Trail of Hope

Life’s inner thoughts

July 18th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

Looking at Mother Nature one can easily notice that diverseness is precisely what provides the natural world not only with its magnificence and beauty, but additionally its capability and strength.
Existence wouldn’t blossom if everything was virtually identical.

Our emotions and thoughts are exactly what link us to our genuine truth and allow us to develop into much more conscious of what’s taking place within the facade.
Yet, for most people, it’s complicated to be aware of or express our emotion because we’ve been accustomed to neglect or not recognize our inner thoughts.

We all are so different and distinctive, with various interests, pursuits, as well as talents. We were created to convey and rejoice all of those diverse shades! As a culture, we’ve been squeezed into the status quo for way too long.
Once we make it possible for ourselves to express ourselves legitimately, our vulnerability effortlessly attaches us with others.

Recently I had a chance to meet, and spend some time with a fellow photographer and a poet, someone who recognizes and connects and just let it go:

Amity

Ghosts of Penn and Sachem
fill the place, a pocket nook
in the bend of the Delaware
where the seed of the seed of the
Father still blooms. Sacred,
the earth rings improbable protection
among the sputtering bones of industry
left as shards of the first comers
who worship here.
Not a son of oak or walnut
but the humble elm,
crippled by a Dutch disease
marks the place as totem,
to highlight peace, the fragility
of amity, of serving a coexistence
not broken these many years.
Thousands of markings for death and battle,
save this one for peace, tucked in
at the spawning ground of shad,
a place of plenty, shared in a
spirit of meeting, two peoples as one,
like minded for the land belongs to
no one, and lives on as testament.

©Robin Hiteshew 2012 For Peter Prusinowski and John Connors

Another Step

May 26th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

To have striven, to have made the effort, to have been true to certain ideals – this alone is worth the struggle. Wm. Penn

The legacy of Penn Treaty Park is over 330 years old. And from the early years it was always a Sacred Ground.

It took over 2 centuries to make it a public Park. Many individuals cherished and tended this place, committing their own believes and hopes on the importance of preservation. Finally, after years of efforts Penn Treaty Park was recognized and registered by Philadelphia Historical Commission.

To Celebrate this important milestone, Penn Treaty Museum organized a ceremony on May 12, 2012 in Penn Treaty Park. Many neighbors and supporters gathered to commemorate this important step in preserving Penn Treaty Park as a Historic Landmark. This place is much more than just a park. It’s more than just “where it all began”. It is a Place of Peace and Harmony, a place of Spirit that lives among us.

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Penn Treaty Museum leading the Celebration of the registration of Penn Treaty Park as a Historic Landmark.

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Many supporters at the May 12th. Celebration

Behold, my brothers, the spring has come; the earth has received the embraces of the sun and we shall soon see the results of that love! Every seed has awakened and so has all animal life. It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves, to inhabit this land. - Tatanka Yotanka (Sitting Bull), Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux

Recognition

May 7th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

Many have tried before, but I guess it takes special charisma to fulfill the task. For decades many more very committed people persisted on recognizing Penn Treaty Park as a historic place. And for decades nothing happened.

There are times when we discover that life’s circumstances are not always what we might wish them to be. There are moments in our lives when things do not go as planned. Yet we cannot allow those unpredictable obstacles hold us back from putting our efforts into choosing a path to work towards direction of our goals.

And this Saturday, we’ll have a chance to meet some of those amazing people, a very special individuals.

Thanks to them, and their persistence and countless efforts at last, Pent Treaty Park has been recognized by Philadelphia Historical Commission and placed on the Registrar of Philadelphia Historic Places.

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At Last - Recognition of Penn Treaty Park

Penn Treaty Museum is proud to host a Celebration to recognize the listing of Penn Treaty Park on the Registrar of Philadelphia Historic Places.

Saturday, May 12, 2012 @ 12 Noon at Penn Treaty Park -Delaware and Columbia Ave.

Music -Kensington Creative and Performing Arts(CAPA) High School-Drum Line

Presentations:

New Kensington CDC
Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Barbara Morehead, Friends of Penn Treaty Park

The collection of the Penn Treaty Museum will be open to the public 1-3 PM immediately after the ceremony.

St Tammany Day Revival – May 1

May 2nd, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

The bells rung loud and clear, as a group of love, peace and amity supporters celebrated Tammany Day, this first day of May, right here in Philadelphia. It’s been a long, long time since last May’s festivities, but thanks to the Old City Civic Association, once again Saint Tamanend , a symbol for native-born Americans, was recognized.

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At Tamanend Statue, May 1, 2012

Through generations Tamanend has been adored and highly regarded for his virtues of integrity, ethics, honor, value, justice, as well as equality for the common individual.

Why May 1st.?

The earliest May Day activities came out in pre-Christian times, along with the celebrations, get togethers, customs or other activities around that period. The actual day has been a traditional summer time festive in numerous pre-Christian European civilizations. February 1 was the very first day of Spring, May 1 was the very first day associated with summer season; therefore, the summer solstice about June 25 ended up being Midsummer. The term solstice originates from Latin sol – sun, and sistere – to stand still. May 1 is the 121st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 244 days left over till the conclusion of the year.

Throughout the world, presentation of the occasion has varied between civilizations, but the majorities have kept a sign of acknowledgement around that period.

May Day had also been commemorated by early European settlers of the American nation.

And it all started here in Philadelphia because of its governmental importance through the beginning of the United States of America. Tammany quickly grew to become a nationwide symbolic representation throughout most of the freshly shaped nation.

TAMANEND, has been Native American chief of the Delawares, (Lenape Indians), and has been variously named Temane, Tamenand, Taminent, Tameny, as well as Tammany. It was Tamanend and William Penn that cleared a way of establishing in a peaceful way a new Pennsylvania colony.

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Commemorating Tamanend Day in Philadelphia

Throughout the subsequent century, many tales surrounded Tamanend and his awesome reputation deemed legendary proportions amongst the people of Philadelphia, who started to call him “King Tammany,” “Saint Tammany,” and the “Patron Saint of North America”.

People of Philadelphia furthermore organized Tammany society and a yearly Tammany festivity. All these practices quickly spread out throughout America. Because of Philadelphia’s importance during the actual founding of the United States of America, Tammany soon grew to become a nation’s icon throughout most of the newly created nation. Fraternal Tammany Societies endured throughout the eastern states.

In the eighteenth century, numerous stories surrounded Tamanend and his fame assumed mythical proportions among the people of Philadelphia. His recognition as a noble Indian native increased even though the Lenape had been pressed farther West.

Few Historical Facts:

* In 1810, President James Madison announced the Territory of Western Florida to become a portion of the Louisiana Purchase, and in 1811, William C. C. Claiborne, the 1st American territorial Governor of Louisiana, named the area north of Lake Pontchartrain as ‘‘St. Tammany Parish’’ in recognition of the Saint Tamanend. In 2003, the Parish Council approved a resolution assigning May 1, 2003, as St. Tammany Day, and advocating the restoration of May 1st as a nationwide day of acknowledgement for Tamanend.

In the United States Congress, a concurrent resolution was proposed in the House and passed by the Senate agreed “That Congress supports the goals and ideals of St. Tammany Day as a national day of acknowledgement for Tamanend and the values he represented.”

* USS Delaware wooden war ship – constructed in Norfolk, Virginia, and launched in 1820. Its figurehead was a bust of Tamanend. USS Delaware was sunk in 1861, but for some reason the figurehead has been recovered. It was taken to Annapolis, Maryland to the Naval Academy. Midshipmen began using the statue as a good luck charm. Eventually the wooden figure started to decay and disintegrate. In 1906 the classmates of 1891 had the figurine meticulously forged in bronze. The bronze statue was presented in 1930. It stands today at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

* The Schuylkill Fishing Company, founded in 1732, originated its privileges from a grant created by Tammany. May 1, the beginning of the actual fishing season, was “King Tammany’s Day”. Their motto, “Kawania ehe Keekeru”, has been Delaware for “This is my right, I will defend it”. In 1888, Daniel Garrison Brinton and Horatio Hale uncovered it was really Iroquoian for “I am master wherever I am”.

At the Tamanend Statue, celebrating May 1

Saint Tamanend Day Celebration

Our Peace Walk

April 9th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

Penn Treaty Park to Haverford College

Our 11 miles Celebration Walk

March 26th, 2012 § 2 comments § permalink

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. – Wm Penn

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Our group at Tamanend statue.

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Leaving a rose at the footsteps of Wm Penn.

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Under the Elm Tree in Haverford, Pa

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Under Elm Tree in Haverford College.

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Planting of a Peace Elm Tree.

Love is indeed Heaven upon Earth; since Heaven above would not be Heaven without it: For where there is not Love; there is Fear: But perfect Love casts out Fear.

Love is above all; and when it prevails in us all, we shall all be Lovely, and in Love with God and one with another. – Wm Penn

March, 24th. 2012

March 14th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

Holding the dream:

Schedule of the Celebration of Hope:
It will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012. It’s open to All and All are welcome.

8:30am — Gathering in the Penn Treaty Park.

9:00am – Leaving the Park; start of the 11 miles walk.

2:00pm – arriving at Haverford College; gathering under a descendant of the Great Elm Tree, where celebration will take place.

Walking 11 miles is not necessary; you’re very welcome to join us at any point.
If you’re not walking, Join us for the Celebration at 2:00pm at Haverford College in Haverford, Pa.
* PENN TREATY PARK:
located at the intersection of Delaware Ave and Beach St, just off Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19125
* HAVERFORD COLLEGE:
located just off Rt.30 ; 370 Lancaster Ave. Haverford, Pa 19041

Rediscovering the Seed of Peace

February 29th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

Holding his dream in his heart, William Penn sighted the Delaware Bay in 1682 and arrived at Shackamaxon, where he was greeted by its inhabitants, Lenape Indians.
It was here, next to the gently flowing waters of the Delaware River, and under the shade of Great Elm tree William Penn entered into the Great Treaty with Chief Tamanend.
Those two leaders made a covenant of peace, love and friendship with one another. A powerful commitment witnessed before heaven and earth. It spoke of Faith and Unity, and it spoke of Hope.

Let’s Celebrate that Hope.

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Rediscovering the SEED of Peace

The 1st. anniversary of the 2000 MILE WALK on The Trail of Hope.

To raise awareness of the significance of Chief Tamanend, William Penn’s Treaty of Friendship and its principals of social justice, peace, liberty, freedom, and mutual respect, while connecting the history of our past to the events of present day, the Trail of Hope brings together universal truths among humankind.
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Here is a schedule of this Celebration of Hope:

It will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012. It’s open to All and All are welcome.

8:30am — Gathering in the Penn Treaty Park.
9:00am – Leaving the Park; start of the 11 miles walk.
2:00pm – arriving at Haverford College; gathering under a descendant of the Great Elm Tree, where celebration will take place.

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Walking 11 miles is not necessary; you’re very welcome to join us at any point.
My sincere thanks to Haverford Collage Arboretum for their constant support, good heart and generosity.
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William Penn approached Chief Tamanend:
“The great Spirit, who made me and you, who rules the heavens and the earth, and who knows the innermost thoughts of men, knows that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship with you.”
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Chief Tamanend declared:
“We will live in love with William Penn and his children as long as the creeks and rivers run, and while the sun and moon and stars endure.”
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Shackamaxon, present day Fishtown – Philadelphia neighborhood in pictures.

The Life we Live and the Life we Choose

February 25th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

The actual Way of Saint James, el Camino de Santiago

towards the Spanish and Le Chemin de Saint Jacques is actually a 1,000-year old pathway from France to northern Spain.

Millions of pilgrims stepped throughout the years. Some journey by foot, a few cycle bikes as well as some also by horse back. There are a number diverse tracks and beginnings of the trail. The actual walk leads to the town of Santiago de Compostela exactly where the remains of Saint James are laid to rest.

Backpackers walk the trail as a quest and a way of experiencing and uncovering personal life. There are a lot of unique causes for trekking the Camino de Santiago.

Catholics tend to be hiking as a faith based pilgrimage, a journey of amazing christian importance adhering to in the actions of many other pilgrims. Some others tend to be walking for a spiritual magnitude, seeking to restore to discover or …..

It’s Never Too Late to Find The Way

The WAY (taken from Facebook)

“THE WAY” a film on the Camino de Santiago trail.

“THE WAY” delivers numerous messages for those who desire to hear.

It had been created as well as directed by Emilio Estevez, and had been filmed fully in Spain and France alongside the actual Camino de Santiago.

THE WAY is a strong as well as inspirational tale around family, friends and the obstacles all of us encounter while walking this ever-changing and challenging entire world.

Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American physician who arrives to France to recover the remains of his grownup son (performed by Emilio Estevez), who died while trekking the particular Camino de Santiago.

To pay tribute to his son’s wish to complete the trail, Tom makes a decision to embark on the famous pilgrimage.

As many walking the trail, so is Tom, will discover their own personal significance in the journey, and the powerful outcome this trip will have. En route, Tom encounters various other pilgrims from around the globe, each and every one with their individual quest and searching for higher significance within their existence.

Little by little Tom starts to understand exactly what it signifies to be a citizen of the world. Through many unforeseen encounters along “The Way”, Tom learns the actual distinction between:

“The Life we Live and the Life we Choose.”

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Estevez has pointed out in interviews that the film is really a spiritual movie and not a religious one. Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post writes that “The Way” rewards are as rich for the secular as for the more spiritually inclined.”

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THE WAY – Official Trailer
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A Time to Sing, a time to Dance, a time to Celebrate

February 18th, 2012 § Leave a comment § permalink

The Truly Amazing Elm Tree agreement at Shackamaxon perceived right before heaven and earth William Penn and Chief Tamanend representing their unique nations, created the understanding of peacefulness, friendship along with love. This assembly was not to trade or even acquire any territory but to rejoice and confirm the friendly relationship of love and dedication. Next towards the moving rich waters of the Delaware River and beneath the outstretched boughs of a Great Elm tree has been recognized what has been known as the Great Treaty. Reviewing out of books relates this history regarding the agreement created among these two nations as:

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Great Elm Tree at Haverford Collage

There endures just the basic oral custom concerning the actual Great Elm, and the certain recollections associated with an aged woman that stated to have got seen the actual event as a youthful young lady. The woman recalled it strongly not due to the fact she recognized at the time its historic importance: parleys with the Indians had been frequent situations on the frontier in those days. She remembered it clearly due to the fact Penn had been the handsomest person she had ever before experienced, prior to or even since. This woman furthermore informed of the special event following the actual agreement formalities concluded. The attractive Penn had been wondrous, his state of mind overflowing. He consumed the Indian meals with relish, and settled to learn their own language so he could communicate with his brand new friends personally.

And then something remarkable occurred that created the night even more unforgettable to the young girl. The Indians started dancing in celebration, to jump as well as jump with the throb of the drums, and to whoop and chant their particular unusual sounds.

Ultimately Penn could contain himself no longer. no occasion for dismal sternness. Then there he was, amazingly, there was Governor William Penn up dancing with the Indians, bouncing and screaming and wiggling as if trying to be more Indian than the Indians.

Turning from the wonder of the young lady at this good looking gentleman dancing with abandon, we can just picture the actual surprise of Penn’s party at this particular break of decorum. Had Penn completely taken depart of his senses?

For short lived time a few must have worried that Penn would remove off his garments to totally free his braches.

There was a time for dignity, and a time for ecstasy.

It is this agreement, the particular covenant created among these two nations that became a witness and an instance towards the nations when these two individuals’ communities accepted each other beneath the Great Elm on the banks of the awesome Delaware River: the Indians and the white man.

This had been a strong precedent which kept within its Genetics a value of all individuals. It talked of trust and unity. It spoke of hope. This has been the creating blocks of independence.

These two nations, represented by their particular leaders, William Penn and Chief Tamanend, created a agreement of peace, friendship and love, one with the other. An important strong dedication was exchanged face to face and heart to heart. It was the required component needed for maintaining both these nations together within a enduring relationship of common admiration and love.

Of this Great Treaty, Voltaire, the French author stated: “the only league made between those nations which was never sworn to by oath, and never violated.”

Let’s celebrate; March 24 will mark first anniversary of the Trail of Hope. Everybody is invited to join me in a commemorating walk this day from Penn Treaty Park to the descendent of Great Elm in Haverford. (11 miles)

Much more information to follow…. Come one, come all … Let’s Celebrate!

§ One Response to A Time to Sing, a time to Dance, a time to Celebrate

carol davis says:

February 18, 2012 at 3:55 pm

i cannot do the 11 mile walk but wish you well and commend any who choose to walk with you….Bravo ! This will seem like a walk in the park (pardon the pun) for Peter after walking to Oklahoma.

Reply