World No Tobacco Day...Its Today!!!!

Before you read the morning post – The Best Thing In The World

Read this. It is World No Tobacco Day. Promise not to consume tobacco atleast for today. But still I advise to quit smoking and other tobacco consumptions. It will do nothing good to you or your family. Yes, one thing is sure you will land up to respiratory and other related problems. Why to invite problems for no reasons?

SAY YES TO LIFE and NO TO TOBACCO!

All will be the best in the world if you quit it now! Sooner the Better!

Love you all

CheerioJ

The Best Thing In The World

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

What's the best thing in the world?
June-rose, by May-dew impearled;
Sweet south-wind, that means no rain;
Truth, not cruel to a friend;
Pleasure, not in haste to end;
Beauty, not self-decked and curled
Till its pride is over-plain;
Light, that never makes you wink;
Memory, that gives no pain;
Love, when, so, you're loved again.
What's the best thing in the world?
—Something out of it, I think.

Just feel each word of this poem.

We are proud of you, Nivedita!

I am posting this for my all readers who visit my blog globally. This is a moment of proud for every Indian and much more an Indian women. We have proved that we are not only good at making house a home but also great achievers in all fields of life. Hats off to Nivedita Chaudhary – an IAF officer. We are proud of you!

A  27-year-old Flight Lieutenant became the first woman from the Indian Air Force to scale 8848-metre-high world's tallest peak Mt Everest along with a male climber.

Nivedita Chaudhary, who is part of an 11-member all women IAF expedition, reached the summit at around 9 am after a gruelling four-hour climb along with her co-climber Corporal Raju Sindhu (26) from Haryana.

It was virtually a hat-trick for Indian climbers with as many as five summiting the Everest in the last two days. A Haryana couple Sushma and Vikas Kaushik scaled the peak yesterday along with Premlata Agrawal (48), who was the oldest Indian woman climber to achieve the feat.

The Air Force woman officer and the Corporal were accompanied by two Sherpa guides to the summit, according to Durga Bhandari, manager of Nepal office of Rimo Expeditions that arranged the expedition.

Reports said that more Indian Air Force women climbers and their male compatriots were preparing to launch more summit bids in the coming days.

The team, which is accompanied by a doctor and eight male support climbers, is led by Group Captain Narendra Kumar Dahiya.

All the women climbers in the IAF team are first timers to the Everest.

Proud to be a Indian and proud to be an Indian women…

CheersJ

Colour Therapy During My Surgery!

No pain no gain. But if post surgery we have so much of pain then I do not want any gains. I am in awful pain. I miss my mommy though my husband has been my mommy since last two days. He is doing everything that my mom would have done for me. My food, my shower, my medicines, my clothes, my ironing and much above that handling my mood swings. I wish I had the same patience that he has for me. 

 

I was thinking to share something very interesting that I did in the Operation Theatre. The moment I entered I could see my surgeon and his assistant surgeon waiting for me. The senior surgeon asked his assistant to examine the area and clean it before they operate it. The assistant came closer to my feet and asked how am I feeling and how is the pain?

I said, “I am waiting to get rid of this pain so that I can be better with my foot, post surgery”.

 He gently cleaned my foot and went back to pick some bandage to clean my nail paint. I could hear him whispering into the ears of senior surgeon – “Gosh! She has painted her nails before the surgery as well.”

I was too infantile and quick to interrupt and justify around my nail paint, “Hey! Doc, this is called Colour Therapy”. I do not know what colour is for what significance but I am sure of one thing – there are few colours that pump me up. Like red, plum, rock, pinks and aqua. That is why you see my foot nails coloured as plum even today. I am giving you guys a chance to have a variety other than looking at the same colour of blood, ‘red’. So enjoy plum with red.”

Trust me, all 6 doctors started laughing and my surgeon said he loves me for my spirit though today I disappointed him during my first dressing. What I did, I will share tomorrowJ

Colour your nails, hair, home walls or wardrobe etc with the shades that make you feel peaceful, happy and contented. I do not follow any colour therapy (therapy that defines the use of a particular colour for a particular reason) as such but yes I use colours that keep me peaceful, happy and contented. So follow your choice of colours to colour your life!

I am tired....and exasperated due to painJ

CheerioJ

You are your BEST JUDGE!!!

Thanks to my reader for sharing this…..I loved your email and so I share the contents of it here for othersJ

Once upon a time there was a painter who had just completed his course. He took 3 days and painted beautiful scenery. He wanted people's opinion about his caliber and painting skills.

He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below a board which read -"I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."

While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.

Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master's place and burst into tears.

This young artist was breathing heavily and master heard him saying "I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"

Master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work."

Young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.

"Come with me." master said.

They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place. Now master took out another board which read -"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it."

Master and disciple walked back home.

They both visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. Next day again they visited and found painting remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month for no correction came in!

Moral of the story:

It is easier to criticize, but DIFFICULT TO IMPROVE!

So don't get carried away or judge yourself by someone else’s criticism and feel depressed...

JUDGE YOURSELF! YOU ARE YOUR BEST JUDGE!!!

From Hospital to Home!!!

Hey-

Note for readers...

I was scheduled for a foot surgery yesterday at 8 AM (IST). Last time my right foot was operated and this time I was facing the same problem with the left one. As per my surgeon I need to be operated before my thumb gets infected. . I was excited for the surgery as I am used to themJ

Going to hospital and coming back has become like a vicious circle for me. But there is something I still cherish and that is every visit makes me fall in love with LIFE.  When I see people struggling with life I think of only one aspect – Life is so beautiful we all want to save it and live it!

The days and nights spend in the hospital does not bore me anymore as there is something to observe like so many things need to be invented and modified as far as hospitalisation in India is concerned. The affection and concern of my doctor, selfless nurses and much above that I really need to work on my patience levels.

The feeling to be admitted and going through medical checks does not scare me anymore. I have started thinking Operation Theatre as a ‘Film Studio’ where my doctor is the director and the lights right above my head (sorry,I am not sure what they called) are like spotlights.

 I love my doctor and I love when he operates me. There is a strange chemistry I share with him. He has always been very soft and delicate. I still remember in my last surgery the moment he entered the OT he held my hand and said “I am here with you, so just relax, do not worry”.

The way he did my dressings though his assistant is suppose to do it for him, he never lets anyone else handle my case. So now I have three weeks with him until my bandage gets off and I get back on my feet.

I will miss my swimming classes and students. I will not be swimming until mid June. But I will still hit the gym in my bandaged foot for weight training and strengthening exercises. There should be no excuse to exercise. Moreover I do not believe in ‘Giving Up’. I am sure post surgery the very next morning; I will go for a slow walk. Always carry your problems with ELAN!

Now why did I post this, surely not for sympathy or empathy but to tell that I love life no matter how many challenges I am facing or I may have to face in future. If there will be no challenge in life I might get bored and maybe you will also agree to this. So accept the way life is and love your challenges as they are the doors to your happiness. I am very happy post surgery and that is the way I have learned to be happyJ

Now I need rest........

Dolce Vita..Amilo TuttoJ

CheerioJ

Why Cannes was selected?

I was reading about Cannes and it was very interesting to know how Cannes was decided as the location for the Film Festival. This is considered to be one of the best platforms to showcase directorial skills and films from all over the world like to be part of this Festival. But why Cannes was selected as the place to host the world’s most famous film festival – let me share here!

Cinema was invented in France – but that was in Paris, not Cannes. Like much of the world as we know it today, the Cannes Film Festival exists as an indirect result of the rise of the fascist regimes in Europe during the 1930s. Its roots date back to 1932 when the first competitive international film festival was held in Venice. In those days, the Mostra di Venezia - and chiefly its awards - was as much about the national prestige of the participating countries as it was about the films. As the decade marched on, both the official selection and the prize-winners began to noticeably favour the countries of the fascist alliance, particularly Germany and Italy.

Matters came to a head in 1938 when Jean Renoir's "La Grande Illusion" was overlooked for the festival's top prize - known back then as the Coppa Mussolini ("Mussolini Cup") - despite being the clear favourite amongst both festivalgoers and jury members. Instead, the Coppa was jointly-awarded to a two-part German film called "Olympia", commissioned by Joseph Goebbels to document Nazi successes at the 1938 Berlin Olympics; and "Luciano Serra, Pilota", made under the supervision of Il Duce's own son. When the results were announced, the French were of course outranged and withdrew from the festival. Both the British and American jury members also resigned in protest at the idea that politics and ideology were able to stamp all over artistic appreciation. "La Grande Illusion" - a largely anti-war film - was subsequently banned in Germany and Italy; Goebbels himself labelling it 'Cinematographic Enemy No.1'.

But Venice's folly turned out to be Cannes' triumph. Later that same year, a group of critics and filmmakers got together to petition the French Government to underwrite the cost of running an alternative international film festival in France - one where films could be shown and compete without bias or political censorship. Afraid of upsetting Mussolini, the French government was initially lukewarm to the idea, but the powerful lobby group wasn't going to be easily dissuaded. Headed by Philippe Erlanger (head of Action Artistique Française), Robert Favre Le Bret (who would become the festival's longest serving president), and Louis Lumière (the co-inventor of cinema), the group put intense pressure on the government, which eventually caved in and gave the event the green light.

Several locations were initially considered for the festival, but the final choice came down to either Biarritz on the Atlantic coast or Cannes on the Mediterranean. Officially, it was the city's "sunny and enchanting location" which clinched it for Cannes, however most people acknowledge that the real reason for its selection was the fact that the municipal authorities agreed to cough up the dough to build a dedicated venue for the event.

Thats how Cannes became the location for the famous film festival. I read this and thought to make it a part of label – ‘From My Library’.

Buona NotteJ

TWO THINGS - IF YOU MISSED READING MY BLOG !!

Good Morning!

If you missed reading my blog this week please click the links below for two main updates.

Launch of my Youtube Channel - Dolce Vita

A Video Message for My Readers

Cheerio:)

Another Story Published!

Hey -

This is the story link that is published - http://www.talesofkindness.com/2011/05/reached-my-destination/

I am adding this link to the label 'My Published Writings' as well. Read and enjoy!

Cheerio:)

Did you know about Rocca di Papa?

It was a surprise to me when I came to know about a place near Rome, called Rocca di Papa. I came to know about this place on my travel to meet a client in 2004.

Rocca di Papa is one of the smallest villages in the area called “Roman Castles – Castelli Romani” and is not really famous compared to places like Frascati, Firenze, Ariccia or Nemi.

The surprising fact about Rocca di Papa is that there is a piece of road close to Rocca di papa where if you kick a bottle down to the street or you put your car switched off in this descent, your car never go down but slowly will go up. I have personally experienced this and it was an amazing thing to experience. - No Gravitational Force???

The stretch of the road in question is short, about one hundred meters, and can be reached along the so-called ‘Via dei Laghi’ (on the road for Castelli Romani). From Highway 218 Appia is deviated for Velletri, following the Via dei Laghi and arriving at a quadrivio, dividing in diverse directions. Taking the road to the right in the direction to ‘Ariccia’, you find a descent, which then begins as a ‘ascent’, precisely at the point where this anomalìa occurs. But what is it?

In this stretch of road, any object in the world curious tends to climb the slope or, if placed on the side reverse (downhill), it slowed down and even back. Why?

Opinions are divided. Some think that it is an optical effect. The magnetism anomaly seems to be thrown away as an explanation.

Launch of my Youtube Channel - DOLCE VITA!

Ciao 

I have a surprise for my readers. But before that read this –

“auguri ai miei lettori un vita dolce” 

This means in Italian that I wish all my readers a sweet life. I mean ‘Dolce Vita’. But why ‘Dolce Vita’, you guys must be thinking, right?

So I disclose the surprise. I am launching my youtube channel in this post for my readers. I have uploaded blog videos on my youtube channel that can be accessed at the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Archana108

As I am very affluent with Italian and this language is very close to my heart so I have named my channel as – ‘Dolce Vita’ meaning ‘Sweet Life’.

All the blog videos will be always visible on my channel. And future videos will also be uploaded here only. You can catch up with my personal videos with a message and videos of my family – Sphoorti (an NGO of my 92 kids)J

Whenever I upload anything on my channel, I will post it on my blog as well under the label – ‘Video’. This channel is solely for videos related to what I write and how I preach. You can find videos that make a difference to life of my readers and my family - Sphoorti. No personal videos are intended to be uploaded. I am working on my youtube channel to make it look better and more informative. I need some time for that so please bear with me (:

Any comments, voting and responses to my videos are strictly restricted. The purpose is solely to share and view. 

If you missed the morning post here is the link - My Videos with a Message! 

Amilo Tutto..oops I mean - Love you all! 

Cheerio:)

My Personal Videos - A Message For My Readers!

Ciao - 

Below are my two personal videos. These are taken last week. I describe the purpose of the video alongwith the links. Although you can read the description at my videos itself. Hey, I have recorded this with a message that too presented in a light manner.

VIDEO 1 – NEVER EVER GIVE UP POLICY

I suffer from GERD that started after arthritis medication. I cannot eat like many of you. For me food has to be bland, less salt and big no to stodgy deserts and beverages. I have been a coffeeholic since last 8 years. 10 cups a weekJ

Xmas 2010 I decided to get rid of my addiction. I tried reducing to 5 then 2 and now finally 1 cup a week. It is an achievement for me and my doctors can validate this looking at my stomach wall conditions. Whenever I felt the craving I decided – No I Will Not Drink...I will not give up my will power. I proved ‘Never Ever Give Up’. Keep trying until you get what you aim at. This video is mainly for my doctor and my readers to know try, try and you will get it there!

VIDEO 2 – MY MENTAL STRENGTH vsPHYSICAL STRENGTH

View this, as for a person with arthritis, PIVD and ankle tendonitis, this is a dream come true. Its all in the mind. You can overcome physical weaknesses with a strong mind. I tried 4 months to balance myself like in the video. Post treatment since June 2010 my joints have become very stiff and weak. I am getting back to my initial flexibility. Keep trying. Please do not practice at home. The idea is to make you understand that - practice your mental strength when you fail physically or emotionally.

A note to my readers.

I have always written what I felt. Sometimes my friends who read my blog and short stories say “Archana, it is easy to teach but difficult to preach”.This comment and feedback always left me thinking – is it true? If I write and recommend something am I also following it? Am I preaching what I try to teach through my writings or blogging. I decided to prove it not for my readers but for myself. I have believed in two things – ‘Never Give Up Policy’ and ‘Mental Strength is the Real Strength’.

I have uploaded all the blog videos on my youtube channel. You can access my youtube channel at the link below: http://www.youtube.com/user/Archana108 called as 'Dolce Vita' that means - Sweet Life!

The link to my channel is also added in my blog profile and FB profile.

CheerioJ

Chocolate Cake and A Thought!

I am waiting for my chocolate cake to be out of the oven. It is late in India and I just feel to hit the sack. 
 

Until the cake is done I was reading Eat Pray Love where there is a small section of conversation that left me thinking. It is true and we all are aware of this small thing but with a deeper meaning.

We all want a balance in our lives. A balance between mind and soul so that we live with all delights and desires but at the same time devote ourselves to God mainly good deeds.

The few lines that touched me from this small conversation in the book are as below:

“To find the balance you want, you must keep your feet grounded so firmly on the Earth that is like you have four legs instead of two. That way, you can stay in the world. But you must stop looking at the world through your head. You must look through your heart, instead. That way you will know God”.

I can smell the cake...so need to go...

Just remember what you read just now...look at the world through heart...

Love you all

Buona Notte:)

CheerioJ

I AM IN LOVE...YES..IN LOVE...JUST IMAGINE!!!

Listen to this - http://youtu.be/R9YUc6-ND1s

I am in love whoever this person is. I meant I am in love with his voice and command over the guitar. He plays with the chords like I play with my gungroos  while practicing Kathak. His voice touches my heart and the moment it falls on my ear drums my focus to tap my feet in Kathak comes so effortlessly.

I am much better now with my ankle pain and I thought to practice Kathak for a change and refreshment. It is so hot , I prefer to stay at home and rehearse. This video is my favourite as he sings from his heart and I feel as if he is in front of me playing the guitar and I am dancing. It comes so naturally.

It is a strange song selection for Kathak but I like to innovate new things as I have explored everything around this form of dance since years.  I mix Kathak and salsa while dancing on his awesome voice and great guitar command.

Strange thing - I will open all the windows of my hall and go around the curtains as if he is actually singing for me. I do not know but I just love when he plays and I dance.

I have learned one thing ‘anything we do right from heart will touch hearts of millions’. I share this video for many of you who are fond of this song and guitar as well. I am a big fan of both. Much above I love this guy for making me feel so happy and painless today.

I believe to break the rhythm of pain, the best idea is engage yourself into what you like the most or mainly engage your mind. I am back to work from evening and I feel no pain right now.

I am desperate to share this video. Listen and enjoy. A song for a full moon night for all of you.

I am in loveJ

CheerioJ

Reading Two Books: Thanks to Ankle Tendonitis!

I am reading two books together. Sounds crazy!

My ankle pain is back. I suffer from ankle tendonitis that comes and goes. But in these two days my ankle has been so painful that I feel to walk with my hands and put my ankles on my headJ

I am not able to conduct sessions as swimming is more around fluttering your ankles and feet. My nerves get contracted due to ankle tendonitis and the only relief is hot/cold water fermentation. Not to forget some special but really boring ankle rehab exercises are equally helpful!

So no work for last two days and I decided to start reading some of the pending books in my library. I am reading following two books.

EAT PRAY LOVE – If you have watched the movie then also reading this book is a completely different experience. Watching an autobiography for 3 hours and reading the same stuff in 350 pages is not the same experience. I loved the movie but I am enjoying reading it more than watching it. Written by Elizabeth Gilbert and this is her autobiography, her journey to find her inner self. A woman’s search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia. I could connect to this so well for so many reasons. The best part is that if you have been to all these three countries it will be much easier to follow the book. I am glad I am one of themJ

YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE – Written by one of my favourite author Louis L. Hay is more of a self help book and it is not boring. She has illustrated wonderful exercises and self-healing theories that offers profound insights into the relationship between mind and soul. She has written about what I firmly believe that we can heal ourselves through mental work and strength. Remember all the pains in your body come when you are wounded internally or your soul is wounded. Incidents in life that left you wounded and you thought you are fine but somewhere in the mind (your  sub cautious mind) those incidents are still troubling you that add to your body as pains etc. It is a book you will enjoy to read and experiment in your real life.

Buone Notte...!

God help my ankles...please!

CheerioJ

Story of Apple Tree - Through a Reader!

Everybody has an apple tree in his life. And this is your Parents !!

Thanks to my reader for this. I am glad you shared this with me for my blog. Keep sending such messages. This is not only a learning for me but for all my readers. Love your parents!

Ti Amo

Cheerio:)

I FEEL ROMANTIC:)

Wow!

Hyderabad climate makes me feel romantic. Its cloudy and I am thankful no more sun for today. It is a day, I am going to take off...I have cancelled my classes and just want to be with my family. I am sure many of you would be jealous:(

But take a break, look outside the window and call your manager 'I am not coming to office, not well':).

Life is beautiful and enjoy every moment of it. Who knows when we get to see such a lovely weather in the month of May. For all those who are planning an off from work and for all those who have thought of going on a date I am posting two 'youtube' links. I just feel romantic, when I listen to these two songs. Soft and romantic numbers from the movie 'Jhankar Beats' and 'Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi'. So I keep this post under the label 'My Likes'. Btw I am also planning to shop :)...Are you still thinking...go pick the mobile and call....enjoy this day!

http://youtu.be/Oo26D-7kMfM

http://youtu.be/z2F-wuvYKJE

Feel Love for today...

Love you all

Cheerio:)

Why to wait till 8th May - Happy Mother's Day!

8th May is the Mother's Day. But I am posting this today as I am scheduled with work and commitments. I want to make my mother feel special that she is remembered everyday, every moment. There are three links below for my readers to make their mothers feel special. Do not forget to wish your mother on 8th May!

We celebrate this day as a day to tell our mother how special she is and she is our foundation stone. I thank my mother for everything. I am not a great daughter. I fight with you, I bang your calls but still next day you call me and ask – ‘how are you?’ A mother can only do that for you. I am not a great daughter but you are the best mother in the world. Even the word best is not enough for you ‘my mom’.

I am not akka (sister) for my children at Sphoorti. I am their mother and will be always with them. I love my all 92 children. Happy Mother’s Day to my kidsJ

I am born lucky to have the best mom as a child and 92 children as a mother. I do not need anything more than that GOD!

I thought to make this Mother’s Day special for my readers. Please click the respective links to read the desired posts on my blog.

Mother’s Day History – Read to know and tell your mother!
Best Poem I read - Things My Mother Taught Me
How to say ‘mother’ in different languages?

Love you Maa...
Love you all!
Cheerio:)

How to say 'mother' in different languages?

Click the link below to forward your mother how to say 'mother' in different languages.

How to say mother in different languages?

Things My Mother Taught Me

My Mother taught me LOGIC...
“If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."

My Mother taught me MEDICINE...
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD...
"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"

My Mother taught me ESP...
"Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"

My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE...
"What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you... Don't talk back to me!"

My Mother taught me HUMOR...
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT...
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

My mother taught me ABOUT SEX...
"How do you think you got here?"

My mother taught me about GENETICS...
“You are just like your father!"

My mother taught me about my ROOTS...
"Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE...
"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION...
"Just wait until your father gets home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING...
"You are going to get it when we get home."

And my all time favorite thing- JUSTICE
"One day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like
YOU. Then you'll see what it's like."

Mother's Day History!

Mother's Day History

Contrary to popular belief, Mother's Day was not conceived and fine-tuned in the boardroom of Hallmark. The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England this holiday was expanded to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday.

In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else.

In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."

Anna began to lobby prominent businessmen like John Wannamaker, and politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate Anna's mother in 1908, at her church in West Virginia, Anna handed out her mother's favorite flower, the white carnation. Five years later, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day. In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

At first, people observed Mother's Day by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually, by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed that the day's sentiment was being sacrificed at the expense of greed and profit. In 1923 she filed a lawsuit to stop a Mother's Day festival, and was even arrested for disturbing the peace at a convention selling carnations for a war mother's group. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother's day tradition.

Despite Jarvis's misgivings, Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. In fact, the second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out, and telephone lines record their highest traffic, as sons and daughters everywhere take advantage of this day to honor and to express appreciation of their mothers.