Mane Highlights for 9-13-2013

Hear Me Roar!: This week has been a commemorative one for those who lost their lives or loved ones on September 11, 2001 in the terror attacks.  As well it is a week in which our current President addressed the American people about terror attacks on the Syrian people by their own government.  In a world where there is certainly enough evil, I have an immense amount of gratitude for my loved ones and the relative stability we have in this country.  Let us always remember those in prayer who do not have the same blessings we have grown so comfortable in enjoying and have come to expect.

In this week's highlights I have reflected on a sweet and sentimental story of a man who won a songwriting contest with his heartfelt tribute to his wife!  I also tell of the surprising success we have had with early potty training.  Lastly, due to the great response of last week's Syrian Summary post, I have included a few follow up questions to the President's speech.  Hopefully these will fuel your food for thought.

        Reflection of the Week: Oh Sweet Lorraine

Imagine sharing seventy-five years of your life with another person.  The joys, the sorrows, and the incredible friendship that grew through it all.  Fred Stobaugh had just that with his beloved wife Lorraine, who he married in 1940 and lost a month before submitting this song to a singer/songwriting contest. Continue

For more reflections: http://lionofdesign.blogspot.com/p/about.html

Gallery Piece of the Week: Mt. Cook Lilly 

Struck by the simplicity of this heart-shaped lilly that had collected fresh water in the mountains, I had to capture and share the image.

To see more works: http://lionofdesign.blogspot.com/p/gallery.html

Chic of the Week: Potty Training in the First Year

Dirty diapers are never anyone's favorite part of parenting, but how do you know "how to" and "when to" potty train? We decided to take a middle-of-the-road approach!  Continue

For more on Motherhood: http://lionofdesign.blogspot.com/p/household-chic.html

Syrian Civil War: Follow-Up Questions to Obama's Speech on Syria 

Last week I posted on The Syrian Summary in addressing the situation in Syria and the question of US involvement.  This week President Obama addressed the American people in a speech regarding US involvement through aerial attacks.  Here are some follow-up questions.

• What is the clearly defined mission in Syria and how will it affect President Assad?
• Will US involvement in the Syrian civil war make the region more or less stable?
• Will the bombing ally the US with al Qaeda and their efforts to rise to power in Syria?
• Syria, a client state of Russia and protected by her before the U.N. never agreed to the U.N. prohibition of chemical weapons.  What is the lawful authority of the U.N. in this situation?
• Is it okay for a dictator to kill thousands of his own people brutally as long as he doesn't cross the line to using chemical gas?  What warrants US involvement?

Check out: Sen. Rand Paul's Response 

September 11 Tribute: