March is...

Within the month of March comes the first official day of Spring! Celebration after celebration abounds before during and after the famous St. Patrick's Day. Of course, signs are already in the picture as Mother Nature's Delights bring forth sunshine inside and out on the last of the cold wintry days. First buds in some regions of the nation have already begun to appear with speck after speck of green peeping out from the cold, cold ground.

We are moving into a new month and March is...

Irish-American Heritage Month

Image Source: Irish-American Flags Poster

Irish-American Heritage Month* is a special proclamation issued yearly since 1991 by the United States President or Congress to honor the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. This heritage month coincides with the Irish national holiday on March 17, Saint Patrick's Day, which celebrates all things Irish. 

[*Heritage Months are usually proclaimed to celebrate centuries of contributions by a group to a country. Check out A Bit of the Irish!]

March is also...

Women's History Month

Women have struggled throughout history to become recognized for their talents, contributions, courage, and equal rights outside the confines of the everyday household. Many accomplishments would not have ever come to fruition had it not been for the perseverance of women. They have earned their place in history books, curriculum, museums, projects, and so much more. March is designated as Women's history month to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8.
 
And... 

National Nutrition Month

While we all know we should eat right every day and hound our children to eat balanced meals, we do not always practice what we preach. With this month being recognized as National Nutrition Month, perhaps a little more effort could be put forth toward balanced nutrition for both body and mind. "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle" is the theme for National Nutrition Month® 2015.

Here are a few GREAT ways to begin...

5 ways to dive into National Nutrition Month

8 ways to celebrate National Nutrition Month

Seven Simple Ways to Eat Healthier

That's just a start...take a look at all of these other reasons to celebrate:

National Noodle Month National Peanut Month National Sauce Month National Caffeine Awareness Month National Celery Month National Flour Month National Frozen Food Month PLUS...Chocolate Chip Cookie Week is the second week of the month, American Chocolate Week is the third week.

Aren't you  READY for March?

Back Online Part Time...

Br-er Groundhog gave us six more weeks of winter so Winter Break isn't over altogether but with February being a short month, Spring is already in sight! Just the thought of Spring is enough to bring sunshine on a cold wintry day, at least inside if not out...that is, within the heart and mind! So, bring the sunshine that is on the inside outside with some really big smiles and focus on the days ahead. If you are as impatient as I am, you cannot wait for those first buds to appear or specks of green to peek out from beneath the cold, cold ground. Each region of the nation will begin experiencing its own unique signs of Spring dear to the heart with both plants and animals sending forth harbingers that signal the annual demise of Ol' Man Winter!

 Mother Nature's Delights

Snowdrops from Winter sleep
Bring life to land that is dreary
  Mother Nature's paintbrush
Delightful sights for the winter-weary



Glory-of-the-Snow in the snow
Burst forth blue, white, even pink
Mother Nature's honor guard
Delightful indelible ink

Witch Hazel 'promise' shrubs
Bear warm, spicy scent
Mother Nature's wild catkins
Delightful descent

Not just the blossoms
Harmonize amongst greening trees
Mother Nature's balance
Delightful birds, butterflies and bees

High-lonesome pitch of spring
Emerge from wet patches of ground
Mother Nature's evening chorus
Delightful spring peepers' sound

 

Ladybugs under the leaves
Awaken to a taste of aphids
Mother Nature's tiny dots
Delightful as hungry little kids

 

Songs of an American Robin
Blend with a Woodpecker's drumming
Mother Nature's melodies
Delightful singing and humming

Deeper the Winter cold
Later these signs appear
Mother Nature's springtime
Delightful visions all clear

©2015 Sharla Lee Shults

 

Smile is spring by lindahabiba on DeviantArt

Plan ahead while looking back...

Keep your eyes on What's Happenin'? in March coming soon to Awakenings' Pinterest board. 

From Hypnotic Voodoo Rhythm to Physical Graffiti

Not back full swing but will be posting from time to time...

Today in Music History: February 24 

Tidbits of music trivia amid cold wintry winds...

1956: Looking for a legal loophole with which to shut down rock and roll shows, police in Cleveland, OH enforce a 1931 ordinance forbidding minors from dancing without adult supervision. Can you imagine this happening today? Ahem! Probably should!

1988: As a joke, Alice Cooper runs for Governor of his native Arizona, as a member of the "Wild" Party.

Alice Cooper for President

1992: The US Postal Service's infamous "Elvis stamps" are unveiled, with the institution allowing fans to vote for which of two versions -- a young, thin '50s Elvis or a more mature, heavier '70s Elvis -- will make the final cut.   

Americans answered the call and eventually, thin wins by 3 to 1.

The Elvis Stamp:
America elects a King

1998: England's Queen Elizabeth II knights Elton John during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Sir Elton John and the Queen 2000

Sir Elton John is best known for his tribute to Princess Diana and his top single Candle in the Wind, and now, for being a member of the exclusive league of knighted musicians. He was knighted for his services to music and charity.

 Lena Horne: One of Classic Hollywood's Most Beautiful Actresses

2004: Singer Lena Horne threatens to withdraw permission for a TV movie of her life after star Janet Jackson suffers her shocking "wardrobe malfunction" at Super Bowl XXXVIII. Jackson quits the project.

Nipplegate: Starring Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake (Super Bowl XXXVIII)

I mean, obviously. The craziest Super Bowl moment occurred when Justin (who really doesn’t get enough of the blame in this fiasco) sang “I’m gonna have you naked by the end of this song,” before ripping off a piece of Janet’s wardrobe and revealing her nipple (which was decorated with a large, sun-shaped nipple shield). It was the most rewatched moment TiVo history, and it changed the tone of the Super Bowl Halftime Show forever. Have you ever wondered why the Super Bowl started booking old, conservative acts like the Rolling Stones and The Who? Just ask Janet’s nipple.
Source: 6 Most Shocking Superbowl Moments

Today's Music Release:

1975: Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times... 

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

Winter Break will just have to halt as I come out of hibernation for the biggest romance day of the year: A day when spirits are lifted in both usual and unusual ways. Some stroke the heartstrings so tenderly tears are gently brushed away with a kiss; others are totally mesmerizing striking deep down into the soul. Then, of course, there are those completely unexpected bringing on smiles and laughter along with tears. 

Guess what? Round 2 of the nation's arctic blast is underway as dangerously low temperatures bring chills to the bone along with inches upon inches of snow. All the more reason to snuggle up close in front of a fire with a mug of hot cocoa or your favorite beverage.   
 

Like all things there is history behind this day known for its everlasting expressions of love. Its roots date back to ancient times. Do you know why we celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th and where the holiday customs come from?  

 Maximize the window in order to read the historical facts. 

It may be necessary to pause periodically since the music 

moves faster than reading capability.

Some say this day is for couples...for lovers to express their sincerest, deepest feelings for one another. Isn't it a day to celebrate love of all ages, whether romantically involved or not? The hearts and minds of children are just as excited on this day as the most romantic of romantics. Valentine's cards, trinkets, candy and small gifts of expression are exchanged amid hugs and smiles of joy.

So, are you ready for Valentine's Day? What thoughts or ideas do you have in mind for this very special day? Chocolates, roses, jewelry, gift basket, stuffed animal for someone special?  Perhaps a surprise getaway, breakfast in bed, champagne brunch? Small, simple Valentine's card for a child or an assortment of cards for a group of children? A visit to a hospital, retirement center or elderly folks home? Hugs and kisses that show you care? Whatever you say or do, just don't forget the Conversation Hearts! Valentine, be mine!

It is not surprising that there are limitless possibilities, especially with the ability to traverse cyberspace over the World Wide Web. Fingers negotiate the keyboard like the hairy legs of the spider spinning its web. BUT, while the e-Valentine may contain the desired message, there is still nothing like that personalized hand-written love note! No comparison!

For whatever reason you will be celebrating Valentine's day, with that one someone special or not, just remember it is a day of love: remembering in ways to show you care.

We can be heroes, just for one day!

Be a hero for someone who simply needs no more than to know you care!

Taking a Break

Well, Br-er Groundhog has predicted six more weeks of winter! Time for a little hibernation of my own so leaving for a winter break.

There is plenty to peruse by just browsing Awakenings. For the February events, remember the festivities are posted on Pinterest for you to begin looking back to plan ahead.

If you enjoy trips down music memory lane, take your pick at Music Memories. Perhaps you will find your favorite recording artist in the Spotlight!

Looking for a special recipe? Visit yum, yum, yum ... yummy! Hundreds of recipes to choose from, after all yummy recipes are good for the heart, mind, body and soul! 

OR just simply check out all the boards!

'See' you later! 

‘Cold as Ice’ & ‘Hotblooded’

Today in Music History: February 2

At the height of the 70s transitioning on into the 80s, some of rock 'n' roll’s most enduring anthems were released, including Juke Box Hero (1982),  Feels Like The First Time (1977), Urgent (1981), Head Games (1979), Say You Will (1987), Cold as Ice (1977), Hot Blooded (1978), and the worldwide No.1 hit that is in this day's spotlight. The band continues to rock the charts more than thirty years into the game. 

Welcome into the Spotlight...

Foreigner: Whether their singles were ‘Cold as Ice’ or ‘Hotblooded’, the seventies saw rock band Foreigner shoot straight to the top of the charts, where the group achieved platinum status time and again.

Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and fellow Briton and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm. With ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million.

On this day in...

1985 Foreigner started a two-week run at No.1 on the US singles charts with 'I Want To Know What Love Is', also a UK No.1. London-born Mick Jones wrote the song.

Songfacts: Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones wrote this song. He told us: "'I Want To Know What Love Is' started off on more of a personal level. I'd been through a lot of relationships that eventually failed, and still searching for something that could really endure. And that sort of took a life of its own as well. It became more of a universal feeling. I adjusted that during the recording of it, and ended up putting a gospel choir on it. And you know, realized suddenly that I'd written almost a spiritual song, almost a gospel song. Sometimes, you feel like you had nothing to do with it, really. You're just putting it down on paper, or coming up with a melody that will bring the meaning of the song out, bring the emotion out in the song."

Click the icon at left for the songs that were No.1 on February 2 from 1940 to 2014. Then, select a year to see all songs that hit No.1 in that year.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

Br'er Groundhog 2015

      A Heavenly Day                                                               Taking a Break... 

Tomorrow morning, February 2, 2015, the nation will be told by a groundhog, none the less, if winter is to be extended or if an early spring is in our midst. With brutal weather conditions across certain areas of the country, winter storms promise another day of white.

Meet Br'er Groundhog...

Are you READY for this quirky holiday, Groundhog Day? Groundhog, you may ask? You say a groundhog forecast the weather? Do you mean woodchuck, whistle-pig, land-beaver? No? What kind of folklore is this? Um-m-m-m-m? Let's look a little deeper into this weather hound.

The groundhog phenomenon traverses centuries of time shrouded in myths and legends centered around cultures and animals. This predictable tradition stems from European beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christmas. The Roman legions supposedly brought it to the Teutons, or Germans. They concluded that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal, the hedgehog, would cast a shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of bad weather. Some would say this was interpolated as the length of the "Second Winter."

So, here we are in the 21st century, awaiting iconic news from a groundhog! Br'er Groundhog will decide the fate of winter. Tomorrow, February 2nd at 7:20 AM EST, Punxsutawney Phil will be pulled out of his 'lair' at Gobblers Knob, Pennsylvania.

Click to See Phil live!

2014 - 128th Groundhog Day

[Bookmark the site to catch an early glimpse of Phil tomorrow morning as he prognosticates for the 129th time.]

Okay, Punxsutawney Phil, since this will be your 129th prognostication for the fate of winter... 

"Please give us an early spring!!"

Aren't I a cute little rodent? Wanna' cracker?

Did you know there is even a movie about me?

A Heavenly Day

      Somethin' Good's Happenin'!                                     Br'er Groundhog 2015

What is your idea of 'Heavenly Hash'?
Leftovers thrown together in a casserole? Hash browns, cheese, eggs, & lots of bacon scrambled together? Grandma's classic fluffy White fruit salad swirled with yummy stuff? Candy made with chocolate, walnuts & mini marshmallows? Heavenly hash cakes & brownies? Classic heavenly hash ice cream?
It is all of these and MORE...

National Heavenly Hash Day

Hash it Out with Grandma's Classic Heavenly Hash

Heavenly Hash is definitely all of the above and then some! It is heavenly in that you create the hash, dessert, salad, etc. just the way you like it. What foods do you consider 'heavenly'? Toss 'em together, this is your day to have it your way...heavenly, that is!

In random order to enjoy as you desire during the day, or night...

Chocolate Heavenly Hash (Recipe)

Heavenly Hash Brownies (Recipe)

Heavenly Hash Brown Casserole (Recipe)

Heavenly Hash Donut Blondies (Recipe)


Heavenly Hash aka Rocky Road Fudge (Recipe)

Heavenly Vegetable White Bean Hash + MORE (Recipe)

What is your FIRST thought when you hear 'Heavenly Hash'?

Is your mouth watering yet?

 

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!