Hello. The sun is shining on a cold but not bitterly cold Chester County morning. Walking in the neighborhood this morning we met up with our neighbor who is usually the first out of the development. She forgot her glasses and had to turn around, but that doesn't make her any less than first. My nephew likes to be first also and places the animals 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th and then it is usually me at dead last. That's fine. I have no problem with that placing. Many people like to be first as is apparent in shopping plazas, conversations and the deli counter at the grocery store. I found it interesting that many history changing firsts occurred on this day. In 1571 the Royal Exchange opened in London, in 1656 Pascal published the first of his 'Lettres provinciales', in 1789 Georgetown College was founded, in 1849 Elizabeth Blackwell became the United States' first female doctor, in 1855 the first bridge over the Mississippi River opened, on this day in 1897 and a scary story to boot was the Heaster murder in West Virginia which is the only case in United States history where the alleged testimony of a ghost helped secure a conviction. In 1899 (hi Carme one 'l' a) Emilio Alguinado was sworn in as President of the First Philippine Republic, on this day in 1907 Charles Curtis became the first Native American U.S. Senator, in 1943 Duke Ellington played Carnegie Hall for the first time, in 1978 Sweden banned aerosol spray cans to help save the ozone layer, in 1986 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its first members, and in 1997 Madeline Albright became the first woman to serve as Secretary of State in the U.S. I wonder why January 23rd is such a pivotal day? It must be fun to do something historically sound and be the first to accomplish it. I don't expect my accessory order today but it would be fun if it arrived. Those types of shipments usually take a little under two weeks, so if it did arrive today it would be a first. Another first is a custom order that has been in my shop for what will be a year today. Beautiful valances, seat cushions, toss pillows...the wonderful gal even paid for them in full and yet, there they sit. That is a first also. I hope that she is ok. My friend 'K' is out of the hospital and seemingly extremely happy to not have given birth yet. <<<please note the sarcasm in my typing. I measure for more design type carpeting tomorrow and have more year end paperwork and tax filing to prep for today and all is well. Have a great day and please remember that holding a door or performing other acts of respect and kindness add to the good in the world. One doesn't always have to be first.
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi
