This day’s name is February 4, 2023. As I waited for my coffee to brew, I scanned the chaos that we refer to as the news. It can easily take you to the dark places where anger and frustration live. When I realized what was happening, I immediately thought of chocolate ice cream with chunks of fudge in a waffle cone which usually brings me back to a state of serenity. Bad thoughts replaced by good thoughts. Today is Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (coincidence?), International Pisco Sour Day, Liberace Day, National Create a Vacuum Day, National Help Day, National Homemade Soup Day, National Quacker Day, National Stuffed Mushroom Day, National Thank a Mailman Day, Rosa Parks Day, Take Your Child to the Library Day, and Torture Abolition Day. Onto history: On this day in 1194 a ransom of 100,000 was paid for the return of Richard I to England. On this day in 1789 the 1st US electoral college chooses George Washington as President and John Adams as Vice President. On this day in 1794 the French National Convention abolishes slavery. On this day in 1822 free American blacks settle in Liberia, West Africa. On this day in 1824 J. W. Goodrich introduced rubber galoshes. On this day in 1849 the University of Wisconsin began in 1 room with 20 students. On this day in 1887 the Interstate Commerce Act was passed authorizing federal regulation of the railroads. On this day in 1933 German President paul von Hindenburg limited freedom of the press. On this day in 1938 Hitler seized control of the German army and put Nazis in key posts. On this day in 1945 FDR, Churchill and Stalin met at Yalta to discuss the final phase of WWII. Today’s dose of wisdom comes from the late Carl Rogers who was a psychologist. Carl said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” “The good life is a process, not a sate of being. It is a direction not a destination.” “The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others.” I’ll end with “When I look at the world I’m pessimistic, but when I look at people I am optimistic.” Enough for today. Abide.
