Day 4 ---The Internal Naysayer.....

Day 4


todays challenge:

Often times we can get caught up in negative self talk.

Or in being negative period.

We tend to speak to ourselves more horribly than we would ever imagine speaking to someone we love.

So today, that stops.

With every negative thought that comes into your mind,

first immediately STOP it...

And then, replace that thought with what is TRUE and positive.

Even better, get some index cards and write out the negative thought on one side,

and the truth on the other.

Along with the truth, you could find a bible verse or quote that further encourages you in that area.

Notice what a difference you feel about yourself and about life at the end of the day.

Challenge--Day 3

Day 3
todays challenge:
Today's focus is on the blessings in your life.

Grab a notebook and keep track of each and every blessing that comes your way. When you're looking for them, you'll be sure to find them.


Some of mine may not be so called "blessings" but they are definitely things I adore:
1)My healthy kids (by far my greatest blessing)
2)My patient husband
3)The policeman that works as a crossing guard by our schools.  He has a thankless job.
4)People that aren't afraid to be unique.
5)Fresh veggies and fruit.
6)Education.
7)Coffee
8)Fun coworkers
9)Health Insurance
10)A good job
11)Have a bountiful group of good friends.

The 21 Day Challenge

I am a tad behind in posting this but my group of old friends from Arizona and I are taking up a 21 Day Challenge courtesy of my friend Jen.  I don't know if she borrowed the challenge...but all in all it is quite fun and I am looking forward to doing it.


Day 1
today's challenge:
Think of something you are willing to give up for 21 days,
and commit to it once and for all.
Write it down.
Tell someone so they can help to hold you accountable.
and remember,
it's just for 21 days.
you can do anything for 21 days.

Mine is sweets (candy, pastries, ice cream, chocolate, cake).  And soda pop.  I had given up soda pop awhile ago but occasionally I fail and so is will help. 

Day 2
today's challenge:
Let today be a day that you are focused on going out of your way to show love and kindness to the people around you.
Whether that means sending a card,
writing a thoughtful email or note,
doing a chore for someone,
or spending extra intentional time with a friend, child or family member....
Whatever it may be, just find as many ways as you can throughout the day and do them.
And do them with a heart full of love.

Quote for the Weekend

Found here....

Some people just have magical voices

This video comes courtesy of April Meeker, from Second Sister fame.  She was the one that did the lovely illustration in the video. Her amazing jewelry can be found here.

Recipe for Late Summer (I am in denial that fall is coming)

 Courtesy of Soule Mama
Carrot-Tomato Soup

2 TBSP butter
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 lbs tomatoes, peeled* and sliced in half with stems removed
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
(optional) fresh sprigs of thyme, oregano or rosemary
1 medium sized yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
5 medium sized carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken (or vegetable) stock
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream

Place sliced tomatoes on a baking sheet. Cover with most of the olive oil (reserving 2 TBSP or so), and the salt and pepper. If you'd like a little more flavor, I sometimes add a fresh sprig or two of oregano or thyme atop the tomatoes. Place in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes to roast.

Halfway through the roasting, melt the butter and remaining olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic and cook until the vegetables begin to get soft (15 minutes or so). When the tomatoes are done, add those to the pot (removing the sprigs of herbs), along with the stock. Simmer on low until the vegetables are all tender (another 15 minutes or so).

Puree the soup. (I don't have an immersion blender, so my regular blender works just fine, doing it in batches.)

New Music

Local Natives



The Communist Daughter.....oh how I love the tamborine..

My FLICKR Photostream with full on horsey pics and baby lovin

FLICKR PHOTOS here

Growing Up

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. David Viscott

I saw a very elderly man very slowly and diligently climb out of his car at the gas station the other day.  As he walked by my car I noticed that he had a Powerball ticket where he had picked certain numbers and he was going in to purchase them.  I sat there and I pondered.  What is his age?  Is he in a bad spot and very much needs the money even this late in life?  Or perhaps he just is the eternal optimist and thinks that despite all this time, he still may win the big one?  Maybe he had a lot of line items on his bucket list he still hopes to complete?  Maybe he has a 100 grandchildren and he wants to pay for college?  Maybe his wife is in the hospital and they can't afford her medication?  Maybe he has always wanted a convertible and this is his only hope?  What are the numbers?  Does he buy the same numbers every week? 

John Prine is brilliant

Both of the following renditions were written by John Prine....love them......

All the Best Performed by the very talented My Morning Jacket



To hear Spanish Pipedream song by the Avett Brothers, go here....it reminds me of the life I want to lead.