Tag: History

READING & WRITING…NO ARITHMETIC!

karenringalls10 Comments

I have always loved to read books, sometimes more than once. I love to write which covers a wide range from articles to novels to blogs. However, there is no love for arithmetic, and I only do it when absolutely necessary.

Today, I am sharing about two books I have recently read, which deserve the 5 star reviews I wrote. 
The first one is Eternal Road by John Howell.
"This book combines death, history, geography, and romance all into one amazing story. James and Samantha travel through time witnessing historical events and meeting historical people. There are lessons and choices for each of them as they travel together. Romance is renewed after many years of being apart due to Samantha's untimely murder.
A favorite part is when Samantha's murderer pays for his crime which she witnesses. Her murder scene is described in a way that affected me deeply, so allowing Samantha to see his "just rewards" was good for me, the reader.
I highly recommend this book, which will give the reader a lot to think about." https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Road-John-W-Howell-ebook/dp/B08GL135KQ

Comes This Time to Float: 19 Short Stories, by Stephen Geez is a masterpiece of human behavior. There are stories about everyday life, challenges, disappointments, families, social issues. 
My review: In each of the nineteen short stories is a description of everyday life. Mr. Geez's creative writing style brings extra joy in reading this collection. As I read each story, I thought "this is my favorite", but all 19 stories were my favorites. This is a must-read book. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0846WY2HZ/

Each of these books are available on Amazon. I invite you to buy, read, and review them. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you for stopping by and reading this blog.

REFLECTIONS: ART, HISTORY, & LIFE.

karenringalls18 Comments

Welcome to this edition of my blog. I usually do not write about anything socially or politically sensitive. Today, my stance is not a political one, but a plea for us all to be more understanding, accepting, and loving. There are many things to be changed in this world for the betterment of all. With that said, I am passionate about art in all its forms, I love all people, and I dream for the day when we can all live together in peace.

Art reflects events and people. History is the story of those events and people. Each person has his or her own life history.

All forms of art are interpretative. Not everyone will like, agree, or understand certain art pieces. It is important to understand the message that the artist is conveying. Personally, I often have difficulty understanding some pieces of modern art, but I accept and respect the artist’s work.

I may not agree or support certain actions, social behaviors, or laws, but I will not harm another person, destroy monuments, nor burn buildings. I will follow the examples of such people as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, Gandhi, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, the Dalai Lama, Leo Tolstoy, Susan B. Anthony, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa. These are just a few of the people in history who brought positive changes to the world in peaceful ways.

History is not always pretty. It is too-often filled with killings, torture, invasions, subjugation, and domination of the few over the masses. Yet, with all its faults, history has produced some of the world’s greatest artists which arose out of the Middle Ages (Michaelangelo, Bernini, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, to name just a few). Inventions and medical advancements historically have come from various countries answering the needs of people.

In 3500 BC, the wheel was invented
In 1600 BC, modern alphabet invented
In 20 AD, printing was invented
In 105 AD, the first use of paper.
In 1088 AD, the first university was founded.
In 1215 AD, the sealing of the Magna Carta
In 1509 AD the watch was invented.
In 1825 AD rocket steam locomotive built, the start of railroads.
In 1905 AD, Einstein’s theory of relativity was published.

I believe that we are to treat everyone with respect, dignity, and kindness. All religions teach the basic concept of the Golden Rule:

Buddhism: Treat not others in ways that for you would find hurtful.
Christianity: Do to others as you would have them do to you; \
Confucianism: Do not do to others what you do not want to be done to yourself.
Hinduism: Do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.
Islam: Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others
what you wish for yourself.
Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.
Native Spirituality: We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive.
Zoroastrianism: Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.

It is important for me to ask myself, “what am I doing to help others? am I respectful of those with different opinions? do I not harm others?” In the song, Imagine by John Lennon the lyrics are my mantra:
Imagine all the people living for today…Imagine all the people living life in peace…Imagine all the people sharing all the world…You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one, I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.

I welcome your comments. Thank you, Karen Ingalls the dreamer.