Intriguing Read

People have been reporting Near Death Experiences for centuries with eerily similar stories. Science argues that these experiences are impossible but the people who go through them are convinced that they are even more real than their reality. They recall the episode with such clarity that many of them are changed for the rest of their lives.

Proof of Heaven was written by a prominent neurosurgeon who had a near death story to tell - His own! The back cover of the book states, "This story would be remarkable no matter who it happened to. That it happened to Dr. Alexander makes it revolutionary. No scientist or person of faith will be able to ignore it. Reading it will change your life."

If you are looking for something a bit more spiritual to read this holiday season, Proof of Heaven could be an interesting read. It will certainly go beyond "small talk" at the season's cocktail parties!

Forget about it!

                      Forget it enough to get over it, remember it enough so it doesn't happen again.

This quote caught my eye because it's simplicity is instructive. The old adage, "Forgive and Forget" didn't seem very prudent to me. I got the Forgive part. The Forget half was akin to doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. 

For me, "Forget it enough to get over it" means Forgive. Don't hang onto the slight. If I do, it most likely will bury itself and turn into a resentment. Any resentment does the bearer (me) harm.

"Remember it enough so it doesn't happen again" signals to me that with forgiveness comes responsibility. I am responsible for the choices I make and the situations I accept. I can Forget (Forgive) and Remember (Be Responsible for my self care), both of which keep me happier and healthier! Enjoy your day!

PINK!

                                                                    

Buy Locally

I feel so fortunate to live in an area where there is plenty of access to fresh, organic, locally grown veggies! The weekend days boast two farmer's markets nearby. (One within walking distance.) The real convenience is I have subscribed to Black Hog Farm's bi-monthly delivery of a small vegetable basket. As a result, I never run short of vegetables for dinner.  They deliver what is in season and it is all fresh from the farm! With the recommended vegetable intake of 5 per day, I am never at a loss for delicious, nutritious vegetables in the house. If you don't live nearby, it is worth checking in your area for a local farm who may run a delivery service to residences. Eat Healthy, Buy locally!

blackhogfarm.com

Check out the link. They have recipes posted to make your life even easier!
                                         

                                                                                       

They Got Me!

A good friend of mine's daughter would excitedly exclaim the day after Thanksgiving, "Thanksgiving is OVER, It's CHRISTMAS!" We have joked about it every "Black Friday" for years. If you've been shopping this month, I'm sure you have noticed the Holiday music being piped into the shopping areas or the stores kept at a colder temperature to induce the feeling of December. There are so many marketing weapons to induce you into buying earlier and earlier. The one thing I DID decide to make an early decision on was our Christmas tree. My thought was if I am going to the effort and expense to buy and decorate a beautiful tree, I want to enjoy it as long as possible!

I don't know if it was the music or the lower temperature but THEY GOT ME!  I was fortunate enough to have two of my three children home this weekend so my husband and I took our daughters tree shopping. They picked out a beautiful tree that we will bring home the day after Thanksgiving.  It was a nice outing and probably the start of a new tradition! What are some traditions you cherish????

PS... Tree is up. Now comes the hard part- lights!

 We're thinking Christmas!

Rebecca and Annie creating a "Norman Rockwell" moment

How we see the world

We see the world, not as it is but, as we are.
                Stephen R. Covey



I love this observation and am reminded of a story Wayne Dyer tells of a woman who was contemplating a move from her hometown across the country. She was visiting the prospective town and started a conversation with a man who had lived in the town for quite some time. The woman asked the stranger how he liked the town and if the people who lived there were friendly.

 The man responded with his own question, "What are the people like where you are from?"

"Oh, they are very kind and friendly," the woman answered.

"Well, you will love it here. The people are exactly the same, kind and friendly."

The woman thanked the kind man and was confident about her decision to leave her hometown.

A few weeks later, the same man was out and met a couple who were contemplating a move to his community and they asked him what he thought of the town. Again, his response was a question, "What are the people like where you are from?"

"OH," the woman responded without hesitation, "They are dreadful. Everyone I know is rude and unfriendly."

"Well, I am sorry to say that is exactly how you will find the people here, rude and unfriendly."

The couple left convinced they would not move to that town.

What a great illustration of how we view the world makes all the difference in our lives. If we focus on the negative, that is what we will always see. If we choose to see the positive, then that is what we will experience.

Enjoy your day!

Thanksgiving checklist

Thanksgiving is FAST approaching. Just a few easy tasks to help the day go smoothly:

 TUESDAY

  1. If you haven't bought a Turkey yet, buy fresh. Frozen takes one day for every four
       pounds to thaw.
  2. Pull out your serving pieces (Utensils, platters, etc.) and wash them.
  3. Polish any silver you plan to use.
  4. Finalize your menu or confirm with others what they will bring.
  5. Check menu details (whipped cream, cranberry sauce, butter, gravy, etc.)

WEDNESDAY

  1. Set the table.
  2. Set up the serving table (if you plan to serve buffet style) with the containers you
       plan to use.
  3. Make sure the bathrooms are clean and have soap, hand towels and toilet
       paper available.
  4. Clean out the refrigerator. (You may need room for leftovers!)
  5. Prepare any items that can be made ahead and refrigerate.

THANKSGIVING DAY

 Don't Stress! The point of today is to count your blessings and enjoy a meal with
 family and friends!

Squash Casserole ready to freeze for Thanksgiving

Centerpiece for table being set 

Happiness

The greatest gift you can ever give another person is your own happiness.

Esther Abraham-Hicks

As the holiday gift giving season approaches, and I'm thinking about buying gifts, my thoughts automatically go to what do people really want? I'm not talking about "things" that may give a temporary feeling of what we think is "happiness." I'm pondering the question, what do we as humans REALLY want? It may be a different answer for everyone.  Don't get me wrong, I love to unwrap a gift as much as anyone so this is not a material wish bashing session. 

My first response was, "Happy. I want to be happy." But upon further examination, I think that there may be an even more basic want. I would choose a state of well-being. Well- being breeds happiness for me. I know I cannot give what I don't have so when I am not in the state I desire, it is my responsibility to do something about it. I have noted a few things that help return me to a state of well being. Maybe some will resonate with you.

1. Exercise releases endorphins that make me feel great

                   2. Connecting with someone reminds me we are all in this together

        3. Meditation is a great tool to help put things in perspective

What gift do you really want? What gift will you give yourself this season?

It's Monday!

Here we are again! It's Monday. We have all heard that it is not WHAT you say but HOW you say it. Let's try it with a Monday morning thought...

1. GOOD GOD! It's MONDAY!
                    or
2. GOOD God, It's Monday.

And... it is the Monday before Thanksgiving which marks a few short weeks until the Holidays. You can choose which greeting for this Monday that may inspire you to have the best day possible. (PS I don't know the exact rules of the game but  I do know you will never get this day back again.) Choose your attitude and go for it! Happy Monday.

Just a small bite

Sometimes I just want something sweet but don't want a huge sugar hit. When the chocolate elf sneaks up on me I grab a few pomegranates covered in dark chocolate. Just a few will really hit the spot and satisfy my urge for a treat. A little upside is that they are a natural source of flavanol antioxidents! I'm not kidding when I say they are hard to resist.

If you are a Costco member, you are in luck. They carry chocolate covered pomegranates and chocolate covered acai berries. If not, check out brooksidefoods.com if you would like to order. Enjoy!

Do Something you love!

Do Something you love everyday. If that seems too lofty a goal (whatever the reason; time demands, low energy, resources, etc.) now is the time to revisit those limiting beliefs. My oldest daughter, Annie, has really inspired me lately to pursue some different activities by watching how adeptly she fits in a demanding work schedule while making time for what energizes her.

 When someone who doesn't know her asks about my daughter I often lovingly and jokingly say,
" Annie? She could run the country!" Sometimes I don't think I'm far off with that assessment and there is always truth in jest.

She is a third year law student, wife, volunteer, athlete, supportive friend to her peers and a blogger! Visit annelliott.blogspot.com  and you will get a glimpse into what I mean. It is also a great blog if you are looking for decorating or fashion ideas that are classy and affordable as well as recipes and travel tips. Annie is also my biggest cheerleader. I'm convinced that her organizational skills and her commitment to doing something she loves daily keeps her happy, healthy, motivated, compassionate and caring!

Annie Adams Bryan

As we near the "crazy-busy" season, taking care of your needs becomes even more important. If you are feeling low or overwhelmed, even a little act of self care can really lift your spirits. Call a friend, go to a movie, get a pedicure, visit your garden, take a walk. Anything that you enjoy will do the trick! Remember, the world is your playground. Don't miss recess!!

Great Holiday Side Dish!

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, I'm starting to think about this wonderful family gathering. Green beans are a "go to" dish especially if you are expecting a gaggle of children. I discovered this recipe a few years ago and decided it was a keeper because with just a few extra steps I could turn kid friendly green beans into an adult gourmet dish. Everyone is happy!!! This recipe is adapted from Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers.

Ingredients:

1 bag green beans (@ 1.5 lbs) trimmed and cut to size
1 container baby bella mushrooms
3 TBs canola oil
2 finely chopped shallots
5 slices (thick cut) bacon
salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of slightly salted water to a boil. Add beans and return to boil. Cook until tender but still crisp (about 3 minutes). Cool the beans under cold water (this stops them from becoming mushy.) Wrap them in paper towels and store them in the refrigerator if you are preparing them ahead. Reserve some beans for the younger crowd if they are picky eaters.  Slice the baby bellas to bite size and heat up 2 tbs of canola oil in large pan. Saute the mushrooms and shallots until tender. (2 minutes) Remove them and place them on a paper towel to drain. Add the remaining tbs oil and cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain the grease leaving enough to lightly coat the green beans. When ready to serve, add beans, mushrooms and shallots to pan and reheat. Place in casserole dish and crumble bacon on top! Enjoy! Serves about 8 hungry guests.

Delicious

Photo is by allthatsplatters.blogspot.com

Visualization

I hear so much about visualization and have actually practiced it with success. The easiest form of visualization for me is through sports. I know exactly my desired outcome and I know how it should look mechanically. Visualization can also be used quite effectively in other areas of your life. But I would take it a step further. It isn't enough for me to just think about or visualize a desired outcome, I put myself into the FEELING of that desired outcome.  For those of you who haven't tried it, it is never too late. Get in a comfortable place with few or no distractions. Take several slow, deep breaths to help you start relaxing. You can also use calm, soothing music to help if you wish. Start to see in your minds eye the desired result. For example, if you would like a festive, positive Thanksgiving celebration picture the event exactly as your perfect experience. Ask yourself, "How would it feel if Susie was able to be there in time for dinner, if Uncle Joe was in a great mood, If Sally and Sam got along?" Whatever would make the situation perfect for you, see it and feel it. Don't hold back. (Even if Uncle Joe has been cranky his whole life.) Then allow yourself to feel all those feelings and positive emotions. Sit with it, see it, feel it.  You will be hearing more about this subject I just wanted to encourage you to start exploring the positive power of your thoughts and feelings!

Look Closely! I wonder what kitty is calmly visualizing?

A great book on the subject of utilizing your feelings to enhance your life is Lynn Grabhorn's, " Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting. The Astonishing power of positive feelings. "   Entertaining and easy to read. Loved it!

Great gift to yourself or someone else!

Pink Blog of Optimism

I got the name for my blog from my youngest daughter, Rebecca.  She has a quick, dry wit and always says what's on her mind.  One day, when I was putting the best spin possible on something (and just happened to be wearing a bright pink sweater) she remarked, "You are just a pink blob of optimism!" It has been a family joke since.  So with just a little tweaking of her observation, I present you with "Pink Blog of Optimism." I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy sharing it with you.
                                                                   




                                " The greatest gift you can give someone is your own happiness."
                                                               Ester Abraham-Hicks
                                       
                                                                                                       

A shout out!

I promised optimism and here it is... If it is true that children are our future, I AM  optimistic about that future! I just returned from the State 1A swimming and diving championships (an exciting but logistically challenging event where hundreds of athletes, coaches, families, media and interested parties all gather to participate in a championship event) where emotions are raw, tempers inflamed and nerves awaken. Even though there is potential for negative situations, it is always a wonderful opportunity for learning on many levels. Athletes learn sportsmanship, dealing with elation and disappointment as well as teamwork. As I return to this event yearly, I am reminded of the blessing it is to be part of such an intriguing community. 

I have coached this high school diving team for 13 seasons and love it!  As a bonus , I have always had a great group of kids. What excites me most about these students (and their predecessors) is their inclusiveness. In a world where we hear so much about teen bullying I am thrilled to say that my experience with high schoolers has been the opposite. The diving program is set up so the middle school kids train and compete with the high school age athletes. The ages can range from 12 to 18 years old. I won't say it isn't without its challenges but it is a petri dish for growth. One incident in particular will alway warm my heart. I had a brand new diver (12 year old boy) trying to learn a new dive. He had worked on it all practice and everyone else was finished with their dives. This boy wanted to stay and continue to get the courage to try this dive that was frightening to him. As I was working with him, a senior boy came over to his board to offer support and confidence. He stayed after everyone else had finished to encourage and mentor this new middle school diver. I was so proud of this 18 year old and his leadership.  My feelings about the inherent goodness of these youth was reinforced this weekend when a stranger from a different part of the state approached me and said," not only is your team full of great athletes, they are very nice young people."

 I'm so thankful for the privilege to be their coach. Think of someone you are proud of this week and tell them!

teamwork

Sharing a meal before the competition

Fun and hard work

"Just Sayin"

I happened to drive downtown last night and noticed the fairgrounds was lit up with the yearly advent of the fair. The lights presenting all of the rides and side shows looked so festive and inviting. I chuckled and wanted to stop and take a picture because it reminded me of several things we say in our family. Each member knows what they mean and they are said in jest most of the time.



1. FAIR anyone?


When the kids were little, one of them would invariably inform me that something was out of whack in their world. We have all heard, "It's not fair!" As they grew older and had learned that life simply wasn't always fair (but still struggling with the concept) we would say lovingly, "You know, the fair only comes to town once a year!" They may not have been eager to hear it but they understood the concept. Today, when someone may be grumbling, one of their siblings will invariably take pleasure in noting that the fair isn't always in town. This is usually a light-hearted reminder that even though life isn't fair, it is good and usually diffuses the bruised feelings.

The fair only comes to town ONCE a year

2.  SHOULD?

As we have grown up together as a family we can now recognize when someone is giving unwanted advice. As a general rule, we try not to give advice unless it is asked for. (More difficult than it would appear and not always the case!) It is very tempting to jump in when someone is explaining what they did or something that didn't go quite as they expected and exclaim, "What you Should have done is..."

Now when we are aware that we think we have the answer or someone does jump in with the unasked for opinion it is fun and a good reminder to just listen when we joking say, "Ya know, what you SHUDA done is..."

What Ya SHUDA done is....

3.  ADULT?

I think my all time favorite is when my newly hatched legal adult would exclaim, (usually in exasperation over something that we have not allowed) "But I'm 18!" Oh my, the things that went through my head. But I would calmly say, "You are absolutely right. And about the only thing 18 will get you is real jail!" That usually did it.

The only thing 18 will get you is real jail!

It is nostalgic and comforting to revisit some humorous family sayings. What are some fun themes in your family?

Comfort Zone

                                               




I've been toying with the idea for a while, but I finally decided that it would be a great exercise to intentionally get out of my comfort zone from time to time. Yesterday was the start of the "intentional" experiment.  As a little background I, like probably most of you, was tired of receiving at least five  election calls a day. In fact, I was downright annoyed most of the time when my answer machine was filled with different people urging me to vote for someone or something. I am fairly well versed in political issues and have definite opinions about certain candidates but do not overtly advertise my preferences. I don't wear buttons, put stickers on my car or signs in my yard. Soooo, it really was a stretch when I agreed to go to my favorite political headquarters and work the phone bank. My directions were to call voters in some of the Western states before the polls closed to urge them to vote.

I decided to do it for the experience and I can report that it really was a fun way to spend a couple of hours doing something that was not naturally attractive to me.  More than half the people I called actually answered the phone and were very kind and sometimes funny. After I introduced myself I told them my reason for calling.  My favorite response was, "Yes. I've voted early AND often."  I was surprised at the number of people who were friendly and available at "the poison hour" as I sometimes call the time dinner might be being prepared for families.
Making those calls put me on the "other side" of the line and certainly gave me a new perspective on telemarketers.

I invite you to try a few things outside your comfort zone every now and then. You may learn something fun or at least interesting.

Voting Day

I still cry when I hear someone sing the national anthem. I am so proud of our Olympic athletes. I love this country and I'm OPTIMISTIC! Thanks for joining me in keeping this country strong by voting.

Don't feed the fear!

Boo! I'm not talking about the something creepy scared me fear. I want to explore the fear our thoughts love to create. Being human, we are going to have thoughts. It is estimated that the average person has about 60,000 thoughts a day. Some of those thoughts are bound to be negative.

If I let a fearful or negative thought get comfortable in my space it is like trying to get a relative who was only going to stay with me a few days to make new plans! A negative, fearful thought may come visit but I only have to entertain it for as long as I choose! I can change my thought to a more positive one, even if it is just slightly more positive. The different choice weakens the negative and I am free to choose a better course of action. 

Try this experiment. Notice how many negative thoughts you entertain a day. How many do you want to invite to stay for dinner? If the answer is none, replace the negative thought with a more positive one. Feed the good and watch it grow! You might be surprised at how many negative thoughts are looking for room and board. I know I was!


                                     
                                   The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.

                                                          Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, IV
          

Couch cushions freshen up!

I love my couch and love the easy, livable chenille-type fabric that has housed it for a while. I have washed the cushion covers a few times so the lounging couch remains clean and inviting.  A great tip I learned from an upholsterer friend really saved time, frustration and money when I was trying to get the covers back on the cushions after washing them.

Any plastic food wrap works!

You may already know this, but if you don't it could be a keeper in your book of household tips.  Wrap the cushions in a plastic wrap, slide the fabric in place back over the guts, cut the wrap off and then zip the cushion cover. It really is that easy.  A word of caution, make sure your fabric can be washed and not shrink before you embark on freshening up for the holidays!

Double duty

I love Halloween decorations but very simple ones that I can slide right into the Fall season. Two clay Jack-o-lantern planters do the "trick" and can turn into a treat on November first. I always try to find interesting shaped plants to look like hair for my hairless wonders. I turn them around and hide the scary faces and have an addition to my fall table. Enjoy!

Crotons are fun and festive plants that look great as a Jack-O-Lantern's hair

Jack-O-Lanterns turn into great fall planters