by Roxanne -

Does Everyone Have a Voice?

Photo gscnc.org

This article in the New York Times reminds me this Memorial Day that the point of living in a democracy or a democratic republic is to make sure that everyone has a voice. In this article both Republicans and Democrats have missed the point regarding voting regulations.

Currently too many don’t have a voice in our country. Both parties have failed in making sure that every voice is heard. If we really wanted to hear every voice we would change the way voting is carried out.

For example, voting on a Tuesday is very convenient for those working in white collar jobs, those with cars and those who have the luxury set their own working hours. However limiting voting to one day during the week means that the working poor may not be able to leave their jobs to vote. Even though the law allows it, the reality is that day laborers can’t afford to lose any pay, and if employers replace them what actual legal recourse do they have?

For those who rely on public transportation, there may not be enough time after work to get to a polling place. The same is true for single parents or those who care for the disabled or elderly.

Why not vote over 3 or 4 days so the the working poor would have a chance to vote on their day off? Voting over several days, including weekend days, would allow the elderly and others more opportunity to arrange a ride to their polling place.

We should think critically about the voices that aren’t represented in our democratic republic. Who speaks for children? Who speaks for those with disabilities? Who speaks for the elderly? Who speaks for those who are sick? Who speaks for new immigrants? How does our democratic republic allow their voices to be heard?

In the end, as the ancient Greeks knew, any society is only as good as the weakest among us. How are the voiceless faring in our nation?

Check here to see what constitutes “note faring well” or living in poverty.

Then go here to learn more.

You may also like Budget Policy Choices, Cinco de Mayo and New Books.

by Roxanne -

Frozen Custard, Ice Cream & Gelato

Summertime. On a hot summer night what could be better than heading out for an ice cream cone?

Kopp’s Frozen Custard in Milwaukee is the very best frozen custard on the planet. Definitely one of the main advantages of living in or near Milwaukee. Flavors like Cherry Amaretto Cheesecake, Root Beer Float and German Apple Streusel will keep you coming back. Check out their daily flavor forcast. Frozen custard has a higher butterfat content than regular ice cream and melts almost on contact with air. But it is divine. Kopp’s burgers and fries live up to a similar reputation. But plan to go with someone else and split the giant burgers and leave room for the frozen custard!

Closer to home, the Grande Ole Creamery on Grand Avenue in St. Paul makes the ultimate sweet cream vanilla ice cream. Warm, crispy waffle cones are hand made right in the store, just as they have been for more than 30 years. Each cone is stopped with a malted milk ball at the bottom. Order the “split” for two flavors in one.

Photo Food Network.com

Not too far away you can try Izzy’s Ice Cream on Marshall Avenue in St. Paul. Don’t forget to ask for your free Izzy scoop on top – then wander around one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Paul as you enjoy your ice cream.

Ring Mountain Creamery in Eagan offers amazing gelato flavors. Try “Chocolate Chili” or “Salty Peanut.” Italian gelato is lower in fat and sugar than ice cream but it has all the flavor. I especially love their green tea gelato. It’s a great way to finish a sushi dinner.

Of course Bridgeman’s Restaurant in Minneapolis still carries my all time favorite – licorice ice cream.

You may also like Picnic in a Jar and Beachy Days.

by Roxanne -

Cantus Sings

Photo CantusSings.org

In May we enjoyed a delightful evening listening to Cantus Vocal Ensemble. Cantus is a men’s vocal ensemble that also trains and teaches high school choirs and ensembles.

The evening we heard them they performed, but also directed 5 high school choirs and ensembles. After intermission, a mass choir performed comprised of Cantus and all the other choirs combined. Fresh, energetic voices. Smiling faces. Their performance was stunning.

Cantus’ upcoming Covers Concerts are June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Get tickets at CantusSings.org.

Here’s something fabulous to put on your calendar –

Cantus Vocal Ensemble will be performing on Sunday, June 19th at 2:00pm. This is a free concert at Lake Harriet. Join Cantus for a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day!

You may also like Fill Your Life With Fabulous, The Sounds of Music and Happiness is a Choice.

by Roxanne -

Labyrinths

Photo HealingLandscapes.org

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? It is an ancient meditation technique that allows us to access the wisdom hidden in our own minds and bodies.

A labyrinth is a large maze or pattern. Often it is created with a path cut into the lawn, or perhaps crushed stone lined with shrubbery. A beautiful tiled labyrinth is set into the floor of the cathedral at Chartres, France. Pews, seats and kneelers in churches are a modern innovation. Older churches and cathedrals were not built to have seats, pews or kneelers.

In the walking we use our bodies and minds to reflect and meditate in a contemplative way. In ancient times it was believed that walking enabled both reading and contemplation. This is why universities in Europe had long boulevards or tree-lined walking paths. This tradition continues even at modern universities today.

Usually a labyrinth will have a small bench at its entrance. As you sit on the bench, consider a question or problem you may be struggling with. Now gently set this issue aside. Then slowly begin to walk the path of the labyrinth. When you reach the center, pause and reflect at each of the six directions. Then slowly begin your walk out of the labyrinth.

Often, you may be surprised to find a solution to your problem emerges shortly after completing the labyrinth.

Regardless, solution or not, you will have had some time to reflect, walk, enjoy nature and experience an ancient tradition. Try it and see!

Click here for a list of labyrinths in and around the Twin Cities area.

You may also like Visio Divina Reflection, Dianna’s Innermost House at Guest House To Go, or American Catholicism – How’s It Working?

by Roxanne -

Come to the Feast!

Jesus’ image for the Kingdom, salvation or healing and wholeness is most often a wedding banquet, a dinner or a feast. Life can be a feast – if we enter in.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus moves from one dinner, one feast, to another. The gospel of Luke is a series of dinners, feasts and banquets. Ask yourself “Why?”

Entering into the feast is not about creating a life of comfort. Rather it is about entering more deeply into life and allowing it to wash over us. This is a risk. Life is a risk. God took this same risk in creating a world with free will, a world free to be and to choose. We, in God’s image, must also take this risk.

In the gospels, the authors have Jesus using the Greek term metanoia. Originally this was translated as “repent.” But the modern meaning of this word means we miss the original meaning. Metanoia means “change your mind” or “see reality differently.” Jesus’ concern was not that we would do something wrong or “sin.” Rather his concern is that we would view life wrongly and miss the feast.

Jesus wanted us to enter into the feast – the feast of life, the feast of the world. All are invited. Think of the movie Harry Potter and the feasts at Hogwarts. This is a marvelous image of a feast! Everyone gathers. There are untold delights to sample, savor and explore. There is abundance – enough for all. Conversations happen. Thoughts and feelings are shared.

In Jesus’ banquets we come to be served and to serve. Serving is how we are re-oriented outward or healed. Healthy relationships must be mutual.

All have a place at the table. Can you change your mind? Can you see the enchanted feast of your life?

You may also like Babette’s Feast, Movie “Waitress” It’s All in the Pie, You’re Invited!.