I don't get much time alone in the car. Fortunately for us, we live less than a mile from my work, our church, the school and the grocery stores. However, yesterday I had a doctor's appt on the other side of town. Since the kids are at camp this week, I was able to enjoy about 25 minutes in the car...ALL BY MYSELF! I turned the radio on and tuned in to a "classic rock" station (I was in that kind of mood)! About 10 minutes into my drive, a song came on that brought back tons of memories for me. Does that ever happen to you?
Listening to that song took me back to another time and another place in my life. It was a pure moment of bliss to visit that part of my past.
Go ahead, click on the link below...turn up the volume on your computer...sit back...close your eyes....and go (for just about 3 minutes) back to that place, wherever it takes you! Hum along...or sing along. Just enjoy!
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 28
*Post a picture of something you are afraid of*
Sadly, fear has had a very prominent place in my life ever since I can remember! There are a TON of things I'm afraid of...but here are just a few:
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Sadly, fear has had a very prominent place in my life ever since I can remember! There are a TON of things I'm afraid of...but here are just a few:
Flying roaches! These things DISGUST me! This is the #1 reason I don't like living in Florida!
Flying...well, actually...I'm not so much afraid of flying as I am afraid of crashing!
Yes, I'm afraid of a recurrence.
Anyway, these are in no particular order and if you know me at all....these aren't a surprise.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 27
*Post a picture of yourself and a family member*
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This is my favorite uncle. I guess I was about two or three in this picture. I have a very vague recollection of this bedroom. I remember that I thought of it as the "purple bedroom". Every morning when I would open my eyes, the room was a purple color. It didn't last for long, only a few minutes but I loved that room!
Years later, I realized that the windows in my room faced towards the east and when the sun would rise in the morning, it would cast a purple glow on the pale pink walls. I wonder if this is the reason that I am so fascinated with sunrises and sunsets. I ALWAYS stop to notice the way the sky looks early in the morning and at dusk. There is no painting in this world that is more beautiful than the canvass that God uses every day! Sometimes I pretend that He made that painting in the sky just for me!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
I needed this!
This has been a rough week. I had to say good bye to a dear friend. Pete was diagnosed with lymphoma in November. He never really responded to treatment. There is so much I could say about Pete and how he lived his life. He was special. If ever there was a person that could be considered a Saint...it was Pete. He spent his entire life showing Christ to others. My world is a little more dim now that he is gone.
Anyway, I came across this post tonight and it really lifted my spirit and I wanted to share it with you.
God and the Post Office
Anyway, I came across this post tonight and it really lifted my spirit and I wanted to share it with you.
God and the Post Office
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Air Quality Alert!
Well, today was another air quality alert day here in Jacksonville. The fires near the Okefenokee swamp are inundating us with smoke. It's recommended that everybody stay indoors. This is really starting to cramp my summer style!
Earlier this week, two firefighters were killed while battling this blaze. Please offer up your prayers for their families.
Here's a view from space showing where the fires are and the direction the smoke is going.
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Earlier this week, two firefighters were killed while battling this blaze. Please offer up your prayers for their families.
Here's a view from space showing where the fires are and the direction the smoke is going.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 26
*Post a picture of something that means a lot to you*
Ask this of me tomorrow, and you may get a different answer. But today, this is what means a lot to me.....
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Ask this of me tomorrow, and you may get a different answer. But today, this is what means a lot to me.....
The Church
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| Image Credit The Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Father |
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| The Catechism of the Catholic Church |
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| The Blessed Mother |
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| Image Credit |
The Rosary
Monday, June 20, 2011
Oncology Appt
It's been four months and that means it's time for my oncology check up. Except for some pretty rough allergy symptoms, I've been feeling pretty well. There is really no need to be nervous for this appointment, but leave it to me to conjure up some worry.
Last week I went to my regular doctor because of the allergy symptoms. To be on the safe side, she ordered a chest xray because I've been short of breath. Thankfully, the xray was normal. This was good news and gives me increased confidence that the appointment this afternoon will go well.
My annual mammogram is due in August so I have another month or two before I start stressing about that!
I'll have to have some lab work done today to check for certain tumor markers. I'm expecting those to be fine too.
Overall, I can't complain...or I should say....I shouldn't complain! Itchy, watery eyes and excessive sneezing is something that I can handle (with a little help from Claritan or Zyrtec). I have many aches, pains and stiffness in my joints and bones...some of it due to my weight and some of it due to the cancer medication that I take daily, but, it's mostly just annoying. Since my sleep study and subsequent need for a CPAP at night...I am waking up without headaches and feeling refreshed!
I have much to be thankful for! Next month it will be 3 years since my diagnosis. I'm moving right along. Each year that there is no sign of cancer is year of victory for me! Cancer truly does change your life. It changes it in some pretty horrible ways...but also changes it in many beautiful ways.
Just because I'm feeling a little "punchy" today, here are some ways that my life has changed since cancer:
1. The realization (in a very tangible and concrete way) that I am NOT in control ofeverything anything!
2. That even if you have decent medical insurance...you will pay a fortune in co pays, deductibles and various incidental medical needs.
3. That doctors and nurses are human and make mistakes.
4. That you can get away with having a bad attitude if you are bald.
5. That some of the most effective chemo drugs are actually poisons used in war to kill people (for instance, one of my chemo drugs had 'mustard gas' as an ingredient).
6. That no matter how strong your spiritual life is, you will still be scared sometimes.
7. That life is fragile.
8. That you are stronger than you think you are.
9. That you are NEVER alone.
10. That some friends will not be able to handle the 'cancer' thing and will withdraw from you totally.
In truth, I've learned much, much more and would never have enough space to list everything. I think the best way to describe cancer is to say that it is a JOURNEY! A coming of age of sorts. Your life is constantly changing from one day to the next and you are NEVER the same person that you were BEFORE the diagnosis. You BECOME flexible...you have to be! You find strength in your tears. You realize that you have been given a wonderful opportunity to touch other people....not in a grand, dramatic, "Sainthood" type of way....but in the small hidden ways. Like when you smile at the nurse who can't find a vein and has stuck you several times.....or when you share some comforting words to a new cancer patient as they sit in the chemo chair for the first time....or when you can call the garage attendant by name at the cancer center. You may never be aware that you are touching people. Seriously! You may never know what happens in some one's heart after an encounter. But rest assured that God WILL BRING good out of bad! What satan means for evil, God will turn it around!
So let the cancer rage...as it were! Let the doctors, the nurses, the drugs, the advances in medical technology do what they are supposed to do...and you do what you are supposed to do...LIVE one day at a time! Take each day in stride and do your very best to see the glass as half full! Allow yourself time (days, if you have to) to feel sorry for yourself and wallow in the deepest sorrow you've ever known....and then...get up and move on!
Dare I say it? BE NOT AFRAID! Sigh.
Last week I went to my regular doctor because of the allergy symptoms. To be on the safe side, she ordered a chest xray because I've been short of breath. Thankfully, the xray was normal. This was good news and gives me increased confidence that the appointment this afternoon will go well.
My annual mammogram is due in August so I have another month or two before I start stressing about that!
I'll have to have some lab work done today to check for certain tumor markers. I'm expecting those to be fine too.
Overall, I can't complain...or I should say....I shouldn't complain! Itchy, watery eyes and excessive sneezing is something that I can handle (with a little help from Claritan or Zyrtec). I have many aches, pains and stiffness in my joints and bones...some of it due to my weight and some of it due to the cancer medication that I take daily, but, it's mostly just annoying. Since my sleep study and subsequent need for a CPAP at night...I am waking up without headaches and feeling refreshed!
I have much to be thankful for! Next month it will be 3 years since my diagnosis. I'm moving right along. Each year that there is no sign of cancer is year of victory for me! Cancer truly does change your life. It changes it in some pretty horrible ways...but also changes it in many beautiful ways.
Just because I'm feeling a little "punchy" today, here are some ways that my life has changed since cancer:
1. The realization (in a very tangible and concrete way) that I am NOT in control of
2. That even if you have decent medical insurance...you will pay a fortune in co pays, deductibles and various incidental medical needs.
3. That doctors and nurses are human and make mistakes.
4. That you can get away with having a bad attitude if you are bald.
5. That some of the most effective chemo drugs are actually poisons used in war to kill people (for instance, one of my chemo drugs had 'mustard gas' as an ingredient).
6. That no matter how strong your spiritual life is, you will still be scared sometimes.
7. That life is fragile.
8. That you are stronger than you think you are.
9. That you are NEVER alone.
10. That some friends will not be able to handle the 'cancer' thing and will withdraw from you totally.
In truth, I've learned much, much more and would never have enough space to list everything. I think the best way to describe cancer is to say that it is a JOURNEY! A coming of age of sorts. Your life is constantly changing from one day to the next and you are NEVER the same person that you were BEFORE the diagnosis. You BECOME flexible...you have to be! You find strength in your tears. You realize that you have been given a wonderful opportunity to touch other people....not in a grand, dramatic, "Sainthood" type of way....but in the small hidden ways. Like when you smile at the nurse who can't find a vein and has stuck you several times.....or when you share some comforting words to a new cancer patient as they sit in the chemo chair for the first time....or when you can call the garage attendant by name at the cancer center. You may never be aware that you are touching people. Seriously! You may never know what happens in some one's heart after an encounter. But rest assured that God WILL BRING good out of bad! What satan means for evil, God will turn it around!
So let the cancer rage...as it were! Let the doctors, the nurses, the drugs, the advances in medical technology do what they are supposed to do...and you do what you are supposed to do...LIVE one day at a time! Take each day in stride and do your very best to see the glass as half full! Allow yourself time (days, if you have to) to feel sorry for yourself and wallow in the deepest sorrow you've ever known....and then...get up and move on!
Dare I say it? BE NOT AFRAID! Sigh.
O St. Joseph, protector of those in agony, take pity on those who at this very moment are engaged in their last combat. Take pity on my own soul when the hour of death shall come for me. Do not abandon me; in granting your assistance, show that you are my good father, and grant that my divine Savior may receive me with mercy into that dwelling where the elect enjoy a life that shall never end! Amen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 25
*Post a picture of your day*
Over the past two weeks, the days here in Jacksonville have been filled with smoke! Apparently, there are several fires burning in the surrounding counties (and a very large fire in Georgia)! It has been so HOT here...reaching into the upper 90's in the afternoon! Between the heat and the smoke, it feels as though I'm living on the surface of the sun! The smoke has made it hard to breathe. As a matter of fact, I ended up with an inhaler because of irritation in my bronchial tubes and my lungs. I can't really tell if it's allergies or the smoke! My guess is that it's a little of both! Anyway, here is a picture of my days....lately!
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This is a photo of downtown Jacksonville on Wednesday of this week! I've been keeping the kids indoors which means a lot of computer games, videos, board games and playing dress up....as well as several episodes of Spongebob (ew). As a matter of fact...the following conversation transpired between Amelia (age 7) and myself yesterday...
Amelia: Mom, is Bikini Bottom real? Because if it is, I'd like to live there!
Mom: Nope, it's not real, Amelia....it's a CARTOON!
Amelia: Darn!
Please God, take the smoke away so my kids can go back outside to play! Amen.
Over the past two weeks, the days here in Jacksonville have been filled with smoke! Apparently, there are several fires burning in the surrounding counties (and a very large fire in Georgia)! It has been so HOT here...reaching into the upper 90's in the afternoon! Between the heat and the smoke, it feels as though I'm living on the surface of the sun! The smoke has made it hard to breathe. As a matter of fact, I ended up with an inhaler because of irritation in my bronchial tubes and my lungs. I can't really tell if it's allergies or the smoke! My guess is that it's a little of both! Anyway, here is a picture of my days....lately!
Amelia: Mom, is Bikini Bottom real? Because if it is, I'd like to live there!
Mom: Nope, it's not real, Amelia....it's a CARTOON!
Amelia: Darn!
Please God, take the smoke away so my kids can go back outside to play! Amen.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 24
*Post a picture of something you wish you could change*
I wish I could change the hearts and minds of those who believe that to be "pro-choice" is empowering to women. True feminism is to not allow yourself to be exploited or oppressed (and that includes the unborn). True feminism is to realize and embrace all that it means to be a woman, to respect all human life, to reject violence....especially in cases of a seemingly untimely pregnancy...or for convenience. All human beings have inherent worth....simply because we were created in the image and likeness of God. There is a notion out there that abortion liberates women. There is nothing farther from the truth.....and that's what I wish I could change.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 23
*Post a picture of your favorite book*
It's difficult to pick just one. Over the years, I've had many favorites....from all of the Berenstain Bears books to the Catechism of the Catholic Church! I really enjoyed the Twilight Series as well as reading all the Junie B. Jones books to my kids. But, since I'm asked to post a picture of my favorite....I'd have to narrow it down to just two:
If you have not read either of these books, you are really missing something.
It's difficult to pick just one. Over the years, I've had many favorites....from all of the Berenstain Bears books to the Catechism of the Catholic Church! I really enjoyed the Twilight Series as well as reading all the Junie B. Jones books to my kids. But, since I'm asked to post a picture of my favorite....I'd have to narrow it down to just two:
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| The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis De Montfort |
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| Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard |
Monday, June 13, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 22
*Post a picture of something you wish you were better at*
I wish I was better at gardening. I don't know what color my thumbs are supposed to be, but I can assure you they are not green! The soil here in Florida is very sandy...much different from what I'm used to in Northern California. We've tried tomatoes (I got about 4 small ones), eggplant (this plant looked very healthy and gave me two gorgeous eggplants but that was it), red chili peppers (these are still going strong), and lettuce. The lettuce did very well! It gave me about 4 good crops worth. Then, we had a particularly rainy week and I forgot to check the lettuce! The next time I went out there....it had grown, grown, grown and had flowered. The leaves were HUGE...but very tough and bitter. I pulled the last of the lettuce up about 2 weeks ago. I also tried growing some carrots. They didn't get very big....
This was my lettuce before my first crop! I think it did so well because the Blessed Mother was watching over it!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 21
*Post a picture of something you wish you could forget*
No way around it....cancer sucks.
Friday, June 10, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 19
*Post a picture of you when you were little*
This was my 2nd birthday...celebrating with my Aunt JoAnn & Uncle Tom! I can't believe that this was 44 years ago!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 18
*Post a picture of your biggest insecurity*
I'm sure you didn't visit my blog today to see a list of my many insecurities. I gotta be honest, I'm tempted to list as many as I can think of! However, I'll spare you the gory details and just share a picture of two. And by the way, these pictures are NOT of me (I don't think the rules on this photo challenge said that the picture had to be a real one)!
Believe it or not, I'm very insecure about my weight. I think it has gotten worse since my mastectomy and hysterectomy. It's all tied to self esteem....which I've struggled with for a loooong time! Food has just always been a comfort to me during stressful times. I'm 46 years old now and I'm not so sure that I can reverse this. I try so hard to make use of other resources when I'm feeling particularly low or depressed but it always comes back to food. I don't know if it's because of an "addiction" gene that I inherited (wouldn't it be nice to blame someone else!) or just simply the fact that I'm Italian and we Italians LOVE food! Either way, it's a problem that I'm currently working on with a vengeance!
My other insecurity is my parenting skills. What I find interesting is that if Dan and I wanted to adopt children, we would have to go through years of preparation. We would have to provide a home study, financial records, medical records, detailed mental health history and so on. However, when I went to the hospital to deliver Nathan, they just wrapped him in a blanket and said...here ya go! He didn't come with an instruction booklet. No one thought twice about handing him to Dan and I and letting us go...letting us LEAVE the hospital! When we got home, we put him in the bassinet and stared at him. We looked at each other and said, "OK, what do we do now?" The point I'm trying to make is that there is no right way to parent. I think a case can be made that there are several WRONG ways, but the jury is still out on the right way. So what does a mother do? You learn as you go. This leaves SOOO much room for error!
It really hit me the other day that I could be seriously messing with their psyche. Am I filling them with guilt the way my mom did with me? Am I allowing them to grow? Am I encouraging them to explore the world around them? Am I hindering their creativity? Are they going to hate me when they grow up? When they act up at a restaurant or the grocery store, are the other people around us judging me? Well, I don't know the answer to any of those questions but, I do know this.....I fall terribly short in my own expectations. I guess I can only hope that my kids are easier on me than I am on myself and that God sees my heart and my errors and fills in those gaps!
I'm sure you didn't visit my blog today to see a list of my many insecurities. I gotta be honest, I'm tempted to list as many as I can think of! However, I'll spare you the gory details and just share a picture of two. And by the way, these pictures are NOT of me (I don't think the rules on this photo challenge said that the picture had to be a real one)!
My other insecurity is my parenting skills. What I find interesting is that if Dan and I wanted to adopt children, we would have to go through years of preparation. We would have to provide a home study, financial records, medical records, detailed mental health history and so on. However, when I went to the hospital to deliver Nathan, they just wrapped him in a blanket and said...here ya go! He didn't come with an instruction booklet. No one thought twice about handing him to Dan and I and letting us go...letting us LEAVE the hospital! When we got home, we put him in the bassinet and stared at him. We looked at each other and said, "OK, what do we do now?" The point I'm trying to make is that there is no right way to parent. I think a case can be made that there are several WRONG ways, but the jury is still out on the right way. So what does a mother do? You learn as you go. This leaves SOOO much room for error!
It really hit me the other day that I could be seriously messing with their psyche. Am I filling them with guilt the way my mom did with me? Am I allowing them to grow? Am I encouraging them to explore the world around them? Am I hindering their creativity? Are they going to hate me when they grow up? When they act up at a restaurant or the grocery store, are the other people around us judging me? Well, I don't know the answer to any of those questions but, I do know this.....I fall terribly short in my own expectations. I guess I can only hope that my kids are easier on me than I am on myself and that God sees my heart and my errors and fills in those gaps!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 17
*Post a picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently*
My recent trip to Rome for the beatification of Pope John Paul II (now Blessed) has had a very intense impact on my life. Although I posted these pictures once before....Blogger somehow LOST that post and I haven't yet had the opportunity to upload them again. If anyone ever tells you that standing in the middle of St. Peter's Square is not a moving experience (Catholic or no), they are outright lying to you! I don't think there is anything that has so deeply affected me (not counting the birth of my kids) the way that St. Peter's does. I know that I can't adequately express it, but my very soul was touched and uplifted. It's something that affected me to the very core of who I am. I can honestly say that I will never be the same after having been there.
OK..enough talk, here are the pictures from the Beatification on Sunday, May 1st, 2011.
My recent trip to Rome for the beatification of Pope John Paul II (now Blessed) has had a very intense impact on my life. Although I posted these pictures once before....Blogger somehow LOST that post and I haven't yet had the opportunity to upload them again. If anyone ever tells you that standing in the middle of St. Peter's Square is not a moving experience (Catholic or no), they are outright lying to you! I don't think there is anything that has so deeply affected me (not counting the birth of my kids) the way that St. Peter's does. I know that I can't adequately express it, but my very soul was touched and uplifted. It's something that affected me to the very core of who I am. I can honestly say that I will never be the same after having been there.
OK..enough talk, here are the pictures from the Beatification on Sunday, May 1st, 2011.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The White Stuff
As some of you may know, I've given up the "white stuff"! It's been about a week now, without it. I have my good days and my bad days. Overall, I think I'm doing really well!
If you're wondering what the "white stuff" is....well, it's just that....anything white. Primarily, pasta (oh the humanity), rice, sugar, potatoes & flour. I've also eliminated almost all dairy and, for now, grains. Are you shocked? Does it seem extreme? Well, you should be and it is. However, I'm at the point where I've really got to do something pretty drastic. For one thing, I've had GI issues for as long as I can remember. I had my gallbladder out in 1996 and things got MUCH better. But over the past decade, things have gotten out of hand again. Although I'm not a sweet eater, I have an addiction to high fat items. Things like cheese, pasta and bread. These things are really good for you...in moderation. And trust me, THAT is where the disconnect lives.
I've talked before about my mom's alcoholism. My sister followed in her footsteps. Thankfully, I don't have that problem, BUT, I have an addiction that's all my own....FOOD. See, you can go through a 12-step program for alcoholism and never touch the stuff again! The thing with food is that you HAVE to eat to survive so it isn't as easy as just avoiding what you're addicted to. **PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM IN NO WAY IMPLYING THAT IT IS EASY TO DEAL WITH ALCOHOLISM! I'M VERY AWARE OF THE FACT THAT IT IS A DISEASE**
Anyway, I'm sharing this because I'm excited that I made my first batch of pancakes without white flour! I made ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKES this morning. Very interesting...and very delicious. You'll need to get over the texture difference in order to truly enjoy them for what they are!
Almond Flour Pancakes
1 cup almond flour (meal)
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
2 TBSP coconut oil
1 TBSP sweetener (I used Sucanat)
2 TSP cinnamon
The batter will be much thinner than what you're used to and there won't be any bubbles to let you know it's time to flip them over. It may take a couple of pancakes before you get it.
I served them with some organic butter and agave nectar. Honestly, they were delicious!
My diet consists mostly of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meat. I've enjoyed shopping at the local farmers market and using a new cookbook that I bought called Everyday Paleo! Here are some pictures from the last week!
Please ignore the disgustingly dirty oven.
I'll be sharing more about this new way of eating as it unfolds for me. This is new and hopefully life changing...but in a good way. In the weeks, months and years ahead, we will expand our small garden and hopefully be able to grow some yummy things to help supplement this VERY EXPENSIVE way of eating. I think it's terrible that the most affordable things at the grocery store are the processed foods full of chemicals.
Anyway, I'd appreciate your prayers and any ideas that you may have.
Have a great week!
If you're wondering what the "white stuff" is....well, it's just that....anything white. Primarily, pasta (oh the humanity), rice, sugar, potatoes & flour. I've also eliminated almost all dairy and, for now, grains. Are you shocked? Does it seem extreme? Well, you should be and it is. However, I'm at the point where I've really got to do something pretty drastic. For one thing, I've had GI issues for as long as I can remember. I had my gallbladder out in 1996 and things got MUCH better. But over the past decade, things have gotten out of hand again. Although I'm not a sweet eater, I have an addiction to high fat items. Things like cheese, pasta and bread. These things are really good for you...in moderation. And trust me, THAT is where the disconnect lives.
I've talked before about my mom's alcoholism. My sister followed in her footsteps. Thankfully, I don't have that problem, BUT, I have an addiction that's all my own....FOOD. See, you can go through a 12-step program for alcoholism and never touch the stuff again! The thing with food is that you HAVE to eat to survive so it isn't as easy as just avoiding what you're addicted to. **PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM IN NO WAY IMPLYING THAT IT IS EASY TO DEAL WITH ALCOHOLISM! I'M VERY AWARE OF THE FACT THAT IT IS A DISEASE**
Anyway, I'm sharing this because I'm excited that I made my first batch of pancakes without white flour! I made ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKES this morning. Very interesting...and very delicious. You'll need to get over the texture difference in order to truly enjoy them for what they are!
Almond Flour Pancakes
1 cup almond flour (meal)
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
2 TBSP coconut oil
1 TBSP sweetener (I used Sucanat)
2 TSP cinnamon
The batter will be much thinner than what you're used to and there won't be any bubbles to let you know it's time to flip them over. It may take a couple of pancakes before you get it.
I served them with some organic butter and agave nectar. Honestly, they were delicious!
My diet consists mostly of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meat. I've enjoyed shopping at the local farmers market and using a new cookbook that I bought called Everyday Paleo! Here are some pictures from the last week!
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| fresh, organic produce from local farms |
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| fresh strawberries from Starke, Florida |
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| Fresh blackberries...I cooked them down. |
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| made a nice syrup for ice cream...it kinda looks like blood...doesn't it? I can assure you, it's all blackberries! |
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| stuffed zucchini and mushrooms |
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| baked chicken and veges |
I'll be sharing more about this new way of eating as it unfolds for me. This is new and hopefully life changing...but in a good way. In the weeks, months and years ahead, we will expand our small garden and hopefully be able to grow some yummy things to help supplement this VERY EXPENSIVE way of eating. I think it's terrible that the most affordable things at the grocery store are the processed foods full of chemicals.
Anyway, I'd appreciate your prayers and any ideas that you may have.
Have a great week!
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 16
*Post a picture of someone who inspires you*
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| Pope Benedict XVI |
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| Glenn Beck |
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| My friend, Judy Dudich |
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| George W. Bush |
Monday, June 6, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 15
*Post a picture of something you want to do before you die*
I have been very blessed over the years to be able to visit and live in some wonderful places! The beauty of the Pacific Coast in California can't be matched! The tall Redwoods and ancient Sequoia's, the sunset over the ocean, the snowy mountains of the Sierra's and the fields of flowers and produce in the Central Valley....all are incredible to behold. But, the above 3 places are dreams I've had for a very long time. Eventually, I'll get to each one...when the timing (God's timing) is right.
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| Aurora Borealis |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| Crater Lake, Oregon |
I have been very blessed over the years to be able to visit and live in some wonderful places! The beauty of the Pacific Coast in California can't be matched! The tall Redwoods and ancient Sequoia's, the sunset over the ocean, the snowy mountains of the Sierra's and the fields of flowers and produce in the Central Valley....all are incredible to behold. But, the above 3 places are dreams I've had for a very long time. Eventually, I'll get to each one...when the timing (God's timing) is right.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 14
*Post a picture of someone you could never imagine your life without*
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| My reasons for living (picture from Oct 2006) |
Saturday, June 4, 2011
60 Day Photo Challenge - Day 13
*Post a picture of your favorite band or artist*
I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one. I'm going to break the rules today and post more than one picture! And these are in NO particular order.
I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one. I'm going to break the rules today and post more than one picture! And these are in NO particular order.
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| Journey |
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| Kenny G. |
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| Margaret Becker |
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| Stevie Nicks |
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