Let’s All Jump on the Peace Train

How Did You Celebrate Earth Hour? Here’s How I Spent Mine

I didn’t end up planting butterfly/bee plants, like I suggested in yesterday’s post. That’s probably best for them, because my prior planting experiments have not ended up well for the poor plants. Instead, I spent my money at my local Farmers Market, the Cary Downtown Farmers Market. That was intentional. Most US families can’t live … More How Did You Celebrate Earth Hour? Here’s How I Spent Mine

I Believe the Best Way to Protect Our Rights is to Use Them

I don’t think I’ve ever not voted in an election. I cherish the privilege that it is to be able to vote for my candidates and my programs and my beliefs, and so I exercise them. I also cherish my privilege to control access to my personal information. When you sign up for Facebook or … More I Believe the Best Way to Protect Our Rights is to Use Them

Shock and Activate: February 28 Economic Blackout Edition

US citizens concerned about the policies and personnel in President Trump’s administration have lots of ways we can make our disagreements known. We can contact our elected representatives, especially those in the US Congress, and communicate our opinions. (Note: I will do a post soon with details about how to do that.) Congressional members who … More Shock and Activate: February 28 Economic Blackout Edition

Will “We the People of the United States” Keep Our Republic?

On the closing day of the US Constitutional Convention in 1787, the fundamental governmental document guiding our nation was drafted. Pennsylvania delegate Dr. Ben Franklin was asked by a citizen, “Well, Doctor, what have we got…a Republic or a Monarchy?” Dr. Franklin replied: “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Recent events raise that question … More Will “We the People of the United States” Keep Our Republic?