If love pets and, really, who doesn't, this is a day to celebrate. It's National Pet Day. The ninth day of April each year is set aside for pet owners to give their pets a little extra attention. We are also encouraged to pay extra attention to those pets who might not be receiving the care they should. Perhaps their owner is elderly or is ill and cannot take care of their forever friends the way they used to. Today is the perfect day to give those critters the extra attention they deserve, as well. Check in with elderly or ill neighbors and friends and ask how you can help their pets stay healthy. This can alleviate a great deal of their stress and anxiety,
Here are a few ways you can help your fur family member stay healthy and safe. 
1.  Check their toys and remove the ones that are no longer safe.
2.  Keep your home safe by removing toxins and power cords from areas where your pet might easily access them.
3.  Verify that their vaccinations are up to date. If they're not, schedule an appointment.
4.  Check your pet's collar to be sure that it still fits; not too tight or too loose. And check that their ID or microchip information is correct. it's easy to change phone numbers (or move) and forget to update your pets records.
So now that we've looked a few of the ways that we can help our pets stay safe and be healthier, let's look at a few ways that our pets make us better.
1. With pets, we get sick less often. Pets are covered with diverse bacteria which actually helps humans build up immunity. One study found that "dog-related biodiversity" is especially high on pillowcases. And rather than make humans sick, it actually helps them to stay healthier. People with dogs seem to get ill less frequently and less severely than people—especially children—with cats or no pets.
2.  Pets give humans better heart health. Just the act of petting your pouch or cat helps to lower heart rate and blood pressure. pets lower the risk of suffering from coronary heart disease.  Pet owners are more likely to have lower cholesterol levels and are more likely to survive a heart attack.
3.  Dog owners get more exercise. playing with your dog is fun and keeps humans active. Dog enjoy getting out for a walk or run and thus, their owners are more likely to spend time outdoors with them. 
4.  Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than are non-pet owners. Even for those people who are clinically depressed, having a pet to take care of can help them out of a depressive episode.
5.  Dog ownership makes humans more social. Not only does dog ownership indirectly tell others that you're trustworthy, but your trusty companion can also help facilitate friendships and social networks. One 2015 study found that dogs can be both the catalyst for sparking new relationships and also the means for keeping social networks thriving. One study even showed that those with dogs also had closer and more supportive relationships with the people in their lives.
6.  Kids with pets are more empathetic. A 2017 study of 1000 kids ages 7 to 12, found that pet attachment of any kind encouraged compassion and positive attitudes toward animals, which promoted better well-being for both the child and the pet.
7.  The purring of a cat is one of the most comforting sounds in the world. That sound has actually been found to facilitate therapeutic healing of human bones and muscles. 
​8.  Pets help humans sleep better. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine was able to confirm those findings: 41 percent of the people in that study indicated that they slept better because of their pet, while only 20 percent said that it led to disturbances.
9.  Dogs can detect cancer. Your dog could save your life one day: It seems that your canine friends have the ability to smell cancer in the human body. Stories abound of owners whose dogs kept sniffing or licking a mole or lump on their body so they got it checked out, discovering it was cancerous. Dogs are now being trained to work in the medical field as cancer detectors!
10.  Both cats and dogs can help reduce allergies in children. Babies under a year old who were exposed to dogs or cats were less likely to develop all kinds of allergies. Doctors at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that high pet exposure early in life appears to protect against not only pet allergy but also other types of common allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, ragweed, and grass.
National Pet Day was founded by celebrity Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige in 2005. If you'd like to learn more about this special day, check out http://petdayusa.com/. How can you celebrate this day? You can start off doing the four pet health and safety checks at the beginning of the blog. You can also take supplies to those pets in shelters and/or help a friend with pets who is recovering from an illness. Adopt a pet. Use #NationalPetDay on social media.
​Please come back again tomorrow for another of my Fridays in April look at spring flowers. Tomorrow's focus will be on the always-gorgeous daffodil. See you then!
                                                        Please be kind to all animals.
                                                                        PEACE.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/51153/10-benefits-being-dog-owner
https://www.goodnet.org/articles/7-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-being-cat-owner

Ahhhh, it's Wednesday morning. I was up with the birds and had gotten a bunch of tasks accomplished, including preparing breakfast for myself and Dharma, well before he showed up for my weekly lesson.
I retrieved the muffins from the oven and as I poured the tea, Dharma began to speak, "This is indeed a lovely breakfast, my boy. Simple yet satisfying. And it's the perfect lead-in for your lesson today. Tadpole, a frog's greatest treasures are simplicity, patience, and compassion. I know that these probably aren't what most humans would think of as great treasures. But if they understood the reasons why they are truly gifts, they might be inclined to appreciate them a little more. Now I'm not saying that as a species, we frogs always appreciate them so that is why I'm giving you a short lesson today on why everyone should treasure them." I admit I do take these things for granted and so I was eager to learn more from the master, himself.
Dharma began with simplicity. "A wise human once said that the only way to figure out what is important is to get rid of everything that isn't. But getting rid of "stuff" isn't always so easy to do. But paring down our belongs, our beliefs, and our attitudes makes way for a simpler, less complicated life. It's been said a million times, and it's still true; less is more. A great purge doesn't have to happen all in one day. It's a goal. Work toward it at a pace that is comfortable and freeing." Dharma reminded me that simplicity is not sacrifice. It isn't meant to be a "project in suffering." It is, though, a way for all of us to determine what is important in life. And simplicity won't look the same for everyone. It's personal. The object, however, is always the same; to make life easier, better, and more fulfilling. Simplicity has a way of changing you from the inside out. Simplicity removes a lot of layers and connects each of us to what is important to us. Simplicity makes you more open-minded. Once you quit trying to "keep up with the Jones" you become more open to change. You find new ways (and not new things) to make life interesting and pleasurable. And those new ways won't wind up in your closet covered with dust and forgotten in a few months. And, finally, simplicity isn't a competition. You can live simply and still have more stuff than your simple-living neighbor. it's about finding what works for you and what makes you the happiest.
Next, Dharma explained the value of patience. And this is something I know I need LOTS more of! "In this modern age, most of us have forgotten to be patient and get irritated very quickly over minor things like a traffic jam, stock market ups and downs, a baby crying and such things. In fact, patience is a virtue that everybody must possess. Patience makes us better frogs and better humans." Patience shapes your inborn abilities and transforms them into real achievements. Meaningful relationships require patience. And patience helps us become more empathetic. Building empathy towards others is very important if you want to live a hassle-free life; to feel kinder toward the crying baby and the distracted driver who inadvertently cuts you off. We've all been there and patience helps us remember that. Patience helps us to acquire a more positive attitude. "If things are not going the way you want them to, instead of getting frustrated,  you must learn to be patient. You need to see things and situations in a positive light to make your life happier. And to get that positivity, you need to be patient." And, too, patience makes us healthier. Stress isn't good for anyone. We've all read about how too much and prolonged stress is the basis of most dis-eases. Patience is the antidote. "Being patient, you can overcome any challenging situation with more flexibility and in a better way. Being stress-free and happy helps you stay you healthier." Our final gift is, of course, compassion.
"Irwin, my boy, it is said that compassion is the most powerful force on earth. It can defeat indifference, intolerance, and injustice. It is able to replace judgment with acceptance because it makes no distinction between age, ethnicity, gender or disability. It freely embraces the rich diversity of humanity by treating everyone as equals. It benefits both those who receive it and those who share it. Every person on earth desires it, and every human being deserves it. Society cannot function without compassion." So what is compassion? Dharma believes that it is the ability to give; of oneself, of one's talents and abilities, and to give of one's time. it is the commitment to put another's needs above your own. Compassion is the bond that unites us all. And while we may not believe it, we all have an endless supply of compassion. As Buddha said, "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of that candle will not be diminished." The same is true of love and compassion which, of course, are the same thing. It is impossible to love someone and not have compassion for them. Each of us can make meaningful changes in the world with simple, small acts of compassion. "The willingness to share ourselves without thought for what we might get in return is the true nature of compassion. It’s when it is least expected that compassion often produces its most dramatic results. And isn't that the greatest gift of all?" "Yes, Teacher, it is. Thank you for showing me why simplicity, patience, and compassion are the greatest treasures any of us have. With your permission, Sir, I want to share this with my readers. I think humans need to learn this lesson, too. The human world can look pretty ugly these days. But living simply, compassionately, and with patience might help to heal a great many of their wounds."
This was, indeed, a very special lesson from my wise and dear friend, The Dharma Frog. It is my desire to share it with you in the hope that it can help you to live a better, more meaningful, and simpler life.
Please join me back here tomorrow for a salute to pets in honor of National Pet Day.
                                                                         PEACE.

https://bemorewithless.com/simpletruth/
​https://www.wisdomtimes.com/blog/importance-of-patience-in-life/
http://www.meadowsoklahoma.com/_blog/The_Meadows_Blog/post/the-power-of-compassion/

Don't you just hate it when you say something only to realize, too late, that you've used the wrong word? No one likes to feel silly. That's why Irwin's coming to your rescue! Today I have a few commonly misused words so you never have to make a "faux pas" again.
It's not uncommon for words to change their meaning over the years. That can often be mean using a word that you think means one thing but your listener thinks it means something else.
Here are five words that might not mean what you think they so.
1.  Most of us believe that figuratively is the opposite of literally.  Literally means in a literal or strict sense. But many speakers today use the word in a quite unliteral way; they use it as an intensifier. "Although most dictionaries recognize the contrary uses of the word, many usage authorities argue that the hyperbolic sense of literally has eroded, well, it's literal meaning."
2. The next word is one that lately is being used more and more these days, although it still isn't used in common conversation. If someone showers you with fulsome praise...it that a good thing? Fulsome, in its traditional sense means "offensively flattering or insincere." In that regard, fulsome has a negative connotation. But in recent years, fulsome has picked up the more complimentary meaning of "full," "generous," or "abundant." So which one is correct? "Guardian Style (2007), the usage guide for writers on England's Guardian newspaper, describes fulsome as "another example of a word that is almost never used correctly." The adjective means "cloying, excessive, disgusting by excess," says editor David Marsh, 'and is not, as some appear to believe, a clever word for full.'"  That being said, you'll hear and read it being used both ways...even within the pages of the Guardian. To be absolutely correct, it is suggested that you use the word to mean offensive or insincere flattery.
3.  Next up, we'll unravel the meaning of raveling. "As he spoke to the jury, his alibi began unraveling." If the meaning of unraveling is to become untied or untangled, then raveling must mean the opposite, right? The answer is yes. And no. The word ravel is both an antonym (opposite meaning) and a synonym (same meaning) for unravel. What? How can that be? Ravel is derived from the Dutch word for "a loose thread." Ravel can mean either to tangle or untangle, to complicate or clarify. Ravel is considered a Janus word...words that have contradictory meanings. And that probably helps to explain why ravel is so rarely used: you never know if it's coming together or falling apart!
4.  Peruse is another example of a Janus word. Since the Middle Ages, the word peruse has meant to read or examine, usually with great care. I can hear you saying, "Irwin, we all know that peruse means to skim over your reading." In fact, you may be perusing this blog right now. But that's the funny thing about peruse. Somewhere along the line, peruse went from its traditional meaning of reading carefully to meaning skimming or scanning. That makes it another example of a Janus word. So while most dictionaries don't yet list peruse with both meanings, if enough people continue to use to mean read quickly or to skim over something, the new inverted definition will be listed along with the more traditional one.
And finally, our last word.
5.  Writers like unique words like plethora, for instance. Most non-writers do not. But just in case you want to add this word to your daily vocabulary, you might want to know exactly what is a plethora?  It is a Greek and Latin hand-me-down word that undergone an amelioration. Huh? That means it's undergone an "upgrade" in meaning. A kind of word 2.0, if you will. In years past, the word plethora meant overabundance or unhealthy excess of something. Today's more common usage, plethora is used as a non-judgemental synonym for having a large quantity of something; a plethora of apples or, in my case, flies would be a good thing!
That concludes today's English lesson. I hope you found it as interesting as I did. Words are pretty cool little things. I mean, where would humans be without them? You'd probably still drawing pictures on walls instead of having meaningful conversations. And I sure wouldn't be typing this blog!
Please stop back by tomorrow for my weekly life lesson from Dharma Frog. I suspect it'll be something special. Until then, happy wordsmithing.
                                                                         PEACE.

​Nordquist, Richard. "5 Words That Don't Mean What You Think They Mean." ThoughtCo, Dec. 5, 2018, thoughtco.com/do-words-mean-what-you-think-1692794.

I love Mondays. I see each one as a new opportunity. But not everybody feels the same way I do. Many frogs, humans, too, anticipate them with dread. That's why having a Monday holiday, when you least expect it, makes the beginning of the new work week feel special. And today falls into that category. The 8th of April each year is National All Is Ours Day and it is perfect that this year it falls on a Monday. 
All Is Ours Day can mean different things to different folks but for me, it means that the really important things in life belong to us; not just to me or you, but all of us. The Earth and all its resources belong not just to a few select humans but to every living thing. And All Is Ours Day is an opportunity to share that bounty with the ones we love. Today is also about making every day a special day. When you get the opportunity to spend time in Nature with friends and family...doesn't that make the day feel special? Or when you share experiences with friends, like watching a movie or cooking a meal together...don't those times also feel kind of special? But what about your average day, the days when you go to work or to school and have errands or chores to do? Shouldn't those days be special, too? I think so.  If you need some help coming up with ways to make Monday, or any day special, here are a few ideas that might help inspire you.
1.  Have an epic attitude. Every single day is ours;  a chance to embrace a new experience and live out the life of our dreams. Come to understand, and know in your heart (and brain) that yesterday's circumstances have nothing to do with today. So while you might be stuck in commuter traffic, don't fret over it, use that time to plan something fun or to think about your upcoming vacation. Heck, think about your dog or your cat and how happy they are to see you...every single time you walk through the door. Think happy thoughts. They make the waiting time more pleasurable and it's amazing the stuff you can accomplish mentally!
2.  Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Give yourself time to ease into your morning. There's nothing more stressful (and useless) than rushing around in trying to get out of the door on time. Use your extra time to read, do some stretching exercises or a little yoga, meditate, prepare breakfast...You can do a lot in 30 minutes!
3.  Complete one "high-level" task each day. And the earlier in the day you can get it done, the better. The key word is completion. It harnesses the momentum that can carry you along throughout your day. 
4.  Craft a plan. Don't plan your day down to the millisecond, but do sketch out a list of the things that need to be accomplished. If feels good to check things off that list. 
5.  Turn up the music you love. Listening to a few of your favorite tunes makes everything more fun. Whether you are in your car, at the gym, or doing the laundry...music makes us happy. it makes us feel good. can you imagine a party without music? Neither can I. Want to make each day feel more like a party? Just add a little music!
6.  Use the power of gratitude. Any time you can truly, authentically dig deep and find all the amazing things in your life you can be grateful for, your internal and external state will shift and you will be open to receive more.
7.  Lift others up with an abundance mentality. Send a few kind messages, texts, notes, tweets, and handwritten cards, whatever it may be to other people. Lifting others up helps to lift ourselves us. Be the sunshine in someone else's cloudy day and you'll find that the sun will shine a little brighter in your own world.
​8.  Each day, have one meaningful conversation. Every single day, have a deep, meaningful conversation with someone in which you both truly connect. To establish a connection that goes deeper than the surface area requires vulnerability and letting your guard down; that means telling someone how you really feel, unveiling a belief or a challenge and simply being real.
9.  Perform a random act of kindness. Every day we encounter opportunities to help someone out, yet a lot of times we stop ourselves short. Why? There's never usually a good reason. So starting today and every day, perform a random act of kindness. it can be as simple as holding open a door, letting a car cut in front of you, giving a big smile to an elder at the grocery store. Or telling a silly joke to a little kid who's fussing. Take a moment to treat others the way you want others to treat you.
10.  Laugh really hard. Embracing humor is essential to not taking yourself too seriously. Find the comedic angle in situations that, at first, don't seem too funny. If you look, you'll find one. Surround yourself with others who make you laugh. Having a lightheartedness about life is crucial to feeling amazing.
The beauty of nature, the laughter of children, music, kindness, and too many others to mention...are all ours. They don't discriminate between rich and poor, young or old, black or white (or green). National All Is Ours Day can be looked at as a time to reflect on all of the beauty of nature and all the wonderful things in life.  All the natural wonders of the world are there for all to enjoy.  Become aware of all of the beauty in your surroundings.  All of these spectacular gifts we have been given are shared by all. National All Is Ours Day is a day to appreciate everything we have. We shouldn't dwell on what we don’t have.  All that we have is a blessing, and our lives are a blessing. Use #NationalAllIsOursDay to post your special moments on all your social media.
Please stop back by tomorrow for a look at a few common words that we commonly misuse. Don't you just hate it when you do that? Tomorrow's blog can help.
                                                                All Is Ours Day. 

https://blog.livewell360.com/blog/21-ways-make-every-day-special-day
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-all-is-ours-day-april-8/

I love Mondays. I see each one as a new opportunity. But not everybody feels the same way I do. Many frogs, humans, too, anticipate them with dread. That's why having a Monday holiday, when you least expect it, makes the beginning of the new work week feel special. And today falls into that category. The 8th of April each year is National All Is Ours Day and it is perfect that this year it falls on a Monday. 
All Is Ours Day can mean different things to different folks but for me, it means that the really important things in life belong to us; not just to me or you, but all of us. The Earth and all its resources belong not just to a few select humans but to every living thing. And All Is Ours Day is an opportunity to share that bounty with the ones we love. Today is also about making every day a special day. When you get the opportunity to spend time in Nature with friends and family...doesn't that make the day feel special? Or when you share experiences with friends, like watching a movie or cooking a meal together...don't those times also feel kind of special? But what about your average day, the days when you go to work or to school, and have errands or chores to do? Shouldn't those days be special, too? I think so.  If you need some help coming up with ways to make Monday, or any day special, here are a few ideas that might help inspire you.
1.  Have an epic attitude. Every single day is ours;  a chance to embrace a new experience and live out the life of our dreams. Come to understand, and know in your heart (and brain) that yesterday's circumstances have nothing to do with today. So while you might be stuck in commuter traffic, don't fret over it, use that time to plan something fun or to think about your upcoming vacation. Heck, think about your dog or your cat and how how happy they are to see you...every single time you walk through the door. Think happy thoughts. They make the waiting time more pleasurable and it's amazing the stuff you can accomplish mentally!
2.  Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Give yourself time to ease into your morning. There's nothing more stressful (and useless) than rushing around in trying to get out of the door on time. Use your extra time to read, do some stretching exercises or a little yoga, meditate, prepare breakfast...You can do a lot in 30 minutes!
3.  Complete one "high-level" task each day. And the earlier in the day you can get it done, the better. The key word is completion. It harnesses the momentum that can carry you along throughout your day. 
4.  Craft a plan. Don't plan your day down the the millisecond, but do sketch out a list of the the things that need to be accomplished. If feels good to check things off that list. 
5.  Turn up the music you love. Listening to a few of your favorite tunes makes everything more fun. Whether your in the car, at the gym, or doing the laundry...music makes us happy. it makes us feel good. can you imagine a party without music? Neither can I. Make everyday a party with music.
6.  Use the power of gratitude. Any time you can truly, authentically dig deep and find all the amazing things in your life you can be grateful for, your internal and external state will shift and you will be open to receive more.
7.  Lift others up with an abundance mentality. Send a few kind messages, texts, notes, tweets, and handwritten cards, whatever it may be to other people. Lifting others up helps to lift ourselves us. Be the sunshine in someone else's cloudy day and you'll find that the sun will shine a little brighter in your own world.
​8.  

Happy Friday! We've made it through another week. For me, it's gone by rather quickly. Hope 'bout for you?
As I promised yesterday, starting today and each Friday through Good Friday, I'll be bringing you Fun Flower Facts about a few of spring's most beloved flowers. I'm beginning this mini-series with the vibrant and happy tulip.
Here are ten weird and wonderful facts about tulips that you might not know.
1.  The number of varieties. Tulips can be divided into about 150 various species, but there are more than 3,000 naturally occurring and genetically cultivated varieties of the flower worldwide. New varieties of tulips are regularly created, but it takes each one at least 20 years to go from the beginning stages of cultivation to your local florist's shop.
2.  The symbolism of tulips.  Tulips have a wide variety of meanings, with each color symbolizing something different. In general, tulips are said to symbolize love and signal spring's arrival. Red tulips represent true love, white tulips say "I'm sorry," and purple tulips symbolize royalty. Interestingly, a multi-colored bouquet of the blossoms is said to be a compliment of the recipient's eyes. The flower is also the symbol of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. A variety of tulip was actually named after James Parkinson, the doctor for which the degenerative disease is named. The foundation began using the flower in 1980. 
3.  The price of a flower. At one point in history, tulips were the most expensive flower. In fact, in the 1600s the flowers were more valuable than most people's homes, and cost almost 10 times what an average working-class man earned in a year. Wow! I'm so happy the price of tulips have come down...aren't you? It's hard for me to imagine the Easter season with loads of tulips brightening up my lily pad.
4.  Perfect symmetry.  Tulips are known for their bold colors and beautiful shape, and most varieties are indeed almost perfectly symmetrical. The blooms have three petals and three sepals, but since the sepals are almost the same size and shape as the petals, tulips appear to have six petals to a bulb.
5.  Cook with tulips.  Like many other flowers, tulips are edible! In fact, during World War II, tulips and tulip breads were often eaten by those who couldn't afford other foods. The flowers can be used to replace onions in many recipes and are even used to make wine. Really, tulip wine? Who knew?
​6.  Holland's export. When we think of tulips, we can't help but think of Holland. But did you know that the Netherlands are the largest producer and exporter of tulips worldwide? The grow and export nearly three billion bulbs each year! At one point in Holland's history, tulips were its fourth biggest export, behind cheese, gin and herring.
7.  The meaning of a name. Tulips' shapes are what originally gave them their name. The name originated from the Persian word "delband," meaning turban.  I always wondered about that. I kind of figured it wasn't because they looked like "two lips." So good to have the real reason.
8. The lily family.  The beautiful flowers are actually related to another popular spring flower: the lily. Tulips are a part of the Liliaceae family, which also contains lilies, onions, garlic and asparagus.  Onions, garlic, and asparagus? Okay, so now this is getting weird!
9.  Tulip mania. During the 1600s when tulips were extremely valuable they caused what's now known as "Tulip Mania." People in the Netherlands traded tulips for their value, and the flowers actually ended up causing what some say is the first economic crash likely due, in actuality, to the bubonic plague. 
10. Queen of the night. Tulips are known for their bright and sunny colors, and they have actually been cultivated in every color except for classic blue (blue tulips exist, but they have a purplish tint). One of the most interesting colors of a tulip variety is the deep purple of the Queen of the Night tulip. The flower is so dark it appears black in some lights and is quickly gaining popularity for its unique hue. 
​Tulips are bright and cheery and clearly remind us that spring has sprung. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, why not check out the tulips growing near you? But whatever your plans are, I hope you can spend a little time outdoors with family or friends. There's no season like spring to visit your your Mother....Mother Nature, that is!
Stay safe and please come back on Monday.
                                                                        PEACE

https://www.teleflora.com/blog/10-weird-facts-about-tulips/

Today is National Hug A Newsperson Day. I think it's only fitting that we take a moment to stop and appreciate what having a free press means. Reporters and news anchors don't always have an easy time of it, especially now. In 2018 alone, 80 journalists were killed worldwide. That's a staggering number! So while we may take having fair and honest news reporting for granted each day, let's take a look at what freedom of the press means.
No matter where you live, having a free press supports democracy. It allows citizens to keep informed on the current topics of the day and it also acts as a monitor for the actions of government at all levels. The United States is lucky enough to have the First Amendment that protects free speech and well as the right of the press to report the news without fear of government interference. It was once said "that the press to serve the governed, not the governors. " Other free democratic societies have similar statutes. 
In any government that is accountable to the people they serve, freedom of the press is critical. A free media serves as "a watchdog that can investigate and report on government wrongdoing." And while we'd all like to think that our elected officials are honest and do the right thing, we know that's not always the case. Thank goodness, then, for freedom of the press! Journalists, no matter their medium, offer a "vibrant marketplace of ideas, a vehicle for ordinary citizens to express themselves and gain exposure to a wide range of information and opinions." 
The rise of national security, as well as the abundance of new surveillance systems, have created challenges for the freedom of media. Government crackdown on whistleblowers, "targeting journalists to find their sources" has reached the highest levels in nearly a century. And in the face of a growing surveillance apparatus, journalists must go to new lengths to protect sources and, by extension, the public’s right to know. When press freedom is harmed, it is much harder to hold our government accountable when it missteps or overreaches. Yet, despite these hurdles, today's journalists continue to fight to bring fair and honest reporting the citizens they serve.
Today, no matter where you live, I suggest that you take a moment to really appreciate what having a free press means. Back in my earliest writing days, I wrote for a couple of Lily Pad newspapers. My articles were mostly "fluff" or human interest pieces, but I realized then how fortunate I was to be able to write what I wanted to without fear of being jailed...or WORSE!
So hats off to the journalists of the world. Today is YOUR day! if you'd like to send a note of thanks to your favorite journalist, please do so and use #HugANewspersonDay to post your thoughts and feelings about these hard-working folks on your social media sites.
Each Friday from now until Easter, I'll be bringing you some fun facts about spring's most popular flowers. We'll start tomorrow with tulips...one of my personal favorites! Until then I wish you 
                                                                         PEACE.

https://www.aclu.org/issues/free-speech/freedom-press

I woke up in an especially good mood this morning. The temperature was mild, the birds were singing and I was excited that Dharma Frog, my wise teacher, and mentor, would be here today for my lesson. After a quick morning dip to wash away the night's cobwebs, I prepared a nice breakfast and set the table. I even put a vase full of spring flowers on the table. As the tea was steeping, Dharma arrived at my pad. He, too, looked to be in an especially cheerful mood.
"Good morning, Irwin! What a lovely day this will be," chirped the wise old frog. "Yes, Sir, it is a beautiful morning. I'm really happy to see you. Please, come in. Breakfast is ready,"I replied as I ushered him over to the kitchen table. I continued, "I heard that we're expecting a shower later this afternoon. I hope there's a beautiful rainbow afterward, don't you? I just love rainbows! They're so full of hope and promise." Dharma poured us each a cup of tea and while I served breakfast, he said something interesting. "There are frogs who see rainbows as an artistic masterpiece in the sky, while others see it as a sign of hope. To many, it represents a sign of promise. I believe that is is all three. But there is also something else to consider. Tadpole, a frog can enjoy a rainbow without necessarily forgetting the forces that created it. This wasn't going to be my lesson today, but I think it might be good to talk about this since we're on the subject of rainbows." And so my lesson began.
"Irwin, I know you like to keep up with all things humans. So I'm guessing that you already know today is Find A Rainbow Day." I nodded yes and Dharma continued. "Rainbows mean many things to many humans. Some think they'll find a pot of gold or good fortune if they follow the rainbow to its end. Rainbows are, indeed, a masterpiece in the sky no matter what we think they mean. But seeing hope and promise in a rainbow shouldn't preclude us from remembering the storm that caused it." Dharma went to explain why we should live in the present but learn from our past mistakes....the storms, if you, will that created our pleasant circumstances today. Dharma, in all his wisdom, gave me a list of a few lessons we can take from the storm clouds that pass through our lives.
1.  Strengths that define us. The talents and abilities we use to navigate and provide value to this world define the lives we live and the change we can offer. And by recalling our strengths in the past, we can better recognize our opportunities in the present.
2.  Weaknesses that frustrate us. We all have weaknesses in personality and competence. When left unaddressed, these weaknesses limit our potential for impact and significance. Discover them. Recognize them. And learn to overcome them by seeking the help of others.
3.  Causes that energize us. Our lives find the greatest joy when we help others discover theirs. Which social causes have energized you in the past? What role were you able to fulfill in helping others? And how can similar pursuits bring new energy into your life today?
4.  Environments that derail us. The company we keep and the cultures we function in either bring us inspiration or derail our progress. Are there relationships in your past that continually brought you down and resulted in destructive decisions? If so, learn from your past to avoid them. 
5.  Habitats that invigorate us. Over the course of our lives, we employ a variety of disciplines to make the most of it. We discover a new diet, a new fitness practice, or a new morning routine. We experiment with them–some work, some don’t. Eventually, these new disciplines either become habits or they fade from our memory. Look back. Recognize the habits that brought energy, health, and invigoration into your life. And embrace them again.
6.  Pursuits that distract us. Ultimately, the decisions we make with the resources we’ve been given determine the life we end up living. Most of the resources we have at our personal disposal are finite and limited, such as time, energy, and money. By definition, the allocation of them toward one pursuit limits the number of resources we have available towards others. It is wise to recognize the subtle pursuits that routinely distract you from the truest desires of your heart.
7.  Addictions that control us. Humans and frogs, too, often give control of our most precious asset to another. We fall under the influence of substances, possessions, or entertainment. And when we do, our life is no longer our own. Identify the recurring controlling substances (addictions) in your life and humbly seek the help needed to remove their influence over you.
8.  Learning styles that suit us. We all learn differently. Some are visual learners, some are verbal, some learn best in a group setting, while others learn best alone. Your learning style is as unique to you as your fingerprint. The important thing is to recognize and understand what style suits you best. This life ought to be filled with constant learning… and the sooner we recognize how we learn best, the sooner we’ll begin to grow in it. And finally,
9.  Motivations that compel us. Deep in our heart, our motivation runs supreme. It determines the decisions we make, the use of our time, and the words we choose to use. Understanding our deepest motivations is a difficult task. It requires stillness, patience, and consistent self-evaluation. But the more we discover why we do the things we do, the easier it is for us to make the most of the present we are living in today.
Irwin, let me conclude our lesson for the week with this thought. While we must never let our past control our present or our future. They are merely storm clouds meant to help fully appreciate the rainbows they appear. We mustn't forget that rainbows aren't permanent. And neither are the storm clouds. They work in concert with each other to teach us valuable lessons. If it weren't for our troubling times, we couldn't fully appreciate the beauty of our lives. Each one is necessary for the other to exist.
Whether you are experiencing rainbows or storm clouds in your life right now, I hope that Dharma's lesson today was beneficial; enjoy the beautiful rainbow but don't lose sight of what caused it.
Please stop back by tomorrow for a look at freedom of the press in honor of National Hug A Newsperson Day. Until then, I wish you PEACE. (And a big, bright, beautiful rainbow!)

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-find-a-rainbow-day-april-3/
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/learn-always/

If you live in the United States, today (April 2nd) is National Equal Pay Day. If you don't live in the US, gender equality and pay equality are still important issues. I thought we might take a look at why equal pay and gender equality are topics worth discussing.
Why is the second of April designated as Equal Pay Day? This is the date that symbolizes how far into the new year women must work to earn what men earned last year; women must work 15 months and 2 days to earn the same amount as men do in twelve. Equal Pay Day originated back in 1996 as a way to focus attention on the gap between what men and women earn each year. Here we are in 2019, 23 years later, and there is STILL inequality. And the wage gap between men and women of color is even greater. But progress is being made, thankfully. The question remains, though, why are we even still needing to talk about this? Haven't humans evolved enough to realize that work is work...no matter who performs it?
Let's take a look at gender equality as an issue and why treating both sexes the same is not just the right thing to do, but it is also the smart thing to do. "Gender equality is a human right. Women are entitled to live with dignity and with freedom from want and from fear. Gender equality is also a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty: Empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of whole families and communities, and they improve prospects for the next generation. Still, despite solid evidence demonstrating the centrality of women’s empowerment to realizing human rights, reducing poverty, promoting development and addressing the world’s most urgent challenges, gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise."
Did you know that women make up two-thirds of all illiterate people in the world or that less than ten percent of all world leaders are women? That is what gender inequality looks like. It means women work longer to earn what men earn. In many places, there are fewer jobs that are available to women. We can look at a long list of statistics and say this is what gender inequality looks like. But inequality of any kind is far more than just statistics. In real terms, gender inequality is a huge issue on the local, national, and global levels. "Not only does it affect the lives of individual men and women, but the inequality between genders also stunts economic growth and hinders development." When women earn less money everybody loses.
Gender equality has been conclusively shown to stimulate economic growth, which is crucial for developing countries. In industrialized countries, gender equality offers more workers to fill the jobs created by new technologies. The World Bank has reported that as many as 2.7 billion women worldwide are prevented BY LAW from working in certain jobs. In eighteen countries, men can legally forbid their wives from working.  On top of these huge obstacles, women also face sexual harassment, expected gender roles, and carrying out the majority of unpaid care work and performing arduous chores like carrying water for the family. And when women do work, on average, they earn only 77 cents for every dollar that men earn. This amounts to $160 trillion in lost income potential!
When women work, they invest as much as ninety percent of their earned wages back into their families while men invest about thirty-five percent. "Because of this, when women earn more income, the health and education of their children improve. The UN states that women’s education is a crucial factor in cutting child mortality rates. When women are excluded from working, economies are restricted and poverty continues its cruel cycle. 
No matter where you live gender equality, including pay equality, is essential for the world to move forward in a positive and sustainable way. So how can you celebrate National Equal Pay Day? Stand up for gender equality and equal pay whenever/wherever you can. And wear red today to show how far "in the red" women are when it comes to equal pay for equal work. And don't forget to use #EqualPayDay on all your social media.
Tomorrow is Wednesday and that means a visit...and lesson...from my wise teacher The Dharma Frog. I know you won't want to miss that one! Until then, dear reader, I wish you
                                                                       PEACE.

 https://www.pay-equity.org/day.html
https://www.gvi.co.uk/blog/why-is-gender-equality-important/

Happy April everyone! April first, or April Fool's Day, is considered to be one of the most light-hearted days of the year with all kinds of mischievous pranks being played on unsuspecting friends, family, and coworkers. April Fool's Day is all about foolishness and rarely does anyone get offended when they get caught up in another's playful prank. But what do we really know about the day and its origins? I'm here to help answer some of those questions for you.
1. When did April Fool's Day begin? There are lots of theories but none that have been confirmed. One of the more popular beliefs is that it dates back to 1582 when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Since news was slow to travel in those days, many folks didn't know that the start of the new year had been switched from April first to January first. So New years' parties and shenanigans were going on in full force the last week of March, ending on April 1. When these "party animals" were made aware that they'd been celebrating nothing, they became the butt of jokes and hoaxes, effectively becoming the first "fools" of April first.
2. Another possible origin is that it was meant to be a day to cleanse your mind of evil thoughts with laughter and the celebration of life.
3. It may sound a little fishy. But the French celebrate April Fools' Day by sticking a paper fish on the back of an unsuspecting person then yelling, "April Fish!" This may seem a little childish, but also exciting and fun, am I right? Ya gotta love the French.
4. A wicked sense of humor. According to Scotland history, they used to call the April Fool’s Day as ‘Hunt the Gowk Day.’ Gowk or gawk means a fool. A person is sent to deliver a message to another by someone who wants to fool the messenger. The message used to convey the receiver to send another similar message to someone else by the foolish messenger. The game used to continue until the messenger realized that he is being fooled.
5. Even the normally staid BBC got into it. On April Fool's Day, 1976, The BBC convinced many listeners that a special alignment of the planets would temporarily decrease gravity on Earth. Phone lines were flooded with callers who claimed to have experienced the effect!
6. A limited time offer. Some countries allow pranks to be played only until noon on April Fool's Day. 
7. The BBC did it again. This time in 2008, the BBC telecasted news saying penguins in Antarctica started flying. It’s not just that! It stated that those penguins had flown to South America’s tropical rainforests. Who knew that the BBC could be so funny?
8. There are endless possibilities. In Scotland, people celebrate two days as fools’ days! The second is called “Taily day,” in which people play pranks only using one’s back part. That is they stick papers saying, “Kick me” and so on to one’s back and enjoy! maybe the Scots should team up with the French for this one.
9. Need vacation plans? A travel site once announced on April first that it’s offering a trip to Mars for a specified period! A trip to the angry red planet is appealing, but the announcement date would have been checked if not the authenticity!
10. Fools mail? Google launched Gmail on the eve of April fool’s day, and everyone thought that it was a prank due to its unbelievably good features! But the company really launched the mail king of today! makes me wonder if this was done intentionally or didn't the marketing people think it all the way through? And finally,
11. Celebrating on another day. In many traditions, people do not follow the fool’s day on the first of April, but they do follow it on a different day! What’s in a date? Not much when it comes to fooling and fun!
Happy Monday and Happy April Fool's Day! Enjoy your day and, if I were you, I might keep checking my back...just in case a fish shows up.
Please join me back here tomorrow for a look at gender equality. Until then I wish you
                                                                        PEACE.

https://ohfact.com/interesting-facts-about-april-fools-day/