Today, February 13, was one of those days that just makes a person smile...and yearn. Today the sun beamed, the sky was an azure blue, and there was enough warmth that I'm guessing more than one pair of flip-flops ventured out from the dark recesses of closets. In a word: BEAUTIFUL. Coats came off, gloves came off, woolen hats came off...and light-heartedness returned again.
We do have the forecast of varying degrees of warmth for the entire week; judging from the winter doldrums that this deceivingly long month of February has delivered to the masses, I'm guessing that moods across the area will improve exponentially.
And why wouldn't a mood improve with warmth? Science shows us that we desperately need certain amounts of vitamin D that the sun can best deliver to us. Science also shows that we gain energy when we have more daylight. And who can turn down the pleasure of waking up and putting on the "uniform" of the day that involves flip-flops, sunglasses, and a cozy t-shirt? Life just gets easier when there are less clothing layers involved.
So...this week we get a little glimpse--a little taste of the appetizer. We check the calendar, start counting down the days, and start looking for those first signs of spring. Hope "springs" eternal.
Enjoy this week and revel in our little glimpse of warmth and sunshine.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
My Resolutions of "Not"
Happy New Year--1-1-11--how neat!
During this year of being 50, I've learned quite a few lessons during the first 1/3 of the year. The information, observations, and knowledge gained thus far helps outline a modestly ambitious list of resolutions for 2011. Being a fairly optimistic person, I find it somewhat ironic that my resolutions for 2011 consist of a group of "nots". Help yourself to a share...I think if we follow these--at least in theory and at most in practice--we can have a smile of contentment on our faces come 1-1-12.
Here we go...
1) Not following any specific diet plan. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Weight Watchers or other well-known and trusted plans. They are highly successful. I've just found that eating lots of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, and everything else very sparingly works pretty well. Lots of olive oil, some good crunchy nuts...I'm there!
2) Not eating things I can't pronounce. I'm following the KISS rule on food and drink. I'll shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Apple ingredient? Apple. Walnut ingredient? Walnut. Ah, simplicity!
3) Not judging others who choose to not follow 1 and 2...just not judging in general. Not my job...and I truly thank God for that every day.
4) Not getting in a hurry. I've never done well by hurrying--now that I'm 50 I can admit it freely :)).
5) Not forgetting to praise my Maker everyday for family, health, friends, and all I know and will know in the next life.
6) Not forgetting to keep the temple maintained. A daily walk, a nap when needed, a prayer instead of a worry.
7) Not ever giving up on the belief, the comfort, and the sheer joy I find by reading the word of God daily. Need a self-help book? A rule book? A meditation book? One word--Bible.
Blessings to all in this glorious year. Let's just keep it simple and slow down and smell those proverbial roses, shall we? Peace.
During this year of being 50, I've learned quite a few lessons during the first 1/3 of the year. The information, observations, and knowledge gained thus far helps outline a modestly ambitious list of resolutions for 2011. Being a fairly optimistic person, I find it somewhat ironic that my resolutions for 2011 consist of a group of "nots". Help yourself to a share...I think if we follow these--at least in theory and at most in practice--we can have a smile of contentment on our faces come 1-1-12.
Here we go...
1) Not following any specific diet plan. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Weight Watchers or other well-known and trusted plans. They are highly successful. I've just found that eating lots of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, and everything else very sparingly works pretty well. Lots of olive oil, some good crunchy nuts...I'm there!
2) Not eating things I can't pronounce. I'm following the KISS rule on food and drink. I'll shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Apple ingredient? Apple. Walnut ingredient? Walnut. Ah, simplicity!
3) Not judging others who choose to not follow 1 and 2...just not judging in general. Not my job...and I truly thank God for that every day.
4) Not getting in a hurry. I've never done well by hurrying--now that I'm 50 I can admit it freely :)).
5) Not forgetting to praise my Maker everyday for family, health, friends, and all I know and will know in the next life.
6) Not forgetting to keep the temple maintained. A daily walk, a nap when needed, a prayer instead of a worry.
7) Not ever giving up on the belief, the comfort, and the sheer joy I find by reading the word of God daily. Need a self-help book? A rule book? A meditation book? One word--Bible.
Blessings to all in this glorious year. Let's just keep it simple and slow down and smell those proverbial roses, shall we? Peace.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Let's Start a Positive Revolution
I'm a pretty peaceful person--a "live and let live" type. However, it disturbs me greatly that we're in the midst of a serious health situation in this country that could easily be remedied. So...let's start a revolution of better eating. This doesn't mean eating cardboard or ugly over-processed and pre-packaged meal--just the opposite, as a matter of fact. We need to think locally--supporting our farmers' markets come spring. We also need to do some smart buying. People tend to think it's cheaper to buy fast food ala the dollar menu; it's not. Most of the cheap foods are pretty much devoid of vitamins, fiber, and protein. It's full of sugar, salt, and grease--all addicting tastes that people start craving on a regular basis. Vegetables and fruits, legumes, grains--all these items in their most basic form are quite reasonably priced. Put them altogether and you've got a great meal. Add in a bit of meat occasionally, some fish, or some poultry--fantastic!
Eating the Mediterranean food pyramid is an extremely healthy habit to get into; check this one out at the Mayo Clinic site--what better source, eh?
Ready to give it a try? Great! Be sure to share your success with those around you. And...here's the REALLY important part...make sure that KIDS start eating this way. Childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, food allergies, etc...we didn't used to see these illnesses in kids in these frightening numbers. Crazy to think that lousy food choices are a big part of this, isn't it?
So, pull out the pots and pans...make a simple vegetable soup and throw in some beans or barley for extra goodness. Re-learn how to enjoy the wonderful array of fruits, grains, and vegetables that our Creator gives us. Bake some whole wheat bread--need help? Drop me a message. I'll be more that happy to walk you through a recipe.
I'll continue to add recipes to All About the Food with Pictures; many of these will be of the Mediterranean pyramid type with the occasional little goody dropped in for a treat (stay tuned for baklava!).
Let's get involved with our farmers' market groups, our local meat growers, and our local extension service to learn how to grow some basic things ourselves. There's great community in this; people are yearning for this return to being neighbors once again. Have an idea to share? Go to the Healthy Neighborhood group on Facebook and join up.
Are we ready? Let's start shopping, cooking, and eating healthier...no time like the present. Pass the olive oil!
Eating the Mediterranean food pyramid is an extremely healthy habit to get into; check this one out at the Mayo Clinic site--what better source, eh?
Ready to give it a try? Great! Be sure to share your success with those around you. And...here's the REALLY important part...make sure that KIDS start eating this way. Childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, food allergies, etc...we didn't used to see these illnesses in kids in these frightening numbers. Crazy to think that lousy food choices are a big part of this, isn't it?
So, pull out the pots and pans...make a simple vegetable soup and throw in some beans or barley for extra goodness. Re-learn how to enjoy the wonderful array of fruits, grains, and vegetables that our Creator gives us. Bake some whole wheat bread--need help? Drop me a message. I'll be more that happy to walk you through a recipe.
I'll continue to add recipes to All About the Food with Pictures; many of these will be of the Mediterranean pyramid type with the occasional little goody dropped in for a treat (stay tuned for baklava!).
Let's get involved with our farmers' market groups, our local meat growers, and our local extension service to learn how to grow some basic things ourselves. There's great community in this; people are yearning for this return to being neighbors once again. Have an idea to share? Go to the Healthy Neighborhood group on Facebook and join up.
Are we ready? Let's start shopping, cooking, and eating healthier...no time like the present. Pass the olive oil!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
In Greater Perspective
I'm a bit difficult to buy for--I'll admit it. Over the past few years, I've developed a strong aversion to clutter of all types. I've developed an equal love of all things simple and straightforward. So, as a result, I'm not much fun to buy for--just not a "stuff" person in general. However...
Last Friday I received my Christmas gift for this year. After shopping and comparing and researching for over two years, I now have a lovely 70-300 mm VR Nikkon lens. Photography nerds get that; to the rest of the normal population--an EXCELLENT telephoto lens. A lens that I would never haphazardly even consider unless I felt sure it was worthwhile. And it is. To use the cliche, "It was an offer I couldn't refuse." The quality was excellent and the price was astounding. So...all my family has my Christmas gift for this year covered. And, since I'm not 10, I won't be pining away come Christmas when my stocking is empty. (I'm planning on wrapping and re-wrapping for each place we visit to celebrate Christmas--that sounds good now, but come Christmas I have a feeling I'll dismiss this silly idea.)
The beauty of this lens is that it puts everything into greater perspective. I stood on the deck this morning and was able to zero in on my in-laws' back porch--they can now wave at me from there and I'll have a lovely picture of them. It brings our old barn and the grain bins from far across the field into a close range. It brings the various bushes, shrubs, and trees into unbelievable proximity. It brings cats, dogs, birds, and all other manner of creature that roams around here into remarkable range. It even makes my food blog pictures look completely different in the most pleasing way (see the pork and shrimp noodles blog for the first picture with the new lens--WOW).
Greater perspective--a new view of all things. What a great place to be. This hit home with me as I was marveling at the initial pictures I took. Oh so many ways we can put this analogy into perspective every day. Using greater perspective can only lead to great understanding and greater tolerance and, ultimately greater love for our neighbors and ourselves. It all simply comes down to that.
So, here's an example below of the ability of the new lens. I hope to share more such pictures with you throughout the future. I'm immensely thankful for this lens; I'm more thankful for the greater lesson it reminded me of this morning.
Cheers!
Last Friday I received my Christmas gift for this year. After shopping and comparing and researching for over two years, I now have a lovely 70-300 mm VR Nikkon lens. Photography nerds get that; to the rest of the normal population--an EXCELLENT telephoto lens. A lens that I would never haphazardly even consider unless I felt sure it was worthwhile. And it is. To use the cliche, "It was an offer I couldn't refuse." The quality was excellent and the price was astounding. So...all my family has my Christmas gift for this year covered. And, since I'm not 10, I won't be pining away come Christmas when my stocking is empty. (I'm planning on wrapping and re-wrapping for each place we visit to celebrate Christmas--that sounds good now, but come Christmas I have a feeling I'll dismiss this silly idea.)
The beauty of this lens is that it puts everything into greater perspective. I stood on the deck this morning and was able to zero in on my in-laws' back porch--they can now wave at me from there and I'll have a lovely picture of them. It brings our old barn and the grain bins from far across the field into a close range. It brings the various bushes, shrubs, and trees into unbelievable proximity. It brings cats, dogs, birds, and all other manner of creature that roams around here into remarkable range. It even makes my food blog pictures look completely different in the most pleasing way (see the pork and shrimp noodles blog for the first picture with the new lens--WOW).
Greater perspective--a new view of all things. What a great place to be. This hit home with me as I was marveling at the initial pictures I took. Oh so many ways we can put this analogy into perspective every day. Using greater perspective can only lead to great understanding and greater tolerance and, ultimately greater love for our neighbors and ourselves. It all simply comes down to that.
So, here's an example below of the ability of the new lens. I hope to share more such pictures with you throughout the future. I'm immensely thankful for this lens; I'm more thankful for the greater lesson it reminded me of this morning.
Cheers!
woodpecker atop an electrical pole
Monday, November 1, 2010
Come November--Come Fresh Challenges
Welcome November--Happy All Saints' Day--Happy first day of NaNoRiMo (National Novel Writing Month)--Happy first day of the 30 Day Giving Challenge--sounds like a good month all-around.
We start off the month with a beautiful sunrise which will be featured in http://tsjourneys.wordpress.com later today. Looking at it first thing out of bed this morning certainly gave power to the blessed words, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
All Saints' Day, honored as a holy day by many denominations, gives us the chance to pause and think about the many saints that have come to us in our lives as well as those who passed before our existence.
NaNoRiMo is an excellent time for any frustrated author out there--particularly if you crave the tension of a deadline. The quest is that you write 10,000 words during the month of November--guessing that's the size of the basic novel. Of course, if your book is less wordy, that's perfectly fine as well; it's the challenge of starting and FINISHING a work that creates the excitement of the project. Interested? go to http://www.nanowrimo.org.
I've played around with this project a couple of times, and certainly intend to invest more time and energy into it this year--a fun place to visit--give it a try. (If you see thevillageblogger--say hello)
The 30 Days of Giving Challenge is something new to me; I've seen it, but not investigated it to much extent. However, if a project can put us in the frame of mind of giving over receiving, it's a good place to be. How desperately we need to want less and consume less. (http://30daygivingchallenge.com)
Ah...the freshness of a new month with its endless possibilities...hope you will find what keeps you in an adventurous spirit this month. Happy November!
We start off the month with a beautiful sunrise which will be featured in http://tsjourneys.wordpress.com later today. Looking at it first thing out of bed this morning certainly gave power to the blessed words, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
All Saints' Day, honored as a holy day by many denominations, gives us the chance to pause and think about the many saints that have come to us in our lives as well as those who passed before our existence.
NaNoRiMo is an excellent time for any frustrated author out there--particularly if you crave the tension of a deadline. The quest is that you write 10,000 words during the month of November--guessing that's the size of the basic novel. Of course, if your book is less wordy, that's perfectly fine as well; it's the challenge of starting and FINISHING a work that creates the excitement of the project. Interested? go to http://www.nanowrimo.org.
I've played around with this project a couple of times, and certainly intend to invest more time and energy into it this year--a fun place to visit--give it a try. (If you see thevillageblogger--say hello)
The 30 Days of Giving Challenge is something new to me; I've seen it, but not investigated it to much extent. However, if a project can put us in the frame of mind of giving over receiving, it's a good place to be. How desperately we need to want less and consume less. (http://30daygivingchallenge.com)
Ah...the freshness of a new month with its endless possibilities...hope you will find what keeps you in an adventurous spirit this month. Happy November!
Monday, October 18, 2010
This Wondrous Autumn
Amazing...absolutely amazing. The autumn of '10 had all the symptoms of the perfect storm. An unseasonably hot and humid September, little or no rain, little hope of a colorful foliage season.
And then along came October.
It has been atypical and totally beautiful. And 19 percent humidity in southern Indiana? Wow! So this is what California coastal weather feels like. Cool, dry mornings to sit out and have that first cup of coffee. Warm mid-day with a nice breeze for drying clothes on the line. Cool, dry evenings to sit out and enjoy the last light of the evening with a good glass of wine or a warm cup of tea.
I do have concerns about the pond as I see it getting more and more shallow. But I do know that the rains will come...it is Southern Indiana. And, when they do, we will welcome them.
But, in the meantime, take the time to walk, enjoy the foliage, crunch through the leaves...happy autumn.
And then along came October.
It has been atypical and totally beautiful. And 19 percent humidity in southern Indiana? Wow! So this is what California coastal weather feels like. Cool, dry mornings to sit out and have that first cup of coffee. Warm mid-day with a nice breeze for drying clothes on the line. Cool, dry evenings to sit out and enjoy the last light of the evening with a good glass of wine or a warm cup of tea.
I do have concerns about the pond as I see it getting more and more shallow. But I do know that the rains will come...it is Southern Indiana. And, when they do, we will welcome them.
But, in the meantime, take the time to walk, enjoy the foliage, crunch through the leaves...happy autumn.
Monday, October 11, 2010
My First Computer Repair Job--Kinda
One of my 50 adventures at 50 involved learning enough about computers to be able to make simple repairs. My chance came the other day when my brother called with a virus that was a real doozy. I went over to his house, picked up the cpu and then, with #1 son's help and tutorial skills, I was able to learn how to seek out and kill the viruses that had taken over his hard drive, install some neat stuff and then make it pretty and usable for him once again. It was great fun! Working with Kurt and learning new skills (God bless his patience) was enlightening to say the least. Seeing the enjoyment from brother's reaction to having his computer back up and good as new was a delight.
Brother was extremely generous and paid me for my work, which wasn't at all necessary. As a result, we decided I would take it on the condition that it would become a donation to Heifer International, my most favorite charity. As a result of our deal, we purchased some chicks, geese, rabbits, and bees for people who will now have a better chance at a better life. I LOVE the common sense philosophy and the great work they do at Heifer.
Oh...and I did get the website started! It will be in constant change, so feel free to visit from time to time...I named it "Tina's Busy Brain"--surprised?
I'm going to count that as a check off my 50 adventures list--what's next? Stay tuned!
Brother was extremely generous and paid me for my work, which wasn't at all necessary. As a result, we decided I would take it on the condition that it would become a donation to Heifer International, my most favorite charity. As a result of our deal, we purchased some chicks, geese, rabbits, and bees for people who will now have a better chance at a better life. I LOVE the common sense philosophy and the great work they do at Heifer.
Oh...and I did get the website started! It will be in constant change, so feel free to visit from time to time...I named it "Tina's Busy Brain"--surprised?
I'm going to count that as a check off my 50 adventures list--what's next? Stay tuned!
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