In ancient Rome, from December 17 to 23, a festival called Saturnalia was celebrated with a sacrifice, banquets, and gift-giving. It was a time of giving thanks to the god of agriculture, Saturn. Extravagant gifts were in contradiction to the spirit of Saturn, so the lowliest, silliest, or mundane gift was considered the best.
In 312 AD, the Roman emperor, Constantine, converted to Christianity. The gift giving as represented by the magi gradually replaced the gifts from plain to the best or richest. Nickolas of Myra was known for his love of giving gifts. After his death, he was named Saint Nicholas, the saint of gift-giving. As Christianity spread across Europe, various traditions and interpretations emerged including the story of Santa Claus.
When one gives gifts from the heart, there is a natural benefit to the giver: the heart is healthier, stress is reduced, and endorphins are released. The giver does not expect anything in return.
Three great books by three very talented authors: #Staci Troilo #Sally Cronin #Jan Sikes.
Staci Troilo is a multi-genre author from short stories, anthologies to series. Her most recent published work is No Such Luck. It is about a young woman, Piper Seidel, who believes a red carnation is her good luck charm. It was given to her by her high school sweetheart. Now that it is lost and her life has changed to the negative, it is time to find herself and a new good luck charm.
Life Is Like A Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet by Sally Cronin, is a series of short stories. Each story will touch your heart, search your soul, and awaken your senses. Two of my favorites were about a couple who help a young man with their winnings from a scratch-off card and the other was The Florist where love is unexpectedly discovered.
Award-winning author, Jan Sikes, most recent book is about Cole Knight who went from rags to riches. He earned fame and fortune but it was his return to his roots with his family that was his greatest achievement.
JUSTIN TUCKER has a deep fascination about balloons. He smiles, points up towards them, and sometimes laughter comes from his speechless voice.
In my new book, “Learning About Autism: One Mother’s Journey of Discovery and Love,” the reader will meet Justin whose life has been one challenge after another. Yet, the more love was given to him, the more he rose above the limitations of autism and cerebral palsy.
My tribute to Justin:
Preorder your copy of “Learning About Autism: One Mother’s Journey of Discovery and Love” from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Nook, GooglePlay, iTunes, and more. Release date is August 17.
INTRODUCING MY MOST RECENT PUBLICATION…LEARNING ABOUT AUTISM: ONE MOTHER’S JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY AND LOVE. A CHARTER SCHOOL, TEACHING METHODS, & RESOURCES.
Carol Tucker travels the road of autism and cerebral palsy with her adopted son, Justin, now a young man who has routinely astounded physicians with his achievements. She is a special education teacher, recognized leader and children’s advocate, and one of the founders of Florida’s first charter school for autism, where she served as director. Through photos and stories, bestselling author Karen Ingalls shares Carol’s journey, then offers a wealth of resources, teaching methods, school choices, financial-aid options, and unique insights into how one very determined mother and her family continue to rise above many daunting challenges to thrive and find happiness.
Pre-order your copies now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and other major book distributors.
We were married on the 4th of July because we wanted it to be a day of joy and celebration…and news of wealth in the form of love. Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband, best friend, and soul-mate.
Welcome to my blog where you might learn something new, be inspired, or be entertained. Tomorrow is Feb. 14, and we all know that is Valentine’s Day. The heart is its symbol because there is the long-standing relationship of the heart with emotions, including love.
But do you know about the “Broken Heart Syndrome”? There are phrases that speak to this syndrome: you broke my heart, my heart is broken, or the shattering of a heart when being broken is the loudest quiet ever.The “Broken Heart Syndrome” occurs when a shocking experience suddenly occurs. It may be extremely good news such as winning a lot of money, or bad news of a death, financial loss, or a diagnosis.
The heart balloons out into an apical form due to the left ventricle filling with blood. The rest of the heart functions normally. The event feels like a heart attack, rarely fatal, and it occurs in women more than men over the age of 50.
Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal
In 1990, this syndrome was first diagnosed in Japan. The medical field is still doing studies to understand this phenomenon. When one says, I love you so much I think my heart will burst, realize it truly can make your heart swell.
Debbie Reynolds passed away one day after her daughter, Carrie Fischer died. Johnny Cash died a few months after his wife did, and former British Prime Minister James Callaghan died of heart and kidney failure in March 2005, just 11 days after his wife Audrey passed away.
The purpose of this information is not to bring sadness, but two things can be learned: both negative and positive stressful events can have strong influences on our bodies, especially the heart. Secondly, the strength of one’s love for another is powerfuland beautiful. Such love has a positive influence on everyone around a couple deeply in love.
Courtesy of Joshua Hehe
My wish is for you to celebrate the meaning of Valentine’s Day every day. Let those around you know how much you love them, from your heart send out love to everyone, and let your heart be open to receive love from others.
WELCOME TO TODAY’S BLOG. I AM GLAD YOU ARE HERE. The month of February is all about LOVE. In the week’s ahead, each blog will be about love: of self, others, heart health, care partners, and God’s love.
Each week Suzanne Burke offers a photo prompt from which anyone is invited to write a short story, poem, or one-liner. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Let your creativity juices flow!
As soon as I saw this photo, my eyes were drawn to the image between the man and woman. To me, it was God’s spirit.
When I met my husband, I felt God’s arms drawing us closer together. When I looked into his eyes, I knew he was someone very special. When I passed by him and touched his shoulder, there was an incredible energy that went through me. We are one and know God is always present.
Suzanne Burke is an award-winning author and I encourage you to go to her website and learn about her and her wonderful books. https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/
How has love impacted your life? Has God been a part of your love relationships? Do you remember your first kiss? What is your love story?
It is my pleasure and honor to participate in another flash fiction challenge based on the photo prompt. Award-winning author, Suzanne Burke, has provided these challenges every week. Everyone is invited to write a short story, poem, or a one-liner.
Here is the photo prompt for this week:
And here is my Tanka poem based on the above:
There is a wonderful poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled “The Sands of Time.” It is a poem that left a large impact on me when I was in high school. Its influence is obviously still with me.
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I welcome your comments.
Suzanne Burke once again has provided an interesting photo prompt from which to write a short story, one-liner, or a poem. This week’s photo was not only beautiful but quickly brought to mind the following Tanka poem. I hope you enjoy it.
THE MAGICAL FOREST
THE YOUNG PRETTY LASS
HAD BICYCLED FAR FROM HOME
SEEKING HAPPINESS
IN AN ENCHANTED FOREST
OF MAGIC, FAIRIES, AND ELVES.
HER BIKE STANDS ALONE
WAITING FOR HER TO RETURN
BUT EACH DAY PASSES
WITHOUT THE YOUNG, PRETTY LASS
EVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN.
LAUGHTER AND MUSIC
FLOATS AMONG THE TREES SO HIGH
HEARD BY THOSE WHO PASS
BY QUICLY WITH STEPS, FEARFUL
OF THE MAGICAL FOREST.
THE ONLY MAGIC
IS THE HAPPY BEATING HEARTS
FILLED WITH LOVE AND JOY
FROM THE YOUNG AND PRETTY LASS
WHO LIVES WITH HER PRINCE CHARMING.
My thanks to Suzanne Burke who provided these Fiction in a Flash Challenges. I invite you to follow her website and join the fun in writing something based on the photo prompt. https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/
My thanks to Suzanne Burke for this week’s fiction in a flash challenge. The photo prompt is beautiful and from it I was inspired to write the following Tanka poem.
I'm falling, falling
My fears hold me back from life
I'm trying, trying
To overcome and be free.
I'm praying, praying
Til fears are gone and I'm free
While angels guide me
To a life free from falling.
Like a waterfall
I now bring joy and beauty
To those who see me
Living life fully with love.
When you look at the photo prompt, what thoughts, emotions come to you? Does my poem speak to you in any special way? Have you experienced times of feeling lost and afraid? I welcome your comments.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 