in time for mother's day...

[Tom Yum]

In the words of A. Lincoln (1809-1865)

"Whatever woman may cast her lot with mine, should any ever do so, it is my intention to do all in my power to make her happy and contented; and there is nothing I can imagine that would make me more unhappy than to fail in the effort".


It is less about satisfying the desire for material things or feeding the ego and more about genuine fondness for the happiness of others. Love is not selfish. What good comes from ONE day of giving with a goal of seduction in mind?

It may provide some temporary pleasure but it is empty and vain when compared to true love...

(In my humble opinion)

That's wonderful, Tant. I am humbled by your wisdom.

I think it takes a few years (25 or more) and a lot of backbone to arrive at an appreciation for true love.

I confess; I'm just a beginner but am enjoying every part of the journey.

[Tant01]

What about birthdays?

People like celebrating things in different ways. Of course patriotism does not equal fireworks and barbecues (for example) but what's wrong with different days acknowledging things? I don't think it's a big deal. And I wouldn't agree that the goal of Mother's Day is seduction, since it's usually celebrated by people and their moms. Also I think it's a false dichotomy, saying you have to choose between "true love" and celebrating days. Why not both?

Hehehe... Darn it. I was talking about Tom's post and his earlier refrence to the nature of "attractive" moms and how he would show his appreciation... might be considered goal oriented. Perhaps I'm simply projecting? I could be wrong...


What about birthdays? Is the anniversary of the birth of an individual cause for a celebration? It is steeped in (non christian) religious beliefs. From the cake itself to the candles to the gift giving. Again I would humbly offer that the day of ones death is more important than the day of a birth.

There are certainly significant events in history worth remembering but they mean little to me personally (with few exceptions...)

[Tant01]

By Nanci Oleson ... May 4, 2007

In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, mother of six, wrote “The Mother’s Day Proclamation for Peace.”

Howe had recently walked the battlefields of the Civil War with her husband and with Abraham Lincoln. She had just written “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. But now, as the Franco Prussian War was beginning, she felt that she could not bear any more violence. She called for a congress of women to gather immediately to promote PEACE: A Mother’s Day for Peace.
Julia Ward Howe held a standing-room-only meeting in Boston the day that she read her proclamation.

About that same time, there was Anna Jarvis, who organized “A Mother’s Friendship Day” in which mothers from both North and South whose sons had died in the Civil War gathered, dressed in gray or blue, to hold hands together and sing.

Anna Jarvis’s daughter – who shared her name – began what is now thought of as the first U.S. Mother’s Day on May 10, 1908. It was a church service dedicated to mothers, recognizing their unappreciated work, and calling for peace in the home and in the world. Andrews Methodist Church, in Grafton, West Virginia, is considered the Mother Church of Mother’s Day. The next year Mother’s Day was celebrated in 45 states.

On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially named the second Sunday in May “Mother’s Day.” His declaration included flowery language about the important role mothers play in the home and in society. But Wilson said nothing about a mother’s role in promoting peace in the world.





(*Interestingly this is the same year that "the war to end all wars" began. ... )



“The Mother’s Day Proclamation for Peace.”


Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise all women who have hearts! Whether your baptism be that of water or of tears!

Say firmly:

We will not have questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands shall not come to us reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.

Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.

We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.

From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own.

It says, “Disarm, Disarm!”

The sword of murder is not the balance of justice!
Blood does not wipe out dishonor nor violence indicate possession.

As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after their own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God–
In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace–”
–Julia Ward Howe / Writer, Lecturer, Reformer / Boston 1870

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/4582

[treelizard]

My coworker doesn't celebrate holidays (birthdays either) and she has a very hard time with it. I think people create days, holidays, etc. for a reason. If someone doesn't want to partake that's fine but don't mess it up for the rest of us!!

[Tant01]

My coworker doesn't celebrate holidays (birthdays either) and she has a very hard time with it. I think people create days, holidays, etc. for a reason. If someone doesn't want to partake that's fine but don't mess it up for the rest of us!!

Your coworker may be one of Jehovah's Witnesses?

I think you are right TL. People do create traditions for a reason. It is the spirit of it that I have issues with. While these women were calling for peace around the world, that part of mother's day has been long forgotten. While these women were no doubt God fearing souls, the institutions of religon (and marriage, government, etc.) were failing to provide the for the deep spiritual needs of women and mothers. (or mankind). Clearly the civil war here in the (now) United States of America and the wars that came after it down to this very day reflect the need for peace?

These traditions and holidays serve in a sense to fill a spiritual need.

Lets keep in mind the roll women had in 1870 and now. Much progress has been made in equalizing rights and privileges but still there is much left wanting. What is it? Recognition, higher pay? Peace and security in the home and the world? Perhaps those same spiritual needs are not being met today any more than they were 137 years ago?

Not trying to ruin anything for you TL. Just taking a look into the heart of it, you know?

[Tom Yum]

Excellent discussions by the way. I'm soaking it up.

[Tant01]

Thanks Tom. It is refreshing to participate in a corespondence free from backbiting and brow beating...

I'm also enjoying it.

~R

[treelizard]

My coworker practices a made-up religion, along with her parents...

I agree that people should find a way to fulfill there spiritual needs, AND to celebrate holidays/traditions if they want to...

[treelizard]

Thanks Tom. It is refreshing to participate in a corespondence free from backbiting and brow beating...

Maybe that's why the rating is so low! haha

[Tant01]

Maybe that's why the rating is so low! haha

Well, I think it's a great topic.

The article you put up was interesting and I try to make it a point to tend to fair gender at every opportunity. Not just the second sunday in May.

I am not above washing feet, I think men can learn a lot about maintaining the spiritual side of things.


Yeah... Goodness.