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The Pine Tree Riot: the tree that sparked a rebellion and inspired a flag
The road to American independence is brightly lit, even after 250 years, with legendary events like the Boston Tea Party and the “Shot Heard 'Round the World.” Though rightfully commemorated, the radiance of these events sometimes obscures other happenings, equally rebellious or even treasonous from a British perspective...On April 14, 2022, the United States observed a different 250th anniversary: the Pine Tree Riot. You probably missed it. I know I did.

Martie C
Mar 297 min read


Memorial Continental Hall: illuminating and honoring our Patriots
“Memorial Continental Hall is a backdrop, a living stage to illuminate our Revolutionary War ancestors and all they sacrificed for us."

Martie C
Mar 31, 20259 min read


Celebrating Stars and Stripes: a flag for all seasons
",,,our ancestors fought to start this country, and then they fought to save it. That’s how important it is. Don’t ever forget that.”

Martie C
Apr 2, 202410 min read


The arc of the moral universe travels east from Selma to Montgomery
The Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama (courtesy photo, U.S. Civil Rights Trail) On July 26, 2020, a horse-drawn caisson carrying the flag-draped casket of the late Congressman John Lewis left Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama. Surrounded by crowds of mourners, news media, the well-known and the unknown, it traveled a short distance before it crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The bridge was covered with red rose petals for the occasion, signifying the blood that was

Martie C
Apr 8, 202311 min read


A Revelation: unexpected lessons from the Seven Churches of Asia
The Book of Revelation is perhaps known best for the Apocalypse, the “end times,” and destruction of the world. Even non-Christians know...

Martie C
Sep 18, 20226 min read


Separate Lifetimes: the hidden residents of Hackberry Creek
On the final morning of her life, Foxy’s nose was still in fine form. Though aged, drugged, weary, and suffering from several ailments,...

Martie C
May 4, 20226 min read


Juneteenth, Nobel bring together hearts and minds of leaders who care
Circumstances of birth and events that we experience as children often have a profound impact on the quality and focus of our lives. Some...

Martie C
Nov 20, 20214 min read


Southern Turkey boasts ancient civilizations around every corner
Turkey’s Mediterranean shore, often called the Turquoise Coast, runs more than 900 miles, sprinkled with picturesque beaches and...

Martie C
Sep 13, 20214 min read


Hagia Sophia has become a Stranger in a Strange Land
In October 2020, I wrote the post “We could all use a little Holy Wisdom” about the Turkish government’s actions to convert the...

Martie C
Aug 14, 20215 min read


Nobel Peace Prize nominee Arora leads with humility from the heart
Hackberry Creek in Irving, Texas, prides itself on its diversity, as well as its reputation as a community of achievers. Now, it can...

Martie C
Aug 7, 20213 min read


Captain Molly Corbin: America's first female veteran
Captain Molly Corbin takes over the cannon after the death of her husband. (Photo courtesy Tracy H. Sugg) Women’s History Month brings...

Martie C
Mar 23, 20215 min read


Finding your family Bravehearts
Genealogy definitely was not a priority for me most of my life. My mother was from Illinois, my father from Ohio, and they ended up in...

Martie C
Feb 2, 20215 min read


Thanksgiving at home and away
Like most things in life, Thanksgiving is what you make of it. The mad rush by so many people to get home to family and friends this...

Martie C
Nov 25, 20206 min read


We can all use a little Holy Wisdom
Looking out from Gulhane Park on the grounds of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, our view was grand and truly fit for emperors, sultans,...

Martie C
Oct 6, 20208 min read


Hidden gems of Iznik
If you have ever spoken the words “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” you have a connection to Iznik, Turkey....

Martie C
Jan 17, 20205 min read


Georgia on my mind: history, nature vie for attention
Back in my early days as an Air Force officer, I was an “intercept controller” in what was then West Germany. We helped maintain radar...

Martie C
Sep 8, 20193 min read


Epic battles at Gallipoli and Troy: Achilles in the Trench
The Gallipoli Campaign and the Trojan War. Two epic battles, forever connected by “Achilles in the Trench.”

Martie C
Sep 4, 20196 min read


For the cats of Istanbul, life isn't always the cat's meow
I have written this blog post in my mind many time. Every time I see, feed, or pet an Istanbul street cat, I feel reinvigorated to tell...

Martie C
Apr 22, 20195 min read


Tulip Festival is a Turkish Delight
When you think of "tulip," what's the first thing that comes to mind? More than likely, your answer is Holland. You know. Holland with...

Martie C
Apr 10, 20194 min read


The Churches of Mardin, Turkey: it's what's inside that counts
After exploring early Biblical sites in and around Urfa (Sanliurfa) and hunter-gatherer wonders at Gobekle Tepe, we headed to Mardin,...

Martie C
Mar 21, 20196 min read
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