Good 42º smokey cloudy morning.
Mehndi is a form of body art and temporary skin decoration usually drawn on hands or legs, in which decorative designs are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). It is a popular form of body art among the women of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Iran, Maldives, and the Muslim population of Sri Lanka, and resembles similar practices found in North Africa and the Middle East.
There are many variations and designs. Women usually apply mehendi designs to their hands and feet, though some, including cancer patients and women with alopecia, occasionally decorate their scalps. The standard color of henna is brown, but other design colors such as white, red, black, and gold are sometimes employed.
In Hindu festivals, many women have Henna applied to their hands and feet and sometimes on the back of their shoulders too, as men have it applied on their arms, legs, back, and chest. For women, it is usually drawn on the palm, back of the hand and on feet, where the design will be clearest due to contrast with the lighter skin on these surfaces, which naturally contain less pigment melanin.
Mehndi paste is usually applied to the skin using a plastic cone, a paintbrush or a stick. After about 15–20 minutes, the mud will dry and begin to crack, and during this time, a mixture of lemon juice and white sugar can be applied over the henna design to remoisten the henna mud so that the henna will stain darker. The painted area is then wrapped with tissue, plastic, or medical tape to lock in body heat, creating a more intense color on the skin. The wrap (not a traditional method), is worn for two to six hours, or sometimes overnight, and then removed. When first removed, the henna design is pale to dark orange in color and gradually darkens through oxidation, over the course of 24 to 72 hours. The final color is reddish brown and can last anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the quality and type of henna paste applied, as well as where it was applied on the body (thicker skin stains darker and longer than thin skin). Moisturizing with natural oils, such as olive, sesame seed, or coconut, will also help extend the lifetime of the stain. Skin exfoliation causes the henna tattoo to fade
According to a 2013 study, henna has been used as a dye for the skin (as well as the hair and nails) for more than 4,000 years.
Who says pies can't have cheese? Our Italian Cheese Pie gets its rich and creamy texture from ricotta cheese combined with delicious lemon flavors. It's a winning combination that'll make anyone say, "Mamma Mia!"
- 1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crust
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
- 1 (10-ounce) jar lemon curd
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Preheat oven to 350º. Unroll pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla, ricotta cheese, and lemon peel until well blended. Pour into pie crust.
- Bake 60 to 65 minutes, or until filling is set and edges are golden. Let cool.
- Evenly spread lemon curd on top of pie.
- Chill 4 hours, or until ready to serve. Dollop with whipped cream.
***For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh raspberries or your favorite fruit.
And births this date include....
1904 – Jerry Colonna, American comedian and entertainer (d. 1986)
1923 – Hank Williams, American musician (d. 1953)
1928 – Roddy McDowall, English actor (d. 1998)
1931 – Anne Bancroft, American actress (d. 2005)
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17th commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the United States and those who have become United States citizens. On this day, members of the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.
Constitutional Convention
While many contributed to crafting the document known today as the U.S. Constitution, James Madison wrote the draft forming the basis for the Constitution. Those who participated in its development gathered in Independence Hall in Philadelphia that sultry summer of 1787. George Washington presided over the Convention. But many “Founding Fathers” attended to other diplomatic duties, unable to participate. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, served overseas on behalf of his country. John Adams also served abroad. However, Patrick Henry refused to attend due to principle and preferring the Articles of Confederation. Others eventually swayed Henry when convention leaders added a Bill of Rights.
The convention lasted from May 25 to September 17, 1787. During that time, the 55 delegates debated the duties of the government, checks, and balances, and the rights and freedoms of the people. They divided the government into three branches: the legislative branch to make the laws; the executive to execute the laws, and the judicial to interpret the laws.
The delegates suffered through rough weather, heat, and illness. Despite the conditions, the formed a Bill of Rights enumerating the rights and freedoms of the people.
Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and George Washington all signed the Constitution.
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution. So the process began, obtaining each state’s approval. Rhode Island didn’t send any delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Their headstrong character did not appreciate a powerful government and held tight to their independence as long as they could. As a result, they were the last state to ratify the Constitution on May 29, 1790.
Citizenship
The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution defines citizenship as “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” On July 28, 1868, Secretary of State William Seward proclaimed the amendment ratified.
While the 14th Amendment was the first step in a long line of amendments defining citizens and their rights, it took decades to enforce some of those rights.
For example, one of a citizen’s most valued powers is the power to vote. The 15th and 19th Amendments define those rights for blacks and women. However, it wasn’t until 1924 that all Native Americans were granted citizenship. Through the Indian Citizenship Act, many Native Americans were allowed to vote for the first time. Still, this legislation did not stop some states from preventing some from voting.
CONSTITUTION DAY HISTORY
This holiday dates all the way back to 1911 when schools in Iowa first recognized Constitution Day. Then in 1917, the society known as the Sons of the American Revolution formed a committee to promote Constitution Day. Members of that committee included Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller, and General John Pershing.
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared “I am an American Day,” and Congress designated the third Sunday in May to celebrate it. By 1949, the governors of all 48 states had issued Constitution Day proclamations. On February 29, 1952, Congress changed the name from “I am an American Day” to “Citizenship Day” and moved its observation to September 17. In 2004, the day was renamed Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
