Health and Lifestyle
Where is the missing piece in your living puzzle?
This puzzle of fish had lots of different shapes to create a unified picture. People are also similar. We are designed to be unique and beautiful.
My husband and I enjoy working puzzles together. Each piece of course, completes a element of the picture. We begin with a frame and connect each section.
That is true in our lives too. We don’t jump from the age of one to 30 without certain things taking place in our lives. Each encounter with a person affects us. Each event, every summer, a school year, or an interaction with a grandparent contributes to who we become.
We are indeed puzzles, growing with many experiences along the way. We are living puzzles that hopefully radiate a spirit of joy. We are unique puzzles. Each person is complete and continues to evolves.
A living vibrant person has many pieces to their story. The language we speak usually indicates the country in which we reside. Our size, hair color, voice, and ways of expression continually evolve as we interact with our peers and community. We continually take in mini habits. These changes have a long term effect as we evolve into adulthood.
As you pass a school building in the next few weeks, think about the children in that building. Are they all the same? Of course, not! They are all developing at different rates, connecting their past with the knowledge presented to them.
Some students will grasp facts. Facts that may contribute to their future careers. Others will begin designing new patterns of thought based on feelings of joy or an emotional impact. These will draw them into different interests.
The relationships they develop in school may lead them to a calling. The school experience may lead some to want to go on to learn more, to teach others, to thrive in another arena. Others may find it stressful and leave school to find an informal pathway to succeeding in life.
Teachers and staff members have a big impact on students. I have two grandsons that are 2 years apart. Both have a love and respect for history thanks to a history teacher who has instilled the love of reading about the past. He brought to life a subject that will help them along the way. He tells stories about the past in a way that becomes real and interesting.
Have you had a teacher who did that for you? Or a mentor that is there for you now? Did you read a book that helped you blossom? Did you have an old neighbor who in some way helped you grab on to a love for a sport, gardening, or hobby?
And to think of all the institutions each person will encounter in life is awesome. The impact of each establishment will form an imprint on that child. Their local church, park district, or camp will develop a piece of their puzzle. To think of all the places, people, books, and cultural modes one has experienced in their lifespan is mind boggling.
So what do you wish to experience? Who do you want to connect with to fill in your living puzzle? What part of yourself needs refinement? Do you want to travel? Do you want to read more or watch more movies? Do you need to enhance a color or develop vitality in one arena? With Easter around the corner and the newness of Spring all around, what will you take away and embrace.
Build your beautiful puzzle by embracing your experiences. Let your light shine for others to see. Enjoy your day and remember to “Delight in Living”.
Onion Skins
Onion Skins
How sensitive are you to criticism?
The children were all playing when one of them got pinched by a little boy! Of course, he ran away quickly. Suddenly the tears began to flow on the little girls face. Bullying can happen at any age and it hurts. Sometimes children learn to be tough and pretend that it didn’t hurt, but it really does. As it turned out the little girl talked with her mother about the little boys behavior and got healthy ways to deal with it.
The way the adult in charge handles small children can help. In this case the little boy was corrected and the little girls feelings were heard. Sometimes one may still feel unheard after trying to explain. As children endure bullying or being picked on, they can also take on the same behavior if it isn’t addressed properly. Feelings may be left to fester or be painful.
That is also true of criticism. Whether it is constructive, or not, it may sting. That is especially true when one has put great effort into a cause and it comes out all wrong. These incidents may not related to being a child. Similar things happen in adulthood. Work, community, and volunteer settings provide places for hurt feelings too. One’s efforts to improve situations may go unnoticed.
Onion skins are delicate and fall apart easily. If torn off quickly there are the onions juices that are ruptured and cause tears. If you think someone you know is thin skinned, do you egg them on or help them out? Do you criticize and label them? Or do you take the time to talk and share ways of handling situations? We are after all responsible for helping one another succeed in life. What goes around comes around and you may be the next one needing help. Embrace one another in loving words and kind examples. Be consistent, kind, and genuine.
Onion skins can be beautiful
When one does not feel appreciated, they may drop out of the scene. Have you ever felt unappreciated? Has your boss criticized you unfairly? Has an instructor given you a backhanded compliment that hurt? Has someone else been given credit for your contributions and left you out on a limb?
How does a person deal with these feelings? Is there a channel to vocalize a feeling of neglect? Are you stuck in a hard place because the HR department or school you are in make it difficult to voice a legitimate gripe?
People who are sensitive are often unjustly called “onion skinned”. I heard an older lady label one of her friends that way. I felt for the person being tagged and tried to speak up for her. I am not sure that even registered with the lady making the comment. Often people are insensitive and judgmental.
Hoping this brings a few questions your way for you to journal on today. Have a good one and “delight in living”!
This is the Day the Lord Has Made. . .
Living the Dream . . .
So often I hear the line, “Living the Dream” and I wonder if people are saying it sarcastically or with reverence. Living each day fully and with wonderful housing, food, education, and responsibilities is living the dream to me. I like variety. I enjoy having opportunities to be with friends and family. To play with the dog, drive to the grocery store, and attend church make life sweet. Having nice neighbors is also a blessing!
For me I am grateful for every day. Actually I am grateful for many things. Each night that I have a comfortable bed to sleep in ranks high in my list. We all need good sleep and a peaceful place to rest of weary heads each night.
I am grateful for my husband, children, grandchildren, and close friends who care about me and those around them. I am thankful for the business people who are helpful and continually mentor for me with good values. I enjoy them.
I am grateful for a fun day yesterday with my daughter who took me to see West Side Story at Paramount Auditorium in Aurora. We enjoyed a Sandwich at Ballydoyle, an Irish Pup downtown. Took us back to our journey to Ireland! Pure Joy! Sometimes it is good to try new places, see new things, and refresh old fond memories.
I wish you a “grateful day”; one that is rich in the things that mean a lot to you. Delight in Living as the new week prior to Easter begins!
Variety is “The Spice of Life”
The delightful colors make food inviting!
Variety is the “Spice of Life”
Whenever we ate, Mom always offered us foods of different colors. A brightly colored fruit, a yellow or green veggie, a protein, and a carb would be served. I recall our plates of food looking inviting and tasting great.
A tasty potato, a plate of noodles, homemade bread, and rice varied with the main dishes. We were encouraged to try different foods, engage in preparing dishes in different ways, and spicing things up with seasonings.
As we got older and ate at friends homes, we graciously learned to enjoy their gifts of dinner to us. The mini miracle of “joy” blossoms by having food to nurture us every single day. I can smell the aromas of fresh breads baking and vanilla in the cakes my mother would make. What blessings we are given and take for granted until we cannot taste, smell, or have foods available to eat.
As I traveled, I could see how areas around the sea offered seafood and the areas where prime land offered wonderful fruit assortments. A few years ago I began to relish a love for vegetable soups after visiting Portugal. In Ireland, potatoes are served everywhere. In Malaysia the seafoods were superb because they were fresh and wonderfully prepared. In the European countries, rich ethnic foods were complimented with wines, liquors, and beer. Again the people experienced “joy” in their companionship of eating with one another.
Dad would tell us to have a variety of friends. Keep in touch with everyone! He loved people and encouraged us to do so also. Make lots of friends and learn what makes them thrive and succeed. People bring joy to one another by sharing and good conversations.
Keeping on top of things calls us to have a variety of interests. Trying music, the arts, sports, hobbies, and activities keep us interested in life and interesting people as well. In Poland, the children were encouraged to sing, play the piano, or take up any musical instrument. Joy filled sounds seemed all around from the concert hall to the downtown Square where people shopped and interacted. I had a dear college friend who came here from that country and was a walking embodiment of talent.
In schools here, we are offered opportunities that can help us develop gifts. The gift of singing carries many career choices like teaching the arts, performing, and/or participating in community musical productions. We are encouraged to think about “what we want to do when we grow up”. It can be a daunting choice or one that comes naturally. A “joy” filled decision.
Knowledge flows from one to another through books. Read a variety & keep learning.
We are exposed to hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, or many other sports. These keep us healthy and connected with others. We learn to be team players and keep our “feel good chemicals” flowing. Joy emerges!
We are exposed to math, science, art, history, and languages that can spread like wildfire to create well rounded professionals. Students are our future doctors, pharmacists, and researchers. We encourage our youth to share by joining the ranks of librarians, teachers, and mediators. We have those to become lawyers, community leaders, and politicians.
Whatever you do, keep variety in your life. It provides great joy. Delight in Living!
Setting Examples!
This delightful picture arrived in my messages yesterday morning. It was great to see the next generations are setting the example of how to be involved. Obviously this child will not know today, but will come to realize in the future how valuable it is to express an opinion. Voting is a way we can express our opinions without others even knowing. 
Today’s comments are to encourage you to be true to yourself. Be the very best person you can be and live up to the standards you know are right. Be part of the change you want to see happen. Even if the people you chose were not selected, you did your part to make a change. This primary was important both locally and helps us stay in tune with politics around us.
Obviously there were many who did go out of their way to vote today. Some people I spoke to had voted earlier; others were intent on showing up to cast a ballot. One young man chose not to vote at all. I hope he will become informed before the he felt he was not well informed and did not want to make a poor choice. Whatever you chose, it was a personal one. In many local elections, things “hinge” on what candidates and issues are looming.
When I stepped into the polling place Tuesday, I was told the polling site was packed in the early hours. It was not crowded when my husband and I went to vote; maybe there were a half dozen people between the time we arrived and left. My husband physically struggles to get in and out of a car, but to him this was relevant. I was so pleased he still tries to keep involved. It is a great effort, but he continues to set an example on what is significant.
It is good to be able to voice an opinion on what matters to each of us. We learn to express ourselves early on with simple words and non verbal expressions. As we get older certain topics become more relevant to us, our occupations, our health issues, and environmental
Many local decisions “hinge” on current issues.
concerns.
Reading and community involvement is another way for us to be heard. Even if who we select is not recognized as the winner, it makes one feel better knowing they voiced an opinion. The bottom line is knowing who is representing us day in and day out on major ordinances and laws that we have to abide by.
Peace be with you today. Keep Smiling and Delight in Living!
Who Knows?
Who Knows?
Everyday brings new surprises and continues to amaze me. I got up rather early today to the clock radio. I shut it off and made my bed, then headed to shower and stated the day moving forward. When I returned to put on my makeup, the talk show was about politics. I began flipping to find some music, but couldn’t find anything but news. I shut it off. It was just too early and not what I needed! Instead Rosy got my attention; she is a sweet calming presence!
I headed out to babysit and visit with my daughters family. It was a pleasant hour ride. I listen to Satellite radio and called in a show today to offer an opinion about a family matter. It was rather fun.
There is nothing as precious as being with a 12 week old baby and watching their little personality blossom each week. Our oldest granddaughter, a college senior was home and a big help. It was nice to have the adult company.
I returned to my office to pick up mail, answer phones, and catch up on the days events. All pretty routine things to catch up to date.
The last important thing to do was return a letter to friends in Nebraska. A couple we met in 1968 while my husband was in training with a large company has kept in touch with us ever since by mail. Our lives have paralleled one another with the birth of children, graduations, and family events. A sad note arrived telling us the husband had died. I took some time to write a short letter and send out the card.
The day continued on the fast track with personal stuff in the evening. Including the purchase of a new car. Very exciting. It was topped off with a visit to our son and his family to show them our new purchase. A perfect day ended as we came home. Fog was everywhere, but we were safe. The weather was warm and pretty outside. Who would have known a day could be so jammed packed and complete? We all need to embrace the minor moments!
Tomorrow is a voting day. Delight in Living.
Keep Smiling
Discover Happiness Within
There is one way that I have discovered to bringing happiness into your life. It came to me some 25 years ago, when a family member went into depression. It was depression due to legitimate issues, but I didn’t want to fall into the same hole. I began reading a book that talked about emotions being contagious. I made a conscious decision not to join into the sadness. Instead I set out on a new pathway. I am glad I did!
I began setting up a schedule that would keep me busy. I sought professional help for the person and did not take it upon myself to be the savior. I decided to be the example rather than a victim. I took up a hobby of sewing once again. I began volunteering time to help others. In doing so, I helped myself. I went back to school. I sought out a friend to travel with and went on several trips. Seeing people in different cultures really helped.
I soon realized that smiling helped. It put things in perspective. It provided energy that I hopefully passed on to other people. Smiling intentionally became a habit. People responded and were receptive.
Sometimes a girl’s just gotta sew! So true!
Smiling is an art that kids seem to generate pretty easily, but one that adults may have forgotten. Why is that? Is life that heavy and sad all the time? Have we forgotten how to play? If so, how does one learn to play again?
Try smiling whenever you’re feeling down. You’ll begin noticing a few things happening. You will start feeling better almost instantly. Your disposition shifts from grumpy to joyous. You’ll want to be with people more.
You’ll actually look better to others; they will mimic your smile. That is a good thing because it starves off being isolated. Depressed or embarrassed people often want to seal themselves off from other people.
Smiling teenagers are fun to be around.
Smiling is a big help in helping one to stress less. It helps keep our hormones in balance. It helps one stay lighter and more resilient. We want to move more, engage in conversation, and enjoy the sunlight. Sunshine and smiling go hand-in-hand in becoming successful. Both are really unrated, but make the world better. Smiling people seem to bring joy into the world.
Hang around the young children in your family and interact with them and their silliness. Engage with family fun with neighbors. Enjoy your day. Delight in Living!
Setting Boundaries!
This sweet one year old is being kept safe by the banister. At this point in time, she needs boundaries to keep her from falling.
Boundaries Begin & Never End
We all begin as pretty adventuresome children. We try to climb and search things out. We become masters at testing the limits that our guardians set out for us.
Banisters, gates and playpens are meant for safety. They remind us to be careful; to hold onto when we are wobbly. Whether we are just learning to walk or using a cane due to an injury, we rely on boundaries to keep us from danger.
Here these students are being watched by adults. The bus driver has put out his stop gate and cars have been reminded to be careful. Rules are boundaries too.
Recently I was watching a story about the Ice Carvings being made in Lake Geneva. Because it is a popular event, many cars were parked on the icy Lake. Many reportedly fell into the water. The weight of so many may have caused them to be plunged into the water. There were natural boundaries that were broken like the shoreline and temperature in this case.
So why a blog on boundaries? Boundaries are not only physical. They pertain to every aspect of our lives. Yes, we learn to follow rules in team sports. We have dress codes for work and uniforms in some academic settings.
A reminder of an intersection where pedestrians and cars cross is a great boundary reminder.
Rules pertain to getting on and off public transportation. Driving near schools, there are speed limits, traffic guards, and lights to remind drivers of the potential for harm. We have signs to keep us and others safe.
We learn that we need to treat each other well. No bullying is allowed; we are encouraged to feel confident about ourselves and celebrate the successes of one another. In many sports, the teams line up at the end of the game and shake hands.
Who knows what team you’ll be on? What person will become your boss? Who will be your nurse or doctor in the future? Life takes strange turns and being thoughtful, kind, and sensible pays off. Plus boundaries keep people honest and respectful of one another.
Paying your bill at the end of dinner and tipping the person who served you is noted as normal. Also it shows a certain degree of education on the use of proper etiquette. We learn to pay our way in the world and be accountable for what we use and what we share.
At school we are given lockers to keep our coats, books, and property separate. We are directed to keep our hands to ourselves and to do our own work. Doing one’s own homework teaches responsibility and pays off at test time. We share a classroom, but we have our own desks. We are encouraged to keep them clean and neat. We are given time limits to do our work. That carries us right into adulthood as we have jobs and obligations to family, friends, and community.
At grocery stores boundaries are also set. Carts are made available for our use. My dad would instruct us to return them to the store. He said we pay for using them and they need to be keep in good condition. Plus we don’t want our car or others cars to get dented. I think of Dad often. He was teaching us a boundary and good etiquette.
We park in lined parking lots. There are spaces for handcapped, for pregnant mothers, and sometimes for different size vehicles. Staying in our own lane is one of the first things we are taught in drivers education. Aren’t those all good boundaries? Yes of course.
Sleeping is a health boundary. Our bodies need proper rest. Playing is fun, but we learn early on that recess and too much of any one thing is not good.
In art classes we learn to color within lines. We paint distinct colors to define different areas on tennis courts or playgrounds. Charts are created for us to put answers in for clarity. Clarity is one of the biggest reasons for having boundaries.
Mentally we use all of these things to help us think clearly. What we do physically and in life replicates itself in how we think. Things are defined and categorized in our minds. We learn what is black and white and what is in between. We learn to discern truth from fiction and imagination from reality. We learn to be good to one another and to ourselves.
Boundaries keep us safe and happy. Keep good boundaries today and be aware of how much they help you think and be successful in life.
Celebrating Every Day . . .
Everyone I know has things they have celebrated. It may have been a wedding, communion, or a holiday. The memories of these joyful experiences linger and remain with us thorough out our lives. It is a good thing to be festive. We smile, we laugh, and best of all we are in community with our friends or family members. It relieves the tension of daily pressures. There is often music and singing. 
I remember celebrating the arrival of our new dog, Rosy. She was an American Bulldog about a year old. We got her a bed, a new collar, and welcomed her into our home. She has a perpetual smile on her face, but a mighty bark.
The first time outside she surveyed the yard from end to end and then she hopped on the backyard swing with my husband. It was as if this would be her spot. It has indeed been that way. Anyone who happens to visit and sit on the swing, better be aware that soon a dog will soon be sitting next to you. It’s pretty funny when you turn around and have a dog face-to-face with you. This is her perch where she can observe the yard, the ground squirrels, and anyone around.
Today we are celebrating her 8th Birthday. Happy Birthday Girl!!! Where did all the time go? Where does time go? Sometimes we are glad when it has passed. Other times we’d like to return to a happier time. I can’t imagine these 7 years without Rosy. She is my velcro dog when I am home. She knows my moves before I do and is an alert alarm for us. This leads me to what I have learned from her.
1-One of the things Rosy has set an example in is patience. I see her waiting every morning for me to get through my routine before we go out. I see her stopping and sitting at the top of the stairs as Tony goes down so she does not trip him. I see her running upstairs to her kitchen bed as we bring up the groceries. Perhaps a treat, or not? She seems so very patient all the time!
2-Next is how to be restful. Rosy knows when to make herself known. She senses when I am tired and will lay her head on my lap. It’s as if she is telling me, “don’t move; I’ll hold you here”. And she does! My type A personality keeps me on the go far too often and she is gentle reminder to slow down. At night she will jump down off her favorite spot and remind me it is bedtime. She’ll leave and come back until I follow her to the bedroom to sleep.
3-S
he is a constant reminder to get up; to go outside. She stops to smell the air; to run after the squirrels. She just enjoys everything about life. I suppose we’d both become workaholics and sit at the computers or sewing machine if she’d let us. She doesn’t. When the kids and grandchildren come around, Rosy will often turn into a pup playing or rediscovering toys she hasn’t picked up for awhile. I must remember that exercise and moving are good for us regardless of age.
4-She knows when to eat and when to stop. Sometimes she will leave her food to wait until we are all together. She not only reminds me to stop eating when I am full, but to wait until I am with others to eat. A good reminder. Our other dogs would scarf down their food, as fast as, they could. Rosy is unique. Uniquely made, just as each of us are created so special.
5-This brings me to the point that God has made us each so special. First in the way we look. Like Rosy, we are all unique. We part our hair differently, like different styles to wear, and listen to different tunes. We have different dispositions. Some of us are loud and others more silent. Rosy’s coloring is so perfect; her ears perk up so alertly. She lays with her paws crossed attentively waiting to see what is next. How do you express yourself? Are you grumpy, bossy, or indifferent to others?
Secondly, the way we receive one another makes us special. Do we run to greet someone with open arms or barely acknowledge their entrance? We know how pets follow us, lean on us, and welcome us with their wagging tails. They accept our abruptness and long for their head to be scratched. When I was in Ireland a few years back, the Sheep Herder on a farm was constantly rubbing the ears of his Sheltie as it danced around him. It was obvious she wanted to please him by working attentively. I just loved watching them connect.
Today is Sunday and a perfect day to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. The temperature has risen. I think I will go celebrate some time with my Best Friend on her Birthday. Peace for the day!
10 Ways to Eat Better for Good Health
10 Short Stories to Motivate You to Eat Well
A morning omelet filled with vegetables and cheese holds this 13 year over until the next round of food.
1. Don’t multitask when you eat.
In the 1960’s, snack tables were all the rage. They were being sold at the grocery stores. They were available through S & H Green Stamps. People had them in their living rooms in fancy wooden stands. Families would sit individually in front of the television; each had their own little table. The trend broke down the value of family conversation.
My mother would work for a long time to prepare food. We didn’t always appreciate it with this grab and go method of eating. All I recall is watching the news, particularly two stories come to mind. Our Lady of Angels School fire where many children would die. Another time watching Nikita Khrushchev, a Soviet Union politician during the Cold War as shouting. How could these sad stories or those of the typical newscast be good for digestion?
Whenever one is watching TV or reading, it is easy to be snacking or eating mindlessly since it is not the priority. The same is true when you are with friends playing board games. Seems like a bag of chips just disappears. Mindless eating costs us calories. It takes the value of enjoying food out of the picture.
2. Take the time to enjoy your food. Invite others to join you. I once worked in a small country church. Everyday at 12 o’clock noon we would stop and gather for lunch until 12:30. The parish was not rich, but everyday I ate there I felt like a Queen. I felt valued. It became the highlight of my day.
Our place settings were not matching, but the table was exquisite. Sister would take what was available and make it magical. We’d have a glass of lemonade, a cup of coffee and a simple lunch. There was always a dessert of a scoop of ice cream or a slice of homemade cake. Oh, how fresh it tasted. The handyman, myself, sister, and whoever was there would join us. It reminds me as I write this today that I felt my hunger was really fed. For what are you hungry? Food? Company? Prayer partners? Friends? Success?
Fresh fruit not only looks beautiful, but gives us energy! Thanks to my daughter for today’s photos.
One of the best things about setting time aside to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner is that we are able to concentrate and enjoy each bite. Set a beautiful seating for yourself and family. Use the nice silverware and china. Put aside your cell phone. If you are alone and listen to the radio, shut it off the to say grace and give yourself a half hour of silence. Don’t rush. If you are lucky to be with others, listen.
3. Try not to eat and drive; focus on traffic and where you are going. We are all so busy. We tend to think being busy is good. It is good to stay involved, but not 24/7. Years ago I fell into a bad habit of eating in the car. I would be driving for an hour and a half at a time. It was easy to drive through a fast food lane. My habit of having an apple and popcorn gave way to a hamburger and fries. My concentration was becoming sluggish and my waistline was disappearing.
4. Use a smaller, but interesting plate for your main meal. I recently read that a blue plate psychologically helps one to eat less. Try it. Again it makes you feel special.
When our children were small, we used cloth napkins. Every day each person had their clean napkin folded at their seat. It taught them to be neat, and to refold it until the next meal, unless it was just too dirty. I had a whole basket of them that I had made. We saved by not buying paper napkins and having extra garbage. I would soak and wash them regularly. Best of all it made our table special.
5. Don’t go back for seconds or refills. I don’t know about you, but when I have done this I usually head for something that is sweet or starchy. It’s the potato salad, the extra pasta, or dessert.
I was watching our 9 week old grandson last week. Normally he is nursed, but I was giving him a bottle of his mother’s milk. He began guzzling it quickly and was angry when it was gone too quickly. He also had taken in air.
We as adults do that too. We rush through eating and don’t give ourselves time to fully get satiated. We therefore overeat and we become angry that we don’t feel well. Eat slowly and with intent. It more satisfying.
6. Designate a bowl for a snack rather than eating from a bag or package of cookies. When I was a child, money was short. My parents would buy a quart of our favorite soda for us to share. We all had our own bowl for chips on a Saturday night. I remember rationing them out so they’d last me through The Hit Parade and Gunsmoke. It was truly a gift. We didn’t overeat, we felt special, and we were thankful. Those are great memories and a tribute to my parents who gave us what we
7. Write down what you eat. Looking at what I eat listed on paper is always revolutionary to me. There is so much listed. It is revealing.
8. Be sure to drink enough fluids especially chilled water. Water that is chilled “feels” like a treat. It quenches our thirst. It helps us stay hydrated and feeling well. It can be served with a piece of fruit like a slice of orange, lemon, or pineappple. It can be enhanced with a peppermint leaf . Be adventuresome.
9. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, foods, and proteins. When I first met my husband, his mother had a dandelion salad for us to eat. I had never tried Our bodies need vitamins, nutrients, fluids, oils–an ongoing center that foods help to provide. We must be open to trying new fresh foods. Traveling and engaging with other cultures helps us learn how to eat and appreciate a variety of foods.
10. Try to eat in the company of friends. Eating in isolation keeps us from being accountable. Food tastes better when there are others around us.