Bonne Fête Nationale! 2026

Aujourd'hui c'est la Fête nationale en France!

The French National Day is the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a major event of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération that celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.

A mes lecteurs qui habitent en France, je vous souhaite...

Bonne Fête Nationale!

Happy National Day of Reason 2026!

Now, more than ever, America needs a Day of Reason.

With Christian nationalist influence in Congress, and with the threat to our judiciary looming large, it has never been so important to affirm our commitment to the constitutional wall of separation between religion and government, and to celebrate reason as the guiding principle of our secular democracy.

During the past year we have witnessed the intrusion of religious ideology into all spheres of our government, with assaults on the wall separating church and state that include the following:

• Faith-based initiatives in federal agencies that give preferential treatment to religious organizations which proselytize and employ discriminatory hiring practices;
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• Restrictions on important scientific research on the basis of religious objections;
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• Attempts to introduce biblical creationism and its alter-ego “Intelligent Design” into our public school science curricula;
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• The appointment of judges who willingly place their religious beliefs above our laws;
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• Battles over the display of the Ten Commandments and other overtly religious icons in schools and on courthouses;
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• Religiously motivated restrictions on access to reproductive services and information; and
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• The push to place chaplains in public schools.
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• Increased attacks on access to abortion, IVF, and other reproductive healthcare across the states
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• Ramped up repression of the rights LGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans* youth, and their families

As in previous years, this year’s National Day of Reason occurs in close proximity with the congressionally mandated and federally supported National Day of Prayer. We thank all who value the separation of religion and government & join us in commemorating this year’s Day of Reason, and in building awareness for this important cause.

What can you do to demonstrate your support for a Day of Reason?

• Plan a special event to commemorate the NDoR, such as a teach-in, special lecture, or social gathering;
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• Host a Lobby Day at your state capitol;
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• Work to have a Day of Reason proclaimed by your state or local government;
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• Hold a press conference for your local media to promote respect for the separation of religion and government, and to draw attention to the many breaches of that principle during recent months;
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• Organize a letter-writing campaign urging your elected officials to support the separation of religion and government;
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• Write op eds or letters to the editor to spread awareness;
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• Visit the National Day of Reason website to view planned events and read media coverage from previous years.

We invite individuals and organizations to submit information about their plans to commemorate the National Day of Reason and their efforts to educate the public about the important underlying issues. Those conducting events, activism or outreach in their communities will be featured on this site so that activists can readily identify opportunities to organize and participate in local events.

There is great potential this year to give voice to our shared concerns about the serious threats to the wall separating church and state. We hope that you will visit our site, and we look forward to hearing about your plans to observe the National Day of Reason.

For more information about The National Day Of Reason, visit the website:
http://nationaldayofreason.org/

Happy May Day 2026!

This Northern Hemisphere festival is a traditional spring holiday. May Day is an ancient observation related to Floralia (which was a festival for Flora the Roman goddess of flowers), the Celtic festival of Beltane, and the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. Rites and celebrations include the raising of and dancing around a Maypole, the crowning of a May Queen, gifts of May baskets (little baskets of candy and spring flowers), festive picnics, and bonfires (in certain counties in Ireland). It is a day to celebrate spring and the fastly approaching summer. Flowers, sunshine, and sweet treats for all!

HAPPY MAY DAY!

Happy Easter 2026!

Easter developed from the Old English word Ēastre or Ēostre, derived from the Anglo-Saxon Pagan month of Eostur-monath (which roughly corresponds to our month of April). This month was named after the goddess Ēostre or Ostara who symbolized the dawn, spring, renewal, and rebirth of the earth after the long winter.

Now we celebrate by decorating eggs, a symbol of birth and fertility and new growth, and with chocolate rabbits, since bunnies are also a symbol of spring.

When I was little, I always loved Easter time because my grandmother displayed vases of daffodils and lilies, and panoramic sugar eggs around the house. And my aunt hollowed out eggs, cut a window in the side of the shell, and painstakingly assembled pastoral scenes inside using miniature trees and flowers, and tiny ceramic rabbits to make literal panoramic eggs. But the best part was the Easter Bunny who came to deliver beautifully dyed and decorated eggs in a basket full of chocolate and treats; my mom and dad would guide me through the house with clues as to where the Easter Bunny hid my basket (thanks Mom and Dad--I miss you)!

I hope the Easter Bunny brought you some treats! Happy Easter!

MLK 2026

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

“Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.”

“It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important.”

“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

--Martin Luthr King Jr.

Merry Christmas 2025!

Today is the sun's birthday and Saturnalia! Enjoy the day and Happy Holidays!

Lights Will Guide You Home 2025

On this Christmas Eve, may you find your way home, where ever that may be, even if it is only in your heart.

Presents 2025

Winter at the Cabin 2025

I'll be spending the holidays at the cabin, as usual--if you need me, call the general store in town and have Sam drive his pick-up out to get me because there's no phone at the cabin and no cell reception.

Holidays At The Manse 2025

If you want me, I'll be at the Manse for the holidays. Just ring and have Wilson find me...I'll probably be in the Red Library in the East Wing...you know, the smaller room with the pine tree by the window...