Category: Chiara Life

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Celebrate Chinese New Year 2026: Fun Traditions for Kids

Exploring new cultures is the best thing. If you can’t leave your hometown, the good news is you can use social media and your local community to explore things around you. In our home, we love Chinese New Year. We love the bright red decorations, the exciting traditions, and most of all… the red packets! Chinese New Year is a special celebration that marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar, and in 2026 it begins on February 17. This year welcomes the Year of the Horse, an animal that represents energy, adventure, and confidence. Even kids can feel that exciting “fresh start” feeling when Chinese New Year arrives.

Chinese New Year is also called Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, and it’s celebrated by families all over the world. Before the holiday, people often clean their homes to sweep away old luck and make room for good fortune. Homes are decorated with red and gold because red is believed to bring happiness, luck, and protection. During the celebration, families gather to eat delicious food, spend time together, and wish each other health and joy for the year ahead.

One of the most exciting traditions for children is receiving red packets, also called hongbao. These are bright red envelopes usually given by parents, grandparents, or other adults. Inside is money, but the most important part isn’t how much is inside, it’s the loving wish for good luck, happiness, and success in the new year. Kids often wait eagerly for these envelopes and opening them feels like a little burst of magic and celebration.

The Year of the Horse makes this Chinese New Year extra fun to talk about with kids. Horses are known for being fast, strong, and adventurous, so it’s a great time to encourage children to be brave, try new things, and run toward their dreams. You can even ask kids what kind of year they hope to have — a year full of fun, learning, kindness, or exciting adventures.

To celebrate at home, a simple and meaningful craft kids can do is making their own lucky red envelope. Using red paper, fold it into an envelope shape and glue or tape the sides, leaving the top open. Kids can decorate their envelopes with drawings of horses, gold designs, sparkles, or even try writing the Chinese character 福 (fú), which means good luck. Inside, they can place a handwritten wish, a drawing, or a pretend coin. It’s a lovely way for kids to understand the tradition while creating something personal and festive.

Chinese New Year is a celebration filled with color, joy, and hope, and sharing these traditions at home helps children learn about the world while making warm family memories. Whether it’s opening red packets, making crafts, or simply talking about the Year of the Horse, it’s a beautiful reminder that a new year always brings new possibilities.

There are several celebrations happening in Montgomery County:

In Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School will have cultural performances, interactive displays, and kid-friendly activities. Safeway’s 5th annual celebration features lion dances, live music, face painting, and food samples from Asian brands like Fly By Jing and Kikkoman.

In Bethesda, Westfield Montgomery hosts the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center’s celebration with dragon and lion dances, calligraphy blessings, clay dumpling crafts, and red envelope giveaways. Strathmore’s Music Center offers a festive concert with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, while Connie Morella Library invites children to storytime, crafts, and songs.

Gaithersburg brings a unique twist with the Mintd Card Show at the Marriott Washingtonian Center—featuring Pokémon vendors, raffles, and Lunar New Year-themed prizes. Across the county, you can also support local Asian restaurants, bakeries, and bubble tea shops to keep the celebration going.

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#TIH The Curious Proposal: Lincoln’s War Elephants from Siam

“Abraham Lincoln, artist’s impression, lithograph, circa 1877,” House Divided: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College, https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/40378

In the winter of 1862, as the American Civil War ground on with grim uncertainty, President Abraham Lincoln received one of the most unexpected diplomatic proposals in U.S. history: an offer of war elephants.

The offer came from King Mongkut of Siam (modern-day Thailand), a forward-thinking monarch eager to engage with Western powers and demonstrate his kingdom’s relevance in a rapidly modernizing world. In a formal letter written in 1861, Mongkut proposed sending a number of trained elephants to the United States to assist the Union war effort against the Confederacy.

The image is almost surreal, elephants lumbering across American battlefields, but the offer was serious, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine goodwill.

A military elephantnamed Lizzie (elephant) during World War I image in the Public Domain

A World Watching America’s War

To understand the moment, it helps to remember that the Civil War was not just a domestic affair. European and Asian powers watched closely, weighing how the conflict might reshape global politics, trade, and influence. For Siam, maintaining friendly relations with powerful Western nations was a strategic priority. Mongkut, well-educated in European science and diplomacy, saw engagement as a way to preserve Siam’s independence in an age of colonial expansion.

In Southeast Asia, elephants had long been used for transport, engineering, intimidation, and warfare. To Mongkut, offering elephants was the equivalent of offering valuable military hardware, a practical contribution rather than a symbolic gift.

There was also a lag in global communication. By the time the letter arrived in Washington, it was already outdated. Mongkut had addressed it to President James Buchanan, unaware that Abraham Lincoln had been inaugurated in March 1861. The slow pace of 19th-century diplomacy meant good intentions sometimes arrived wrapped in obsolete assumptions.

Lincoln’s Measured Reply

Lincoln responded on February 3, 1862, with characteristic courtesy and clarity. He thanked the King of Siam for his generosity and friendly spirit, acknowledging the value of elephants in their native regions. But he politely declined the offer. Below is the exact letter from Lincoln via the House Divided Project:

February 3, 1862

Abraham Lincoln,

President of the United States of America.

To His Majesty Somdetch Phra Paramendr Maha Mongut,

King of Siam,

&c., &c.

Great and Good Friend: I have received Your Majesty’s two letters of the date of February 14th., 1861.

I have also received in good condition the royal gifts which accompanied those letters,—namely, a sword of costly materials and exquisite workmanship; a photographic likeness of Your Majesty and of Your Majesty’s beloved daughter; and also two elephants’ tusks of length and magnitude such as indicate that they could have belonged only to an animal which was a native of Siam.

Your Majesty’s letters show an understanding that our laws forbid the President from receiving these rich presents as personal treasures. They are therefore accepted in accordance with Your Majesty’s desire as tokens of your good will and friendship for the American People. Congress being now in session at this capital, I have had great pleasure in making known to them this manifestation of Your Majesty’s munificence and kind consideration.

Under their directions the gifts will be placed among the archives of the Government, where they will remain perpetually as tokens of mutual esteem and pacific dispositions more honorable to both nations than any trophies of conquest could be.

I appreciate most highly Your Majesty’s tender of good offices in forwarding to this Government a stock from which a supply of elephants might be raised on our own soil. This Government would not hesitate to avail itself of so generous an offer if the object were one which could be made practically useful in the present condition of the United States.

Our political jurisdiction, however, does not reach a latitude so low as to favor the multiplication of the elephant, and steam on land, as well as on water, has been our best and most efficient agent of transportation in internal commerce.

I shall have occasion at no distant day to transmit to Your Majesty some token of indication of the high sense which this Government entertains of Your Majesty’s friendship.

Meantime, wishing for Your Majesty a long and happy life, and for the generous and emulous People of Siam the highest possible prosperity, I commend both to the blessing of Almighty God. 

Your Good Friend,

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Washington, February 3, 1862.

By the President:

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

 “Abraham Lincoln to the King of Siam, February 3, 1862,” House Divided: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College, https://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/40508.

Why the Offer Mattered

No elephants ever crossed the Pacific, but the episode endures because it reveals several important truths about the era.

First, it highlights how globally connected the mid-19th century already was. News traveled slowly, but it traveled far, and events in America resonated in royal courts half a world away.

Second, despite early Union defeats and widespread uncertainty, Lincoln never believed the war would be decided by exotic weapons or foreign intervention. Victory would come through mobilization, industry, manpower, and time.

Finally, the exchange humanizes history. Beneath the grand narratives of battles and strategy, there are moments of sincere misunderstanding, cultural difference, and unexpected generosity. A king offered what he knew to be valuable. A president declined with grace.

A Curious Footnote, A Connected World

Today, Lincoln’s reply is preserved among his papers and stands as one of the more curious footnotes in American military history. It reminds us that even in the darkest chapters of war, diplomacy could still be polite, imaginative and occasionally strange.

Sometimes history isn’t just about armies and battles. Sometimes it’s about a letter, a king, and a handful of elephants that never were.

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The History of The Hamburger, Just Because

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite thing to cook?
View all responses

I love a good burger. As a matter of fact, I think I will get one today. It’s so simple, yet so delicious. When I think about the hamburger, it’s funny how something so ordinary can have such a long and surprising history. Today, burgers are everywhere, backyard barbecues, fast-food restaurants, and even fancy menus, but their story begins far from modern America and stretches back hundreds of years.

The idea behind the hamburger starts with people simply trying to make meat easier to eat. Long before buns and grills, Mongol warriors in the 13th century reportedly carried pieces of meat under their saddles as they traveled. The meat would become tender, making it easier to chew. While this sounds unappealing by today’s standards, it shows an early form of minced meat that later influenced dishes in Europe. Over time, this practice helped inspire foods like steak tartare and other chopped-meat recipes.

By the 1800s, minced beef had become especially popular in Hamburg, Germany. There, “Hamburg steak” was a common dish made from ground beef, usually seasoned and sometimes eaten raw or lightly cooked. It was affordable, filling, and practical—qualities that would later define the hamburger. When German immigrants traveled to the United States, they brought this dish with them, introducing Americans to the Hamburg steak through ports like New York.

In the U.S., the dish began to change. Americans preferred their meat cooked, and the Hamburg steak was soon grilled or fried instead of served raw. At some point, likely out of convenience, someone placed the meat between two pieces of bread. This small change made a big difference. Suddenly, the meal was portable, easy to eat, and perfect for workers who needed something quick and satisfying. This simple sandwich became what we now recognize as the hamburger.

Vergara, Camilo J, photographer. 535 The Famous Jimbo’s Hamburger Palace, Harlem
. New York United States New York State Harlem Manhattan, 2012. -09-16. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2020702864/.

There’s still debate about who exactly invented the first hamburger. Different towns and individuals across the United States claim credit, from fair vendors in the Midwest to diner owners on the East Coast. While the true origin may never be settled, what matters more is how quickly the hamburger caught on. By the early 20th century, it had become a staple of American food culture.

The hamburger’s popularity exploded with the rise of fast-food restaurants. Chains like White Castle and McDonald’s helped standardize burgers and make them affordable for almost everyone. These restaurants turned the hamburger into a symbol of speed, convenience, and modern life. For many people, grabbing a burger became part of everyday routine.

Today, the hamburger continues to evolve. From gourmet burgers with unique toppings to plant-based alternatives, it reflects changing tastes and values. Yet at its core, the hamburger remains a simple idea: seasoned meat, cooked and shared. Its journey from ancient traditions to a global favorite, shows how even the most familiar foods can have surprisingly rich and personal histories.

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Invite Only La Luz Art

I am building my new studio and have a list of potential collectors, with more being added. If you’re interested in joining the list, you can email me at info@chiaraatoyebimedia.com.

I will be offering work by myself as well as select pieces from other artists. Custom work will be limited online, but there will be other special items available. Feel free to check out the Etsy shop.

We’ll also have more coming for America 250, and the current digital download includes an embroidery image. You can download it and create it from the comfort of your own home.

You can also see some of my artwork on Instagram at chiaratoyebi.

My son is phenomenal artist and also a Kid Cudi fan, and one of my business partners and favorite people. Everything I do is for my babies and I do not regret it or feel conflicted. I feel blessed and fortunate.

I am not active on social media, but it should still be there.

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Unlocking The Hidden Educational Benefits of Gig Work for SAHMS

Gig work is often dismissed as “extra cash.” But for moms, especially stay-at-home moms preparing to reenter the workforce, it can be much more.

It can be a bridge back to professional life, toward education, into entrepreneurship, and even to a debt-free future for your children.

Platforms like Uber and DoorDash offer more than flexible income. They offer access, benefits, and leverage — tools that can quietly change a family’s trajectory.

Here’s how:

A Gentle Return to the Workforce

Reentering work isn’t hard because of the job — it’s hard because of the transition.

Gig work eases that shift:

  • You choose your hours
  • You control your workload
  • You work around school, naps, and activities
  • You avoid committing to full-time work before you’re ready

It’s a low-pressure way to rebuild confidence, update your resume, and reestablish a professional rhythm, without being penalized for being a mom. And for artists, these are essential perks including Uber’s vision and dental benefit that can’t be denied. Especially with the ongoing healthcare debacle that is happening. It is imperative to use logic for your life.

Education Benefits Most Moms Don’t Know About

Uber offers free tuition at Arizona State University after 3,000 completed trips.

That benefit can be used:

  • For you
  • Or toward your child’s education (with family tuition options)

With consistency, a mom could earn a $40,000–$60,000 debt-free college education over time — on her own schedule.

The Timeline (It’s More Manageable Than You Think)

This isn’t about grinding — it’s about consistency. It’s about securing a $40,000-$60,000 gift you can impart to a family member. That leaves more money in your pocket. More focus on maintaining your home after retirement.

  • ~20 trips/week → about 3 years
  • ~40 trips/week → about 1.5 years
  • ~60 trips/week → about 1 year

Most moms fall into the first two categories, and that’s fine. This is a long game meant to position your family, not exhaust you. Driving all day is not necessarily for the average person. But two hours? You can listen to YouTube or an audiobook and make your quota.

The Hidden Perks That Lower Expenses

Both platforms offer benefits that quietly stretch household dollars.

Uber perks include:

  • Gas and maintenance discounts
  • Car rentals and discounted purchases
  • Rosetta Stone
  • Uber Pro rewards
  • Vision and Dental Insurance
  • Venmo cashout

DoorDash perks include:

  • 2% cash back on gas with DasherDirect
  • Daily payouts
  • Maintenance discounts
  • E-bike and scooter options in some cities

These benefits make gig work more sustainable, especially for moms.

Gig Work as a Launchpad

Gig work also reconnects you to the world.

You’re learning your city, meeting people, spotting opportunities, and building community — often while funding what comes next:

  • Certifications
  • Small businesses
  • Creative careers
  • Extracurriculars
  • Savings or a move

For many moms, gig work becomes seed money for the next chapter.

For the Woman Who Feels Stuck

In life, bad things often happen to good people. But each day you can do the best you can to rise out of a not-so-great situation. If you’ve been isolated, underestimated, or quietly carrying more than anyone sees, this matters. Take it from someone that has lived it. People lose family members, jobs, get sick and just downright overwhelmed and this can be a gentle reentry.

Gig work can be a pathway to freedom: one delivery, one ride, one hour at a time.

These platforms don’t judge your past or your résumé.
They reward consistency, professionalism, and effort.

And there is power in earning your own money, even if it’s modest at first:

  • Power to cover medical costs
  • Power to pay for your child’s needs
  • Power to fix a roof, replace a tire, or finally chip away at debt.
  • Power to save for a move, a degree, or a new beginning.
  • Power to make choices
  • Gig work won’t solve everything, but it can open the first door.
  • It can be the first step toward stability, dignity, and independence.
  • It can be the first time in a long time that a woman feels like she has options.

That’s not extra cash.
That’s options, and options are freedom. You just have to decide what freedom means for you.

And don’t forget you keep all your tips.

A Side Hustle That Doesn’t Own You

The healthiest relationship with gig work is simple:

Don’t rely on gig work. Strategize with it.

Gig work is at its best when:

  • You treat it as an option, not a lifeline
  • You use it to unlock benefits
  • You let it support your long-term goals
  • You take advantage of the perks without burning out

It’s an innocuous side hustle on the surface but beneath that surface is access, leverage, and opportunity.

You’re not just delivering food or giving rides. You’re building a bridge toward your family’s future.

I am big on evolution. Everything is a season and cycle. When this season is over, help your sister or your brother out. I also discovered a great book that made me think of not paying for college at all. It’s called Debt Free Degree. I hope that my neighbors will read it. I want all of us to continue to watch our kids grow and have a little less stress.

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#TIH: The Convergence of Truth & Memory St. Barbea of Edessa, Upper Mesopotamia

The City of Edessa By Bernard Gagnon Courtesy of Wikipedia

Our Posts–Education, Faith, and Feminine Spiritual Transformations

Joan of Arc by the Author via Generative AI

Every topic we’ve explored—economics, faith, women’s financial autonomy, the politics of truth—has really been a study in memory. Who remembers. Who forgets. Who gets written into the story of a nation, a family, a church, an economy. And who has to fight to be seen. At its core, this work is about how memory shapes identity, and how identity shapes the choices women make in a world that is always negotiating power. Truth is one of the most powerful forms of currency.

What looks like separate topics between economics, Catholic spirituality, women’s financial literacy, truth and transformation, has always been one conversation. We’ve been studying the point of convergence: where memory becomes identity, where identity becomes history, and where history becomes story. At that crossroads, women make choices that reveal who they are and what they believe. This is the terrain where truth is chosen, not inherited. Therefore, when you understand the world, you can make choices in it. Also, there are so many women that have been martyrs and leaders, and they go unnoticed and unwritten about today.

Edessa, Upper Mesopotamia, St. Barbea

Convergence is the moment when spiritual truth, political pressure, and personal identity collide — and the choice you make reveals who you are. Few places in the ancient world embodied this collision more fully than Edessa. Born from the collapse of empires, it rose on a fault line of history a frontier city where Arab kings, Roman legions, and Persian armies contested not only territory but allegiance. Perched between worlds, Edessa functioned as both buffer and battleground, a place where control depended less on walls than on the loyalty of its people. Shifting between Parthian, Armenian, and Roman rule, the city learned early that power here was provisional: armies could occupy its streets, but belief determined whether authority endured. January 29th is the feast day of St. Barbea who is honored here today.

Saint Barbea of Edessa: Holding To Conviction

Saint Barbea of Edessa was an early Christian martyr from Syria, remembered primarily for her courage during the persecutions under Emperor Trajan. She was the sister of Saint Sarbelius and was converted to Christianity through the influence of Saint Barsimeus, a prominent Christian leader in Edessa.

St. Barbea image by the author via generative AI

Once she embraced the faith, Barbea practiced it openly despite the intense hostility toward Christians at the time. Her refusal to renounce Christ led to her arrest and brutal torture. According to tradition, she endured:

  • burning with hot irons
  • severe scourging
  • and ultimately death by spear

Throughout these ordeals, she remained unwavering in her devotion.

Barbea is considered a pre‑congregation saint, meaning her veneration predates the formal canonization process of the Catholic Church. She has no specific patronage or iconographic symbols associated with her, but her legacy endures through the commemoration of her feast day on January 29. She is honored as a model of loyalty, courage, and steadfast faith, especially among those who look to the early martyrs for inspiration. Her story stands as a testament to the strength of conviction and the power of belief in the face of persecution.

Epistemic Memory

This is interesting because where your epistemic memory is matters. I included this in my graduate school thesis, and I will share it here on the site. It is all about memory and story and it is key to any people’s and nation’s survival.

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UNESCO: Bringing Oshun Into the Home: Origins, Healing, and Creative Inspiration

I was thinking of the Yoruba Goddess Oshun today. Whenever I am facing intense challenges, I like to destress with painting and reorganizing. I was painting my bathroom wall this afternoon and her beautiful essence came to mind. Oshun’s story begins in the sacred cosmology of the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin, where she is honored as the orisha of sweet waters, beauty, fertility, sensuality, and emotional healing. She is the spirit of the river—flowing, generous, and deeply restorative. Her presence brings sweetness back into difficult seasons, and her energy is often invoked when someone needs softness, joy, or renewal.

The Origins of Oshun

In Yoruba tradition, Oshun (also spelled Osun or Ochún) is one of the most beloved orishas. She is associated with the Osun River in Nigeria, where her sacred grove remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination. Her colors—yellow, coral, and gold—reflect her essence: joy, vitality, sensuality, and the shimmering movement of fresh water. As a healer, she supports emotional balance, fertility, creativity, and the gentle clearing of stagnant energy.

How to Bring Oshun’s Spirit Into Your Home

Inviting Oshun into your home doesn’t require elaborate ritual. It’s about creating a space where beauty, warmth, and emotional ease can flow freely.

Use Her Colors With Intention

  • Yellow: Add throw pillows, candles, fresh flowers, or ceramics to brighten your space and lift your mood.
  • Coral: Use coral textiles, bowls, or artwork to bring warmth and emotional grounding.

Create a Water-Inspired Corner

A small bowl of fresh water, a fountain, or a vase filled with river stones can symbolize her cleansing, flowing energy. Refresh the water often as a simple act of renewal.

Honor Sweetness

Honey, oranges, and soft fragrances like vanilla or citrus echo her love of sweetness and pleasure.

Invite Softness and Sensuality

Silks, warm lighting, gentle music, and lush textures help cultivate the atmosphere Oshun is known for—one of ease, beauty, and emotional openness.

Before we close, I want to share a story that carries the heart of Oshun’s healing. It’s a reminder that even the sweetest waters can be shaken, and yet they always find their way back to flow. This story captures what happens when love shifts, when heartbreak arrives, and when a woman chooses to return to her own sweetness.

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove image credited to Thierry Joffroy @UNESCO

After Shango Left: Oshun’s Journey Back to Her Own Sweetness

After Shango left, the world grew strangely quiet.

Not the peaceful kind of quiet that comes after rain, but the hollow quiet that settles in a house when laughter has walked out the door. Oshun felt it first in her chest — a tightening, a dimming — as if someone had placed a hand over her heart and pressed down gently, then harder.

She didn’t rage. She didn’t chase. She simply turned and walked back to her river.

The water recognized her before she even touched it. The surface trembled, shimmering gold, as if trying to rise up and hold her. Oshun knelt at the edge, letting her fingers slip beneath the coolness. The river asked no questions. It only received her.

Days passed. Maybe weeks. Time moves differently when a heart is healing.

Without her sweetness, the world began to crack. Arguments sharpened. Crops withered. Even the other orishas felt the shift — the absence of her laughter, her diplomacy, her gentle way of softening the edges of things. They searched for her, calling her name across forests and crossroads, but Oshun stayed with her river, letting the water carry away what she could not hold.

One morning, as the sun stretched itself across the sky, Oshun rose from the riverbank. Her sorrow had not disappeared, but it had changed shape — from a wound into a wisdom. She wrapped herself in yellow, coral, and gold, colors that reminded her of who she was before love and after it.

When she stepped back into the world, sweetness returned. Flowers lifted their heads. People remembered tenderness. Even Shango felt the shift — that unmistakable glow that only Oshun could bring.

But this time, she did not return for him.

She returned for herself.

And the river followed her, shimmering at her heels, whispering the truth she had finally learned: No matter who leaves, Oshun always comes back to Oshun.

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Transform Your Neighborhood with Small Community Actions

Have you ever driven through a beautiful neighborhood and thought, Wow… look at these flowers, these painted porches, these little pockets of calm everywhere? It feels effortless, almost like the neighborhood just became that way.

But here’s the truth we don’t always say out loud: those places look like that because the residents invest in them. They organize clean‑ups. They build Little Free Libraries. They add onto their homes. They show up for their community. They shape the environment they want to live in.

Somewhere along the way, many of us started believing that only big gestures matter. We forget the heart of that famous John F. Kennedy line: ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Small actions still matter—and they matter more than we think.

Life Is Busy, and That’s Real

When people say they’re too busy to get involved, I agree. Life will have you scrambling. One minute your child is falling behind in school, the next you need a new roof, and you still haven’t made that doctor’s appointment. Meanwhile, you look around and think, The city needs to fix this. This is falling apart. We don’t have enough resources.

It’s overwhelming. And it’s human.

But small changes—tiny, manageable ones—can shift the entire way we live.

Small Things Shape Big Outcomes

I’ve said it here many times: small things matter. They shape our daily lives more than we realize. We love to quote “Be the change you want to see,” but then we wait for someone else to make the change happen.

Some changes require policy. But many can start right where we are.

Even in your home or apartment—temporary or not—you want it to feel good. You want it to be comfortable. And when you eventually level up, you want the next person to inherit something cared for. That mindset alone is powerful.

Using What You Have to Build What You Want

I went to art school, and only now am I really thinking about how to use that training to improve my life and my community. You can do the same with whatever gifts you have.

One thing I rarely hear discussed is how to keep your property values high after you buy a home. Yes, there are injustices that affect communities—things I’ll talk about another time—but residents still have power.

About Those Smoke Shops…

no smoking sign in london public space
Photo by Andre on Pexels.com

I’m not a fan of having a bunch of smoke shops in my neighborhood. Through research, I learned that if the rent is cheap enough, they can move in easily. But if they don’t have customers, they can’t stay.

And honestly, I don’t want our kids growing up thinking vaping is harmless. I tell my own children all the time: you are blessed, but your blessings can literally and figuratively go up in smoke if you start adult habits too early.

At the same time, I try to remember that everyone has a job to do. Everyone is trying to exist. So I’ve also wondered: could these shops be made less of an eyesore? Could they be more elegant, more integrated into the neighborhood? Where I live, some of them are decent. They could be decent everywhere.

Temptation is personal. But community standards are collective.

Getting Involved Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

City council meetings are online now. Your city website lists committees you can join. You don’t have to show up in person, you can listen in on Zoom while you drink your coffee.

Is it exciting? Not always. But here’s something I learned working in finance: the people who can endure the boring parts often end up with the biggest influence.

If your attention span is short, think of it as a creative challenge. Your voice matters. Reasoned, constructive conversation matters. And yes, some people will try to shut you down. Don’t let that discourage you. Those folks usually get moved aside eventually.

Action is the shortest path to victory.

Start With Your Block

Beautification doesn’t require a grand plan. You can do a lot with one neighbor. One idea. One shared effort. This is a no-brainer when it comes to helping people become useful right where they are. It is the very definition of lifting as we climb as stated by Mary Church Terell.

But if you’re doing major building, please pull a permit. And if the process moves too slowly, well… social media has a way of speeding things up.

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Watching Movies.

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

We love to snuggle and watch movies. I don’t know if it is a tradition but it’s fun to do. We love to watch movies together. We love it so much that we purchased a popcorn machine and bought a projector.

It’s showtime every weekend.

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Affordable or (Free) Field Trips and Travel Grants for Maryland Families

By Chiara Luz

back view of playing violinist
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

As a mom, enriching your child’s education with hands-on experiences doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking for free or grant-supported field trips in Maryland and beyond, there are great options and tools to help you plan exciting learning experiences with little to no cost. 

Explore FieldTripDirectory.com’s Maryland listings. This searchable directory lets you browse field trip ideas by category—everything from science and nature to history, arts, and recreation—so you can find experiences that match your child’s interests and curriculum goals.  

Many destinations also offer grant-funded or free admission for school and homeschool groups. For example, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore provides grant-funded free admission for Maryland students (public, Head Start, Judy Centers, and eligible homeschool groups) on field trips during the school year. They even offer free virtual field trips if visiting in person isn’t possible.  

Nature lovers can look into bus voucher programs like the one offered by Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs, which helps Title I schools cover transportation costs so students can explore the outdoors.  

Another great opportunity is the State-Aided Institutions Field Trip Grant through the Maryland State Department of Education—this can help schools secure funds to cover transportation to approved educational sites, making field trips more affordable for entire classes.  

Even if a destination doesn’t have free admission, many venues offer group discounts or grant opportunities you can apply for ahead of time. 

By planning early and using resources like FieldTripDirectory.com, moms can unlock affordable, fun, and educational field trip options that spark curiosity and create lasting memories—without the stress of high costs. 

Field Trip Destinations & Free Admission Programs 

🔗 FieldTripDirectory — Maryland Field Trip Ideas 
https://fieldtripdirectory.com/category/destinations/maryland/ 

🔗 Maryland Zoo Field Trips (Grant-Funded Free Field Trips) — Information on free admission for school and homeschool groups through their field trip program.  
https://www.marylandzoo.org/learn/field-trips/ 

🔗 Maryland Zoo Homeschool Field Trip Request — Submit your group’s reservation for grant-funded free field trip dates.  
https://www.marylandzoo.org/learn/field-trips/homeschool-field-trip-request/ 

🔗 Maryland Zoo Virtual Field Trips (Free) — Live, grant-supported online experiences for Maryland schools.  
https://www.marylandzoo.org/learn/virtual-field-trips/ 

🔗 B&O Railroad Museum Field Trips — Free or reduced pricing for Maryland homeschool and school groups (while funding lasts).  
https://www.borail.org/explore-learn/for-teachers-students/field-trips/ 

Grant & Funding Resources 

🔗 Maryland State-Aided Institutions (SAI) Field Trip Grant — Grants to cover transportation costs for eligible school field trips.  
https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/OFPOS/GAC/SAI-Field-Trip/index.aspx 

🔗 Field Trip Grant to Museums of Cultural Import — Funding for visits to select cultural museums (e.g., Reginald F. Lewis Museum).  
https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/OFPOS/GAC/Field-Trip/index.aspx 

Other Helpful Maryland Programs 

🔗 Salisbury Zoo Free Field Trips — Completely free admission for groups (registration required).  
https://salisburyzoo.org/education/field-trips/ 

🔗 Bus Voucher Program — Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs — Helps Title I schools cover bus transportation costs.  
https://www.friendsofblackhillnature.org/bus-voucher-program

Travel Grants and Travel Abroad Scholarships

A cultured society is a beautiful one. If I had a Girl Scout troop, outside of glamping, and spa days we would absolutely embark on these cultural activities.

Let me know which one if any you participate in. And a very wise and prosperous man once told me, “it’s ok to save your money some time.” Don’t feel pressure to handle all of it. These things are for us all and we are fortunate to have these resources to enjoy. You can give back with donations, fundraising, volunteering, and posting on your social media.

Enjoy! Please share.

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Faith, Feminine Strength, and Financial Independence

“Things happen in life. They happen to planners. To non-planners. They happen to the so-called good and righteous among us. They happen to the not-so good ones too. If you live long enough, something is going to happen to you. Your reputation may be on trial, your finances at stake, and your soul in a constant state of unrest. But, if you believe and continue forward—a rainbow exists on the other side.”–La Luz

Last year I went through a difficult season that I barely had the space to face. I faced it, yes — but imagine praying for visibility, receiving it, and then feeling the weight of how much it changes everything. I’ve always been private about my relationships, so when someone emailed me saying, “Remember to protect your why or someone might take it,” it struck me deeply. That message arrived right as my marriage was ending. It’s ironic how we met and married at lightning speed, yet the “conscious uncoupling” has been a slow drip.

It’s difficult to stay sad when you’ve endured being unprotected for far too long. It’s difficult to remain bitter when violation becomes the very fire that forges your strength. Some lessons don’t come gently—but they do come with purpose. And if there’s a silver lining, it’s this: the experience sharpened me. It taught me how to parent forward, wiser and stronger, with resolve.

I bring this forward because it sparked one of the most important realizations of my life: as mothers, it is essential that we remain actively present in our children’s lives and intentional about sustaining our income. There is no one-size-fits-all path. Every woman’s circumstances are different. Some may need to outsource more, some less. I could have hired help—and maybe I will someday—but I value being hands-on whenever I can.

I love to work. And after immersing myself in lessons from thinkers like Tony Robbins, I began to see a sweet spot: a life where purpose, presence, and provision coexist.

I’m speaking especially to the woman who is traditional, who grew up in the church, who was taught modesty and discretion—and who sometimes feels embarrassed by conversations around money or power. Life still happens to modest women. Growth still happens to spiritual women. Who we were ten years ago is not always who we are becoming, and that evolution is sacred.

The Divine Feminine woman is designed to grow, to expand, to live in abundance. Her ideal partner is one who complements that growth. And if you have been obedient, prayerful, chaste—yet things didn’t unfold as you hoped—trust that it is still part of God’s design. But faith does not exclude wisdom. Within God’s design, it is prudent to be financially literate, fiscally conservative, and prepared.

I had to learn that “having a stash” means more than a few hundred dollars set aside. True security is built. The most beautiful woman, the most devoted partner, can also learn how to open a laptop and create something lasting. While we invest in our appearance and the things that fade with trends, we must also invest in understanding the system we live in. If you plan to live in America, learn American capitalism because it can quite literally save your life.

When your children want haircuts, stylish clothes, cultural experiences, or a magical trip to Disney World, it takes vision and planning. And you can do it.

I had a wonderful upbringing—perhaps too comfortable. Financial literacy wasn’t part of my education. But today, knowledge is everywhere, and as I move toward an AI-inclusive lifestyle, I intend to share what I learn along the way.

I want your children to have a solid, beautiful life. I want you to be present for it, not constantly away from home trying to make it happen.

Finding Hope in Faith and Tradition

One day a video crossed my feed — a Catholic priest teaching on divorce — and it was something every traditional woman should see. It reminded me that righteousness still has a future, and that hope is not lost.

Letting Go of Old Strongholds

The truth is, I wasn’t just living under the stronghold of a person — I was living under the stronghold of an idea that may never have been real. In life you have to pick a side for yourself. If it’s a good side, others will follow.

A Lesson From My Daughter

A little boy once told my daughter that he would marry her when they grew up. She carried those words close to her heart, feeling seen, beautiful, and chosen. I told her that if she truly meets her person that early in life, it would be a rare and precious gift—because most people don’t find their person so young, if at all.

She often talks about growing up and becoming a mother one day. She also loves science, building, and fashion—all beautiful interests that deserve encouragement. My role is simply to guide her: to nurture her heart, honor her curiosity, and quietly teach her to set her investments aside while becoming the most loving, capable woman she can be.

I remember a time when my parents faced a financial challenge. My mother produced the money to fix it—an amount so substantial it left me stunned. I remember thinking, I thought you said you didn’t have any money. But my mother, like my grandmothers before her, was wise. They were humble, simple women who worked tirelessly, lived modestly, and bought things in cash. They carried strength quietly. These are the lessons I want passed from mother to daughter, and to our sons as well.

Why Financial Responsibility Matters for Women and Single Mothers

The women who approach me at events, in public, after I speak, are often young and beautiful, yet rarely encouraged to develop their minds. Many were raised to believe their purpose begins and ends with a man. What they really need to learn is how to cultivate their relationship with God in the purest and most intimate way possible. I wish the advice was different, but I was married for a very long time, this is what I know. You never know what you will be hit with in your union. For example, an illness, death, or having to car for a family member unexpectedly. Money can buy back some of the time you lose and that is the most valuable thing. Time is priceless and finite.

For women — especially single mothers — fiscal responsibility is not just practical. It is protective. It is dignity. It is safety. It is the foundation that keeps you from being trapped in situations that diminish you. That is why I am all over this Genius Act.

I am moving into a digital space because it allows me to show up for my babies and pushes me closer to my dreams and goals. I believe that decentralized finance can be a great equalizer for many of us. I have heard the case for community banks and lending, and my thought is that it is good to have choices. Choices are always good because not everyone can handle the responsibility of having great risk, while others thrive in it. I think having choice and structure are good options. Whatever allows you to thrive.

When you understand money, you understand choice. You understand boundaries. You understand power.

Life Begins Again

Today, I feel like my life is just beginning. I have not only my voice but the courage to use it. It has nothing to do with money, because when people adore you, they adore you with or without it. They want to build with you and bond with you because of YOU. I have seen people come up together. I have seen power couples get it and lose it together. I think those couples are bonded by something stronger than a paycheck. It has to be a divine union, and life has to have a divine purpose in order to reap the benefits that living a faith filled life brings. I am speaking of one that flows, is understanding, abundant, and is rooted in peace. Please check out the video I attached at the top. It will give you some solace on your new beginning. Also, I just feel a tiny feeling that these next few years are going to be epic. But I had to fill in some gaps on why the conversation shifted so that I could get into the storytelling. And I hope the stories are good.

Lastly, sometimes we have a stop off or layover to our greatest story in life. Live in the moment because it tends to change.

Stay in the light. Peace Be With You.

Tax Season is here and there are many good things are occurring with your refund. Time to gather your documents and file early.

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Why You Can’t Grow Weary Now

In a world where the courage to do what’s right is often met with silence, misunderstanding, or indifference, the true challenge isn’t just starting well it’s staying faithful when the applause never comes.
In my latest piece, “Why You Can’t Grow Weary Now,” I explore why perseverance in goodness matters, how quiet acts of courage shape change, and why staying committed, even in the face of resistance, is one of the most radical forms of leadership today.
Read on to discover how steadfastness, faith, and purpose can transform the way you lead and serve.

Read more on Medium.

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Why I No Longer Have Food Waste

Food Waste Graphic Courtesy of the Author via Generative AI

I no longer have food waste.

We rarely waste food in the house. I remember sitting in my house after coming from a meeting with the Sustainability Committee in my city where we were trying to solve some food waste issues. I was thinking, how in the world could scarcity and excess exist in the same space? It seemed off to me. I have to say there is never a moment in my life that I had no food. Zero food.

There may have been a time in my adult life where I thought, oh my goodness I may run out of food–let me start to fast so it’ll be less painful! But the miracle of life is that it never got that way. Thankfully. To give you an example of what I mean, I would have rice and mixed vegetables in my house and an onion. I would go grab some soy sauce and small chicken and make stir-fry. Granted I was only feeding me as an artist on the edge but it was great. Especially with a garnish. You can do the same and make it nice for your dinner table. Kids only remember the end result, not so much the struggle unless you are complaining. I don’t know about you, but my Nana and grandmothers never complained. It was only, “come on in and eat!”

I don’t want to belittle or undermine food struggles, but I also don’t want to stoke fear and anxiety. Sometimes the solution may not be quantity but quality and true accessibility. Some of which is resolved with online shopping.

*Amazon offers discount Prime membership based on income.*

I come from people who could take whatever was left in the cupboard and turn it into a gourmet meal. At least, that’s how it was when I was growing up. These days, I notice a lot of folks let food sit in the refrigerator until it goes bad, and to me, that’s a real issue. Having abundance is a blessing, but having high‑quality food and clean water at home is even better. It supports real health, and because the quality is higher, you actually feel more satisfied.

I appreciate that we now have a new food pyramid. After decades of rising illness, it’s clear that what we were doing wasn’t working. Change was overdue. When I was younger and visited friends from wealthier families, I noticed something interesting: they rarely had a lot of food in the house. Maybe a beautifully organized snack shelf, plenty of beverages, and if I stayed over, they usually ordered takeout. Yet everyone was thin, healthy, and full of energy. Food wasn’t the center of their lives. That doesn’t dismiss food insecurity—if anything, it highlights how deeply it matters. The type of food we eat is often more important than the sheer amount. I would cry real tears for anyone who blocked another person from trying to be healthy and change their perception. Life is very precious.

A kitchen stocked with Cheetos, soda, and frozen meals might feel convenient, especially for kids coming home hungry, but true nourishment comes from proteins, vegetables, and real meals that actually fill you.

Variety is wonderful, but learning discipline in how we eat and discernment in how we shop can change everything. I’ve found that I save more money simply by buying less junk. I can still enjoy eating out once or twice a week—or even just once a month—but the biggest difference I see is in my family’s health. Their skin glows. We have our vitamins, clean water, stews, soups, meats, pasta, and salads. The meals I cook last about two days, so we don’t end up with piles of leftovers or much food waste. This is the true key to environmental activism.

What I do notice, though, is how much waste comes from crackers, chips, and snacks. Half‑eaten packages and stray cookies show up everywhere, which tells me all I need to know: these should be occasional treats, not weekly staples.

It’s important to remember that people live very different lives. Across every race and ethnicity, families fall into a wide range of income brackets, and what matters deeply to some may not matter at all to others. My hope is that everyone has access to at least a basic level of health education and support. In many places that already exists, but I’d love to see it go further—especially by empowering community leaders and local businesses who truly understand the area. They’re the ones who can help strengthen and balance the quality of life there.

When it comes to waste, buying higher‑quality items, and buying fewer things overall, can make a real difference for the environment. I learned that in an unexpected way. Two years ago, I was overwhelmed by everything happening in my life and worried I wouldn’t be able to pull off a nice Thanksgiving. Somehow, it turned into an epic $60 Italian Thanksgiving extravaganza.

This past year was completely different. Family was together, the food was plentiful, and I even had embroidered placemats and a ham. I tried to recreate the magic of the year before, but the struggle wasn’t there anymore. Isn’t that something? Maybe part of us tries to recreate that tension, that sense of overcoming. It’s worth reflecting on.

The Food Pyramid Lie: Why We Got Fat

When I think of this new pyramid, among other things, I think about all of the different circles I have moved in. One thing I know for sure is that no one wants to stay where they are. If the best option exists uptown, they want it to exist where they are as well. If all we have to access as a tool for change is information, then knowledge is wealth. Building upon that wealth is up to the execution of each individual. If you do more today with mitigating food waste, buying high quality foods, and practicing disciplined eating than you did yesterday—you are winning. Let’s take this one step at a time. Let’s plan for the year instead of six weeks.

Let’s change together.

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Healing Through Art: A Journey of Spiritual Growth

Image by the author Chiara Luz via Generative AI

Sometimes there is a heaviness that we feel in our lives. It may be there for various reasons. It can get difficult to manage in the cold months and when the weather is grey. I was talking to a family member about the healing power of art today and what makes it so powerful. Art doesn’t ask you to talk. It doesn’t judge and when you are in the process of creation—you are free.

I’ve moved into the realm of spiritual art, and as fascinating as it is, it can also feel heavy. Its purpose is healing, yet I realize now that I needed more healing myself before diving into this journey. I’m in a better place these days, more grounded, and more prepared to receive the remarkable gift of communion with the other side.

When I feature saints here on Chiara Atoyebi Media, it’s intentional. Through every challenge and hardship in my life, a saint has walked with me. Even my daughter Calais — whom I imagine praying for me day and night — brings me a deep sense of calm. I share with my readers the same things I lean on in my own life. I may not be as direct as many people, but this is my story. I mention my other site, my life’s work, and my nonprofit because they are part of that story. The House of Maryam is something I had to grow into, and I suspect I’ll always be reaching for the wisdom and compassion I hope it reflects.

In my daily life, people don’t often associate me with struggle, but I have my challenges. Parenting, especially, stretches every part of my soul — particularly when guiding children through a new family dynamic. I think I handle it well, yet when I talk about opportunity, housing, stability, education, creativity, all of it matters. This is life. We only get one, and it should be beautiful.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the beauty I’ve poured into others becomes medicine when I finally give it to myself. That realization felt like a holy ordinance. I never imagined I could offer that kind of love to myself or that joy could be something I truly experienced. For the first time in my life, I listen to love songs. The first was “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder, then “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, and the list keeps growing. I spent a lifetime listening to breakup music. If I have any advice, it’s this: you are what you listen to. If you fill your ears with fighting and making up, you’ll live in that cycle.

In the months ahead, my goal — along with the other writers on this site — is to offer simple, useful information that helps you build a beautiful life right where you are. I believe that when we’re faithful in small things and truly grateful, we rise. I already feel lighter and more elevated simply by having this space to communicate and share with you.

This month is National Hobby Month, and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with something you love. What’s life without a little joy that belongs only to you? If you have a hobby you adore, I’d love to hear about it. I’m always open to trying something new. Who knows — I may even join you from afar