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Painted Cows: Where Church Meets Main – Decorated for a Good Cause …
“One can measure the greatness of a nation and its moral progress by the way it treats its animals. Cow protection to me is not mere protection of the cow. It means protection of all that lives and is helpless and weak in the world. The cow means the entire subhuman world.” Mahatma Gandhi.
Sacred Cow #1: Educated at St Michael's?
Burlington: Lake Champlain in full view ...
Sacred Cows in Burlington ~ A View of Lake Champlain
Sacred Cow #2
Sacred Cow: One that is immune from criticism, often unreasonably so. Figuratively, anything that is beyond criticism: Dictionary.com
I had the great good fortune to spend this past weekend as a chaperone at an excellent Young Writers Conference in Burlington, Vermont. Over a hundred high school students from across the country, including one of mine, gathered at Champlain College to read, write and learn about the art and craft of writing.
At Champlain College : Sculpture of Samuel Champlain
Sacred Cow #3
Sacred Cow #4
In between attending workshops and helping out, I headed down to Main Street to catch a glimpse of the creativity and beauty of this lovely area and to take some photos of Lake Champlain. It was Saturday morning. As I turned towards the cobblestone corridor where Church Street intersects Main, walking past crowded Church Street restaurants, stores and little cafes, watching people sitting outdoors enjoying a meal, a conversation and the warm weather, a painted cow caught my attention and then another and then a third.
Sacred Cow Sightings: Intersection of Church & Main Streets
Sacred Cow #5
Sacred Cow #6
I took a closer look and was nicely surprised to discover a colorful and wildly creative display of fiberglass cows up and down Church Street Marketplace. I reached for my camera and shot 25 colorfully decorated and painted cows. Each painted cow, decorated by a local artist in bright colors and beautiful designs, seemed to hold a special story it was simply dying to tell.
Church Street Marketplace ~ Site of the Sacred/Painted Cows
Sacred Cow #7
Sacred Cow #8
“All the good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.” Grant Wood
The main story was, as I found out on further research, that 35 unvarnished, Fiberglass cows were sent to local artists as “blank canvases.” The artists decorated them in any manner their imagination or creative muse led them. Once finished, each cow found a temporary home as part of a prominent display in downtown Burlington and regionally. Sometime in October/November 2010, the cows will be auctioned off, to raise awareness and money, to benefit the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.
Local Performers: Adding to the colorful things in town
Sacred Cow #9
Sacred Cow #10 ~ Champlain College Educated?
Sacred Cow #11
I love cows… I love that cows are revered and unsullied in India and that Lord Krishna had a bevy of devoted cow herders (Gopis) who saw Krishna and God’s undying love in their cows and therefore tended to them with unconditional love; sparing many a cow a trip to the slaughterhouse. Cows symbolize wealth, strength, abundance, selfless giving and a full Earthly life.
Church Street Marketplace ~ A Treasure Trove...
Sacred Cow #12
Sacred Cow #13
Sacred Cow #14
I love cows… I love their lackadaisical temperament, their appearance and the many ways they provide food for humanity. Cows are charming animals and if you’ve ever been on a farm where cows are lovingly cared for and allowed to graze freely, one could spend hours watching them move, feed, and moo their way through life…
Burlington: Looking down Main Street
Sacred Cow #15
Sacred Cow #16
Sacred Cow #17
While the viral spread of Mad Cow disease almost destroyed their positive public relations several years ago, they have rebounded. The image of a contented cow is often plastered on everything good and sometimes, yes sometimes, you want to kick the bloody snot out of anyone who complains about a sacred cow.
Sacred Cow #18
Sacred Cow #19
Sacred Cow #20
Sacred Cow #21
Even as the global death rates drop for children 5 and younger, hunger remains a persistent problem for children here and elsewhere.
If you love cows… walk down Church Street with me and savor the rich hues, the jocular messages, the bold and subtle statements about Vermont life; actually about life everywhere … then join me in celebrating this particular breed of sacred cows. After all, they are on Church Street for a good cause; to End Childhood Hunger.
Sacred Cow #22
Sacred Cow #23
Sacred Cow #24
Sacred Cow #25
Did you have a sacred cow you cherish? A sacred cow you abhor? Do share your views below. Do you have questions or views in general? Please share. As always, your comments are always appreciated. Thank You!
Photo Credits:
Sacred/Painted Cows from E. Obih-Frank’s personal photos
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Curb Emotional Spending and Be Inspired by Bahiyah Shabazz, MBA
“What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life, but in other people’s lives.” Oprah Winfrey
The Money Triangle: Stave the Emotions and Be Savvy - Earn. Learn. Save.
Money Expert: Bahiyah Shabazz
Bahiyah Shabazz is truly a positive kismet connection. She is an author, financial consultant, motivational speaker, CEO/Owner of Shabazz Management Group, LLC and a doting mom and wife. We met on Twitter as our tweets and well wishes floated by on a Follow Friday evening. She had tweeted something about money management and her wise comment and friendly face caught my attention. We chatted and I knew she would be ideal for a spot on money; especially for us women. Bahiyah is smart, informed, and a savvy money expert. Plus, hearing another female voice espousing the virtues of saving and spending wisely is a positive reminder for women that we can achieve our financial dreams as earners rather than spenders.
When I think of money, I think of the example we referenced below in the cash cow symbol. Cash cows, like savvy money managers, can be a boon when certain actions or products produce huge dividends. On the other hand, Cash cows can also be a burden when our spending is out of control and we drain our funds on worthless endeavors or products. Bahiyah’s money wisdom helps distill the important elements that guide us along the road to financial wellness without the emotional baggage. Grab a cuppa and enjoy some tips and good advice from today’s interviewee. As always, your comments/insights are always appreciated. Thank you!
“When you plant a seed, you reap a harvest. So, why are you expecting success without the work?” Bahiyah Shabazz
“It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.” Oscar Wilde
What is a Cash Cow? In this instance, our reference to the term “Cash cow” is used to describe a customer or company that has no control over its spending; where spending is out of proportion to the goods or services received.
Be Money Savvy: Leave the emotions and cash cows at home
Saving Money Memorial Day Weekend: Staycation Vacation
*See Video Disclaimer Below
Foundation Questions:
Tell us a bit on your background: Who are you? Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Merrillville, Indiana; where I currently live. Although, I’ve traveled bi-coastally and out of the country, there’s nothing like the Midwest. Quite simply, it’s beautiful and inviting.
My background began on a different path than where I am today. I originally wanted to go into medicine. As an undergrad, I majored in Psychology with a mission to receive a Doctorate in Neurophysiology. Later on, I decided that the financial industry was for me. It’s amazing how your destiny guides your life through many paths and leads you to one that is truly meant for your purpose.
I’m the author of two books: Stillwaters and Finances are Linked to Emotions. I’ve written news articles about emotional spending, strategic planning for businesses, premarital financial consultations, and finances for children. I frequently present seminars and workshops to groups, businesses, and organizations. Some of my seminar presentations include “Finding your Stillwaters”, “Self Reliance”, “Planning for Success”, Budget your Cash flow and “Embrace Change & Reaching Milestones”.
What do you do for a living?
I’m the Founder and CEO of Shabazz Management Group, LLC; a personal development-consulting firm based in Merrillville, Indiana. As an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and coach, I’m recognized as an expert in financial and business consulting.
“Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided.” Anthony Robbins
The Money Tree is a Pipe Dream
Women and Money ...
Why did you choose the path you now follow?
As a Vice President of Retail Financial Services & Investments, I advised individual consumers and small business customers how to accomplish financial goals and properly increase revenue through adequate strategic planning. With a psychology and financial background, I noticed how people in society lack self-reliance and recklessly spend money. The outlandish spending derives from emotional spending, which I felt must be addressed. I strongly believe that when people have self knowledge they can move forward in any endeavor they choose.
When did you decide to make key changes in your life?
I have made key changes during or after life changing events. For instance, my first book was written while on bed rest with my son. I felt that God was letting me know it was time to settle down and accomplish what I always wanted. At that time, I decided to write Stillwaters, which is about finding forgiveness and your inner beauty.
Share your world view: How do you live your life and manage your household?
I’m a highly disciplined and organized person. Everything is detailed and in it’s place. I feel that when your life is clutter free, your world is clutter free. You welcome love, serenity, opportunity and light. You are able to shine your light so others can follow your path.
“I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well.” Alan Greenspan
Save: Your Free Floating Money
STILLWATERS Video
*See Video Disclaimer Below
Reflective Questions:
What do you consider the most important thing about yourself?
I’m an approachable person who is willing to speak to everyone. I’m able to see the good in any situation and not dwell on the negativity.
What motivates you to get out of bed?
Empowering others motivates me to get out of bed. I begin my morning by asking, “How can I make a difference today?” I’m also motivated by my family. It brightens my heart to see my family proud of what I’ve accomplished.
What makes you happy/laugh?
Surrounding myself with family and friends makes me happy. I enjoy routine date nights with my husband. Since I work so hard, I believe it’s important to spend time with my partner. It’s so easy to be in the rapture of life and neglect what truly matters…family.
What makes you sad/mad?
It saddens my heart when people don’t believe in their abilities. Once we understand and accept who we are, we can obtain success. I also get mad when I notice children with self-doubt. That doubt had to have come from the lack of comfort and love from a parent. Love, kindness and success are a legacy that should be passed along.
“The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means.” Sir Henry Taylor
“Creditors have better memories than debtors.” Benjamin Franklin
The Money Savvy MC
What would you do differently with your life if you had the power? With the world if you had the choice?
If I had the power, I would relive my childhood and cherish the innocent moments. I would have traveled the world to explore everything it had to offer before entering college. If I had the choice, I would erase racism, sexism and intolerance in the world.
What guiding principle(s) do you follow to make your life meaningful?
1. Meditate & exercise daily. 2. Treat others how I want to be treated. 3. Strive for excellence. 4. Live a productive life.
What word(s) of advice would you give to others today?
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” ~ Booker T. Washington
How would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered by my words of wisdom and motivation. When you have a friend in me, you have a friend for a lifetime.
Happiness is…..?
Finding your inner beauty.
Bahiyah offers money savvy tips and tools to keep us all emotionally ready for the ups and downs of a challenged economy. Her common sense can save us from the emotional topsy-turvy that can become our lot if we don’t take heed and manage our spending; especially in these economic times that call for prudence or even austerity measures. She lives in Indiana with her hubby and son and teaches others how to be and do better with money. Bahiyah can be reached via her business website: Shabazz Management Group, LLC, her Facebook page, her blog, her Twitter handle: @shabazzmgmtgrp, and via LinkedIn.
What are your questions or comments for Bahiyah? Are you an expert in a field that our readers can benefit hearing about? Do you have a story to share? Do share your feedback with us. Thank You!
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER FOR VIDEOS***
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
PHOTO CREDITS:
All Photographs of Bahiyah Shabazz ~ courtesy of Bahiyah Shabazz
Money Triangle by TW Collins ~ via Flickr
All other photos via Google Images/as noted
Cash Cow Alone owned by & ~ via The Fed Reserve
Money Tree ~ via Visual Paradox
Women & Money ~ via Google Images/Black Enterprise
Free Floating Money ~ via Google Images/BNet
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Living Your Best Life Weekend, New York City -May 7-9, 2010
“Fill your own cup first, and let that overflow to the people around you.” “What God intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine.” Oprah
Oprah\’s Welcome ~ Live Your Best Life Day 2 at Jacob Javits Center NYC
Oprah\’s Evening Welcome at Radio City Hall…
Gotham Hall Friday Evening
Giftboxes from Friday Evening
Dear Oprah,
The Live Your Best Life weekend was truly memorable! It was a celebration of life, love, health, hope, faith, fun and the importance of nurturing ourselves. I spent the entire weekend enfolded in Oprah’s World and surrounded by the abundant love that makes you one of the most cherished people in the world.
The weekend started with a wonderful welcoming reception at Gotham Hall on West 36th Street in Manhattan. Gail stopped by to say hello as we picked up our first gift; a goodie bag with items we needed for the weekend; a journal, guidebook, pen, scarf, chartreuse t-shirt, mints and more. We enjoyed champagne and hors d’œuvres, posed for specially arranged photos sponsored by L’Oreal then headed home to rest and prepare for the next day. My dear friend, Diahann, made off to New Jersey and I to Westchester County.
“I’ve always known that life is better when you share it. I now realize it gets even sweeter when you expand the circle.” “Let passion drive your profession.” Oprah
Oprah and Javits Center Speakers
Inside the Javits Center
Oprah Quote on screen
By 8:15am on Saturday, we queued up outside The Jacob Javits Center in great anticipation of things to come. New friends were made and old friends reconnected as the lines and our excitement grew. Questions flew back and forth; How did you hear? When did you register? What life shops will you take?
In between murmurings and retelling stories of our personal journey to the weekend, were echoes of jubilation and words of praise, thanking God for the grace and fortuitous events that led us to this place. Many spoke softly of your impact and we blessed you. In blessing you, we had blessed ourselves; in honoring God’s abundant, divine gaze on your life, we had invited the divine to gaze compassionately on us.
“What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life, but in other people’s lives.” Oprah
Oprah: Javits Center … waiting for Oprah
Oprah: Here she is…
Sade B at Javits Center
We walked through security and settled into our seats in the cavernous hall bathed in blue and pink light emanating from the stage and waited for you to arrive; such soothing healing colors, such anticipation.
All of a sudden, there you were, exhorting us to be our best selves and enjoy the life shops, then introducing Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat. Love. Pray. as the keynote speaker and finally advising us sagely to “Fill your own cup first, and let that overflow to the people around you.” Elizabeth echoed same in her speech, warning us to stop seeking perfection and as you said to just “be present.”
“It isn’t until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are – not necessarily a religious feeling, but deep down, the spirit within – that you can begin to take control.” Oprah
Here\’s Gail…
Elizabeth Gilbert
Dr Oz at Javits Center
After the keynote speech, we set off to spend time with Martha Beck, Nate Berkus, Donna Brazile, Suze Orman, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Peter Walsh and more where we filled our day with words of wisdom and the gentle caress of caring words. In between breaks, we stood patiently on several lines waiting for our turn to pick up our second goodie gift bag and to be pampered, photographed or videotaped for a chance with the soon to be launched (1/1/11) Oprah Winfrey Network – OWN. Standing in line offered its own special brand of respite; it gave us time to reflect and connect with others. I left Javits Center full of great memories and mementos.
Radio City Hall awaited us as the evening program loomed ahead. How much more could we handle? Could Oprah top an already full day of festivities and great lessons? Yes, you could and did. There was more… much more waiting for us at Radio City Hall. Our evening there was superlative; simply fantastic.
“The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free.” “I really believe when you give to other people, you give to yourself.” Oprah
Oprah at Radio City Hall
At Radio City Hall
Oprah Evening at Radio City Hall w/ Hugh Jackman & The Rockettes
At Radio City Hall
Oprah, you welcomed us with another gift; a beautiful book of lessons and then gave us a magical evening of song, sharing and sage advice. We laughed, sang along and cheered you on, as you told your life story with humor and shared your love for God with conviction and a spirit of gratitude.
You sang the refrain from the Hymnal – I Surrender All – by Judson W. Van DeVenter beautifully and powerfully.
♫ ♫♫ I surrender all, ♫♫♫ I surrender all;
All to Thee,♫♫ my blessed Savior,♫ I surrender all.♫♫♫
Yes, it was a profoundly inspiring moment to pause and be reminded that the One who made you also made me and knows what the future holds. I believe that at the moment where you sang I surrender with such feeling, everyone in the hall felt touched by God’s grace and glory. We left uplifted and empowered.
Sunday was truly the walk of a lifetime; a walk into our best lives. It was also a charity walk to benefit 10 charities. Best Friends Animal Society was my choice; I was walking for those who cannot speak for themselves. Sade Baderinwa was the morning hostess as we waited to start the walk across to 42nd Street with Oprah, Mary J, Jennifer H, Bette Midler, Dr Oz, Suze and many others. Oprah gave the gift of her gigantic heart and more… It was a weekend extravaganza par excellence! At the end of the walk, we got our final goodie gift bag, a cupcake, lots of extras from the sponsors and heard Jennifer Hudson sing Happy Birthday in honor of O Magazine’s 10th Anniversary. Thank you all!
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know the one who knows the future.” “I really believe that when you give to others, you give to yourself. Thank you for giving back today.” Oprah
Oprah starting the walk
Oprah at the walk with Mary J Blige & Jennifer Hudson
The Live Your Best Life Walkers
Cupcakes at the end…
Post Oprah walk: Jennifer singing with Mary J and Dr. Oz cheering
Thank you Oprah!
My fondest memory will be walking with you, my twin daughters, my best friend, Diahann and thousands of women on May 9th which happened to be both Mother’s Day and the 20th anniversary of my beloved father’s passing. I walked in honor of my mom and moms everywhere, in honor of my dad, in honor of my past/present ancestral tree, in honor of all helpless animals, and in deepest gratitude to God’s grace…
Thank you for this special blessed experience. As I say to everyone, the weekend with you, Oprah, was not an event, it was an experience; a phenomenal experience!
Thank you again, and again and again!
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Did you attend the weekend with Oprah? Do share your memories and thoughts below. Do you have questions about the weekend or views on it in general? Please share. As always, your comments are always appreciated. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Thank You!
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
Positive Motivation Tip: Be Inspired always… Be present. Give thanks for BEING.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photographs Oprah Welcome at Javits Center & Radio City Hall from personal photos, Additional Photos Getty Image Broadway World.com O Magazine Examiner.com Artexis611 via Flickr
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
