Today Is National Cheesecake Day!

Now, this isn’t one of those “officially” declared days of celebration by the President of the United States of America or an elected town official, but it is certainly a rich and delectable day to celebrate cheesecake officially! According to historical archives, cheesecake is believed to have its origins in ancient Greece, over 4,000 years ago, on the island of Samos. Although we really don’t need a reason to delve into this creamy dessert that so many of us have come to know, cheesecake is truly one of our favorite comfort foods.

As a fan of “The Golden Girls” television show, I especially loved the part when someone would grab the cheesecake and saucers when one of the characters was facing a crisis. Estelle Getty (Sophia), Bea Arthur (Dorothy), Rue McClanahan (Blanche) and Betty White (Rose) always sat down with a slice of mouthwatering cheesecake, fellowshipped and solved the problem with good, fun and encouraging conversation. I hated to miss an episode! I loved this show and the part where they brought out the cheesecake!

So whether you are having a Golden Girls moment, a Divas brunch or a Boys Club conclave, just close your eyes and allow the creamy, rich taste of heavenly bliss tantalize your taste buds! It’s National Cheesecake Day, so dive in and indulge your senses!

And look at what I found! The Cheesecake Factory is offering ½ price on a slice of cheesecake in celebration of National Cheesecake Day today!

Don’t miss it!!! And by the way, what is your favorite cheesecake? Personally, I love good old cherry-topped cheesecake and a cup of tea! Sheer bliss!!!

Saluting Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: An Activist, A Messenger, A Global Icon

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born on July 18, 1918, will always be known as the iconic South African leader who fought for peace and human rights in a country where apartheid, a political system that encouraged segregation impeded freedom for the poor and oppressed. Nelson Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first Black South African to hold this office and the first elected in a fully representative and multiracial election in the country.

In 1962, Mandela was arrested and convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He served twenty-seven years in prison. An international campaign lobbied for his release that was granted in 1990. He is described as The Father of the Nation and is held in deep respect and admiration in South Africa. Among his more than 250 global awards, here are some:

Nobel Peace Prize, Time's Person of the Year, Bharat Ratna, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional  Gold Medal, Sakharov Prize, Gandhi Peace Prize, Lenin Peace Prize, Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, Al-Gaddafi International Prize for Human Rights, Order of the Nile, United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights, Indira Gandhi Award for International Justice and Harmony, Ambassador of Conscience Award, UNESCO Peace Prize, Carter–Menil Human Rights Prize, J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding, Simon Bolivar International Prize, Harvard Business School Statesman of the Year Award, W E B DuBois International Medal (from Wikipedia).

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory contributes to a society, which remembers its pasts, listens to all its voices, and pursues social justice in order to promote peace, human rights and democracy. http://www.nelsonmandela.org/. There was a song that was sung and dedicated to Nelson Mandela sung by Nona Hendryx, a great singer that I absolutely adore and want you to listen to.  The song is called “Winds of Change” so please check it out!

We celebrate today, International Nelson Mandela Day, on his 95th birthday! Happy Birthday President Mandela!

Rain On My Parade? It Depends On My Attitude!

The expression “Don’t Rain on My Parade” essentially means that someone tries to ruin your celebration of achievement or happiness, by saying or doing something to put a damper on your spirits out of malice. However, your response is to let them know that no matter what they try to do to put a damper on your celebration, you won’t allow them to! “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is also a song that was sung by Barbra Streisand in the 1964 musical, “Funny Girl.”

Nevertheless, this saying came to mind this morning as I listened to the countless complaints echoing from so many people about the downpours of rain that has been consistently hitting the East coast in particular, over the past few months. Although we see many plants and trees uprooted by the overly saturated waters, find some areas flooded, or see the destruction resulting in potholes on many heavily traveled roads and even private residential streets, water is still an essential part of life. And as much as we hoped that our 4^th of July plans and outdoor activities would not be “ruined” by the rain, I could actually think of much, much worse that could happen. For that reason alone, I try to bridle my tongue so that my complaints would not sound like ungratefulness.

I would rather have the daily showers, in spite of the little inconveniences, as opposed to those who lost their homes in the Midwest due to the unpredictable tornados that swept through so many areas and destroyed so much in its path. No one knows where to begin in order to salvage or how to start rebuilding again because they lost practically all of their possessions. I would rather have the rainy days as opposed to the people who lost their homes due to wildfires that consumed their properties within a matter of minutes, going up in flames and resulting in ashes. I would rather deal with the rain, as opposed to the earthquakes or drought that so many people are suffering from that is literally swallowing up things and even people as the earth rumbles and opens up.

I realize that many areas experience their own climate giants. But it’s the attitude and proactiveness that you have towards that giant, your personal Goliath, which will either break you or strengthen you. So, how do you deal with the circumstances when you are confronted with someone or some situation wanting to rain on your parade? The umbrella is in your hand!

To end on a lighter note I wanted to share this link of that 1964 movie “Funny Girl” with Barbra Streisand singing that classic tune "Don't Rain on My Parade!" Enjoy your day, no matter how rainy, windy or scorching hot the day is!