Very frustrated!
My Neurologist got out of his lane and tried to change one of my medications. I will only change or stop a medication with the doctor who wrote the script.
Melinda
Very frustrated!
My Neurologist got out of his lane and tried to change one of my medications. I will only change or stop a medication with the doctor who wrote the script.
Melinda
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need And Instructions
Mash 8oz cream cheese and mix
1/2 cup of mayonnaise Not salad dressing
1 1/2 tsp Dill
2 tb parsley flacks
1 tsp celery salt
4 greens onions chopped
1/2 tsp Accent
Mix together and chill overnight
Granny loved this dip and made it often.
Melinda

George Washington is a Founding Father and without his leadership skills, America would be different for all of us.
I wish the next President had his strength, love of America, and the opposite of what we have today.
My husband took this photo, how do I know this? He left the date on.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Sounds like a relaxing butter, a great one to use at bedtime, of course, you can use it anytime.
Large bowl
1 cup organic shea butter
1/2 cup organic coconut oil
Hand-held or stand mixer
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops sweet orange essential oil
3 drops of clove essential oil
Airtight container
Add the Shea Butter and coconut oil to a large bowl and blend until the mixture is creamy and whipped. Be patient, the whipping process can take some time to achieve consistency
Once completely whipped, fold in lavender, sweet orange, and clove essential oils
Store in an airtight container of your choice
Kick back and take the smell in to get the full effect.
Melinda
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
This is so good and easy to make. My brother loved this cake so Granny made it often.
What You Need
1 pkg. Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme cake mix
1 pkg of Lemon Jello
4 eggs
2/3 cup oil
2/3 water
1 tsp lemon extract
How To Make
Dissolve Jello in warm water
Add oil, cake mix, and eggs. One at a time and beating well
Add extract and beat until smooth & creamy
Bake 50 minutes at 350 degrees
Icing instructions
Dissolve 1 cup of powdered sugar in 1/4 cup of lemon juice
Combine well and pour over the cake while it is still warm
You can make this cake any time of year and it will not let you down.
Melinda
I am alive, happy, productive and helping other Survivors. Very Blessed. My childhood and teenage years where so difficult I truly believed suicide was the only answer. My first attempt was at 9 years old, I took all the pills in my dad’s medicine cabinet. I got a buzz then my stomach pumped. Suicide was always on my mind since the abuse was everyday. If it wasn’t physical abuse, it was constant mental abuse by my mother. At the same time I saw my mother physically and emotionally abused by my alcoholic stepfather.
At 13 years old I left my abusive life behind. It sounds great but you are so wounded you don’t want to look anyone in the eye, they may hit you or call you names. My mind stripped down and filled with trash, my mother took every drop of confidence I had. Over time my confidence grew and I started building who I am today. I did get called names and had a couple good fights . Sounds like any teenager trying spread their wings.
I have many unresolved emotions, responses and fears. Who doesn’t? What I can say for sure, I’m a survivor and so much more. Survivors have to dig really deep after being kicked down. It took years for me to discover what I liked and longer to get over my fear of failure.
My mother told me I was stupid all the time. I know better when I look at the books I’ve read. I do research on the internet and find internal medical presentations. Last week was a 155-page presentation by the FDA on ECT to the medical community. I didn’t just find it, I understood entirely and told my husband about it. I’m not stupid.
I love art, music, photography, interior design, ancient history and archeology. At the height of my career, I earned over 300K a year, #1 in the sales force. I can grow beautiful roses, and collect antique cameras. I love travel and went to Russia by myself. I’m not stupid.
I’ve had over 20 ECT Treatments while battling the Black Dog, married three times, and started drinking at 9 years old. I’ve made plenty of mistakes while building the person I am today at 50 years old. I’m a survivor and so much more.
I am not stupid!
Warrior
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What you need
1/2 cup butter
3 TB flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 beaten eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash of nutmeg
How To Make
Have butter soft
Add sugar, and cream together well and add sugar, flour, and eggs beat well.
Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, and nutmeg
Pour into unbaked pie shell
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes
Cool completely before eating.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series. I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight the blog of Mental Notes 1.

POETRY RANDOM THOUGHTS AND STUFF LIKE THAT…
I am a sucker for love and a sob story; I am definitely for the underdog. I am a little weird but very loving, I am perfectly imperfect but shhhh, don’t tell anyone, I wrote a poetry book called Mental Notes in 2011 about addiction and all the insanity associated with it. I have randomly been posting pieces of the book to the blog. Here is the Kindle link for a preview http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SFS54U/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb
The blog is new to me but from looking at her blog, she writes poetry and many other topics. She also has two books published. Be sure to check her blog out.
Melinda
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration held every year on March 17. Originally a religious feast day (the “Feast of Saint Patrick”, the foremost patron saint of Ireland), it has developed into a celebration of Irish heritage and culture generally. It is celebrated with festivals, parades, and dancing by the Irish diaspora in many countries around the world. It is customary to wear green clothing or accessories, the color most associated with Ireland. The Lenten restriction of fasting is lifted for this day, encouraging the consumption of alcohol.
I only knew that the celebration was to drink more beer, mostly green. Now that I know it is religious it was a celebration I will take note.
I don’t drink anymore but I’ve had fun in the past.
Melinda
References:
Original post 4/2014
My brother and I called our stepfather a Nazi because he was mostly German and he would beat our mother unmercifully. Her crimes as we knew were not having dinner ready or not warm enough. The kids were too loud, noise was not allowed in the house, and he was an alcoholic with major control issues. I was 9 years old, my brother six & half years old, and our two step-brothers were much younger. They came to live with us after Houston Social Services found my stepfather the better parent. Of the choices, he was.
Their mother was a drug addict. He never saw the boys after the divorce. By the time they were in the court system, they had been left at home for up to two weeks with no food, nothing. The youngest in the same diaper. The youngest experienced trauma so severely that he regressed to a baby. Her addiction took over her life for that matter she may have forgotten she had kids until she came down enough.
I hated my stepfather from the beginning, he didn’t wait to start controlling everything. He rarely talked to my mother it was always yelling. It was very complicated for me. I hated my mother for abusing me but it still hurt when he beat her. We had a long hallway that passed our bedrooms. When he was out of control he would walk my mother down the hall hitting her head and body from side to side down the hallway. The hallway ended in front of my bedroom, it was hell on earth.
One night my life changed for the worse. She was screaming, pleading to stop, you could hear her head banging on the walls. He kept saying he was going to kill her. It wasn’t the first time he had threatened but something in her voice was different. They stopped in front of my bedroom. I was so scared, I cracked the door and he had a knife to her throat a little blood falling down her neck. I knew he was going to kill her, I couldn’t sit there and listen. Then what would he do after that? I’m 9 years old, more mature for my age but a child. I struggled with guilt for leaving her to die but I could not hear her cry anymore. I took the nine dollars I had saved and ran away. I thought my mother was going to die, but I didn’t think about the consequences. He’s yelling with a knife to her throat, she thought she was going to die by the look on her face.
I rode my bike a couple of miles to my boyfriend’s house. His parents were so normal. They offered me something to drink and eat, put a blanket around me, and let me tell the story. They said I could stay for a while to let things cool down at home but they would have to call my mother. I didn’t think my life could get worse, wrong. At 9 years old it spiralled straight to hell that night.
My mother drove up, I knew the beating would start the minute I got in the car. We turned the corner and she started laying into me barely staying on the road. When we arrived home, I’d reached the point of not feeling the pain. I believe if nothing else happened to me, this night alone would have fuck me up bad.
I think about what another mother would have done. Hugged their child right away, acknowledged how confusing and painful it must have been, and explained it was not the child’s fault. I never had normal. I tried to kill myself every chance possible from that day forward. I cut my wrist deep at school, God wouldn’t let me go. I endured much worse until I left home.
I prayed for God to let me go. I had no more fight in me. God had more lessons for me to learn. Looking back I’m so thankful. I would not have been able to create a close-to-normal life. More importantly, I wouldn’t have been able to hold my grandmother’s hand as she died. I cared for my grandfather as he was dying.
The only time I’ve cried is thinking about my grandparents. They were the only two people who loved me unconditionally. God built my strength, I could be there for them and the person I am today.
All of the above is collateral damage, I packed away. I see a Therapist where I can talk about the past. We focus on my fears as an adult. If you’re a Survivor of abuse, I hold out my hand and give you a hug.
Warrior
Willow & Sage by Stampington
Moisturizes dry skin and hair
Softens, for all skin types
Moisturizes and soothes acne
For all skin types
Improves complexion and moisturizes
For all skin types
Absorbs quickly
Has a light scent
For dry, sensitive, and mature skin
Moisturizes and rejuvenates
Has a strong scent
For dry and mature skin
Treats dry, irritated as well and scars
Treats oily, acne-prone skin
For all skin types
Contains high vitamin content
Has high viscosity
For all skin types
Soothes dry and irritated skin
For sensitive skin
Melinda
Willow and Sage by Stampington
This reciepie shows you how to use it as a treatment to calm menstral cramps.
1 TB walnut oil/carrier oil
2 drops of chamomile essential oil
2 drops of cypress essential oil
2 drops of lavender essential oil
Apply the walnut oil on your entire abdomen. Drop the essential oils on top of the carrier oil, and start massaging your belly. Place the palm of your dominant hand above belly button and with the other hand on top. Starting at the lower right abdoment, slowly rub your abdomen with both hands in a clockwise direction 20-30 times. Move your hands below your rib cage on either side of torso, and massage in a downward direction 5-6 times. Finish by kneading your abdomen in a circular in a circular motion 3-4 times, again in a clockwise direction. Start to massagebelly on the first day of period, before you feel any cramps beginning, if possible. After the massage, you can place a hot water bottle on your belly to keep it even more relaxed and calm.
Melinda
Willow and Sage by Stamptington
I have four recipes for all of your beard’s needs.
3 drops orange
3 drops cedarwood
3 drops frankincense
2 drops lavender
1 oz carrier oil
5 drops rosemary
5 drops cedarwood
5 drops sandalwood
1 oz. carrier oil
6 drops cedarwood
2 drops of tea tree
2 drops lavender
1 oz. carrier oil
5 drops of pink pepper
5 drops Douglas Fir
3 drops cedarwood
1 drop clary sage
1 oz carrier oil
You will need a small amount of carrier oil and a 2 oz dropper bottle
A couple of great carrier oils are grapeseed oil and olive oil. But there are many to pick from.
These make great gifts for the men in your life.
Melinda
This is a repost from a few years ago that has been quite popular. Try for yourself the delight with no-dairy tricks!
If you crave creamy foods but don’t care or can’t eat dairy, these vegan substitutes for heavy cream will help.
“Cashews are frequently used in dairy-free products because they provide a texture similar to dairy without tasting like a nut,” Shaw says. “Cashew cream can easily be made with cashews, water, and salt.” If you can’t eat nuts, pureed white beans work similarly.
Once blended, this combo mimics the higher fat content that gives heavy cream its thick, silky texture and taste. Shaw says-but it’s not a one-for-one substitute, so you’ll have to add it in stages until you get the consistency you’re looking for.
It’s like a thicker, creamier coconut milk, and you’ll want to buy it sweetened or unsweetened depending on what you are using it for. If you can’t find it or already have full-fat coconut milk on hand, you can DIY it. “Place the coconut milk can upside down in the fridge overnight, then drain to remove the milk solids. Place the solids in a chilled bowl and whip with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.” Shaw says.
“This combination is a great alternative and can be made by blending equal parts of each-plus, it boosts the protein of your recipe,” saw Shaw. It’s also lower in fat than heavy cream but still delivers the vibe you’re looking for.
Enjoy!
Melinda
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
I can’t say how this tastes because I will not eat kraut.
What You Need
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped celery
1 TSB salt
1 larger can of Kraut using the juice
1 can pimentos
3/4 cup salad oil
1 1/4 sugar
How To Make
Mix together and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using.
Kraut loves will enjoy this recipe.
Melinda
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
1/4 cup water
2 cups light brown sugar
1/3 cup margarine
1 1/2 cups pecans
How To Make
Boil water and ingredients and boil for 5 more minutes
Take off stove
Beat for one minute
Drop on wax paper or foil and cool
Remove after it hardens
These are out of this world! We all looked forward to her Pralenes.
Melinda
Willow & Sage from Stampington
It sounds wonderful!
I cup-dried organic rose petals
Glass jar
500ml sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil
Blender
Cheesecloth
Strainer
Glass bowl
Add the dried rose petals to a clean glass jar and cover with oil
Secure it tightly with a lid and let it set for a week or two
Make sure that your blender is clean and dry before using
Add the rose-infused oil oul and petals to a high-speed blender and blend well
Place the cheesecloth or a thin cloth in the strainer, and place the strainer over a glass bowl
Strain the oil through the cheesecloth strainer-lined
Gently squeeze out all the oil with your hands
Pour the oil into a dark-colored or amber glass jar for storage
Label and keep stored in a cool dark place
Have fun making this Rose-Infused Body Oil.
Melinda
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.

Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I went to one of his concerts with my friend and we danced most of the night. Steve is one of my favorites.
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Grandparents used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like dumplings, and pecan pie. Some recipes have been passed down or from other family members recipe.
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup quick oatmeal
1 egg
2 tb. vanilla
2 tsp. flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Cookie sheet

Cream butter and sugar until combined
Add egg, and vanilla, and blend.
Add oatmeal, flour, and nuts, and mix until combined
Use a teaspoon to measure with
Drop mixture 2 inches apart on a folded lined cookie sheet
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and slide off the foil
Store in an airtight container
This recipe was a favorite of Granny’s.
Melinda
Background on my Granny
Telling someone you grew up in West Dallas is like saying it was a slum. It was a slum on the outskirts of Dallas. People were living in tents, and it was a time when gangsters hid there for cover.
I had two family members who were gangsters, they were my Granny’s brothers. One only robbed banks and spent many years in a Texas Federal Prison. The other brother was hanging around Bonnie & Clyde, the Hamilton brothers, and who knows who else. I don’t have all the stories about that time but know the second uncle was killed by cyanide in Granny’s house in my old bedroom.
One trick the gangsters used was to buy nice suits and all the trimmings. This made fitting in with the people in Dallas easier. They would learn about businesses by watching for a few days and then make their approach.
This is something about my life
I was born on January 19, 1921. They named me Ruth Bernice. I was born in West Dallas on County Avenue. I had three brothers and one sister.
We had a really good life until my Daddy died in 1930. After that, we had a really hard life. We had nothing and barely survived.
I got married at 17 years old and separated when her son was 1 year old. After the divorce, I moved back to West Dallas with her mother.
Why she wrote this I have no idea, maybe to make sure I knew the information or maybe just bored. My Granny didn’t share much, but I already knew her background.
It’s a treasure to me now.
I loved that period and admired one of her gangster brothers. I have one of his guns. There are so many questions I would like to ask.
Melinda
Let’s talk about something that might not be the most glamorous topic but is super important: cleaning. Yep, keeping our workspaces clean and tidy is crucial, but have you ever thought about how the products we use could affect not only our health but also the environment? That’s where green commercial cleaning comes in, and trust me, it’s not just another trend – it’s a game-changer for businesses looking to make a positive impact while keeping things spick and span.
Why Green Cleaning Rocks
Okay, so why should you care about switching to green commercial cleaning products? Well, first off, traditional cleaning products can contain some pretty nasty stuff – you know, the kind of chemicals that make you want to open a window and run for the hills. But green cleaning? It’s all about using natural, eco-friendly ingredients that are safe for you, your employees, and the planet. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a cleaner, healthier workspace!
Happy Employees, Happy Business
Think about it: your employees spend a big chunk of their day in the office, breathing in whatever’s lingering in the air. With green cleaning products, you’re not just wiping away dirt and grime – you’re creating a healthier environment for everyone. No more worrying about those strong chemical smells triggering allergies or causing headaches. Plus, a clean and healthy workspace can boost morale and productivity – talk about a win-win!
Saving the Planet, One Clean at a Time
But wait, there’s more! By making the switch to green commercial cleaning, you’re also doing your part to protect Mother Earth. Traditional cleaning products can leave behind harmful residues that end up polluting our waterways and harming wildlife. Green cleaning products, on the other hand, break down safely and don’t leave a nasty footprint behind. So not only are you keeping your office sparkling clean, but you’re also helping to preserve the planet for future generations. Pretty cool, right?
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
In today’s world, where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices stand out from the crowd. By investing in green commercial cleaning, you’re not just cleaning your office – you’re making a statement. Clients and customers appreciate businesses that care about more than just the bottom line. Show them that you’re committed to doing your part for the environment, and you’ll earn their trust and loyalty in return.
Finding the Perfect Green Cleaning Partner
Ready to make the switch to green commercial cleaning? Awesome! But before you dive in, here are a few tips to help you find the right cleaning company for your business:
FAQs About Green Commercial Cleaning
Q: Will green cleaning products really get the job done?
A: Absolutely! Green cleaning products are just as effective as traditional cleaners, minus the harmful chemicals.
Q: Is green cleaning more expensive?
A: It might cost a bit more upfront, but the long-term benefits, like healthier employees and a cleaner environment, make it totally worth it.
Q: How can I be sure my cleaning company is really green?
A: Look for certifications and ask lots of questions. A truly green cleaning company will be happy to share their practices with you.
In Conclusion
So there you have it – green commercial cleaning is the way to go for businesses that want to keep things clean, healthy, and eco-friendly. Make the switch today and watch your workspace shine brighter than ever before!
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
I hear almost daily about people being blown off by doctors. Yesterday was my day while meeting with my new Neurologist. The first problem was the hospital I stayed at in December had not sent over medical records and the CT Scan.
Basically, he said my medications were causing my problems and suggested I stop two drugs. I will only change my medication with the person who wrote the RX to begin with.
Without a CT Scan, he said I didn’t have the four Neurological Disorders. Great news for me.
We talked about my balance and walking. He walked me up and down a long hallway and he did notice how I walked. He wanted me to come back in a month to discuss Physical Therapy. I had already told him I would not do Physical Therapy unless I could do it at home.
I made the appointment but I’m canceling. I will not do Physical Therapy because I don’t drive anymore, and my husband has to drive me. We have to work to find a good day for him to take me. He had to take the day off to drive me to the appointment.
My need for him right now is zero. I will only make an appointment if a new issue springs up.
A complete waste of time, except for hearing I do not have Neurological Disorders.
I have now joined a large number of people who have been blown off by a doctor.
Melinda
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/neurological-disorders


Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite
You could reach out to feel the water and spray. Most people don’t take the trail. We only saw one person on the trail.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
An herbaceous perennial that grows along sides damp areas, like marshes, seas, and riverbanks, the marshmallow root is known for relieving inflammation and irritation. This herb was used by ancient civilizations and is still utilized today today in traditional folk practices, both internally and externally.
Due to its mucilaginous properties, when mixed with water, it produces a slimy liquid that helps heal various skin ailments It’s safe enough for babies and it works wonders on dry, damaged, or eczema-prone skin.
Here are a few reasons to add marshmallow root to your skin-care regime.
Relieves inflammation
Helps retain moisture
High gatities of Vitaam D
Soothes eczema and redness
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Treats skin burns and insect bites
Brightens under eyes
High mucilage content
Melinda
I have been estranged from my father since I was 12 years old. But for some reason, I sent him my 11th-grade school photo. It was probably my grandmother who asked me to send it. The note on the back is strange to me.
Daddy,
Your #1! Someday you’ll be real proud of me. I’ll write a book and be well known.
Love Always
PS
Life is a gift, not a burden.
Thinking back, my father had a couple of suicide scares and it was sent to cheer him up.
Melinda
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Simon’s Space.

Hi, I’m Simon, I’ve lived in the UK all my life and have rarely ventured further. I’m fascinated and disappointed by the world and what I see in equal measure. I’m a thinker, dreamer, artist, and writer. My head is in the clouds or on its way to Mars or some other place in the Galaxy and that’s where I’m most at home. Thinking up new possibilities, and new stories and imagining what it could be like. This blog is just like that, a little random and a lot creative with a dash of science as the seasoning.
Simon and I go way back, his posts are all over the place but always interesting.
Melinda