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So, as you’ve maybe noticed, most international holidays are just that, holy-days. Today in Spain, and many other countries, is the day to celebrate St. James.

Again, I did some quick research and found some fascinating things.

St. James was, among other things, a pilgrim. The symbol for pilgrims and people with no permanent home is the scallop shell. Sometimes the oyster shell. This is because, as they travel along the shores on their way to the holy land, they pick up shells and hold on to them for use as a utensil. This is my portrait of St. James with his scallop shell affixed to his shoulder, like a badge.

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Today is our National Hot Dog Day. Not sure if the contest at Coney Island falls on the same day, but I think it should. I’ll go check it out after I post this. Anyhow, here’s a fun poster idea. Grab a hot dog today!

OR if you are watching your figure and/or can’t make up your mind on whether or not hot dogs are gross, go to my friend Eddie’s blog…I think you’ll have no trouble making up your mind afterward.

Alright everyone, hot dog or no, have a great day!

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Today is National Tree planting day in Central African Republic. I once worked on a campaign for conservation in Africa. Here’s a bit from the project, I thought it suited the occasion.

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Obon (お盆^?) or just Bon (盆^?) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one’s ancestors. -Wikipedia

The custom usually lasts for three days during the middle of July. Like the Mexicans and their Day of the Dead, the Japanese mark these days with dancing, singing and feasts. At the end, there are fireworks and people light floating lanterns on rivers to symbolize the spirits on their way to the world of the dead.

As I read about all this, I was reminded of a drawing I had made:

click for a larger image

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Last week, I went to central Park again to draw. It was a beautiful day. Here is a drawing of the Bethesda Fountain.

Click for a better view

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These creatures have a pretty bad reputation, so I’m glad to see that they get some love once a year!

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Today was a glorious day in France. In my opinion, every day is glorious in France!

During college I lived in Paris for 4 months. The memories of those days are so dear to me, I loved every moment of being there. I recently went back and was a little afraid that by going back, my memory of Paris would be altered…what if it’s not the same? But, alas, it was the same. It was still glorious.

Yes, I loved every moment of Paris. I even loved when, during the first days of being there, I got lost with no cash on me and no way to get any (loooong story). I resigned to the idea of walking home without a map and without asking for directions, figuring that when life gives you lemons…take a long stroll. I decided that sooner or later I would find my apartment. I made that decision in Place de la Bastille.

Today, in honor of Bastille Day, I decided to make a drawing from my memory. I closed my eyes and walked through the streets of Paris. This is what I remember of the Place de la Bastille:

I think besides making the whole area alot smaller than it really is, I was pretty accurate!

ps- I made it home eventually. And had a great time doing so.

pps- I am meeting with a very dear friend tomorrow. She and I met in Paris during our four month stay and had some great times. Can’t wait to see her!

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July 10th is El Cid Day. The great campeador!

It’s interesting to post this right after the Lotus Temple post, because El Cid represents much of the war and violence that often happens in the name of religion. However, I hear he was very good at what he did.

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Back to my Earth Calendar.

Today is a special day for the people of the Baha’i faith. The mission of the Baha’i is is to spiritually unify all the people and all religions of the world. Although painfully idealistic,that’s something I truly believe in myself!

The temples of the Baha’i are really something. The most impressive and beautiful in my opinion, is the Lotus Temple in India.

Pilgrimage to the Lotus Temple

Of course, like most religions, the Baha’i have experienced and are experiencing persecution. If only their message of peace, justice and unity would be HEARD!

-Despina

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Eino Leino was a Finnish poet who emphasized nature, love and pain in his work. Today is his day.

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