Yes, Maravick KNOWS is a blog which wants you to become "in the know" on all things which touch your life from money matters: ways to save and if possible make money to personal matters, such as food, health, travel and entertainment, in other words LIFE! Become one of my KNOWSY Readers today!
Good Day KNOWSY Readers, this post is about the commerative holiday known as "Juneteenth", which remembers the historic date of June 19th, 1865, the day the Union Army marched into Galveston, Texas led by General Granger to enforce the emancipation decree to free the remaining 250,000 slaves in the state of Texas.
Here is a video from the History Channel about the significance of this historic date.
May this date in history, help to teach the next generations the importance of freedom, regardless of one's race, to learn not to commit the same horrific deeds which slavery made commonplace for so many years.
Lastly, while searching for information on this commerative holiday I wanted to see if there was any song written/video recorded about this date and yes, there were a few, some geared for kids, this one is a celebratory one sung by the group Sounds of Blackness, called "Juneteenth Celebration", I hope you enjoy it!
Friendly Friday my KNOWSY Readers! Today is the first day of May, normally a day to contemplate a beautiful Spring day, be it by taking a walk outside at a park, by the shore or just around your neighborhood, keyword here is NORMALLY, well as we all know, we are NOT living in Normal Everyday Lives, rather, we are living a "New World Order", one where words like: Face Masks, Social Distancing and COVID-19 are as "common" now as "Hello, how are you?" and How was your day at school or work?"
The latter two questions definitely have taken a different turn due to the public health status this county, correction, our world has experienced over the last few months and still presently experiencing with no known end to this pandemic.
As schools had to close down as well as the majority of businesses both large and small that were considered "non-essential" causing stress and untold fear to those in the workforce, now unemployed, and trying to deal with the financial ramifications of loss of income due to this health crisis.
As today begins a new day of a new month, the idea that the beginning of this moment of time should bring us hope, yes, NORMALLY , that would be the case, however, we still have feelings of doubt.
So the question many of us must ask ourselves today is: How do we go on? The answer may be found in just two (alright, some English majors may say three) small words: Don't Quit!
Two weeks ago as I was viewing my Facebook feed I came across a video with well known Legend News Reporter/Anchor Dan Rather who wanted to share a poem from poet John Greenleaf Whitier, appropriately titled: Don't Quit.
I also was able to find an image of this poem so that you may view it and read it as often as you wish.
Well then my KNOWSY Readers, I hope this post finds you, your family, friends and all those you care about in good health, I pray that these difficult and trying times pass soon and that our future, which we realize will look vastly different from days gone by, will also bring us a new understanding of what is important in life, until then, remember.....Don't Quit!
Happy New Year my KNOWSY Readers! Time to Ring in a brand New Year AND a Brand New Decade too! Welcome 2020!
Today as I sit down and write this post, something which I haven't done in nearly TWO YEARS! As the saying goes "Life Happened", too much to say at this time, primarily have been dealing with issues pertaining to my Father's estate, as many of you who have probably experienced similar situations, even though one passes away "Life Goes On" yet the family members who are left behind must deal with the personal and more importantly the property matters of those who are now deceased.
At the end of this past year, 2019, I truly contemplated retiring, so to speak, this blog, it has been a very difficult decision, trying to weigh the pros and cons for keeping this blog "alive".
For now, it is still "active", I removed and added a few items which many of you may not even notice especially since it has been so long since my last post, one item which you will see on the righthand side of the blog is a new widget pertaining to My "Closet" with the site/app called Poshmark, just click the image and you should be directed to it, also if you are new to this app, when you sign up (it's FREE) make sure to Enter the Code: MODAMYSTYLE for a $10 Credit!
Well now. back to the actual subject of this post: Welcome 2020!
As previously mentioned we are at the beginning of a new year, new hopes and dreams to be realized, new ideas to try, new year's resolutions to fulfill, as you can plainly see, the word NEW is at the center of all these thoughts and aspirations. So let us bid a fond farewell to the past year and decade and let's celebrate the start of this year with an open mind and heart that will see us through the next 366 days, yes, 2020 is also a Leap Year! And may this year be a truly Happy, Healthy, Safe and Prosperous Year for us All!
Lastly, my KNOWSY Readers if you haven't bought your new 2020 calendar:
"I just downloaded a quick Printable 2020 Calendar with Holidays PDF from @Vertex42"
Happy Wednesday KNOWSY Readers! Or should I say Happy Valentine's DayTo You All!
Yes, today is Wednesday, February 14, 2018 and for many of you fine folks this day is a day to show your love to your special someone(s) in your life, generally, for those of you who are a couple, married or in a "serious" relationship.
As you probably noticed by my post title, this post is especially for all of you who are literally a "Party of One", yes, myself included. This date can be a difficult one for those who either by choiceor circumstance are not in a "relationship" (i.e. Married/Engaged/Going Steady...hmmm, do they actually say that anymore?), who check the box: Single, on any form. The word: Single can be noted as Never Married/Divorced/Widow or Widower, the person who may sit at a table alone, reading a (e)book (physical or digital) or playing a game of Candy Crush ( I prefer Mahjong Trails) on their smartphone to pass the time.
Ah yes, so back to Valentine's Day, what is a Single Person to do on a day synonymous with Heartsand Flowers, Boxes of Chocolate and for some, a Piece of Jewelry (i.e. a Ring)? That is the question! For some, they stay home, choosing NOT to go out so that others will see they are ALONE, oh no! For others, they will go out, put on a "Happy Face", even though their own hearts are feeling low. Lastly, another group may choose to "Love Themselves", yes, they will go out buy a floral arrangement (or plant, it lasts longer), a small box of chocolates (or a bag of Kisses), and splurge on anything that tickles their fancy (clothes/dinner/movie) because they know if you do not loveyourself, how can anyone else love you?!?
Before I go on any further, I wanted to include a short video presented by history channel on the History of Valentine's Day, some of you may be aware of its beginnings, some of you may be surprised, go ahead and check this out!
Wow, not sure if you already knew that this date is marked by the date of the death of (Bishop) FatherValentine on February 14th, 270 AD, and the custom of giving and/or receiving a Valentine's Day Card has to do with the letters/notes he received while in jail (for marrying couples in secret/against the law at the time) and his own final letter he wrote to his love (jailer's daughter), signed "from your Valentine"!
Over time, the spread, or should I say, the commercialization, has made this date, a date "For Lovers", Couples, yes, a "Party of TWO", well, I would like this post to be a personal "card" to all ofyou who Single folks who as I mentioned before are a "Party of One"! Happy Valentine's Day to YOU!
Well know KNOWSY Readers, what is a Party without some Music? I hope this music video, actually the official song for the 2014 FIFA World Cup: "We Are One" featuring the singers: Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez, yes, it may seem an odd choice, however, as seen by recent events (i.e. Superbowl), sports definitely can fill your heart and soul and this song will definitely make you want to get up and dance, even if by yourself! Enjoy!
P.S. The "LOVE" photo was taken by me back in 2016 while visiting the Big Apple, yes New York City, it is a sculpture always surrounded by folks taking photos and selfies, it truly is a great piece of art, with a simple and great message: LOVE!
Wise Wednesday KNOWSY Readers, and a Happy International Women's Day! My question to you is two fold, first, did you know that today is International Women's Day? Second, are you or those whom you care for or care about, planning anything special to celebrate this day?
Up next is a small portion of the information listed in Wikipedia about this particular event.
International Women's Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
International Women's Day (IWD), also called International Working Women's Day, is marked on March 8 every year.[2] In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements. Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily in Europe, including Russia. In some regions, the day lost its political flavor, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. In other regions, however, the political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner. This is a day which some people celebrate by wearing purple ribbons.
History
The earliest Women’s Day observances were held on many different dates: May 3, 1908, in Chicago; February 28th, 1909, in New York; and February 27, 1910, in New York [3][4]
In August 1910, an International Women's Conference was organized to precede the general meeting of the Socialist Second International in Copenhagen, Denmark. Inspired in part by the American socialists, German Socialist Luise Zietz proposed the establishment of an annual 'International Woman's Day' (singular) and was seconded by fellow socialist and later communist leader Clara Zetkin, although no date was specified at that conference.[5][6] Delegates (100 women from 17 countries) agreed with the idea as a strategy to promote equal rights, including suffrage, for women.[7] The following year, on March 19, 1911, IWD was marked for the first time, by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In the Austro-Hungarian Empire alone, there were 300 demonstrations.[5] In Vienna, women paraded on the Ringstrasse and carried banners honouring the martyrs of the Paris Commune.[5] Women demanded that women be given the right to vote and to hold public office. They also protested against employment sex discrimination.[2] Americans continued to celebrate National Women's Day on the last Sunday in February.[5]
The mimosa (technically, the Silver Wattle) is the symbol of the celebrations of Women's day in Italy and Russia
The day is an official holiday in Afghanistan,[31]Angola, Armenia,[32] Azerbaijan,[33] Belarus,[34]Burkina Faso,[35] Cambodia,[36] China (for women only),[37] Cuba,[38] Georgia,[39] Guinea-Bissau,[31] Eritrea,[31] Kazakhstan,[40]Kyrgyzstan,[41] Laos,[42] Macedonia (for women only), Madagascar (for women only),[43]Moldova,[44] Mongolia,[45] Nepal (for women only),[31] Russia,[31] Tajikistan,[31]Turkmenistan,[31] Uganda,[31] Ukraine,[31]Uzbekistan,[46] Vietnam,[47] and Zambia.[48In some countries, such as Cameroon,[49] Croatia,[50] Romania,[51]Montenegro,[citation needed] Bosnia and Herzegovina,[52] Serbia,[citation needed]Bulgaria[citation needed] and Chile,[53] the day is not a public holiday, but is widely observed nonetheless. On this day it is customary for men to give the women in their lives – friends, mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, colleagues, etc. – flowers and small gifts. In some countries (such as Bulgaria and Romania) it is also observed as an equivalent of Mother's Day, where children also give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.[51]
In 1975, which was designated as International Women's Year, the United Nations gave official sanction to, and began sponsoring, International Women's Day.
Today, many events are held by women's groups around the world. The UK-based marketing company Aurora hosts a free worldwide register of IWD local events[60] so that women and the media can learn about local activity. Many governments and organizations around the world support IWD.
Alright, now that you have read some of the history about International Women's Day I also wanted to include a video for your listening pleasure, it is the Music Video featuring
Very good my KNOWSY Readers, I hope you enjoyed this day and helped to share it with all your family and friends. Let us do our part to Recognize Women in all that they are for us and in every aspect of our lives, from our Mothers, Wives, Sisters and Daughters, Stand Up and Cheer, Pay Your Respect!
Friendly Friday KNOWSY Readers, yes it has been awhile since I last wrote a blog post, for those of you who may not have visited my blog Fan Page: www.facebook.com/maravickknows I have mentioned over the last three weeks that a family health crisis has occurred (my Father has been in the hospital since January 21). Obviously when a medical crisis happens, one's normal work schedule takes a back burner to the situation at present, with that said, I have actually written previous posts in regards to RAK, the acronym for Random Acts of Kindness.
For those of you who may not know or have heard of this particular endeavor, there is a site, appropriately called: www.randomactsofkindness.org whose mission is to promote these types of acts.
The last few weeks I have been receiving emails from this site announcing the event RAK Week2017 (February 12-18, 2017) and just yesterday received this special email about today, Friday, February 17, 2017 as RAK Day!
Participate in our RAK Day birthday challenge!
Participate in our Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day Birthday Challenge
We're in awe of all the kindness that's been happening for RAK Week - it's incredible how many people have already gotten involved. Though, tomorrow (February 17) is RAK Day and we're asking you to step up your game.
Using your birthday, pick two random acts of kindness to do from the columns below. Think of it as a way of showing appreciation for being born! Share what you get up to on social media & don't forget to tag @rakfoundation & use the hashtags #RandomActsofKindnessDay and/or #RAKWeek2017!
Month
January: Write kind notes and hide them in popular books at your local library.
February: Make goodie bags to give to homeless people with socks, snacks and/or a gift card.
March: Email or write an old teacher who made a difference in your life.
April: Send a postcard to a sick child in the hospital
May: Purchase some extra dog or cat food and drop it off at an animal shelter.
June: Frame your friend’s favorite lyric or quote and give it to them with a nice note.
July: Introduce yourself to neighbors that you haven't met yet and give them some baked goods or flowers to brighten their home.
August: Take all your change to Coinstar and donate your collection to charity.
September: Play cards or a board game with senior citizens at a nursing home. 60% will never have a visitor during their stay.
October: Leave a copy of an interesting / inspirational book on a train / bus filled with kind notes or a dollar.
November: Send a friend or loved one a care package in the mail with a kind note and candy, books, clothes, trinkets and/or photos of your favorite memories together.
December: Take flowers or treats to the nurses’ station at your nearest hospital, fire station, police department or post office.
Day
1. Compliment everyone you talk to today. 2. Create and carry “thanks for making my day” cards that you can give to people. 3. Plant a tree. 4. Donate some clothes or toys that you don't use anymore. 5. While you’re out, compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is. 6. Pick up litter and throw it away. 7. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading groceries in their car. 8. Tell your parents you love them and how much you appreciate everything they have done for you. 9. Donate blood 10. Tweet or Facebook message a genuine compliment to three people right now. 11. Give someone a book you think they’d like. 12. Buy a magazine and leave it somewhere (on the bus, at the doctor's office, ECT.) for someone to enjoy 13. Send anonymous flowers to someone. 14. Offer someone a piece of gum. If they accept, offer them the whole pack. 15. Say "good morning" and "thank you" to public service workers (bus drivers, police officers, mail carriers, and firefighters). 16. Tape coins around a playground for kids to find. 17. Reconnect with an old friend. 18. Donate used books to a library. 19. Put stamps on blank postcards to give to strangers and encourage them to write to someone they love or miss. 20. Buy a small gift and hide it somewhere for someone to stumble upon. 21. Leave unused coupons next to corresponding products in the grocery store. 22. Put sticky notes with positive slogans on the mirrors in restrooms. 23. Write your partner, friend or family member a list of things you love about them. 24. Put quarters in gumball/toy machines at the store to surprise the next child to wander up to them. 25. Text someone just to say good morning, good night or ask them how their day is going. 26. Volunteer to do a chore that isn't yours or clean up a mess you didn't make. 27. Place a positive body image notes in jean pockets at a department store. 28. Send a gratitude email to a coworker, classmate or friend who deserves more recognition. 29. Smile at everyone you see today. 30. Write a positive comment on your favorite blog, website, or a friend’s social media account. 31. Buy a snack (or more!) at a vending machine and leave it there for someone to find.
Already did your idea? Just choose another!
Thank you for spreading the love this Random Acts of Kindness Day
Our mailing address is: 1727 Tremont Place, Denver, Colorado
Alright my KNOWSY Readers, I wish you all a very Happy RAK Day! Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, will definitely brighten someone else's day and fill your heart with joy, go ahead and Spread Some Kindness Today!
Thoughtful Thursday KNOWSY Readers, and as you can tell by the title of this blog post, what am I thinking about, the same thing the majority of this world is probably thinking also, the recent loss of three major talents in the entertainment industry; singer George Michael, actress/writerCarrie Fisher and the movie musical legend Debbie Reynolds.
In a matter of days these three incredible individuals whose lives touched our hearts through the years of music, films and books, as well as their personal trials and social awareness, succumbed to health crisis'. Their passing at the near end of this year, a year which has seen the loss of so many other great performers truly reminds us just how fleeting time is and that our lives on this earth is numbered, we need to make the most of the time we have and do our best to live life to the fullest, show love and kindness to each other!
The moment the news of George Michael's death hit the air waves, video clips of his music spread throughout, so much good music to choose from, I chose a personal favorite of mine, his duet with another musical legend, Elton John, singing "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me".
Just two days ago, we heard the sad news of the passing of actress/writer Carrie Fisher, the daughter of legendary musical actress Debbie Reynolds and crooner Eddie Fisher. Carrie Fisher was probably best known for her portrayal of the fictional movie character, the rebel leader, Princess Leia in the original Star Wars Trilogy. The next video clip is a tribute featuring selected scenes from the Trilogy.
Yesterday, the world received the almost unimaginable news that Carrie Fisher's mother, legendary Silver Screen Actress Debbie Reynolds also died, my personal opinion was the loss of her daughter was just to great to bear. Of the many roles she played, the film role which she is most remembered is the musical starring Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor:"Singing In The Rain", here is the upbeat musical number called "Good Morning", Enjoy!
Alright my KNOWSY Readers, I hope you enjoyed these video clips of these amazing artists and when you do have a chance go back and take a another listen/view their performances/read their books to inspire you to not take life for granted and to embrace the time we do have on this earth. George, Carrie and Debbie, your earthly lives have ended but you are shining stars forever! RIP.
