THE HEROS ARE EVERYWHERE

Our fallen heroes who helped the nation answer the call.  

Many parades today honor our veterans who fought in wars. That's why we're off work - to remember these people.

Of course, the big guns will go off in DC today as a salute to the people who were conscripted or called to answer the "ask" to help others in far away lands be free of oppression as well as here on the home front. The point is men and women have entered the service, died and need to be recognized. 

My parents always called it Decoration Day because, as they explained, "we're going to the cemetery to decorate the graves of soldiers."

Being so young, I thought it was a good-time in a very different kind of park -- a quiet place with upright rocks, lifesize angels, statues of women burying their heads in their hands, pairs of doves always with one on its back.  They taught me the meaning of the limestone cut trees and pieces of airplane as tombstones. There were replica's of medals engraved on the limestone.  And some markers were barely readable they were so old and withstood natures' elements repeatedly. 

We'd read the graves stones, which made history all the easier to understand and ignited my thirst back then. It was a somber experience and one that I'll always remember. I learned terms -- Killed In Action, Missing In Action, awarded the Purple Heart etc. 

And there is always the Eternal Flame to admire. 

On the first Decoration Day in 1868, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. 

The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war including the Revolutionary War). 

In the mid 1960s, President Johnson changed the name to Memorial Day honoring all wars since the county was established.

But in 1915, the poem Flanders Field (written by a Canadian soldier) pulled at the heartstrings of many countries: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, ..."  

Shortly after, Moina Michael, a woman on a mission, came up with the idea of selling poppies in May as a way to help needy soldiers. People donated what they could. Then she took to making paper poppies to help support women and children affected by the war. It soon spread to other countries. 

Like anything, her program needed financial support so she turned to the Veterans organizations who took a second to decide it was an awesome idea. The disabled servicemen sold artificial poppies and the program took off to be what it is today. Our national holiday borne out of foreign influences. 

So this afternoon, stand by your radio or TV at 3PM  for The “National Moment of Remembrance” (passed on Dec 2000) that asks for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

Ticketed For Holding A Cell Phone?

You could pay a $100 fine for chattin on cell while driving.

You bet!                                                                                                                        

A friend mentioned to me that it is now against the law in some areas to hold a cell phone while driving. Doesn't matter if you're using it to carry on a conversation. The sheer act of holding the cell phone in Michigan could cost you $100. The law in Michigan has been expanded to make it verboten to hold your phone while driving. 

Did 'cha know that chattin' on a hand-held cellphone while driving is banned in 14 states and the District of Columbia?

In the State of Michigan, texting while driving is illegal with the first offense starting at $100. Subsequent offenses increase to $200. I do not text and drive. It's against the law. It causes accidents. You shouldn't either. 

There's talk about Michigan enacting a ‘Textalzyer’ law (New York already has it) that would allow police to conduct roadside electronic scanning to determine whether drivers were on cell phones ‘at or near the time’ of a car crash. Michigan attorneys are all for it because of the number of people being injured. The numbers of motor vehicle accidents being caused by people driving distracted, and especially by people who are texting while driving is staggering.

WWJ reported in March 2016 that there’s a new call for Michigan lawmakers to pass a hands-free law as it pertains to cellphones and drivers. Authorities say a hands-free law would prohibit any physical manipulation of an electronic device while operating a motor vehicle and forbid a driver from using a hand-held phone. The goal is for all drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel.

You can still use a cell phone while driving, even hold it, but in many cities in the mitten state, it must be hands-free. You better know which cities those are because if you're cruising on the X-Way chatting on your sophisticated phone, you can be fined.  

For example, in the City of Detroit, it is against the law to hold the phone while talking. 

Detroit expert and journalist, Laura Sternberg says it this way: 

"Detroit's Hands-Free Ordinance bans the use of a cell-phone while driving unless the driver is using a hands-free device. The ban, however, is a civil infraction and only enforced as a secondary offense. In other words, the driver must be pulled over for another traffic violation before he/she can be ticketed for cell phone use. Fines are $100. Like most laws that ban cell-phone use while driving, the ordinance excepts emergencies," she said.

According to an article posted on ClickonDetroit.com Sternberg said, the Distracting Behavior Ordinance is similarly enforced and bans other distracting behaviors, such as text messaging, applying makeup and eating while driving.

Seriously, how many of us whip out a mascara wand, chow on a Big Mac or reach for the water bottle that fell on the floor of the passenger seat?  Many of us do. And, many of us need to stop. If we won't on our own, the proverbial Boys In Blue will help us remember that driving is a privilege. The goal is for all drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel.

The city of Troy, Michigan has taken the state’s “no texting while driving” law a bit further, making it illegal to talk on the phone while driving, among other things. 

It's the big Memorial Day Weekend. I put on more miles on my car in a week than many do in three months. Since Tuesday, I have seen Police pulling over drivers for a variety of reasons. Follow the rules of the road. Just be really careful. Yes, you matter. 

MICHIGAN'S NETWORK: THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Quilts, Quakers & Questors of the 1800s.

During the 1700 and 1800s, Michigan played a very large role in the Underground Railroad. It's one of our State's most intriguing stories around and it touches a number of cities here in the Great Lakes State. Some are surprised to learn that the Network was throughout the mid to lower region of the State.  

Here are just a few facts: 

First, there was no railroad and it wasn't underground. Some people are amazed when I tell them that some passengers on my trips have asked about the location of the Underground Railroad maybe hoping to see a huge engine pulling cars in mammoth tunnels. No, it isn't so. 

Second, the term Underground Railroad was coined in the 1800s (come on the bus for exact dates) and in Ohio. I'll tell you where even. I'll tell you how. 

Third, I went to a talk about the Underground Railroad in Michigan and was amused by the speaker as she was dressed as a railroad engine driver of the 1900s. Quite forgivable though. There's always a kernel in every talk, and there was in this. She read letters that the fugitives had dictated to scribes who sent them to the actual "conductors" and "agents" letting them know of their safe passage. 

Fourth, we seem to forget how people put their lives on the line to help a stranger enjoy a free life. Homeowners lost their farm in our mitten because they broke the Fugitive Slave Act 1850. White defiance of the law that really angered the Southern farmers. They were vengeful and prosecuted using the Federal Law as the engine. Many won the cases.   

And then there was that secret and special network used by those who helped the fugitives escape during the 1800s. Now it's openly called the Underground Railroad. Then it was all hushed up. There was a network of codes and signals in strict defiance of the so-called "Bloodhound" law because of the dogs that sniffed out fugitives. 

In Michigan there were both financially independent and poverty stricken folks who gave it their all to lend a hand. In fact, Michigan had such an extremely organized network of helping escapees that fugitives would contact some of the "conductors" directly for help.  

Call them "Conductors" or "Runaways" or the "package," it was a time when people saw the need to band together and help one another eradicate that Peculiar Institution. And they did. People really stretched to help. Eventually the institution eroded. 

Yet, the network was unlike anything we have today and one that protected human beings from a huge social injustice. 

Books and markers are the traces left of the Underground Railroad ... lest we forget. 

QUEEN OF SHEBA IN CHINA SAY JESUITS

From the Chinese Kunlun mountains. 

Conversation piece jewelry is fascinating in that it doesn't cost a fortune and that it can be worn or even used as decoration on a bag. 

This piece recently found its way into my possession. It's from the Kunlun mountains in China.  It's called Jade but it's really a rock. To me, the carving is exquisite of the winged horse running through the clouds. 

White horses have a special significance in the mythologies of cultures around the world. In China it's associated with the Tang Dynasty as a dragon horse, with the tail of a snake. The Chinese Pegasus.

The mystery and intrigue of the Kunlun Mountains add excitement to the piece. The mountains are about 1,600 miles long and also run through Tibet and Tajikistan.  Several rivers run through it including the Black and also the White Jade Rivers.  

The Kunlun Goddess is the highest mountain in the chain. And that's where the intrigue begins.

The most important fact for me is that the Queen of Sheba, who willingly vacated the throne for her son Solomon, spent a lot of time in the Chinese mountains where it is said that she gained enlightenment. Maybe forgiveness, too. As I always state, leave it to the Jesuits to properly record history. And they did.  There was a Queen Mother of the West, Xiwangmu, as stated in a fascinating book called the Kebra Nagast – which details the linage of King Solomon and the Ark of the Covenant. The Jesuits record states that both Queens are one in the same.  What's more, their records prove it. 

There's a lot of mythology about the mountains. That the Queen Mother of the West owns the mountains. That King Mu rides eight steeds that run 10,000 miles a day. That the colliding of the two continental plates created holographs in the jade. The Eye of God.

Kunlun jade is even part of the War of Legends game.  The item is required for obtaining the Twin Dragon Sword among other aspirations. 

The piece shown has no monetary value.  But it could increase because of an extraction ban and the use of Geermu jade as the backside of the medals for the Olympic Games of 2008 in Beijing. I don't know for sure. No one does. But aren't the facts awesome?

To me, the lore and the legend that the white rock contains is captivating. Who knows, maybe the Queen's Enlightenment will ooze into my consciousness the longer I keep it next to me. I can only hope. 

VERA BRADLEY: LANYARD AS KEY ACCESSORY PUN INTENDED

Vera Bradley lanyards needed to enter Annual Outlet Sale.

My loud and proud niece lured me into Vera Bradley bags and accessories years ago.

"Aunt Rose you should lead a trip to the Annual Vera Bradley Sale in Ft. Wayne, Indiana," she said with a sly grin knowing how to get Auntie's attention. Then she gave me a vinyl shoulder bag, which I used for years. Who cares if the vinyl wore away and if the bag had cracks in it. My precious niece gave it to me, actually because she didn't want it. I did.

That's how the trip started. Vinyl bags are ideal for me because who knows what bus, lav or trunk floor my bag will rest on, not to mention my pets pouncing on it and such.

Today, I am putting the final touches on the trip.  Double checking all kinds of facts, traffic, food, cool prizes and such.

There will be test questions for my travelers like:

• Who did Vera Bradley model for? 
• Number of outlet sales so far?
• Style of the first bag? 

Then, there will be shopping for 2.5 hours.  It's so much fun. My guests have been calling just to share their excitement with me. I make time for each call because I truly love the folks who keep me in business.  And they know it because it shows on the trip and on my smile.

Not only my peeps, but shoppers who arrive via bus at the Annual Vera Bradley sale are treated like gold.  There's no waiting. We have our own personal refreshment room and personal cashiers. Plus there's beverages and snacks along with other great free Vera Bradley items.

There are no crowds and no difficult people to deal with on the first day of the show because Vera Bradley people have the sale down to a science. They love their bus peeps. They love me. Who wouldn't. After all, I'm bringing over 110 people to the sale.  Let's say each person spends $300, which is not unreasonable, so the sale makes $33,000 give or take. Some people spend a couple of thousand. Me? I go for the Vera Bradley bargain table.  Still, $33K is a wonderful chunk of change! 

Lanyards are the only way to enter the sale, which is a huge space filled with all kinds of Vera Bradley items from Christmas ornaments to hairbands to huge bags. Color fills the arena. Once a purchase is make, often shoppers go back for more even though they just made a major buy because the items are so very reasonably priced.

I keep the lanyard til Kingdom Come and use it for my keys because I can keep them around my neck. Once, when moving the office, dealing with a difficult client, sick dog and car issue, I accidentally threw away my keys.

Vowing that would never happen again, I wear my keys around my neck as a piece of jewelry as I am running errands, stopping somewhere for a short time or just because I want to make sure I know where my keys are at all times. Besides, the keys are decorated with fun fobs. So the lanyards spice up my apparel in a most creative and unusual way.

Oh, the bag that little Blondie niece gave me? It's so precious that it can't be tossed. It's relegated to my personal museum in my basement.

TRACES OF BYZANTIUM

Coins from the Byzantium era.

800-1100 AD - What a busy time in history. 

Charlemagne, king of the Franks, is crowned "Emperor of the Romans" by Pope Leo III in Rome. For the first time in 300 years, there is an emperor of the "East" and an emperor of the "West". The use of Icons is restored. The Great Schism: The Latin Roman Church and the Greek Orthodox Church excommunicate each other.  Lots of invasions. And the first Crusade is off and running. 

But everyday business still held center stage, which of course revolves around money.  Coins played a huge role in beliefs.  

These coins were minted at a time surrounding the end of the first millenium (or "THE" millenium to the ancients), and it was "known" far and wide that the world was about to end. 

So, everyone got super pious and brought religion into every aspect of their everyday lives... even making their coins, front and back, carriers of the image and message of God. It is said that upon the eve of December 31, 999 AD (the first Y1K), everyone packed into churches to spend the night, just to make sure they got a good spot on the way up to heaven.

Another story says that the Byzantium Rulers openly showed that they were subservient to Jesus Christ and made it clear in a way everyone could understand.

Naturally Rome was upset because the split in the Church meant no money for the Pope. So it was quite a struggle throughout the years. 

Yet, the people believed in Jesus and showed their faith even on their money. These coins were made between 969 and 1067 when rulers John 1, Romanus III, Michael IV and Constantine X Duca reigned. 

Images on the coins are difficult to see because they are so worn. But it shows a bust of Christ wearing a nimbus crown, a halo with a cross, holding a book of the Gospels. Some coins of this era were "struck over" with different images. These were not.

The back of the bronze coins proclaim Jesus Christ King of Kings. One shows a cross on three steps. The power of symbolism.   

"The value of an ancient coin primarily depends on its scarcity and state of preservation, far less on its metal content, and not at all on its age. The serious coin collector should be prepared to pay big money for Byzantine coins of good quality. However, the re-enactor who just wishes to own an artefact from his/her period of interest will find the lesser coinage quite affordable," says http://members.ozemail.com.au/~chrisandpeter/coins/coins.html 

These aren't rare coins and their monetary value is minimal. 

But as a history buff, these coins are important to me. History is everywhere. Especially in coins. And, they are definitely a conversation starter when bezeled and worn as a necklace showcasing one of the most fascinating eras in history. 

I feel so very lucky to have these. 

PATMOS A REVELATION IN GREECE

The very cave where John was shown the Throne of Heaven.

The Holy Cave of the Apocalypse, known as the Jerusalem of the Aegean, dates back with its Holy Significance to 95 AD when the monk John and his disciple holed up in the cave.

He was exiled by the Romans for either his faith, or his interest in astrology or magic. After all, performing miracles was part and parcel of who he was.

Since John was not a criminal, he was a semi threat, stripped of his citizenship and wound up on the desolate island, not a tourist attraction then. He really had to fend for himself – how would he have eaten, kept warm during winter and what did they drink? The Greek table wine retsina wasn't part of the cruise package. The island was rugged.

This is the very spot where Christ appeared to John and knocked on the door saying 'If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.'

Then John was granted a look into the doorway of heaven. The mystery of this vision is revealed in Revelation books 3 & 4 – I just don't know why a movie wasn't made of this. The special effects of the thrones of the Apostle , Angels and sacred Elders would have been amazing.

All this in a rocky, desolate and barren area.

All that changed throughout the years. Around 1080 the Monastery was built. Those who do their homework fully understand the significance of the sacred spot. It was where John saw a vision of fire and brimstone and began dictating the book of the Revelation to his disciple who could read and write. John probably couldn't. Still, the vision is fully described in the last book of the New Testament.

The hewed rock cave is really significant to Christians, historians and travelers. Many feet have walked into the space to look at the 12^th century wall paintings and icons, to see the spot where John rested his head and most of all where he said he heard the voice of God coming from the cleft in the rock – quite visible even today.

Now the place is called the Monastery of St. John – an important place of worship by the Orthodox and Western Christian faithful. It's really one of the most influential monasteries in Greece and looks like a fairy tale castle,which was built to protect a trove of religious treasures. How do you protect the spot where the voice of God was heard and transcribed?

There is the 12^th century fresco of the Hospitality of Abraham in the chapel, but that piece was painted over and only recently revealed in 1956 during an earthquake. There's the icon of St. John, a tomb and silver reliquary of the Blessed Christodoulous, not to mention loads of silver and jewels.

This is the hot spot come May 1 – during Orthodox Easter. It's a great time to plan a quick get-away to the Grecian Islands.  Go see and experience his holy site on your own. Enjoy a glass of restina.