Pondering

Everything in between

2025-12-26T16:31:00.006-05:00

Last year is sort of a blur. Once 2025 began things started to move pretty quickly. From the birth of my very first granddaughter to rearranging my home to better suit my parents needs.

It has been exhilarating and exhausting, thankfully not at the same time. Posting here has been lacking along with a few other things. Looking back I can say that I had no idea how I was going to successfully navigate those changes. Admittedly, I did not handle a couple things well while the things I thought would be hard to manage turned out easier than I expected. Things found a way to balance themselves on their own.

What has helped me not lose my mind is reminding myself that I am not striving for perfection. I am striving for healthy outcomes. Some things are definitely easier said than done, however it is not about how much you do. It is about what you manage to do without sacrificing your sanity or the sanity of those around you.

May the closing of this year give you insight on what to do more of and what to do less. In any case you must give yourself credit for how you are trying to handle it all while at the same time forgive yourself for the things you fell short on.

Have a lovely new year.

Tags: December2025, Post

Sunday

2025-01-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

First Sunday in 2025. Had a whole different day planned for today, however I scratched those plans.

So instead of going to the beach sit and watch the waves, I'm going to take take down the Christmas decorations instead.

Thankfully this year there's less to take down. Kept it simple. The kids and grandkids helped decorate. They did a beautiful job.

Sometimes we overwhelm ourselves and those around us by going all out decorating for the holidays. I fell into that trap. I still have to donate more decorations.

In the meantime give yourself permission to enjoy the family time instead of must have the whole place decked out time.

I am currently listening to

2024-02-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

Relaxing music
30 songs (2hrs 18min)
Enjoy, let me know if you like these songs. Thanks

Never hurts to be thankful

2023-04-27T14:27:00.007-04:00

Heart

2022-07-26T05:29:00.003-04:00

The heart always seems to win. Some don't consider the heart as anything other than an organ but when it comes to love, some are completely driven by what their heart feels.

Hearts break, hearts heal, hearts beat fast or slow, hearts doubt, hearts hurt, however the route, the heart must open in order to feel.

Open and Feel.

Expectations quote by BB Lebron

2021-04-13T08:55:00.006-04:00

"I am liberating myself from your expectations of me by rising further." by B.B. Lebron

Mental Health and Nov Election Results

2020-09-24T15:59:00.004-04:00

How do you plan to manage your sadness, anxiety or depression if your candidate doesn't win in Nov?

#MentalHealth #BeKindToYourself #Election2020 #EmpowerYourself #StriveUp #InThisTogether

— AC (@AbbyCe) September 24, 2020

The above was my first tweet in months. I was silent during that period for several reasons. I could have tweeted sooner yet I had to go through what I was going through first. I may not be completely through it yet I am closer to the other side. I made my peace with it which is what I was working towards.

After reading so many mean and hate filled comments about who is going to win the 2020 Presidential election and why, I paused to ponder about what if their person lost? Passionate responses to whatever survey, article or person that many were replying to, were filled with so much anger that if their person lost, how would they handle such loss?

I became concerned. We aren't islands, our paths cross so the last thing I need (any of us need right now) is another trauma to deal with, your election disappointment trauma specifically. I lost count of everything painful that has taken place so far in 2020 that numerating them will cause anxiety and anger due to the many horrific injustices, weather related tragedies, the pandemic, home schooling, loss of powerful icons, job losses and the list goes on and on. People are emotionally worn out while doing their best to function from day to day even if they are in the midst of chaos. They are not alone, I am not alone, you are not alone.

Please note that although we'd like to believe things will always go the way we would like them to, that's not always the case. Whether our first reaction leads to another series of tragedies we can only blame ourselves instead of what provoked the ire in the first place. Carving out time, even it's 1 minute a day to remind yourself that you are brave will help you navigate feelings of despair. It is vital that we take the time to address the emotions that 2020 has brought out in us as it is equally vital to take the time to prepare for anything else 2020 has left to toss our way. We may not know what the future brings, yet we do know we can manage as best we can if we work on our mental health first. Practicing bravery creates strength. Lets become and stay strong, our future selves will thank us.

Norbela

United We Stand

2020-06-07T09:21:00.003-04:00

A united resolute force of change is imperative because division breads inequity, disparity and hatred.

Change is unequivocally inevitable. While change may spark insecurity and fear changes purpose is to build knowledge. The power resides in what we do with that knowledge.

#JusticeforGeorgeFloyd

#unitedwestanddividedwefall

#eradicateracism

#enoughisenough

#eie

#dignityrespect

#showyourhuminity

#loveistheanswer

#grow

#standforjustice

#loveconquersfear

#compassionmatters

#kindness #kind

#spreadlovenothate

#bettertogether

#accountibility

#revampthesystem

#edify

#protecteachother

#buildabetterfuture

#buildabettersaferworldforall

#weareone

#knowledgeiskey

#learnmoredobetter

#changetheworld

#2020shift

Finally Some Good News

2020-05-21T09:23:00.001-04:00

If you haven't watched SGN (Some Good News) by John Krasinsky on YouTube you've been missing out. We're definitely always in need of good news. Thankfully you landed on my blog. Here's his link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_y6KKvS3PdIfb9q9pGug

Enjoy.

This Too Shall Pass

2020-04-04T06:54:00.000-04:00

It will pass. Please stay home, it really makes a difference.

*Health Updates via Twitter

#firstrespondersrule
#coronavirus19sucks
#Signofthecoronavirustimes

Be

2020-01-06T12:06:00.001-05:00

Food for thought

2019-11-06T06:44:00.003-05:00

Originally posted on Twitter.

Which one wins? #wiseman #foodforthought pic.twitter.com/JD9nr276w4
— AC (@AbbyCe) July 20, 2017

Cinemadness Podcast Episode 14

2019-09-15T17:45:00.001-04:00

Since this past Friday was the 13th I wanted to share with you the Cinemadness Podcast episode based on the entire Friday the 13th franchise. For those of you who enjoy Jason and the likes of him, I hope you enjoy the episode.

Adam, Alison and Roman are the hosts of the Cinemadness Podcast. Weekly episodes topics include top 5 lists, movie news, trailer discussions and on occasion, special guests. I've also added the Cinemadness Podcast to the Podcast Sphere section on the sidebar.

For more episodes visit Cinemadness Podcast Webpage, iTunes, Spotify or SoundCloud. For their weekly "Caption Me Monday" contest, movie release info and more visit https://www.facebook.com/Cinemadness/

*Disclaimer: I am not in this podcast but am related to one of the hosts. I do not receive financial or any other compensation for posting about this podcast nor from their parent network. Cinemadness Podcast is brought to you by the Nerd-O-Rama Network

Brick pavers projects

2019-07-21T17:08:00.003-04:00

Recently I surprised my daughter and son-in-law with what seemed to be two simple projects. For the most part they were simple. However, the work came to a halt when a snake scared the living daylights out of me after I lifted a brick half way through the bench project. More on the snake towards the end of this post.

These are the inspiration photos along with photos of each of the completed projects. Are they perfect? I don't think so. They are casual and utilitarian which were my goals. Fyi, don't worry I watered the plants. I have to say I really enjoyed spending that time outdoors putting it all together. My gloves on the other hand didn't survive. I hope this inspires you or at least nudges you to take on a project and see it to completion.

Brick Planter

Brick Bench

Now more on the snake that halted my brick projects.

Me being the snake wimp that I am, decided he or she could stay there as long as they wanted. The next day I went over to that area with the longest stick I could find. After ensuring it was not around I continued on to complete the bench and then the planter. This snake (from what I was told) seemed to have been the non venomous corn snake. Don't take my word for it though. I do find it interesting that this whole project was meant to be a surprise for others yet I ended up the one being surprised!

Thanks Mr. or Mrs. Snake.

Hurricane Barry

2019-07-13T21:39:00.001-04:00

Category 1 Hurricane Barry arrived in Louisiana today and shortly thereafter became a tropical storm. For updates, details and current data including current power outages please visit: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/hurricane-barry-new-orleans-louisiana-flooding-storm-path-track-today-2019-07-13-live-updates/

The National Weather Service New Orleans Twitter account has flood, tornado warnings along with other important weather updates.

NOLA.com Twitter feed is also updated with important details for New Orleans, Louisiana community.

NOLA Ready City of New Orleans donations and volunteer webpage lists several organizations currently accepting donations.

Visit the Official City of New Orleans Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts for community updates.

To learn about assistance please visit: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

For Veterans disaster assistance please visit: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/information/veterans

Lastly, this blog offers a vast resource of Weather related links also found in the tab above and also listed on the side bar in the Informational section.

Please stay safe.

Brief Content Survey

2019-07-07T15:29:00.002-04:00

Loading...
Thanks again.

You say

2019-06-14T13:36:00.003-04:00

You Say by Lauren Daigle is a video I recently came across. I'm a firm believer that when such messages cross my path that sharing them is the right thing to do.

Entering the Podcast Sphere

2019-06-08T17:43:00.000-04:00

For a long time now I have been interested in creating a podcast. To have an interesting topic was not just a challenge it was my love hate issue. In my mind I figured I could make a podcast about nothing. Sounds familiar? However the one thing that stopped me was the audience. The audience deserves...
not to have their time wasted so that is why I have not posted my pod files. Right about now you're probably thinking that I am going to post them now yet that would be incorrect.

What I am doing in creating a podcast section on this blog titled Podcast Sphere. It will include some podcasts link that I do listen to. Some that I have been referred to by others. Please note that I do not receive compensation from individuals for sharing their podcast links with you. If that changes then I'll make that clear.

Lastly, if you like for me to consider sharing your podcast on the sphere, please share the link in comments and I'll take an ear to it.

Happy pcasting!

Today's Worthy Causes Headlines

2019-02-07T08:37:00.000-05:00

The World Wide Worthy Causes newspaper contains over a hundred contributors ranging in a wide variety of topics provides vasts articles. Please note we ended our partnership with the below periodical. in the meantime you can still receive free updates via Worldwide Worthy Causes.

Solved Google Keep app crashing

2019-01-18T17:17:00.000-05:00

The log showed how many times it crashed last year. January 2019 logged showed it crashed more than all of last year. I found several potential solutions...
online that worked for others however did not work for me.

These solutions included:

Settings> Apps> Keep > Storage> Clear Cache

Settings>Accounts>Google>Sync

What ultimately worked was: Settings> Apps> Keep >Permissions >Storage (activate)

I hope this helps you resolve your crashing issue.

Hello 2019

2019-01-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

What a way to start the new year!

Had an intimate, simple bubbly celebration to welcome in the new year. Stayed up much later than previous new years day but it was nice to do so.

We get so wrapped in how we normally do things that we sometimes forget we can change things up a little.

I for one, tend to make drastic changes in certain areas of my life. I'm looking forward to so many things.

Here's to you, hoping that you tweak any part of your life that will fulfill you, make you healthier and anything else you hearts desire.

Christmas greeting

2018-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

This years Christmas greeting card comes via the magic (and my limited art skills) of the picsart app. I had fun tinkering around with the fonts, colors and many other goodies. There is a sense of only being limited by
one's imagination yet the freedom to challenge oneself to create is very welcoming. I noticed that one can slightly be intimidated by the beautiful work that many people display, such amazing skills however it didn't scare me away, it actually made me feel safe. When you are surrounded by creativity it's like being on the playground as a kid not wanting to leave. Just because we grow up doesn't mean we still can't feel like a kid inside. May your Christmas be all you want it to be inside and out.

-----------
(Fyi: I'm not paid nor compensated in any way to mention picsart.)

On Instagram

Rescue

2018-12-16T20:31:00.000-05:00

The Backstory

I rescue this building from the attic once a year. It's about 10 inches tall and triangular. The thing about this building is that once it's on the side table on top of the mirror, guarded by a couple of trees and plugged in, it officially sets the holiday mood.

Between missing family members to daily stressors, the Christmas season arrives with little glee.

Right after Thanksgiving I do my best to stir up the holiday cheer. Holiday music doesn't help, drinking egg nog doesn't solve it either.

Days go by then December arrived. By the end of the first week there was sense of now or never on getting the decorations down from the attic.

Almost by automatic pilot, each boxed is casually opened. A few items are hung, then its time to unwrap the one building that I rescue each year. I set it up on it's usual spot, I plug it in and I step back.

As I step back I see the lights streaming from the window bounce off the glass. Something about that reflection and glow conjures up a feeling of warmth. The wreath on the door reminds me of family, food and festivities. All of the sudden it feels like Christmas.

Who knew that this one small building I rescue each year, this year actually rescued me.

On Instagram

Research real vs fake news

2018-11-09T10:44:00.001-05:00

Misinformation is everywhere. It is effective in several ways including occupying your time to deceive you and encourage you to spreed falsehoods aka lies.

With the amount of information that we come across on a daily basis it would be a full time job to research everything we hear. There are things that sound so believable yet are total fabrications. Do we rely on others to search for us, take someone else's word for it or do we take the time to check it out for ourselves? I suggest the latter.

In an attempt to aide you in your fact checking journey, this post provides you access to several websites that
are dedicated to empowering you to find the truth or dispel a lie, which ever your prefer. The websites featured here all free to use/search as of the publication date of this post.

To begin with I thought it would be appropriate to feature a website that displays detailed information about the fact checking websites around the globe. This is such a vital resource for learning what entity is behind the fact checking site itself. It is a pretty straight forward interactive map.
https://reporterslab.org/fact-checking/ Duke Reporters Labs by Duke University

Would you like to pitch your idea on how to help solve misinformation? This next site is for you. Quoting from their about page this second featured site “is a global movement focused on building solutions to online trust, verification, fact checking, and reader experience in the interest of addressing misinformation in all of its forms.” https://misinfocon.com/

Some of the following websites directly address scam tracking and how information on how to prevent fraud. I included them because they also deal with detecting falsehoods roaming on the net.

Scam tracker, fighting financial fraud: http://www.bbbmarketplacetrust.org/

Aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion: https://www.factcheck.org/

Fraud prevention tips: http://www.fraud.org/prevent_fraud

Latest fact checks: https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/

Check trust ratings of websites prior to online purchases: https://www.scamadviser.com/

Fighting misinformation: https://www.snopes.com/

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the websites listed herein nor with their parent companies.

Falling into autumn

2018-10-18T15:17:00.000-04:00

The Backstory

Every year right about this time I spent time and energy looking for fall decorations stored

somewhere in the house. Normally they are in the in the attic yet last year I decided that I didn't want to deal with the attic so I stored it in the house in the main closet. Fast forward to last week.

I could not, for the life of me, remember if I had actually stored them in the closet. No big deal right. It was a matter of going in there and looking around. I did and no such luck. After that my lack of desire of going in the attic almost made me forgo falling up the place. Yet the season got the best of me so I took a deeper look in the closet. There it was, buried under things that I stored there throughout the year. Luckily nothing was to heavy for me to move. It was a little tight so maneuvering was
not a picnic. Side note: Need to reorganize that closet soon.

Why bother to decorate for fall? For me there is something soothing about a deep rich colors that allows me to say goodbye to the summer. The beautiful changing of the leave doesn't occur here as it does up north so falling in autumn in Florida means adding touches of red and orange throughout.

Whether your favorite season is fall or not, I encourage you make your space a place that inspires you and makes you feel connected to nature in some way.

On Instagram