Never forget so it never happens again

Honoring the May 4 Coalition at Kent State University.  Forty-four years later these events still render me speechless.

Breaking News!!!! 50 Year Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Profound "I Have a Dream" Speech

Just found out....today is the 50th anniversary of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King., Jr.'s profound "I Have a Dream Speech."  I barely remember the speech, I was only three.  But I remember clearly the worldwide reverberations it caused.  My friend, Tony, who is a little older than me remembers.  He also saw Dr. King speak in the back of truck in the Glenville 'hood.

I consider this man one of the great heroes of my lifetime.  Please see my tribute to Dr. King in a previous post here.

Photo by Peggy, Editor of Creative Influences.  Part of Reflections Series.

President Obama will be speaking live in an interactive stream on Facebook in moments!   Here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/barackobama/app_442468909199576.  Please join this important chat.  Please join history!  The technology has given us a voice in a way we never had.  Facebook allows us all to be heard. The technology is a tool for greater freedom and technology.  President Obama knows it and uses it to great advantage.  Let's have his back, so we no longer call peace a dream, but a fact.

Dr. King's daughter is speaking now, and it is giving me chills!  Chills I tell you.  Dr. King's daughter reminds us that we must be relentless in confronting greed.

Do you?  We are more similar than we are different.  It's not about black and white.  It's about green.  The poverty of one encroaches upon the comfort of us all.  Poverty and disparity must be eradicated.

Love is my religion.  We must feed each other, house each other, educate each other...... love one another. Even one person left behind is unacceptable.  Sometimes the strong must carry the weak.  And they must do it with gratitude.  It is easier to give help than to need help.

On this auspicious day, I have again taken the vow of non-violence.  Won't you join me?

Peace is possible.  John Lennon said he was accused of being a dreamer....but he's not the only one (see previous post here).  And Yoko One, she's an activist for peace as well.  She didn't break up the Beatles, but was treated with racism.  She's a genius herself.

See more of Yoko's peace art work, at previous post here.  Like I have said many times on this blog, artists have a responsibility to raise the consciousness of the nation, and the world.  Art is politics, politics is art. Because we are all one.

Let freedom ring!  My brothers and sisters, I'd like to implore you once again.  Let's lay down our weapons.  All of them.  No exceptions.  It's not hard, war is hard.  Let's lay down our weapons.  It's really that simple.  I've been called naive....but I'm not the only one.

We can make every day Independence Day!!!  Let's do it for our children.

Photo by personal friend of the editor.  Not to be copied without express permission of editor.

It's important to teach our children history.  These fine young men are being taught by their mother, at the eternal flame for John F. Kennedy.  I know it seems like a daunting task.  Where to start?

With the man in the mirror.  By expressing gratitude each day.  By loving your neighbor.  By smiling and treating everyone with love.

A Hero

It is difficult to find a tribute fitting for such a great man. I am ashamed that I have been silent for so long. Cowardice is a luxury we can no longer afford. Thank God Dr. King did not remain silent. Dr. King helped raised the consciousness of this nation with his eloquence. I think the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wouldn't mind if I quoted the words of another eloquent man, Albert Einstein.

The world is a dangerous place,

not because of those who do evil,

but because of those who look on

and do nothing. - Albert Einstein

A beautiful tribute to Martin Luther King and President Barack Obama by Robins Remixes. Have tissues ready.

My wish for the holiday season and the new year

Thank you to all my dear readers. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the time you take to read my blog and all of your support. I wish you peace and love. Happy Holidays! xxoo

Urban Outfitters.

Image by Peggy.

Image by Peggy.

Christina Reese Jewelry.

Heather Nicole Studios.

Source unknown.

Painting by Peggy, 2006, 18" x 24", acrylic on canvas.

NestaHome.

Dedeetsyshop.

Smila's World.

International Day of Non-Violence

I receive so many newsletters in my email that I can barely keep up. I'm afraid some go unread. I hardly ever read the newspaper - I just can't seem to desensitize myself to the notion of war. Yesterday I despaired when I read that that deaths were "down" in Iraq (as if even one death is acceptable). So today, I welcomed and was enlivened by the newsletter I received from Novica.

I've been meaning to do a post about Novica for some time. Their site is absolutely stunning, with the most amazing artisans from Peru, Thailand, India, just to name a few. I had intended to write a post about their pottery (which I probably will at some point).

But today I was so inspired by their very lovely email. Today they are celebrating one of my hero's birthdays. Mahatma Gandhi. Even typing his name inspires awe and reverence throughout my being. Novica announced that the UN has declared today "International Day of Non-Violence" in celebration of Gandhi's birthday. And to commemorate this event, they have filled a gallery entitled "Peace on Earth" with the most beautiful paintings. It was very difficult to choose which ones to post. Here are just a few:

"Dreams of Lotus" by A. Sofyan. So serene. Reminds me of the reclining Buddha.

"Dream of Peace" by Harman. Wish there was no such thing as weapons.
"Let the World be at Peace" by Ida Ratna Ningrum. No one should be lost.

"Pray for the World" by Mohammad Arifin. Humans are capable of such beauty.

I highly recommend checking out their site if you haven't already. When I excitedly told my boss about the UN's proclamation, he said, "What will that accomplish?" Well, at least it puts peace in our minds, I said. And why not? We talk and think about war all the time. Maybe it's as easy as turning our thoughts to peace and beauty.

There's so much beauty in our world.

And okay, I just can't resist. Celedon is a fascinating subject worthy of its own post, so I'll just show a couple of very fine examples of this tradition.

Vases by Thatsanee and Ramphan from Thailand. See more at Novica.