In politics it is said, that when not fueled by hope there is a vacuum for fear to fill. Since artists turn to the muses, Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, Ourania and Calliope we are exploring what they can offer us for inspiration to have the hope fueling politics.
“Hope is a roving gypsy 
With laughter on her tongue,
And the blue sky and sunshine
Alone, can keep her young;
And year by year she lingers
Under a budding tree…”
~Dora Read Goodale, "The Chorus," in Country Life in America: A Magazine for the Home-maker, the Vacation-seeker, the Gardener, the Farmer, the Nature-teacher, the Naturalist, April 1902
“The wings of hope carry us, soaring high above the driving winds of life.”
~Ana Jacob
Let us first turn to Calliope (justice):
A man is free after over 45 years. See how artists helped make a difference. (text and video-hanky alert)
http://www.upworthy.com/a-man-is-free-after-over-45-years-see-how-artists-helped-make-a-difference?c=upw1
and more justice:
Judge Says Army Can’t Require Special Testing of Sikh Officer
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/05/us/sikh-army-captain-beard-turban.html?_r=3
Gives me a bit more hope, how about you?
Maybe Erato would see this as created from love:
A soup kitchen disguised as a restaurant is making a big difference in Kansas City.
Do you think so?
Now to Clio (history):
Maya Angelou wrote incredible poetry. But here are 9 things you might not know she did.
http://www.upworthy.com/maya-angelou-wrote-incredible-poetry-but-here-are-9-things-you-might-not-know-she-did?c=upw1
She gives me hope, how about you?
And then to Terpsichore (education):
See adorable photos of 7 'forest schools' from around the country.
http://www.upworthy.com/see-adorable-photos-of-7-forest-schools-from-around-the-country?c=upw1
Sounds promising to me, how about you?
On to Thalia (comedy-video)
"Trumped" Starring Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane (video)
http://kpdailyfunnies.blogspot.com/2016/03/trumped-starring-matthew-broderick-and.html#.VtV_t5MrI1g
Sometimes I need to laugh to keep from crying—will this do?
On to Erato (love -hat tip Joanne):
Young Boy Uses His Birthday Party To Help Animals
http://blog.theanimalrescuesite.com/cs-birthday-boy-help/
One youngster giving me hope, how about you?
Next, who would claim this one?
For the first time ever, refugees will make up an entire team at the Olympic Games.
If they kept their dreams alive, cannot we do likewise?
Finally, who would claim this one?
Watching This Porcupine Taste a Pumpkin is Why World Is Going to Be Okay Today (text and video)
http://www.motherjones.com/mixed-media/2014/10/watching-porcupine-taste-pumpkin-why-world-going-be-okay-today
Thank you dear reader for joining me on this journey of discovery and quest for hope.
12 Responses to “Monday Morning Musings March 7, 2016”
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Cross posted to Care2 at:
http://www.care2.com/news/member/663679641/3961859
Calliope – I am sitting here reading this Upworthy article, and listeningto "Praise Ye The Lord" (Scott Cumberbatch) being sung by the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir. Is there such a thing as more hope than one person can stand?
Calliope 2 – I said when I first saw this story that I suspect the Army's major problem is that he is so handsome and manly looking in his beard and turban, they are afraid he will make all the white guys look like library paste by comparison. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Glad he has backing.
Erato – They are giving more than food. They are giving dignity.
Clio – And she was on Sesame Street. (My personel mantra is you're no one until you've been on Sesame Street.)
Thalia – And shortly after I saw this, I saw a clip of "Springtime for Hitler." Maybe not loud cheers, but certainly much laughter.
Erato 2 – Why, thank you – I never expect a h/t when I know you saw it yourself first. You are very generous and gracious.
Refugees – Maybe not a Muse, but the patron god of the Olympics, namely Zeus?
Teddy – Not just tasting it, but SAYING it. Hermes was the god of speech.
Thanks for the proper names!
I never thought I would live to hear a porcupine say "pumpkin!" We live and learn. I don't know if those suggestions are quite right or complete, but at least they are suggestions.
Like Oscar Hammerstein II penned in "Oklahoma" …
True–dining with dignity…I've seen pieces where 5 star chefs do white table cloth meal for the homeless, too with many diners saying they've never before had some of the menu items.
Calliope2: The Army should relax on these rules, as it is profiling. I want to say that the Navy has implemented some new regs for this. Whether by race, religion or creed, it's still discrimination. I would think they need to get on board. Now!
Erato: What a thoughtful and caring work of Love! ''Dining with Dignity''. Love it!
Clio: Dr. Angelou was a phenomenal woman, and the world loved her. This famous activist-writer has been awarded the ‘Lincoln Medal’ and ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’ in the 2000s. She has also received honorary degrees from more than fifty educational institutions.
Terpsichore: I wish more 'forest schools' would be adopted around the country. What a great idea, and the kids love it!
Thalia: Classic, and a talented team, Broderick & Lane.
Erato 2: Thank you, JL/Joanne for this awesome article. A couple years back, my g-daughter did this with some of her birthday money to donate to the local Animal Shelter. We, as a family volunteer there. It's a win-win for the kids and animals!!
MJ: Aww…I want one! He's adorable! And his chatter….priceless!
Thank you JL, for your Musings this morning.
I think the article said the video was taken somewhere in Texas–if it's your part of Texas, maybe one will visit your yard and you could provide the pumpkin feast for a repeat performance!
Anolther "interesting" thing WRT Maya Angelou is that NINE Rethuglicans voted AGAINST having a Post Office named for her.
Their hate & bigotry know no bounds.
One of those "Forest Schools" was in Owings Mills, MD. I can remember watching Louis Rukeyser's "Wall Street Week in Review" on PBS that came from Owings Mills, MD.
That's a lot of good news, Judi!
Calliope2: The Sikh have served in the British Indian Army and the British Army for a long time. They are greatly respected as soldiers and the British army has no problem with their hear, turban and beard. It really looks like the US army saw a chance to do some free testing of their gear.
Erato: That food looks so healthy and delicious I'd prefer it over any food court meal any time. I think people who eat in this "soup kitchen" eat healthier than most. So they're not only treated like a person should be treated, someone is watching over their health too! Excellent.
Clio: This is not for the over-protective parents who bundle their kids up in layers of clothing, kill every germ in and around their kids and never let them out of their sights for a minute. But a lot healthier though.
Thalia: Oh yes, that certainly got me laughing again. Thanks for that Judi, I was in dire need of that.
Erato: What a heartwarming story. Kudos to Dalton's parents who raised such a kind and wonderful child.
?: A splendid initiative by the IOC (I must admit I'm pleasantly surprised to hear this idea stems from Bach). Refugees had to leave everything behind when they fled their country: their home, their family, their animals, their livelihood and also their dreams and opportunities. I hope a lot more than 5-10 athletes are able to make the team if the circumstances they live in, and not train, are taken in consideration.
?? I've seen the video of this aptly named porcupine before, but that certainly didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying to see, and hear, him munch through a pumpkin again. Teddy Bear the quil-less porcupine is the acme of cuteness.
Thanks again, Judi.
Thanks for sharing the British Armies perspective and letting me know you did laugh.