It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the beginning of a new month...the fifth one of the year already. It does .seem like just yesterday that we were all wishing each other Happy New Year! But here were at at the start of May. The kiddos will be out of school soon and the backyard fun will be in full swing. This month has so much more to celebrate than simply Memorial Day and May Day. So let's jump right in to our May Calendar of Special Days.
MAY
1.  National Skilled Trades Day, National Loyalty Day, May Day, National Mother Goose Day, Law Day, School Principals' Day, Silver Star Service Banner Day.
2.  National Truffle Day, National Day Of Reason, World Password Day.
3.  National Lumpy Rug Day, National Garden meditation Day, National Two Different Colored Shoes Day, National Paranormal Day, National Chocolate Custard Day, National Textiles Day, National Space Day, School lunch Hero Day.
4.  National Star Wars Day, National Weather Observers Day, National Renewal Day, Bird Day, National Fitness Day, National Scrapbook Day, Join Hands Day, National Bombshell Day, National Start Seeing Monarchs Day (no, not Queen Elizabeth...the butterfly kind!), Free Comic Book Day.
5.  National Astronauts Day, National Cartoonists Day, National Silence The Shame Day, National Totally Chipotle Day, National Hoagie Day, Cinco De Mayo, National Lemonade Day.
6. National Nurses Day, National Beverage Day, Melanoma? Monday, National Crepe Suzette Day.
7.  National Packaging Design Day, National Paste-up Day, National Barrier Awareness Day, National Foster Care Day, National Teacher Appreciation Day.
8.  National Coconut Cream Pie Day, National Have A Coke Day, National Receptionists' Day, National Third Shift Workers' Day, National School Nurse Day, National Bike To School Day.
9.  National Lost Sock Memorial Day, National Sleepover Day, National Butterscotch Brownie Day.
10. National Clean Up Your Room Day, National Lipid Day, National Washington Day, National Provider Appreciation Day, National Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
11. National Eat What You Want Day, National Foam Rolling Day, National Twilight Zone Day, National Birth Mother's Day, National Babysitter's Day, National Dog Mom's Day, National Train Day, National Archery Day, National National Miniature Golf Day, Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day.
12. National Limerick Day, National Odometer Day, National Fibromyalgia Day, Mother's Day.
13.  National Frog Jumping Day, National Apple Pie Day, National Women's Checkup Day.
14. National Decency Day, National Dance Like A Chicken Day, National Underground America Day, National Buttermilk Biscuit Day.
15. Peace Officers' Memorial Day, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, National Nylon Stocking Day.
16. National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day, National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day, National Love A Tree Day, National Biographer's Day. 
17. National Rat Pack Day, National Cherry Cobbler Day, National Graduation Tassel Day, National Walnut Day, National Endangered Species Day, National Pizza Party Day, National Bike To Work Day, NASCAR Day.
18. National Visit Your Relatives Day, National No Dirty Dishes Day, National Armed Forces day, National Learn To Swim Day.
19. National May Ray Day, National Devil's Food Cake Day, National Take Your Parents To The Playground Day.
20. National Be A Millionaire Day, National Pick Strawberries Day, National Rescue Dog Day. 
21. National Red Cross Founders Day, National Memo Day, National Waitstaff Day, national Strawberries And Cream Day.
22. World paloma Day, National Maritime Day, National Solitaire Day, National Buy A Musical Instrument Day, National Vanilla Pudding Day, Emergency Medical Services For Children Day.
23. National Lucky Penny Day, National Taffy day.
24. Brothers Day, National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, National Scavenger Hunt Day, National Don't Fry day.
25. National Missing Children's Day, National Tap Dance Day, National Brown Bag It Day, Towel Day, National Wine Day.
26. National Blueberry Cheesecake Day (This is a good day to add your own personal special celebration.)
27. National Cellophane Tape Day, National Grape Popsicle Day, Memorial Day.
28. National Brisket day, National Hamburger Day.
29. National Paperclip Day, National Senior Health And Fitness Day.
30. National Creativity Day, National Water A Flower Day, National Hole In My Bucket Day (not good if you're using it to water your flower!).
31. National Save Your Hearing Day, Autonomous Vehicle Day, National Speak In Sentences Day, National Macaroon Day, National Smile Day, National Heart Awareness Day.
Is it me, or is this going to be a BUSY month? I don't know about you, but i want to celebrate everything on this list! I probably can't afford to do that, so I'll spend time whittling it down to a manageable dozen or so. The, as always, I'll do my party planning and shopping, Enjoy your month and don't forget to stop back by tomorrow for my weekly visit and lesson with The Dharma Frog.
                                                                      PEACE.

Last Friday was Arbor Day and to celebrate, my family and I ventured out of the Great Swamp this weekend and went for a lovely hop through the woods. It was awe-inspiring and exciting standing there in the forest, staring up at the trees.  But being out in nature is more than just a pleasant way to connect with family and friends. John Muir, a Scottish-American author, and environmentalist (1838-1914) once said, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." Researchers are learning, over 100 years later, just how accurate Mr. Muir's statement really is.
Many doctors and mental health professionals agree that spending time in green spaces improves, both physical and emotional health. it can also improve our relationships. But what is the secret ingredient in nature that brings about these benefits? A recent study suggests that it is awe. The participants reported their pre-study emotional well-being and then were sent off on a one-day or four-day river-rafting trip. The military veterans and youth that made up the study groups were told to journal every day about their feelings and report on whether they felt awe, amusement, peace, gratitude, joy, or pride that day. Upon their return, the subjects reported having a greater sense of well-being with the youth subjects scoring the highest. When the researching looked over the participants' diaries, the one common factor that they all experienced, above and beyond any of the other positive emotions, was awe.
In the next study, the researchers decided to study whether or not awe play played any role in ordinary, everyday nature experiences. This time, the participants were undergraduate college students who were instructed to keep a daily diary for two weeks. They were instructed to recount all the positive experiences they had each day. Additionally, they were told to write about their feelings and overall satisfaction with their life. They filled out a survey before the experiment and again afterward. "Analyses of the diaries showed that students who spent time in nature on a given day felt more satisfied with life that evening than those who didn’t, and that experiences of awe predicted that boost more than any other positive emotion. Thanks to this pattern, students who spent more days in nature over the two weeks saw greater improvements in well-being during that time."
Why would experiencing awe have these effects? While the answer isn't 100% clear, researchers speculate that experiencing awe may benefit well-being by introducing a "small self...the sense that you are in the presence of something bigger than yourself—which may make past worries or present cares feel less significant by comparison."
In addition to awe, as I mentioned earlier, there are other health benefits to be gained by spending time in nature; physical exercise, camaraderie, gratitude, and, of course, joy. All of which add to an increase in life-satisfaction. The happier we are with our life, the better we feel both physically and emotionally. And, Boy Howdy! I can attest to that after my family trip to the woods on the shores of Land of Lily Pad this weekend.
The biggest takeaway from these studies is that humans need to slow down and make space for that each day. Spending time outside, even if it's just in your own backyard or on the rooftop of your apartment building, spending time with your Mother is good for all of us.
have a happy new week everyone! Please join me back here tomorrow for the always fun monthly Calendar of Special Days. As school nears the end and summer is just around the corner, May promises to offer you loads of great things to celebrate all month long. Until then, I wish you                                          PEACE.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_is_nature_so_good_for_your_mental_healt

Daffodils and tulips don't have much of a fragrance. But last Friday's Easter Lily and this week's hyacinth have so much scent that they make up for the other two. It's hard for me to decide which one smells better. But if forced to answer, I think I would lean toward the hyacinth. Even though these beautiful spring flowers are low to the ground, their fragrance is so abundant that it wafts up to the noses of passers-by, But even without their lovely smell, these early beauties are striking enough in their appearance to garner lots of oohs and ahhs from anyone who is lucky enough to encounter them. 
Here are a few fun facts that every hyacinth lover should know (like me).
1. One Hellas legend tells about the former significance of god Hyacinth. Over time, his fame faded, but the legend of Apollo and Hyacinth was the most important in the history of the appearance of flowers. Cute boy Hyacinth, the son of the Spartan king, was a favorite of the radiant god Apollo. Once, during their traditional sports, Apollo inadvertently threw the disc and it went straight at Hyacinth. Where the red blood of a young man dropped on the ground, fragrant lilac-pink flowers eventually grew. Miniature Lilies collected grief and sorrow of Apollo in their petals.
2.  Another legend tells us about Odysseus and Ajax, who both stated their demands on the sword of Achilles after he died. The elders recognized the right of Odysseus. It's so shocked Ajax, that without hesitation he plunged his sword at his chest. The drops of his blood sprouted hyacinth.
3.  How the hyacinth spread over Europe. Initially, Muscari, or grape hyacinth, was just in the gardens of the East - in its birthplace. A little later, this gentle messenger of spring appeared in the Ottoman Empire, Austria, Holland, and then spread throughout Europe. It happened in the XVII century. Ship with flower bulbs sank off the coast of Holland, and in the spring, when they have sprouted on the banks by the waves, it was a real miracle! Just at that time, in 1734, the world needed a new favorite flower, and hyacinths were just the one.
4.  For centuries the Dutch developed the breeding of new varieties of this flower. At first, nothing happened, hyacinths were not growing, but the will of the case failed to "tame" this whimsical fragile "prince". When the mouse gnawed bulbs at the bottom, people discovered that in the damaged area new bulbs began to appear. Since then breeding "of murine peas" occurs only by removing "bottoms." The Germans, despite their stiffness and aloofness, are too addicted to the cultivation of flowers. In the second half of the XVIII century, with the help of gardener David Boucher, in Germany, breeding hyacinths became a fashion boom! Even the King Friedrich Wilhelm III personally took care of these flowers in his palace. The French were more insidious, and used hyacinth for intoxication and poisoning unpleasant people with them. Beautiful bouquet of these lovely plants was sprayed with poison and put in the boudoir of a "victim".
​5.  The hyacinth is a plant from the asparagus family.
6.  From a distance, they look almost like a large lollipop or a stick of carnival cotton candy. But up close you can see that the hyacinth is made up of clusters of teeny tiny blossoms that look like stars.
6.  Hyacinths come in several colors, but the classic deep purple hyacinth is said to symbolize deep sorrow or regret. The white flower stands for love and prayer.
7. Like many flowers, hyacinths are toxic to dogs and cats. They can even cause an upset stomach in some humans if they're digested so it's best to them away from young children.
8.  The scent of hyacinth varies depending on its color! A bouquet of hyacinths in various colors will act as a natural room freshener. 
Today is also Arbor Day as well as national Kinds And Pets Day. Lots to celebrate today and all weekend long. Whatever your plans are, please stay safe. Thank you for spending some of your valuable time with me this morning. Please join me again on Monday when I'll begin a brand new week of brand new blogs! Until then,
                                                                    PEACE.

https://ua-flowers.com/legends-of-hyacinth
http://rockflower.co.uk/hyacinth-facts/

Ever wonder why, no matter how hard you try, you never seem to feel truly happy? Sure, you have the occasional bursts of happiness but they are the fleeting kind. True happiness, the kind of contentment that stays with you even through difficult times, can be elusive for many of us. But your little buddy Irwin is here to help. I did some research and found a few good ways that we can utilize to help find true happiness and inner peace. I'm anxious to try these tips, right along with you. So let's begin.
Let's be clear about a couple of things. First, no one can be happy every minute of every day. And, secondly, no two humans or no two frogs will find happiness in exactly the same way. All that said, experts agree that find true happiness is possible. But being happy does require some sacrifice. We must give up our assumptions about what it is we THINK makes us happy. The world's wisdom traditions, from Buddhism to Christianity and beyond, all agree on one point. And that is that true happiness doesn't fit into the West's capitalistic views of happiness; that money and things and more stuff will ensure our happiness. But let's be clear on one thing. Pleasure and happiness are not the same things. Having stuff can, temporarily, give us pleasure. At least until we desire some other newer, brighter, shinier thing; the latest gadget, handbag, or car. That temporary feeling of pleasure isn't, and will never be true happiness which comes only when we can learn to reside in a deeper place. What follows are ten ways that you can help to move from the superficial pleasure (which is good and has its place) to residing in a place of true happiness or bliss. The move requires a few lifestyle changes.
1.  Live close to nature's rhythms and cycles. This means getting good sleep and spending time, as often as possible, outdoors and in nature. 
2.  Reduce external stressors. easier said than done, I know, but we have to try. make a serious effort to live and work in a positive environment.
3.  Make time each day to relax. Playtime isn't just for children. So stop the madness, get off the hamster wheel, and have some fun! Every single day. Make it a priority...because it really is. 
​4. Let your brain experience the quiet inner state that is the gateway to higher consciousness. yep. That means meditation. But there are other techniques that work the same way, too. if meditation isn't for you then try Hatha yoga, contemplation, self-reflection, or prayer. It's up to you and what works best for your life.
5.  Limit the toxicity of alcohol, tobacco, and adulterated foods. You know the kind I mean. Processed foods that taste really good but, boy howdy! are they bad for you. Eat healthily (organic if you can), drink plenty of pure water, and breathe pure air.
These tips are, so far, pretty easy to do! Moving on...
6.  Dedicate your primary relationship to mutual happiness. Work together so that your partner's happiness feels as fulfilling as your own. 
7.  Avoid the daily temptation of negativity. This includes gossiping, dwelling on bad news (that's not easy, I know), venting our anger, and blaming others.
8.  Take responsibility for your own happiness. If you don't, who will? No one else can make you truly happy. That comes from within...no from without.
9.  Aim for the highest kind of happiness. That kind of happiness is a spiritual one that is devoid of ego. And, finally....
10. Enjoy the lifelong project of building a self. Happiness is a DIY project. If we commit to doing a little bit each day, we can enjoy the fruits of our labors by enjoying our life more, having better/fulfilling relationships, and finding and keeping true happiness. I don't know about you, but I really do enjoy DIY projects! 
Spiritual guru, Deepak Chopra had this to say, "Despite the disappointments you've already experienced, happiness is achievable beyond anything you've imagined. The secret is to realize that happiness isn't a mood, it's the most natural way to feel, something we all knew as children. Life becomes more complex as we grow up, but that fact doesn't take away our birthright. It just means that we must apply our awareness, getting past the obstacles that hide the underlying happiness that is always there, waiting to be awakened."
I hope you'll join me tomorrow for the fourth, and final installment in my April spring flower series. I'll close out the month with a look at the heavenly hyacinth. Until then, I'm hopping off to spend a little time in nature.
                                                                        PEACE.

http://www.oprah.com/inspiration/the-truth-about-why-we-stay-sadeven-if-we-hide-it

It's amazing how my week can get out of sync when I take a Monday off from my writing. I slept in late today and woke with a start when I heard someone jump onto my lily pad. I flew out of bed and went to my front door and found Dharma standing there looking a bit puzzled. I wasn't fully awake yet but did manage to invite him in. "Good morning, Irwin. I gather you forgot that today is Wednesday?" Rubbing my eyes and in between yawns, I managed to explain that I had, indeed, forgotten what day it is. Dharma told me to go get cleaned up while he made our breakfast tea. After a quick swim, I felt much better. Fully awake now, I set out a couple of bowls for cereal, got the jug of swamp juice from the 'fridge, and invited my teacher to sit down for a hastily-prepared breakfast.
After downing our cereal and sipping on our very hot tea, Dharma began my lesson for this week. "Tadpole," he explained, "a frog's wisdom is more often learned when he stoops than when he leaps." It was a lesson that we've had many times before but on this day, he was taking a new angle. As usual, I didn't immediately understand what he was getting at but I knew that if I just sat tight, it would eventually become clear.
"My boy, what is wisdom? The dictionary tells us that it is understanding what is true, right, and lasting. I might further add that I believe wisdom is grounded and earthy. It's not subject to randomness. We become wise once we have learned that keeping our heads in the clouds isn't beneficial for us." I was following him pretty much, so far, but wondered if wisdom was something that simply comes with age...no work required...or was it something that we could actively learn? Is it a label that we can attach to ourselves or is it a title that is conferred on us? It wasn't long before these questions, as well as a few I hadn't thought of, were answered.
Most folks, frogs, too, seem to associate wisdom with age. But that. as we know, isn't always the case. Just look at the wisdom that often times comes out of the mouths of children who are very young! About the only thing that changes is that, as we get older, we become more reflective. Kids aren't reflective at all. They speak their truth, whatever it might be at any given moment, without giving any thought to past, or future experiences. And we've learned that wisdom doesn't always equate with intelligence. I know that my grandparents, for instance, didn't go to college yet they are the some of the wisest people I know. Why? Because they have life experience.
Dharma explained that wisdom isn't innate and can be gained through experience. I wanted to know what characteristics a wise person has and Dharma's answer surprised me. "Son, there are several characteristics that a wise frog and a wise human share. They think before speaking or acting. They admit when they don't know something, and, finally, they tend to have empathy. This means that they don't only help others, but they learn from them and their experiences, as well. Because wisdom is about learning and about being grounded in the present, we won't (or rarely) find wisdom up in the clouds, as they say." I found this information fascinating and so I asked Dharma how I could become a wiser frog. He gave me a few simple steps. I do hope you'll find them as beneficial as I did.
1.  Don't wait until your older or smarter. A wise person is just as apt to be 30 years old as 60. According to data collected, the correlation between age and wisdom is zero. "Wisdom emerges not from experience itself, but rather from reflecting thoughtfully on the lessons gained from experience. Further research shows that intelligence only accounts for about 2% of the variance in wisdom. 
2.  See the world in shades of grey...not just black and white. Wise people specialize in "integrative thing; the capacity to hold two diametrically opposing ideas in their heads and reconcile them for the situation at hand." They understand that no two situations or people or frogs are exactly the same. So while learning from past experience, we must also be able to apply that knowledge to the context of the current situation.
3.  Balance your self-interest with the common good. One of the most important elements of wisdom is the ability to, look past our own personal desires; wisdom and egocentricity are incompatible. This does not mean, however, that wise people are self-sacrificing. Wise people reject the assumption that the world is a win-lose, zero-sum place. They find ways to benefit others that also advance their own objectives. A perfect example is when you fly. They will tell you to, in case of an emergency, to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. If you don't, you risk losing oxygen and will then be of no use to anyone...including yourself!
4.  Challenge the status quo.  Wise people are willing to question rules. Instead of accepting things as they have always been, wisdom involves asking whether there’s a better path.
5.  Aim to understand, rather than judge. Many of us operate like jurors, passing judgment on the actions of others so that we can sort them into categories of good and bad. Wise folks tend to resist this impulse. They operate more like a detective and try to uncover the facts to explain others behaviors. "Over time, this emphasis on understanding rather than evaluating yields an advantage in predicting others’ actions, enabling wise people to offer better advice to others and make better choices themselves."
6.  Focus on purpose rather than pleasure. Wise humans and wise frogs are not any happier than their peers. They don't experience more positive emotions. This is most likely due to the fact that wisdom requires critical self-reflection and a long-term view of things. There is, however, a clear psychological benefit from having more wisdom; and that is a stronger sense of purpose in life. As Dharma put it so succinctly, "Wisdom may involve putting what makes us happy on the back burner in our quest for meaning and significance."
​As to the question of labeling ourselves wise, I don't think labels are of any real value to us...whatever label it might be. Labels tend to put pressure on us to act or think in a particular way. I'm not sure whether or not Dharma would agree with me. But I do know that, if he was asked, wouldn't necessarily admit to being wise himself. He'd probably tell me that he's just being true to himself and that wisdom is in the eye, or ear, of the beholder.
Please stop back by tomorrow for another informative blog on happiness. And who couldn't use a little more of that? Until then, I wish you
                                                                       PEACE.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/give-and-take/201308/how-think-wise-person

When you think of the largest cities in the world, what comes to mind? Is it London, Paris, New York City?  Or maybe it's Los Angeles. It's true that all of those cities are huge. But only New York City makes the list of the top ten largest cities. I thought it might be fun today to take a look at a few of the world's largest (and growing) cities.
The information was compiled by the United Nations Populations Division. These folks did their best to estimate how many humans live in these cities but populations are fluid with untold numbers of people moving in and moving out each day. This is especially true in developing nations. That said, here are their latest rankings.
1.  Tokyo, Japan comes in on top with 38,341,000. The world's largest urban area has a population that is greater than all of Canada!
2. Delhi, India comes in next with a staggering 26,454,000 residents. Delhi, India, is projected to gain almost 10 million people by 2030 to end up with a population of about 36,060,000 and remain in second place.
3.  Shanghai, China boasts a population of 24,484,000. Shanghai's estimated population of 30,751,000 in 2030 will keep it at the number three spot.  
4.  Mumbai, India currently has a population of 21,357,000 people. This colorful city should remain right where it is on the world's rankings in 2030, with an expected population of 27,797,000.
5.  Next on the list is Sao Paulo, Brazil with an estimated population of 21, 297,000. Asia and Africa are foreseen to have the most growth in the coming decades. As a result, in 2030, São Paulo, Brazil's projected 23,444,000 population will be only No. 11 on the world's most populous cities list. That's a slip in the rankings that the Brazilians probably won't mind having.
6.  Beijing, China is next with a population of 21,240,000. The UN Population Division forecasts Beijing, China, to rise to No. 5 on the list with 27,706,000 people in 2030, even though after that year the country's population may start to decline, based on birth estimates and an aging population.
7. This next city kind of surprised me. Mexico City has a population of 21,157,00 inhabitants. In 2030, Mexico City is anticipated to still be in the top 10 in population and the largest in the Western Hemisphere with 23,865,000 people, just edging out São Paulo, Brazil, from the top 10.
8.  Osaka, Japan comes in at the eighth spot with a population of 20,337. Tokyo​ isn't the only Japanese city projected to drop, as the country is experiencing negative population growth. Osaka's estimated number in 2030 is 19,976,000.
9.  Cairo, Egypt is next on the list with a whopping 19,128,000 people. Cairo, Egypt, has been a major city for a thousand years and should continue in the top 10 in population in 2030 with a possible 24,502,000 people living there.
And rounding out the top ten is
10. New York City - Newark, New Jersey, USA with an amazing 18, 604,00 people. Demographers anticipate the metropolitan statistical area of New York, New York, and Newark, New Jersey, to keep growing to 19,885,000, but that growth could be slow enough by comparison to fast-growing areas to knock it out of the world's top 10 by 2030. 
So where do the other cities that I named rank? Los Angeles comes in at number 21 with an estimated population of 12,317. The Los Angeles metropolitan statistical area might not be anticipated to grow quickly, but it should still reach about 13,257,000 in 2030. paris, France comes in at only number 25 with a population of 10,925,000. The Western cultural center of Paris, France, may still be growing (projected 11,803,000 in 2030), but it won't be fast enough to stay in the top 30 cities, possibly falling to No. 33. And London, England is only number 29 on the UN list of the top 30 largest cities. London currently has 10,434,000 residents. Another European city expected to fall out of the top 30 cities to No. 36, London still expects growth, albeit slow, to 11,467,000 in 2030.
Happy Tuesday, everybody. Please stop back by tomorrow when my wise and wonderful teacher, The Dharma Frog, will be here to share a valuable life lesson with us. Until then,
                                                                        PEACE.

​Rosenberg, Matt. "The 30 Largest Cities in the World." ThoughtCo, Jan. 11, 2019, thoughtco.com/the-largest-cities-in-the-world-4163437.

Easter is finally here. It's seems as if its been a long time coming this year. Easter is both a religious holiday as well as a celebration of springtime and renewal. Just the mention of Easter evokes thoughts of bunnies, chocolate candy, colored eggs and, of course, Easter Lilies. This is the third Friday blog, in a series of four, that will focus on fun facts about springtime flowers. Today's flowery facts focus on the fragrant and statuesque Lily. 
1. Although the Bible describes lilies growing in Palestine, the large, white lily we recognize today didn't become common in churches until the 1800s, when popular tradition gave them the nickname Easter lily.
2.  Lilium longiflorum is the botanical species of Easter lily, which is native to Japan's Ryukyu Islands.
3.  Easter lily bulbs were first brought to the United States by a World War I soldier who smuggled a suitcase full of bulbs into the country as he returned home to Oregon in 1919.
4.  Japan led the world in Easter lily bulb production until World War II interrupted the supply and sent prices skyrocketing. Hobby gardeners in Oregon started selling bulbs. Today, 95 percent of the world's Easter lily bulbs are produced on farms along the Oregon-Washington border, from where they're distributed worldwide to greenhouses for forcing into Easter bloom.
​5.  Because the date of Easter varies each year, greenhouse growers carefully schedule their crop of potted lilies to bloom at just the right time. If growing conditions aren't carefully monitored, an entire crop can be worthless if they miss Easter by blooming too early or too late.
6.  Flowers will last longer if the yellow anthers inside are removed immediately when blossoms begin to open. Attempting to rebloom an Easter lily in its pot is usually unsuccessful, but they can be transferred to an outdoor perennial flower bed.
7.  Easter lilies bloom in late September during the first outdoor planting season. In following years, they'll bloom at normal lily-flowering time in July at a height of about 3 feet.
8.  Although Easter lilies are beautiful, they're very toxic to cats. Numerous university literature sources indicate that consumption of one or two leaves can cause kidney failure in cats.
​9.  The Lily (all varieties) is ranked as the 4th most popular flower in the world!
10. Based on the color or type, the Lily flower can convey different meanings:
white lily - modesty and virginity; orange lily - passion; yellow lily - gaiety;
lily of the valley - sweetness and purity of heart; Easter lily - symbol of the Virgin Mary, Tiger Lily - In Buddhism, it represents mercy and compassion.
11. The lily is actually widely used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of depression and certain types of toxicities.
12. The oil extracted from lilies actually has been found to have healing and softening properties. The oil has been known to work well for cracked and dry skin.
13. Some species of lilies can be used as food. Bulbs of lily contain a lot of starch and they are used as root vegetables
14. Besides humans, deer, insects, mice, and squirrels often eat wild lilies (But don't let your cat near them; they're highly poisonous to our feline friends!)
Nothing says Easter like the lily. They're beautiful, fragrant, and just plain nice to have around! Whatever your plans are this Easter weekend, I hope you can spend some time outside enjoying nature. Mother is in her full glory this time of year. I'm hopping off to spend time my easter with family just as soon as I get this blog posted. It gives me great pleasure each year to see my little brother Quigley hunting for all the treats that the Easter Frobitt left for him. Then, of course, a delicious dinner with Mom and Dad. 'll be back again on Tuesday.
​Oh, and by the way, Monday is Earth Day. So double reason to spend time outside this holiday!
                                                                      PEACE.

https://www.agweek.com/opinion/columns/4250836-growing-together-fun-facts-about-easter-lilies
http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-lilies/

 Spring has sprung.
The grass has riz.
I wonder where
The flowers is.
That's about the extent to which I understand most poetry. Even as a wordsmith, I have trouble understanding exactly the point that's being made in most poems. Perhaps I am being simply too analytical. But whatever the reason, I don't understand most poems. But that's not to say that I don't read them anyway. The way poets combine words and the way they come up with evocative descriptions...it really does amaze me. And I'm a little jealous of poets and their amazing vocabulary and thought processes.
The late English poet, Matthew Arnold, once said, "Poetry is simply the most beautiful, inspirational, and widely effective mode of saying things." I'm not sure I'd agree with the "effective" part of that statement, but poetry is certainly beautiful and inspirational.
​Today is National Poem In Your Pocket Day. This day was created to share the joy that poems bring by carrying one in your pocket and sharing it throughout the day with others. April is Poetry Month and National Poem In Your Pocket has been a part of this celebration since 2002.  To celebrate, I have assembled ten interesting facts about poetry. Who knows? Perhaps these facts will convince you to try your hand at a little poetry writing. 
But first, let's start off with the question, what is poetry? "Poetry, also known as verse, is a type of literature that utilizes sound and images to express ideas and feelings. There are various types of poetry, from haikus, limericks, riddles, sonnets and so on. The earliest form of poetry was called epic poems, and it dates backs to hundreds of centuries. Poems can paint a picture in our minds or make us feel a certain way. It was originally recited, or spoken aloud to an audience.
And now for the fun stuff!
1. One of the most popular forms of writing short poems is haiku. “Haiku” is a traditional form of Japanese poetry. Haiku poems consist of three lines. The first and last lines of a Haiku have five syllables and the middle line has seven syllables. The lines rarely rhyme.
2.  Mahabharata is the longest poem in the world. It is an Indian epic poem which has around 1.8 million words.
3.  The Epic is one of the earliest types of poetry. It is a long, narrative poem that is usually about heroic deeds and events that are significant to the culture of the poet.
4.  The oldest written poem, believed to be 4,000 years old, is the Epic of Gilgamesh originating from Babylon. It tells the story of a king named Gilgamesh, who was half-god and half-man.
5.  Poet’s day, celebrated every 21st of August, is dedicated to the long history of poetry in the world, and most especially to those who fill our world with the passion and wonder that flows from the tip of their pens.
6.  Poetry is an outlet for our emotions, regardless of what kind of emotion it is.
7.  An 1852 edition of John Milton’s Poetical Works was bound in the skin of a murderer, George Cudmore. (eeewww!)
8.  The word ‘unfriend’ was used as a noun dating back from around 1275, meaning ‘one who is not a friend’ in Layamon’s medieval epic poem, Brut. And now it's a common word used in social media...as to unfriend someone on FaceBook.
9.  Gottlob Burmann, a German poet, despised the letter R so much that he avoided using it in his poems – and in everyday conversation.  (He'd have a little problem with my name then...it contains 3 Rs!)
10.  ​Poet Amy Lowell once bought a stash of 10,000 cigars, claiming she needed them to help her write.
​Even with my limited understanding of all except the most basic of poetry, I know that poetry comes from the soul. It is deeply personal and it is a glimpse into the author's innermost thoughts and dreams. If you'd like to share a poem today, maybe even one that you've written, use #PoemInYourPocketDay or #Pocket Poem to join in the conversation with other poets and lovers of poetry on social media.
Tomorrow is Good Friday and I have a very special blog planned. I hope you'll join me! And because it's Easter weekend, you know that means I'm anticipating a visit from the Easter Frobbit. I hope he brings me and my little brother lots of yummy treats!
                                                                      PEACE.

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-poem-in-your-pocket-day-last-thursday-in-april/
https://www.readme.ae/10-interesting-facts-about-poetry/

I could start off today's blog by saying that I got up very early, but that wouldn't be telling you the truth. In actuality, I never really went to bed last night. Oh, I went through the motions; got undressed, crawled into bed, but I didn't really sleep. You see, I've had a lot on my mind the last few days and the stress and worry affected my sleep. This is something I don't normally have a problem with. But I have a couple of things that I really want to do and I'm undecided as to whether or not I should pursue either of my options. To tell you the truth, I'm a little afraid. Maybe I'm afraid of failing but I could also be afraid of winning. I honestly don't know which one would be worse. 
I had breakfast prepared and the table set when Dharma arrived for my weekly lesson. As soon as he hopped onto my lily pad, he gave me the once-over. "Irwin, you look terrible. What's wrong, my boy? Is it something that I can help with?" I was a little embarrassed to answer him but knew he'd never let it go if I didn't. "Sir, I didn't sleep at all last night. My mind is heavy and it's beginning to affect my whole life." I then proceeded to tell him about my troubles. After a few minutes of patiently listening, Dharma replied, "Tadpole, a frog's life shrinks or expands in proportion to his courage. What you need, son is courage. The courage to face your decisions squarely in the face and then proceed. You'll never know what the outcome might be if you don't, first, have the courage to try. You must remember that taking risks won't always mean success. But therein lies the learning portion of life." I wasn't sure I believed him, although I had no reason not to. "Dharma continued. "The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried." My first thought was this. "But why should I take risks? Isn't that, well, kinda risky?" Dharma rolled his eyes a little but then gave me a few really good reasons why we should all at least try the things that scare us.
1.  Risk gives us the opportunity to open up to our talents (and we all have them), interests, abilities, and dreams.
2.  Risk teaches us to set clear goals and then follow through.
3.  Risk allows us to be proactive which also makes us feel more powerful. Risk gives us the change to make things happen for ourselves rather than to just stand by and let others determine our fate.
4.  Risk opens us up to new ideas, skills, opportunities, and experiences.
5.  Risk allows us to grow and discover new things about ourselves and the world we live in. It helps us to strengthen our skills and talents.
5.  Risk allows us to conquer our fears.
6.  Risk makes us come alive. it is exhilarating!
"Irwin, there are two kinds of extreme risk-takers; those who are afraid to take even reasonable risks...wanting guaranteed results, while others take risks easily...believing that their willingness to take that leap makes them courageous. Which one do you want to be? The one whose life is flat and lackluster or the one whose life is filled with exciting new challenges and opportunities?"  That decision didn't take much thinking. "Dharma, I want to have a rich and fulfilling life!"
"The process of taking risks may lead to failure, Little One, but even that can make us a better frog by increasing the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. We learn by experience. And we can learn to overcome our fears. And here's how."
1.  Take calculated risks rather than foolish ones. 
2.  Project forward. Either in your mind or on paper. What are the risks and how can you prepare for them? is there a Plan B?
3.  Analyze your risks. What are the potential risks and how can you minimize them? Do your homework. What information can you gather that might better prepare you. 
3.  Consider your timing. Will conditions improve in 1 or 2 years? if so, use this time to learn as much as you can through research, save some money, and then set the stage for your success.
 4.  Look at your worst-case scenario. By looking at the worst thing that could happen you can intelligently decide if the potential gain is worse the risk. Just remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Only you can determine if something's too risky.
5.  Look at what the cost might be for not taking the risk. Is not taking the risk affecting your health, relationships, your happiness, and fulfillment...your satisfaction with your life?
6.  Look before you leap. Do your research and know as much as you can about whatever it is you want to do. Do a trial run, if you can, and definitely talk to others who have accomplished whatever it is you want to do. 
7.  Honor your level of risk tolerance. You need to have some sense that you can handle the challenges you're giving yourself. Some people can tolerate more risk than others. If you bite off too much, you're likely to end up sabotaging yourself. Start small, and build up your risk "muscle."  And finally,
8.  Be clear on your objectives. What is it that you want to achieve? What does your desired outcome look and feel like? Ultimately, you must decide if the risk feels right. If you've followed the advice here, you'll know if the risk is worth any potential loss or failure. usually, it is.
"Irwin, whether you succeed or fail, taking a risk will stretch you and give you faith in your strength and abilities and the confidence to do even more. I hope my words and advice have helped with your decisions." They really had. I felt so much better and, in fact, was actually feeling a bit sleepy and no longer restless. My stress was easing. I knew what I had to do. I knew what I wanted to do! But first I needed to get a little shut-eye. Even doing the breakfast dishes can wait. 
Please "hop back by" tomorrow for a celebration of poetry. I may not always "get it" but poetry is an important part of language. I'll have a few interesting facts about poetry that may inspire you to try your hand at writing some! Until then, nighty-nite. 
                                                                    PEACE.

​https://www.goodnet.org/articles/how-taking-risks-lead-you-to-better-life
http://www.goodlifecoaching.com/CreativeLife41.html

Today is National Orchid Day. For the flower aficionado, the orchid is, perhaps, one of Nature's most exotic jewels. Fragrant and delicate, orchids have thrilled humans (and frogs) for ages. To celebrate the orchid, I have assembled a few facts about the orchid that I think you might like!

1. Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants.
   They have also been around the longest as they are one of the oldest flowers in existence. Since varieties of orchids are found all over the world, it’s accepted that orchids were in existence prior to the separation of the continents.
2. There are more than 25,000 documented orchid species throughout the world.
   This means the number of orchids on the planet is four times the number of birds and four times the number of mammals! That’s A LOT of orchids!!
3. Although generally thought of as a tropical plant, orchids grow on every continent.
   From the Arctic Circle to the southernmost jungle (except Antarctica). They’re valued and thought of as beautiful across continents and cultures with varying meanings and customs surrounding their existence.
4. The smallest orchid is the size of a dime.
   This amazing orchid is small enough to fit in a dollhouse!
5. The vanilla orchid (and its vanilla bean) is the only commercially grown orchid crop (Vanilla planifolia).
   Orchids yummy enough to eat and cook with!
6. Orchids have the tiniest seeds in the world.
   This makes them a challenge to grow and cultivate. They take forever to sprout and actually turn into a plant! Growing orchids from seeds are only for the patient and very green-thumbed.
7. There can be up to 3 million seeds in a single orchid seedpod.
   You’ll never see them though, they are the size of a speck of dust and are only visible under a microscope. Part of the reason for their small size is that they lack endosperm and have no nutrients within. They require contact with a particular fungus to germinate and grow. We find this fact particularly interesting!
8. It takes patience to grow an orchid.
   The plant’s first flowers won’t appear until at least 5 to 7 years after germination. The houseplants you find in stores are often a decade old. From duck to swan!
9. Some orchid flowers bloom for mere hours, while others last up to half a year.
   Phaleanopsis orchids are versatile enough to last in a cut flower arrangement longer than most. That’s why we like Phalaenopsis orchids the best!
10. Orchid flowers always grow upside down when mature.
    The orchid can have enough blooms to be heavy enough for the orchid to hang down. Gravity always wins!
11. Orchid plants can live to be up to 100 years old.
    Who said orchids are hard to grow??
12. Orchids have become one of the most popular houseplants of all time.   

I don't know about you, but I found these facts pretty amazing! Who knew that orchids can live to be 100? I love flowers of all kinds, from the simple daisy to the glorious and complex orchid. So while I'm featuring spring flowers each Friday this month, I couldn't let this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding orchid go by unmentioned.
To conclude, dear reader, I am suffering a broken heart this morning, like many other humans and frogs around the globe. The fire at Notre Dame de Paris has left me deeply saddened. If you've been lucky enough to visit this cathedral, as I have on several occasions, you know that this iconic structure is at the heart of the City of Lights. It will take years to rebuild and will never be quite the same. Still, I just can't imagine visiting this glorious city without seeing her standing proud and welcoming. I'd like to conclude by giving my deep appreciation to the fire and emergency workers in Paris for doing such an awesome job of saving as much of this treasure as they did. You have the eternal gratitude of this frog. The world has suffered a loss but Our lady of Paris will rise again from the ashes. ​Je t'aime Paris. 
                                                                       PEACE.

http://plainviewpure.com/12-incredible-orchid-facts-no-one-ever-told/