Wednesday, October 31, 2007

What Can We Do When Things Seem to Go Wrong (1)

By Miriam B. Medina

This week has had its unexpected dilemma; two huge car repair bills, which deflated my finances. Naturally, I would not be truthful, if I didn't say that my immediate emotional reaction to all of this was one of high stress. Although I encourage having a positive outlook on life, I must admit that we all experience at one time or another in our lives these displays of emotions, of "hitting the roof, or blowing a fuse," "When things go wrong." Especially in today's economic times, with gas prices sky rocketing, real estate taxes increasing, heating expenses going up, children's college tuition to pay, child support payments, lack of commission , etc. our wallets and bank accounts are feeling a humongous crunch. Everyone's lament is that prices keep going up, but the salaries remain the same, how are we going to survive? Not only do we have to contend with our overhead expenses, but also with other unexpected issues and calamities that interrupt the normal flow of our daily life; such as plans that go awry, accidents or sudden illnesses, unemployment, anticipated profits that fail to materialize, so on and so forth.
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Some are fortunate to have a nest egg as a cushion to fall back on, while for others who live from hand to mouth, it becomes a frightening experience. What happens to each and every one of us does matter, but more important is "How we react to it." Three of the emotions that are normally displayed and I would label under STRESS in response to these calamities are "Fear, ""Anxiety," and "Hysteria". FEAR, is defined as "a continuing state or attitude of fright, dread, or alarmed concern, an uneasy feeling that something may happen contrary to one's desires," ANXIETY: " a tense emotional state characterized by fear and apprehension, regarding the future." HYSTERIA: abnormal excitement; wild emotionalism; frenzy. These all contribute to our state of mind when we react to "When things go wrong."

One has to meet his or her problem in a positive constructive way, no matter how dismal it may seem. There are those who have accepted the challenge and have won. Again it is not what happens to us, but HOW we react to it that counts. Life is a mirror, and it reflects back to us, whatever image we place before it. Every seed that we plant in the soil of life will bear fruit according to that seed. For example: If we are planting potatoes we will not reap oranges. Thoughts of failure and negativeness will not produce success. Life gives back to us exactly what we believe we can accomplish and believe what we are able to accept for ourselves in our own mind. No more and no less. We need not to set limitations on ourselves to all possibilities of excelling these calamities, "When things go wrong." Most of us live our lives within a limited circle. We set up barriers by limiting ourselves with "I cant’s," and other forms of self-condemnation and self-limitation. Here is a dot . which are you and me . Now we are the center of a circle without a circumference. In dealing with "When things go wrong, " we need to erase all limitations, stop making excuses etc., which we have been imposing upon ourselves, and move forward to successful accomplishments and finding successful solutions in rectifying all situations.


So you say "Okay, I am willing to admit that I have been defeated most of my life, so where do we go from here?" The ultimate challenge is that we are not "at the mercy of Fate," as the expression says "Que sera, sera...what will be will be.", thus clouding any possibilities for a better future. We can neutralize this image by establishing a positive frame of mind. Self-direction is what motivates us to pick up the pieces and start all over again. In order for you to achieve whatever you set out to do, you must believe in whatever you wish to achieve, accept its possibility and confidently expect it to be realized. These truths can be applied to every area of your life, whether it be your health, home, career, job or relationships, and in doing so you will lift your thoughts, and your vision to see beyond your needs, circumstances, or conditions that surround you, which will result in fear turning to courage and confidence, anxiety to calmness , and despair to faith and
hope.


Successful people do not fear failure because they really never expect to fail. Although they may be surrounded by scoffers, they do not deviate from the image that they have created for themselves. The only time one fails is when one comes to a halt.

 In closing, I leave you with the words of Walter D. Wintle which have been an inspiration to me:


"If you think you're beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you think you can't win, and know you can't
It's almost a cinch you won't.

For out in the world you'll find
Success begins in a fellows will
For it's all in the state of mind.
Contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
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Monday, October 29, 2007

What Is The Blog "Mimi Speaks?"

First before anything, we need to understand what a blog is all about. A Blog is a frequently updated journal or diary, also called a "Web log," which is a specialized site that allows an individual or group of individuals to share a running log of events and personal insights with online audiences.

This journal is often updated daily and contains all information that the person (the blogger) who maintains the Blog wishes to share with the world. This information is automatically inserted into a template that is tailored for the Web site. A Blog is a publication of a mixture of personal thoughts, experiences, and web links. Some blogging sites may provide a variety of topics that may be of interest to the public. There are blogs that allow visitors to make comments or ask questions, in response to the blogger's postings. A blog can be formal or informal, depending on the train of thought of the blogger. Some bloggers may use their real name or prefer to remain anonymous, by using a nickname. In some cases, the "blogger" will write in the first person.


As for the Blog "Mimi Speaks." Many people who have visited history, educational or genealogical websites, and benefited immensely from them, have never had the opportunity to know who the individual or group of individuals are, that have worked behind the scenes diligently, researching and providing this trustworthy information to the public. I know that I myself at times feel curious about this. Since History is my passion, I love nothing more than sharing its long-term relationship with you. The "Mimi Speaks" blog's intent is to discuss New York City, New York State and areas of American history, as well as some issues on life , in the hopes that the public be encouraged to participate in expressing their own thoughts, questions and opinions. It is also a great way for getting to know each other. From the grateful feedback which I have received in regard to the Feast of Mt. Carmel and the Giglio Feast, which was posted in the "East Harlem" Blog, apparently it seems to have stirred up nostalgic memories among its past participants and once residents of the old neighborhood. This is what makes the Blog worthwhile. I sincerely hope you will continue to visit. May each and every one of you have a great and positive day.

Goodbye for now.........Until the next time.................When "Mimi Speaks."

contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Riding It Out On The Great Financial Roller Coaster: NYC's Early Panics


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Although its reach is large, thehistorybox.com, a non-profit, educational website focuses a particularly long lens on economic events and other related matters affecting or contributing to New York City's development and growth.

"Depression
Massive collapse of the economy that normally follows a period of prosperity. A depression is usually accompanied by a financial panic or a crash of the stock market as investors lose confidence and refuse to buy stocks or make loans. A staggering level of unemployment is the most immediate and debilitating result. Not all crashes reach the level of national depression, however. If the down turn in the economy is short lived and relatively mild, it is called a "recession." Three major depressions, so defined because of the depth and duration of the collapse have occurred in American history: 1837, 1893, and 1929. Some historians add to the list the downturns in 1857, 1873, and 1907. There is a lot of dispute among economic historians and economists as to the causes of economic depressions. (more)
Panics, Depressions, Economic Crisis, resulting in bankruptcies of companies and individuals, where millions are unemployed, homeless and reduced to beggary, is the greatest nightmare feared by all; the wealthy, the investors, the businessmen as well as the working class population. Over the centuries New York City, which is the financial center of the United States, has passed through several notable ones. Some attribute these panics to overexpansion and debts, overextended notes and discounts, overinvestment and falling prices, etc. The Panic of 1929 and the ensuing depression were the most terrible the nation had ever suffered. "The stock market crash on October 23, 1929 wiped out an average of more than a billion dollars worth of paper values a day. A staggering total of 15 million were unemployed, and those who continued to work did so under greatly reduced wage scales." The flow of capital into productive enterprise slowed down to a trickle. The country was suffering from under consumption not overproduction. Banks were weighted down with government bonds, real estate mortgages based on greatly appreciated valuations, and highly speculative securities. Mass hysteria reigned.

The image of the once powerful, self-confident, successful men walking briskly to and fro is now replaced by one of nervous pacing, distress and cries of despair as they witness the crumbling of their world. The arrogant egocentric individual, ignoring sound advice and warning signs of the forthcoming economic crisis, would experience the full impact of the fatal plunge. Unable to cope with their losses, there were those that suffered a heart attack, or committed suicide, leaving their families financially unprotected and homeless. Yet throughout the business world, opportunists, having foresight into the economic conditions plaguing the nation, were busy preparing themselves to ride it out. Some of these individuals were cunning, and of an unscrupulous nature, who would exploit the misfortune of others to their advantage.

For more on New York City Panics please visit the New York City's Panics 1819-1929 section found in the New York City Main Directory.

You can see the flash version by scrolling down to this section or view the printer friendly version.

Goodbye for now..............until the next time.............when "Mimi Speaks"

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To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

Friday, October 26, 2007

About Self-Direction


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Self-Direction is sometimes referred to as Self-determination, which is the principle of free will: decision by one's self.

In the area of creativity, we have been given the privilege of making choices as well as the authority to direct our own thoughts and express our ideas. If we are not satisfied with the world that we have created for ourselves, we have been given the privilege of creating a new mold from which to start a new chain of events that is more to our liking. There are many people that are always in a" woe is me" sad sack attitude, a "pawn in the hand of fate." Some of these individuals are discouraged easily, especially in the complexity and competence of today's workplace, making new literacies and new skills imperative.

Negative people set up laws in life by their negative way of thinking and then find themselves railing at life, because they live by them. I tend to agree with Emmet Fox, "As long as you go on thinking wrongly about yourself and about life the same sort of difficulties will continue to harass you." When one changes the belief about one's self, then the outward experiences will be changed also. We do not need to imitate another person's success, in order to feel fulfilled or accomplished in life. We all have the wisdom and ability on which to rely, to produce the same and even better. There are so many hidden talents within each of us, that can be uncovered and developed today. Each one of us is unique, expressing ourselves in our own particular way. The best way to begin , is to create a new plan of Self-direction by analyzing your negative thoughts and trying to find a way of turning them into a positive approach to life. Dismantling old negative thoughts, is a very frustrating and difficult project, but it can be done......Stop selling yourself short.....as I mentioned before, wanting to do something and not take action on it is self-defeating.....It becomes mere daydreaming.......

So don't be a daydreamer, but be a doer and let the results instead speak for themselves. I leave you these thoughts.....................

Goodbye for now............until the next time.........when "Mimi Speaks."

The author of this post is Miriam Medina. I would like to hear your comments on this post. Please do not copy this article. You can provide a link to it if you like.

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Thehistorybox.com, Is It Worthwhile?


Using East Harlem as my basis, I wrote this poem giving a description of thehistorybox.com as if it were from a visitor's point of view. Here it is, if you would like to read it.

Thehistorybox.com, Is It Worthwhile?

If I visit thehistorybox.com, will it be a time worthwhile spent?
With so many web links and articles, I don't think I could be that diligent!
History was never my favorite subject, and to be honest I found it boring too,
I was taught that Christopher Columbus discovered America way back in 1492.
I admit I'm tempted to look but I'm not sure if it really is worth the stay,
If it was up to me I'd rather watch the ball game, than waste this time away.
(read more.......)

Goodbye for now..........until the next time.........when "Mimi Speaks."

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miriammedina@earthlink.net

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

East Harlem, New York

Italian Harlem also called East Harlem

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It seems as though I can't stop talking about the old neighborhood, East Harlem, especially when it comes to the Italian Feast of Mount Carmel on First Avenue. This was one of the most exciting experiences, that I always looked forward to in the summer, during my childhood days. We never missed a feast. The whole family went, and what a great time we had. There was something special about the feast that seemed to stand out. The first whiff of fried Zeppole mixed with the irresistible alluring aromas of Italian delights, carried by the summer breeze, would make anyone's head giddy. Masses of people standing in lines would wait anxiously for their turn , hoping there was enough food treats to satisfy every one's long awaited taste buds. Yummy, yum...drool. Finally there in front of us, among the delicious Italian delicacies, were the enticing Zeppoles (fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar). You never saw a bunch of kids devour so quickly those Zeppoles, and walk away grinning from ear to ear with powdered mustaches. This I could still remember.

Forty-three year old , Italian American first generation, Al Guerra, grew up in East Harlem, who followed the feast every summer. Although He currently lives in Florida with his wife and three children, he still travels to East Harlem every year for the Feast. Al Guerra has managed to put together a fascinating website about the Feast of Mt. Carmel .This is a wonderful website dedicated to the people who helped make this great festive tradition possible. This website portrays a yearly tradition that has been in existence among the Italian Immigrants since 1881 and will continue to exist even into the future. Lots of research , photos and valuable historical information has been invested by its webmaster in the preparation of this website. A definite must see. Please visit their photo gallery for pictures of the feast.

One of the many outstanding features of his website is Gerald Meyer's article on "Italian Harlem":

"Italian Harlem--which was located on Manhattan's east side between 96th Street and 125th Street from Lexington Avenue to the East River-at its height in 1930 was home to eighty-nine thousand first- and second-generation Italian Americans. Its large population. (see original article for the rest)

Another important website which I would like to mention that is dedicated to Italian Traditions, the Giglio di San Antonio in East Harlem, which is an Italian Festa in continium since the early 19th century. Bob Maida, who is an active member and photographer of the East Harlem Giglio Society located in the East Harlem Giglio, website has done a fantastic job of providing pictures, current as well as historical which can be viewed by the public. Bobby also helps promote the festival.



Gerard Madio..55 a third generation East Harlemite feels this feast is: "the last of Italian East Harlem as we remember it, that is why it is very important for everyone who was raised in this neighborhood or their parents or grandparents to come back again & again to enjoy the old neighborhood, old stories and old and new friends. The "Giglio" is the only true relic that belongs to us, so that is why we have it and cherish it. It might look like "The Giglio" was built in a day, but it's not. It requires fund raising and a year round event of planning, with men who put their heart and soul into it, to keep a tradition alive, and in the end, after looking at the smiling face's of children with their parent's or grandparents, it's all worth it."

To enter the Giglio site. There are links to other websites both in America and Italy that are devoted to or sponsors of Giglio Feasts. This is another definitely must see. To view 2007 Photos from East Harlem's Annual Feast--Giglio Di Sant' Antonio Click Here

Here is a little background history:

The Giglio Society of East Harlem is a group of men who have dedicated their lives to honor Sant’ Antonio, their beloved saint. Their love and devotion is on display each year during their Annual Festival held in East Harlem, New York. They honor their Patron Saint in very much the same fashion as their ancestry did and still do annually today in Brusciano by building a Giglio and dancing it in the streets of Manhattan, N.Y.

Giglios are built in honor of a town’s patron saint and carried on the shoulders of approximately 120 men in a ritual that dates back to 409AD in the town of Nola Italy.

"Around the turn of the 1900's, Italian immigrants left Italy in search of a better life for their families. During this time, Southern Italy was a very desperate place holding little to no promise of a bright future for the many starving and hungry families. Many had no other choice but to pack up their belonging and take a chance on moving to the promise of the 'New World' - America! (to continue reading, click here).



If you would like to leave a comment,
Contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net or miriam@thehistorybox.com
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Monday, October 22, 2007

Violence Across America: A Nation's Crisis

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"Her cries for mercy were answered by fearful threats and curses by him, while her shrieks and appeals for help were unanswered. Mrs. Moran was dead, from the brutal treatment received at the hands of her husband." Tragically, this has become a common feature of our nation.


"Help! Please..... Will Somebody Help Me?" Violence across America is my narration. I am the author of this three part essay.

The Victims

Her loud shrieking anguished cry and plea for help fades away to a barely audible whisper, as the battered victim of domestic violence, rape, or brutal assault desperately struggles against her attacker, clinging to her life. Oftentimes, horribly beaten and bleeding from gashes on her neck, face and head, she lies there almost senseless, as nearby doors and windows remain closed and passersby not wishing to interfere, scurry away in fear for their own lives. For those that are fortunate enough to live through their horrifying near death experience of broken bones and faces......(for more click here).

Goodbye for now……….until the next time………when “Mimi Speaks.”

Contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
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"Taking it to the Streets, New York City`s Early Riots"

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Although its reach is large, thehistorybox.com focuses a particularly long lens on the early history of political and economic events,panics, riots and other related matters affecting or contributing to New York City's development and growth.

Rioting, a disrupting unpleasant feature of urban life, resulting in serious bodily injury, loss of life as well as destruction of property,costing the city millions of dollars...

As I mentioned before New Yorkers are known for telling it as it is. When they are not in agreement with something, they act upon it.

During the 18th and 19th century, scarcely a week would pass that the streets of New York City were not disturbed by some sort of riot, protest or blood shed which resulted from the aroused fearful element of racial and religious hatred. Others resorted to rebellion and civil disobediences, airing their grievances in confrontations with authorities, when they felt abused by the government, for reason of taxes or their struggle for individual rights. These rioters would take their political or protest actions to an unusual level of violence intensifying into greater waves of violence.

The Negro Riot-1712, The New York Conspiracy-1741, The Stamp Act Riot-1765, The Doctor's Riot -1788, The Irish and Know Nothing's Riot -1854,The Astor Place Riot -1859, The Draft Riot -1863, The Kosher Riot in Brownsville -1902, Violent Demonstrations at Chief Rabbi Joseph's Funeral -1902, The Brooklyn Riot -1910, The Harlem Riot - 1943 and the Stonewall Police Riot: Gay Rights 1969, all find their way to thehistorybox.com.

The United States is the most ethnically diverse country in the world. It is a nation of immigrants widely attracted from many nations, cultures and religious backgrounds, all hoping to find freedom, and a better way of life.Though once referred to as the great "melting pot", in today's term we have become a "Multi-cultural society."

Our understanding of why such public actions develop and unfold has changed over the years, yet we must agree that as long as there are differences of religion, culture, political views, race, civil rights threatened etc., the possibility of riots and public protests will continue to be a co-existent feature of urban life.

You can view these articles either in the flash or printer friendly version.For the flash version you need to go to the New York City Main Directory and scroll down to "The Riots of New York City Section". If you rather have a printer friendly approach, you can link directly to it. Printer Friendly Directory.

Hoping that all of you will have a great day....I must say Goodbye for now....until the next time....when "Mimi Speaks."

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contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Chasing Elusive Ancestors and Learning History While You're At It (1)

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When it comes to reading or learning about City, State, or American History in an overall sense, many people comment that it is oh hum "boring." The women would rather be watching their soap operas, Gray's Anatomy or shopping at the malls till they drop. The men that are more into sports, would rather spend the time watching baseball, or the super bowl relishing in their gigantic subs. While others prefer to browse the internet. As for the dedicated premature-gray genealogist researcher, in their never ending pursuit, the chase of the Elusive Ancestor has become easier, thanks to the use of the personal computer and benefits that have been provided through the internet. Vital records information is now available to the public through designated websites. These can at times be accessed for free, or at a reasonable monthly fee. Some major websites such as Ancestry.com will provide a larger area of information on a yearly subscription. "Mega-databases, like those at Ancestry.com, allow users to perform nationwide and even worldwide searches for their ancestors by performing a Global Search, which may turn up ancestors in unexpected locations."


The tedious task of finding elusive ancestors is time consuming, frustrating, expensive and requires a great deal of patience. Between stamps, photo copies, stationary, subscriptions, travel, and rental of micro-films at the Family History Center one can tally up quite a bill in the line of expenses, without even getting close to any positive results. Trying to keep up with elusive ancestors is like being in a marathon. Just when we think we have caught up with them, they would suddenly bolt like a rabbit and start running again, disappearing without leaving a trail of dust behind, for us to continue sniffing. Honestly I do believe they were Olympic champion runners back then. I wonder if Nike or Adidas sneakers were around or something similar.

Papa was my elusive ancestor. I spent many weeks and months with micro-fiches and micro-films at the local Family History Center, searching and scrutinizing every single entry, hoping that I didn't miss anything vital that would lead to papa and his whereabouts. He was such a mystery to all of us, and since he died when I was very young, genealogy was the furthest thing from a child's mind. Mama who was Papa's third wife, didn't help matters, by throwing away all his belongings and papers after he died. Even as an adult, it didn't enter my mind to pursue my father's past until years later after mama's death. I was angry with myself for never questioning mama or any of my relatives that knew papa before he died.Now they are all deceased, and the dead can't talk. My brother Barney, who is the oldest was able to find out through my godfather, where papa was born and wrote to the representative of Croatia,requesting documentation of his birth. Papa was born in 1896 during the time of the Austrian Hungarian Empire. Now I know why papa had such a strong German accent. His English always sounded mish mashed. It turns out that my godfather was born in the same island that Papa was born. What a small world. The Island of Privic Luka in Croatia.

To be continued: Chasing Elusive Ancestors (2)

Contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

Friday, October 19, 2007

I Love New York


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New Yorkers are known for telling it exactly as it is. They don't pull any punches....I bet if you ask the residents of New York City today what they like about the Big Apple, this is what most of them would probably say:

"Get atta my face!," "Oy Vey!," "eh!," " I hate living here it's very stressful," " The apartments are so expensive unless you live in a rat infested roach hotel," " Those pushcart peddlers will rob you blind and selling hot merchandise no less," " Thank God, my cousin Sheila lives in Queens, at least there's trees there," " Nobody ever sleeps!," "CLAUSTOPHOBIA!," " I hate the congestion of traffic especially during the rush hour," "I live on the fifth floor and that damn elevator never works, this rotten landlord with all the money he makes on us, you'd think he'd get it fixed!," "There's no place to park unless you pile the cars on top of each other," "Forget the subways, it's like being in a can of sardines," " #%!&@ ," " Hic! I'll drink to that, can you spare a buck?," "It always looks dirty," " Too much pigeon crap," "Too many immigrants," "Some of the neighborhoods look like a war zone," "Those crooked Taxi-cab drivers will ride you around the same block three times and charge you an arm and a leg", "Ya take ya life in ya hands when you cross the street, these crazy drivers don't believe in red lights or stop signs here!," "It's a marathon, they'll knock ya down if ya don't get atta their way," "Everyone's too hostile," "I've got gates on my windows and three locks on my door doesn't that tell you something?," "I hate the summer, smells like last year's garbage is still out there,"-- Get the picture?

I would also add Richard Swift's article ;"Life in the Shadows, the Underside of New York City," which describes the nervousness, tensions, hostilities, and the frustrations of living in crowded conditions in today's city as well as Robert Kendall's "I Happen To Love New York."

New York, New York: It's a hellava town.

New York City has always had its share of growing pains, complete with political, social and economic upheavals galore. What are some of the recurring issues? Crime; accommodating masses of impoverished immigrants and migrants; the deterioration of neighborhoods; intolerable housing and extortionate rents; high taxes; unemployment; political and racial riots; police brutality and political corruption: and that's just the beginning.

Yet, in spite of all the discomforts and miseries, miraculously, most of those who crowd the city streets choose to stay. New York, New York.

Its history of over 350 years deserves attention as one of the world's most magnificent cities, studied for its steady and rapid growth, its material prosperity and its generous representation of diverse ethnic groups and religion.

New York City has unmatched theaters and museums and architecture. It is the financial center of the United States-- some say the world--, as well as the hub of American advertising, fashion, publishing, and radio Television broadcasting. New York is definitely not one of the natural wonders of the world: Millions visit the city each year to see what humans, not nature, can achieve.

Walter Barrett, author of Old Merchants, in his second series Book (1863), captures New York City :

"New York City is the heart_____the seat of vitality. Stop her
beatings, and the prosperity, the liberty, aye, the existence of the United
States is ended. The Nation will die. . . . Her great strength cannot be
destroyed."

To learn more about our Magnificent City, Click Here
To learn more about our Magnificent State, Click Here

Goodbye for now.....Until the next time...........when "Mimi Speaks."

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contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Hug Coupon

Hello again......It's 5:30 a.m, my usual wake-up time. I didn't sleep too well last night...Just brewed a fresh pot of coffee. My faithful notepad and pen lie nearby, with a book I would be researching, so I may jot down my notes and thoughts, while I sip my coffee. Even though I know the coffee will give me heartburn, I need that stimulant, so I can move on to my next activity for the day. Grateful for my anti-acid medication, I deal with the heartburn. I really shouldn't complain, one must be grateful for the small things in life....heartburn and all.

Okey, now, my ritual of medication is over, which seems to increase everytime I go for my routine check-up at the doctors. I think I would feel incomplete, if I didn't have once a prescription or blood work paper in my hand each time I left the doctor's office.

I am wide awake now and ready to work a few hours on thehistorybox.com. I'm wondering where my keyboard is. I'm sure it was here on my desk before I went to bed. Ahhh! There it is, buried under the pile of paperwork. I am surrounded by a literary blanket of books, all within reach, minimizing my work space. Geeeeez...my apartment is starting to look like a library. So grateful for my post-ems and notes, they are all over the desk and tray table, reminding me of what to do or where I left off. Someday, I promise myself that I will get to the mess.. a familiar ring?

Before I forget, the other day I received this tid-bit from someone. Its called the Hug Coupon....I thought it would be a nice way to start the day...so I am going to share it with you.

Hugs are fat free, sugar free and require no batteries.
Hugs reduce blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate
and help relieve pain and depression.
Redeem this coupon at your nearest participating human being
Returns cheerfully accepted!

So everybody don't forget to hug someone today.....guarantee you will feel real good about yourself and life.

Goodbye for now.....until the next time....when "Mimi Speaks."

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Welcome

Hello, I'm Mimi, this is my nick name, though I am also known as Miriam Medina, the creator and website administrator of thehistorybox.com. Many people visit history and educational websites, but never get to know who the individual or group of individuals are, that work behind the scenes diligently, researching and providing trustworthy information to the public. With regard to thehistorybox.com. I am the only person. History is my passion, and I love nothing more than sharing it with you. I hope you will feel comfortable in expressing your opinions, thoughts, and questions here. I must confess, this is all new to me.... (I am referring to "blogging" ) so bear with me, as I go through this learning process. Periodically I will be posting new thoughts, articles and information and would love to have your input and feedback on them. Please check back here often.

Until the next time......When "Mimi Speaks."