Shifting times indeed.

Autumn is always a season of change.  It is also a season of hope, of sharing, of community, of sharing stories and taking time for reflection.

All still true as times continue to shift.

Music is a fine companion for all that, through all the changes. That is still true, as well.

The separation of church and state is a founding principle of the United States of America. It is an important cornerstone of democratic governance of the American constitutional framework. 

It is important to the human right of freedom of religion.

In the northern hemisphere, the 11th month of the year conjures images of everything fall festival. Cities and small towns share their Gilmore Girl-inspired events amidst colorful foliage, pumpkin overload, and orchards upon orchards of apple picking. 

Like years, seasons, and hormones, everything comes in cycles—and that includes elections. 

I live to eat. I travel for food. But there’s a higher calling out there, and you’re about to discover it (and, subsequently, make some travel plans of your own). Yes. It’s true. There’s a whole WORLD of Chocolate Museums (swoon).

Autumn: change in weather and in landscape can happen overnight.

Autumn’s changes may also come in more subtle ways. There are seasonal changes such as turn of color in leaves, and more permanent ones, such as those caused by autumn storms.

Autumn is often a time of change in areas of life beyond the natural world, adjustments of all sorts. It is also, in many parts of the world, a time for political change.

From varied ways love may be expressed to courage to take good journeys to reflection on hope through shifting times, musicians consider all these things, too.

In my teenage years, I remember clearly going to a friend’s house and finding her Dad in his favorite chair, resting his eyes in front of the television. I remember thinking, why is he always napping whenever we’re over? Little did I know then that his napping wisdom was far superior to mine. 

Sure, when we’re tired, we might rest, but for many of us, that zeal to be productive usurps our consciousness and a voice of should screams, “there’s something else we should be doing,” so the rest often falls by the wayside. Bob was right. 

The plight of religious refugees is a pressing issue in today’s world. Refugees often face harrowing journeys and uncertain futures. Some flee to neighboring countries for hope of sanctuary, even if temporary. Some are forced to leave home but are forced to stay in their homeland, as they do not have the resources to leave. Some make it to Western countries and willingly face unfamiliar circumstances and cultures just to feel safe.

Aanii, My name is Kadence and I am from Ontario, Canada. I would like to share my experience with Indigenous land-based cultural healing camps and how life-changing it was for me. These cultural practices are especially needed in smaller remote communities; because they are so isolated from the rest of society, they lack the privilege of good education, social opportunities, and new experiences. This can have a negative effect on the mental and physical health of people who live in these communities. 

Are you thinking of visiting Canada? Wherever you travel, it’s important to learn about the country's history, cultures, and perspectives. Canada is home to many diverse races, who uniquely have these 3 things. However, to really know the roots of Canada, learning the perspective, culture, and history of the Canadian Indigenous can play a key role in understanding Canada.