GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLFRIEND GATHERINGS

Learning from YOU to empower ME !

Tribute to the American Worker on Labor Day

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Labor Day is usually the last remnant of the summer vacation.   We either have our last cookout on the patio, go shopping to catch the end-of-summer sale, or head to the beach for that last dip in the ocean before the Fall/Winter season.   However, we all should take a moment to appreciate the meaning of the holiday.

Becoming a federal holiday in 1894, the first Monday of September is the day that was chosen to observe the social and economic contributions of the American worker to our country and to the world.   These contributions were numerous and life changing.  All you have to do is look around in your own city to get a glimpse of the ingenuity of the American worker.

Here are just a few of those amazing contributions in my city – the Houston/Galveston area:

  • the Astrodome – the world’s first domed stadium and 8th wonder of the modern world
  • NASA Mission Control – helping to put the first man (an American) on the moon
  • Galveston Seawall – built to protect that portion of the Gulf Coast after the 1900 Hurricane that killed 8,000 persons which is still considered one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.
  • Houston Ship Channel – a 100+ year-old “man-made’ deep water seaport which has made Houston one of the busiest seaports in the U.S. It is still considered a feat of civil engineering to this day.

I know that one of the key ingredients of the American worker is the “we can” attitude.   When there is a problem, a need, and/or an opportunity to reach beyond limits the American worker will show up.  We should all take a moment to honor and embrace that trait on Labor Day.

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Happy Labor Day, my fellow Americans!

 

Questions(s):

Can you share what marvels exist in your city from the efforts of the American worker?

 

July 4th – Happy 239th Birthday America!

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4th-of-july-american-independence-day-flyer_f1THcODuToday is the 239th year since the founding fathers boldly “declared” into existence my country that I love so dearly.   We were a fledgling group of colonies that banned together to battle the greatest empire of that day and now we stand as the greatest empire of this day.   The journey from that day to this one has been joyful and painful.    When we stand together and change the world we are joyful.   When we separate and are divided on an “-ism” there is pain.   The recent upheavals in our American society this past year alone is a glaring testimony to that fact.

In recent days, we all watched in horror in the aftermath of the deadly shooting of the nine victims in the historic Emanuel, A.M.E church in Charleston, S. C. where the shooter admitted he wanted to start a “race” war.   He worshipped with the victims.   He prayed with the victims.   He shot the victims because of their race.   Yet, what he intended to incite turned into just the opposite.  We, the people, rose up together as one against this heinous crime.  The Confederate flag, a symbol of the shooter and long associated with racial hatred, was removed from the state capitol of Alabama by the Governor in the heart of Dixie and major retailers will no longer sell the flags.    I believe many hearts were changed by this painful tragedy.

Our country is only as great as its citizens and the actions they employ because of their beliefs.   Because of recent actions, I believe the majority of us still believe in the words of our founding fathers when they wrote, “We, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”   I believe that the majority of us still believe that we, the people, must always seek and must always strive to form a more perfect union with one another.   It is the American way.

We have lots to celebrate.   We stood on the brink of non-existence 239 years ago because the founding fathers were divided on the issue of slavery and the equality of African-Americans.  Yet, they found a way to unite and forge a democracy that would improve to allow us in this present day to have an African-American president – President Barack Obama.   Some of the modern world’s greatest inventions were created in our backyard.    An American was the first to walk on the moon.    Our military is the greatest on earth.  They have always stepped up, heroically, to defend our values and those of our allies abroad.    Yes, we have lots to celebrate.    So, let’s get to it!

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Happy 4th of July – Independence Day – to all my fellow Americans!

I love y’all!  (As we say down here in Texas).

For the Love of Blue Bell Ice Cream

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ice-cream-cup_zy1JHJvOLast week, the executives at Blue Bell Creameries made the decision to recall all of their products from all markets and to temporarily stop production in their commitment to doing 100% the right thing in addressing the Listeria contamination issue.   I applaud them for this “fresh start” iniative.   As a Texan, I am very proud of them.   The decision was bold, courageous, and indicative of the true spirit of this 108 year-old company.

Blue Bell Creameries is a true Texas icon.   It is a treasure in Texas culture along with such icons as The Alamo, the Astrodome, and the Hotel Galvez.   Most Texans make a pilgrimage at least once to that little creamery in Brenham, Texas that has given us the best ice cream in the world.   We were proud when Blue Bell expanded their market nationwide so that others could get a taste of Texas.

Personally, Blue Bell has been the center of many loving memories with my family and friends.   When I was growing up in Houston my siblings and I would not ask our Mother if we could have ice cream – we would ask if we could have Blue Bell.    In our home, the name Blue Bell was synonymous to the words ice cream and that was the only brand my Mother purchased.     Homemade Vanilla has graced many a dessert plate accompanied with German Chocolate Cake, Peach Cobbler, Pecan Pie, and Sock-It-To-Me Cake just to name a few.   I remember those hot summer Sunday afternoons dressed in my ruffled cotton dress and cowgirl boots going with my Dad and sister to the nearby ice cream shop to get shakes made with Blue Bell strawberry ice cream.

When the Listeria contamination first occurred, I received several phone calls with one coming from a friend as far away as Cleveland, Ohio to tell me about it.     They felt they had to inform me because it is well-known how much I love Blue Bell Ice Cream.    I have my favorite flavors as well as taste-testing the amazing new creative flavors that Blue Bell introduces seasonally.  So I eat ice cream a lot and I have special white porcelain bowls just for my Blue Bell Ice Cream.

One friend suggested that I may have to consider giving up Blue Bell because of this recent issue.   I told her there would never come a day where I would give up Blue Bell Ice Cream.  I told her I had faith that Blue Bell Creameries would resolve this issue responsibly.   The recent announcement solidified the faith I expressed to my friends.

I look forward to the day that Blue Bell Creameries will start production of all of its products again.   When I hear that announcement, I will surely celebrate with a few colorful and delicious scoops of ice cream in my special white bowls.

 

QUESTION(S):

How do you feel about Blue Bell Ice Cream?

What do you think about the recent actions regarding the Listeria issue?

Best Things in Life #11 – Dancing

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If you are endowed with the ability to hear the beat and rhythm of music then you are capable of enjoying one of the most exciting experiences of human movement – dancing.    Dance is just as ancient as the human race and has been an integral part of our rituals, social events, and spiritual gatherings.   Dance remains one of the most expressive ways that we communicate with one another.

I love dance.   In my youth, I won a few freestyle dance contests and a talent show.   As a teenager, I recall dancing every single day after my chores were done.    I could dance alone, with a partner, or with a group of friends.   At the high school dances my partner and I were always one of the first couples on the floor.   When the music started I could not keep still as there was such freedom in “moving” to the music.   As a young woman, the ability to dance was a prerequisite for all date candidates and the prelude to some very sensual moments.

Then, life happened.   I met someone I really cared about but he did not express himself with dance.  I stopped dancing.   In fact, dancing became a very distant memory for many years as I navigated through motherhood and career.   It slipped away so silently that I did not notice it was gone because of the busy-ness of my life.

Then, I entered into the empty nest phase.   I met someone who brought dance back into my life.  I had all the time to become reacquainted with the freedom and sensuality of it again.   As that old saying goes – it IS better the second time around.

Just to name a few memorable dancing experiences – I have danced the Salsa (Mambo & Merengue) in Miami, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, Aruba, and Acapulco.   I have danced the traditional dance of Welcome with the Tlingit Natives in their Beaver Clan House in Ketchikan, Alaska.   I have attempted to hula dance at the Luau Kapolei and the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu; and  standing near a waterfall on the road to Hana in Maui.   I still have the Tango to accomplish in Buenos Aires before I can call it quits.

Dancing is happiness.   One of my recurring fond moments is when I am traveling with my sister.   At some point during our time together she will stand in front of a mirror in our hotel room or cruise cabin and dance to the music in her head.     This is when I know she is at her happiest moment.  I always laugh and join her.

Here are some video clips of some happy Salsa dancers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_xwl_y5uT44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZHIQULn-MI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjSClEqdInw

QUESTION(S):

Can you dance?

Do you like to dance?

When was the last time you danced?

Love Poem #11 – “My Loves” by Langston Hughes

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I love to see the big white moon,

A shining in the sky;

I love to see the little stars,

When the shadow clouds go by.

 

I love the rain drops falling,

On my roof-top in the night;

I love the soft wind’s sighing,

Before the dawn’s gray light.

 

I love the deepness of the blue,

In my Lord’s heaven above;

But better than all these things I think,

I love my lady love.

 

Comment:

The beautiful imagery of this poem speaks to the deep feelings of a great love.

We should all be so lucky.

 

QUESTION(S)

What do you think about the imagery in this poem?