I was here with you.....

I've walked this path many times, but
will the leaves know I've been here
will the flowers know that I leaned
and sniffed their fragrance
admired their colors

will the ground know that it was me
who trampled upon its head
will the rain remember splashing
the cool brilliance of its splendor
on a warm summer day
upon my head, my face, my brow


Will earth remember that I was here
.... appreciate that I cared
.... accept my gratitude for
its presence  all around

Will the sun even know that I smiled
and rejoiced each time it rose
Will the moon smile knowing that its
glow reminded me of another day
of life enjoyed and well lived

Will you know....that it was me
that I was here...and I adored
and I admired...and I reveled
and I stopped and appreciated
every bit of who you are

I hope you know
that I was here....and I saw you
and I knew you....and you nurtured
all of me......yes, I was here with you
and you with me.
© 2013 Brenda Gale

First Dance.....Commander-In-Chief's Inaugural Ball

No dialogue here....simply breathtaking photographs from the Ball, after the Inaugural activities of the day. It was a day filled with energy, excitement, hope and promise for another four years of continuing to become a more prosperous and productive America.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle share a dance during the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball.

Congratulations.....President Obama officially sworn in...1/20/13

It's official......President Obama has been sworn in for his second term in office on the Robinson family bible ( he's legally required to do so on 1/20). 

Right after the oath was over, Sasha hugged her dad and told him jokingly "You didn't mess up!"

A new official presidential portrait, just in time for the Inauguration.

The second inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 21, 2013. The inauguration will mark the beginning of the second term of Barack Obama as President and Joe Biden as Vice President.

Mandated by the Constitution, all presidents begin their new term on January 20 at noon EST. Because January 20 falls on a Sunday, two ceremonies, one private and one public, have been scheduled. The private ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, January 20, and the public ceremony for Monday, January 21. Chief Justice John Roberts has been named to administer the oath to the president and Justice Sonia Sotomayor to administer the oath to the vice president on both days.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was named the chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee On Inaugural Ceremonies.

Military support to the 57th Inauguration is being coordinated by Joint Task Force - National Capital Region, providing musical military units, marching bands, color guards, ushers, firing details, and salute batteries.

On January 7, 2013, Louie Giglio was selected to deliver the benediction at the ceremony. Giglio at first accepted, but then withdrew in response to controversy over a mid-1990s sermon in which he called on Christians to battle the gay rights movement's "aggressive agenda". The substitution of Rev. Luis Leon, pastor of Saint John's Church near the White House, was announced on January 15. On January 8, 2013, Richard Blanco was named the inaugural poet for Barack Obama's second inauguration, the fifth person to play that role. He is the first immigrant, first Latino, and first gay person to be inaugural poet.

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Injustice Anywhere is a threat to Justice Everywhere" - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Birthday Dr. King - We Remember the Dream! ♥ - Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. King, both a Baptist minister and civil-rights activist, had a seismic impact on race relations in the United States, beginning in the mid-1950s. Among many efforts, King headed the SCLC. Through his activism, he played a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African-American citizens in the South and other areas of the nation, as well as the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, among several other honors. King was assassinated in April 1968, and continues to be remembered as one of the most lauded African-American leaders in history, often referenced by his 1963 speech, "I Have a Dream." Continue Reading: http://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086

NFL Playoff time.....

Yep....it's that time of the year: NFL Playoff time!!!! Of course, I have a favorite and I'm a loyal Atlanta Falcons' Fan! So.....today, we enter the dome and welcome the Seattle Seahawks for a showdown in the NFC division. Most of the critics have a mouthful to spout about our beloved QB Matt Ryan, so today, we intend to Rise Up and watch D-Block bring the pain!  Our objective is the Superbowl, so.....Let's go Falcons....Let's do the doggone thang! Rise Up!!!
See preview here:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hank-koebler/falcons-seahwaks-nfc_b_2465952.html

Vintage Glamour

I have a love for vintage photographs, especially photos from the arts and entertainment industry and photos during the civil rights era.  Here are a couple of my favorites that I thought I'd share today: Josephine Baker and a scene from Carmen Jones, displaying the beauty of Pearl Bailey, Dorothy Dandridge and Diahann Carroll. Enjoy ~

New year....new You....time to stay healthy

Helping the body's defense system

The body's defense system is only as dependable as the support it gets. Some people are just blessed with a good set of genes that ensure a strong immune system. For others who are not as lucky, they must work for immunity by observing proper nutrition, sufficient rest, a healthy active lifestyle, plenty of sun and reduced stress. Recent studies have shown that getting enough of these while cutting down on unhealthy habits and avoiding processed foods restores the immune system to peak performance.

Observing proper sanitation also plays a vital role in keeping the immune system working. It is recognized as the best preventive medicine and its actual practice can reduce outbreaks and diseases, translating to significant economic, environmental as well as social benefits.

Antibiotics and vaccination as remedies to assist the body's defenses against disease have now been debunked by recent findings. Of late, antibiotics have been shown to attack beneficial bacteria in the stomach and suppress immune functions.

Foods that naturally boost the immune system

Foods that boost the body's immune system can offer a lot of healthy options for those who wish to be more conscious in what they take in. To be sustained, the immune system heavily depends on the stomach for support. Malnourished individuals are more susceptible to disease as opposed to those who observe a healthy nutritious diet. Below are some of these examples:

1. Echinacea - Echinacea is a popular herb that has been identified to boost immunity. Combined with goldenseal, another herb, or enjoyed alone as tea, this member of the daisy family has been found to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections as well as the common cold.

2. Ginseng - This herb has many varieties. The most commonly studied variety is Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng. Its main active component, ginsenosides, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Clinical research studies have demonstrated that it may improve immune and psychological functions as well as conditions related to diabetes.

3. Garlic - This spice has had a long history of medicinal value. In a recent study conducted by Dr. Ellen Tattelman, an assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, New York, it was reconfirmed that garlic indeed has cardiovascular, anti-microbial and antineoplastic properties. It's also a perfect spice to use when doing sauteed dishes.

4. Bell peppers- This pepper variety does not contain capsaicin, unlike its other feisty cousins. On the contrary, it is sweet and crunchy and contains the carotenoid lycopene which lowers the risk of cancer; beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A; and Zeaxanthin, known to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

5. Ginger - This herb has been shown to reduce inflammation, cardiovascular conditions, blood clots and cholesterol. In a study, researchers found that animal subjects given ginger extracts had a significant reduction in cholesterol and blood clotting qualities. Moreover, it has been observed to inhibit the behavior of genes connected with inflammation.

6. Turmeric- This spice contains curcumin, which has notable antioxidant properties. It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and stomach soothing benefits. It reduces inflammation by stimulating the adrenal glands to increase the hormone that lessens inflammation. Animal studies on this herb have revealed that turmeric protects the liver from the adverse effects of alcohol and certain toxins. Turmeric also helps in digestive problems by stimulating bile flow.

7. Gingko Biloba- Gingko biloba's leaves contain antioxidant compounds called bilobalides and ginkgolides that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, it has also been found to protect against radiation. In a study using animal subjects, ginkgo was demonstrated to have protected the test subjects against radiation poisoning. The latest research also suggests that extracts of this herb can neutralize oxidizing agents and free radicals caused in the cells due to radiation, thus preventing cell death. In fact, NaturalNews recently reported that ginkgo extracts reduce brain damage by up to 50 percent.

8. Ganoderma- This is a bitter mushroom also known as reishi. It has long been a popular herb in Chinese medicine attributed to assisting in longevity and health. Further studies on this oriental herb reveal that it strengthens immunity and combats cancer. Moreover, it has antioxidant properties and provides relief from urinary tract infections.

9. Astragalus - Also from China, this herb stimulates the immune system and aids in digestion and adrenal gland functions. It is also a diuretic. The effectiveness of this herb is due to polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids. It has also been taken to combat the common cold and flu. Its digestive health benefits demonstrate the lowering of stomach acidity, resulting to an increase in the body's metabolic rates and the promotion of waste elimination.

10. Cat's claw - This herb from Peru is commonly used for stomach problems. Recently, however, it is becoming known as an exceptional immune response stimulator that helps the body to fight off infections and degenerative diseases. It contains oxindole alkaloids enhancing the immune system's capacity to engulf and destroy pathogens.

From a practical perspective, taking in food which boosts the immune system while enjoying it at the same time can be a cost effective way to maintain health. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle, sufficient rest and a positive outlook in life, staying healthy does not have to cost an arm and a leg.


Sources for this article:

http://www.immunesystemremedies.com/food-for-the-immune-system.html
http://www.sanitation-is-dignity.org/why_sanitation
http://immunedisorders.homestead.com/antibiotics.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1015/p1539.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/027469_ginkgo_biloba_radiation_damage.html
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/ganoderma.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/027223_ASTRAGALUS_immune_system.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/032917_cats_claw_herb.html