Pinterest Pick Thursday (erm...Friday)

I'm a day late and a buck short it seems.  I am sorry.  I spent all of yesterday cleaning my office.  It has become a tradition of sorts, cleaning my office in December.  I've read that people with messy work spaces are usually very creative.  I hope that is true, or else I really have no excuse for how bad I let my office get over the past year.

Hey, did you know that cleaning is actually a spiritual practice?

Pinterest Pick of the Week

Holiday Cleaning

Faith Formation Component

Content

Time for Activity

A Day

Recommended Age

2 and up

Materials

Cleaning Supplies, Organizational Instruments, A Computer with Internet Access

Activity

There are many holidays that call for cleaning - Yule, Chinese New Year, Clean Monday, and Monday, just to name a few.  Learn about these holidays with your family by viewing the playlist below...

Now, prepare your house for whatever holiday you are celebrating next (Chalica, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years) by cleaning.  Even children as young as 2 can contribute.  Heck, my daughter (3 yr old with Cerebral Palsy) can even help me with the dishes, and often does (she loves to help).  A Mom's Take provides this free printable of age appropriate chores.

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids.  Can be
downloaded by following the link above.

Original Sources
YouTube playlist features clips from ajambor99, WatchMojo.com, Athens Living and CNN.  You can learn more about the holidays featured in these films, and what cleaning has to do with each holiday,  by visiting the websites below.  All other sources cited above.

• Yule - Orknejar
• Chinese New Year - Wikepedia
• Clean Monday - Wikepedia
• Passover - Hebrew 4 Christians

Happy Holidays!

- Ms. Meredith

P.S. There will be no Pinterest Pick Thursday on Christmas.

Pinterest Pick thursday

Welcome back to Pinteret Pick Thursdays.

Let me ask you, have you ever had one of those, 'Aha' moments?  Has there ever been a topic, subject, or game that multiple people have tried to explain to you, but you have never really been able to grasp?  Then, someone else comes along and explains it in such a way that it all suddenly makes sense to you?

Stock photo: A boy looks surprised.  The thought
bubble above his head exclaims 'Oh, I get it now!'

I LOVE those moments.  In my student teaching days, I lived for those moments with my students.  But, let me tell you, I love having one of these moments as much as I love giving one of these moments.  And, today, I had one that I just must share with all of you...

Pinterest Pick of the Week
Parable of the Polygons

Faith Formation Component
Context

Time for Activity
0.5 Hours

Recommended Age
4th Grade and Up

Materials
A computer with internet access

Activity
This activity is pretty easy.  But, you'll need some mental bandwith to process what is going on.  It is a thought experiment on bias - what it is, how it affects our world, and what can be done to combat it.  So, I suggest you don't do this when you or your family is too tired or worn out.  Here is what you should do...

• Gather your family around a computer.
• Visit 'Parable of the Polygons.' Read and play through the post (make sure you allow your children to play as well).
• As you do, stop after every simulation and deconstruct together.  Ask yourselves:
• What is happening here?
• What does this simulation teach us about the world in which we live?
• Once you have finished with the post, wonder about these questions:
• The post makes it clear that history influences the present.  How has our nation's history shaped our present when it comes to race relations / immigration / disability / class / gay pride?
• What bias's do you possess?
• At the end of the post, the two shapes had to work side by side to get to the 'box of friendship.'  What can we do in the real world to get ourselves into the 'box of friendship'? (Make a list, make a plan, and execute).
• Is all bias bad? (ex. Bias against strangers).

If you are an adult doing this activity alone.  Or, if you are doing this activity with your youth, you may also wish to explore what role you play in combating bias as an ally.  Visit Anne Bishop's website, Becoming An Ally, to learn more.

Original Sources
All original sources cited above.

Now, if only someone could teach me how to play Euchre this easily.

Wishing you well,

- Ms. Meredith

Chalica: Day 7 (A Day Late)

Yesterday was the last day of Chalica.  The First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati celebrated with an intergenerational Chalica service.  We sang songs, shared stories, read poetry, decorated the mitten tree, and lit 8 candles in all - one for each principle, plus our Chalice.  It was a lovely celebration.

First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati: Chalica Altar

As for yesterday's principle, we were to honor our 7th principle, 'Care for the Interdependent Web.'

In honor of that principle I added a McDonald's Happy Meal toy to my altar.  Are you confused?  Let me explain.  You see, every December, my husband and I visit our local thrift stores and gather all the happy meal toys we can find.  Then, we bring them back home, where we transform them into Christmas Tree Ornaments.  We reuse (or, up-cycle) these cheap plastic toys so that they don't end up in landfills.  This is just one of the many ways my family cares for our Earth.  What about you?

Chalica Altar: Day 7

Princess Peach Happy Meal Toy

I'd love to hear how you celebrated Chalica this year.  Feel free to leave a comment with a 'stand out' story or random thought.  I'd love to hear what you have to say.

For now, I will leave you with the final Chalica Shorts playlist.  Enjoy!


Regards,

- Ms. Meredith

Chalica: Day 6

Happy Chalica!

Today is the second to last day of Chalica and we are to honor our 6th principle 'build a fair and peaceful world.'  What are you doing to fulfill that call?

On my Chalica Altar today, I have placed one of my daughter's old outfits.  Just recently, she outgrew all of her 3T clothing.  And, so, next week, all of her old clothes will go to a family in need.

Chalica Altar: Day 6

Now, for your Chalica Shorts...

Happy 6th day of Chalica!

- Ms. Meredith

Chalica: Day 5

Happy Chalica and TGIF!

Today,  we reflect on our 5th principle,  'everyone has a voice.'  In honor of this principle I added an orange to our Chalica altar.  Food is a big point of contention for my family.  My husband has very definite views on what is and is not dinner food (FYI, oranges are not dinner food).  And, my niece practically keels over at the sight of anything healthy.  As for my daughter, well, she doesn't really eat by mouth.  So, most meals in my house are compromises.  Sometimes, we will even vote on what we don't want (as opposed to what we do want) just so we can come to a consensus.

Chalica Altar: Day 5

What does your family compromise on regularly?

Here are your Chalica Shorts for the day...

Wishing you courage so that you can make your voice heard!

- Ms. Meredith

Chalica: Day 4

Happy Chalica!

Pinterest Pick Thursdays will return next week.  For now, I just wanted to make a quick post about the fourth day of Chalica.

On this day, we honor our fourth principle, 'the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.'  Or, as we tell our children, 'we search for what is true.'  In honor of this principle, I have placed our COSI bottle on our Chalica Altar.

Chalica Altar: Day 4

For those of you who aren't from Ohio and don't know what COSI is, it stands for the 'Center of Science and Industry' and it is a wonderfuly science museum for children of all ages.  If you are ever in Columbus, you must go.

Now, here are your Chalica Shorts for the day...


Happy fourth day of Chalica!

- Ms. Meredith

Chalica: Day 3

Happy third day of Chalica!

Today,  on our Chalica altar,  I have placed just a few of my family's favorite books.   I chose books for today's altar because today we honor third principle,  which states 'we are free to learn together.'  So, learning,  books,  you get it, right?

Chalica Altar: Day 3, with books 'Ready Player One,'
'Weird Parents,' 'Why?' and 'Is that my cow?'

As for my gift today,  I gave those around me the gift of my time.  My husband and I enjoyed watching one of our favorite shows,  my niece and I talked about life,  and my daughter and I visited a local Lego display (pictures below).   While none of these activities were wholly educational,  at least we were together.

Back to the Future Delorean in the Wild West Lego Display.

My daughter, sending her letter off to
Santa in a Lego mailbox.

Now, here are today's Chalica Shorts...

Happy Chalica!

- Ms. Meredith

P.S. If you haven't read 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline you really should.  You are missing out!

Chalica: Day 2

Happy Second Day of Chalica!

Last night,  in honor of our first principle,  I picked out small gifts for each member of my family from the dollar bin - small trinkets I thought they would find amusing or useful.  You can see my daughter's toy bus on the corner of the altar, below.  You can also see the pictures from yesterday on the opposite corner.  I compiled the pictures and placed them in a small, red, paper basket to make room for other items, like the cards you see below.

Chalica Altar: Day 2

Now, you may be wondering about those cards.  Well, those are today's gifts of course!  You see, on this second day of Chalica we honor our second principle, "justice,  equity and compassion in human relations."  Or, as we tell our children "be kind in all you do."  And so, I have written a few cards - one for each member of my immediate family.  Each card contains a special message, geared toward the recipient, letting them know just how much they are loved and valued.  I know from experience what a kindness cards can be.  So, I hope these cards will bring at least a little sunshine into the lives of my family members.

Now, what about you?  What are you doing for this second day of Chalica?

You can view today's 'Chalica Shorts' below.

Happy Chalica!

- Ms. Meredith

Chalica: Day 1

Happy first day of Chalica!

Lily and I put together the beginnings of our Chalica Altar last night.

Chalica Altar

You can see from the picture above that there isn't much to it.  A simple candle for our chalice, a copy of 'My Chalica Book: A Beginner's Guide (Third Edition)' and the 'Happy Chalica' poster hanging above.

I am particularly proud of the Chalica poster because it was something Lily and I created together.  She cut out and glued the construction paper pieces to the larger paper.  Then, I wrote a principle on each piece of construction paper.  And, as we created this poster together, I talked about the principles, what each of them meant, and explained Chalica to her (well, as much as you can explain anything to a 3 year old).

I'll admit the altar looked a little bare, but as I said earlier, this was just the beginning.  As part of my celebration of Chalica this year, I plan to add something to the altar each day - something that represents the principle of the day.  Today, as you can see, I added old pictures of my family (Mom, Dad, brother, and my self).  Family is the most important thing to me.  And, on a day when we are to celebrate that 'all people are important,' these pictures provide a good reminder that I should treat everyone I encounter like family.

Chalica Altar, Day 1

Now, I am happy to introduce 'Chalica Shorts!'  Every day this week you can visit here or YouTube, and be treated with a 'principle of the day' playlist.  Each playlist will run between 10 and 15 minutes, and will include a special message from our minister, as well various YouTube videos.  Think of it like a mix-tape, but for each day of Chalica!

So, here it is, 'Chalica Shorts: Day 1.'




Hoping you know just how important YOU are...

- Ms. Meredith

30 Days of Gratefulness, Week 4 Follow Up

And, here it is, the final week.  If you follow me on Facebook, then you know that I was often 'catching up' with posts (posting several thankfulness posts in one day), but I did get through an entire month.  And, as silly as it may sound, I am proud of myself for that.

Anyway, without further adieu, here are my posts...

Day 24: An Act of Kindness
Over the past year, we have given away a few of Lily's old trach supplies to friends. But, we were never able to find enough people who needed just what we had. So, today, Doug and I donated the last of Lily's trach supplies to Matthew 25 Ministries. From there, they will go to trach patients all over the world. I don't know why we waited so long to do this. It makes me happy, knowing that these supplies will finally be put to good use. And, I'm thankful for the reminder of just how blessed we are.

The sign for Matthew 25 Ministries.  It states 'Life isn't about
getting and having.  It's about giving and being.'

Day 25: Inspiration
At the beginning of the week, Reverend Sharon Dittmar and I shot a few short videos for the upcoming UU holiday of Chalica. By the end of the night, we had amassed quite a few outtakes. And, so, I compiled those outtakes into a blooper reel (see below). I love doing things such as this. When I compile a video, create a lesson or write anything, it is like I am a seamstress - cutting and sewing, turning an old frock into a new, beautiful dress. And, if I have done my job correctly, then when you engage with the final product, I instantly transform into Mickey Mouse from Fantasia, commanding your thoughts and emotions like Mickey commands the dishes. I can't say, exactly, where my inspiration comes from (since inspiration is one part idea, one part creativity and one part passion), but I am thankful for the role it plays in my life, allowing me to be creative and giving me a voice.

Day 26: A Sound
I choose silence, which gives me the opportunity to be alone with my thoughts. As an introvert, I find this time invaluable. Interesting note, listening to NPR gives me the same opportunity for introspection.

My T.V., turned off.

Day 27: Food
You don't realize what a gift it is to eat until you see how others struggle (or until you struggle yourself). Lily's eating ability is improving every day and I am very grateful for that.

My daughter, Lily, eating cereal.

Day 28: Comfort
Music has a way of bandaging our wounds and amplifying our joys. Lately, I've been listening to the wonderful music of Peter Mayer (the closest thing UU's get to praise music). It just seems to speak to me, and I am grateful for the comfort it supplies.

Day 29: Love
Letting your husband nap while you take care of business, knowing that the action will be reciprocated because your husband loves you too, but not keeping track. Love is taking care of each other even when it is hard to do so.

My husband, Doug, napping on Thanksgiving.

Day 30: Something Seasonal 
Have I ever mentioned how much I love the holidays? A season of love, hope, thankfulness and giving. I am so thankful for this cold time of year that brings such warmth to my heart.

Christmas lights on a neighbors house.

Thank you for sticking with me during this endeavor.  I truly believe, even in the worse of times, there is always something to be thankful for.  You just have to look for it.

Be sure to check back here tomorrow for the first day of Chalica!

- Ms. Meredith

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Resources on Racism and Ferguson

In light of the grand jury's decision in Ferguson yesterday, liberal educators from around the nation began sharing resources on racism and Ferguson.  Then, a very wonderful colleague of mine, Natalie Spriggs-Trobridge of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, compiled all those resources into one comprehensive list, which I am sharing with you today.

Thank you Natalie, and all the wonderful religious educators, who made this list possible.

Parenting Resources

The Murder of Sean Bell: From Pain to Poetry

This piece explores fears of black middle school students. Really powerful, eye-­opening read for teens & parents, and this definitely promotes, invokes importance of empathy.

Syllabus: Talking to Kids about Racism

This resource provides information on talking with children & teens about racism, suggesting a move beyond a focus on individual racial prejudice to systemic bias.

A Little White Girl's First Experience of Racism

An essay which uses narrative to explore themes of racism and inequality.

Ferguson ­specific parenting, teaching resources

5 Ways to Teach about Mike Brown & Ferguson (Huffington Post)

PBS: Talking to Kids About Ferguson

Educators use Twitter to Teach About Ferguson

Know Your Rights: Demonstrations and Protests

General Education on Systemic Discrimination

When You're the Only White Person in the Room ­ Blake, John

Here's a REALLY good one, recently released. Strong, yet opens dialogue instead of closing it.

What Side of History Are You On? ­ Rimington, Jess

This recent piece is worth the read and has a lot in it to at least consider.

Black Feminisism and Intersectionality ­ Smith, Sharon

A great, GREAT essay that is readable, and packed with facts.

The Case For Reparations ­ Coates, Ta­Nehisi

From a senior writer at The Atlantic, this is a long essay and was shared hundreds of thousands of times. It may be the best essay on race thus far in the 21st century. It is worth every minute.

The Intercultural Development Inventory ­ Hammer, Mitchell R

An academic description of intercultural competency, which includes ideas about where you might be and where our culture is.

Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack ­ McIntosh, Peggy

A seminal essay in the study of race and whiteness. It's pretty readable and very thought provoking.

The Erasing of Women & Their Athletic Achievements ­ Alexander, Valerie

While it's "about" the Women's & Men's World Cups, this essay truly calls us to examine our language and broaden our perspectives.

Books

The Selma Awakening: How the Civil Rights Movement Tested and Changed Unitarian Universalism ­ Morrison­Reed, Mark D

From a UU minister and historian, a new book on the story of UU involvement in the Civil Rights movement and our more recent history.

Faith Without Certainty: Liberal Theology in the 21st Century ­ Rasor, Paul

By a UU theologian, includes an analysis of race and justice.

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life ­ Rosenberg, Marshall B.:

A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America ­ Takaki, Ronald

An excellent history of the stories of different immigrants to this country

Learning to Be White: Money, Race and God in America ­ Thandeka

From a UU theologian, a theological and social analysis of how race has developed and is embedded in economics and religion.

The Arc of the Universe is Long: Unitarian Universalists, Anti­Racism and the Journey from Calgary ­ Morris, Leslie Takahashi, Chip Roush and Leon Spencer

A lengthy look at the history of racism and justice in our Unitarian Universalist Association.

Peace to you,

- Ms. Meredith

30 Days of Gratefulness, Week 3 Follow Up

It's week 3 of my 30 Days of Gratefulness Photo Challenge, and here we go...

Day 16: Something New
We've had Lily's chair for just over a year now, so it's not brand new. But, it has given Lily the gift of independent mobility. She now has the ability to explore her world, to play independently, to make mischief. For that, I am grateful.

Lily, in her wheelchair, playing at an accessible park.

Day 17: A Time of Day
Any time I am with Doug, it is a good time of day. I am thankful for our time together, even if we don't get much of it these days.

Selfies with my husband.

Day 18: A Physical Trait
Day 18: A physical trait. My face. It is constantly betraying my emotions. And, I'm thankful that it keeps me honest. I say, "I'm fine. " My face says, "No you're not."

Professional Selfie

Day 19: A Daily Activity
Showering. I love to take showers. The feel of the water washing over me is both rejuvenating and restorative. It's as if I am able to wash all the worries in the world away whenever I am in the shower. I also seem to get the best ideas while I am in the shower! On a more solemn note, not all people in this world have access to clean water. I am thankful for this privileged.

Our Shower

Day 20: A Distraction
This is my niece, Savannah. Savannah's a wonderful distraction in my life and I am so thankful to have her as my niece. She has a very big heart, is a wonderful cousin to Lily, and is extremely fun to hang out with.

My Niece, Savannah...making a duck-face.

Day 21: Shelter
Here it is, my office, my sanctuary, my fortress of solitude, my messy bedroom. It provides me shelter both physically and psychologically. I am very thankful for it.

My messy bedroom.

Day 22: A Piece of Technology
Of course, I choose my phone and its many applications. It's my personal assistant, my game board, my text book, my atlas, and my meeting house. To be honest, I'm probably too attached to it. But, I am thankful for it nonetheless.

Homepage Screenshot

Day 23: Memories
The peculiar thing about memories is that they can be triggered by just about anything. I walk into Cincinnati Children's, smell the air, eat from their salad bar, and I am instantly transported back in time. Cincinnati Children's is a safe place for me. If ever I am having a rough day, the smell of Cincinnati children's can instantly calm me. But not all my memories are good. The most painful, being the ones where, intentionally or unintentional, I have hurt someone, or let them down. However, for worse or for better, memories make us who we are. And, for that I am grateful.

A salad from Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center.

FYI, my last 30 Days of Gratefulness post will be posted Sunday, November 30.  This is because Monday, December 1, is the first day of Chalica.  Be sure to check back throughout Chalica (December 1 - 7), as I will be posting special Chalica messages on this blog every day of the week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Ms. Meredith

Pinterest Pick Thursdays

Thanksgiving is just a week away!  Eek!  Just so you are aware, there will be no Pinterest Pick Thursday post on Thanksgiving.  That means, the next Pinterest Pick Thursday post you will see, will be posted on December 4.

And, speaking of December, did you know that Chalica starts Monday, December 1?  That's only 11 days away!  And, with no more Pinterest Pick Thursday's from now until then, I hope you will forgive me if I drop all of this Thanksgiving and Gratitude talk for a moment, and jump straight to Chalica...

 Pinterest Pick of the Week
Chalica Preparations

Faith Formation Component
All

Time for Activity
1 Hour

Recommended Age
Preschool and Up

Materials
My Chalica Book: A Beginner's Guide
 Chalica: A UU Winter Holiday
Candles, or a bit of spending money
Poster Board and Marker, or a piece of paper and a pen

Activity
Chalica is a new holiday, dreamed up by Daylene Marshall in 2005.  It is an '"invitation to spend a day with each of the principles."  Chalica starts on the first Monday in December and lasts for seven days.  The whole point is to spend one day reflecting, honoring, and living out one of our seven principles, starting with our first principle on Monday.  In general, Chalica can be celebrated in many different ways, but I always recommend that people who do celebrate Chalica put aside time at the end of the night to light a chalice and reflect on the day.

Rev. Lisa Schwartz celebrates Chalica at the UU Fellowship in Topeka.  Taken from Phil on the Prairie.

Briefly, I will share with you that growing up, December was the time we'd learn about other religions and their holidays.  We'd set up the manger right next to the menorah (though we don't have any Jewish heritage), and we'd usually attend the Solstice celebration at Church.  While, I certainly enjoyed learning about the different religions and their holidays, I never really felt like I 'owned' any of the holidays.  I longed for tradition and ritual that I could own.  I still do, in fact.  That is why Chalica excites me so.  And, I hope the prospects excite you to... finally, a UU winter holiday.  Our own holiday, around which we can establish traditions and rituals.

Because Chalica starts just 4 short days after Thanksgiving this year, I invite you to prepare for Chalica now, this weekend.  So, if you are excited about this holiday as I am, here is what to do:

• Read up on Chalica.  Learn more by...
• visiting the Chalica Blog
• reviewing this article from Donald E. Skinner at the UUWorld.
• exploring the Chalica Facebook Page
• studying this Huff Post Blog by Amanda Gregory (Look, I'm mentioned at the end!).
• or, reading Evan Autin's article on Parenting Beyond Belief.

Chalica commitments poster from Parenting Beyond Belief

• Download the booklet I created "My Chalica Book: A Beginner's guide (Third Edition)" and Reverend Sharon Dittmar's "Chalica: A UU Winter Holiday."  Or, pick up hard copies at First Church of Cincinnati this Sunday.  
• My booklet provides an introduction to Chalica, a brief history of the holiday, suggestions on how to honor each principle each day (new this year, movie suggestions), several resources, and a reference page.  
• Reverend Sharon Dittmar, on the other hand, offers up a very convenient, one page list of suggestions on how you can celebrate each day of Chalica at home or around Cincinnati (see below).

Chalica: A UU Winter Holiday.

• Gather your family and teach them what you have learned about Chalica.  Then, use the resources listed in #2 to create a game plan...
• Discuss
• Why are we celebrating Chalica?  
• How do we, in this family, want to celebrate Chalica? What kind of traditions and rituals do we want to attach to this holiday?
• What will everyone commit to do to honor each principle?
• Decide: 
• How many chalices will we use (1 v. 7)?  
• Will you buy them or make them?  
• Where will you put them?
• Act: 
• Write down everyone's commitments on a poster board like the one above (don't have a poster board, use a piece of paper instead).  Then, post it in a prominent location within your home.
• Go purchase any materials you will need - candles for your chalices, paper to write letters, etc.

You may be asking yourself why do all this prep now?  After all, there is still so much to be prepped for Thanksgiving.  Honestly, you don't have to prep now, but I would encourage you to prepare before December 1.  It is important to be intentional about Chalica - especially if it is your first time celebrating it or if you have children you need to 'convince' to participate.  After all, this whole holiday is centered around being intentional about our principles.  It can be so easy to let a day pass, and not think or reflect on our principles at all.  You can prevent that from happening by preparing now.

And, when Chalica begins, Monday, December 1, I hope you will visit this page every day for a special Chalica message.

Original Sources
All original sources cited above.

Wishing you a very wonderful Thanksgiving!

- Ms. Meredith

30 Days of Gratefulness, Week 2 Follow Up

Can you believe we're already half-way through November?  I certainly can't!  Pictures from this past week are below...

Day 9: An Ability
I don't like to brag or to boast. It seems rude and self centered. But, if I must, I would say the ability I prize the most is my ability to see through the cracks. In doing so, I am afforded the opportunity to be creative and compassionate. I can see the solutions no one sees, the good in someone who has lost faith in themselves, and the vulnerabilities in those who try to front. This is not to say that I know all, or that I am without my prejudices and frustrations. Only, I am thankful for the opportunity to be creative because it brings me joy. And, I am thankful for the opportunity to temper my judgements with compassion because then I am able to bring joy to others. Seeing through the cracks, I am reminded, we are all human.

A door cracked open.

Day 10: A Piece of Knowledge
I am thankful to know struggle. From the learning disabilities I had in my youth, to the mental health issues I had in young adulthood, to all the medical and physical issues we have had to deal with when it comes to Lily - I am so thankful. My struggles have taught me the value of perseverance, shown me the strength of my own character, and demonstrated the importance of kindness. My struggles, while minuscule compared to what others have endured, have taught me many life lessons I will not soon forget.

My daughter, Lilith, when she was a preemie in the NICU.

Day 11: Something Natural
I love the changing of the seasons - the way summer smashes into fall, fall bows down to winter, winter begrudgingly gives way to spring, and spring jumps into summer - I love it all (erm, except maybe, for February). The changing of the seasons is a reminder that nothing is permanent. As the bible verse goes, "for everything there is a season." The same thing goes for our own lives. With every season, we are given the opportunity for reflection and rebirth. And, for that, I am grateful.

This picture was taken at the Civic Garden center of Cincinnati.
It shows a red tree, a green tree and a yellow tree.

Day 12: Inspirational Words
There have been so many words that have inspired and sustained me over the years. Far too many to put here. So, instead, I have chosen 5 quotes, 5 pictures, to share with you. Combined, these 5 quotes sum up my philosophy on life... for the most part.

"I stopped looking for the light.
Decided to become it instead."

"Grass is greener where you water it."

"Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you
hase it, the more it will elude you, but if you
turn your attention to other things, it will come
and sit softly on your shoulder..." (Thoreau)

"Mother Teresa didn't walk
around complaining about
her thighs - she had shit to do."

"Be gentle with yourself.  You are a child
of the universe.  No less than the trees and
the stars.  In the noisy confusion of life
keep peace in your soul. - Max Ehrmann."

Day 13: Inspirational Person
Just like with the words, many people have inspired and sustained me over the years. From my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Keller, to modern heroes of our time, such as the Dalai Lama. Today, however, I'd like to uplift two people who continue to inspire me - my parents, Russ and Rae Jane. I cannot express how thankful I am for all that they have done, and continue to do, for me. Surely, there are no better parents on the face of this Earth. When I grow up, I hope I am at least half as compassionate and giving as my father, and half as strong and resilient as my mother. I am so blessed and so grateful.

My parents, Russ and Rae Jane, at my father's 60th birthday party.  

Day 14: A Difficulty / Challenge
I bit my nails off today. I should have realized, that's a sign my anxiety is high. I've dealt with anxiety most of my adult life. At times it has paralyzed me, confused me, overwhelmed me, and upset me. Lately, it just seems to prevent me from being as kind and compassionate as I know I can be (i.e. I've been a bit irritable). I am thankful for this challenge only in that my anxiety tells me when it is time to step back and reevaluate. Often it is a reminder that something is out of balance in my life and I need to restructure my priorities. Upon reflecting today, it is clear I am need of more family time, as well as self-care.

My nails.

Day 15: Something Old
This sanctuary, at the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, is 125 years old. When it was constructed, there were no computers, or cars, and Avondale (where this is located) was a wealth suburb of Cincinnati. The congregants (including future president Taft) traveled by horse or by foot to its door. Today, this sanctuary is the spiritual home for nearly 300 Unitarian Universalists. We drive in from all around the city. We tutor in Avondale schools, donate to the local food pantry, provide temporary housing to homeless families, fight for equal rights, and so much more. I am thankful for this community, which has seen me through many hard times, and which continues to fight for justice in Cincinnati and beyond.

The sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati.

Feeling thankful!

- Ms. Meredith

Pinterest Pick Thursdays

In just two short weeks, Thanksgiving will be here.  The thanksgiving story our children get in school is whitewashed at best, offensive at worse.  Little regard is given to how Native Americans were treated during this time in our history.  If the Native American narrative is recognized, they are viewed as caricatures (with our preschool children creating paper bag headdresses).

Stock Photo:  Child wears paper headdress.

Full disclosure - I am a white, middle class young adult who grew up in a white, affluent neighborhood.  As a child, my favorite Disney Princess was Pocahontas.  I owned and wore a Pocahontas dress.  The only characteristic that separated me from my peers was my religion (born and bred UU).  However, I never felt particularly persecuted or marginalized for it.  And, I still ask myself, 'what does it mean to be culturally sensitive?'

In short, I never quite felt like I had the tools necessary to tackle the Thanksgiving story in a culturally inclusive way.  So, I didn't think about it.  Growing up UU, the Thanksgiving narrative I told myself instead was one of 'religious freedom.'  After all, the pilgrims came to the America's to practice their chosen religion.  Their survival, exemplified in the Thanksgiving story, was critical to the creation of this nation, which gives me the freedom to worship however I choose.

However, as I have gotten older, I've learned that narrative isn't quite true either.  And, what of the food?  Is it possible to eat ethically on a holiday that is all about food?  Well, unfortunately, I don't have all the answers for you (what good UU does), but I can at least give you the resources to begin your own investigation.

Pinterest Pick of the Week

Revisiting the Story of Thanksgiving

Faith Formation Component

Content

Time for Activity

> 0.5 hours

Recommended Age

All Ages

Materials

Library Card, 

Activities

There are many narratives we tell ourselves and our children about the thanksgiving holiday - none of which are particularly true or socially responsible.  Thankfully, a few people much smarter than I have taken their time to gather accurate information, and put together helpful guides, that we can use when honoring this holiday with our children.  My only suggestion, don't let the sheer volume of information from this post overwhelm you.  Choose one area to explore with your children this thanksgiving and run with it.

Talking about Native Americans

Off Beat Families put together an age appropriate guide on how to talk to children about Native Americans during Thanksgiving.  In one section, the article's author (listed only as Rodrigues), cautions against painting Native Americans with a broad brush.  Rodrigues notes, "keep the perspective balanced: some settlers had compassion and wanted to help Native people, and not all native people were like Squanto or Pocahontas, either.  In fact, one important ideas is that just like your child has different ideas and likes than his friends, people at that point in history had different ideas from their friends."

The Indian Country Today Media Network has also compiled a short list of picture and chapter books written by Native Americans, about Native Americans.  As Debbie Reese, the author of this article states, "These books give a far more nuanced, and accurate, account of Indigenous Peoples.  They will set children and adults alike straight on what really happened around the time of the so-called First Thanksgiving, and what Native life is like today."

"The People Shall Continue" written by Simon Ortiz

On the flip side, in her blog American Indians in Children's Literature Debbie Reese has re-posted a very comprehensive list of Thanksgiving books NOT to use.  

Exploring Religious Freedom and Early Unitarian Universalism

On the Smithsonian's website, Kenneth C. Davis debunks the myth that the early Pilgrims and Puritans were all about religious freedom.  In the article Davis even notes several examples of early religious laws in Independent America.  Delaware, for example, "required an oath affirming belief in the Trinity."

You may even be surprised to learn that the first Universalist service in america didn't even occur until September 30, 1770.  That preacher was John Murray (bio can be found at Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography).  A children's story, and activity ideas, about John Murray can be found in Session 12 of the Tapestry of Faith curriculum Creating Home.  One of the best parts about this resource is that several of the activities are centered on welcoming - another Thanksgiving theme.

John Murray

Ethical Eating

For a general overview on how to eat ethically on Thanksgiving, Take Part offers up trivia (yes, trivia).  In the introduction to their slide show, they note "These fun facts about Thanksgiving might help you find small ways to celebrate a little more ethically... there are lots of easy choices that will have you feeling good before you even sit down at the table."

By way of specifics, Running on Real Food, offers up 50 vegan recipes for Thanksgiving, and this infographic, created Good Magazine, provides information and suggestions on how to make your meal more local, sustainable and eco-friendly.

Stock Photo: Cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables.

Other Thanksgiving Narratives

In the Off Beat Families article referenced above, Rodrigues offers another narrative about Thanksgiving.  She says, "In our home, like so many other American homes, Thanksgiving is when we take time to enumerate the brightest moments of that year.  Often, those illuminated moments are intertwined with difficult, dark times.  They are inseparable: we are thankful for our home knowing that others suffer without one.  We are thankful for our youngest son in light of the days he spent recovering from heart surgery.  We are thankful for our marriage in light of the fact that we are two people toiling through a relationship's struggles.  We celebrate thanksgiving in acknowledgement of its symbols of hope, thankfulness, and togetherness in light of the difficult history from which it springs."  This is how I like to look at Thanksgiving now.  And, if this is the narrative you want to instill on your children, check out this post on gratitude from two weeks ago for activity suggestions on how to do just that.

Original Sources:

All original sources cited above.

With gratitude,

- Ms. Meredith