Small Steps to Giant Leaps

The People You Meet Along the Way - Hannah Mercer

2019-04-29T09:52:00.000-05:00

I started scrapbooking in 1998, shortly after my grandson was born. To this day, I have not scrapbooked all my photos of that little guy's life. (Yeah, he turns 21 this year). But after the birth of my 2nd grandson many years later, I realized that when I focused on getting those photos, I missed out on moments. That was more important to me, so I started putting the camera down and enjoying each moment, committing it to memory. I've never been good with selfies either. Same reason.

So it wasn't until Leanne at From Chaos Comes Happiness started posting about our trip to Plains, GA that I realized there were so many people I met that made it a memorable trip. But because I was "in the moment", I failed to get pictures of all of them. Nonetheless, they made the trip memorable, so I'd like to tell you about some of our new friends in Sumter County.

Like Hannah Mercer. Hannah is a Barista Trainer for Cafe Campesino, and she gave us a tour of their facility. We got to meet some of the workers who roast and package the beans. The story behind the founding of Cafe Campesino is so heartwarming. It started with a wheelbarrow of dirt that was dumped on a coffee bean plant during a Habitat for Humanity program in Guatemala. Click on the link to read more. Let me tell you, you'll have a whole new appreciation for fair trade purchases!

I love that phrase "inspire conscious consumption"

This is Hannah!

After our tour, Hannah led us in some Latte Art!! So much fun! Leanne, the ultimate fearless artist, picked up a brush and jumped right in.

I'm not so much the artist, but I was lovin' the canvas!

Yes, Leanne made sure Frida Kahlo made it to the coffee cup!!

What a fantastic adventure at Cafe Campesino! Oh, and while staying in Americus, we were right across the street from a Cafe Campesino retail store. So that's where we had our breakfast and met up with Nicole for our next adventure.

Southbound and Down...On our way to Georgia

2019-04-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in the last post, Leanne over at From Chaos Comes Happiness and I took a road trip to visit our friend Nicole from Destination Unknown. This trip began last fall, as Leanne, her sister Laura, and I just started talking about the road trip and Laura reached out to Nicole to start the planning. Shortly after, Laura was diagnosed with a rare, metastatic ovarian cancer and by December, we had lost our dear friend and sister. But Leanne and I, in our year of healing, have decided to honor the plans that Laura had made. So on March 31, 2019 we headed out.

Day 1 - On the road nice and early - 4:15 a.m. CDT
This was the first road trip Leanne and I took together. We were kind to each other for, I'd say, 45 minutes. Just kidding. It was sweet! And we got to witness an incredible sunrise!

Along with some snow. South of us. Still trying to process that!!

Anyway, I will say that Leanne is a top notch navigator, although she did laugh at me for printing out the Google map directions. "Dear Peg, don't you know that we have maps on our phones?" But the printout came in handy for those short turns. (You see, that lady on the phone app can't talk fast enough.)

After 13-14 hours on the road, we finally met Nicole, our long time blogger friend. Finally, face-to-face, "damn, you are real" moment. And we stayed at the Plains Inn. Talk about quaint!! Seven rooms, each with its unique and authentic design, based on decades from 1920-1980. Leanne took 1970, otherwise known as the presidential suite, and I stayed in the 1950s room. How adorable is this! And there's so much more history to this building. I'll save that for another time!!

And there is a community room where we had a continental breakfast, coffee and good chat with other guests. I had such a wonderful chat with a gentlemen who came into town to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of his long time friend. And honestly, after talking to so many people in town, we eventually started calling it "the funeral" since everyone in town knew about it!

From the balcony off the community room, you can sit and enjoy the beautiful garden on Main St. Seriously, if ever there was a place that epitomizes Main Street, this is it! Captured my heart!! Want to see more of those adorable rooms? Check out the Plains Inn website, scroll down and click on each of the decades. Will I go back? You bet! I could spend a week in this little town!! If I was writing a book, this would be my getaway!!

Did you know you can subscribe to my blog and receive notification whenever there's a new post? Just click on "Subscribe" on the right and you'll know each time I post! What better way to keep up with this incredible adventure we had!!

When a Blogger Meets a Blogger!

2019-02-07T15:19:00.001-06:00

When I started blogging in 2009 (I can't believe it's been 10 years), I used it as a way to express myself. My posts have never been mind-altering, deeply insightful writing. More just everyday, get to know me and my life posts.

But as you get to know fellow bloggers, women (mostly) you've never met face to face, you form friendships. Virtual, cyber friendships. But you know a lot about their lives, their struggles, their joys, and their passions. Blogging served as an outlet and a support system. Once in a while, you'd get to meet one of your blogger buddies, and it's always so comforting to hug this friend you've just now met in person.

Fellow blogger and dear friend, Leanne at From Chaos Comes Happiness, and I have decided to go ahead with plans that began in the fall of last year. We, along with her sister Laura, started making plans to head to Georgia to visit our blogger friend, Nicole of Destination Unknown. When Laura was sick, those plans got put on hold. Once she passed, Leanne and I thought it would be a great to honor the plans that we had made. It's what Laura would have wanted.

So next month, we are headed to Plains, GA, home of the 39th President of the U.S. To learn the history of the area, try some boiled peanuts, catch up with our friend, and make it a "memorial" roadtrip. Laura will be with us in spirit.

Can't wait to share the awesome adventure with you!

Looking Forward

2019-01-31T17:18:00.001-06:00

So I started 2019 back in December 2018. As we were caring for my friend, Laura, I ran out of my daily meds and needed to get in to see my doctor for refills. That's when I found out there were some major changes in my health. So 2019 started with doctor visits and vows to take care of myself. Getting to the gym has been difficult this month, since my calendar was filled with doctor appointments, but there's always the treadmill at home. I'm putting this out there for all to see so that I work on accountability.

So here we are on the last day of the first month in this new year and I'm doing well. A whole lot less doctor appointments and I'm feeling so much better.

Chicagoland is nearing the end of this crazy polar vortex that brought us temperatures of -24. Most people stayed inside and we endured! I did the same, but since I really, really dislike the cold, my mind was really here:

Atlantic sunrise

Our sub-zero temps really get me thinking about the spring and getting back into the garden. I'm looking forward to these popping up.

Spring bulbs from Costco and Menard's

And this lady will watch over my garden this year. She's 4 feet high, and ready to welcome the birds, butterflies and bees. She will join this one that I found last year. This little one is about 3 ft. high.

They make me happy. They fill me with peace. And when you fill the bird feeders to welcome the birds, and when the milkweeds welcome the monarchs, it feels like all is right with the world.

Yes, I'm ready for spring. And after this polar vortex stuff, I'll bet many of you are as well.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life

2019-01-21T08:47:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, the words you have are the best you'll ever have. This is a repeat from 2012 and 2013. Now more than ever, we need this man and what he stood for!

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday. He had a dream. A dream that certainly couldn't be fulfilled overnight. A dream not just for himself, but for mankind. "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but the the content of their character." Isn't that beautiful?

I'm glad that I've witnessed in my lifetime a shift in how people/races interact with one another. One man spoke up to voice what others felt in their hearts and moved us to the healing that humankind so sorely needed. You see, as long as we hold those prejudices and hates, we are not free. We are shackled by those hates; that anger. And until we decide that what's on the outside really doesn't matter and that the only thing that matters is what's in someone's heart, we will never be free. He said it best when he said:

..."Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom to ring -- when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children -- black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics -- will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Whether or not you have the day off today, have a wonderful day! And just send a quick note of gratitude to your higher power that we were blessed to have heard the words from Dr. King's heart.

It's Good (and Healthy) to be Back...Again

2019-01-18T04:14:00.000-06:00

Last time I posted was in August 2017. It's not like I've had nothing to say! I think it's just making the time to say it on this page. As the last days of 2018 exited, it was cause for me to say "good riddance." Those of you who know me know that I lean toward finding the positive in my life. But last year....whew!! One for the books.

In April 2018, my middle sister lost her fight with cancer. Younger sister and I took some trips to see her, aggravate her, care for her. Y'know...sister things! As much as we weren't that close, losing her had more of an impact on me than I would have imagined.

Then in November, a very good friend, and sister to Leanne at From Chaos
Comes Happiness, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive ovarian cancer. She was gone within a month. I was grateful that I was able to help in caregiving for her. But that one took a lot out of her family and friends.

Unfortunately, all too often caregivers forget to take care of themselves.

That changes this year. This year, I take care of myself. So that I can better take care of others when they need me. So I'll be blogging more, and sharing my insights into this 365 day journey around the sun that we call "Life". It's good to be back. I leave you with this sunrise.

Daytona Beach Sunrise

Peace and Love to you! It's good to be back!!

Let's try this blogging thing again!!

2017-08-28T13:32:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's been awhile. I've posted once in 2017! I don't have a good reason, either. So let's catch up...
I retired from East Leyden High School in January. So many times you hear people who have retired tell you that you know when it's time. And so many things in my life were changing that it became very clear to me over the holidays. So it was an incredible goodbye that started as a little conversation in the dean's office and quickly grew to epic proportions. But it was an amazingly emotional day! I have been extremely blessed to work with wonderful people at Leyden, and as they say, you don't miss the job, you miss the people.

So with that free time, I first planned a trip to see my Texas Sisters! Long overdue and desperately needed! Oh, how I love these girls!! Laughs throughout the week!!

Yep, the pic is a bit dated! The laughs are not!

Then there was a trip to Arkansas to visit PG's daughter and the love of her life! Went fishing on the Little Red River and caught my first fish. Life on the river...pretty much outstanding!!!

Yeah, I'm not touchin' it!!

Jill, Steve, and my PG

Next up was a trip to Florida to spend a few days with my middle sister. She's dealing with some health issues and my youngest sister and I decided we needed to make it a road trip. And because I'm an early riser and middle sister lives 15 minutes from the ocean, I drove down to take in a few sunrises. Wow...it's been a while since we've returned, but I'm haunted by the beauty and peace I feel watching the sun rise! Even if it was behind clouds.

Road Trip!!

Atlantic Sunrise!

And I have resurrected the Cubs fan in me. Long ago, I put it to sleep because I was convinced that I was a jinx. When I watched, they lost. I've decided it's not on my shoulders. As a result, I have enjoyed each and every game (win or lose, but flying the W is so much sweeter). And I took in a game with my BFF and Susu!! A great W, great seats, and just a holler from my guy, Rizzo!!

Hanging with these two is so fun!!

See all those seats behind us? Yeah, our seats were AWESOME!

Then, of course, there was the solar eclipse on August 21st. So when you have the time and can make some last minute decisions to travel south to the path of totality, why wouldn't you? Okay, so it wasn't last minute, but I found out we were incredibly lucky to have stopped where we were because we actually experienced a cloudless totality. I wish I could find the words to describe the feeling I had during that. All I've got is a picture or two.

Totality 8/21/17

Grassy area minutes before totality

Grassy area during totality (zoomed in)

So what's next? Well, a short trip to Switzerland with my BFF, Murph. We'll be living like the locals while we visit Murph's OTHER BFF, Andrea! Ohhhh....this will be epic!!!

Looking forward to a few days of living like a local in Switzerland!

And during this time, I've been volunteering for The Unity in Community Foundation. I've been using my talents to get letters out to sponsors, work on the foundation's website, and other behind-the-scenes things to get ready for their annual fundraiser/food drive on September 9th. Yeah, I'm not going to let those skills I excelled in while working get rusty! Anyway, this year we are raising funds to help a local resident in need of a kidney transplant. You can get more information here. There's even an online auction that will end at 3 p.m. on the day of the event.

So, if you are looking for a date night on Saturday, September 9th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., show up at the Underpass Lounge in Franklin Park. Tickets are $20 and that gets you entry into the door prize as well as great food by Chef Armando, served by some of the best Advanced Catering students you'll ever meet! You'll also have an opportunity to bid on the silent auction items, enter raffles for things like wine, gift cards, services, as well as enjoy the music and laughter of hanging with those who come out for our community. C'mon out and support our community. Hope to see you there!!

Celebrating a Birthday!

2017-03-26T16:20:00.000-05:00

38 years ago today was the first day of the most important job I have ever held. It's a job I hold to this very day. I've had other jobs during this time, but those weren't full time jobs. I only worked 40-50 hours a week at those jobs. But this most important job...it was 24/7. 38 years ago, I became a Mom.

We celebrated my son's birthday yesterday, and I was trying to tell my kids that even though we are celebrating THEIR birthdays, it's still a bit of a celebration for me. Every year, I walked down memory lane thinking about the 24 hours prior, labor, and birth. It doesn't stop there. I think about the fun times throughout their lives. I think about whether there were times I would have handled things differently, knowing what I now know. I think about whether they are living their passion. Whether there is still something I could do for them to help them live life more fully.

Yes, my son is 38. One would think I can stop being a Mom. And to that I would say, "Never." Can any mother really say that you get over wanting what's best for your kids?

And then they go and have kids of their own. So you also want to see the grandkids live life to the fullest. Yeah, this job never ends. But it's been the most important and rewarding job of my life. And I'm so glad I decided to say yes to the job offer!!

Happy Birthday, Jim!

I love you with all my heart!

One Little Word - 2017

2016-12-31T11:47:00.001-06:00

Since 2009, with the exception of two years, I found One Little Word that would be part of my guidance system for the year. It all started with a blog post by Ali Edwards in 2007 in which she said, "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be a ripple in a pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow." Usually, my word finds me.

In the past, I've had Gratitude, Serenity, Simplify, Truth, Create, and Curiosity. Some have carried me through the year and others didn't play a big part. For 2017, I'm looking forward to the guidance of my word. I'm looking forward to how things will be affected in my life when I practice and embrace

Image from montclareschool.org

pa·tience /pāSHəns/ noun

the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
the ability to continue doing something for a long time without losing interest, especially something difficult.

2017 will also be the year I retire from a pretty neat job. I've been incredibly lucky to have good bosses throughout my working career, and the one I have now is the best! But it's time. Everyone who willingly retires will tell you that you know when it's time. And the time for me is now. I've got a lot of things that are pulling at me right now. Things that just might let me use my one little word this year.

One last thing before I go...I purchased an amethyst necklace from my friend Liz' Etsy shop. It just spoke to me. And for some reason, I thought the amythest was my birthstone so why wouldn't I buy it. Turns out that it's not my birthstone, but when I researched what the amethyst helps with, impatience was one thing mentioned. See how that word you choose keeps coming up? This happens to me every year.

So, I shall keep you posted on how I'm doing with my patience practices!

Cubs Win! Cubs Win!

2016-11-06T09:09:00.000-06:00

I started this post after right after the Cubs won the NLCS games. I'm posting it after they won the World Series, but I like where the message was going.

Generally speaking, I don't spend a lot of time watching sports. I used to say that I was bad luck for the Chicago Bears. Every time I watched, they lost. I didn't have a lot of patience to sit and watch a whole Cubs game, so I didn't. Believe it or not, it never dawned on me to watch highlights. (Yeah, I really need to talk more about the Cubs with my BFF and die-hard Cubs fan, Murph).
White Sox? Well, I grew up on the Nort' side so being a Sox fan was never something that was even considered. Hockey? Loved it when I was much younger, once my ex-husband taught me about the game. Then I lost interest when there were too many fights. Found my love for the game again after watching one of our students, Brody Roybal, as part of the gold medal winning team in the Sochi Paralympics Sledge Hockey games.

I bring all this up because I have reduced my already shortened sleep schedule by getting totally hooked on the Cubs. Some may call me a bandwagoner. I'm fine with that. But here's the thing. This team has an energy that is beyond anything we've seen before. And you can feel it!! And it feels like it all stems from their manager. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Joe Maddon meditates every morning. He's just so calm. And c'mon, what kind of manager would just tell one of his players, when asked for any more advice, "Try not to suck." He's just so ... great! I get the feeling he meditates. He's just so calming. Watching the way these guys interacted was fun. I think it was what we needed during this ugly election season.

So here we are after their come-from-behind World Series win, after the parade honoring them, after a week of not too much sleep for what is probably half the ~~Chicagoland~~, no make that nation's population (cuz there's Cubs fans everywhere). BFF got to see them win in game 7. I couldn't have wished anything more for her. I just may get back into baseball next spring!! And I might even start watching the Bears. God knows they couldn't be doing any worse.

Mother Nature vs. Big Pharma

2016-10-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

I am a Wellness Advocate for doTerra essential oils. I've been dipping my toes in the essential oils pool for a little over a year now. As with most people I know, my life is busy and runs in many directions. But I find that when I take the time to come back to learning about the oils, my life is a little less crazy. And I really, really want to share some of the information that comes my way.

Let me start with my latest Ah-ha moment. My oldest brother and I took a road trip down to see my youngest brother in Kankakee this week. My oldest brother has Parkinson's disease and, as with most Parkinson's patients, deals with tremors. Early in the roadtrip, he reached for his meds and roughly 20 mins. after taking them, the tremors stopped.

I told him about a video I saw on Facebook about a man who also had Parkinson's and he vaporized cannabis oil. 20 mins. later, the man's tremors stopped. My brother asked, "Temporary?" Yes, it was temporary. "Well, I get the same things from my meds already."

Here's where the lightbulb went off in my head.

Okay, not so much the lightbulb, but a real world correlation that I can relate to. Something I can tell others on why using essential oils is so important to me. My brother could likely achieve the same effect using plant-based, organic oils instead of synthetic meds that often have side effects.

We live side-by-side with plants. We live off the fruits and vegetables that these plants provide. We use plants to flavor our foods. We can decompose plants and create earth. Trees take up our expelled carbon dioxide and provide us with oxygen. There's a reason we live and breathe and ENJOY our relationship with plants.

So why is he reluctant to consider using it? I think it's because Big Pharma has managed to have people believe that what gets created in a lab is better than what Mother Nature creates.

I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I just don't connect the dots as quickly as I should. Just check out the video called "What is an Essential Oil?" on my doTerra website at mydoterra.com/peggykasallis. It's basically saying the same thing I'm saying here. But if you stop and just think about our need for plants, just that alone, it makes sense that their existence in our lives is beneficial for all.

Okay, I've rambled long enough. But I'm not done, so expect more posts about this. It's a growing passion. And those who know me well will tell you that when the passion grows, I become more vocal!!

QR Code? - No Thanks!

2016-07-21T12:43:00.000-05:00

As you probably know, I'm nearly a fanatic when it comes to wanting companies to CLEARLY label whether or not their product contains genetically modified (genetically engineered) product.

The U.S. House and U.S. Senate did a "great" job of pushing through a bill that would mandate that the FEDERAL law is followed above a state's law when it comes to labeling. It is currently on the President's desk, awaiting his signature.

In essence this is what the bill calls for: Each product will have a QR code on it's packaging. Those who are lucky enough to carry a smartphone (and have decent enough cell coverage AND data minutes available), can scan that code to find the information they are looking for. That is, AFTER they add the QR code scan app to their phone. It will look something like this: (if you scan this, it'll bring you right back to this same blog post.)

Here's the thing. I don't really want to legislate or control what companies put in their products. But I don't want them to have the ability to pull the wool over my eyes. I want to make informed decisions on the foods I buy. For myself and my family, I choose to not use genetically modified foods whenever possible.

So here's my solution to the issue: If a product has a QR code and nothing more stating whether or not it contains GMO (genetically modified organisms) or GE (genetically engineered), I just won't buy it. I'm hoping others decide the same. If you're changing your label ANYWAY, to conform to the new law, add the simple text as well. If not, bye-bye. I'm not interested in wasting the time to find out about your product.

Embracing Love and Peace

2016-07-09T20:04:00.001-05:00

I've mentioned this before. I don't watch the news. When the channel gets switched to the news in my house, I leave the room. I won't listen or watch the political channels and I won't get into discussions about any of it. That's not to say I don't know what's going on. I do. I just don't expose myself to the details. It gets in the way of my path in life, and that's to be positive and grateful, and to choose love and peace.
I will say that this week, it was difficult. Such violence in the headlines make my heart heavy. I was truly grieving for humankind. And I found it was hard to let it go.

I love these words by Martin Luther King:

"Returning violence with violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

A few years ago, I read something (and it bothers me that I cannot remember the author) about starting small (in your own backyard) if you want to change the world. That's what I'm doing. I'm choose to find and embrace the good in this world. If you listen to the news, you'd be inclined to doubt whether you can find any good. There's plenty. Just don't count on the media to show you.

Go out and experience it yourself. Smile first. See what comes back at you. Assume that the driver who is taking that parking spot you were waiting for has just received some bad news. Just make the assumption there's good in everyone and I'm pretty sure you'll find it in most. And you'll be kinder and gentler for it.

Love and Peace, my friends. Love and Peace.

My Bit Part to Foster Peace and Joy

2016-06-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

In this sure to be, (what's the word I'm looking for?) bizarrest? political season coming up, we can already see all kinds of ugliness (yes, that's the word I'm looking for) thrown around. We see plenty of it already on Facebook.

I've decided I'm not going to play on that court. But I'm not walking away from Facebook because I do find some joy. And I'll be sharing those joyful posts. Whether it's pictures of my grandkids,

Little Miss as Anna (Frozen)

Mr. C finds a frog in his back yard

or gratitude proclamations,

or songs that make you realize there's a lot of RIGHT in this world,

I'm going to stay positive. I'm going to exude positive.

As I've said before, over and over (borrowed from tut.com)

And with some luck, this will spread and we'll bring more peace and joy to our world. We need it right now. And it's within each of us to make it happen.

Keeping in Touch

2016-06-28T11:39:00.001-05:00

Has this ever happened to you? All of a sudden, seemingly out of nowhere, a friend you haven't heard from in a while comes to mind. It's not like you kept in constant contact with them, but every few years, you'd touch base.

That happened this week. So as I usually do, I did a Google search seeing if there's info on where she might be living. And I found an obituary. My heart sank! Totally caught off guard. And I'm sorry I didn't know sooner. I'm sorry I didn't have an opportunity when her loved ones were grieving most, to tell them what she meant to me.

Carolee Long Thomas - 1943-2013
A friend, a mentor, an angel.

You see, she's one of those people that have such an impact on someone's life that she's unforgettable. She recognized something in me when I worked with her at AT&T, then called me when there were openings at Verizon. I honestly would not be where I am today had she not opened some doors for me. And now she's gone I have no regret about not telling her, because I did. She was my mentor and friend. She called me her angel. I went back and found the last email exchange and cried my eyes out.

So why am I telling you this? Because I realized that I went through a silent time with friends where I didn't reach out, didn't answer emails. I don't know why. I didn't journal at the time. I'm sure it was some sort of depression. But I'm back. Reaching out is important to me. I'm hoping to blog more. I want to honor the friendship I had with Carolee to make sure I don't go into some lapse again. And if that happens to you, reach out to someone. Just one person who will protect you when you need it most, but will understand until you are ready to blossom again. I'm just sorry I missed reaching out to her one last time!

Rest in peace, my friend!

Do You Like To Read?

2016-03-24T05:51:00.001-05:00

Do you make time to read?

I love to read, but I go in spurts where I make the time each day to read a little. At the top of my stack right now is "Rising Strong" by Brené Brown.

Love her books, love her Ted Talks. I'm a fan. She's just so real...so AUTHENTIC!!

The last book I read (and HIGHLY recommend for my creative buddies and creative wannabes) was "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Another good one. By the end of the book, you'll be calling her "Liz" like she's an old friend.

My home is one with lots of books. Sometimes, they are books I am not really all that interested in reading, but my PG sees them and asks me to pick them up for him. Always with a promise to read them. But he never gets around to it, saying he never has time. I, on the other hand, try to make the time. I find that I bounce between making art, meditation, and reading. I'm still trying to find the mix that works where I get them all in, but that's still a work in progress.

But I've given a lot of thought as to why my PG has difficulty making time to sit and read. Then I found this article by Jess Burnquist. It nearly moved me to tears. If you love or hate to read, it's a great article to check out and to help you understand those who don't like to read.

Tomorrow starts spring break! I'm taking the entire week to get ready for gardening, do some reading, get back to meditation, and just address the things that I love. Yeah, there will be some binge watching, too. But I'm okay with that. I can multitask when I binge watch. Maybe I'll blog a little, too.

Resting "Whatever" Face

2016-01-01T16:26:00.000-06:00

I just gotta chime in on this one. Aren't we all a little tired of political correctness? Aren't we tired of having to be concerned that a little sense of humor might offend someone? Are we going to bend over to appease those who want to complain instead of see the humor in something?

I heard today that employees of Goodwill were upset when a company memo went out to advise the employees of the appropriate reactions and emotions to display with customers. And the memo showed pictures of Kanye West with various emotions displayed. Wait, it's easier to show you...

Courtesy of http://www.tmz.com/2015/12/10/goodwill-kanye-west-expressions/

Now many of you are aware that this is derived from the ever popular RBF, a.k.a., Resting Bitch Face." C'mon, you all know at least one person who has an RBF. You know the kind. You are explaining something to them, and they look like they're upset with you, right? But they're not pissed. It's just their resting bitch face.

I fear we, as a society, are losing our sense of humor. We are always hearing about some group of people who are offended about something.

Lighten up, People!! Live and let live! Enjoy this incredible world we live in and see the humor in things. More often than not, others are not trying to piss you off!! So don't take it that way!

Happy New Year! Make this a safe, prosperous, and humorous 2016. Y'know, if you find the laughter, you'll find the love!! And this world needs as much love as we give!

Meditation & the Monkey Mind

2015-12-23T08:22:00.003-06:00

For the last couple of months, I have tried to be faithful in making time to meditate each day. It's not always easy, but it's important to me so I make it a priority.

I can't begin to tell you how often the conversations I've had go something like, "I've tried to meditate, but I can't make my mind stop." So, during this morning's meditation, my monkey mind (this is what I call my mind when it won't rest) decided to write a blog post. It went something like this:

Deep breaths, in thru the nose, out thru the mouth, close eyes, listen to sounds around you, scan your body to notice how it's feeling, I think I need to write about how this can be difficult (monkey mind), breathe... breathe, I think I can title it (monkey mind) breathe...breathe. I wonder how long it takes to get a doctorate degree, because the training can be that long to master this (monkey mind) breathe.

You get the idea. It's not always easy. But I will tell you, it's so worth it. I find I am calmer, less judgmental, happier. But I consider this a journey.

Miles Markey, son of Liz & Jason Markey
photo courtesy of Liz Markey

I use an app called Headspace. Andy, the "guide" through these meditations has a very calming Brit accent and his voice makes it easy for me to start meditating. Plus, he's kinda cute! And the app is free to test drive it!

So let me quickly point out a few things I've learned about meditation, and hopefully you'll think about giving it a try.

It doesn't need to be 30 minutes. It can honestly be as little as 5 minutes when you're in a hurry, but I would start with a 10 minute session.
You don't have to sit on the floor in a lotus position. You can sit in any chair.
Your mind will wander. A lot. Consider this training. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon if you haven't trained for it. Same thing here.
Many times, you start telling yourself that your mind is too busy to do it. But then you give yourself permission to have a monkey mind, it pays off when you stick with it. Those often turn out to be my best meditations.
You can do it almost anywhere. Of course, it's better if the cat isn't trying to sit in your lap, or the dog isn't trying to lick your face but if it happens, you roll with it.

All this is offered with a wish that your Christmas and New Year's celebrations bring you peace, in spite of all the chaos of the holidays. And whether or not you make resolutions, consider making peace and tranquility a high priority for 2016. For each person who works at finding peace in their own lives, our world will be a little better for it.

Merry Christmas!!

Veterans Day 2015

2015-11-10T20:37:00.002-06:00

Six years ago, I gave my thoughts about Veterans Day here. My three older brothers and my Dad all served our country by enlisting. Our family saw all three branches of military service represented (Navy/Army/Air Force). Here's one of my favorite pics of my Dad.

It couldn't have been easy to make a decision to join a branch of the military, But I think many people feel the way I do, and as I did back in 2009. I am so proud to say I am an American. I am so honored to know that millions voluntarily step up to serve to protect us. I'm so privileged to say, openly and from deep in my heart,

GOD BLESS AMERICA - LAND THAT I LOVE

And call me dorky, but I feel strongly about our flag, as well. So to my friend who doesn't want to be credited for this picture (you know who you are!), thanks for the awesome picture of our flag!

Whether or not you are working this day, please know that there are millions in our nation who are grateful for your service to our nation.

THANK YOU!

Words...That's it ... Just Words

2015-09-22T17:06:00.002-05:00

We have some of the best conversations at our lunch table. One teacher walked by and said, "It's always so enjoyable to walk past your table and just get the snippets of what you guys might be talking about. Always entertaining!" That it is!

So this week, we talked about words. How there are just some words that drive you crazy. Some words that you can just do without hearing for the rest of your life. Some that just inspire, or make you feel giggly. Some words that are just plain fun.

Like spelunking. Doesn't that sound like fun? "Hey boss, can I have a day off to go spelunking?" Sounds like a great day off. Or how about doppleganger?

But then there are words you cringe every time you hear them. One of my lunch buddies doesn't like the word phlegm. Right? Even the way it's spelled. Kinda makes you feel phelgmy just spelling it. Or how about mucus? Ewwwww! Another says she doesn't like the word bulbous. I guess I can see that. Kinda makes you think of a big ol' nose, Karl Malden style.

Photo courtesy CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

Here's one...cutlet Not sure how that one made the "don't like" list, cuz I just think it's a cute word. Kinda petite-ish. But one of the girls doesn't like it.

A few years ago, I wrote another post about words. These were not words that necessarily create pictures in your mind, but will definitely elicit some sort of feelings as you read the words.

All of this sure makes you think about the power of words, doesn't it? About the times we say things that might be meant one way but are taken another? About how you may say to a kid, "quit your crying" but all they hear is, "I don't want to hear what you have to say." Or how there can be a national debate on whether certain lives matter or whether all lives matter. Yep, words are powerful...and fun...and gross. But definitely powerful.

Hope I gave you some powerful thought today. Go out and make someone's day with a kind word!

Back at it...once again...for the eleventeenth time

2015-09-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

Once again, it's been 6 months since I've written anything here. I can list a myriad of excuses, none of which are good enough. But this week, I simply mentioned on Facebook that I need to start blogging again and it didn't take long for some of my fave peeps to chime in with agreement. So here I am again...

I've signed up for a free course in the science of happiness that we heard about through my job. I think a number of us are taking it. Week one was a bit tedious, but I have hope it will get much better. I signed up because I recently came to the realization that I was tired of being angry about things and that I was more fulfilled when I lived a happy life. Y'know... "If you can see it, you can be it."

I believe in the law of attraction. Now, I have some friends who will roll their eyes at this, but that puts a smile on my face. I first got word of it when I watched "The Secret." The message resonated with me. This week, I received an email with this message:

You are an electromagnetic being emitting a frequency. Only those things that are on the same frequency as the one you are emitting can come into your experience. Every single person, event, and circumstance in your day is telling you what frequency you are on. If your day is not going well, stop and deliberately change your frequency. If your day is going swimmingly, keep doing what you are doing.

Sometimes, you need reminders to live with happiness in your life. Sometimes, you need someone to show you what life can be if you just face a challenge. At Costco this morning, I walked past a mom and her son who were standing in front of a tower of skeleton heads. He was desperately trying to convince her to get them and would not move from there. She told him she would not get them until he picked up the box (assuring him it was not heavy). Apparently, the little guy was terrified of the tower of heads, but still wanted them. When I walked past again, I heard her say it was silly to be afraid of plastic. So I stopped...and I watched out of the corner of eye. And he finally pulled the box out. And I cried. And I hope Mom saw the glory in what her son accomplished, because she said "it only took us 45 minutes to get to this!" But I gotta tell ya...that little boy made MY day.

I am really, really going to try to write here more often. I'm going to try to bring more happiness to this world. Because I believe that so much of what is happening in our world today is because we are emitting that "what's wrong with the world" frequency, instead of "what's RIGHT with the world."

We've got a family party this weekend. Celebrating all the new persons that have come into our family. It's going to be a great time. And for those who won't be able to make it due to distance, I hope we get to Facetime with them.

Happy Birthday, Kevin!!

2015-03-22T10:08:00.001-05:00

Today, we will celebrate my little brother's birthday. Happy 55th, Kevin!

My little brother is mentally retarded. I believe they labeled him as "severely mentally retarded" when he was a baby. Whatever wiring mishap happened in his brain, he is also unable to speak using words. He makes sounds, very noisy, joyful sounds. And you will definitely know if he has missed you when he sees you. He's a bit noisy that way, too. And strong...so very strong. He could knock you over with a hug.

When he was a baby, the seventh for my mom and dad, my mother knew within a couple of weeks that something wasn't right. "He wasn't turning over like he should," is the one thing I remember her saying. By the time he was diagnosed, the professionals predicted he would not live beyond age 30. He was 5 or 6 when he first walked.

Pretty proud of himself!!

And we danced at my wedding...

He was 13 in this picture.

Kevin lives in a facility in Kankakee, IL For his 50th, we celebrated at a local hotel, did it up big!! He was exhausted by the end of the party.

Kevin's 50th Birthday Party

I'd say baby brother is hanging in there pretty well! Happy 55th, Kev!! Vuhvuhvuhvuhvuh!!!!

One Little Word for 2015

2015-01-01T07:18:00.000-06:00

You may be familiar with Ali Edwards' One Little Word that was started back in 2007 and has grown exponentially in popularity. For the last two years, I did not choose a word since beginning this OLW journey in 2009. Nothing showed up. Nothing spoke to me. And I just wasn't in the frame of mind to find one.

And 2014 was an odd year! 2014 brought lots of changes in my life. (I guess CHANGE would have been a good OLW, in retrospect). But those changes have made me realize what I want for 2015.

My word for 2015 is CREATE. This time, the word chose me.

According to Merriam Webster:

cre·ate verb\krē-ˈāt\

: to make or produce (something)

: to cause (something new) to exist

: to cause (a particular situation) to exist

: to produce (something new, such as a work of art) y using your talents and imagination

I want to create a healthy lifestyle, a garden that offers me that healthy lifestyle, a healthy home, simple living, art, abundance, open spaces, laughter, joy, memories. I want to write more. I intend to write more. That includes more blogging. And more pictures.

I looked back at some of my old posts and it reminded me what I was involved with over the last couple of years. I really think so much of it lead me to this one little word, create!! And as I create in 2015, I intend to share.

It's funny, as I write the word intend, it makes me wonder how committed actions are behind that word. One of my favorite quotes of all time is by Yoda: "Do or Do Not. There is no Try." And I sometimes wonder whether the word "intend" is best friends with "try." If that's the case, then I'm changing it to WILL. I WILL write more. I WILL share more.

But as usual, I digress.

And what about you? Do you have a word that will guide you, inspire you in the new year? I'd love to hear about it. Not only what your word is, but why that word!

I wish my visitors a peaceful, prosperous, safe, and successful 2015. And I leave you with this:

jpg from http://yelenabosovik.com
(can't read the photographer's name)

A New Life - Part 2

2014-10-02T20:17:00.002-05:00

As much as I wanted to stay current with updates, things/life gets in the way and before I know it a month has gone by. But things are still going great. I'm down 20 lbs in 2 months. The one remaining med I'm on has been changed to reflect my decreasing blood pressure readings. Doctor assures me I will not be on this forever.

I also see a wellness nurse at each visit. Besides checking my weight, we talk about any concerns I have, recipes, temptations. The latest mantra is "ride the wave." I'm not going to fool myself into thinking that I will never eat another of CT's Butter Krisps or Leanne's Potato Chip/ Chocolate Chip cookies, but I'm going to ride the wave as long as it lasts. This lifestyle works for me.

I pulled the bike out of the back of the garage and try to ride most nights after work. Short rides. I'm so out of shape it's pitiful. But everyone knows that you have to take baby steps before you master something. And that's what it'll be! Tonight, I realized that working out or riding the bike is almost addictive. Yeah, those that know me will get this real confused look on their face about now.

And self talk...I've had plenty of conversations with myself over the last month and realized how important that is in this process.

And recipes? Oh my...life is good in this paleo/primitive lifestyle. Especially in the fall. I made this Butternut Squash Lasagna (with my marinara sauce) that was outstanding.

Photo and recipe courtesy of stupideasypaleo.com

My PG has decided to join me (at least partially) in this journey, so I've made these sandwich rolls, but instead of buying English muffin rings, I'm just put the batter in a 9x13 pan and cut up the "bread" into a dozen pieces. Tada!! He gets his "bread."

Photo and recipe from againstallgrain.com

As I mentioned in my last post, I will advocate this lifestyle because I know it works. I've shared Dr. Kaskel's book with a number of people I work with because I believe what he has to say. I joke with one of my coworkers about how we will both be evangelists about this lifestyle. And each and every day, I thank the Universe for having whatever it is in me to continue this lifestyle.

Next things floating around this brain o'mine? Yoga and journaling. Until next time...

A New Life

2014-08-30T07:57:00.000-05:00

Seven weeks ago, I adopted a new lifestyle. I was on meds for blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. As an unwilling participant in this med-fest, I finally decided that since it just wasn't going to work for me, I needed to find a holistic doctor. I had been to a few doctors who either shamed me into going along with their plan, or "lied" to me by telling me that they would be willing to work with me toward getting healthier. I was not a happy camper.

One day, my lovely daughter texted me a picture with an excerpt from a book she was reading. "Mom, this sounds like this would work for you." Yep, it sure sounded like Peggy!!

So I got the book, read it in two days. Made up my mind right then that this all made sense to me and that I was going to try to see this doctor. And I can't begin to tell you how life changing it's been for me.

The long and short of it is I've gone from 5 meds down to 1. The doc says I will probably NOT be on that one med forever. In the first four weeks, I lost 15 lbs., my blood pressure numbers dropped about 20 on the top number and 14 on the bottom. I regularly workout because I have energy. I have energy because I'm not on the 5 med regimen. See the cycle here?

This Tuesday, I go back for another follow up. My plan is to share my adventure on this blog. If it helps even one person, it will all be worth it. Plus, let's just admit that writing is therapy for me.

Okay, so I'll bet you're asking what it is I'm doing. Here's the basics of it. No grains, no sugar. Eat when I want. No calorie counting. No carb or fat gram counting. NO GUILT! This plan works for me. I will readily admit that it won't work for everyone. Part of the problem is the indoctrination we have all had about fatty red meat. Wait, I'm loading you up with way too much information too fast. Let's just take this slower.

Image from
amazon.com

The book I read was titled "Living in Wellness, Volume One: Let Food Be Thy Medicine" by Dr. Larry Kaskel. Once you read that, and start digging into research on the way he thinks, you will find tons of stuff that support this lifestyle.

Picture modified from
againstallgrain.com

One of my favorite sites is Danielle Walker's Against All Grain blog. She posts the yummiest recipes. My current hobby is finding and making some of the most amazing grain-free recipes. I made this sandwich bread that gives me exactly what I need when I want a piece of toast. Oh, yeah...this totally works.

So there's more for me to tell you about, but it's too much at one time. I will say this. Once you adopt this lifestyle, and people see the results (in your loose pants...YEA!), they ask. And when you tell them, you find out that others are doing the same thing. And you realize that there's a network out there for you.

Let me end this post in saying that I have always been a believer that what I've gone through in my life is out there to the benefit of others. I am a three-time cancer survivor and I will talk to anyone who needs to talk about their fight. The same goes for my weight/health issues now. I will advocate this lifestyle because I believe it works. So feel free to comment with any questions you have. No, I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on TV. But I love talking about my passions. And this is one of them.