We put up a Squirrel feeder a month ago and they loved it. I would see them on there eating the food and the corn cobs every day. This morning after a good rain shower, I see this one having his feel of the bird food with no mind to me taking the photos.
Melinda
Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 35.7 million tons of plastic was generated in 2018 alone, and that number only rises every year. That’s why Plastic-Free July is so important.
Plastic-Free July is a collective one-month effort dedicated to consuming little to no plastic. Throughout the 31 days of the month, it can be truly shocking to discover how much plastic has become engrained in your daily routine. Mostly because there’s plastic in places you would never expect.
While there are obvious sources of plastic—like in single-use water bottles and food packaging—plastic creeps into our lives in other ways, too. It’s in band-aids, chewing gum, nail polish, and beyond, so entirely ridding it from your life isn’t easy.
The good news is by becoming more aware of plastic throughout July, you’ll know how to better avoid it in the months to come.
Use Insulated tumblers and coffee mugs instead of bottled water or coffee shop cup
Take a reusable grocery bag with you
RECYCLE-rent extra recycling can if needed
Reuse plastic bags is possible
Reuse plastics when possible
If you’re a crafter, look at all the ways plastic can be upcycled
Buy plastic that can be recycled in your area
We have to do our part so future generations will have more than landfills to deal with.
Melinda
References:
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org
https://brightly.eco/plastic-free-july/
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!
Melinda
Melinda
I have dealt with Kenneth reblogging my work for years through one of several blogs he operates. I don’t appreciate people building their blogs on other bloggers’ content. Yes, he gives credit but that is not the point. He reblogs non-related content to his site as filler. I’m no one’s filler, if you find a post moving, I have no issue with reblogging. I reblog myself but not as filler, it’s only posts that inspire me or hit me in a way that I want to share with the community. Now, I ask if I can reblog even if they freely allow it.
Today he reblogged a post I wrote about buying myself a birthday gift and I asked him to remove it and not reblog my work again. That has not been done and WordPress doesn’t give you the option to approve or not. once reblogged it’s gone. This type of blogger is degrading our content and is a coward because they can’t write their own posts. A serious blogger has patience and doesn’t need filler to up their numbers. I have no tolerance for this tactic and you should not tolerate yourself.
I encourage you to put your foot down and if needed call them out for the unethical tactic.
Melinda
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
https://youtu.be/S-CXfoveDFw?si=zboJcgLCzLhVZwIv
I’m glad you 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.
I want you to think of a party for everyone including the kids. It’s a huge party outside of town with the perfect weather and tents that are all different depending on your desires. Each is catered with the finest foods and is made to order, Anything you want it’s on the menu. Drinks flow freely and are handled by the finest wait staff who can handle your every request. Outside there are so many activities, a race track for car lovers, axe throwing, chess, and card games. Fun circus games with nice prizes, of course all free. There are all types of activities for kids like scrapbooking, jewelry making, legos, you name it, it’s available for the kids to have a great day. There will be live entertainment from a variety of bands and everyone will hear the music they like.
The party is September 4th, 2024, and starts at dawn and goes to who knows when. After the sun goes down it’s more adult-focused and no doubt the kids will be worn out by then.
Spa tent
Cat tent
As I gather more information about the tents I’ll be explaining what is inside of them. I’ll do this in another post. This is a huge party for the Blogosphere so I need help quickly to continue planning. It’s a worldwide party and everyone is invited. The party is inviting to everyone, we’re all there to enjoy ourselves and not judge others. It’s about peace and harmony, enjoying each other’s company as human beings, and being civilized. No weapons are allowed as this is a harmonious event.
This is the first image I created to give you a look at the layout and the massive nature of the party. The only difference is the tents will be closed not open air as in the image.
Your family is yours for life, you don’t have to like them.
The previous generation’s mistakes don’t have to continue, you have a choice.
Times have changed, women don’t have to be housewives and serve their husbands hand and foot.
Having a life away from your family is the healthiest thing you can do for yourself.
There is no perfect and why knock yourself out trying. Do the best you can.
Toxic is toxic, cut all toxic relationships and habits from your life.
Don’t overfocus on your health issues, accept them and stay on top of but don’t wallow.
If you are to move forward in life you have to quit looking back. Deal with your issues and move on. Don’t wallow.
There is no bad or good day of the week, each day is a fresh start. If you expect a bad day that’s what you’re going to get.
When life seems to be going wrong, redirect your thoughts to what is going right.
Life is short, we were never promised it would be easy and quit feeling entitled, you’re not.
Find something no matter how small that makes you happy, it’s often the small free things that bring joy.
To be accomplished in life you have to focus on others, not your own needs. That makes you self-centered.
Learning about others is a joy in itself. You never know what you have in common.
Always thank someone for a kind gesture, it also makes you feel better.
The less you judge others, the less you judge yourself.
Melinda
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
I’ve charted my struggles with Fibromyalgia for years and it can be debilitating for months, then give you a reprieve just long enough to enjoy and it’s back again. I have been fortunate to not have any major issues in 2024 and it’s a good thing, I have had enough to deal with. I have Restless Leg Syndrome and it can make it so hard to fall asleep, it’s nerve-wracking. I also have Neuropathy in my feet which burn quite bad. I do caution against some of the medications listed below, they are used off-market meaning they’re being used for something they are not approved for, and this is the case with Cymbalta which is a mental illness medication, the side effects are high, and some are dangerous. Anytime you take medication read the Full Prescribing Instructions, not the cliff notes. I’ve taken Cymbalta for my Bipolar Disorder and it’s a rough drug. I was not able to take due to side effects. After spending thousands on medications, and not being able to take them, I now ask the doctor what medication they plan to prescribe and why. Then I ask them to hold off sending the script into the pharmacy while I read the Full Prescribing Information which is available on the manufacturer’s website. After I feel comfortable trying the medication, I have them call the pharmacy. It may sound like a lot of work but you get out what you put in on the front end. Gone are the days of blindly taking a medication a doctor prescribes.
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Fibromyalgia can lead to unusual symptoms in some people. Knowing the range of symptoms this condition can produce may help with diagnosis and treatment.
Experts estimate that around 4 millionTrusted Source adults in the United States have fibromyalgia. This condition causes widespread pain, brain fog, and mood changes. However, there are many more, less common signs a person may experience.
Keep reading to learn what additional symptoms may be a sign of fibromyalgia, what causes them, and how they can be treated.
Fibromyalgia may cause numbness and tingling, also called paresthesia, in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet) due to the nerves being overly sensitive or compressed. It may feel like a burning or prickling sensation.
Treatment for paresthesia is aimed at addressing the root cause. In this case, fibromyalgia can be treated with various medications that address nerve pain and inflammation
You may manage paresthesia at home with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and topical pain relievers.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) may cause uncomfortable feelings (itching, throbbing, etc.) in the legs and an urge to move the legs. RLS is associated with sleep disturbances, which can affect up to 99% of people with fibromyalgia.
RLS cannotTrusted Source be cured but is managed with things like iron supplements, antiseizure drugs, benzodiazepines, and — in severeTrusted Source cases — opioids. Drugs to increase dopamine (dopaminergic agents) may also help but cause side effects if they’re used long-term.
Managing RLS at home involves:
Hypersensitivity to touch, also called allodynia, may be caused by mixed messages from the neurons in the brain sending pain signals when there is no real pain. ResearchersTrusted Source explain that the true cause is mostly unknown.
Allodynia is treated individually. You may work with a pain clinic to get physical therapy, psychological support, and oral medications (like calcium channel antagonists, NSAIDs, etc.) for the pain.
Without treatment, allodynia may get worseTrusted Source over time. You can manage it by working on stress relief and accepting that the pain may not go away completely.
Fibromyalgia affects each person in a different way. Beyond the usual symptoms, there are various other less common signs of fibromyalgia.
They may include:
Treatment may be targeted at the specific symptom(s), or your doctor may suggest treatments for the fibromyalgia itself.
Medications include:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms that concern you or interfere with your everyday life. Even if your symptoms are not related to fibromyalgia, they may be a sign of some other medical issue that needs attention.
Melinda
Reference:
I know firsthand how houseplants can be good for my mental health from the joy and rewards I get from my houseplants but I have not researched the topic.
Here are a few photos of my plants and you can see I work hard to keep them healthy and alive. I had a difficult time learning how to not over-water succulents but I have come a long way, only killing two recently.
Copilot had some interesting ideas about mental health and houseplants.
Houseplants offer several mental health benefits, making them more than just stylish decor. Here’s how they can positively impact your well-being:
So, consider adding some greenery to your living space—it’s good for your mind and body! 🌿🌱34
I agree, just a plant or two can liven up your space and motivate you to care for the plant and watch it grow. It will love you back.
Melinda
Sending A Special Thanks To The United States, Zambia, Argentina, Cambodia, Cameroon and South Korea
I am honored that you have taken the time to visit my blog, there’s nothing like hearing the diverse feedback from around the world. I want to give a special shout-out to my home country, The United States. I was born in Dallas and now live north of Dallas in Plano. I can’t imagine living in another country and I’m sure you feel the same way about your homeland. I appreciate you. :)
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week we highlight Devine Spirit.
I am a wanderer, wandering aimlessly through oceans of thoughts, valleys of emotions and deserts of imagination. Writing is a newly unearthed passion of mine which I do on those moments when the duties of life and burdens of tasks had left me for a brief rest of their own. I live in a very rural village in a very tranquil territory with few people who I adore and enjoy being with.
On those moments when I get a little free time, my fellow beings can find me reading inspiring writings that helps to keep my head above the water in turbulent times. I am also an avid observer of human emotions and chooses observation over talking.
God is the most important part of life and I describe myself as a person bearing the sacred blessings of God.
~Devi Bhagavati
Her words are like a flowing river, calming and yet invigorating. Please stop by her blog and say hello.
Melinda
I turned 61 this month and splurged on a new piece of furniture for my office. The old piece was tiny and had no storage space. The new cabinet is colorful and has plenty of room to store all the goodies I don’t want to lie about. I haven’t used the television in years so I don’t mind covering it with photos and flowers. Treating oneself is important, and I consider it a boost to my mental health.
I hope you take care of yourself too, it’s not the cost, it’s the joy you get from it.
Melinda
What type of books do you read and collect?
Melinda
I don’t participate often but this question caught my attention.
While security is important to me, I prefer adventure within reason. I have been an adrenaline seeker for years and only stopped due to health reasons. I’ve been fortunate to race a car on a quarter mile track, parachute from an airplane at 13,000 miles up, take a hot air balloon ride, parasail off a boat in the ocean, scuba dive in several countries including shipwreck diving, and get lost in a few countries where I didn’t speak the language. The most difficult times were when I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, and in Toledo, Spain.
What do you look for, security or adventure?
Melinda
It has been reported that Mosquitoes are carrying Dengue Fever and the CDC has warned of a global case surge. This is important information and quite scary, the number of cases in the United States is alarming. Puerto Rico is a major port for many cruise ships. They also have the highest rate of people infected with Dengue Fever. I hope there is a warning for passengers or a shutdown of the port which I doubt the government would because it is a major source of income for the poor country. The United States treats Puerto Rico as a second-class country, and the government should be ashamed of itself.
CBS News reported on July 3, 2024
As dengue cases break international records, U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be alert for the mosquito-borne virus, prompting questions about where exactly the disease has been detected.
So far this year there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year in the 50 states — mostly from infections travelers got abroad. Earlier this week, Florida health officials issued a local alert in the Florida Keys after two people were confirmed to have dengue fever. The two cases were locally acquired, which means the people didn’t get sick while traveling.
Dengue remains less common in the continental United States than other parts of the world. The virus is often a leading cause of illness in these areas, primarily in tropical and sub-tropical climates around the world. Almost half of the world’s population live in areas with dengue risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Following spikes in cases, the World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared an epidemic in March. So far this year, there have been nearly 1,500 locally acquired U.S. cases, nearly all of them in Puerto Rico.
Local mosquitos still pose a threat, officials warned in the national health alert, advising doctors to know the symptoms, ask questions about where patients recently traveled and consider ordering dengue tests when appropriate.
“We’ve seen a huge outbreak in Latin America over the last several months. There are parts of the United States that are also at risk, in particular the Gulf Coast, Florida, Texas, also parts of southern California,” said Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.
About 1 in 4 people infected with dengue will get sick, the CDC says, with symptoms ranging from mild to extreme. About 1 in 20 people who get sick will develop severe dengue, which can result in shock, internal bleeding and even death.
The most common symptom is fever, which is usually accompanied by:
If symptoms occur, they usually start four to 10 days after infection and last for two to seven days, according to the WHO.
Additional warning signs that could point to severe dengue include:
Immediately seek professional help if you or a family member has any of those symptoms. “Warning signs usually begin in the 24 to 48 hours after your fever has gone away,” according to the CDC.
-The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
I was in love with BTO in my preteen years, the music was so good to skate to the song at the rink, especially speedskating which was my favorite.
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you 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.
Ribana’s mango desert sounds so yummy, and I love mangos. Be sure to see all her other delicious recipes and recent photos of Phuket.
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
My husband went to Costco on Saturday and bought a nice floral arrangement, Costco floral arrangements are fresher and larger than you can get at Kroger. I always look forward to the monthly Costco trip.
Melinda
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I am not an Amazon Affiliate and make no commission for you using the links. The links take you directly to the product company of the items and do not cost you more to use them.
Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02 Wi-Fi Enabled Air Purifier, White/Silver
This has been the best investment, it was expensive but it works so well at cooling the bedroom and the filter pulls the dander, dirt in the air, and dog hair. We bought ours in 2018 and I expect it to run for many more years. I buy Dyson filters but you can find less expensive ones on Amazon. It has been a lifesaver.
These are the best air purifiers and they are affordable. We have three in the house, and they pull so much from the air that you’re surprised when you change the filters. The replacement filters are just as affordable.
Miele S2121 Capri Canister Vacuum Cleaner
This was another expensive item but boy it is worth it. We bought it in 2011 and it runs like a charm. They have the best vacuum bags that pull everything from the carpet, we use this vacuum throughout the entire house. The filters last a long time which was surprising considering we have two dogs. I expect we will have this vacuum a long time and they a highly respected brand.
Northwest 36 Inch Electric Fireplace with Wall Mount, Floor Stand, Remote, and Adjustable Heat and Brightness, Mahogany
I have this fireplace in my office; it can quickly heat up a room. It’s perfect for the size of my office and it makes a nice backdrop while working on my blog. I’ve had it since 2021 and have had no problems with it at all. Be sure to read the instructions and don’t have anything hanging too close to the fireplace. I have mine hanging on the wall so I can’t speak to having it on a stand, that doesn’t sound safe to me.
Melinda
Thank you for visiting my blog, I appreciate you stopping by. I have not been to any of the countries but they are very interesting to me.
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 we highlight Shedding Light On Mental Illness.
Amy and I have followed and supported each other for many years, she has helped me through some dark times and Amy understands firsthand how Bipolar Disorder can affect your life. Her life is one of great accomplishments such as being an Olympian and a successful speaker and yet she has faced the demons of Mental Illness. If you’re looking for motivation and inspiration her blog is the place to go.
Shedding Light On Mental Illness
“Shedding Light on Mental Health” is a compassionate and informative blog dedicated to breaking stigma and providing support for those navigating the complexities of mental health. Through years of mental health coaching, advocacy and speaking, I lean into my experiences and knowledge to help inform and educate my readers. Thanks for reading!
Amy is an Author & Olympian.
In January 2023, I began an 11 month journey to write a book about my experiences with mental health challenges. Almost everyday I wrote to finish a manuscript and ultimately had a book available on Amazon called Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma. I found the entire writing process to be unexpectantly be very empowering.
Here’s an excerpt from my book: “I had to come to terms with each piece of my past. From the sexual assaults, which wreaked havoc with my life, to the interactions with the criminal justice system and a near death experience. One event was quite a bit to cope with, but layered together, it was a lot to process. I tended to focus on one small piece at a time. Healing and grieving weren’t a linear process. The memories ebbed and flowed. I researched and found many stories of people who had struggled. Their stories shined a light for me that gave me hope I could fully recover too.”
Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma is a deeply moving story of one woman’s journey through trauma’s unexpected, devastating effects and her ultimate recovery. Amy Gamble’s Story will leave the reader optimistic that even the darkest days can lead to bright outcomes.
Here is one of my favorite posts.
Be sure to check out Amy’s book Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma, her story is one of survival and coming out the other side.
Melinda
Hi, I’m glad you stopped by, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Melinda
Melinda
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
This request came from Willie Torres Jr. from the blog Being Crazy For Christ.
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you 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.
I had an appreciation of art long before I bought my first piece and later while traveling, I would buy a piece to remind me of the trip. I only have five expensive pieces and the rest from my travels are street art or maps. Maps are another thing I collect and love picking them up while traveling. I bought this Jim Stallings while in Maui at an outdoor showing. He thanked me and we talked for a while, he was so down to earth and I didn’t even know who he was, just that I loved this piece. I think it was $800 and I display it in my bedroom without a frame on a decorative easel. His father owned a restaurant chain that I ate at regularly, on the menu was the first plant-based patty I had. It was so good it was hard to believe it wasn’t beef.
Stallings is considered an artists’ artist. Fascinated with art and artists from a very early age, private painting classes at age eight started the course of Stallings’ destiny. He earned a degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and then spent as much time as possible in the museums of London and Paris while earning a diploma from City University, London. Stallings then embarked on a backpacking odyssey for over two years that included more than five hundred miles in the Grand Canyon and the surrounding states ending in Denali National Park, Alaska. After four months in Alaska Stallings flew to Maui with only a backpack and a duffle bag where he began his artistic career.
Stallings hung his first early paintings in Maui restaurants which sold quickly leading to a number of gallery shows. He then opened his own gallery in Lahaina, Maui enjoying the friendships he made with collectors from every state in the United States and all over the world.
Stallings has explored the relationship of music and pure color for his entire artistic career. Deciding early on to pursue canvases of whimsy and purity, questions about the relationship of music, vibrations and visual art led Stallings to paint live on stage with symphony orchestras including the Long Beach, San Diego, Honolulu and the Russian National. Painting music as visual art was a defining moment in Stallings’ career. He enjoys exploring the harmony of music and color and their positive effects on the human spirit. He has worked with world renowned scientist, physicist, conductors and musician regarding the physics and energy of music.
After creating and selling more than two thousand original works of art, Stallings still pursues his love of painting classical and jazz music. He has also painted jazz music live at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Napa and New York. Never complacent, Stallings continues to stretch his creative limits while sharing his passion for the arts.
Here are a few I like from his collection.
Floral on Blue
Floral Study
Bistro Five
Interestingly, he has signed his paintings on the left and right. I have not seen that before.
Melinda
Reference:
Looking for the Light 