True Friendship

Every Mom's Test

To my beautiful daughter... You are my everything!

Every Mom's Test

© Nandita Shailesh Shanbhag

You are special; you mean the world to me
You are my daughter, a reflection of my entity

Every year, as I watch you grow by my side
No matter what you do, you are my source of pride

The umbilical cord may have been cut but you should know
You are still bound to my soul, wherever you go

Sometimes I am firm and you may think I am wrong
Remember it is easy to give in, but tough to be strong

Sometimes I am strict and you may think it is unfair
But I correct you only because I love and care

I harden my heart and nag, scold and fight
To teach you the difference between the wrong and the right

For soon, the days will pass swiftly all in a whirl
And into a woman will grow my baby girl

Tomorrow when you need inner strength above all
I hope my values will give you the courage to stand tall

I hope that in my teaching you will find tips few
Soon when you strive to make your dreams come true

At a later date, when the real world you have to face
Today’s lessons will help you go ahead in the race

Some day in the future when a mother you will be
From my point of view, the world you will see

For your baby then you will do what is best
To blend discipline with kindness is every mom’s test.

Falling Apart From Within

Sometimes actions speak so loudly that you can't hear a word people are saying.

Sometimes I feel just like the woman in this photograph.  It all starts with a comment or look, or a memory that takes me back to another time.  Sometimes it's a family member that's inconsiderate or just out right rude, and without a thought of how those words or actions affect you.  Each blow takes its toll, and before you know it the cracked face is what you see looking back at you in the mirror- not the beautiful smile that you continue to show the world.

How would our lives change, if we allowed the people who hurt us to see the damage they cause?  Would they care?  Would it somehow change their behavior?  Would I even have the courage to show my pain to the world?  I don't know, I doubt it.  So I continue to face each new day.  I try to look beyond the cracks and focus on making the smile I present to the world be the most beautiful smile I can create.

God, please give me the strength to wake each day and face more cracks and please don't let me fall apart.

That is all.

What do you see?

Some people just see a tree for what it is, others see so much more...

What do you see?

“For me, trees have always been the most penetrating preachers. I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forests and groves. And even more I revere them when they stand alone. They are like lonely persons. Not like hermits who have stolen away out of some weakness, but like great, solitary men, like Beethoven and Nietzsche. In their highest boughs the world rustles, their roots rest in infinity; but they do not lose themselves there, they struggle with all the force of their lives for one thing only: to fulfil themselves according to their own laws, to build up their own form, to represent themselves. Nothing is holier, nothing is more exemplary than a beautiful, strong tree. When a tree is cut down and reveals its naked death-wound to the sun, one can read its whole history in the luminous, inscribed disk of its trunk: in the rings of its years, its scars, all the struggle, all the suffering, all the sickness, all the happiness and prosperity stand truly written, the narrow years and the luxurious years, the attacks withstood, the storms endured. And every young farmboy knows that the hardest and noblest wood has the narrowest rings, that high on the mountains and in continuing danger the most indestructible, the strongest, the ideal trees grow.

Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.

A tree says: A kernel is hidden in me, a spark, a thought, I am life from eternal life. The attempt and the risk that the eternal mother took with me is unique, unique the form and veins of my skin, unique the smallest play of leaves in my branches and the smallest scar on my bark. I was made to form and reveal the eternal in my smallest special detail.

A tree says: My strength is trust. I know nothing about my fathers, I know nothing about the thousand children that every year spring out of me. I live out the secret of my seed to the very end, and I care for nothing else. I trust that God is in me. I trust that my labor is holy. Out of this trust I live.

When we are stricken and cannot bear our lives any longer, then a tree has something to say to us: Be still! Be still! Look at me! Life is not easy, life is not difficult. Those are childish thoughts. Let God speak within you, and your thoughts will grow silent. You are anxious because your path leads away from mother and home. But every step and every day lead you back again to the mother. Home is neither here nor there. Home is within you, or home is nowhere at all.

A longing to wander tears my heart when I hear trees rustling in the wind at evening. If one listens to them silently for a long time, this longing reveals its kernel, its meaning. It is not so much a matter of escaping from one's suffering, though it may seem to be so. It is a longing for home, for a memory of the mother, for new metaphors for life. It leads home. Every path leads homeward, every step is birth, every step is death, every grave is mother.

So the tree rustles in the evening, when we stand uneasy before our own childish thoughts: Trees have long thoughts, long-breathing and restful, just as they have longer lives than ours. They are wiser than we are, as long as we do not listen to them. But when we have learned how to listen to trees, then the brevity and the quickness and the childlike hastiness of our thoughts achieve an incomparable joy. Whoever has learned how to listen to trees no longer wants to be a tree. He wants to be nothing except what he is. That is home. That is happiness.”  Hermann Hesse

Life's Little Truths

I love Spring!

I try very hard to make people feel loved and special (even when they don't deserve it). 

One day I hope they decide to pass it on to someone no matter how they feel about that person. 

Pay it forward.

I'm so glad that the right choices I made years ago have finally landed me right where I am now. 

I thank God everyday for the life that I have.  

I have no doubt in my mind where I'd be right now, had I chosen differently.

Yep, had to learn this one the hard way. 

(Its hard when you watch someone you love still trying to learn it)

So true.

What NOT to say..

I've heard every single one of these statements come out of someone's mouth before.  This is a perfect example of what not to say to a parent who's miscarried.  Karla spells it out perfectly.  (Click here to read Karla's story)

Thank God, I have never experienced such loss, but I would hope that my family and faith in God would help pull me through even the darkest of days.

I have family members and close personal friends who have had miscarriages.  I didn't know what to say at the time and still don't know that I'd say and or do the right thing today.  I think sometimes there are just no real words that will comfort someone, but if we're careful saying the wrong thing doesn't have to cause them even more pain.

God bless Karla, her husband and their unborn baby.  I hope she can be an inspiration to us all.  Please be mindful of what you say to people suffering such a loss. 

Pork... Are you outraged?

U.S. factory farms confine millions of breeding sows (female pigs) for nearly their entire lives inside tiny crates so small the animals can't even turn aroundThese intelligent, social animals can't turn around or walk, let alone perform many of their other most important natural behaviors. They’re moved to a different crate to give birth, and then are soon re-impregnated and put back into a gestation crate for the cycle to repeat. This happens several times until the pigs can’t reproduce at a profitable rate any longer, and the pigs are then sent to slaughter. It’s hard to imagine a more miserable life.

 The HSUS has worked to pass laws to ban gestation crates in 8 states: Ohio, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Michigan, and Oregon. Bills to ban gestation crates are currently pending in Delaware, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey and New York. Many retailers—Harris Teeter, Wolfgang Puck, Burger King, Wendy's, Red Robin, Sonic, Subway, and Safeway among them—have taken steps to move away from pork from producers that use gestation crates. Smithfield, the largest U.S pig producer, has announced a plan to end its use of gestation crates in company-owned breeding facilities by 2017. And Cargill, the nation's eighth-biggest pig producer, has stated that more than half of its sows are no longer confined in gestation crates.

 Personally, I will sponsor these businesses that don't use pork from companies/farmers that use gestation crates. The Humane Society shines a bright spotlight on the abuse of pigs in the pork industry by conducting investigations at factory farms and videotaping what conditions are really like for these animals. For example, in December 2010 we released an investigation into Smithfield, the country’s largest pork producer, showing extreme abuse of animals. Just take a look at these photos and make up your own mind.

Where do you want your next pork chop, ham, bacon, or sausage to come from.... ??

Where did your lunch come from?

So very true!

I know people like this!!

What I'm thinking today...

This is so true right now... I'm working hard toward my goal and I know I see it in my future...

Sometimes I feel just like this little bird, it's a balancing act and I'm trying to stay on top of it all. 

God help me through this!

I've had so many people tell me that I need to reward myself once a week (with food), or let's throw a party when you lose all your weight.  I know they mean well but the last thing I want to do is reward myself by eating, because it's what I've always done and that's partly to blame for the issue I am having today.  I have to change my way of thinking.  I need to learn to reward myself with a pair of earrings, a bracelet or necklace.  Maybe even a nice pair of running shoes.  I can't buy clothes yet, because I'm still losing and in my opinion that's just throwing money away.  One of the things I've been doing lately is trying on jewelry that didn't fit before and it fits now.  I've been getting clothes out of storage that now fit me and that' feels really good!  So yeah, no food as a reward!!

I've always known the world was a better place with me in it.  I don't have doubts about that statement, but sometimes I really do feel very much alone in my weight issues.  

There's a picture going around on Facebook that says "If you can't be skinny, then let your closest friends be FAT.  I would never make a wish like that.  I would never wish this battle on anyone.  Yes, I see this as a battle.  A battle that I'm fighting on my own.  My husband and daughter work out with me, but their battle doesn't feel like it compares to mine.  I have so much more to lose than they do.  Even my doctor suggested that I not do this the hard way.  She said "Let's just make an appointment, you will qualify for gastric bypass surgery... Ummm let me think... No thanks!  I like having a normal stomach.  I  also don't want to lose weight so quickly that I have "elephant skin".  Have you seen what that looks like?  No thanks!  

Thinking postive!

Maybe I'm gaining muscle?  

Maybe I have a little water weight gain?

Trying to see the benefits - so I composed a email with pictures to inspire me and keep me on track.

Those people know who they are...  (smiling inside)

Weight Loss Progress!

I know how gross this looks, but I've lost 45 lbs so far as of TODAY!!  That's right 2 of the bottom and 1 from the very top!  I am so proud of myself I can't wait to see what I will look like when I finally reach my goal.  And I "WILL" get there!

I did some weight training tonight...that burn felt so good.  I can't wait to try a new machine tomorrow night.  

Who knew that "I" would enjoy working out??!!  Not me.

I'm now tired and ready for bed.  Tomorrow is a new day, full of new possibilities. 

Bicycle Lawnmower

The ingenious Bicycle-Lawnmower..


What a fun way to cut your lawn!  But as I recall from being a young'in... it was kinda hard to peddle in the grass..right?

I love this scale- All very true.

Choice or Murder

30 minutes ...This may change your mind on abortion and what PRO CHOICE really means.




I have always been Pro Life... I know people, and love people who have had abortions.  They made choices in their life that they felt they had to make.  This is my opinion and I believe with every fiber of my being that abortion in all circumstances is wrong.  Abortions happen every single day in our country, what a shame.  Life is precious, and if you don't want it- there are loving people who want to raise your child.  Let your choice be to save a life, not murder one.

Horse Training DVD

Start To Finish DVD Offer
Using Treats as a Training Tool

Please fill out this form to see video.

http://stfproducts.com/dvdpromo/index.html

This could save your pet's life...

I have one on each door, it let's fire and rescue know that you have pets and their lives need to be saved if humanly possible.

Window Clings-
http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/free-pet-safety-pack.aspx

Good or Evil?

Oh yea...Now I remember....

LOL

Daydreams...

Have you ever wished for things that always seemed just beyond your reach?

Have you ever felt as though you couldn't have the things you saw other people enjoying?

What do you daydream about?

What dreams would you want to come true if only you had to dream it...

Strawberry Cake

Make this for a special Dad and he will be reminded that he is a rich man indeed.

Ingredients for 12 Servings

• 1 (18.25-ounce) Package white cake mix
• 1 (3-ounce) Package strawberry gelatin
• 4 Large eggs
• ½ Cup sugar
• ½ Cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
• ½ Cup milk
• ½ Vegetable oil
• 1/3 Cup all-purpose flour
• Strawberry Buttercream Frosting (see below)
• Garnish with whole and halved strawberries

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat cake mix, strawberry gelatin, eggs, sugar, chopped fresh strawberries, milk, vegetable oil and all-purpose flour at low speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Scrape down sides, and beat at medium speed for 2 more minutes, stopping to scrape down sides, as needed. (The Strawberries should be well blended.)
2. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 23 minutes, or until cakes spring back when pressed lightly with a finger. Let cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely (about 1 hour.)
4. Spread the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with whole and halved strawberries. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 1 week.

Note: This recipe was tested at Southern Living using Betty Crocker Supermoist Cake Mix, White. The recipe for the Strawberry Tart shown in the photo is on page 186 of the new book.

To make ahead: Prepare recipe as directed. Chill, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until frosting is set. Cover well with wax paper, and store in refrigerator up to a week.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
• 1 Cup butter, softened
• (32-ounce) Package powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 Cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
Preparation
1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy (about 20 seconds). Add sugar and strawberries, beating at low speed until creamy. (Add more sugar if frosting is too thin, or add strawberries if too thick.)

What kinda parent are you?

Oh yeah... I'm that kinda Momma, 

just ask my Mother In Law or any of Ashley's 8th grade teachers!

Tomorrow is never promised.

Prayer for Peace

A Healthier Me...

First of all I want to start out by saying...

Therefore I deserve to put as much effort into making myself healthier and happier everyday...

I deserve it because I put just as much effort into making others 

in my life happy and healthy so the exact same effort should be given to me... right? 

Right!

So I'm going to...

However I'm going to hate drinking my water... I refuse to like it!

I will miss my Sundrop...but I will continue on....

Because...

 

I will print this out and read it daily to inspire me to continue toward my goals.

Breast Cancer Awareness

If the face below don't make you want to find a cure for breast cancer nothing will....just look at those eyes!  She's going to be a wonderful mother someday ~ She will be able to make her children do whatever she wants just by giving them THAT look!

Breast Cancer Awareness ~ Don't forget to do your monthly self check!

This was so awesome I had to share it with you.  I truly loved John Lennon's quote the best, because I can relate to it, as it pretty much sums up yesterday.  I wasted a lot of time doing nothing, but it was exactly what I wanted to do.  

HAPPY MONDAY!!

Birthday Cake Martini

1.5 ounces vanilla vodka

1.5 ounces cranberry juice

1/2 ounce champagne

Rim glass with Sprinkles (a little cake frosting helps to make them stick). Combine vodka and cranberry juice in an ice shaker, half-filled with ice cubes.  Shake well. Strain into glass.  Top with Champagne. 

Drop in a cherry.  Enjoy!

I can see this easily becoming a favorite, now if only the hick infested 

bars in Clarksville knew how to make such a beautiful cocktail.

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Dr. Oz’s Tangerine Weight-Orade Recipe

Dr. Oz’s Tangerine Weight-Orade Recipe

I'm not sure if this is actually going to boost my metabolism but it sounds like a nice refreshing drink nonetheless.  I'm going to brew some up today. 


For a powerful metabolism-boosting drink, try Dr. Oz’s Tangerine Weight-Orade.


 It contains: green tea, shown to boost metabolism 12% by drinking just one cup; tangerine, with a chemical composition that increases sensitivity to insulin and stimulates genes that help to burn fat; and mint, a calorie-free flavor enhancer.


Recipe:  In a large pitcher, combine: 8 cups of brewed green tea / 1 tangerine, sliced / A handful of mint leaves / Stir this delicious concoction up at night so all the flavors fuse together.  Drink 1 pitcher daily for maximum metabolism-boosting results.

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Beth Quinn Designs = Love them!

Check out this site.  www.socialgoodies.com   Some of the proceeds go toward charities too!


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Grandpa's Hands

Grandpa’s Hands

Grandpa, some  ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn’t acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.

He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for  asking,” he said in a clear strong  voice.

“I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were  OK,” I explained to him.“Have you ever  looked at your hands,” he asked. “I mean really looked at  your hands?”I slowly opened my  hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down.  No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. 

Grandpa smiled and related this story:

“Stop and think  for a moment about the hands you have, how they have  served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. 

  

• They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

• As a  child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.  

• They  tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

• They  have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and  bent.

• They  were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn  son.

• Decorated with my wedding band  they showed the world that I was married and loved  someone special.

•  They  trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse  and walked my daughter down the aisle.

• They  trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse  and walked my daughter down the aisle.

• They  have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and  cleansed the rest of my body.

• They  have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and  raw.

• And  to this day, when not much of anything else of me works  real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and  again continue to fold in prayer.

• These  hands are the mark of where I’ve been and the ruggedness  of my life.

• But  more importantly it will be these hands that God will  reach out and take when he leads me home.

And  with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of  Christ.”  

I will never look at my hands the same again.  But I remember God reached out  and took my grandpa’s hands and led him home.  When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa.  I know he has been  stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.  I, too,want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

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