Dec 11
Katherine Hepburn once told a story from her childhood that taught her a very valuable lesson about giving. During this holiday season, amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping, it would do us all well to remember the real joy of giving.
Read moreDec 8
ATTENTION TO ALL PARENTS WHO NEED TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT SANTA 
Son: “Dad, I think I’m old enough now. Is there a Santa Claus?.”
Dad: “Ok, I agree that your old enough. But before I tell you, I have a question for you. You see, the “truth” is a dangerous gift. Once you know something, you can’t unknow it.
Once you know the truth about Santa Claus, you will never again understand and relate to him as you do now.
So my question is: Are you sure you want to know?”
Brief pause…
Son: “Yes, I want to know”
Dad: “Ok, I’ll tell you: Yes there is a Santa Claus”
Son: “Really?”
Read moreDec 6
One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.
Read moreDec 1
Who doesn’t love a good riddle? Share these ones with you Littles, and Bigs, for that matter!
Read moreNov 30
We thought maybe you could use a story…an actual true story, that would at least put a smile on your face if not cause an actual chuckle on this last Thursday in November. And knowing that this is the busiest travel time of the year we found this particularly noteworthy.
Read moreNov 29
French actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) had boundless zest for her craft. In 1905, when her traveling production of “La Tosca” stopped in Rio de Janeiro, the 61-year-old ensured a memorable finale by spontaneously leaping from a parapet.
Read moreNov 28
Nov 21
In October, 1705, the Connecticut settlement of Colchester was facing an early winter. While New England was known for its cold snaps, this one was unusually premature and severe, with temperatures so low that nearby waterways froze. The timing was unfortunate!
Read moreNov 17
As Thanksgiving approaches an important question arises. If I am giving thanks, to whom is that thanks directed?
Read moreNov 15
The role of First Lady of the United States is unsalaried and carries no official duties, but that’s not to say that First Ladies wield no power.
Read moreNov 14
What are the health benefits of having a close friend — like identical twins close — for your entire life?
Read moreNov 13
Do you recognize this child? Maybe not, but more than likely you do know of him.
Read moreNov 10
Tomorrow is the official day on which we celebrate our soldiers, our Veterans and that we do!
Read moreNov 9
This photo was taken in Damascus in 1899. The dwarf is Samir. He is a Christian and cannot walk. The one who carries him on his back is Muhammad. He is a Muslim and he is blind.
Read moreNov 8
Heartwarming story – “Hello darkness, my old friend…” Everybody knows the iconic Simon & Garfunkel song, but do you know the amazing story behind the first line of The Sounds of Silence?
Read moreNov 7
We saw this on social media and simply had to share! So touching and so true!
Read moreNov 3
As we look around today it seems like so many people are on edge. People more than ever seem to be easily offended by others, even those whom they are friends with or those who are a part of their family.
Read moreOct 25
Anita Blair was the first guide dog handler in El Paso, Texas, when she graduated from The Seeing Eye in March 1940 with Fawn, a German shepherd. The photo, below, is a black and white photo of Anita being guided by Fawn across a bustling city street in the early 1940s.
Read moreOct 19
Oct 17
Albert Einstein was a brilliant man – we all know that!
He shares with us the secret to staying young.
Read moreOct 12
There is little that is more delightful and refreshing than a person who just is free to be whoever he or she truly is and express their joy. Without being self-conscious or shy we found a fun video of a little one just letting go and being just herself in all her joyful glory. Enjoy and then go express your joy too!
Read moreOct 10
We want to stand with our friends and neighbors and family members who are Jewish and to echo God’s Word from the Psalms that Israel would be delivered.
Your Two Chums,
Oct 10
We came across a beautiful definition of kindness that we simply had to share with you our chums.
Read moreOct 5
Concepts like faith, trust, hope, confidence, love and attitude can be hard to describe to a child, and if we are honest sometimes hard to grasp ourselves. We came across six lovely illustrations of these ideas and wanted to share them with you, our chums.
Read moreOct 3
On Sunday, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, became our oldest living former President, celebrating his 99th birthday .
Read moreOct 2
In her 2017 debut novel, “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine,” Scottish author Gail Honeyman introduced readers to Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward young woman whose personal journey involves confronting both her deep loneliness and her traumatic past.
Read moreSep 26
We thought it would be a great way to start a new week off by hearing the words of some of our Founding Fathers.
Read moreSep 26
Although society often places a disproportionate emphasis on attaining certain milestones at a young age, success is possible at any stage of life. Age brings with it unique insights associated with our lived experiences, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. But it’s not just a matter of having more experience — as we age, we may also become more resilient and more committed to our goals. Having overcome challenges and setbacks earlier in our lives, we’re often better equipped to successfully navigate the obstacles that come later.
We all continue to learn, grow, and evolve throughout our lives, and we may find our priorities and aspirations shifting as we grow older. The new skills and interests we develop can help us succeed in our pursuit of long-held ambitions or newfound passion projects. Research shows that success has nothing to do with age; it’s a combination of personality, persistence, intelligence, and luck.
So while achieving success is a personal journey with no one-size-fits-all definition, we hope these quotes act as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Read moreSep 20
Sep 18
As you may recall, Corrie ten Boom is a woman your Two Chums admire and respect for her great and vast wisdom. So to start this week we are sharing some Words of Wisdom from her that we feel sure someone needs to hear…it might be you, if not to today then one day soon.
Read moreSep 13
There are some serious subjects out there that we need to be aware of with regard to our children and protecting our young ones. Still, sometimes someone comes along and calls out the humor in a situation or issue. We came across this quote on social media and thought this was one of those times.
Read moreSep 12
We all have unrealized hopes and dreams. And we can all use some encouragement from time to time. So on this day we offer you this encouragement:
Read moreSep 11
The date, September 11th, is forever etched in our minds as one of shock, sadness, and pain.
Read moreSep 11
We get going down the road of life and sometimes, we can be tempted to think that it is very serious business! It is really important to remember to find the “silly” in our days. Silliness usually brings with it laughter and that works really well to balance us!
Read more
Sep 8
It was one year ago today that we said goodbye to arguably the most respected and admired woman in the world, Queen Elizabeth II. We thought it a fitting way to remember this great lady to take look at some photos that captured her throughout her life and her unprecedented 70 year reign as Queen.
Read moreSep 4
We simply had to share this. We found it on social media and had to spread the joy!
Read moreAug 28
It comes to us to share this which is something we found. We trust that it will reach just the right people and turn darkness into light.
Read moreAug 24
Well, as you well know, your Two Chums always try to look for the good! We saw this on social media and had to share it! The moral is that you can always see the bright side, no matter HOW awful something seems!
Read moreAug 14
A good laugh will heal a lot of ailments! And a good pun certainly gives us a good laugh!
Aug 11
This one is wisdom for any and all who know someone, or maybe are someone, who is in a hard place or going through a difficult time. Or maybe someone who is riding high and looks like someone who has never had a difficult day in his or her life.
Read moreAug 3
The story of the Brontës is one of tragedy and great literary achievement. Of the six children born to Maria Branwell and Patrick Brontë between 1814 and 1820, two died in childhood and none survived into their 40s (most were taken by the 19th-century tuberculosis epidemic that ravaged Europe). And yet, three of the Brontë sisters managed to write classic literary works that have endured long after their authors’ untimely deaths.
As children in their isolated home on the Yorkshire moors, Charlotte, Emily and Anne — along with their only brother, Branwell — began writing stories and creating fictional worlds. As adults, they were occasionally employed as teachers and governesses, but they never abandoned their love of literature. In 1846, the three sisters published a volume of poetry at their own expense. Due to the widely held prejudice against female writers, they adopted masculine pen names using their own initials: Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell.
Their book of poetry sold only two copies, but the sisters were undeterred. The Brontës shared a steadfast attitude, a trait highlighted by their family friend Ellen Nussey, who described the siblings as “resolutely single-minded, eminently courageous, eminently simple in their habits, and eminently tender-hearted.” The trio soon began writing their own novels individually, many of which eventually became English literature classics.
Read moreAug 2
Always an icon of beauty and class, Audrey Hepburn had some very wise words to offer on the subject of beauty.
Read moreAug 1
“Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a feast” — so wrote William Shakespeare, who fully understood the importance of humor.
As an entertainer, Shakespeare had to capture the attention of the poor and wealthy alike, from common laborers who had to stand to watch plays (and were therefore known as “groundlings”) to lords and ladies who paid six pennies for a seat in the upper galleries. Tossing in a smattering of jokes, therefore, was a clever way to keep everyone — highborn or otherwise — amused during even the most somber of plays.
Read moreJul 28
We ran into some great quotes on Inspiring Quotes today! Be sure to embrace them!
Read moreJul 25
Well, it really is a very special day and I am doing a lot of celebrating today!
Read moreJul 24
If you have been on social media for a while, you might have actually read this before but we loved being reminded of it so hope you will as well.
Read moreJul 20
Money is often tied up with the concept of wealth, though many great thinkers throughout history have made it a point to draw a distinction between being financially rich and living a happy life that is spiritually or emotionally rich.
As a result, many of the best quotes about money tackle how it should be handled with caution: accumulating money in the bank account does not guarantee a fulfilling life. On the contrary, making money without purpose can be disorienting, disillusioning, and dissatisfying.
Benjamin Franklin, whose countenance graces the $100 bill, had a lot to say about money, but one of his most memorable quotes addresses exactly this issue. “Who is rich?” he asked.
Read moreJul 14
Jul 13
Every so often social media bestows a true gem on us. This, we think, was one of them.
Read moreJul 11
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that he found it impossible to “read Plutarch without a tingling of the blood.”
Read moreJul 7
Asking your nearest and dearest to be in your bridal party is one way of honoring friends and family members, though the task once came with a lot more work than just throwing a couple of showers and a bachelor/bachelorette party.
Read moreJul 5
Jul 4
As we go along in our day-to-day lives we probably don’t stop enough to realize how very much “freedom” means!
Read moreJun 29
Changing lanes in life can be very hard but change isn’t always bad!
Read moreJun 28
A good friend is a treasure: someone with whom you can spend all your time with and still have fun; someone who listens to your problems and shares their own; and, perhaps most importantly, someone who can tell you when you’ve made a mistake without causing a rift. bOur closest friends feel like family — they’re there through thick and thin, without judgment.
These relationships are so cherished that in 1935, the U.S. Congress decided to dedicate a national holiday to celebrate the closest friendships we have, our best friends. They settled on June 8, an often warm and breezy day when friends can get together outdoors and enjoy themselves. Apologies for missing this very important day but we ask, kindly, that you accept it today!
Some great quotes coming up that we are sure you can al relate to.
Read moreJun 23
There is just one thing we would like to remind you of as we all roll into this weekend . . .
Read moreJun 22
In 1711, legendary English poet Alexander Pope composed one of his most famous works, An Essay on Criticism. Less of an essay and more of a lengthy poem, the piece features some of the greatest phrases in the English language, including “fools rush in” and “a little learning is a dangerous thing.” But it’s line 525 that has truly stood the test of time for its elegant simplicity in summarizing an undeniable truth: “To err is human.”
Read moreJun 19
Yes, Fathers’ Day was yesterday but we ran into this interesting info which we knew you would all love to read about!
Read moreJun 16
You likely don’t know these men or their story. You should because it’s an important and inspiring one. Read on…
Read moreJun 7
Jun 2
“June Is Bustin’ Out All Over,” as the song goes, and it’s one of the most fascinating months on the calendar.
Filled with holidays and long days in the U.S., the month is known best for the arrival of summer, and it is long awaited by the many sun lovers among us.
Here are a few fascinating facts about the month of June, from its ancient Roman moniker to its role as host to the newest national holiday in the U.S.
Read moreJun 1
It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary! – Paulo Coelho
The highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them. – John F. Kennedy
Read moreMay 29
The war created prime conditions for poppies to flourish in Flanders and north-west France (and Gallipoli). Continual bombardment disturbed the soil and brought the seeds to the surface. They were fertilized by nitrogen in the explosives and lime from the shattered rubble of the buildings.
Read moreMay 26
Here we are again at the weekend when there is a national holiday to commemorate Memorial Day! We found some little-known facts about this Day which we would like to share with you.
Read moreMay 25
We read this week that lots of the Royals were at the Chelsea Flower Show, a once-a-year “very British” function! We also read that Catherine, Princess of Wales, when asked for an autograph, explained that she is now allowed to give autographs but, instead, she did a very sweet thing.
Read moreMay 23
After becoming deaf and blind at age two, Helen Keller faced her challenges with a singular optimism and strength.
Read moreMay 22
Both the quality and quantity of our sleep have a profound impact on our health, and the way we spend the last few moments of the day before we drift off to sleep can impact the entire night’s rest.
Read moreMay 16
For nearly a century, the Hollywood sign has been an emblem of the film industry — a glittering embodiment of the L.A. dream, emblazoned high atop Mount Lee in Griffith Park. An iconic photo-op spot in the City of Angels, the Hollywood sign represents the fame, fortune, and glamor many seek out in the entertainment and film industry. A symbol that looms this large over a town is bound to break a few expectations, so here are five things you probably didn’t know about one of California’s most famous landmarks.
Read moreMay 15
Do King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla live at Buckingham Palace? The answer to that question would be, “No, not at the moment”.
Read moreMay 12
Looking back over the years of all the gifts our children have made or bought for us, without question it is the cards and notes, the sweet words of love and affirmation that mean the very most.
Read moreMay 8
Well, after a very celebratory weekend, we are starting on another new week. And, along with a new week is a newly crowned King!
Read moreMay 2
Charles was a little boy and, just like any other little boy, loved toy cars! But he was not just like any other little boy as he was born to a Princess and was, himself, a Prince!
Read moreMay 1
Queen Camilla’s ultimate style moment is almost here, but what can we expect to see on the big day? The Coronation?
Queen Camilla is about to have the style moment of her life as she prepares for the coronation.
On May 6, Camilla will be crowned Queen alongside her husband King Charles at Westminster Abbey, wearing a recycled crown and a ruby ring that dates back to 1831, but what else can we expect to see her wear on coronation day?
Camilla will be wearing Queen Mary’s Crown, albeit with some alterations. The inclusion of the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, which belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth (she often wore them as brooches), is the first clue that her coronation style could nod to the late Queen. For a more modern look, Camilla might also choose to remove the arches of the Garrard piece by wearing it as a circlet, just like Queen Mary did for the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
Queen Camilla will reportedly wear an outfit designed by royal favorite Bruce Oldfield for the coronation. The British couturier, who was once a go-to for Princess Diana, has been in Camilla’s inner style circle for over a decade and it was his black and silver two-piece design she chose to wear to her first state visit as Queen Consort to Germany last month. While there is a sense of a more low-key ceremony, the dress will almost certainly include symbolic embroidery to represent Great Britain and the Commonwealth.
The crown won’t be the only sparkly element to Camilla’s outfit. The coronation earrings, which were commissioned for Queen Victoria in 1858 and have been worn by every Queen Consort at their coronation since, would be the perfect accessory. However, Camilla doesn’t have pierced ears, and according to a Vogue interview last year that’s not likely to change anytime soon.
“The grandchildren will try to persuade me, but, nothing’s going to pierce my ears,” she said.
Could Garrard, the jewelry house who initially made the earrings, fashion them into clip-ons for the occasion? Or could Camilla break with tradition and wear something from her own personal collection?
While the earrings might prove tricky, the Queen will almost certainly wear the Coronation Necklace. Originally made for Queen Victoria, its coronation debut came in 1902 when Queen Alexandra wore it to King Edward VII’s coronation and it’s been worn at every ceremony since.
The 22.48-karat diamond pendant at its center is known as the Lahore Diamond and was given to Queen Victoria in 1851. Queen Elizabeth wore it to her own coronation in 1953 and for several formal occasions after.
Made for Queen Adelaide in 1831 by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, Camilla will wear the Queen Consort’s Ring for the historic ceremony. Featuring a ruby in a gold setting, flanked by 14 diamonds and smaller rubies around the band, the ring has been used by three prior Queen Consorts; Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Just like Queen Elizabeth, who wore her favorite go-to brand Rayne for her 1953 coronation, Camilla will want a pair of trusty heels she knows she can rely on for the two-hour ceremony. A huge fan of British brand, Sole Bliss (she has worn their Ingrid style with its almond-shaped toe and two-inch block heel over 80 times!), founder Lisa Kay says she would be overjoyed to get the commission. “It’s been a great source of pride seeing Her Majesty wear our shoes over the last five years and the coronation would be the cherry on the top!” she says.
The Coronation promises to be quite the affair!
Grateful to be able to share these details which were originally written by Monique Jessen of Yahoo.
Apr 27
It takes a lot of confidence to become a comedian, and if anyone knew that, it was Lucille Ball.
Read moreApr 19
Read moreKindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters.
— Amy Leigh Mercree, authorBoy, isn’t that the truth!
Read on for more….
Apr 17
To you sometimes start your day or your week feeling tired or down? Even when you’ve had a good sleep it can happen. These words of wisdom might explain why.
Read moreApr 14
Thanks to Inspiring Quotes, we have lots of quotes to keep you “riding” high!
Read moreApr 11
If there is a lesson we’ve learned over the years that keeps coming up in all situations and relationships, it’s that words matter.
Read moreApr 7
This week both Passover and Easter are being celebrated. As is often the case they fall within the same week. Every spring, Jews celebrate when God led their ancestors out of slavery in Egypt. The commemoration begins with a seder (Hebrew for “order”), a ceremony full of symbolic foods and rituals. Over the following week, Jews may eat matzo, a flat cracker that doesn’t have leavening (yeast, baking powder, or baking soda which is often the Biblical symbol for sin), and strictly avoid leavened flour products like bread and cookies. (Other dietary restrictions during Passover also apply for some Jews, depending on their culture.) The restriction against leavened foods honors the fleeing slaves who didn’t have time to wait for their bread to rise, and ate it flat instead. Christians see that flat bread without leavening is symbolic of Jesus who was also “without sin”.
The seder story comes from the second book of the Old Testament, Exodus, a Latin word that means “exit” or “departure”. It is a story of miracles, acts of bravery, and deliverance from oppression that has inspired people for centuries.
Read moreApr 6
Well, here we are, with Easter’s promise approaching. That also means that spring is approaching!
We hope you will enjoy these words about spring.
Read moreApr 3
We came across a quote we had to sit on for a minute to let the full weight of it sink in. Today seems like a good time to share it with you our chums.
Read moreMar 31
Many of you will recognize the name, Shel Silverstein, as being a profound children’s author. We so agree and share some quotes from a few of his books. They surely apply to adults as well!
Read moreMar 29
So often when we have family gatherings we miss the opportunity for the children, or younger adults even, to know more about their grandparents or their family history. We can get caught up in the activities and preparations of the holiday or event and miss the treasure that is right there with us…our own family history.
Read moreMar 28
Mar 27
Mar 24
Well, you might think this should be in England but read on to find out more!
Read moreMar 23
And, what do you think one sees at a wedding in Germany?
Read moreMar 22
The releasing of doves is a beautiful tradition that some may choose to incorporate into their own wedding, but it is originally from the Philippines.
Read moreMar 20
You are likely to see a bride in India with her hands painted in a beautiful design.
Read moreMar 15
Every year there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who lose one of their limbs. Many of them, sadly, are our veterans. It is a difficult loss for anyone who must have a leg taken off for any reason.
Read moreMar 14
Some philosophical theories are so powerful, they shape the way we think and act without us even noticing. Yet understanding the different philosophies can be daunting. Over the past two millennia, there have been dozens of movements, doctrines, and various “isms,” often described in dense and complex academic texts.
Read moreMar 10
With the Oscars just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to share some words on the one and only Grace Kelly!
It does seem like a fairy tale! An actress who falls in love with and marries a Prince and becomes a Princess! Read on for some interesting facts.
Read moreMar 9
Mar 6
This is a photo of one of the most beloved authors and Christian thinkers of the 20th century, C.S. Lewis.
Read moreMar 3
Known fondly as the “People’s Princess,” the late Princess Diana occupies the pantheon as one of the most beloved members of the British royal family ever. Thanks to her kind and compassionate nature and outspoken advocacy for humanitarian causes, Diana was heralded as a relatable, empathetic royal who cared deeply about the human condition.
Read moreMar 2
Mar 1
This is a photo of two Hollywood legends…Sammy Davis Jr. and John Wayne a.k.a. The Duke.
Read more
