NYE 2016🎉

Today marks the last day of the year of 2016-a somewhat sad yet occasionally beautiful year of 366 days.  It's been said that "If you change nothing, Nothing will change".

The year began with a fun entrance celebrated with close friends.  We had a wonderful celebratory meal followed by a movie.  Three days into the new year, one of those dear friends suffered a stroke.  The month of January continued on an unsteady course of my sibling and I making a hard decision to put our parents in a care facility.  We both knew that we had kept them in their home to the point they were no longer safe and able to care for one another.

The Ides of March blew in an opportunity to visit my daughter in Virginia to pick out her dream of a wedding dress.  We went to a bridal shop near her as an introduction to the whole "Say Yes to THE Dress" process.  No matter how we tried to trick her choices, Cares kept going back to her favorite.  When the bridal assistant put the veil on her head, tears rolled down her cheeks.  Eureka!!

That awesome visit turned sour two days later when I received a call that my mother was not doing well and was being transported to a hospital in Kansas City.  When my girlfriend picked me up from the airport we headed to the hospital.  While mother was on oxygen, she seemed to be holding her own.  Yet two days later she was struggling and incoherent.  Intervention of a respirator and feeding tube did not bring positive results.  Mother was very fragile and frail.  On March 28, 2016 Ruth Barbara Howerton passed into eternal rest and peace. I look forward to meeting her at Jesus' feet,

May flowers brought news that my daughter's finance was going to be deployed in October, the month of their planned wedding in Virginia.  While my daughter was devastated on multiple levels, she faced this challenge in her life head on, realizing that God had greater plans for her and Aaron,
"For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jerimiah 28:11.  We saw God's hand on the planning and the event - a ceremony of love and fellowship with family and friends.

June brought sunshine in many forms - friends gathering at the Wine Song Fest, winery tours, live music concert provided by Keith Urban, pool party and meeting a special man that turned my life in a new direction.  In between the happy events were the continued responsibilities of handling my parents estate and finances.  God continued to provide the necessary wisdom and strength and a bevy of emotional support by family and friends.

The fall brought more changes into my life - the loss of my beloved Uncle Ed - he filled in the gaps and gullies that can surface in a father/daughter relationship.  He never failed to provide a guiding light in my life in the interactions and decisions concerning my parents.  He always told me he loved me and prayed for me for wisdom.  I know that he is at peace with his own battle with cancer and other multiple health issues.  I am so thankful for his influence on my life.  And the fall also brought the promise of a committed relationship into my life.

The year ended with me relocating my home and my job.  Lots of challenges and changes, but lots of cherished personal beautiful moments - my daughter marrying the love of her life, hearing my dad sing his favorite Christmas songs and welcoming the new year with hope and much love.

Free Spirit

Free spirit types are people everyone wants to be around and everybody secretly wants to be.  They are happy and appreciative of the world around them and are non-judgmental of others.  Below are some tips on acting like a free spirit:

1.  Live in the NOW - you can't relive the past nor are you guaranteed the future, so live in the gift of the present. 

2.  Don't live to please others - the approval of your friends and family shouldn't define your every move - be your authentic self.

3.  Be open minded - be willing to step out of your 'comfort zone' and try new and unexpected things.

4.  Don't sweat the small stuff - when things don't go as planned just take it with a grain of salt and look for the positive in the situation.

5.  Be independent and don't rely on others - don't rely on others for your happiness and success just create your own and be in charge of your life.

6.  Avoid trends - read, wear and watch whatever speaks to your style and personality not the latest trend.

7.  Explore the world - learn and explore the world to gain a deeper appreciation

Free spirits know they are in charge of their own happiness and don't allow anyone to take that away from them.

Angels

An angel is a spiritual being believed to act as an agent of God.  Angels are not composed of physical matter but are spirit beings created by God (Heb. 1:14). Angels do serve a purpose for humans.  Each one of us has at least one, maybe more, that are assigned to each and every one of us and one helped to strengthen Jesus (Luke 22:43).  They’re commanded to “encamp all around us” and keep us from falling, getting hurt, who have been and will be “…from this time forth and forever to be with us”… and even strengthen us, and minister to us (Luke 22:43, Psalm 34:7, 91:10-13, 103:21).  

My two angels are the form of my dear mother Barbara and loving grandmother Nan.  My mother had the distinct pleasure of being born on her mother's birthday, June 26th.  Those two always had a special bond.  They both died at the age of 87, my grandmother in the month of February and mother in the month of March.

I was blessed to have these two women of faith and love guiding me on my journey.  They were examples of love and kindness, lifting and encouraging others.  When I was jobless, my mother called me every morning to ask what I was doing that day.  Whenever I had a need or challenge in my life - they both were lifting you up in prayer.  And they both knew how to laugh and smile, neither of them ever knowing a stranger. They instilled values in me that molded me for multiple roles of a  woman as wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
 Hebrews 13:2

                                                    Happy heavenly birthday my sweet angels! 

Motherless Daughter

Grief came to visit me in the form of the emotional and physical loss of my dear mother, Barbara.  I had the honor to be with her as she entered into eternal sleep, just as she was with me when I entered into natural life.  The experience was such a sweet time of celebratory peace.  My faith instills in me the hope of being reunited with my loved ones in heaven.

My mother was a unique individual – she was talented in her sewing abilities – would see an article of clothing in a store and would go home to put her skills to use to recreate it from memory.  She never knew a stranger – could easily talk with anyone, which made her an excellent salesperson for Avon and Beeline Fashions.  She had a strong faith and loved doing things to honor God – teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, fixing an entrée for a church dinner, or gathering items for Shoe Box ministry. 

I have fond memories of making fudge together and eating it between saltine crackers, shopping together, going to the movies together, getting our nails done together, pouring out my heart to her with my concerns for events in my life, or being at my bedside when I was ill.  She was not only my mother but my best friend, strongest confidante, loudest cheerleader and faithful encourager.

The biggest legacy that my mother left for me to carry on was her faith in God and the power of prayer. My faith has sustained me through many triumphs and various valleys – but now to endure the biggest challenge of my life – to carry on without the physical presence of her essence and love.  I will look for her presence in the evening sunset, the wind, the fragrant rain, the gentle snow,  the blooming surprise lilies, the aromatic dogwood and the presence of a red Cardinal for her spirit is now interwoven into God’s wondrous world.

Happy Mother’s Day - I love you Angel Momma!

In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing ~ Robert Ingersoll

Spring Salads

Spring time brings amazing produce, and one of the best ways of enjoying it is in a fresh salad.  A spring salad can be as simple as tender greens tossed with vinaigrette, or step it up by adding seasonal veggies or fruits. 

Seasonal Greens: arugula, Bibb lettuce or Boston lettuce, spinach, kale

Look for:  bright, crisp blemish free leaves

How to Store:  lettuce should be washed and dried in a salad spinner; refrigerate in airtight bag

Season Treats:  asparagus, radishes, snap peas, beets, baby artichokes, strawberries or blueberries 

Blueberry Feta Salad

Dressing:  1 ½ T lemon juice, 1 small clove garlic minced, 1/8 tsp sea salt, 2 T honey, ¼ C olive oil

Almonds: ½ C sliced almonds, 1 T honey, 1 tsp butter, ½ tsp olive oil, 1/8 tsp sea salt

Salad: 5 oz. arugula, 1 ½ C blueberries, 1-3 oz. goat cheese, ½ C sweet almonds

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 03.20.16

Happy Spring Equinox from Virginia - the Love State! I am visiting my beautiful daughter and getting acquainted with my grand puppy!

I had the wonderful opportunity to be with my daughter when she chose her gorgeous wedding dress!  It was such a blessing to experience that together and be part of the moment when she realized the reflection she saw in the mirror was everything she envisioned!

My visit has also included going to Waterman's at Virginia Beach - eating crab cakes and drinking Orange Crush!  Today we head for Williamsburg and some shopping!  I am so grateful for this break in my hectic responsibilities, and for my dear friends and family at home cheering me on from the sidelines.

Enjoy your family and renew your soul for the adventures that await you!

Sunday 03.13.16

Happy Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Sunday!  Today begins an additional hour of daylight into our lives.  How will you choose to use that additional hour?

This weekend I attended a funeral service for a dear friend's mother.  Her mother, Mary Butler Meyers, was involved in her family's local funeral business.  Mary was well aware of the ministry that her career afforded her - to be a stretcher bearer to those grieving the loss of a loved one.  The service ended with the song "Let There Be Peace on Earth".

This experience reminded me to not drift through my life, but to live a life of purpose and intention - or living forward.  The beauty of a life plan is it can bring structure to your life while allowing for change and growth,

Below are some steps for creating a life plan:

1.  Consider your present roles - each day we give ourselves different labels through our actions.

2.  Consider the roles you want to play in your future - these are the nouns you would want someone to use to describe you at the end of your life.

3.  Write down your priorities - the why behind what you want to do and be in your life.

4.  Consider your physical and emotional needs - what you need to be the person you desire.

5.  Write down your goals - your personal "bucket list".

6.  Consider how to accomplish your goals - the steps needed to reach your goals.

7.  Review your life plan - life always changes, keep track of your accomplishments.

8.  Adjust your life plan - consider what is different and important to you now.

Enjoy your Sunday relaxing with family and friends!  Be thankful for the blessing of today!

Acid Reflux

Ginger is a flowering herb that originated from China.  The root is the commonly used part as a spice.  It can be used fresh, dried and powdered or as a juice or oil.  Ginger is aromatic, pungent or spicy, and adds a special zest and flavor.

Is Ginger Good for Acid Reflux?

Ginger is well known as the best remedy for digestion process and helps to reduce the back up of contents into esophagus.

• Ginger regulates the flow of juices in the digestive system for proper absorption of food.
• It has anti – inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Ginger absorbs excess stomach acid.
• The shagoals and gingerols in ginger soothe stomach muscles.
• It aids in pushing the food through bowels and prevents the buildup of gas in the stomach.
• Ginger relieves nausea and vomiting.
• Ginger tightens the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent the back-flow of stomach acid.

Ways To Use Ginger to Treat Acid Reflux:

1. Ginger and Lemon Juice

• Peel a one-inch piece of ginger root.
• Crush it to extract its juice.
• Mix with a few drops of lemon juice.
• Stir well and drink daily to prevent acid reflux.

2. Plain Ginger

• Peel and grate ginger root.
• Eat 1 teaspoon daily.

3. Ginger with Bland Foods

Bland foods like oatmeal and yogurt settle the stomach.

• Peel and grate fresh ginger.
• Add this to bland foods and eat.
• Repeat daily.

4. Ginger Root Candy

• Wash, peel and mince ginger root.
• Place in frying pan with honey, cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of butter.
• Stir over low heat until all ingredients are combined.
• Place in oven for 10 minutes to get crystallizes.
• Take out of oven and allow it to cool.
• Break into chunks and eat to calm acid reflux.
• Eat this before meals for effective results.

5. Ginger as a Spice

Ginger tastes great in stir-fry, rice, quinoa, and soups. Use it as a spice in your cooking as often as possible to prevent acid reflux.

6.  Ginger Tea

Peel and mince one inch ginger root.

Boil a cup of water and add ginger pieces.

Boil if for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Cover with lid and let steep for20 minutes.

Strain and stir in ½ teaspoon honey and lemon juice to taste.

Drink 2 times daily before meal to get rid of acid reflux.

Optional: You can add 3 crushed green cardamom pods 

Sunday 03.06.16

The March winds have been blowing in changes in the Midwest region.  The temperatures have been warm inviting people outdoors.  Trees are beginning to bud out and flowers are beginning to break out of the dark cold earth. 

I have been off line from blogging for over a month, due to new responsibilities of helping my parents enter into the next phase of their lives.  Both of them are now living in a skilled nursing facility.  While they are receiving much needed care, it is somewhat daunting to have additional responsibilities - advocating for their needs and tending to their personal belongings.  And then there is the emotional aspect of witnessing first hand the continuous demise of your parents due to dementia.

On the flip side are all of the blessings that have been put in my path - supportive family members, friends beside me while I sorted their belongings, saving me boxes, calling me to tell me they were thinking of me and when I had questions - a person appeared with the answer. 

I know I am not the first person nor will I be the last person to walk this journey with their parents.  While my parents didn't prepare well for their demise, they did help me to prepare with the faith that they instilled within me.  That is the well that I draw from for strength, courage and peace.  For that - I am a Lucky Penne.

We are in the fourth week of Lent and we are encouraged to taste and see the goodness of the Lord:
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.  Psalms 34:6-7

Sunday 01.24.16

There's got to b a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep looking for the light.

This Sunday morning is the morning after for a lot of Americans, the morning after the blizzard of 2016  - and no, not the Dairy Queen kind,  but Jonas, Snowzilla or David Snowie kind of blizzard! The blustery snow with hurricane-force winds barreled up the East Coast.  Like many, I now have family living in that region of our country, so I am indirectly affected.  Hopefully this will be a time of human nature showing kindness and concern for one another - and a time to reflect on the quiet of the blanket of white Mother Nature has bestowed upon that region.

On a warmer note, some favorite links I like:
Pick of the Clicks
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup 
Being Friends Can Be a Blind Spot in Romance
Read These Books Before They Become Movies in 2016

Stay safe and warm - and keep looking for the LIGHT!!!

Himalayan Pink Salt

Himalayan salt is rock salt or halite from a mine in the Punjab region of Pakistan.

The crystallized sea salt beds deep within the Himalayans were covered by lava some hundreds of millions of years ago.  The salt was kept in a pristine environment surrounded by snow and ice year round, so the lava is thought to have protected the salt from modern-day pollution.  This has led to the belief that Himalayan pink salt is the purest salt to be found on earth.  It is hand-mined from the mountains and brought to the culinary market.

The various hues of pink, red and white in the salt are an indication of the rich and varying mineral and energy-rich iron content.

The various minerals in Himalayan pink salt can:

·         Create an electrolyte balance

·         Increase hydration

·         Prevent muscle cramping

·         Strengthen bones

·         Lower blood pressure

·         Improve circulation

Himalayan pink salts can be used in cooking (use in place of table salt), decoration (place salts in containers), bathing (a healing and therapeutic experience for mind/body) and air purification (large crystal rocks).

Himalayan Sea Salt Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients:

·         25-30 large shrimp, raw and peeled

·         3T chopped garlic

·         1C fresh chopped parsley

·         2tsp paprika

·         HPS to taste

·         Fresh ground pepper to taste

·         1/2 C olive oil

·         2T butter

Directions:  In large Ziplock freezer bag mix all ingredients except the butter.  Add shrimp and coat well.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Preheat pan and melt butter on medium heat.  Fry shrimp for about 10 minutes or until pink and lightly brown.  Serve over hot rice.

 

Sunday 01.17.16

Do you find yourself eating more, sleeping more and curling up by the fire more during these winter months.  It's called human winter hibernation.  Our bodies require cycles of activity and rest—daily, annually. When days are long, our metabolisms and energy levels amp up.  In winter, we produce hormones that make us sleepy, giving us time to restore body, mind and soul.

And there’s nothing wrong with that cycle—except that we work against it, forcing ourselves to operate at summer levels even in winter. No wonder so many people feel depressed at this time of year!

What if we indulged our innate inclination to slow down in winter? We’d sleep more and demand less from ourselves.  We’d be more inward and reflective.  Humans, of course, do not hibernate, but it can feel much more difficult to get out of bed on a chilly winter morning than it does in the height of summer. Some people take this as a welcome sign that being awake during the winter is an affront to nature. Or at the very least, they assume that humans need more sleep during winter.

While we humans don’t exactly need more sleep during the wintertime, due to factors beyond our control, we definitely want it.  Humans’ sleep and wake cycles are regulated by light. Light suppresses the production of melatonin by the brain. As daylight fades, the brain produces more melatonin, which causes us to feel sleepy. In the morning, the gland is instructed to stop producing the hormone, which aids in waking up. We feel sleepier in the winter because there’s less daylight, hence more melatonin. We wake up when it’s still dark outside, before the brain has been instructed to shut down, and it starts up again long before we’re actually ready to go to bed. That adds up to many lethargic mornings and evenings.
No wonder so many people have trouble leaving bed on a cold, dark January morning. Embrace the human seasonal hibernation needs - it's only 56 days until Daylight Savings and 62 days until Spring!!

Sunday 01.10.16

As I reflect upon my impending 64th birthday celebration, I am also reflecting on the needs of my aging parents.  I am blessed to have both of my parents still alive, but cursed with the reality that I am rendered powerless to help them with their daily living needs and remain safe in their home.  I know that I am not the first person to experience this situation, nor will I be the last. 

My faith tells me that every life situation we experience girds you with the strength and knowledge to face the next, but somehow I feel totally unprepared for the days, weeks and months ahead. My parents are strong-willed individuals, which has sustained each of them through grave medical situations.  However we are now dealing with diminished cognitive abilities to make good decisions for their well-being and what are the next steps for my first family.

As my generation continues to celebrate our birthdays, we need to reflect upon our own impending aging to ensure that we have do not inflict addition pain upon our children, should we be rendered incapable of making sound decisions for our own well-being.  Have those hard conversations to instill trust and then take the necessary steps to draw up legal documents.  In doing so you will demonstrate love and trust instead of pain and frustration.

It's a new year, with new goals - please make this a priority for your own family.

Sunday 01.03.16

Happy First Sunday of the New Year!  Hoping that everyone enjoyed their holidays with family and friends and looking forward to the New Year unfolding!!  It was a wonderful holiday at my house, thanks to technology - Face Time with my kiddos on the East Coast vs being home for the holidays.  And lots of mini celebrations with wonderful family and friends.  I am truly blessed.

Setting a New Year's resolution is a common tradition to celebrate change in the upcoming year that dates back to ancient Roman celebrations. To successfully achieve your goals for the new year, make the resolution a positive and attainable habit -
         I will join a gym and workout more vs Spend 10 minutes 3x a week walking
         I will consume more water vs Drink 8oz  of filtered water 4x a day
         I will meditate more vs Daily Devotional reading
         I will journal daily vs Gratitude journaling daily before retiring

Also, remember it takes on average 66 days to turn a goal into a habit.  Be gentle with yourself - if you falter on a goal, give yourself permission to restart and not to entirely abandon the goal.  Revisit the goal to see what aspect could be changed to pique your personal interest - change the exercise from walking to running, add fruit to infuse the water, setup reminders on your devotion app.
                                           
                                                              Happy New You!!!