Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 60

Loving Home

 

“Love is easy, but if you want a daily happy home, be sure your beloved knows that you like them.”

— Cathy Burnham Martin, author
“The Bimbo Has Brain… and Other Freaky Facts”  Quiet Thunder Publishing, 2017

Great American Smokeout

The 3rd Thursday of November is the day that communities come together in the fight against tobacco addiction. Go tobacco-free today during the Great American Smokeout.

Reportedly, some 34 million people in America alone still smoke, despite the fact that smoking remains the single largest most preventable cause of death and illness. Despite stricter laws in public places, some 58 million Americans are exposed to second-hand smoke. Never mind the stats. This is important because this is a fight for someone’s life… be they an innocent bystander or someone who often lacks the strength or discipline to fight for what’s best for themselves.

For help today and everyday: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

You CAN Do It!

 

“The trick is in what one emphasizes.  We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong.  The amount of work is the same.”

— Carlos Castaneda (1925 – 1998)
Peruvian-American writer

Fly, Baby, Fly!

“Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn’t be done.”

— Amelia Earhart (1897 – disappeared 1937)
American aviation pioneer & writer

World Kindness Day

In celebrating World Kindness Day, we are all fully aware of the ugliness in the “big picture.” But this day is an opportunity to apply a little tenderness in our homes, schools, or workplaces. The 2023 theme is “Be Kind Wherever Possible.” Let’s all try to breathe a little life back into the art of consideration. Encourage someone. Make someone smile or laugh. When we think a pleasant thought about someone, share it out loud. Or driving? Yeah, let’s give someone else a break, even if they are being a road hog. Today is just one day in which we can all make a kindness difference in our world.

Glorious Gratitude

Today I feel grateful for a great many things. I think I will choose to mention the 6 wonderful weeks of fall foliage that we have enjoyed. Now, as I look across our meadow, I still see glimpsed of the glory. The radiant reds are mellowing to burgundy, while the oranges soften into russet, and the yellows mellow into gold. Leaves have started falling here in the North Carolina foothills, but it’s been a glorious autumn, indeed.

Celebrate Veterans Day

Photo by Ignacio Amenabar

“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.”

— Kahlil Gibran (1883 – 1931)
Lebanese-American writer & poet

This is Veterans Day. Thank you to all veterans on this and every day.

The Few! The Proud! The Marines!

Happy 248th Birthday to the Marines! On November 10, 1775, the US Marine Corps was officially established by the 2nd Continental Congress to strengthen naval forces during the Revolutionary War. Recruitment headquarters immediately opened in a popular spot… the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia.

 

 

Official funding did not follow until 1798, when President John Adams approved a bill placing the organization under the Secretary of the Navy. The premier elite fighting force in the world continues to this day. To all who serve and who have served, we thank you for your service and sacrifices over so many years.

This Is World Freedom Day!

 

November 9, 1989, is the day that the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Berlin, was breached, ultimately leading to its demolition. An ABC news affiliate anchor at the time, I was honored to cover the events along with videographer Jim Linsky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dubbed World Freedom Day, that date marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of freedom and unity.

 

 

And yet, even then, we observed pockets of hatred amidst the celebrations.

 

 

 

With the heinous Hamas murders and kidnapping of civilians in Israel and ongoing wars elsewhere, such as Ukraine, we are reminded daily of exactly how fragile freedom can be. Pray for a new World Freedom Day… every day.

Happy Harvey Wallbanger Day!

Looking for a wild and crazy boat drink? Or perhaps an Italian spin on a classic cocktail.

Consider a Harvey Wallbanger… but be prepared. Sure, it’s just a kicked-up screwdriver, but the Galliano “kick” delivers 42.3% alcohol. Created in the 1950’s by California bartender Donato “Duke” Antone, the Harvey Wallbanger didn’t get popular until the 1970’s. Galliano is made with vanilla and various herbs and spices, including star anise, juniper, lavender, and cinnamon.

Keep It Super Simple if you make one:
1¼ oz vodka
3 oz orange juice (fresh is awesome)
½ oz Galliano
Pour the vodka and oj over ice in your glass and stir. Then float the Galliano on top. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry for traditional perfection.