Tag Archives: peace

A Peaceful Mother’s Day: Thoughts, Gift Ideas, and The Proclamation

In the US, Mother’s Day started out as a holiday about peace. Initially mothers of soldiers who died in both sides of the Civil War would meet to try to reconcile.  The most famous example of the peaceful intent of Mother’s Day is the Proclamation by Julia Ward Howe.  She is best remembered as the abolitionist, pacifist, and suffragist poet who penned the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The proclamation is at the bottom of this post. In between are some peaceful gift suggestions for your mother,

Let’s start with a peaceful way to wrap your present:

Flowering gift wrapping paper that can be planted after it wraps a gift!  Continue reading A Peaceful Mother’s Day: Thoughts, Gift Ideas, and The Proclamation

For children and adults who cherish peace: “Little Drops of Water” is Peace Song for 4/23/2012

(On 4/17/2013, we dedicated “Little Drops of Water” as a song of healing and peace to the Boston Marathon community.)

Little Drops of Water” is the Peace Song of the Day for April 23, 2012. It is a traditional song from England. I first discovered this song in the collection, Singing Bee!, compiled by Jane Hart.

I could not resist making my own verse for this song which clearly states the need for “peace”. Below my video are other versions and resources for the “Little Drops of Water” song.



Lyrics and more about this song…
Continue reading For children and adults who cherish peace: “Little Drops of Water” is Peace Song for 4/23/2012

Preparing for Earth Day: Peace Songs for 4/21/2012

Earth Day is Sunday, April 22, 2012

(See a long list of peace songs for Earth Day after the video!)

Lily of the Valley (cc) Dger at Wikimedia

Books for Earth Day at onthewilderside: here.

Duke Augustus’ favorite Earth Day stuff: here.

White Coral Bells” is the Peace Song of the Day for April 21st. It is a short, sweet song about Lily of the Valley flowers, often sung as a round.

A riddle: Is it more important for people who want peace, to realize that peace starts with loving the earth? Or, is it more important for people who love the earth, to realize the only way to save the earth is to end the wars and embrace peace?

Probably a riddle that doesn’t need to be solved. Though, it does go to the heart of this website. In caring for peace and justice, Kimberly and Ian were drawn into green activism. Then, while submersed in green activism, we realized that we really wanted a special place set aside for pacifism and peace. Those feelings were part of the vision that became this Peace Couple project.

Because of the interconnectedness of peace work and environmentalism, many of the Peace Songs of the Day are about earth, nature, and the environment. Each song we list also reflects the value of nonviolence.

Continue reading Preparing for Earth Day: Peace Songs for 4/21/2012

Did you hear about a Gas Boycott Day for April 15th?

Well, some folks are saying Don’t Buy Gas on April 15th, so we can send the oil companies a message, and lower the price of gas.

And, some of us believe it can work. (See a fun video from April 2012 below).

Some folks are having doubts. Though, I say whenever you can use your own spending power to send a message — however personal or small — you should try. Put your money where your mouth is!

Continue reading Did you hear about a Gas Boycott Day for April 15th?

When the war is over: Peace Song for 3/25/2102

Steve Earle‘s song, “Steve’s Hammer (for Pete)“, is the Peace Song of the Day for March 25th. As the title hints at, this song is dedicated to Pete Seeger. The song is from Earle’s album, Washington Square Serenade.

“Steve’s Hammer” tells about the day when the war is over, and there isn’t any hunger and pain, so all of us peace and justice activists can finally take a bring and sing a silvery tune. In other words, the song embodies why it is called “The Struggle”.
Continue reading When the war is over: Peace Song for 3/25/2102

A winter reflection too rich for words: Peace Song for 3/3/2012

Sometimes feelings are too rich for words. Sometimes the words do not flow.

The Peace Song of the Day is usually something very singable, with lyrics that reflect on peace or justice. Though, the winter has cast a lull on the Duchess (if you notice, we are very behind on our daily project) and the winter has stirred deep feelings. So, the Peace Song for today has no words. It reflects peace by creating healing, and perhaps tuning one in to the season, in the hopes of bringing inner harmony.

The Peace Song of the Day for March 3rd is “Contemplating Winter” by Jayson Williamson. It is a new composition, inspired by Native American music, performed on Native American flute.


Continue reading A winter reflection too rich for words: Peace Song for 3/3/2012

Hippie Thoughts on Peace and Public Service: Peace Song of the Day for 2/9

“Basic Human Needs” — by poet, Hog Farmer, hippie, clown, activist, philosopher Wavy Gravy — is the Peace Song of the Day for Thursday, February 9th. What would happen if we all cared for each other, and every human being had food, shelter, and clothing?

Thanks to The Duke and Duchess’s friend, DAK, who recommended the movie Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin’, where we discovered this song.

Continue reading Hippie Thoughts on Peace and Public Service: Peace Song of the Day for 2/9