Happy Juneteenth! If ever a day represented hanging on to hope and believing in deserving something better, this would be the day. If you are going through a tough spot, or even if your life is going very well, even better days are coming. Believe it.
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.
Happy Juneteenth!!
What is the history behind Juneteenth?
“Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.” – credit, Smithsonian
My husband and my son both have off from work today because Juneteenth finally became a federal holiday just last year. Sometimes it takes a long, long time to do the right thing. But it’s never too late. Shame can only start to be healed by first accepting, admitting, and taking responsibility for wrongs committed.
I like this line from the Smithsonian’s historical explanation of Juneteenth:
“The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.” – Smithsonian
Sometimes the only thing that gives us the will to go on with strength and resilience is the beautiful, uplifting, beacon-like feeling of hope.
“There’s no other race, to me, that has such a tough history for hundreds and hundreds of years, and only the strong survive, so we were the strongest and the most mentally tough, and I’m really proud to wear this color every single day of my life.”—Serena Williams
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.
My friend just sent the above quote to our group chat. Maya Angelou will always be one of my favorite writers. What a gift of inspiration her words were to all of us!! Today is “Favorite Things Friday” here at Adulting- Second Half. On Fridays, I share three of my favorite anythings and I strongly encourage you to share your favorites with us in the Comments section. Please see previous Friday posts for more favorites. Here are my favorites for today:
Gevalia Mocha Latte Espresso K-Cup Coffee Pods & Froth Packets – My new favorite cafe is my daughter’s bedroom. I don’t have to wear a mask or wait in much of a line, at this delightful place. My daughter has a little corner nook in her bedroom where her Kuerig is set up and she is always trying new concoctions with her magic machine. These lattes are divine!! My daughter sprinkles a little bit of cinnamon on top and the result is Heaven in a coffee mug. She says the mocha option is amazing, as well, but I haven’t “ordered” one of those yet. But I will soon, and I know that it will be scrumptious!
Shovava Shop on Etsy – I have a thing for owls and I have a thing for shawls/scarfs and this Australian shop on Etsy marries both of my obsessions perfectly. These thin, beautiful, hand-painted scarfs drape around your shoulders perfectly, providing warmth and comfort and elegance, while still being very breathable. They are also able to be folded very compactly, so they are easily transported to airports and restaurants and theaters, when these things become part of normal life again. What I like best about the owl variety that Shovava makes, is that you literally get wrapped up into the wings of the owl. Mystically beautiful! Please note that the scarves take a while to arrive to the United States, since they are coming from Australia during the coronavirus.
Daily Peace Quotes – I have an email subscription to the Daily Peace Quotes from LivingCompassion.org. I usually find them among the most thought provoking items that I read throughout the day (and I LOVE to read. I read A LOT.) The quotes are typically short and sweet and yet, quite deep. For example, here’s today’s Peace Quote:
We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine.
– H. L. Mencken
On that note, I read that people keep “moon gardens” which are gardens that only contain flowers that bloom at night, by the light of the moon. I think that is a fabulous idea, especially during summertime. Have a wonderful, celebratory weekend, friends!!!
