How can I raise the level of gratitude in my life? Let me count the ways.
Did you catch the CNN Heroes awards ceremony last night? If not, get out your TV program and find out when it’s airing again. It’s not something you’ll want to miss. Who doesn’t want to be inspired off-the-charts? Have a good cry? Go to bed dreaming of a better world? In between adult heroism, they featured the work of children. Within 10 minutes of air time, I was crying. By the time it was over, I was sobbing. The work of being human—belonging, participating IN humanity is why we’re here. Go there. Be there. Here’s a hug. You’ll need one.
Winnie Nielsen says: I love that program that CNN puts together every year. Indeed , it is humbling to see such extraordinary people who make such a huge difference in this world.
JustB says: Thank you, Mary Jane, for your remembrances of your parents. For a few minutes, while reading, I had a lovely childhood!
Eileen Stone says: Thanks for sharing this with all of us!
Kathy says: What a special picture. Thanks for sharing it.
Kelly says: Great picture, I love it.
Here’s an act of kindness that will make your day. Last week, we asked our customers to help us help victims of Hurricane Sandy. Guess what? You stepped up to the plate big-time. On behalf of our loyal, ever-so-generous customers, we’re able to send the Red Cross a check for $2,467!!!!!!!! You rock! MaryJanesFarm appreciates y’all.
Here’s an act of kindness that will make your day. Last week, we asked our customers to help us help victims of Hurricane Sandy. Guess what? You stepped up to the plate big-time. On behalf of our loyal, ever-so-generous customers, we’re able to send the Red Cross a check for $2,467!!!!!!!! You rock! MaryJanesFarm appreciates y’all.
Today is Veterans Day in the United States—a day reserved for celebrating and honoring our soldiers. Across the world, it is also celebrated as Remembrance Day, honoring those passed.
The symbol for remembrance and honor is universal. I have proudly worn the Remembrance Poppy on my lapel and know what it stands for, but haven’t known what it stems from.
Poppy painting by Georgia O’Keeffe
The flower itself is gorgeous, and in 1918, Moina Michael wore a silk version of the poppy pinned to her coat at the Overseas War Secretaries’ Conference. Inspired by the World War I poem, “In Flanders Fields” by John MaCrae, she distributed 25 of them that day.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
In 1920, Moina Michael campaigned to have the poppy adopted as the American national symbol of remembrance. The style of the Remembrance Poppy varies with each country that honors it. Canadian Remembrance Poppies are two pieces of molded plastic, while the United Kingdom’s are paper, and in England and Northern Ireland, the poppy has two red petals with a green leaf. The U.S. Remembrance Poppy is made of crepe paper, and we often wear ours on Memorial Day as well.
Terry Steinmetz says: Thank you for the history of the poppy for Veterans Day. I’ve always loved the poem, “In Flanders Field.” I learned it as a child to recite on Memorial Day. It always moves me. Let’s always remember those who lost their lives so that we can be free. You see, freedom doesn’t come free!
Terry Steinmetz says: Looks like Elizabeth Taylor!
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
I love this beautiful snowy landscape. This is not something I ever have a chance to experience down here in Florida. It feels so Christmassy!