F-stands for February.

FEBRUARY. by Helen Hunt Jackson.

Still lie the sheltering snow

And reign the Winter's pregnant silence still;

No sign of spring, save the catkin's fill,

 And willow stems grow daily red and white

 These are the days when ancients held a rite,

 of expiation for the old year's ill.

 And prayer to purify the new year's will : 

Fit days, ere yet the bounding blood grows hot with haste,

 And dreaming thoughts grow heavy with haste,

 The ardent summer's joy to have and taste;

 Fit days, to give to last years losses held,

 To reckon clear the new life's sterner need;

Fit days for Feast of Expiation placed.

   

I do hope that you enjoyed reading this Fetching  sonnet written by Helen.H. Jackson it comes from her 'A Calander of Sonnets'..... a collection of  poems relating, mainly to the months in the year and the changing seasons thereon.

I believe she is more widely known for 'A Century of Dishonour', which described the adverse effects of Government treatment,  and mistreatment of Native Americans.

She was a very Feisty lady and a keen activist in fighting for better treatment of the Native Americans, she wasn't afraid to take on corrupt politicians and Frequently spoke loudly and clearly for her cause.

 Sincere thanks to the Fabulous Denise Nesbitt for bringing us all so much Fun when she First devised ABCW, also to the Frightfully Factual Roger for all he does ably assisted by the Fearless Leslie from Vancouver BC. Finally we mustn't Forget the team of helpers who fervently help with visiting and commenting on other sites. That's it FOLKS ! I'm just about Finished.

Di,x

abcw team.

 

***

E is for Entrepreneur

The New York Small Business Development Center helps businesses at all phases of their operation. There are SBDC programs in every state in the US and the District of Columbia, plus Puerto Rico, Guam, and other outlining areas. It is funded as partnership between the US Small Business Administration and the host institution, usually a college or university.

I have been a business librarian for nearly 24 years. I'm one of four professionals who help our New York SBDC business advisers assist the clients who come in to receive professional, free, and confidential advisement.

While the businesses can be at any stage, from expansion to retirement, probably a majority of SBDC clients are entrepreneurs. The Wikipedia defines entrepreneurship as "the process of designing, launching and running a new business, which typically begins as a small business, such as a startup company, offering a product, process or service for sale or hire."

I've only recently learned that the SBDC out of the University of Texas in San Antonio has been involved in helping other countries to ascertain whether to use the model the SBDC program in their lands.

There is a magazine called Entrepreneur, which may be useful for someone starting or expanding an enterprise.

Happy BIrthday to ???

First of all ....'big shame on me'...  Today it is august 9th and I have forgotten to mention to all of you that there was a participant in our group last week who celebrated the date of birth.

So; accompanied by sincere apoligies, a very big "congratulations" to Kilelong (http://kilelong.blogspot.com/),also known as "Franklymydear"

I would love you to visit the blog of Kilelong and give congratulations to.

D for Doubt.

Doubting Thomas was the apostle who refused to believe the resurrected Jesus had appeared to the ten other Apostles until he could see and feel the wounds Jesus suffered from being on the cross.

Caravaggio's painting of Thomas checking Jesus's wounds.

It is written that we all have a little bit of Thomas in us.

 Sometimes we become like Thomas when we go through hard times, others after taking a class that challenges us to think more deeply about God.

Do you require any more proof

of Our Lord's Resurrection?  DOUBTING THOMAS ?

 Some images of my favourite four legged friends, the humble..... 

DONKEY.

(from the Movie called Shrek)

Muffin.

Muffin the Mule: who really is a DONKEY puppet, he used to DANCE and sing on the top of Annette Mills piano whilst she played  and sang.....

Annette and Muffin.

Good old Muffin the Mule.

'
Here comes Muffin the Mule, Dear old Muffin, playing the fool'.....etc.
 A great favourite in the 50's on childrens' TV.

.Annette Mills was the sister of the famous actor Sir John Mills who starred in many films, including the lead role of 'Pip' in the film of DICKEN'S   'Great Expectations'. He also starred in Ryans Daughter, Goodbye Mr Chips and so many more. 

Sincere thanks to all the team of ABCW for doing what they do each week to keepus up and running, including Denise who DEVELOPED ABCW and Roger and Leslie in admin also the team of assistants, who help with the visits,
 best wishes to all, Di .xx