POETRY by Mary Oliver

photo by click via morguefile

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

-- 

by Mary Oliver 

Shared by SarahWinterClothwork

POETRY by Maya Angelou

photo by LookForFiddleheads

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

A free bird leaps on the back of the wind

and floats downstream till the current ends

and dips his wing in the orange suns rays and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage

can seldom see through his bars of rage

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill

of things unknown but longed for still

and his tune is heard on the distant hill

for the caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze

and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees

and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill

of things unknown but longed for still

and his tune is heard on the distant hill

for the caged bird sings of freedom.

--

by Maya Angelou

Submitted by ErinMapes

Women To Know : Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC)

Did you know that there was a woman pharaoh? There were a few female rulers prior that served under the title of Queen or Regent (a mother that assists young heirs until they are old enough to rule.) The only women to attain the title and position of pharaoh is Hatshepsut, the daughter of Thutmose I, who ruled Egypt from 1479-1457 BC.

Hatshepsut ruled for close to 22 years in a peaceful reign. She also had an eye for landscaping with a focus on trees that created shade.

Hatshepsut witnessed, and was deeply influenced by, the strategic rule of her father. She was thrust on a path of influence when her brother died after a short reign. It was quite fortunate that she was born in a time when Egyptian women were allowed to own property and to hold official positions. While securing her position, she wore some of the traditional pharaoh clothing exclusively worn by men.

Hatshepsut accomplishments benefited her kingdom and she moved successfully within areas of economics, politics, the priesthood, military, and architecture. She expanded trade routes and created an enduring circulation of prosperity where the needs of her people were met. She was inspired by the fertile delta along the Nile River, loved nature and imported trees, mainly Myrrh, planting many to beautify the land. Bordering lands were friendly relationships, perhaps maintained by her respect and admiration of different cultures.

Hatshepsut was one of the greatest prolific builders, constructing and renovated 100s of temples and shrines from the Sinai Peninsula to Nubia. The pharaohs that followed her were so threatened that they nearly chipped her from existence from the temple walls, claiming all her construction projects as their own.

Deir el-Bahari, west bank of the Nile, Luxor, Egypt

Deir el-Bahari is a complex of both monastery and mortuary temples tucked into the rocky cliffs near the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Djeser-Djeser is the Temple of Hatshepsut and means "the Holy of Holies" and is considered one of the most remarkable monuments of ancient Egypt. Though the building was nearly destroyed, and has undergone extensive repair and renovation for centuries, the beauty bestowed on this ruler and goddess is felt.  Learn more about Hatshepsut on Wikipedia.

EARTH DAY GIVEAWAY

It's Earth Day! The Etsy Earth Team celebrates Earth Day every day; it's in the way we run our shops to the products we create and more importantly, the way we lead our daily lives.
A few of us banded together to put on a great giveaway which provides you a great opportunity to learn more about the Etsy Earth Team.

The Giveaway will run Earth Day through April 29, 2013. Here are the lovely items you could win:

Sweet Earth Natural Herbal Soap by Herbfriend Shoppe



Organic Cotton T-Shirt Pick Your Design by Look for Fiddleheads

Beeswax Lotion Bar by Essential 8

Lake Superior Sunset Photo by NatureMaid Treasures

Beer & Green Clay Organic Soap by Herbolution

Organic Reusable Face Pads by Friggjasetr

Giant Fizzy Bath Bomb by Soul Deep Skin



Deep Dish Pottery Pie Plate/Baking Dish by Willow Tree Designs

Organic Handmade Crib Sheet by Sweet Memories Quilts

 

$25 Shop Credit to Simply Rustic

Enter below with Rafflecopter. Two winners will be randomly selected Tuesday, April 30.
Good Luck!

Feel like shopping for eco-friendly goods on Earth Day? These Etsy Earth Team shops are having sales:
Essential 8 -10% off by using coupon code "Earth". Plus, a free lotion bar if you spend $50 or more.

Soul Deep Skin - Earth Day Only 25% off all orders over $20.00 (coupon code: EARTH)

Sweet Memories Quilts - 20% off on all orders over $50 for Earth Day. Coupon code is "EARTH20".

Herbolution - 25% off with code"EarthDay2013" and free items with orders:
Orders $30+ free Chocolate Temptation Bath Bomb
Orders $45+ free Beer & Green Clay Soap
Orders $70+ free Patchouli facial cleansing grains
FREE Shipping on orders over $100

Simply Rustic - SALE prices Friday, April 19 to Friday, April 26!
Body Butters, Body Scrubs, Gift/Spa Pack and Simply Face Gift Pack $2 off ~ Simply Face Products $1 off ~ little ones Balms $1 off  No Coupon Code needed - Prices have been changed!


a Rafflecopter giveaway