Occupy Walmart

I have absolutely no idea why this Occupy Wall Street nonsense gets on my nerves. It really does but I think its a test. A test of my "no useless controversy" policy. I try really hard to not knock any idea someone has to do something great and useful with their life no matter how far fetched I think it is. Well, OWS, a test of my emotional endurance. I have a zipper on my lip.

So in order not to explode being quiet, I have to just voice my opinion on a great marketing campaign. Occupy Walmart. This should be the black Friday slogan of all time. "Thousands turn out to Occupy Walmart". The only problem is they would never use it in the era that is 2011 because it might offend someone...oh...did I just say that out loud? Stupid zipper.

Lessons School Can't Teach

I couldn’t be more proud of my 11 year old son than I was this morning. No, report cards didn’t come out , I didn’t receive any papers with 100’s on them, nor did any trophy of special importance come home in his backpack. It was his courage.
A few days ago we randomly talked about forgiveness. Not only forgiving people but making it right after you forgive. I think its so important that if you are going to forgive people, you need to try to make things right between you. We also talked about when you do things that wrong or hurt others we need to apologize as soon as we realize what we’ve done and go and make it right.
This morning after I picked up some other riders and drove toward the school, my son, out of nowhere, says to another boy in the car, “A while ago I was mean to you. It wasn’t like me and I don’t know why I was, I just was. I am really sorry if I was. Do you forgive me?”
I can’t image how much courage it took him to say that because he is not very good with words or saying how he feels to anyone. I am just so thankful that he understands the things I try to teach him and know that he will be ok in this big crazy world. That, as a parent, is worth more to me than any report card or trophy.

In my search for all things old, cool and interesting, I ran across a school book at my in-laws house. The book published in 1914, The Volume Library, was used at the Grassy Cove Academy. The book was written with over 90 consultants as well as the President of the New York City College of Teachers in an agreement as to the direction to take our children. As I flip through the yellowed sensitive pages, I read exerts of the introduction teaching parents how to prepare a child for school and their responsibilities as a parent. The Kindergarten outline. The school book offers different types of obedience for parents to ensure successful learning at school.
Page 3 Paragraph5:
“About the worst method to secure obedience is unfortunately most commonly employed; to frighten the child by threats and punishments. The motive of fear is the most treacherous of all motives. It breeds cowardice, deception and hypocrisy. It destroys character and personality. It prevents development of confidence between child and parent, and will never teach a child the real reasons for right conduct.”
Wow. What a statement.

In all caps reads(speaking of the I Say, You Jump to please me approach to obedience): “THE PINCIPLE AIM OF EDUCATION MUST FOREVER BE TO GIVE THE CHILD THE POWER OF SELF CONTROL OF SELF MANAGEMENT AND THE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY OF INDEPENDENT THOUGHT. This is the reason why obedience of the mechanical kind, as valuable as it is, has to be employed with great caution.”

I’m not sure exactly where I’m going with this except for the fact that I think maybe we ought to take a time out, find the successes of the past and implement them today for a better adjusted, well educated, happier experience studying for a good future.

Conversations

If you could have a face to face conversation with God, what would it sound like? For me, I think it would be just like this one:

About a Story

Its been a long time since I have posted my thoughts here. The summer was fun and amazing. I found myself every day writing a story in my mind about the day’s events. After awhile I determined that every sunrise to sunset I create a story with a beginning, a middle and an end. It has a climax and a purpose. Everyday I write. I live out my story until its time to create it in words. Like every good story it must be edited. I lie down to sleep and think of the day’s paragraphs and begin the process. ..”once upon a time in a land closer than you could possible imagine, there was this girl…………” Was what I said the right thing? Did I handle the situations in the best way I could? What was the best part? The worst part? And my favorite…what made me laugh so hard I cried!? My stories are usually about 5 brain pages before I would drift off to sleep and wait on the rooster crow to start a new one.

Just about Jesse

On June 4th, 2011 a dirt track race was held in Crossville, TN to spread Breast Cancer Awareness. The amazing thing about this race is that it was created and organized by 19 year old Jesse Lowe. Jesse has been racing since he was 14 and this year he had the idea to race for breast cancer. On his own he proceeded to create a car to get attention for breast cancer as well as put known breast cancer victims and survivors names on his car. He has a passion for doing great things for the good of the many. A lot of what he has done has come out of his own pocket and he believes he can make a difference in this world. I believe he can too. The race wasn’t widely marketing due to his limited funds but he still managed to offer a $1000 prize for the winner and raise $1300 for breast cancer research. Wow. This is a big deal and a big task for a recent high school graduate.
There are so many things our teens are doing these days to try to make a difference in the world and it goes unrecognized by the many. They get a bad rap when all we see on TV are school shootings and videos on You tube on fights and conflicts. I say this teen awareness is going in the wrong direction. Do you want to influence a teenager and celebrate the amazing things they are doing? Let’s let the world see firsthand what’s really going on. These kids are our future and by publically showing the things that they are doing, there is no telling where the domino effect of change and inspiration will come in.

I have a passion for these kids and am very proud of their accomplishments. I know many others in the area have been prompted by the acts of one to get involved.

Let's talk about Dad

In honor of Father’s day, I have something to say about your dad. Father’s Day is a tough one since my dad has been living it up with the angels for over two years. I remember the last father’s day card I bought. I was standing in front of the card selection and pulled out this card and read it. I laughed so hard out loud; other people turned and looked at me. I wasn’t embarrassed but proceeded to share this card with anyone standing there. I brought the card home but I never sent it. I can’t remember if dad was on vacation or out of town and I decided to wait. Then a month went by so decided to save it for next year. I still have the card. I thought maybe I would give it to my father-in-law but its just not the same. I can’t seem to part with it. It is a symbol of one of many missed opportunities. My dad wasn’t famous, wouldn’t get father of the year, and was no Ward Cleaver or Cliff Huxtable but he was the best dad I ever had, the one God gave me and the one I would pick again if I had an instant rewind.
Sometimes you might think you have issues with your dad but you know what, so does everybody else and in the long run when the day is over, he’s the one God gave you. He is the one that will love you unconditionally no matter what you do or what you may believe. No matter the type of person you think he is, the day will come when you realize that he was the best possible dad he knew how to be with the tools that he had. If I had a megaphone to heaven, I would tell my dad that the only thing that mattered was that I knew he loved me and that love will sustain me for the rest of my days.
If your blessed enough to still have him here, maybe you should tell him that on Father’s Day so you won’t feel like you'll need that megaphone later.

The Bigger Picture

A little boy and his family lived in a cottage on the beach. One day the father came home and brought the boy a salt water fish tank. He also was able to get fish eggs so they could hatch in the tank. Days went by and the boy watched the tank intently everyday for his fish to hatch. He sat there and watched and waited, he would imagine what they would look like and how he would feed them and watch them swim. The day finally came when the fish started hatching. The boy was so excited that he stayed at the tank as much as he could so he could watch each and every one.
The boys father sat with the boy one day and gently said to him, “There are way too many fish for this tank”. Teary eyed the boy was not about to spare any of them. He had spent so much time talking to them, watching them swim and play. After the father insisted that the tank was getting way too small and it eventually would compromise all the fish, the father told the boy of his plan and the boy agreed.
The fish were used to seeing the boy everyday and would swim to the glass to see him when he came in the room. This day was different. The little boy came to the tank today with a net. He scooped up a fish and carried it away. The fish in the tank were devastated and crushed by the loss of their friend.
The boy left the room. He carried the fish in the net, walked to the pier and dropped the fish into the ocean. The fish in all its glory, happily swam away. Everyday was the same. The boy came in the room with the net and took one fish. Each time the boy came in, the fish would swim frantically hoping that today was not there day. They were very afraid. But everyday continued and the boy’s routine was the same. Get a fish, walk to the pier, drop the fish in the ocean, smile and return home.
The fish in the tank became so distraught; one finally said to the boy, “why are you doing this? I thought you loved us? This is horrible. What have we done to make you so mad?” The boy said I am doing this because I love you. The fish did not understand and the boy tried to explain but knowing that the fish are unaware of anything but the tank, he had to put it in a way that they might comprehend. My father told me of a place that you will swim free for ever, be happy and never have to worry about when you will be fed next. The only way to get there is through me. If you trust me and know that I love you, I will walk with you there and you will be happy.

How does a domestic goddess stay off the couch?

I just read an article that people who sit most of the day increase their risk of heart attack by 54%. The article is mainly geared toward people who work in offices and it doesn’t count if you exercise when you leave work after sitting all day. I don’t have an office job or work out or anything but I do have a home routine of my own to help me stay moving. The tips in the article I read are good yet obvious ones for business people but if you stay at home like I do, you have to be more creative in making yourself not sit for long periods. I’ll share with you what I do to stay up and going despite the temptations.

1 Buy furniture for looks. They are usually the most uncomfortable and you won’t want to be there all day.

2. Leave yourself tons of “little stuff” on your to do list. Like a dish or two or all of them in the sink after dinner so you can get up in a little while when you feel like it and wash it.

3. Don’t be a neat freak. If your house is always clean and you have everything in order, you may be forced to sit around all day Saturday with nothing to do.

4. Leave your cell phone on the other side of the house. Its best if you leave it in a different place each time. When it rings you have to jump up, run across the house and actually find it to answer it. You will probably miss some calls but you’ll increase your movement when they keep calling back.

5. Make sure you have some laundry piled up. You want to be able to do 3 or 4 loads in a given day. If you time it right, you would get up about every 2 or 3 commercial breaks from your soaps to change over or fold laundry. This is excellent movement.

6. Be forgetful. This is one of my favorite “moving” workouts. There is nothing better than forgetting what you went to the kitchen for. You have to go back to where you were and start over. If you are lucky enough to be extremely forgetful, you could repeat this process many times. It helps also to lose your keys or your wallet randomly to get in a quick workout in before sitting in the car.

There are so many other creative ways to keep yourself moving when you’re at home, the kids are in school , and you’re faced with that risky dilemma of me time.

The secret job you don't know you have.

The world of kids needs a few good mentors. Oh, wait, you are a mentor and you probably don’t even know it. Some of the best mentors in the world are the family members who are not a parent or sibling, but the person that doesn’t mind hanging out with you and sharing some good fun together. You have no idea what a great impact this has on a child or teenager. An Aunt or Uncle can bring new perspectives, ideas and interests that really add to the quality of childhood. Like getting an A in math AND all the extra credit answers right.

When I was young (er), I had a favorite aunt. And I say “had” only because of the child perspective. She’s still my favorite. I thought she was the coolest person ever. She was very outgoing and I remember all the hiking and exploring we would do. She loved to travel and I anticipated hearing about her adventures overseas and working with children. I knew for sure that one day when I grew up, I would be just like her. It gave me a new way at looking at life than what was only in front of me. Well, I didn’t grow up just like her, she’s still traveling or on a hiking trail somewhere and I’m sitting in front of a computer screen but I know she’ll always be there and still one of my favorite “grown ups”.
When I grew older and had a child of my own, I was a devout Tomboy. I was anti-dresses, no heals, could care less about my nails and pretty sure I could do whatever my brothers could. I was thankful that my daughter had aunts in the family to show her the frilly pink stuff, the hair bows and play dress up. Her being able to spend that quality time with them created bonds that will last a lifetime.

In working with so many kids lately, I noticed a trend in the lack of someone to talk to. They just might not know that they do have people in their lives that love them like parents and care about everything they do. You could be that person and you need to look around and let them know that you’re there for them. Non judgmental, just to talk to or hang out with or a person they can vent to if they ever need someone. My nieces and nephews know that I have a revolving door that is constantly open. Spending time with them is so much fun and I always look forward to seeing them.

Hikng, Hope and a Mission of Love

Last Saturday kicked off the Hike for Hope at the Cumberland Mountain State Park. Even though the weather was a little under the weather, we had a great time and a lot of people came out to hike, eat, chat, listen to live music and get a glimpse of what is involved in hiking over 2100 miles.


John Wigington gave us some insight as to how life was on the trail for days at a time. The amount of gear to carry was amazing since this included sleeping, cooking, emergency items and even extra shoes. This is not an undertaking for the weak willed or casual walker!

Thank you to all who came out and braved the cold. The two mile hike at the park was actually very refreshing and even amidst the mist, was very enjoyable.


I was touched as well by a story that had developed out of someone hearing about John’s quest to walk for the House of Hope. After John had been on the radio talking about this AT adventure, I received a phone call from Alex Horony. Alex was also a retired service man and told me the story of his brother John who had passed away in 2007 of cancer. John was an avid hiker, outdoorsman, and carpenter. John had hiked in Europe and also had a drive to complete the Appalachian Trail even after his diagnosis of cancer. John (Horony) carried with him a hiking stick that would mark the miles of the trail as he hiked it. Most hikers are “section hikers” and complete the entire AT by doing it in sections throughout the years. John had completed most of the trail until he was too weak from cancer treatments to go any further. Alex called the House of Hope and asked if John Wigington would be willing carry John Horony’s walking stick the rest of the way to complete the AT in his honor. I really teared up watching John W. accept this walking stick to finish a dream for someone that couldn’t.

Alex Horony handing over the hiking stick to John Wigington




John Horony 1953 to 2007

WORDS HAVE POWER

How often we forget the power of the word. Words on paper are strong but the power lies in the tongue. What we speak becomes either a weapon of destruction or a tool of healing. I realize that in this country we have the freedom to express ourselves with writing and speaking and it is a right that I cherish. At the same time it is also a right that can be abused or used unthoughtfully to hurt or destroy.
We can easily remember things our forefathers said in speeches more than which bills they signed into law. We study the words of our mentors to give us guidance and memorize famous lines in movies that we use everyday. The power of the tongue.
We have got to be more responsible with how we use this power that we have. Like a superhero, he has to choose to use his powers for good or evil. He can save the world or destroy it. When we were children, we were ruled by emotion. Everything that goes through the mind comes out of the mouth. Good or bad, positive or negative. As we grow older we learn to get a grip on the emotions and take inventory of what we say and how it affects other people. Good or bad.
My experience currently has been with a lack of attention on the mouth and more on physical action. Bullying. When we think of bullying, we think of a group of kids cornering this little dude in the playground and beating the fire out of him. A more severe form of bullying is taking place that is going unnoticed and unpunished. Name calling, degrading remarks, under the breath whispers of torture. This is the type of torture that prompts a student to lose control and finally take physical action against the other. The things that are said to a child go from the mouth of the enemy straight to her heart and linger there for years to discourage and promise failure from now on. Even though I have learned the art of disregarding most hurtful statements, a child has not. Sometimes I even take those things to heart myself even though I know better. I may not be able to teach my children not to get hurt by abusing words but I can teach them not to participate in negative language toward another and show them how hurtful and wrong it is. I will not allow the use of hateful statements toward each other in my house and is punishable right up there with lying and wrongdoing.
I realize there is a fine line between our freedom and what is punishable. The target of verbal bullying will be reprimanded by his emotionally uncontrolled retaliation. The torture whisperer will not. No one will ever be punished or go to jail for destroying a life by verbal abuse but as a parent, it is my responsibility to teach the discipline of the tongue and the power words can have on other people.

My Thoughts on Thoughts

Speaking of thoughts… I am noticing a weird trend going on in the brain and wondering, “Whats up with that?” Today I’m driving home and bleach pops into my mind. Yep a random seemingly thought about bleach. Am I out? Could I use it on that stain? As the thought process continues, I move on to whats the best cleaning stuff I own and what I would probably buy next, etc. All this completely dismissed and gone when I pull into my driveway. After settling in I decide to check my email. The first one I open is titled Clorox vs. Peroxide. What!? That’s just crazy. I was just thinking this! What’s even freakier is that I checked the time on the email and it is the same time those thoughts were going through my mind. Coincidence? Maybe. I started to recall the incident yesterday. My son was flipping channels and saw a movie titled “What a Girl Wants. I asked him if that was the one Mel Gibson was in and he looks at me with this “who?” look then I tell him “Oh, never mind, that’s What Women Want”. Later that evening I’m doing some channel surfing myself and see that same movie on the guide.
This happens to me constantly. I don’t think I’m psycic or crazy (though you may disagree with the latter)but I do believe there is more to our thoughts than just complete randomness of firing neurons. Have you ever had something pop in your head then think, “Where did THAT come from?” Or be humming a song and get in your car and that same song starts playing?
Your brain is a powerful tool and I think if we learn to actually pay attention to what we are thinking and actually accept or reject thoughts accordingly, we could change a lot about our lives and how we interact with those around us. Would love to hear your thoughts on thoughts……

Are you willing to die for the truth?

I recently watched an incredible video done by Mark Sansom on you tube that is a collection of interviews with Will Smith talking about his drive and work ethic, how powerful thoughts are and what makes him so successful.(Words and thoughts have physical power) As I watched this video, one line in particular struck a cord in my soul that I have been contemplating for days. Will Smith states “You have to be willing to die for the truth”. As this statement hijacks my thoughts, I am also confronted with life going on around me. Conflicts overseas, the state of the union address, all the tragedy going on in our world right now and especially the craziness of the state of mind of Americans. I feel like we are in this holding pattern waiting for the Langoliers to come.
Am I willing to die for the truth? If that means making a stand and defending what you believe in no matter the cost, yes, yes I am. And I assume most people are, but in order to be sure we need to go back in time and relive the lives of what our ancestors accomplished that made this country so great. I love history and am always amazed at the stories of how this country made and at the same time realize that our human nature hasn’t changed since day one, only our influences. We are still the same hard driven- all for one and one for all thinking people we have always been. I just can’t see it anymore. If you took this generation and told us the “British were coming”, would we win? Would we hide? Do we believe deep down inside that we (average everyday non-military Americans) would pick up our guns and run into the flames even if we knew for sure we would be burned? Would we do this for America? That’s exactly what our family did not so long ago.
Here’s the truth: We have to come together and be a country with appreciation of all who live and participate in it. We have to work together as a people to make this place great again and stop waiting for someone else to do it. We have to stop pointing fingers, offending and being offended. You’re my neighbor and I’ve got your back, no matter who you are. Are you willing to put your life on the line for this?
What's your truth?

January 1st....again

Every New year I do the same thing. I reflect on the past and anticipate the future. My reflecting brings me to this:

1) I want to try to be a better friend, daughter, wife and mom. Every year I do think we get smarter so statistically, this could happen.
2) I will spend less time using the words "I" and "me" and more time thinking about you.
3) Reflection is good but don't stay there long. The past is over and tomorrow looks so promising and adventurous.
4) Love- not just the people you like but all the people. It SO easy to love the people you like, the reward is in loving those you don't.

Thats about it; my short list of ponderings for today. Now onto tomorrow.........

Welcome 2011

Train - Calling All Angels

Just had to share the product of our snow day :)

What I Do With My Snowday

Recently my brain has been in list mode. I don’t know when it started or when and if it will end but I went from thinking in short story mode to making lists. Everything I read recently seems to be in lists. The top 10 places to live, the 5 worst places to visit, the 5 best things to do with unruly hair, 8 perfect fashions for winter and on and on. So, I thought I would publish my own list.
The 5 best things I do on a snow day:
1) Bake – Really, who has time to just bake anything anymore. I bought this huge tin yesterday to make a giant gingerbread man because my husband swears he’s never eaten one. Poor neglected man, I will bake him one today.
2) Clean out the bedroom closet – I have tons of cool skinny jeans, flare jeans, cargo pants and some really neat stuff I haven’t been able to wear in about 2 years. They hang in there and mock me. I’ll show them! Today they will find a new home at the thrift store.
3) Stay inside – I know, you’re thinking “build a snowman, make snow angels, or just run and play in the snow.” Um…I live in Tennessee. We don’t have an L.L. Bean here so there is no way I will tolerate the snow completely unprepared. I prefer to watch it through my window and think..”Aw, that’s pretty. I wonder when it will melt?”
4) Talk on the phone – This is a great thing because it is multitasking. Not only do you get to catch up with people you’re too busy to normally call but it’s the only time your kids will spend quality time with you. “Mom, look at this…quick!, Mom, can I…? Mom, when are you gonna be done? Mom, can I eat this?
5) Watch videos on YouTube I love music videos and funny skits on you tube. But who really gets to sit at the computer for more than 5 minutes without someone saying “how long are you going be on there?” “Do you not have anything better to do?” Today, it snow and No, I don’t really have anything else going on so let me update all my status’, watch some videos, write a blog or two and then when my stomach starts growling, I’ll eat some cereal.

Well, that’s the list of my day. It will expire at the end of the day much like the to-do list on my fridge. It’s been there so long I don’t even know what’s on it anymore. But there it hangs with a magnet underneath some excellent graded school work from October, Thursday’s shopping list and last months perfect attendance award.

Can you really be the HERO?

One of my favorite TV shows is “What would you do?”. I have always been fascinated with the human mind and how we react to our surroundings, so this series is obviously a hit for me. I sit and watch situations set up by a crew with hidden cameras in place and watch as they film how people react as they pass by. Things like someone stealing a bike, leaving a baby in car or a guy slipping his date a “mickey” have been on the list. I sit on my couch and say to myself “can you believe these people aren’t stepping in to help??” We all think that in any given situation, we would be the hero.
I agonize to think back to a time not too long ago that I was in a similar situation. When I was younger and not too experienced in life, I was living alone in an apartment and I could hear the people next door fighting. Usually those non-luxury apartments didn’t have sound proof walls. I had never met or seen these people before and only recently moved in myself. I began to get nervous because the screaming lasted a long time. I started pacing anxiously. Then I heard a lamp crash. Next came the crying and begging for mercy. I couldn’t stand it any longer. I began calling people I knew for advice. I got answers like “bang on the wall so they know you can hear them, maybe they’ll quit” and “don’t get involved because you don’t know who they are”. Well, the only decision I could make was based on what I was told and not what my gut said. All of me wanted to go over there and kick some butt or to call the police. Reminding myself that I am female, young and living alone, I was afraid of future retaliation from these people. I left it alone, turned my fan on and went to bed. The next morning I did the usual routine and left the house to go to work. As I was leaving, so were the neighbors. He was a scrawny guy with an attitude of control issues and she was meek and quiet with shame in her walk. It only took a minute to see the bruises behind her huge dark sunglasses and her glance that was only a split second told me that I could have prevented this. I continued quickly to my car, drove down the block to the gas station, parked my car and cried.
Ever since that day my heart has always echoed, It’s never wrong to do the right thing. I have been obedient to this message. I promised I would never ever take a back seat, walk away, or ignore any cry for help, injustice to the weak or worry about my own safety if someone else is being wronged. In today’s society it is more important than ever to show, even perfect strangers, that you’ve got their back and can give hope to believe that there are people out there that that will step up, regardless of the consequences. You don’t have to GO be a hero, just keep your eye on the perimeter.

That’s my story, what would you do?...............

One of my favorite all time movies is Facing the Giants. The movie is about finding hope in a place where everyone tells you that there is no hope. Digging deep down inside and bringing out the warrior who will be victorious despise all odds. When I watched this movie, I thought about David; facing his giant and defeating him with one stone when a whole army was shaken, scared and doubted that Goliath could be defeated. I also reflect on these visuals in my own life. Who wouldn't love to have a coach or a cheerleader in life to scream at you "Don't give up, Give me your best and don't quit until you have nothing left".

How many times in our lives have we heard people say, "You'll never make a living at that" or thought that there's so many people out there better at this than me so why bother. You'll never write that book, be a great artist, have a successful business or climb Mount Everest. That kind of thinking should challenge you to prove who you are no matter the odds.

On a side note, My husband will confess that some of the most important life lessons he learned was while playing high school football. No wonder there are so many movies that use football to send a message.

The Pseudo-Ladybug

I really only learned one thing in my college psychology class and that was the definition of “pseudo”. This very cool word means fake, phony or not real. I liked the sound of it so much that everything I felt was phony would be preceded by pseudo. Pseudo-ladybug is a term I created when I first encountered these little rascals about 10 years ago. It’s not in the dictionary or thesaurus and when I googled it, it said “Do you mean dis-ladybug”? Well, yes, kind of.


One October as I was standing in my in-laws yard having a conversation, this little ladybug flies over and casually lands on my arm. Aw, how sweet. How cute is this little tiny creature. As I watched it stroll down to my hand, my husband says “Those things bite, you know.” We all know ladybugs don’t bite, that’s just ridiculous. No sooner than that thought crossed my mind, it bit me. I smashed it. As I looked around there were tons more everywhere. All just flying around like a swarm of gnats. I looked closer and noticed that they weren’t red with black dots like they were supposed to be. They were brownish tan with black dots and almost exactly resembled a ladybug. I had to find out what the deal was so I started checking around and getting the scoop on these things. Turns out that from what I understand, these are Asian (Chinese) imported pseudo-ladybugs that were supposed to feed on the other bugs that were infesting the trees, eat aphids and just be good all around. I guess we (US Department of Agriculture) thought that if a couple are good for the garden, we (US Department of Agriculture) should go all out because more is better. Like THAT ever works. Well they (US Department of Agriculture) released these things in the woods and it just so happens that instead of hanging out on the trees,eating pests and aphids, they had a taste for houses. Every year in October we are inundated with thousands of tons of these pests and they crawl all over the houses and get in the cracks and crevices. They really enjoy landing on your clothes and getting stuck in your hair. They have assimilated closer to the red color over the years and that I find interesting.
My message here: Anything we (US Department of Agriculture)import from Asia (China) is probably not a good idea and I can just hear the snickering from across the ocean. I do have a similar stories about the fiasco with Asian hornets if you’re interested………

A Love Letter to my Child

The day you were born, I looked down upon you and saw a true miracle. The most beautiful creation of all creation. I knew you would be special, unique, and unlike anyone else on the entire planet and you were mine. With such innocence and sparkle in your eyes, I promised to love and care for you always and keep you safe from all that’s out there in the world. While you grew, I watched with pride as you would laugh and play. I took pleasure in the moments you took your first step or sang your first song. My heart ached with you through every boo boo and every fever. My love always comforted you, covered you and gave you all you needed to keep growing. As the years went by and you became engrossed in the world, in your friends and the craziness called life, you balked on me and I loved you. You began to not trust my guidance and I loved you. At times you would even turn your back on me and then I loved you more than you can possibly comprehend.
But you did not realize that no matter where you went or what you did, you carried my comfort in your heart. I am always your beacon of hope in a place where hope is hard to find. You can always call on me and I will be faithful to be there for you. There is nowhere you can go that I cannot get to you, rescue you, save you. I would do anything for your happiness even to sacrifice myself so you can live.
Always remember that in the places that you feel the most alone or unloved, know that my love for you is never going to leave you. I will be there. Watching. Waiting. Knowing that if you look around, you will find me.
You will be victorious. I have equipped you with everything you need to conquer all, have a happy life and be a good person. You will never forget me because I will live in your heart through the end of time and until forever. Enjoy your life, make someone else’s day brighter once in while and strive to do your best in all that you do. Until I see you again. -God

When I grow up.........

I always wanted to be a Forest Ranger. From my first trip out west when I was twelve, I was completely amazed by the National Parks, all the stuff the rangers knew and the cool jeeps they got to drive. I was so impressed by their presence; I knew this was the place for me. Well, so I thought. Fast forward through the pressure of making a good living and the trends of society that business was where the American dream was hiding. I had completely forgot about my ambitions until recently. During a summer trip to the state park, we had the opportunity to talk to the park rangers, learn about what they do and what was involved in their jobs. I had mentioned during the trip of the memory that I wanted to be a park ranger when I grew up. I was taken back when he said “Well, why weren’t you?”
Over the past couple months I thought about that question and the memories slowly started to appear. It wasa my first night in Grassy Cove. Coming from a place where cars, trucks and police sirens hummed me to sleep every night, the quiet of the country was a whole other ballgame. As I started to drift off that first night, it was around the time the coyotes started stirring. Before I knew it the howling and wolf like chit chat was surrounding me and I was sure that there were ten or twelve preparing to attack. I pictured the Cujo creatures breaking through my windows and scratching relentlessly on my door until it caved. I woke my husband and asked him if he had his shotgun ready(because I don’t even know how to look at one correctly) for the imminent attack. I am not sure but looking back he was probably grinning so wide that he really couldn’t answer me. Adventure #2 was just about as pathetic. I had never heard of a screech owl or even remember seeing one in a zoo. I was sitting on the back porch one night enjoying the quiet when out of nowhere I heard a child screaming. Maybe even a baby crying. I ran through the house and grabbed Bill and demanding that we hit the woods and look for this poor child. He’s probably lost or scared. I was in a panic. He casually walked out the door and stopped. I am in a rush….get going …this is important…. He turns to me and says “that’s a screech owl” and goes back inside. Well, I obviously stood there a few minutes and decided to trust his observation. I looked out into the dark and scary looking woods and thought “what else could possibly be lurking out there in those trees?”
OK, so I admit that hanging out in the woods, interacting with nature, and being fearless to confront wild animals or other critters was not my calling. Over time I did learn to enjoy the sounds of nature and all its inhabitants, but not enough to step off the back deck on a moonless night.

Mother knows Best

I don’t know about you but I am sure getting tired of the media telling me how to live to be 100. I still remember when I was 17 counting the years to the year 2000 and wondering if I was going to make it for the big event (I was 35 when the millennium arrived). I also remember stating to my mother that I didn’t think I wanted to still be around at 50. I surely didn’t want to be THAT old. Since I am now what the younger me would have considered “old”, I had started to get as much information as I could to combat this deadly predicament. Butter is good for you now. So are eggs. Tomatoes used to be poisonous and coffee stunted your growth. Three times of exercise a week is still not good enough. Gluten is now our enemy. Who knew? My grandma knew. She would always give us off the cuff advice and good directions for what we needed to be happy and healthy. Drink a glass of orange juice every morning with your multivitamin, don’t skip breakfast, walk where you need to go any time you can and learn to love to read. She always had molasses cookies in the house, grandpa regularly made us frappes (milkshakes) as soon as we walked in the door to visit, and I had never seen anyone bake more bread that kept the house smelling like a bakery all the time. Besides that advice I would add what I observed. Do what you love to do and do it often; and always take time out to watch a Red Sox game. The moral of the story? Mother knows best( because she got it from grandma).

Training up a Child

My favorite verse in the bible is Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. I don’t know if its because it was the first verse I ever memorized or that the truth in that statement is amazing. You can pretty much apply this verse to just about everything . Train up means to give a child a taste for something. Lately I have been thinking about what Austin eats. He has this unbelievable craving for fish. He loves all kinds from catfish to lobster. He can never get enough of it. He hangs out at the seafood counter in the grocery store when I shop. I began to wonder where this was coming from then this verse hits me. When Austin was very young, 2-3 years old, he was lacking in essential fats for brain development. We would give him a daily dose of Cod Liver Oil (lemon flavored and no that’s not cruel) It incredibly improved his mood, disposition and learning ability. He is 10 now and we haven’t given him this in years. I believe he developed this taste for fish during those younger years of fish oil.
This morning I offered him a bowl of cereal for breakfast. I have all kinds in my cupboard from Frosted Flakes to regular Cheerios. You know where this is going because we all have quieted are little ones with a handful of Cheerios in the high chair. His taste for Cheerios with a little honey outweighs any sugar cereal I could drum up. Hmmmm.
If you think about this verse enough, you really can apply it to all things or lifestyles we can give our child a taste for. They may not always stick with the palate we try to create for them, but as they grow, they will find comfort in the garden of their youth.

Back to Penny Candy.......

The best summers I ever had were being able to spend a couple weeks with my grandparents. I don’t know what it was about being there; maybe the fact that it wasn’t home or just the fact that it was grammas house. When I think back or talk about the times I spent there I get that old warm fuzzy feeling that I just love. I have to share with you a piece of “penny candy” from my childhood summer. My grandfather love to do woodworking and I remember one summer he made my brother and I two pair of stilts. We worked those things endlessly until we got so good at them we could have stilt fights. I don’t think that’s what grandpa intended when he made them but we were kids and you know how that goes. We put more time into these things and had more fun than any computer or video game could handle. My mom still has the stilts in her basement and every time we go to visit, they come out and the kids have a ball on them. Even my grown kids will still try to attempt the impossible; jumping walls, stairs or something straight out of the X games. I smile with fond memories every time I see them. Memories of a time that was so simple and so basic, it’s relaxing just to think about them.

Our Marriage Secret

I recently read a blog post from one of my favorite bloggers on marriage. It was a short blog asking a question of how you thought two people would get along with different backgrounds. It made me think about my marriage quite a bit. It was also our anniversary this past week and it made me think about marriage even more. I stepped back and took a mental inventory of my marriage and how I was just as happy and content today as I was the first week we were wed. Then I started thinking about all the stuff that goes on in between and how on earth can it be this good? Well before I tell you the answer, I’ll tell you how life goes at our house. I want to save the world. Yes, I have been given a heart that just yearns to love a child, to help flood victims, spread some peace in the middle of chaos or just be there for someone who needs a shoulder. I don’t always make dinner or get the floor swept, sometimes I’m a couple days behind on laundry but my husband knows me and just rolls with it. Bill’s job is very demanding and there are times he puts in so many hours I don’t see him for days. I know him and I just roll with it. I am a yankee at heart and he is a country boy. That’s about as different as you can get around here. We just roll with it. We respect each other for who we were meant to be and have never tried to make each other something else. Here’s the reason we can be that way, we spend our time together talking about all the things God has done for us and blessed us with. Always appreciating His handy work in our marriage and the sense of humor he has of putting two people like us together. We give Him thanks for every day together every night as we eat dinner as a family. Believe it or not, by doing just that one thing, no matter what has happened during that day, there is a peace that comes over you just by being thankful. I challenge you to express your thankfulness for your spouse and your family for every day you have together as you say grace. Even in the midst of chaos or arguing, its amazing how much is unimportant when we are thankful for what we do have.

Change of Season

For all the kids around here, school starts tomorrow. My son is so excited to return to school and little does he know I am just as excited to get some structure back in my day. Just like I spent my spring plotting and planning all the fun, trips, hiking and playing, I spent the last few days doing another kind of plotting. It sometimes feels like it marks the change of a season. I do miss Austin at times when he is in school but I don’t feel guilty for the opportunity to renew the spirit. I have realized that with all the crazy summer planning and fun, I have let all the regular stuff go. I have 4 books I have purchased over the summer that are collecting dust. (If I can’t feed my brain regularly, I feel sub human). I have missed my ½ hour with Joyce Meyer, researching healthy recipes (mac and cheese seemed to rule my summer!), taking quiet walks down my country road, my treadmill and writing blogs. My plans for the fall are far from exciting and wondrous but for me it will feel like the chaos has slowed and routine can be allowed to rein once again. It’s because I have some down time that I am able to have strength over my busy time.

What Inspires Me.....

I am always amazed at the different ways people look at the world. The crazy place we live in may look one way to me and no one else can see the things I see. If you were driving down the road in anywhere USA and you saw a young couple holding hands walking down the street, what would you think? Would you want to write a song about it? Would you think about yourself and your relationship? Would you be appalled at the display of public affection? For me it would be a love story. I would see a long dirt road with fields on both sides being kept in check by a white picket fence. The destination is a creek flowing lazily through the shade trees at the end of the road. Picnic basket in one hand, blanket in the other……
How we see our world is directly related to how we interact in it. Inspiration to do great things, accomplish the impossible, and be happy with all that surrounds you in this moment comes from God and a heart filled with Love and Hope. Think about it the next time you look up from your desk, hang with your best friend, drive your kids to school.
Our church has had a preacher for the last few years that has always challenged me to do great things through love and hope and to never be afraid of the impossible. It has been a theme that has be indwelt into my heart. He has been an inspiration to me to be able to do everything I can in this life to bring happiness to someone else. Thanks Ricky.
What inspires you?

If I were a Farmer......

This week I brought the group of 8-12 year olds to the farm across the street to hang out with my neighbor/farmer. He raises cows, Belgian Horses, all kinds of goats and chickens. We learned some cool funny facts about goats like that they have rectangular eyes...who knew? We had a hay ride from one end of the farm to the other, chased the chickens a while until the youngest of us all caught one. We now call her the "chicken whisperer". If you ever have tried to actually catch a chicken, you'll know that this is NOT an easy task! There were plenty of baby goats to hold and I would swear when they cried for their mommas, they sounded JUST like a baby. Finally to the shock of all the kids involved, we do not have farms just to take care of animals and keep them safe. We actually learned that most farmers are highly educated and need to be to be productive and that we actually feed our country and others with what we raise. Wow! Really? I could not believe the kids didn't know this, and they are far from city kids. I would love to find out how many kids think our food is actually made at the grocery store. I would bet the answers would surprise you as much as they did me. Have a great day and will report back after the teenagers have had their turn in the barn!

Movie Day

Today is movie day, not just for me and 12 of my closest 8 to 12 year olds, but for all the kids of Cumberland County. Every Tuesday this month at 10am, the Rocky Top 10 Cinema gave away free admission to kids in the county. How awesome is that?? Since I started running around with some of my favorite friends this summer, I have found more people and businesses around here that are more than willing and happy to give back to the community and I am so impressed. When I was just sitting home watching the news, I was so frustrated thinking everyone was in for themselves or for the almighty dollar. I used to get myself all worked about the greed and craziness of this country. Well, guess what, I'm going to quit watching the news because the more I am out there in the world, interacting with businesses and people from all walks, the more I see the opposite is true. 99.9% are giving, helpful, wanting to be a productive part of the community and working together to help our families and our children. WOW. What else can I say except that I will no longer judge the majority on the reports of one or two.

Thank you very much Rocky Top 10 for your hospitality to our House of Hope group and the kindness you showed us when we were there.

My Newest Revelation

My computer is actually causing Attention Defecit Disorder. I have 2 things to get done this morning on my computer. I need to balance some debit receipts and try to find some information on a program for a friend of mine. Well, I sit down, first I have to check my emails in case someone sent me something important (right?). All three emails. While I'm on here I might as well check in with my facebook, twitter, and myspace friends. You know, see whats up. As I go through all the pages I find cool information on bands etc. that I need to check into, then I remember the other day I needed a phone number. I look that up. No pen so I try to memorize it. Then I just thought of that awesome picture I meant to share with my family so I need to find it and upload it to all my social networking sites and then I read where this incredible story came out and I have to check into it because I might want to leave a comment because I think I'm THAT important. PHEW!!! Ok, 2 hours have passed, now, what am I here for? oh yeah, that recipe.

I've got a feeling......

Have you ever been doing something then all of a sudden this realization comes over you in almost a panic and you just like scream? Like something so important that you forgot to do and then you just remembered? Yep, that happened to me this morning.
I have been looking forward to seeing a piece on the Today Show for a week and it was to air this morning. I slept in because I had been going wide open for a couple days; when I awoke, I casually moseyed into the kitchen for coffee, thought about my day, checked the temperature outside, said UG, and sat down on the couch. Then it happened, the little alarm clock in my brain went off and I jumped to the remote. As I am fumbling with it I’m thinking “please, please don’t let it be too late!” As soon as I flipped the switch on you would never have believed it. The story I was waiting for a week just came on. That second. That absolute moment in time that my finger pressed the little red button on the remote, the story started. I thought …really?, this late? The Today show has been on for an hour and half already? What are the odds? The story that was airing was one that was very important to me and divine intervention is something I am familiar with. So in the end, that little feeling you get should always be paid attention to because God works in mysterious ways and sometimes He has to slap you upside your head to get your attention!!!

Just Play

The last few days have been pretty amazing. I think every day I walk this planet I am educated just a little bit more. I have spent a lot of time with a bunch of kids and they are a pretty remarkable bunch. From petting snakes to hiking and playing, the day was a huge success. Every time I turn around they are resilient and happy, fun and complicated, wild and softhearted all at the same time. I really didn’t realize how much fun I would have hanging out with these guys. I can’t wait for next week when we trek to the horse ranch and spend some time on the farm!

Gen Next Apprentices

So far what I have schedule for 8-12 year old:
June 7th - Monday - Cumberland Mountain State Park- Meet the rangers, picnic lunch and 2 mile hike around the park.

June 14th - Monday - Connections Ranch - learn about horses, horse training, fun on the farm.

June 22nd City Park - Tennis, skateboard, playground and picnic.

Will be organizing a date to create baked goods ourselves and sell them at the Threads of Hope. Maybe also on the 22nd and sell at the House of Hope yard sale which is the last weekend in July.

GENERATION NEXT SUMMER 2010

Generation Next Summer 2010 Excursions

I am posting the current schedule for our summer trips. This set of trips is only for 13-17yr. olds. A seperate set will be posted for the 8-12 group. There will be a maximum of 12 for each group.

June17th Connections Ranch- Horse Ranch and Training Facility, picnic areas, trails and just a great day on the ranch. We meet at the House of Hope at 9am. Contact me if a pick up and drop off is needed.

July 1st Fall Creek Falls Hiking trails to waterfalls, park activities, lunch and whatever else we can get into.

July 7th. City Park- Tennis Play and Instruction, Kevin Byrne will be teaching basic and helpful tennis skills, skateboard, we'll play and eat lunch.

July 15th Survival in the woods Edible herbs, nature walk with Do’s and don’ts of surviving in the woods.

July 27th Library fest for Kids The library is needing volunteers to help with kids activities during this festival. The festival hours are 8am to 1pm. Services setting up, running and taking down booths, helping with the kids, keeping the area clean. The kids will have a blast and it will be fun for us.

Upcoming top schedule ( let me know if you are interested)
1) Dat Pro audio jam session- You will need to bring a guitar


Contact Cheryl Derrick at the email here for Sign up information. There will always be 2 adults to accompany each trip.

These trips are currently sponsored and overseen by the Cumberland County Childrens Center House of Hope and myself. CAll Cheryl if you are interested in helping in any way.

Where your heart is

I am the type of person that once I get my mind on something, the world would literally have to implode in order for me to shake it. Just about a month ago I was sitting in my coffee drinking chair thinking. I was thinking about this summer. I recently have had the luxury of staying at home with my son the past couple of summers and was thinking about what excursions we could go on this year. I also began to remember the time when I had to work and dreaded trying to find something for him to do while I was working. That lead me to thinking what do you do in rural America with kids too old for daycare and too young to go out alone and hang with friends? Here where the nearest store is 10 miles away, its not like you can walk. Alot of this thinking would have never come about if I hadn't spent so much time listening to stories about local children who are just out there in the world during the summer, home alone, eating junk food if they ate at all, always surrounded by drugs or alcohol or both, spending an entire summer looking forward to the first day of school just to get away. That makes me mad. That makes me want to get a van and scoop them all up and take them to fun places where they can be kids and run and play and have exciting things happen to them.......

Oh wait, this is the part where I tell you that that's what I decided to do. My grieving heart showed up one day at the door of the House of Hope to do some computer work with Karen, one of the mentors there, and as I shared my vision of volunteering my summer up to take these children/Teens out to have some cool experiences, I heard Denise , the director of the House of Hope and so focused on children, say in the other room "Hey, we can do that!" (She says that alot). So the ball starts rolling. I have spent alot of time working out plans and people and times and days but I have to admit I am overwhelmed with joy.

All the people I have talked to or approached about giving a little of their business or their time were more than willing to do so for these kids. Wow, thats just awesome. The short of the story is, if you stop by my blog and I haven't written, you can be pretty sure I'm working it out for the kids or living it up with them. There are two things that go through my head everyday:

1) Where your heart is, there your treasure is also. and

2) The closest you can get to God's heart, is to love a child.

Nashville Clean Up Day

Last Friday was a very cool day.  It actually all started on Thursday.  I decided that after following the flood stories in Nashville through Cross Point Church for days and days and my heart breaking and breaking for all those people, I wanted to do something. I called my son Kevin and he and his friend Neil and another friend Caroline from church agreed to meet with me.  The 4 of us set out that next morning early to donate our time to the cause to help anyone.  We met up with the Cross Point Church team in west Nashville early on Friday morning and we set out on our mission.  These people were amazing.  They were organized and focused. I was stunned at what had been accomplished so far and how many people just kept diving in to help.  As we ventured into the flood zone it really wasn’t at all what I imagined.  Some houses had huge piles of garbage and sheet rock that had been extracted sitting out in front and other houses were left virtually unscathed due to the hilly nature of the landscape.  We arrived at the one house that we would spend the day working at and immediately noticed the attitude of the world around us.  Every so often a car would come by and if they couldn’t physically help clean up, they were handing out water or ice cream or anything else that workers and volunteers would need.
These people weren’t part of any organization, they were part of America.  Loving their neighbor and answering the call.  Many times random people would come by to ask who needs helps and what could they do. My heart really went out to the couple and their young son as they dealt with all the loss the best they could. But these homeowners had an incredible positive and gracious attitude. They were thankful for the help, happy they were all fine and pleasant to work around.  I could write a seven page journal on all that I experienced that day but it is just a blog so you get the abbreviated version.  The day had been a success and as my son put it, “We punched the Nashville flood in the face today”.

Summer break is almost here.

Parents dread it, kids love it. Some parents may love it and some kids may dread it...Summer break.  For parents its probably the most complicated time of year, especially if you have a child too old for day care and too young to be left home alone if you work.  If you dont work, you can't just let them play video games or watch TV for 3 months and most of us dont have tons of cash laying around to entertain all summer.  When I first started suffering bad from Fibromyalgia it was in July of 2007. I had left my job and was staying home. Most of that summer I hurt so bad I could hardly move nevermind throw a baseball or take a hike.  The pain in my heart from watching my 7 year old watch tv alone, ride his bike alone and just plain tire of summer break was almost worse than the disease.  It was after that summer that I vowed,  never have to watch my child dread another summer break.  I di all I could do in my power to get my illness under control and now I am going to spend some time looking into this summer thing and get a bunch of great ideas for what to do with a kid or kids during the summer.

Idea #1- I talked to the local manager of the music store and asked him if they had any places kids could jam together over the summer.  Any ages from like 9 to 19.  He is going to look into it and maybe we can get something going.  Contact me if you want to help or have ideas on this as well. 
Keep checking back and new ideas will come!!!  Lets keep these kids busy and happy.

National Day of Prayer. Pray for Nashville

Nashville Flood Update from Pete Wilson on Vimeo.

Nashville Flood

This is just so incredible.

Grassy Cove after the rain

Its been a crazy two days of thunderstorms, tornado watches, floods and I would say that it was stressful but it really wasn't. In Tennessee we get this a lot. I hate to be complacent but after being through some really crazy weather, seeing consecutive tornadoes hit our county one after another in the same night, being awake during my first earthquake, watching flood water rise so high we have had to take a boat across the road to get home, I have learned that stress, fear and worry have no place here.  Instead, my family, my county, my state and I spend time praying for safety, keeping up with our neighbors and finding out what ways we can best help each other. That's the Volunteer State. I have been keeping up with people in Nashville during this flood and I am not surprised by the stories of help, support, rescue and good will they are giving each other and stepping up to share a common task. You people make me proud to be a Tennessean.

My friend Huck.

So here's the thing. It is a beautiful day in the cove. I have worked hard all morning and decided to treat myself to a cup of coffee, a good book and a chair in the sunshine.  I collect all my items, head outside, sit in the prepared chair, pillows and all and then WAM. The neighbors dog, which is as big as a house comes over and starts licking my head!!!!  This dog is so big you can't just push him away. I start laughing and the more I laugh the more he thinks I'm playing!!! Had to take the shot looking up at him because I couldn't stop laughing. Turns out, that was the best part of my day! There you go Kasey, Its in large view and not sent on the cell phone :).

Just wondering.....

What are these for? No, they are not for guardrails because they ran them along the guardrails as well. They are not mile markers. That would be pretty pointless so close together. Hmmmmm. Surely not of fence. That would be like bumper cars on the interstate if it were....any suggestions?

Pleasantly surprised

The first time this year I ate lunch at my sons school was in October.  I had to check it out since this was his first year in a new school.  I arrived about 11:15 for the 11:25 on the dot lunch time.  We proceeded through the lunch line and I obediently  followed my sons lead like he was an old pro at the practices and procedures. What I noticed at this school that struck me as odd was that you grab a tray and then you continue along the line choosing the individual items you want to eat.  This is in contrast to what I would expect like giving the child one plate with a little of everything they served that day.  My child of course chose two servings of chicken nuggets and fried potato cubes. I was so proud (sarcastic). The small bowls of salad were piling up and the veggies were left untouched and the whole display of greens looked like the line of adoptable sad face puppies that nobody wanted. I felt so bad for them, I just had to get some. We sat, ate and got through the meal catching up on my sons day so far.  I left there heavy hearted and discouraged as to WHY my child gets to choose.  If I had a choice at age ten to pick a Hershey bar or a plate of greens, I would go chocolate in a minute.

That was then. Back at the beginning of the year.  My son again (dreadfully) asked me and Grandma to join him for lunch one day when she was visiting last week.  This time I insisted on bringing some Subway sandwiches.  I asked my mom to do a little experiment with me and proceeded to tell her the situation and what I had experienced last time I had lunch there. We agreed to look around to see what the kids were actually choosing since I didn't feel like that was appropriate for elementary school.  When we got there we skipped the line since we had our own food and the both of us quietly sneaked peeks at the items on the trays of the other young children in the room.
"Did you see that?" I asked.
"I think I know what you're talking about." mom replied.
"I KNOW. Just look at it!!!  Fruit and salad on every tray! Some even had two servings of fruit!"

Ok, I dont know what's been happening in this school since October, but those kids are actually eating the fruit and salad! That was one time I was glad I was made a fool.
PS. I would still like to see just one plate and grown ups serve out the food to be sure the option to eat it after they sit down is there.

You are being abused

I have so many thoughts on this food thing that I just couldn't write one post and let it go.  Whether we realize it or not, its not only our choices that can keep us healthy but those who influence those choices.  If you are unaware of how you are being manipulated, you should research it and make better choices based on your information.  Here are a couple some things for starters that I have learned to always keep in mind when trying to make good food decisions:

Processed (the yucky stuff) food is cheaper. Simple supply and demand. If we keep buying it, the distributors make a ton of money and then they can easily compete with that body healthy food. You may have to pay a few dollars more now but you will benefit a bunch in your medical bills later.

Just because its written on the box, doesn't mean its healthy.  There is a very thin line being walked on by our products labeling and many are dancing around the nutrition for marketing purposes. I about fell over when I saw a pop-tart box (one thing I am trying to rid my house of) that said in really large letters: "20% FIBER" Ok, so does that mean that pop-tarts are now good for me? And because everyone says we need fiber? Did you know there has always been fiber in pop-tarts? And in every other food item that involves any type of wheat bread.

Bottom line is be smart when you plan meals and go to the store. Eat a good salad or snack on carrots before going shopping and that should get you primed for making good choices.

Tomorrow I have got to tell you about my lunch experiences at my sons school.  Lets just say, Shock and Awe!

Food Revolution Update

The first blog I ever wrote was after the first episode of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution about a month ago.  I reported my thoughts about the whole thing. Great idea, kind of expensive, don’t know if it’ll fly. Since that day I have done more research on this food thing Jamie was trying to sell.  I have put some of these recipes, costs, and likeability to the toughest test. The test of my family which ultimately includes a 10 year old chocolate eating chicken nugget, pop tart addict. 

To start with, I did have to buy the book (which I love) because the recipes on the internet have measurements and some stuff I don’t comprehend.  I started cooking recipes a few times a week.   You have to remember, I’m a chef of hot dogs, chicken and rice and that’s about it. The thrill of this for me was going to the store and buying things I have never heard of.  What isle do you look in for something you have no idea what it is or even if it’s in a jar, in a can, is a spice or a veggie.  I felt bad for the other shoppers at the supermarket as I was constantly in need of weird things like capers,  garam marsala(?), and tandoori.  After I got past this, the rest was pretty easy.  The recipes really don’t take that long and taste fantastic. 

My latest adventure tonight was Quick Salmon Tikka with Cucumber Yogurt. I decided to actually go to the store and price all the ingredients for this. It totaled about $20.00 for the meal that fed three (and I had leftovers )plus a salad.  Once you have ingredients in the cupboards, the expense isn’t that bad. 

The bottom line is this; I can buy good affordable healthy meals.  I can get my child to eat ceaser salad and asparagus and like it and best of all, we all spend time in the kitchen together laughing, working on the recipes and enjoying each others’ company .  This Food Revolution has been more than just an awareness of what we eat, its actually made some good changes here that will last and we really love it.

Its not you, its me

I love America. I am so glad you are nothing like me. I am so glad I don’t have to go through the day encountering a bunch of people who think like me, act like me, and do what I do or wear what I wear. That would be a fate worse than death. I just love the fact that we can all be so human and all be so unsimilar. I was on Facebook this morning and noticed that all my friends have a passion. Not the same passion but all different passions, opinions, things that are important to them, things they want to educate others on and things that matter deep in their soul. That got me thinking of all the people I know. They are all so vastly different that I have no idea how we were all placed together in this big puzzle called “my life” and each of them I love for their differences and not for what they can agree with me on. I have friends that are workaholics, stay at home moms, been to Iraq, never been anywhere, sun worshipers, Jesus freaks, city dwellers , country folk, American born, foreign raised and the list goes on to infinity. We don’t go on vacation to see places we already have seen. We enjoy learning about things we either don’t understand or don’t know about. I think we should spend more time embracing each others’ differences and less time being offended by each other. What a wonderful opportunity we have in this free country to learn cool stuff about other people. To me, this “melting pot” is a pretty interesting and fun place to be.

Newest Member of the family

There is nothing in this world more beautiful in my eyes than a new born baby. Meet Haylin Looper pictured here with her mom and brother. Born April 23rd 2010. I had the chance to hold her when she was only a few hours old and as I did I looked down into that face and saw such peace as she slept. They told me her eyes were open when she was born and she would look around everywhere. I wonder what she was thinking? Was it a happy feeling or a distressed feeling? Were the lights too bright? Did she recognize her moms voice? I also thought about how she is so new that she didn't have any of the scars we have or the pain we have or the hurt we've been through and she hasn't even sinned yet. What a blessing it is to look into the face of such perfection. There is a definite feeling between every person on the planet and holding a new born baby whether you have had one or not or if it is your own. I'm not sure what that is but I am sure that it's a true miracle every time. No matter how I feel or what I think, I just can't wait to watch this little princess grow and change and work this thing we call life.

Election Time......

I really think election day is a good day. A happier day than average I would say. It wasn’t always like that. I have always voted because I am very strong willed about getting my voice heard and no matter how loud I speak during the year, my vote speaks the loudest. But I dreaded the voting process. The lines were forever for 2 booths. The schools had to close just to accommodate the in pouring of people as determined as me and the lines ran on average 2 hours long. Then I moved to Grassy Cove and experienced a whole new kind of voting. I pull in to the Community Center, which used to be the old school house, to cast my ballot expecting lines, waits, ornery workers and just plain hassle. I walked in and first confronted my in-laws and for me that’s a very good thing. My mother in law asked for my drivers’ license and I just look at her like “are you serious? You don’t remember me?” She recorded the info then onto my father in law who asked me my name and to sign a piece of paper….what?...really?. Protocol. I was really getting a kick out of this. I looked around the room and saw a couple neighbors from up the street I haven’t seen in a while, my son declares there are cookies in the back and of course mamaw says yes. There was coffee there if I wanted any and the whole crew was carrying on with neighborhood talk. I didn’t think places like this existed in America anymore and I felt privileged to be a part of it. I hope it will stay like this forever so my kids can experience it. Yeah, election day is a good day and no, I have never taken advantage of early voting.