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Hygge ~ Multicultural Mindfulness

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HYGGE: MULTICULTURAL MINDFULNESS

The non-judgmental acceptance of the feelings that emerge in our thoughts always staying in the present. They manifest into a lifelong mindful practice. The similarities of the various modalities found around the world to practice mindfulness are more numerous than the differences in some cases than the activities of a culture. They are passed down from generation to generation with the name of the activity rather than the more trending term of mindfulness. Make no mistake, the names change from countries and cultures around the globe, but the intention is identical. Join me on a journey of how mindfulness exists in other cultures with the diversity and of the way things are done in other countries to formulate a lifestyle of staying in the present. We with HYGGE in Denmark.

Mindfulness travels on the winds of grace, 

In every language, it finds its place, 

From hills to shores, the call is the same, 

Living in the moment, igniting the flame. 

In Japan, the trees breathe, where silence can speak,

Forest bathing embraces the moments we seek,

Turkey’s sun sets by the shimmering tide,

With coffee rich history, a sip side by side,

Multicultural mindfulness, a journey we share,

No matter our home, our hearts learn to care

Though the names might differ, and the customs may sway, 

The heart of intention lights up our way.

Denmark’s cozy gatherings, friends rounding near,

A table of comfort, laughter ringing clear,

In Norway they celebrate in nature’s fresh air

With camping and fishing outdoors as they share

Multicultural mindfulness, a journey we share,

No matter our home, our hearts learn to care

Though the names might differ, and the customs may sway, 

The heart of intention lights up our way.

Devoid of the rush as conversations stroll,

In each mindful moment, nourishing the soul.

General George Washington Slept Here

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The Johnson Ferry House was probably used by General George Washington and his staff during the Christmas night Crossing of the Delaware in 1776.

The farm is open for visits and is located in Titusville, NJ at the Washington Crossing State Park. All of the photos presented in this blog were taken at the Washington Crossing Park area in New Jersey.

Continental Lane where Washington began his march to the Battle of Trenton and the road to liberty as the first major victory of the American Revolution, is also is this area. 

The Durham rowboats and flat ferries moved into position after dark as the snow and winds increased from the nor’easter storm. The men who sailed them were experienced Watermen from the New England Patriot enlisted. The guns and horses and as many men who could stand in the rowboats were loaded and miraculously survived the treacherous icy river that night. 

After exiting the boats safely in New Jersey on the opposite Pennsylvania shore George Washington then had to march his troops nine more miles in the storm on a path known these days as Continental Lane. 

There is a small sign at the start of Continental Lane in New Jersey, the picture is below. My group walked that path, in silence, except for our footsteps of the brush crunching under walking shoes. George Washington’s men did it in freezing winds and sleet many without shoes 250 years ago.

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY IN “BIG BOY” TRAIN STYLE!

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On July 12th… Union Pacific’s Big Boy #4014 departed Pennsylvania heading westward to its home in Cheyenne, Wyoming — after spending over a month in a state steeped in rich railroad history. Tens of thousands of railroad enthusiasts braved huge crowds and the Summer of 2026’s toughest heatwave thus far in Pennsylvania to see an American railroad legend up-close and personal. Truly a wonderful way to celebrate our country’s 250th Birthday… while also creating amazing memories that will last a lifetime!

As both a railroad and photography enthusiast, I was excited to hear that UP’s Big Boy #4014 would be traveling to parts of eastern USA for the first time since America’s largest steam locomotive was restored to “operating status” in 2019.  And while 4014 spent two days in Philadelphia for the Independence Day Holiday Weekend, the Big Boy graced many towns on its coast-to-coast tour this year.  So it was only natural that I’d scout some prime viewing locations in eastern PA before the Big Boy’s arrival to help ensure these once-in-a-lifetime memories would be extra special. 

My ever-loyal Black Labrador companion, Eddie, was more than happy to join me on several of these scouting activities.  And the hikes proved to be great exercise for both of us! Ultimately, I narrowed down my Big Boy venues to a short-list that included (1) Valley Forge Park, (2) Gladwyne PA along the Schuylkill River,  (3) the Belmont Hills suburb of Philadelphia, (4) Lehigh Gorge, as well as (5) an exclusive private railroad crossing inside The Village Of Houser’s Crossing near Tamaqua, PA.  And as an added bonus, I was able to reserve a seat in one of the open-air coaches on the Reading & Northern’s special Semiquincentennial excursion which road alongside the Big Boy train on July 1st between Nesquehoning and Pittston, PA.  How cool was THAT!!! 

Indeed… the Summer of 2026 highlighted by the Big Boy’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary is one that your’s truly will never forget.  Thanks to Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and the Reading & Northern railroads for providing such a grand opportunity to transport ourselves back to simpler times when steam locomotives ruled the rails and travel was an experience to be remembered forever.  Guest Post and Photos courtesy of David Nicholas Creatives, LLC.

Enjoy The Nora D’Ecclesis Podcast of this adventure by clicking below on the Spotify link!

Continental Lane ~ Crossing the Delaware from Bucks County, Pennsylvania on Christmas Day 12.25.1776 ~ 250th Anniversary of America ~ Battle of Trenton, New Jersey

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As dusk approached on Christmas night during the Revolutionary War 1776 a storm emerged on the Bucks County, Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. General George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and his officers planned with great precision an attack on the British mercenary troops, the Hessians, who were in Trenton NJ.

The Durham rowboats and flat ferries moved into position after dark as the snow and winds increased from the nor’easter storm. The men who sailed them were experienced Watermen from the New England Patriot enlisted. The guns and horses and as many men who could stand in the rowboats were loaded and miraculously survived the treacherous icy river that night. 

After exiting the boats safely in New Jersey on the opposite shore George Washington then had to march his troops nine more miles in the storm on a path known these days as Continental Lane. There is a small sign Continental Lane in New Jersey and my group walked that path, in silence, except for our footsteps of the brush crunching under walking shoes. George Washington’s men did it in freezing winds and sleet many without shoes 250 years ago.

A few interesting accounts, the first from General Washington’s inexperience twenty years earlier. George learned from his prior military lack of experience earlier in the French and Indian War, that a good leader knows when to fight and when to bug out! General Washington used his twenty years of learning from those mistakes, and now in his forties, during a fight with the British months earlier in the Revolutionary War August, 1776 during the Battle of Long Island from Patriot Fort Defiance he did exactly that, he retreated.

The British were so powerful in the early skirmish that day General Washington used the tactic of leaving the campfires burning to fool the British, and under the darkness of night and huge fog cover his men and artillery moved toward the East River this time to leave Long Island, New York. It was the strategy he would repeat on the Christmas Day Crossing of the Delaware months later only this time to attack in Trenton and win the first major battle of the Revolutionary War.

Of the three army columns he instructed to flank him during the Delaware Crossing only the one under the direct command of General Washington made it to the Battle of Trenton. Perhaps his men were inspired by their officers reading the words of Thomas Paine in those tiny rowboats. “These are the times that try men’s souls.” We know George was inspired by his wife Martha as his notes indicate he viewed her portrait while crossing the Delaware River with his men in the small rowboats. Washington also left journals indicating that Martha joined him at as many as sixty percent of the colonial war zone encampments, for lengthy stays and in support of her husband and America.

The Harriet Tubman Experience with my guest, Crystal Hines

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Crystal Hines is an evocative storyteller, bringing to life the courageous life of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad as an ambassador at the museum in Cape May, New Jersey. Crystal’s presentation, which includes the history, poetry and spiritual songs, truly makes it come alive. The interactive experience, of the multi generational abolitionists, which I had the honor of seeing in person April, 2026 is one that all visiting the Cape May area should plan to attend. Crystal Hines brings a sample of her extraordinary presentation to our podcast available below:

Birds and the Bees Need More Meadows and Trees

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In Pennsylvania the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering free kits to create a portion of the suburban lawns in the state to become meadows. This under the direction of The Honorable Josh Shapiro.

New Jersey’s Mercer Meadows features diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, and second growth forests. These habitats are significant as they support various wildlife species, including migratory birds and pollinators, and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.  Mercer Meadows is home to a variety of bird species, including tree swallows, indigo buntings the seed eaters with magnificent blue coloring, Eastern meadowlarks, and several types of sparrows, which thrive in its diverse habitats of grassland fields and wooded areas. Additionally, migratory birds such as warblers can be seen during their seasonal visits.

 Meadows are often the subject of beautiful photographs and paintings, with colorful grasses swaying in the wind and creeks winding through the scene. But beyond their beauty, meadows provide important services to people and wildlife. They clean our air, contribute to a reliable water supply and provide essential habitat for wildlife and human recreation.

A Morristown Seeing Eye Tale: A Puppy named Eddie.

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The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs. Featured today on The Nora D’Ecclesis Podcast.

January so it’s tax time again..

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It’s tax time again..January is the perfect month to recognize that with all the changes professional tax prep is an excellent idea! Today we have Joanne and Samantha owners of J L Accounting, L.L.C.  Fountainville, PA, explaining frequently asked questions..

J L Accounting, L.L.C. ~ Winner 10 years in a row for Best of Doylestown Award for Accounting and in the Business Hall of Fame!

Tissa Richards, guest on The Nora D’Ecclesis Podcast

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Tissa is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, and award-winning author on a mission to help bold leaders become unshakable. A repeat tech founder and CEO, Tissa has built and led companies from the ground up, raised millions in funding, and holds multiple patents for enterprise cybersecurity software. She has worked with global Fortune 500 firms, high-growth startups, and private equity-backed organizations, guiding their leaders to measurable outcomes, in novation, revenue, and productivity without compromising who they are. Tissa’s first book, No Permission Needed, is a five-time award-winner. Her forthcoming book, Rethinking Resilience, introduces the Intentional Resilience Flywheel, an actionable approach to leading with intention and power, even under pressure. Learn more at tissarichards.com