Emerald city!!

 Wizard of OZ is my favorite 1930's movie of all time.  My favorite character is the scarecrow.

The scare crow is in need of a brain, even I feel at times that I need a new brain or a reset on life!

The Tin man is in need of heart he is longing to find love and meaning in his life isn't that what we all want to find meaning and love in our lives, the hope of someone loving us just the way we are. well God does this for us. he loves us, you and me just the way we are without spot and with out blemish, he loves us for we were made in his own image.

Next is the cowardly lion he is to find the COURAGE in his life to not be afraid of things to come!!

“You have plenty of courage, I am sure," answered . "All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.”

and dorothy well she just want's to go home or and just 3 clicks of her red heels sends her home.  Home is where the heart is, so if home is your husband your kids, or anything that takes up time in our hearts that is where home is!!!

 scare crow song!

Consulting with the rain;
And my head I'd be a scratchin'
While my thoughts are busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.

I'd unravel ev'ry riddle for my
Individdle
In trouble or in pain
With the thoughts that you'll be thinkin'
You could be another Lincoln
If you only had a brain.

Oh, I, could tell you why
The oceans near the shore
I could think of things I'd never
Thunk before,
And then I'd sit down and think some more.

I would not be just a muffin',
My head all full of stuffin',
My heart all full of pain;
And perhaps I'd deserve you and be
Even worthy even you
If I only had a brain.

well this year my old stomping grounds is putting on a musical the wizard of OZ and my very own daughter is in the musical as a flying monkey and she is also a manicurist at the end of the movie with the cowardly lion.

stranger tides and changing tides

 So the strangest things can happen to a person, I work for a senior living facility in the advance dementia unit.  well most of these patients are in pain and can't recall memories or even their own names. On February 1st 2023 a patient was angry after waking up, she was screaming and pushing her walker into people, this is scary for me as I have never saw anything like this before. It was really stressing me out and making it hard for me to concentrate on my work.  I know they all mean well the nurses and aides, but in some situations you have to just grin and bare it. They took the patient into isolation, and I left the area to get a breather too!!  After that I went back to work cleaning up the household, and preparing lunch for the residents, the patient was in a much better calm mood also.  It took me a while to clean up lunch but when I was finished I was on my way home, it was a great feeling to be out of there, where I can focus on my own family and doing things that is meant for us to survive.  All of the kids came home on the bus, and I was surprised because I thought that they were staying after school. I was glad to see my kids and talk about the day with them, we had a short dinner tacos, then two kids went to bible study, Casey and I stayed home while Randy took the other kids to church.  

An absolutely amazing muscle the brain is.  I've learned so much about the brain, I'm not a surgeon by any means but with Nami of the greater toledo area, I learned about the cognitive side of the brain certain things about it that is wonderful all of the cells and the different parts of the brain. for instance,

 It has three main sections:

• Cerebrum: Your cerebrum interprets sights, sounds and touches. It also regulates emotions, reasoning and learning. ...
• Cerebellum: Your cerebellum maintains your balance, posture, coordination and fine motor skills. ...
• Brainstem: Your brainstem regulates many automatic body functions.
• 
  

The frontal lobes are important for voluntary movement, expressive language and for managing higher level executive functions. Executive functions refer to a collection of cognitive skills including the capacity to plan, organize, initiate, self-monitor and control one's responses in order to achieve a goal.

Hippocampus is a complex brain structure embedded deep into temporal lobe. It has a major role in learning and memory.

The parietal lobe is one of the major lobes in the brain, roughly located at the upper back area in the skull. It processes sensory information it receives from the outside world, mainly relating to touch, taste, and temperature. Damage to the parietal lobe may lead to dysfunction in the senses

The occipital lobes sit at the back of the head and are responsible for visual perception, including color, form and motion. Damage to the occipital lobe can include: Difficulty with locating objects in environment.

since were on the topic of dementia.

Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.

Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are generally associated with personality, behavior and language. In frontotemporal dementia, portions of these lobes shrink (atrophy).

radical acceptance

 What is radical acceptance?

DBT Skill: Radical Acceptance

Radical acceptance is when you stop fighting reality, stop responding with impulsive or destructive behaviors when things aren't going the way you want them to, and let go of bitterness that may be keeping you trapped in a cycle of suffering.

So the short and skinny of this, imagine there is time line of past events in front of you happy moments, sad moments, memories of when traumatic things happened.  So with radical acceptance, the work that you are doing through Cognitive behavioral therapy is taking that date or specific time period in your life, and leaving it where it was, not picking back up and taking it with you where ever you go.  This has brought me some clarity about certain things in my past, of which I will not go into detail of. 

what does God say about acceptance?

God invites us to accept the inescapable realities placed in front of us. We can either turn away from that acceptance of life and continue on our own, or we can plunge into the 'reality of the situation' and try to find God there in new ways.

I am willing to accept things as they are the events of the past are not effecting my everyday situations.  

Not my cup of tea.

 So, recently I started reading the book untamed by Glennon Doyle, I am not impressed however, after the 1st two chapters, I believe that a great story has to come with in the first 2 chapters to catch my attention, lately I have been reading a lot of self help books some that I can actually highlight and notate the margin or underline meaningful words or statements that are meaningful to me.

here's why I am not a fan, the book is about how to start pleasing people and learning how to live a life of peace and fulfillment, the characters are 2 females who are married, this is not something that is Biblically sound. same sex marriage is a sin, yes I am to love others who are different than me but I don't have to love their sin, My brother has a husband and yes I love him and no I don't believe his ways are correct the bible says

[2] Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. [3] Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 1Cor. 7:2-3 

cheer competition 2023

This year kyleigh cheer squad is in competition for MHSAA CHEER!

I am very proud and glad she enjoys this, I was captain of my cheer squad both junior and senior year in high school, so I am subjective to critiquing every move and stunt, we were taught by UCA at BGSU to do stunts. 



the path of least resistance

Here's what this means, to choose the easiest way to do something instead of trying to choose the best way.

Why do we take the path of least resistance?

What's the path of least resistance? Simply said, it's a way of living that contains more flow and ease, and, you guessed it, less resistance. This means less upstream movement, less struggle, and less feeling blocked, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and less stressful experience of life.

what is the purpose of your life, do you know what were put here on earth to do??

Our purpose is to "evolve" during our lifetime because that is consistent with our evolutionary purpose. Thus, an answer to The Ultimate Question of "What is the purpose of life?" is that we are here so that we can continue to live, adapt, learn, and grow. A purpose of life, and our purpose, is to continue to evolve.

The bible verse is Matthew chapter 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14 KJV

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

I honestly believe that our purpose in life is to worship the lord and to claim his holy name. to tell others about Jesus and not just tell them but show him and his love as often as we possibly can.  For his grace and mercy is great and its for you and me to enjoy this life.

Just do one more, just for today

 As I sit down to write this blog our I am reminded that if you are struggling with anything in life, I want to take this next sentence seriously, Just do one more, whatever that one more may be, one more repetition of that exercise set or just one more cleaning out that closet or just one more fixing of that part on your vehicle "THAT ONE MORE" may just be what you need to SUCCEED we get so caught up in everyday humdrums of life.

Just for today, if this means, breathing, showering, eating. taking care of chores, just try to do it just for today. I sometimes let all the days hit me at once and I'm still doing this, I have to remember that there is only 24 hours in a day to relish in the happiest of moments, and not dwell on the negative,  for instance my husband and I went out for a late lunch/early dinner, at red robin, the had excellent food.  I had the chicken corn chowder, and side salad, randy had a burger and french fries dipped in hot cheese sauce.

just for today is an app for your smart phone here's a little bit about it. 

Create better daily habits by focusing on what needs to be done today.

Just For Today is based on the idea of forgetting about yesterday, not worrying about tomorrow and focusing on today. Just For Today prioritises self care, health and family instead of focusing only on productivity.

Start each day with a fresh to-do list. Schedule tasks for your morning, afternoon and evening. Receive notifications and recommendations.

Just For Today helps you focus on what’s important… Today. The daily planning and scheduling app that intuitively tracks your day and offers recommendations to improve your well-being.

Just For Today Features Include:

* Start each day with a fresh to-do list and reduce being overwhelmed by yesterday

* Create better daily habits and reinforce new positive routines

* Receive self-care recommendations throughout the day to kickstart your new life

* Receive notifications and reminders to complete your active tasks

Start Each Day With a Fresh To-Do List

With Just For Today each day is a new beginning, so start your to-do list with a fresh outlook

Schedule Tasks Throughout The Day

Your day is broken down into Morning, Afternoon & Evening to easily schedule your tasks

Reward Positive Routine Changes

Unlock awards while finishing tasks on the regular to influence positive routines in your day

Blessings

 We have so much to be thankful for, everyday we wake up the air we breathe, the friends and family we have the love of  God the forgiveness of our sins covered in Jesus blood,  I praise the Lord for all of these things, Sometimes, I forget to pray or read the bible but it's when I have my darkest moments that I have a living savior and Friend I Call Jesus.  

What a friend we have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Another song comes to mind count your blessings

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. 

3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. 

4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Dream bright

this blog is about dreams big or small here or there or everywhere!!

A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep, in dreams you will lose your heart aches whatever you wish for you keep have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through no matter how our heart is grieving if you keep on believing the dream that you wish will come true.

Sometime when my dog sleeps he whines and I wonder what he is dreaming about,  maybe he was abused as a puppy we got him for the local dog shelter when he was a year old. I think that he would be dreaming about a nice bone or ball to chase.  

dream

/drēm/

Learn to pronounce

noun

plural noun: dreams

1. 1.

   a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.

   "I had a recurrent dream about falling from great heights"

   Similar:

   fantasy

   nightmare

   vision

   hallucination
2. 2.

   a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.

   "I fulfilled a childhood dream when I became champion"

   Similar:

   ambition

   aspiration

   hope

   goal

   design

   plan

   aim

   object

   objective

   grail

   holy grail

   target

   intention

   intent

   desire

   wish

   notion

   yearning

   daydream

   fantasy

   illusion

   delusion

   pipe dream

   chimera

   castles in the air

   castles in Spain

   pie in the sky

verb

3rd person present: dreams

1. 1.

   experience dreams during sleep.

   "I dreamed about her last night"
2. 2.

   indulge in daydreams or fantasies about something greatly desired.

   "she had dreamed of a trip to Italy"

What if a person dreams about falling,or speaking in front of their peers naked, of floating in the air, most dreams are what our subconscious is telling us.

what do we know about the subconscious brain well this is what the dictionary says

sub·con·scious

/səbˈkänSHəs/

Learn to pronounce

adjective

1. of or concerning the part of the mind of which one is not fully aware but which influences one's actions and feelings.

   "my subconscious fear"

   Similar:

   unconscious

   latent

   suppressed

   repressed

   subliminal

   unfulfilled

   dormant

   hidden

   concealed

   underlying

   innermost

   deep

   intuitive

   instinctive

   innate

   involuntary

   bottled up

   Opposite:

   conscious

   expressed

noun

1. the subconscious part of the mind (not in technical use in psychoanalysis, where unconscious is preferred).

   "uncertainties were lurking around the edge of her subconscious"

so what's the big dill pickle about the subconscious and what does it have to do with dreams

dreams are a way of your subconscious mind to communicate with your conscious mind. Therefore, when things, in reality, do not go as planned, your subconscious mind tries to play them the way you would have wanted them to go, in your dreams.

subconscious mind, dreams can reveal our deepest needs, fears, and desires, 'Dreams prompt us to examine our feelings and states of mind. 

like water off a ducks back

So I have some acquired 3 ducks 2 Swedish blue ducks and one Pekin duck, with a deformed bill. Their names are Mrs. Featherby waddles, better than eggra and daffy duck yeah original huh, anyhow 

Have you ever heard the expression "like water off a ducks back, well this is usually an insult or criticism that doesn't really have any effect on the person being criticized. 

we are our own worst critics, it's us battling ourselves not you against her or him or whatever, we criticize everything we are, everything we do, every little flaw we see in ourselves. We are our own worst enemy also, but what is it that we are trying to do with our lives, is it to be one upping the other person, no that is not what life is about, trying to get ahead is great yes trying to live better happier lives, but if we continue to criticize ourselves based on what society tells us, who we are, how were supposed to dress, or how much we should weigh, and what we are supposed to do for a living to be successful.  The old adage your successful if you make a billion dollars, well that idea can and should be relished in my opinion. The most important part of being successful is that whatever we do, is it making us happy, do we enjoy it, yes some of us are stuck in a mundane job day to day that may not be fulfilling, but it is paying the bills, so there's that.  

depression and getting in deep!!!

In the year 2012 I was diagnosed mdd now for those of you that don't know what that is its major depressive disorder ! I am very fortunate that I got help when I needed it the most, suicidal thoughts are not good, I have been working with therapists for 14 years now. I have become radically aware of my thoughts and what they mean and how to redirect them.  Latey I've been wondering what is it like to really dive deep into my emotions, I am also in surgical menopause, yes I have hot flashes, frozen shoulder, no libido, all the things that go with it, I am also on hormone replacement therapy, which helps in the long run.  So what does it mean to dive deep. Well theres this song by Stephen Curtis champan that goes  so sink or swim im diving deep. Diving deep for me invades the most quiet corners of my mind things that I have shut out forever, put them on the back burner, things that I don't wanna remember and somethings that I long to remember like things that my parents said or did the good the bad the ugly & and the loving. Anyway here's the song!!!

The long awaited rains

Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground

And carved their way to where

The wild and rushing river can be found

And like the rains

I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah

My heart is racing and my knees are weak as I walk to the edge

I know there is no turning back once my feet have left the ledge

And in the rush I hear a voice

That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith

So here I go!

[Chorus]

I'm diving in

I'm going deep

In over my head I want to be

Caught in the rush

Lost in the flow

In over my head I want to go

The river's deep

The river's wide

The river's water is alive

So sink or swim I'm diving in

[Verse 2]

There is a supernatural power

In this mighty river's flow

It can bring the dead to life

And it can fill an empty soul

And give a heart the only thing

Worth living and worth dying for, yeah

But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God

Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood

So if you'll take my hand

We'll close our eyes and count to three

And take the leap of faith, come on let's go

[Chorus]

I'm diving in

I'm going deep

In over my head I want to be

Caught in the rush

Lost in the flow

In over my head I want to go

The river's deep

The river's wide

The river's water is alive

So sink or swim I'm diving in!!!

Lately I've been curious about the sunken ship is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in lake superior one of the five great lakes of Michigan, I would love to dive deep into this lake and discover many a things about that shipwreck 🚢 ⚓️ 🛳 🔱  but lake superior is huge and deep and there is a whole forest intact in the middle of it with abandoned mineshafts. That would be the neatest thing ever. But for right now I'm going to study about I will get back to you on this topic.

That's all for now thanks for reading

Back to school

 This is starting a new journey for kyleigh its her first year of highschool and this is keegans senior year 

casey is in eighth grade,  I am hopeful for a good year with all my kids passing their classes,  it has been a tough road bc of the covid year and homeschooling really set us back especially keegan, he had to make up 3 english classes last year,  and still had to do summer school, he really has to crack the whip this year just to graduate,  it may be difficult for him,  but I know with gumption and motivation he can and will pass this year.  

So many things to write about so little time.  

the farm mama

 I have a small hobby farm with 4 dogs, 5 cats, 2 goats, 3 ducks 5 adult chickens, and 4 chics, So now that makes 23 animals, I really enjoy taking care of them they are some of my bestest of friends they don't share secrets and they listen to my stories with no judgment, the ducks have to be my favorite I love watching them play in the splash pool that I got for them.  Next people always say dogs is mans best friend, well I believe this is true, if I had to chose my dogs over my husband I'd know who would win and so does he!!

I am not sent to be a homesteader, but I like using crafts and making food from scratch, I absolutely can't wait to put in a garden, with fresh Tomatoes, jalapenos, green pepper, celery, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelon, the trick is to keep the chickens out of it, along with the other animals I'm gonna need to fence it in!!!

fisching

 this is a story about fishing,  one of the most peaceful things to me is fishing, just sitting there casting a line waiting for that tug of the line,  it's so serene, the birds singing, the frogs jumping in the water, and the wind as it blows so peaceful, the best time of year to fish is ANYTIME in my opinion. My pipi taught me how to fish first he started off by letting me cast a line in the drive way of his house in coldwater mi.  we went to many lakes, and dams and rivers, my favorite place to visit was lunkers it was a fishing bait shop next to this dam that we liked to visit, grandma ruthie was there too of course.  many years later I was able to teach my children how to fish. I taught them how to use a bobber first, so they get the feel of the tug on the line from a fish,  but now they don't use a bobber at all!! keegan likes to use the jig, and did you know he can walk on water?? he was on a fishing trip with uncle si, aunt jenny, aiden,brenden, jhonny, paul and lisa, well the canoe tipped over and keegan didNOT want to get in the water under any circumstances. that is how we know he can walk on water, I was not there but man i wish i was,  there are so many fishing trips and stories to tell,

Java Java Java!!!

I don't claim to be a coffee connoisseur !! But I am a true coffee lover anything under the sun that involves coffee I know about it!! We have 9 coffee makers and all of them do different things, one kind is drip coffee another kind is cold brew, another kind is espresso, one French press, one is iced coffee maker, percolate coffee, all of the coffee makers all of the coffee makers!!!

I drink it like water 💧 🤪 I drink around 3 to 5 if the weather is cold or rainy 🌧 

So much more to coffee than just beans. Its aroma and relaxing and warm to the touch it warms my heart and soul.  

I love the coffee talk on SNL it's actor is mike myers he plays a lady roll her name is linda richmond

the scene is set in a living room with a coffee table where they discuss things i.e. current events and what not,  she sometimes says she's feeling verklempt and tells the audience to talk amongst themselves, they also say kawphy like they are from new jersey any way look it up on google totally funny in  my opinion.

other things relating to coffee lately the girls and I have been on a starbucks kick everytime were at kroger we have to grab a quick cup,  kyleighs favorite is vanilla bean frappicino with 2 scoops of dragon fruit with whipped cream on top and bottom, casey really enjoys the caramel ribbon crunch frappicino, I like the cold brew irish cream or pistachio, randy is one for the white chocolate mocha hot latte. keegan who knows what he likes he's 17 lol so much to that young man!!

my mother was the same way as me would drink it like water i suppose that is where i get it from, but she would leave the pot on all day and it would be like tar sometimes coming out of the pot so she'd heat it up,  or leave it in the microwave and just end up drinking it cold.  

I also enjoy coffee flavored ice cream, and yogurt,  any tiramisu a delightfully moose cake made with marscapone cheese, lady fingers drenched in espresso yummy, topped with cocoa powder. I also enjoy coffee cake, or any slice of pie imaginable.  

Masquerade!!!!

 This is my absolute song and musical of all time The Phantom of the opera,  If I ever have the chance to see it again I will!!!

what is a mask or masking exactly, the definition is this Masking describes the act of hiding or suppressing symptoms of a mental health condition. People usually mask in situations and environments where they are expected to act in a socially normative way — like at school or work, or when meeting new people.

Sometimes I think of my dogs when I am masking like a pitbull the name and the stigma that goes along with it.  super mean or so people think but in their hearts super sweet and kind.

Masking can also be described as concealing one emotion by portraying another emotion, that is concealing negative emotions with other emotions either positive or negative. Masking is to behave in certain ways that would help one hide or repress their emotions that are not approved by those around them.

How do you know you are masking?? Signs you or someone you support may be masking include: Mirroring others' facial expressions or social behaviors. Rehearsing or preparing scripted responses to comments. Imitating gestures such as handshakes or initiating eye contact.

so here's the lyrics to masquerade 

Monsieur Andre!
Monsieur Firmin!

Dear Andre, what a splendid party
The prelude to a bright new year
Quite a night, I'm impressed
Well, one does one's best

Here's to us
The toast for the city
What a pity that the Phantom can't be here!

Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade!
Hide your face so the world will never find you

Masquerade!
Every face a different shade
Masquerade!
Look around, there's another mask behind you

Flash of mauve, splash of puce
Fool and king, ghoul and goose
Green and black, queen and priest
Trace of rouge, face of beast

Faces!
Take your turn, take a ride
On the merry-go-round
In an inhuman race

Eye of gold, thigh of blue
True is false, who is who?
Curl of lip, swirl of gown
Ace of hearts, face of clown

Faces!
Drink it in, drink it up
Till you've drowned in the light, in the sound
But who can name the face?

Masquerade!
Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade!
Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you

Masquerade!
Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade!
Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you

Masquerade!
Seething shadows breathing lies
Masquerade!
You can fool any friend who ever knew you

Masquerade!
Leering satyrs, peering eyes
Masquerade!
Run and hide, but a face will still pursue you

What a night, what a crowd!
Makes you glad, makes you proud!
All the crème de la crème
Watching us, watching them (and all our fears are in the past)

Three months
Of relief, of delight!
Of Elysian peace!
And we can breathe at last

No more notes, no more ghost
Here's a health, here's a toast
To a prosperous year
To our friends who are here

And may the splendour never fade (what a joy, what a change)
What a blessed release!
And what a masquerade!

Think of it
A secret engagement
Look, your future bride
Just think of it

But why is it secret?
What have we to hide?
You promised me

No, Raoul, please don't, they'll see
Well then let them see
It's an engagement, not a crime

Christine, what are you afraid of?
Let's not argue (let's not argue)
Please pretend (I can only hope)
You will understand in time (I'll understand in time)

Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade!
Hide your face so the world will never find you

Masquerade!
Every face a different shade
Masquerade!
Look around, there's another mask behind you

Masquerade!
Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade!
Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you

Masquerade!
Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade!
Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you

Why so silent, good Messieurs?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
I have written you an opera

Here I bring the finished score
"Don Juan Triumphant"
Fondest greetings to you all
A few instructions just before rehearsal starts

Carlotta must be taught to act
Not her normal trick of strutting around the stage
Our Don Juan must lose some weight
It's not healthy in a man of Piangi's age

And my managers must learn
That their place is in an office
Not the arts
As for our star, Miss Christine Daaé...

No doubt she'll do her best
It's true, her voice is good
She knows, though

Should she wish to excel
She has much still to learn
If pride will let her return to me
Her teacher, her teacher...

Your chains are still mine
You belong to me!

You are welcome!!!

I'll build a boat in a desert place

 Never have I actually built that floats, but once I did build the Titanic it was a 3d foam puzzle coolest ship I have ever seen.  I love everything about pirates and the stories of sunken ships, I could go on forever.

Titanic was the ship of dreams ~ Rose Dawson

The RMS Titanic, a luxury steamship, sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912, off the coast of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic after sideswiping an iceberg during its maiden voyage. Of the 2,240 passengers and crew on board, more than 1,500 lost their lives in the disaster.

So the movie what about the movie???

Is Titanic a true story?

The short answer is no – Jack and Rose were not real people on board the Titanic, but fictional characters created especially for the film by James Cameron.

The inspiration for Rose was actually an American artist who had nothing to do with the story of the Titanic sinking: Beatrice Wood. Cameron was reading her biography while he was drafting the script and has explained that certain aspects of her personality – including her love of art and family background – ended up informing the character, even if only loosely.

An amazingly romantic film, 1997 was along time ago for me!! and my heart will go on had a different meaning back then!! 

Sunken ships of the great lakes has to be my favorite thing to study, it's right in my back yard.

Of the estimated 10,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region, only about 350 of them are located in Lake Superior. Of those, about 50 wrecks are presumed to be within Minnesota waters. Most of Minnesota's shipwreck history can be found in Lake Superior.

Lake Erie has an astonishing 2,000-plus shipwrecks which is among the highest concentration of shipwrecks in the world. Only about 400 of Lake Erie's wrecks have ever been found. There are schooners, freighters, steamships, tugs and fishing boats among them.

Lake Huron: a “magnet for shipwrecks”

Because of its many islands, it has the longest shoreline of the five lakes (3,827 miles, or 6,157 km)

Lake michigan Shortly after 7:10 p.m., Edmund Fitzgerald suddenly sank in Canadian (Ontario) waters 530 feet (88 fathoms; 160 m) deep, about 17 miles (15 nautical miles; 27 kilometers) from Whitefish Bay near the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste.

But did you know that Lake Ontario has its own hungry vortex of doom? There are somewhere between 270 and 500 shipwrecks in Lake Ontario's eastern basin, and most of them are in an area known as The Marysburgh Vortex!!

The Impossible

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My dad chased monsters from the dark
He checked underneath my bed
And he could lift me with one arm
Way up over top his head

He could loosen rusty bolts
With a quick turn of his wrench
He pulled splinters from his hand
And never even flinched

In 13 years, I'd never seen him cry
But the day that Grandpa died, I realized

Unsinkable ships - sink
Unbreakable walls - break
Sometimes the things you think will never happen
Happen just like that
Unbendable steel - bends
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable
I've learned to never underestimate
The impossible

Then there was my junior year
Billy had a brand new car
It was late, the road was wet
I guess the curve was just too sharp

I walked away without a scratch
They brought the helicopter in
And Billy couldn't feel his legs
They said he'd never walk again

But Billy said he would
And his mom and daddy prayed
And the day we graduated
He stood up to say

Unsinkable ships - sink
Unbreakable walls - break
Sometimes the things you think will never happen
Happen just like that
Unbendable steel - bends
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable
I've learned to never underestimate
The impossible

So don't tell me that it's over
Don't give up on you and me
'Cause there's no such thing as hopeless
If you believe

Unsinkable ships - sink
Unbreakable walls - break
Sometimes the things you think would never happen
Happen just like that
Unbendable steel - bends
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable
I've learned to never underestimate
The impossible

This song by Colton Dixon

I've been wandering through the desert
Ain't seen a cloud in forever over me
But I believe Your rain is coming, mm
Yeah, I've been hanging onto high hopes
'Cause You're the one who's making dry bones come to life
You're the light I put my trust in

Every word You say is gonna come true
You will lead me to the promised land
Everything You say is gonna happen
Even though I haven't seen it yet

I will build a boat in the sand where they say it never rains
I will stand up in faith, I'll do anything it takes
With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades
I'll build a boat in the desert place
And when the flood and the water starts to rise, yeah
I'll ride the storm 'cause I got You by my side
With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades
I'll build a boat, so let it rain

You're the map, You're my compass
You help me navigate the currents underneath
Take the lead, I surrender

Every word You say is gonna come true
You will lead me to the promised land
Everything You say is gonna happen
Even though I haven't seen it yet

I will build a boat in the sand where they say it never rains
I will stand up in faith, I'll do anything it takes
With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades
I'll build a boat in the desert place
And when the flood and the water starts to rise, yeah
I'll ride the storm 'cause I got You by my side
With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades
I'll build a boat, so let it rain
I'll build a boat, so let it rain

I will build a boat in the sand where they say it never rains
I will stand up in faith, I'll do anything it takes
With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades
I'll build a boat in the desert place
And when the flood and the water starts to rise, yeah
I'll ride the storm 'cause I got You by my side
With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades
I'll build a boat, so let it rain

this is the life!!! what will 2023 bring me!!

 So this is the life Lately things have been pretty good, randy got a new job and is working in a different department for his company I still have my job at otterbein it's going pretty well, Our kids are doing great in school.  we have the best of friends and family, a roof over our heads, shoes on our feet, food in our tummies, and clothes on our backs!!

what will 2023 bring me,  my color this year is purple meaning I am loyal and genuine , a best friend anyone could wish for.  I am unapologetically honest I tell it like it is, and that's what real friends are for anyway. some may think I am harsh, but I see it as being true to myself, In 2023 I won't change that I will continue to put my value in the quality of my friendships. Not everyone deserves a seat at my table!

No hot Air required we rise by lifting others up!

Rise by lifting others poem

Everyone wants to get ahead in this world. However, its hard when people go about it in thoughtless ways. they puff themselves up with hot air seeking attention and praise and end up stepping on whoever they can to get higher. 

The fact is the real rise to the top is a lot easier than it sounds. just let go of the idea that we need to climb somewhere or something and concentrate on lifting and inspiring others along their journey. when we stop focusing on ourselves, we end up finding extraordinary joy in watching their dreams take flight,

but the best part is that in the process they become the "wind beneath our wings" (interesting song btw)

and we effortlessly float to the top, often finding ourselves soaring higher than ever before. The ride is a blast and the view is amazing.

 

So inspiring, uplifting and empower others. it is the secret to true and lasting greatness.

"Smile, someone is thinking of you!" another dove chocolate quote.

while writing this blog I am listening to music, songs by Bruno mars, and similar artists like Rhiana, Miley cyrus, eminem.  it makes it easier to write my thoughts out, it is my me time to take and reflect on life the day or my feelings about a particular situation.  

stuck in the mud!!!

 STUCK IN THE MUD!!!

    UGH!!  today started out kind of strange I was so tired and really didn't feel like getting out of bed, well I got ready for work and when I went to leave I put the van in reverse and turned around in our turn around of the driveway to get out and I was stuck in what I thought was snow, that nasty four letter word all of michiganders don't like! It turned out that what I was stuck was in fact MUD!!! So that made for an interesting morning, I went to work clocked in like normal and headed to get the cart for the food to be delivered to the residents where I work a place called Otterbein sunset village. While I was preparing the food I went to get a small fruit dish all of them fell directly on me!!! I was rather frustrated at this point. I served breakfast and lunch, cleaned up after lunch and went home.

Well what was happening at home you might wonder?? I made my way in the house, to my surprise princess my girl dog was grinning ear to ear that pitty smile that all pitbull lovers know!!  The new puppy was prancing about, he had gotten out of his mobile carrier with the help of his older dog friends, the chewed the carrier so much so that the latch broke free and the door opened, well he was free for who knows how long,  I wasn't really mad I had wondered if this might happen while I was at work, kind of a self fulfilling prophecy. I also wondered if the older dogs would eat him.  After I ate some dunkin eggs and toast, I took a shower!! then I placed the puppy on my bed and went to the kitchen for my cup of hot coffee waiting for me, my plan was to sit and cuddle up with the dogs for the remainder of the afternoon.  The puppy thought he was superman for a short instance. He wanted down and took a leap of faith and landed wrong hurting him self, his back left leg seems to be torn, or sprained but not broken,  right now he is resting hopefully he will feel better soon but I understand his pain. 

I picked up the kids from school after they did some weightlifting, All of this to say, TODAY WAS INTERESTING!!! For the rest of the evening I plan on cooking dinner and spending time with the family!! perhaps maybe some 1 on 1 time with randy!!!

back to basics

Getting back to the basics 

One thing that has been on my mind is we get so wrapped up in the world and social media. It can consume us at times. It is very vain! 

well while enjoying a piece of dove dark chocolate they have little quotes inside the wrapper this one says

"after every storm there's a rainbow no matter how long it takes to show up!!!

this is true in all things of life, sometimes our storms are very large and we may not see and end insight then out pops a rainbow to show us that things are getting better just over the horizon!

funny word horizon. when I think of this word I am reminded of the movies pirates of the Caribbean that is my favorite all time movie along with the nightmare before Christmas, I also really enjoy any movie starring Jim Carrey!!!

Some of my favorite quotes are 

You can't fail at what you don't want so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love!! Jim Carrey

ok so the real reason why were here is to talk about getting back to the basics!

doing basic things to help us get on with everyday life,

taking care of ourselves in MAJOR in my BOOK!! shower, brush teeth, brush hair, get dressed for the day, put on shoes, if you're in a depressive state, these things may seem overwhelming, but its one baby step at a time maybe you aren't able to do all of these things, but perhaps you are willing to try one simple task like brushing your hair start by taking little strokes then see how nice that feels notice the sensation that it gives you.  then if you are willing make a list of these important things and try something new on the list every day or every couple of days 

It may take a while to get in a routine, I know it did for me and not everyday is going to look the same.

basics can also look like maintaining your household for example washing the dishes or taking out the trash, cleaning up rooms, or folding and putting away laundry.