Inspiration To Live Well

Want A Virgin Margarita Today For Only 33 Calories?.

2012-02-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

Just in case you'd like a margarita out on your back deck but you'd rather not have the alcohol or the calories, here is a recipe to try. And limes are sooooooooo good for you too.

Virgin Margarita

1/4 cup lime juice (about 1 lime)

2 T agave nectar

Crushed Ice

1/2 cup club soda or Sprite

Lime wedge for garnish

In a small glass, combine lime juice and agave nectar.

Stir. May make ahead and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, fill a 12-ounce glass with crushed ice. Add lime juice mixture and top off with club soda or Sprite. Garnish with lime/orange slices to make yourself feel special...cause you are.

This is from the AJC, Feb 2012. Recipe from Verdi's Restaurant in Atlanta

33 calories

Enjoy!

Are You Psychic?

2012-02-23T15:01:00.001-05:00

Do you know anyone who is psychic? Do you think anyone is?

Right now I am listening to Mary Higgins Clark's bestseller, Before I Say Goodbye, on tape. Nell, the main character in the story, loses her husband the very day after they have a big fight. Her sorrow and grief is compounded with guilt, which leads her to a medium who communicates with "the dead". It brings Nell much comfort when her husband, Adam, relays that he is fine and wants her to go on with her life guilt-free. Whew! Good man.

But in real life, do you believe? Have you had any quirky things happen that could lead you to believe, or at least wonder, or maybe to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that those who go before us send messages back to us?

I would guess that most of us believe that life is eternal, that death is nothing to dread in itself, and that the best is yet to come. That doesn't lessen the sadness we feel when loved ones leave this plane. We are still here. They are not. We cannot hug them and be hugged back. We cannot look upon their face. We miss them.

And, yet, maybe their energy and their love is still here for us. Maybe there are those among us who can communicate and share their messages with us.

Tomorrow I'll be taking a little trip in my car and I'll find out what happens next in this mystery. I'll eventually know "who dun it" and why and all the twists and turns. But I won't find out if Adam's message to Nell is really from him or merely comfort bestowed upon her by the psychic.

What do I think? I think it's really Adam. I think it's real. What do you think?

Hope And Life Abound

2012-02-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

"Photo Journal Mid Winter"

A Flash of Red Berries Still Around

Southern White Camellias Refuse To Go Away

Sweet Old Fashioned Candytuft Comes Back Every Year

And Brilliant Pansies Bloom On and On

Just when we think that life is only cold and grey, stop, and look. Peer deeply in and around your life and you will find the spots of color. Cling to those no matter how small. And know the best is yet to come for you. The hope and new life of Spring will be here soon. Hang on.

A Favorite Quote

2012-02-08T07:39:00.000-05:00

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."

Native American Proverb

Don't you just love knowing there are good things on their way to you? Wonder what they are? Hold the thought. Be patient and know that good is ahead.

Looking For A Book To Read?

2012-02-07T11:56:00.002-05:00

My Book Club just finished reading Minding Frankie by Irish writer Maeve Binchy. This is her latest in a string of novels and takes place in her native land of Ireland.

Unlike some of my friends, I don't really read to learn something new. If I am interested in learning something, I will read non-fiction. But fiction, to me, is just for fun and I thought this novel was fun. It's very light and easy to pick up and put down reading 15 minutes at a time or in a couple afternoons....once you get all the characters down.

I'll just say it is a sweet story with a little romance, betrayal, psychology, friendship, loss, and familial love set in a contemporary time with a small town village feel. Everyone knows everyone and soon you feel like you do too. If you've been looking for an easy, fun read, you can probably find this one at your library.

What kind of books do you like to read? I have found that even though there are run away best sellers, I was completely wrong in assuming most of us like the same kinds of books. This club of my peers has picked books I would NEVER have read on my own. What one loves, another finds totally unlikable.

And, you probably knew this was coming, "you surely can't tell a book by it's cover!"

Strong Bones and Too Much Fat

2012-02-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

Remember I am in a study at the local University that is focusing on folks over 60. It is rather a baseline study, I think, to learn more about aging...specifically exercise, memory, and general well being. Last Friday I concluded my part and I will walk you through that morning.

First of all it is a wet day, grey, and a little windy. Just enough wind to permeate your hair with a fine mist. When I am in need of a haircut, like now, I keep a few fat rollers in the car to "pump up the volume" while on the way to my destination, especially on wet, bad hair days. Well, wouldn't you know it, while intently listening to my GPS (on the way to the memory study), I forgot all about the rollers. So I find my parking deck and set off through this walking campus to find the building and room number I need. I am just loving being among students in this college campus atmosphere....students rushing, carrying coffees, listening to tunes. It's been a long time.

I find the room, say hello, and head to the bathroom as I am a little early. I get to the sink to wash my hands, and, OMGosh!!!!, you guessed it. The rollers are still in place! Why didn't someone tell me???

Oh well, enough about that. You do have to be able to laugh at yourself every now and then, huh?

The test results? Good news first. The DEXA scan showed my bones are now equivalent to those of the average 30 year old! I have been working on this goal for about a year so I am thrilled. Other good news. My weight is fine. Don't need to lose any. My BMI is good too. But, and it's a big one, my body composition is 40% fat! Now that was astounding to me. Really astounding. I am not a heavy person. Ironically, the Health PhD Dr. says, if I lose weight it is likely my fat percentage would increase as it is a percentage of my overall weight. So, for me, 2-3 times a week at the gym is not enough. It could be enough. It all depends on how I use my time there.

If you, (or your mom most likely), is a "post menopausal woman", you could be in the same boat with me. Due to hormonal changes, the lean muscle we naturally lose while aging is replaced by fat. And, heart-wise, it is not good to have fatty tissue laying on and around your organs. What to do? They call it resistance training. You can "lift weights", use stretchy bands, use dumbbells, machines, whatever. So I will continue my yoga and pilates and occasional spin class, AND, while I am there, you will find me pushing weight around 3-5 days a week.

I am very goal oriented and project oriented so I am happy to have this to work on. Now that I have been set free from the proverbial 9 to 5, a little daily structure is a good thing.

Isn't life grand? There is always a growing edge, something to work for, to reach for, to expand. I love adding those kinds of things to my every day grocery store to-do list. And what are you working on this heart healthy February? Speaking it out loud will garner support back to you. Just like you are sending me right now.

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

2012-02-01T07:17:00.000-05:00

Who said that anyway? People think it's in the Bible but it's not. And what does it mean? How far do you take this cleanliness thing?

I'm thinking of cleanliness today because it's a clean day at my house! Yay! I realized awhile ago after I washed the dog that:

My house is clean
I am clean
My hair is clean
My dog is clean
My laundry is clean
My dishes are clean
My sheets are clean

Everything here got "washed" today. Rarely does it all happen on the same day but what a good feeling it is! There is something about a clean space that is inspiring. After all, once you get on a roll, it's hard to stop. You want to wash the dirty dishes and take out the trash.

On the other hand, when most of our ~~life~~ house is a mess, it's just too overwhelming to get started so "mess begets mess", just like "cleanliness and order beget cleanliness and order". I'm not sure why that is true but I know it is.

Taking that inside, cleaning up our act feels good too doesn't it. And once you start, it gets harder to hold onto that one area that still feels dark and dirty. When we begin cleaning up, we inspire ourselves to keep at it.

How good it feels to dump any garbage we've been carrying around. Things we wish we had done differently. Things we wish we hadn't done at all. Coming clean gives us a new start. It is inspiring. It is like a bath for our soul.

My house is clean today because I had help. If I'd had to do it all by myself I'd never finish...not all in one day! Help is good. Even Jesus asked for help. "John, will you baptize me in the water?" "I've come a long way to ask you for your help." John didn't know why in the world Jesus was asking but he helped with the task and Jesus was spotless. He set the example, huh?

We can be too. We just take out our garbage and dump it. Give it up. Start clean and fresh to design our lives and be who we want to be.

Exercise and Memory Decline

2012-01-27T08:03:00.000-05:00

There is a study going on that is looking at the relationship between exercise and memory. It seems like the verdict is already in on this so I'm not quite sure why this study is going on but it is.....and I'm in it. Actually I think it's just a baseline and the "real" study will seek to specifically address what kind of exercise and how much it takes to stay mentally strong.

Anyway that comes later. Yesterday was the first part of the study. I was given 3 words to remember for later recall. That was fine. I still remember chocolate, strange, and yesterday after 24 hours. Yay! Then I had to connect randomly scattered numbers and letters all over a paper (1 to A to 2 to B to 3 to C...). So far so good. Then I had to read out the colors 25-30 words were printed in...while being timed. Here is an example.

RED GREEN YELLOW BLUE (Answers: blue,yellow,red,green)

Today is part 2, the physical fitness part. Since I exercise a lot that will be a piece of cake. I also get a Bone Density test today including data like BMI and Fat Percentage (UGH). So I'm off for an exciting day at the college! I have my fingers crossed for good "bone numbers". 'Not so good' bone numbers run in my family so I'm eager to find out how I'm doing at 64. I'll let you know.

You? Go take a walk or get some weight bearing exercise somehow today. You'll feel better and your bones will thank you.

Advanced Style Blogger On Today

2012-01-26T10:34:00.000-05:00

Guess what I saw on the Today Show this morning! Hip, cool, healthy, stylish older women. I was so inspired. I mean, who wouldn't be? Don't we all love knowing we can keep on aging and still have fun with fashion while staying fully engaged with our womanhood and enjoying life.

If you check out the blog Advanced Style you will see their pictures. Then you will know exactly what I mean. In honor of them and of all of us aging divas, I am rerunning a post I wrote two years ago. Enjoy! And go visit Advanced Style too.

Repeat: November 2009

Yesterday when I was blog hopping I came across the words just stay current. I don't remember where I saw it or the context, but since it has been my personal mantra for some time now, I decided to write about it today. It's for everybody but for those of us gettin' on up there, as they say, take notes!

Jan, an old friend, and I were talking a few years ago about aging....we were really talking about our hair, how we were wearing it, the color and things like that. It is so very easy to get stuck in a hairstyle, right ladies? I mean you will still see us walking down the street with Farrah Fawcett wings, especially if we hit our stride in the 80s.  Dorothy Hamill hair is still out there.  Helmet hair is out there.  Sprayed hair, permed hair, and fixed hair are all still walking around out there.....and a lot of these folks have had it that way a long time.

So here's my take on that. We all want to look as young as we can, go on, admit it,you do, surely. But we don't want to look like an old teeny bopper. I mean, we don't buy our clothes in the junior department do we?   What I am getting at is what we really want, I think, is to look current. Even if we don't have the latest and the greatest fashions, makeup and hairstyle, we want to look like we are at least in this century! We want to stay current. Not young, really, but current, maybe even a little edgy.

Think of other areas of real life.  Like scanning your groceries and checking yourself out. I'd much rather someone check me out and "take care of me", but I do it every now and then anyway because I want to know how. I want to be able to. Train the brain while it is trainable :) and learn all you can, while you can. I don't want to look up one day and find that I no longer know how to navigate this fast moving world because I just haven't kept up along the way.

Think of the ways older folks can get left behind.

Using the Internet to communicate is a huge one. Have you noticed how your land line doesn't ring as much as it used to? That is if you even have one. My mother has a terrible time with that one. She doesn't understand it. Why are the grandkids only emailing, texting, Facebooking, and Tweeting instead of calling and writing letters! Do they not love me? "No mom. It's not that."

You can dig your heels in where you are or you can get out there, learn, and change with the rest of the world. You can insist on writing checks if you want to, but pretty soon you'll be the only one doing it. Go ahead, get with the flow early on. Learn it while everybody else is learning it, while your brain is spry and it learns fast.  Folks who are set in their ways even have trouble watching TV these days. Back in the day you just turned on the TV and watched.  Now, those remotes, OMGosh! You need an MIT grad to operate them!

So, older folks, like me, hang out with some younger folks who speak the new language and learn it. Don't just always get them to do it for you. Learn how. Pay your bills online. Scan your groceries. Get an Ipod for Christmas. Have a digital camera and learn all about it. Maybe even a smart phone. Find out all the stuff your cell phone will do. And if the same person's been doing your hair for 10 years, try someone new!

You bloggers are all over this, I know, so I don't know why I'm preaching to the choir. But I bet you know someone who is aging too fast, stuck in the past. Nice place to visit. Don't pitch a tent there. Learn something new. Stay current or be left behind!

And Speaking Of Sleeping More...

2012-01-19T18:48:00.003-05:00

Not sleeping enough has been one of my trademarks over the years. I'm not especially proud of that. It's just a fact. I've always liked to stay up late. Therefore I was sleepy a lot. Past tense.

There was the time I actually went to sleep while walking on the treadmill. Yes, you read that correctly. I went to the gym before work, 5:30 AM, so I would be ~~feeling good~~ looking good when I walked down the aisle as mother of the groom. You know how that is. So, in case you wondered, when you go to sleep walking on the treadmill, you actually fall off the machine....or rather you are thrown off. To the floor. Not fun. And one of my most embarrassing moments!

And then there was the time I was driving home from work and I was so very sleepy. I had "fought" sleepiness all the way home. I had chewed gum, let cold air blow in my face, and turned the radio up loud. As I rounded the corner in my subdivision I relaxed just enough to drift off and I never straightened up from that turn. Instead I crashed into a parked car! Another embarrassing moment. And a very thankful moment that no one and no pets were on the sidewalk or in the car. Whew!

Now I sleep more. I don't burn the candle at both ends anymore. And I'm glad because it's not only safer (!), it's very healthy. We all know sleep makes you look better by giving you that fresh, rested look. And it also helps lower your blood pressure, boosts your memory, and renews your body everyday.

We are hearing more about inflammation these days and how it makes us age faster. So now that scientists know that sleep helps reduce inflammation, we have even another reason to hit the sheets earlier.

So if you want to help your heart, reduce stress and depression, lose weight, look better and be healthier just spend a little more time in your crib.

How long do you sleep every night? Do you take naps? Do you wish you could sleep longer? Share your embarrassing sleep moments tso I won't feel like the only one!

Consider Your Butt Already Whipped

2012-01-16T22:00:00.000-05:00

"Consider your butt already whipped."

When your new instructor at the gym walks in with this on her shirt, well....you just wonder what is coming!

You are not sure whether to 'leave now' or take a deep breath and go for it.

Just remember:

Never leave!

It's just a scare tactic.

What doesn't kill you will make you stronger.

You can do it!

It will make you stronger.

Breathe!

Drink water.

Stre-e-e-e-e-e-tch

Come back tomorrow and do it all again.

We all need our exercise. Find something you like to do and make it a real part of your life.

Your bones will be stronger

Your heart will be healthier

Your weight will go down

Your jeans will fit better.

You can have dessert.

And

You will sleep better.

How do you get your exercise?

Advice From A Whale

2012-01-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

What a sweet gift from a friend! Think, bookmark. A real one that you use to mark your place in a book.

Advice From A Whale

Make a Splash!

Move with Grace and Beauty

Explore the Depths of your True Nature.

Think Big!

Keep A Song In Your Heart

Remember To Come Up For Air

No Blubbering!

by Ilan Shamer at

Your True Nature. Set It Free.

1000 Mile Checkup

2012-01-10T19:38:00.002-05:00

A morning in the stirrups is the ultimate 'back to reality' check I suppose. I was a little overdue for my yearly checkup so today was the day to get 'er done. Nice to check this one off the to-do list. It's been sitting there too long.

Verdict: Lady box is just fine. Boobs are just fine. Weight's up a little. Height's down a little. Wish it were the other way around. I asked my doctor, "What are the top 3 things women (my age) can do for their health?" Without hesitation she said:

Exercise

Calcium

Vitamin D

Her next take away was this: "Don't look back at the past. Don't look at the future. Just enjoy today. Just enjoy", she reiterated. What a great prescription!

I'm glad the holidays are over and we are finally back to "normal". I love "normal". And now I have it back. Just a normal check up and drive home. And then there was this sign on the side of the road. Isn't it cool? To whoever painted it, "Thank you. I love it!"

Blubbering Like A Beluga Whale

2012-01-07T20:54:00.003-05:00

Every now and then something strikes me as funny. I mean really funny and I can laugh myself right out of control. Doesn't happen a lot but it's as good as it gets when it does.

On the other hand, however, I can be deadly serious. Like today. And yesterday. For some reason that I think has something to do with Christmas, I've fallen off the cliff of sanity into the valley of depression. I have lots of excuses...like an emergency oral surgery....and my sister moving to Amsterdam.....my friend's funeral today.....and my lack of anything slightly resembling a hormone in my entire body. Whine, whine, whine.

For example, yesterday I was reading a magazine article to my husband about a vibrantly healthy 86 year old man from his home town who bikes all over the world. When I got to this sentence, "In 1995, I was sitting in my house alone, and I decided I needed to do something", my voice quivered and tears fell out of my eyes. I had delivered the sentence as dramatically as little Elliot when he said goodbye to ET, "I'll wait right here." No dry eyes in the theater. The absurdity of my reaction coupled with the stunned look on my husband's face now strikes me as funny a day later. But it was just so poignant in the moment that it moved me to tears. I know. That's a little over the top.

Since I am not so funny, sometimes I steal a funny phrase from someone else...someone born funnier than I. So, today I borrowed a funny phrase from Marla. I have been, as she said, "blubbering like a Beluga whale". Off and on, but that's enough to spoil your day. I knew it was not a good day to go to a funeral but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The preacher could have talked about Miss Daisy's affinity for Chick Fil A diet lemonades, or how she always took a bite and fed Winston (the dog) a bite, and I would have still blubbered. It was just a blubbering kind of day. It has been for a week now and that's not a good thing. I'm thinking maybe it's time to try out some bio-identical hormones, or maybe Prozac, or maybe even just a glass of wine might help. Once I climb back up the cliff, I'll get a grip and return to my normal, happy go lucky self. It just isn't happening today.

Marla's:
http://buttsandashes.blogspot.com/2012/01/disgusting-tasteless-desperately-sad.html

Way Behind Already

2012-01-04T09:05:00.004-05:00

I am so behind! How can it only be January 4 and I already feel behind.

For me, the week between Christmas and New Year's is my favorite time of year. It's quiet, usually. I get to reflect and I love that. I get to look forward and dream for the new year, and I love that. BUT this year I haven't yet done any of that. All kinds of legitimate reasons.

Spent the last 4 days with my mom.
Took a trip to the lake to winterize the cabin...just in time.
Met with a realtor to sell that same little cabin.
Spent time with hubs when I got home. It was his bday after all.
Reeled from the shock of losing a special friend
Unpacked. Blogged. And now it's the 4th!

Theme for the year: Do I want a one word theme this year? I've settled on, "No, I don't." Too vague. Too confining.

New Year Challenges: I see them all over Blogland. Do I want to participate? "Yes, I do." Haven't decided which ones for sure yet. Any suggestions?

Resolutions/Goals for 2012: Do I want to make a list for the New Year? "Absolutely!" I'm thinking more like a bucket list for 2012.

So it's coming. Stay tuned. I'll be throwing mine out there about the time many people, not bloggers of course, will already have abandoned their shiny, new intentions. Losing weight and saving money will be down the drain for them!

I stumbled upon Woody Guthrie's New Year's List for 1942 and I love it. Hope you do too. Ah, the days before technology! "Who was Woody?", you ask. He wrote, "This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land". Great song! Now it will be on my mind all day...

I Lost A Friend Today

2012-01-03T17:24:00.003-05:00

Miss Daisy Sargent went to heaven today. Whatever "heaven" is, it is even better now that Miss Daisy is there.

I met Daisy about a year and a half ago. She is an artist and I am an artist-in-learning....and I learned a lot from her. Every Thursday we would paint together with a handful of other special friends. Part of our time together was lunch. We all brought our lunch in a sack and offered to share everything we brought with everybody else.

It was sort of like Jesus breaking bread with his disciples except we had Cheetos and salads instead of bread and wine.

It's easy for me to remember Jesus and Miss Daisy in the same sentence. They were best friends. You couldn't know her without understanding that at a deep level. It was not proselytizing that gets on people's nerves sometimes. It was just her essence...it was the same as His.

I learned much from her when it came to art... and when it came to life. And no matter what my efforts looked like, they always looked beautiful to her. And she meant it. Her praise was prolific and genuine.

Daisy was a classy lady! Her air was a unique blend of sophistication paired with humility that made you want to come up higher. You wanted to live up to her compliments.

This morning Daisy closed her eyes to this earth...and then she opened them to her next life experience. She is where she wants to be now. I just hope she can still paint!

Love ya Daisy,

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-27T22:58:00.001-05:00

I know Christmas is over but isn't this just the truth? Little kids never get underwear...or socks... for Christmas. Who in your house got underwear?

Your Day After Christmas

2011-12-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

Dealing with another Monday? (Thanks Mike.)

Recovering from all the fun?

Still basking in the glow?

What is your day like today?

Take Your Yoga To Kroger

2011-12-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

The day started out peaceful enough. An hour of yoga, zen music, and deep breathing can sucker punch just about any stress that tries to find you. It works for me. I'm mellow, all stretched out and limber...at least for now.

No, this is not me but I'm gonna try it.

Next stop, Kroger. In case you don't have a Kroger, it is my closest grocery store, and today everyone is there. I chose the wide, shallow cart so I don't have to break my neck reaching down into it, wiped the handle with germ-free antiseptic, and entered the zone. I brought my yoga "peace" right in with me and actually enjoyed shopping. After all it is Christmas and I am buying totally "out of the norm". I had the biggest grocery bill I have ever had in my life. We are good well into January! But my kids are coming home!

I want them to love looking in the frig like they did when they were kids so I loaded it up. And nice meals. And plenty of snacks.

My next agenda item is wrapping! Turning on the new Christmas CD a best friend got for me. Maybe make some hot chocolate or green tea...and go at the wrapping!

Number three on my "to-do" list is cooking! How can I possibly make everyone's favorite things in one day? Well, watch me.

It's raining outside and cold and grey....downright dreary. But the pansies I planted yesterday and the cardinals who've just returned brighten it up. It is a most colorful day, and, as always, the best is yet to come.

Keep On Believing

2011-12-20T08:19:00.001-05:00

~~Five~~ 4 days before Christmas! I vividly remember as a child that I was already completely beside myself 5 days out. I'd find myself thinking about, "This time next week...." I took a lot for granted as children do, so even though I knew the week would be a family cocoon full of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandmothers, I took that for granted. I knew there would be divinity and fudge and Japanese Fruit Cake and Lemon Cheese Cake and Caramel Cake but I took that for granted too.

But I never took Santa for granted. I knew he would come to my house and I knew he would change my life the instant he unloaded his bag Even though there was no chimney, I knew he would be there because we left the door open for him to come in. My child's brain just knew I would be content for the rest of my life, no matter what, if Santa brought me a new doll. I had complete faith she would be waiting for me when I got up Christmas morning. And I was never disappointed.

Can your heart's desire be wrapped in a box?

There was only one Christmas when my faith wavered. It was the first year I no longer believed. I didn't want to get out of bed because I didn't want to be disappointed. My dad had to cajole me to join them and, in an instant, my fears of possible disappointment were relieved.

I love that child-like faith. I love believing so strongly that you just cannot wait to see it come into fruition because you know it will. Where is your belief today? What evokes your faith so strongly that there is virtually no doubt? I don't think I'll share mine but, believe me, it is still there. My list doesn't contain a new doll or a bicycle; it contains my heart's desires. I have a lifetime for them to come true and I know they will!

May your faith hold strong and your joy soar beyond measure this Christmas. Keep believing.

IPad 2 or Kindle Fire?

2011-12-18T08:32:00.005-05:00

What is the difference between and IPad 2 and Kindle Fire or

another tablet? There is a big difference in price. IPad 2 starts at $499 and Kindle Fire is $199. Do you have either one? What do you like about it and not like? Please leave a comment of email me. Thanks for your help.

Thanks,

4 Reasons Sad Christmas Songs Should Be Banned

2011-12-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

1. They are sad! Who wants to be sad during the holidays? When someone says, "I want to get in the Christmas Spirit", they do not mean they want to get sad!

2. Even though we are in charge of our own emotions and nobody "makes" us feel a certain way, let's just say "I'll Have A Blue Christmas" does not help us get to our happy place.

3. When bad things happen at Christmas, who wants to be reminded of them? Like you could possibly forget if you tried. In 1990 I spent Christmas Day with my Dad in a hospital room. I couldn't have possibly cared less for Christmas that year except I wanted it to be good, i.e. magical, for my kids. I like to revisit those memories on my own time, not because I am catapulted back there by a song bent on wrecking my day.

4. "I'll Be Home For Christmas". There are many people who cannot "count on that" as the song says. They are driving around in their car listening to "Here Comes Santa Claus" and all of a sudden....."I'll Be Home For Christmas" drones in. It's sad because he'll only be there in his heart. Well, duh. On Christmas morning that's just not the same. It just doesn't get it unless they walk in the door like in the Folger's coffee commercial and you can hug them. You know the one where Mom shuffles down the stairs in her robe at dawn and there, in her very own kitchen, is her beloved and adored Peter. He's in-person. He didn't just send his heart! This is a good sad!

Christmas carries it's share of sadness. It is not all about Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree. That's just the fun part we try to create and recreate and recreate. Isn't it also such a poignant time. "Silent Night" is so holy and reverent. "Sleeping in heavenly peace" is the ultimate joy for so many who are distracted by the stresses of the day. Christmas is 'designed' to tug at our hearts. It is about connecting at a heart level. It's like we all understand for a few minutes at Christmas that we are really all one. We demonstrate it with the sameness and uniqueness of our celebrations, our decorations, and yes, our music. That is why it is magical. Maybe that is what Jesus came to teach us. Connections, love, oneness. And even though we may experience sadness, and these songs don't help, that is not what he came to say.

"And the angel said to them, “Do not be sad. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people." Luke 2:10

Old Guys Rule

2011-12-14T07:54:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was cold. Not freezing, rainy, or blustery but still cold. Inside the gym, mid afternoon, it was nice and warm. Almost no one was there but me. Looking out through the big windows I saw a frail, elderly man negotiating the curb just after precariously getting out of his car. He had a cane and struggled to get to the door and, then, inside. I breathed a sigh of relief when he made it.

He was alone and made his way over to the leg machines. Again struggling, he carefully got situated and started exercising to strengthen his legs. This was the easy part for him. Getting there had required a monumental effort. I was torn between "wanting to help", and knowing he needed the dignity of his independence.

On the way home a tall figure hunched way over and bundled up in a big brown coat, hood, and gloves caught my eye. He was "running", barely, on the side of the road. I looked over and here was yet another "old" guy on a mission, determined to get his exercise that day. I'm not a runner, never have been, and I always admire anyone who is. I really admired this man. Barely making it, he was putting one foot in front of the other, very slowly, awkwardly. But he was doing it.

Wonder what he is thinking?

I feel like I live with one foot, or at least a few toes, in the world of the elderly through the experiences of my mom. So maybe I am more sensitive to their issues than I would be otherwise. Not sure. But I just wanted to cheer both of these men. I wanted to say, "Yae!", and clap loudly so everyone else would start clapping and cheering too. I also wanted to take one home for my mom but that's another story...

Each one of them was doing what he could. Neither one was saying,

"It's too cold."

"I'm too tired today."

"I just can't make it."

"I'm too old."

They were doing what they could. They were surmounting obstacles. They were embracing the day. They were clinging fiercely to their independence. If the exercise doesn't make them stronger their attitudes will. I honor them and wish them whatever they want. My heroes.

What A Fun Experience

2011-12-11T11:46:00.001-05:00

As an artist I am always delighted when I get to visit another artist. I call myself an artist very loosely as it is a life long desire I am finally able to begin pursueing. Yesterday I visited with a "real artist", Brenda Tustian, a professional who lives near me in a setting as serene and peaceful as any I have seen. Brenda has been painting all of her life and her work reflects someone very at home in a style she has crafted to perfection. You may know her as the Santa Claus artist although that unfairly limits her....and believe me, she is not limited!

Every year she has an Open House to share her work up close and personal and to allow visitors to see her gallery ...and, are you ready for this,.... her home.

The Gallery. She paints upstairs.

The Living Room

Brenda actually opens her home to many she now calls friends as they follow her work through her website and shows she produces around the country. Her work hangs in homes and offices of many we might call the "rich and famous" as well as every day people. Here is a friend you might recognize who owns several of Brenda's paintings.

This was my first visit and I was so impressed. First of all she lives way out in the country, down a winding road, and then down a Gone With The Wind driveway. I can only imagine Brenda gains much of her inspiration from her surroundings.

If you are looking for a unique Christmas gift, have a close look at her work, especially how she personalizes it for you. As a new artist, I am always inspired by original work such as Brenda's. I hope you will enjoy perusing it too.

Part 2 Update. Sleep More. Weigh Less.

2011-12-08T06:53:00.001-05:00

Sleep More, Weigh Less Part 2

NEWS FLASH! Popular post update:

The original post below from way back in January 2011 needs an update. It gets a ton of new readers every day so I simply must share the latest with everyone. Drum roll. All sleep issues in my house have been resolved! No more sleeping in another room to get a good night's sleep.

"What worked?", you say.

I'll tell you the two things that fixed all my sleep problems.

Going to the gym. Whoa. Don't leave yet. Here is how I now use exercise to get a great night's sleep. I go to a class a 8:30 AM. It may be Pilates, or Yoga, or Total Body Sculpt, or Spin, or Step. It usually includes cardio and a good sweat! If you hate the gym or have never gotten into it or worked out, try going to a few classes. They are fun with good music, you are not alone, and they work. And many gyms are cheap now with no down payment or contract. Look around close to your home. Driving far isn't a good idea. Honestly, I could never get myself to the gym at night or late afternoon but that might work for you. If you can, mornings are just so much better.

Getting up early. My morning routine is described below and it hasn't really changed. Getting up early is, for me, a great habit. We're all different but it works for me. When I sleep in I just don't get sleepy at night....hence I don't sleep as well.

I can almost promise if you incorporate these two things in your life, you will sleep better. You may even start sleeping like a baby. And you'll gain muscle and lose fat. Why not try it if you just can't sleep?
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Original Post: Part 1.
A good night's sleep! It makes us feel better, look better, handle the day better, be in a better mood, perform better and on and on. And, as we've all heard by now, the better we sleep, the more it will help our weight loss. If you are asleep, you cannot eat. That's obvious but there are scientific studies about what goes on in the body during sleep that backs up the weight loss theory. Since, for many of us, trying to lose a few pounds is a way of life why not look at this simple strategy?

Maybe it just isn't so simple. The older you get, the more difficult it becomes to get a solid night's sleep. Some people don't have this issue but many do. What about you?

At my house, our sleep time has gradually turned into a 3-ring circus. And we are old codgers who should really be settling in for a long "winter's nap". To start with my husband's work schedule has him going to bed around 7:00 PM! I'm a night owl so I don't climb in the crib until 12:00 or so. No matter how quiet I try to be, my settling into bed usually wakes him up. The dog is so happy when I finally join them that his tail wagging adds to the "unsettling".

At 4:30 AM the clock goes off. Hubby might hit the snooze a couple of times, more interruptions. Then he gets up. At 5:30 I get up because we like that time together and I like making his lunch. My spiritual time is at 6:00 AM so I don't go back to bed when he leaves for work. Furthermore during the night he makes at least one trip to the bathroom, the dog may bark once and walk around the bed to sleep beside me and then beside hubby. Throw in a little snoring and you have quite an evening shaping up. Don't envy me!

Our solution, and we both hate that it has come to this, is to sleep apart a few nights a week. It's not just that sleep correlates with weight loss. It's also one of the most effective factors of healthy aging. There are other less drastic steps the experts advise us to take. A lesser known sleep inducer is tart cherry juice which
contains melatonin, downed before bedtime. I'm going to try that one. Having a personal care routine is said to help, enjoying a mini-snack from this food list, or even having sex. I say, whatever works!

If sleep is a serious issue with you it may be worth checking to see if you have something that can be treated like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or plain old insomnia. It's very worth seeing a doctor if you suspect any of these conditions.

(P.S. Just found a post on Living The Balanced Life with lots more excellent sleep info! Check it out.)

Share with us what helps you get your zzzzzzzzzzzs. Sleep and be healthy! Sleep and by thin(ner)!

PS: Photo Credits: www.likeablequotes.com

10 Comments:

dianne's blog said...: Sandra - Love your blog. I've never had problems with sleeping until recently. Between my husband's snoring and getting up in the middle of the night, I've thought about sleeping apart, just can't bring myself to do it.

Also on charitable giving. We pay tithing and it just seems to work. I'm not sure how, but it does. Thanks for your comments on my post.; January 24, 2011 11:05 AM
YayaOrchid said...: Wow! I am really enjoying reading your blog, you've got such nifty helpful info, especially about aging (I'm 53). I'm following you now LOL!

I find that if I listen to the sound of my breathing, I mean just focus on it, before I know it, I'm in dreamland. And yes, probably routine does help a lot.; January 24, 2011 12:04 PM
Real Life In A Minute said...: Thanks Dianne...I hate sleeping apart too! We never did this in our younger days...and not too often now.

YaYa, Thanks for the visit and breathing tip. I know that but forget to try it!; January 24, 2011 7:00 PM
Crystal Mary said...: Restless legs, insomnia...Magnesium is the answer. Just do a little web research and check it out. For a patient brought in with a heart arythmis, madnesiun i.v. is given first instance...also helos constipation anxiety, depression...and it is simply epsom salts.. The miracle mineral. Blessings always to you.; January 25, 2011 6:57 AM
Real Life In A Minute said...: Crystal, thanks for your valuable information. I really appreciate it.; January 25, 2011 7:36 AM
Essie the Accidental Mommy said...: Yep, the husband has sleep apnea and uses the machine. It only helps about mmmmm, 60-70% though.
Me, I love my sleep and always have. It is a priority!supp; January 27, 2011 12:22 AM
Marla said...: I have heard this many times regarding sleep and weight being connected. I am a night owl. Might explain the weight. :-); February 3, 2011 11:50 PM
Real Life In A Minute said...: Me? I'm a night owl too....I try but I love nights! Awake!; February 4, 2011 12:31 PM
yulz said...: Stopping by the SITS.

and ... I'm a night person too ~; March 1, 2011 11:15 AM
Esmeralda said...: Ironically, I just got to the weight loss part of Taubes' book and from what I've read so far, the studies he cites are all about general weight loss -- there's no distinction regarding % body fat. The studies he cites are all over the place, from 1917 to the fairly recent Hirsch studies with the obese. One of the studies mentions weight lost during bed rest. Hmmmm Now, that's something I'm sure we all want to know more about.; June 20, 2011 10:48 AM