I'm Taking a Happy Break!

 

 

I'm taking a break from blogging here for now as I am on my own special Happy Break!

 

I had some wonderful news in October and now I am following-up with a couple of projects that are taking up most of my time these days. All good stuff!

 

Some of you already know what I am referring too. :<)

 

 

In the meantime, I wish you lots of happy days, happy breaks and great surprises.

 

 

Dreams... can come true.



Life After Coffee and Corrie Street

  

 

 

 

 

I've recently given up two of my long-time habits/fixes/vices...
 

 

Regular coffee and Coronation Street AKA Corrie Street (a British soap opera for those who aren't aware of this very popular TV show).

 

 

When it came to coffee, I've been drinking java since high school and often several cups in a day. It was something I never thought I'd give up, I LOVED coffee, big time.

 

As I blogged about here, I had a recent health scare ending up at the Emergency department one morning with a racing heart. It was attributed back to a cup of regular coffee I had on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning; something I don't usually do. That was enough to convince me that the Cup o Joe has gotta go!!!

 

What was it like to give up coffee?

 

 Well, I did have about 4 days of withdrawal symptoms (click to read more about those) including a WHOPPER of a headache that I've read since in the equivalent of a migraine. Apparently, coffee shrinks the brain and when we don't have it after imbibing on a regular basis, a headache (big time) is likely to occur.
 

 I also had brain fog, lack of concentration, tiredness, nausea...but it all past and now I actually feel a lot better and more energetic without regular coffee.

 

I haven't given up decaf coffee or a bit of chocolate now and then though. Here's a chart that shows just how much caffeine is in a variety of foods. A big difference, when it comes to regular brewed coffee and decaf. I'll take the latter now any day: organic and water processed of course.

 

As far as Corrie St. again that's been an addiction since high school but recently I realized this was the last TV show I was still watching and I was bored watching it now, so why bother. The plot lines in recent years have gone from bad to worse, many that I found stupid, some plain offensive. I don't miss it, and have gained back 2.5 hours I wasted on it every week. But again, it was something I never thought I'd give up.

 

Isn't it funny how we can adapt and change our minds about things we thought  we "couldn't live without" if necessary. Or just because we've thought it through, about really needing/wanting something so much.
 

 

Life After Coffee and Corrie St. is just fine!! :<)

 

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Happy Halloween!

Have a safe and spooooktacular night!!!!

 

****

 

 

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Warming the Soul: My Version of Black Bean Soup

Brrrr....it's a chilly one, here today in Interior BC.
 

 

I just posted this recipe for my version of Black Bean Soup over at my cooking blog and thought I'd share it here too. I'm making this for supper tonight along with Cornbread Scones.

 

When it comes to " "nurturing" and "warming the soul" is there anything better (especially on a cold day) than a big, steaming bowl of... oh, so satisfying soup? Right up at the top of my list!!! ;<)

 

 

 

What's on the menu at your place this weekend?

 

Have a Wonderful  Week!

A Week of Small Miracles

I've had quite a week here. A week of small miracles....

 

On Tuesday morning, I had a feeling of my heart racing, sweaty palms, nausea....and so I "bit the bullet" so to speak and headed off (with Joe) to the Emergency at our local hospital.

 

Good news, it wasn't a heart attack. The "racing heart" and nausea got traced back to a cup of coffee I'd drunk on an empty stomach, something I don't normally do. I did find out that my heart and lungs are in good shape but I do need to get back to more exercise (which I already know). I'm not one for visiting doctors on a regular basis so it was great to find out in this round about way that my heart is in good condition, blood work good, lungs too.

 

After this scary "episode" I've decided to kick the caffeine habit altogether so I've been suffering through some withdrawal symptoms: headache big time after the first day without caffeine but I think the worst is behind me know. I actually feel better without it! I'm rather proud of myself for taking this step as I've been enjoying coffee for a LONG time and never thought I'd be giving it up. But it is a drug and it is something I can do without.

 

While I was lying in the hospital that day, it struck me what a miracle our bodies are. All the systems that work together to keep us going and try to keep us well. A miracle that's for sure. I was so glad to go home that afternoon but it was a wake-up to once again commit myself to getting fitter, cutting back a bit on calories and showing my body the respect it deserves, in all ways.

 

I also found out about an amazing book called the MindBody Prescription by Dr. John Sarno featured in this clip on the TV program: 20/20 from a few years ago. I've been trying this approach for about a week now for an ongoing ankle issue I've had that flares up, off and on. It really works! The pain in my ankle is almost gone already (amazing but true) and I am able to exercise and walk more freely than I have in a very long time.

 

I've always believed that the connection of our mind and body is key to our health and well-being. But this doctor takes it to a new level, relating so many pain issues back to repressed anger and other emotional issues. All I know is that it's a harmless approach and for me it's working well. For thousands of other people too, based on this report.
 

 

Miracles can happen in the most unexpected ways, can't they? :<)

Mr. Cheddar, JJ and Ched's missing beret!!!

You might remember this photo and post from a while back, featuring Mr. Cheddar looking oh so handsome in his new knit beret!

 

A beret that only stayed on his head just long enough to take that (rather shakey) photo above!!!

 

 

Anyhow, it seems that another member of the family had "designs" on this hat:

 

 

 

 

 

That's right. JJ the Sock Monkey recently decided that this beret should not go to waste. Also, with the winter coming soon, perhaps JJ felt the need for a bit of headgear for himself. LOL

 

But, lo and behold, shortly after these pics of JJ were taken, Mr. Cheddar promptly went up and knocked the hat off JJ head in protest!!! Go figure. It was soooo funny to watch.

 

You can't have it both ways Ched. I made the hat for you but....if you aren't going to wear it, maybe it's time to learn the joy of sharing!

 

Hope these critters (real and not so real) bring a smile to your day! :<)



Many Reasons to Be Thankful

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada.

 

 

There is always much to be thankful for, in spite of the challenges that life presents.

 

I am grateful for many good people in my life, good health, living in a free country, free speech, the abilities I have....always so many reasons to be thankful. Sometimes it helps to take a minute and consider them all; especially on those difficult days....

 

 

I wish you a week filled with all kinds of blessings. :<)

 



Rest Awhile...

  

  

 

Rest awhile.

Far from the struggles and strains of life.

Find that place and seal it in your heart.

To pause; retreat to.

Where grace always dwells.
                                         

Rest awhile.

Put back the smile.

Somewhere lost.

Now: softly, silently returned.
                                        

Rest awhile.

Peace:

A beacon in the dark.

Sheltered, nurturing.

Safe and sublime.

 

                                           

Rest awhile.

Treasured moments.

Tranquil dawns.

May your tomorrows.

Outlive life’s storms.

 

***

                                                                           

This one's for you Lorraine. I hope you have a much better week. Hugs, G

 

“Rest Awhile…” © 2008 Geraldine H. Hartman

Photo courtesy of Flickr 

Let It Go!

when….

 

 

*life deals yet another 22

 

*dark days of despair become the norm

 

*sunshine has left the sky; silver linings hard to find

 

*no one seems to notice when you do the “right” thing

 

*the bills arrive on time; THE cheque doesn’t

 

*when a friend betrays a confidence

 

*a family member let’s us down

 

*when someone else gets the promotion

 

*dinner is a disaster, in spite of best efforts

 

*another “winner” chosen for the contest

 

*when someone you care about is hurt for no reason

 

*the newspaper stuns with a front page of doom/gloom

 

*the bank account seems to have dwindled overnight

 

*the will to try just once more is just not there…

 

 

 

LET IT GO!

 

 

*a perfect 21 is also in that deck

 

*it is always darkest before the dawn

 

*the sun always shines, who needs a lining! 

 

*YOU always knows you’ve done the “right” thing

 

*the bills can wait one more day, the cheque IS in the mail

 

*maybe they weren’t that good of a friend after all

 

*forgive and forget is easier than bearing a grudge

 

*the job might not be the best for you upon closer scrutiny

 

*be thankful for food on the table and a second chance

 

*another contest is out there and it is YOURS

 

*to be sensitive to those in need is a gift. give it, often

 

*what about the “feel good” stories. they are there too.

 

*feel blessed to have a bank account with any money in it

 

*the best way to begin, is to begin; inspiration will follow

 

***

 

This is a poem I wrote a few years ago.

 

I was thinking about it again this past week and thought that the phrase: "let it go" would be a good thought/mantra to share. Sometimes, that's all we can do, isn't it?

 

Here's the link to the original post with reader's comments.

 

Have a wonderful week. :<)

Word of the Week: Greatness!

 

 

 

"The greatness comes not when things go always good for you. But the greatness comes when you're really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes. Because only if you've been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain."

 

-Richard Milhouse Nixon

 

 

"Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness."

-Oprah Winfrey

 

 

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but really great people make you feel that you too, can become great.

 

-Mark Twain 

 

 

***

 

 

 

I can't think of anything that inspires me more to consider life's endless possibilities and opportunities, than gazing at a beautiful sky.

 

 Greatness.

 

What an encompassing and beautiful ideal to aspire too.

 

We all have the potential to be great. Even if it applies to only one talent, skill, gift... isn't it worth aspiring too? 

 

I hope these quotes will inspire you to explore and discover your own path to greatness, this week and every week.

 

 ***

And some new posts at my other blogs:
 

 

Veggies, Yarns & Tails: Mr. Cheddar and the Scoop on Pet Food Storage

 

My Poetic Path: Autumn Feast. A Tau-Ku Poem

 

My Real Life Reviews: Sea Glass Hearts (book review)

 

 

Word of the Week: Catch-Up!

 

 

 

 

 

I'm planning for a catch-up week that might stretch to more like a month. LOL 

 

My desk "pile" (overflowing into a box now...) has gotten a bit "unruly" as of late. LOL In particular, a backlog of books and also some products to review, over at: My Real Life Reviews .

 

I'm also waiting on several book reviews pending for my two new poetry books and more review copies coming in the mail right now, so I know how frustrating it can be to wait. My apologies to anyone who's sent me a book that I haven't reviewed yet. It is NOT forgotten.

 

I'm also working on my novel. Still going great but every time I think I'm almost done, the plot "takes off" in another direction! I'll take it though. So much better than the blank screen/page/mind syndrome. ;<) We've all been there, right?

 

I have a gazillion projects on the go but I know so well that focusing and finishing one at a time, is always the best course of action, if at all possible. Or alternately, having a goal of a portion to complete, on any given day. That works too, especially for larger projects.

 

So, it's catch-up week here. I hope I've inspired you to work on your own pile of projects too. It's soooo satisfying to get them completed!

 

Happy Week, G :<)

Word of the Week: Talisman

 

 

Do you believe in talismans?

 

  

This gorgeous "sachet" type talisman above was made for me by a friend who is a good (white)witch. It contains various herbs and plants believed to ward off evil.

 

 I have it on the back of our front door, along with: a rosary, cross, (very) small totem ...covering all the bases, so to speak. ;<)
 

This lovely talisman is also an ongoing reminder of my friend's concern and support, while I was going through a very difficult time. That kind of friendship is a gift and a treasure. Her thoughtfulness in making this personal and unique gift for me meant so much.

 

 

 

This is my writing talisman.

 

 I wear it when I'm working on creative writing projects. Another gift. I love the symbolism of the sun, the light, shining....all good.

Some writers wear hats, a certain T-shirt etc... I like my sun necklace.
 

 

I'm also sharing an archive haiku/haiga over at My Poetic Path today, featuring the theme: talisman. Hope you'll stop by to see that too.

 

 

 

I wish you a week filled with wonders of all kinds, including luck and good fortune.

 

 

Don't forget your talisman! ;<)

 

 

 

 

Talisman:

- an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune

 

- something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects

 

Definition courtesy of Merriam Webster.com

 

 



 



A LOL with Mr. Cheddar and His New Pal !!

Mr. Cheddar and his new pal JJ !!

 

 

Feel free to leave a caption if one comes to mind.

 

 

For me, it's: RIDE THE CHAMPION!

 

Remember those mechanical horses they use to have at malls and grocery stores? Maybe they still do! I loved riding the Champion. Looks like JJ does too.

 

I don't know if the Chedster is all that amused though. ;<)

 

 

Wishing you a happy week with LOTS of LOL's.

Word of the Week: Focus

FOCUS

 

It's so easy to get distracted, isn't it?

To have our thoughts go in all different directions, instead of being focused on one thing at a time. This is an issue I am constantly working on.

But I know how important it is to be focused. In theory at least. ;<)

If we are going to do our best work on any kind of project or task, we can't also be mulling over: what to make for supper, whether the plants need watering, filing nails at the same time...the list goes on and on.

 I have also been making an effort recently not to get signed up for too many "extras" online, that take up time and often in rather trivial ways including: too many newsletters, email alerts...lots of distractions. I'm also not a fan of Facebook or Twitter anymore. I know a lot of people just love these social media sites but for me, they were just more ways to waste precious time.

On the other hand, I don't consider blogging a waste of time, at all. I find it energizing and stimulating. Writing posts and visiting my (many) fav blogs. These pursuits add to my day, in a positive and productive way. Within reason for blogging time, of course!!! LOL 

I have a number of wonderful and diverse creative projects on the go right now that I am really excited about. I'm swamped, but in a good way! But in order to proceed with all of them productively, I need to have a plan each day what I'll be working on.

 Focusing...instead of randomly trying to work on several tasks and getting diverted and distracted along the way.

Multi-tasking appears to be productive but apparently it isn't. That's been proven again and again. I blogged about multi-tasking vs chunking  previously here.

I hope you find this word/mantra for the week helpful with your own creative pursuits.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE WEEK!  :<)