Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What To Do Before Starting A Home Garden

A home garden offers loads of benefits beyond boosting your home’s curb appeal and increasing your property’s value. It plays a significant role in improving your physical and mental health. It also helps reduce your expenses (depending on what you grow in your garden) and establish sustainable measures in your home. But if you’re new to gardening and thinking about creating one for your home for the first time, the last thing you want to do is jump right into planting a garden. Here are some things you need to do before you start a home garden. 

Photo by Yan Krukov on Pexels.co

The first thing you want to do is consider the best place to grow your garden. Of course, this will depend on your home and how much space you have. Be sure that your ideal spot offers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it would be best if you took the time to observe your preferred spaces to figure out which spots receive the most sunlight. If you have too much shade in your yard, all hope is not lost, as there are two options you can try. On the one hand, you can remove the source of shade, depending on what it is. On the other hand, you can consider growing indoor plants that thrive with little sunlight instead.

After deciding on the best spot, clear the ground of weeds, dead trees, stumps, etc. You can hire experts to remove some of these stubborn obstacles if necessary. You can visit websites like duvaltreeandbobcat.com for experienced and safe tree removal services.

The next thing you want to do is decide on what plants you want to grow. Would you like to create a vegetable garden to supplement your grocery needs? Or do you want to spruce up your curb appeal with lush flowers? Knowing the purpose of the garden will help you decide what to grow in it. If you want to grow a garden for food, think about what vegetables, fruits, or herbs you need the most. Also, consider which food items are difficult or expensive to purchase and see if you can grow them. If your garden is for curb appeal, think about what plants or flower pieces you love the most and can thrive in your location.

Gardening can be very relaxing, but it can also be very tasking, especially if you don’t have the right garden tools. You can take advantage of many tools, facilities, and equipment in the modern gardening world to make growing your plants easier. Of course, you don’t need to invest in a comprehensive range of garden equipment when you’re a beginner. You only need the basic and most essential tools, such as a rake, hand trowel, hoe, spade, garden fork, and pruning shears. Also, before considering gardening, be sure you’re willing to devote the time and effort a home garden demands. 

This is a collaborative post.

Repost

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health

The Rose Bush That Could

Every year is better than the last production. It’s been planted there for over 25 years and has not once fertilized. The smell is out of this world!

The rose blooms at least twice a year due to the crazy weather here.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Feel Something Poetry

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 Feel Something Poetry.   

Feel Something Poetry

 My name is Maranda Russell. I’m a 41 year old poet. I like to write and share poetry that is emotional, direct, and thought-provoking. I hope you’ll follow me! I do have some poetry books available on Amazon if you are interested in reading an entire book of mine!

I discovered Maranda when she started following me last week and I can say she loves writing.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Why I Deleted My Twitter Account **BEWARE**

While I work feverish to protect myself from a security breach, full post to come, I realized that Twitter is the #1 red alert company for data breaches, and for selling information.

I do know that once your information hits the internet, it’s permanent and there’s no going back. I also learned that my information was on the Dark Web and I have no idea how to go there.

My phone and laptop are both Apple and they have security tools which shares information like your security risk and which companies are red flags. The tools have helped me focus on the red flag companies as I try to protect my identity. It’s hard to focus when Identity Theft is looking over your shoulder, you can’t let your guard down. 

The risk of using Twitter is too high and I deleted my account. 

I hope this helps someone in the same battle. Identity Theft can ruin your life and empty your bank account. 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Different Types of Workwear Across Industries & Their Importance

In the dynamic landscape of various industries, one common thread unites them all: the significance of appropriate workwear. Whether you’re navigating the bustling floors of a factory, crunching numbers in a corporate setting, or braving the elements outdoors, the right attire plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency. Let’s delve into the diverse array of workwear across different sectors and understand why it matters.

Understanding the Varied Needs

 

Factory and Construction Sites

In the bustling environments of factories and construction sites, safety takes center stage. Workwear here isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about protection from hazards like heavy machinery, falling objects, and electrical accidents. Key components often include:

  • Hard Hats – Shielding workers from overhead impacts.
  • High-Visibility Clothing – Ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Steel-Toed Boots – Guarding feet against crushing injuries.

Healthcare and Medical Fields

In hospitals and clinics, where precision and hygiene are paramount, workwear serves a dual purpose: safeguarding both patients and practitioners. Garments are designed for easy movement, cleanliness, and infection control. Common items include:

  • Scrubs – Lightweight, easy-to-clean attire worn by medical professionals. The best scrub set can make a massive difference.
  • Lab Coats – Providing an extra layer of protection against spills and contaminants.
  • Disposable Gloves – Minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Corporate Offices

In the world of corporate offices and professional settings, workwear often reflects the company culture while maintaining a polished appearance. While less focused on physical protection, attire still plays a role in projecting professionalism and confidence. Common staples include:

  • Business Suits – Classic ensembles exuding authority and professionalism.
  • Blazers and Dress Shirts – Versatile pieces suitable for meetings and presentations.
  • Closed-Toe Shoes – Completing the polished look while ensuring comfort during long hours.

The Importance of Appropriate Workwear

 

Safety First

Across all industries, safety remains the primary concern driving the choice of workwear. Whether it’s protecting against physical injuries, chemical exposure, or biological hazards, the right attire can mean the difference between a minor accident and a life-altering injury.

Enhanced Productivity

Comfortable workwear isn’t just about physical safety—it also impacts productivity. Clothing that allows for free movement and breathability can prevent fatigue and discomfort, enabling workers to focus on the task at hand without unnecessary distractions.

Professional Image

In client-facing roles, appearance matters. Well-fitted, appropriate attire not only reflects positively on the individual but also contributes to the overall reputation of the company. A polished appearance instills trust and confidence in clients and colleagues alike.

Choosing the Right Workwear

 

Assessing Job Requirements

Before selecting workwear, it’s crucial to understand the specific demands of the job. Consider factors such as:

  • Safety Regulations – Compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Environmental Conditions – Is the work primarily indoors or outdoors? Are there temperature extremes or exposure to hazardous substances?
  • Job Role – Does the job involve physical labor, client meetings, or a combination of both?

Comfort and Fit

Workwear should not only meet safety standards but also be comfortable to wear for extended periods. Look for garments made from breathable materials that allow for freedom of movement. Additionally, ensure proper sizing to prevent chafing or restricted mobility.

Durability and Maintenance

Investing in high-quality workwear pays off in the long run. Durable fabrics and reinforced seams can withstand the rigors of daily use, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Consider ease of maintenance as well—garments that are machine washable and quick-drying simplify upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What are some common types of workwear?

Common types of workwear include hard hats, high-visibility clothing, and steel-toed boots for industries like construction; scrubs, lab coats, and disposable gloves for healthcare settings; and business suits, blazers, and closed-toe shoes for corporate offices.

What factors should be considered when choosing workwear?

When choosing workwear, factors such as safety regulations, environmental conditions, job roles, comfort, fit, durability, and maintenance requirements should be taken into account. It’s important to select garments that meet safety standards, provide comfort, and are easy to maintain.

Conclusion

In every industry, from construction sites to corporate boardrooms, the choice of workwear carries significant implications for safety, productivity, and professional image. By understanding the unique requirements of each sector and prioritizing comfort and functionality, employers can ensure that their workforce is equipped to excel in any environment. Whether it’s donning a hard hat on the factory floor or a crisp suit in the office, the right attire sets the stage for success. So, the next time you suit up for work, remember: it’s not just about what you wear—it’s about how it empowers you to thrive in your chosen field.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

A Small Problem In The Big Picture!

It’s strange how problems look different once you have several chronic issues. Falling down is a big deal when your health goes south. Just getting up may require my husband’s help. 

I want to encourage people to be honest with themselves when it comes to mobility. Mobility issues can change daily and we have to assess each day.

This painful rash and bruise is from falling while playing with dogs. I reached for the toy and went straight down. It’s a small thing until it’s a Big Problem, concussion, or injury that needs attention like when I fell halfway downstairs and broke my wrist. 

I met my new PCP yesterday and she pressured me to use an aid in the house, which is nothing new to hear. I still haven’t faced the music and still will not use one. The day will come when I will need an aid. :(

At 60, there are many days I feel like I’m falling apart but I have to stay focused on the next day and stay positive about tomorrow. :)

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Steppenwolf Magic Carpet Ride (Live)

Great oldies!

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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.

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Insurance Approved My Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIg)

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Hypogammaglububemia, it’s actually caused by other immune disorders. Crazy but scary and the fatigue is bad.

When your body doesn’t produce enough antibodies you are at risk of catching everything! After two years, my testing last month was much different, and this time my antibodies were very low and insurance-approved 14 Antibody Infusion Treatments.

Other than first-time side effects, it sounds like it gets easier after a few treatments.

I start next week and have very few instructions on what to bring, so it’s back to their site to see if they have a list. Each treatment is 4-7 hours long, and that’s a lot of music to listen to.

I’ll keep you posted on how the treatments are going.

Take good care and know there’s a possibility I’ll be out for a few days. :)

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Deep Thoughts

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!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Why Are You Defensive? Unraveling the Causes and Solutions for Defensive Behavior By Guest Blogger My Mind Strenght

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-By Ashley Marie

Thank you for all the great feedback and for participating in the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog By Ashley Marie.  

By Ashley Marie

Hey there! I’m a self-taught tech enthusiast currently working on full-stack development. I firmly believe that life is meant to be lived deeply, with purpose and fulfillment. That’s why I strive hard every day to manifest a high-quality life, and I’m committed to sharing my expertise with others.

I started following her a couple of weeks ago. She writes about technology and other interesting posts.

Be sure to check her blog.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

April Is Sexual Assault Month

Joyful Heart and its staff, have changed the landscape for survivors. Sexual Assault happens to men, women, and children. They also support domestic violence, child abuse, and much more. 

There are many resources on their website, it’s solid information and real support. Mariska  Hargitay blows my mind with her patience, stamina, and her ability to juggle the load she carries. 

The numbers are hard to imagine! 

From Joyful Heart 

 

1 IN 3 WOMEN experience sexual assault or domestic violence at some point in their lives.

1 IN 6 experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.

65% of victims who come forward say no one helped them.

 

DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AFFECT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE EACH YEAR

Since 2004, Joyful Heart has been a leading national organization with a mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever.

Joyful Heart carries out its mission through an integrated program portfolio of education and advocacy. Our work is paving the way for innovative approaches to treating trauma; igniting shifts in the way the public views and responds to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse; and reforming and advancing policies and legislation to ensure access to justice for survivors.

I had planned to share my experiences but today doesn’t feel right. 

Joyful Heart is one of my top charities to support. 

Don’t forget to look at the resources for parents and teens. 

Melinda

References:

https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/about-us/our-story

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

Tools to Help Navigate Trauma By Don’t Lose Hope

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Party Mix

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny and Gramps 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

 

6 TBS butter or margeriene

4 TSP Worcestershire  Sauce

1 TSP seasoning salt

1 TSP garlic powder

6 cups Chex mix

3/4 cup of salted nuts

 

How To Make

 

Heat oven to 250 degrees

Slowly melt butter in a shallow pan

Stir in Worchester sauce and salt

Add Chex and nuts, and mix until all pieces are coated

Heat in oven for 45 minutes

Stir every 15 minutes

Spread on absorbent paper to cool

Yields 6 3/4 cups

Granny loved this for a snack, it’s quite good.

Happy Cooking!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Heart , Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin – Kennedy Center Honors HD

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health · Travel

New Interview With Cindy Knoke, Photographer And Master Traveler

I have followed Cindy for years and she is a great friend. I always have questions with every post published, her photos draw you in. This is my third interview with Cindy, that’s how fascinating she is. 

What cameras are you using now?

I have only two types of cameras, one is my wildlife, birds, and flower camera that I use for macro photography. It is a Sony HX400V. I have several of these because Sony discontinued manufacturing them. They are a bit touchy and tend to break down. The one I am using now I bought in Japan, and the last new one I could find for sale from a private seller, and the camera is entirely in Japanese, which can be a bit of a challenge. I dearly love this camera because it has an adjustable lens that zooms up to 1200mm equivalent. It is also not at all expensive. I will eventually have to buy another brand with an adjustable lens and am looking at options. 
 
My second camera I use for everything else, landscapes, etc. It is a Sony RX10M4. I took the mountain goat photos with this camera so it can be for wildlife too, but lacks the extended zoom of the 400. I usually travel with both cameras, carrying one based on what I am expecting to see. Of course, I am often surprised, and have the wrong camera!
 

Do you have a Bucket List of places to visit and pick one or is it a random conversation that decides the next trip?

I love planning trips. It is definitely half the fun of travel. The only place left on our bucket list is Greenland which we are looking into now for 2024. There are some repeats we would like to do like Antarctica and Iguazu.

What excursion stands out close in your mind? 

Antarctica is definitely the most incredible place I have been. It was a spiritual experience for me. All this splendor is untouched by human hands and all the wildlife was unafraid of humans because they had no experience with them. Whales would spy-hop up and stare at you with their plate-sized eyes, Albatross would land on the boat, and penguins would waddle up to you and gently peck at the shiny buttons on your coat. Incredible. 
 
There was a Japanese whaling ship we encountered multiple times harpooning minke whales. Thankfully I never actually witnessed a harpooning, but I saw the loaded harpoons and the beautiful minkes. It was a reminder of human disregard for paradise and her creatures.
 
How do you describe yourself?
 
I am definitely not a professional photographer. I am an amateur hobbyist. I love photography because it fully immerses me in the moment. Completely focuses me on the here and now, with no distractions. I am a psychotherapist and Mental Health Director by training and the Zen aspect of photography fully appeals to me. I like the ability photographs have to communicate universal meaning with no words.  
 
What are your top two photos, where are they taken, and what makes them special?
 
Weirdly enough, two of my favorite photos were not taken on distant trips, but in my home state of California. One series is the tufas in Mono Lake and the other is the first photo of a desert reflecting pool in Palm Springs. I included the links to the posts with these photos. 
 

Mono Lake 

 

 

DSC07239 (1)

Palm Springs

Cindy is the kindest person and an inspiration who loves photography and traveling the world with her husband. 

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Good Times on the Highway to Hell Part 4

Reblog

More antics in my life

 

I moved to a new apartment for my job and it had a nice fireplace. I was so excited until I lit it. I knew nothing about fireplaces and didn’t open the flue. My place was filling up with smoke, and my fire detector was going crazy. I ran downstairs to the only person I had met and he opened the flue for me. What an embarrassment. Not to mention it got black gunk on the only expensive piece of art I owned.

I’ve always been a curious person, even as a child I was always getting into trouble. When I was five years old, I snuck into the janitor’s closet at daycare. There were big plastic buckets of paint. I opened the lid on one and it looked dried out. So I stuck my arm in the paint and to my surprise only the top was dry. I had to tell on myself because my arm was covered to the shoulder and dripping paint.

This is one of my best stories and one that makes me laugh every time. I stopped to get gas, I put the nozzle in the car as always and put my card in to pay. It wasn’t working, after a few tries, I went in to see what was up. The guy said they were changing shifts and it would be another 30 minutes before the pumps would work. I was so angry, I jumped in my car and took off. I’m driving up the street and people are pointing to the back of my car. I then realized I had torn the nozzle off the gas pump. I laughed till I cried. I got home and threw it in the trash.

When I was 12 years old, my dad’s friend left his car at the house. It was a hot rod and I wanted to drive it. I didn’t know how to drive but I was determined. I asked Daddy, and he said no of course. He was on the phone so when he got really involved in the call, I snuck the keys and went for a ride. I drove it around the cuddle de sac and back to the house. I parked, then thought I was too far away from the curb so I moved it. The only problem was we had a fire hydrate by our driveway and I got on the gas too much and ran right into the fire hydrant. My dad came out screaming words I won’t use here but he was a maniac.

My best friend was close to my grandparents, one day she placed a huge cucumber in the toilet. She didn’t even tell me. Gramps was the victim! He got such a kick out of it.

These are the Hotel Stories

During the construction of a swanky hotel, I lived in the hotel until our job was completed. My job was to expedite all the furniture, carpet, and artwork for the hotel and at night I ran a temporary crew of about 10 guys. The halls were not carpeted yet so I wore my roller skates to make sure they were putting furniture in the right room and placed where specified. I did this for 8 months, it was exhausting but I learned so much.

Speaking of the hotels, the same one, all the craftspeople were still working so getting in an elevator is always a wait because there are so many waiting for two construction elevators. One day my boss and I were going to lunch, a full elevator stopped and I jumped in. The doors didn’t shut, and people were hanging on to me, as we fell four floors landing in the basement. My boss did not get on the elevator and he was looking for and couldn’t find me. I was in shock and had crawled around the corner leaning on a wall-shaking, and thinking I could have died.

Also while working at the same hotel, the Fire Department was testing the fire alarms all the time, several times a day. We stopped paying attention and kept working. A Fire Marshal comes into our office and says the fire is in this room. I looked down and sure enough, my trashcan was on fire. Guess my cigarettes were the cause.

At night before the team started placing furniture in the rooms, we would meet in a staging area and discuss the plan for the night. I also ran the elevator while they worked. We always had to use the service elevator. I had the elevator stop between floors on me, one not open, and one time I had to crawl out the top. Not to mention falling four floors. Surprisingly, I’m not afraid of elevators.

I hope you’re laughing with me!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Hobbies That Can Be Beneficial for Your Mental Health

We all know that life can get busy. As a result, it can be hard to find the time to treat ourselves or indulge in doing the things that we really love. However, there are several reasons why having a hobby can be a really great thing. Hobbies are often much more than just enjoying ‘me time’ as they can also be something that can be so vital for our overall well-being and our mental health. A hobby is one of the best ways that you can spend your spare time, unwind from your normal routine, and feel happier and healthier as a result.

In fact, there is research that has shown that people who have hobbies are much less likely to feel stressed, low mood, or depressed. So if that isn’t enough reason to find a hobby that you love, we don’t know what is! No matter what kind of hobby you choose, from an academic hobby, a creative hobby, an athletic hobby, or something else more personal, it is important to find things that give you meaning and that you ultimately find enjoyable. When you enjoy it, you will want to carve out time for it to ensure it happens. So with all of this in mind, here are a few hobbies that can work wonders for your mental health. What would you choose?

Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitu0101ns on Pexels.com

Music

If you have an interest in music and want to learn to play an instrument, then it can be an amazing hobby for several reasons. Playing music is something that is a fantastic way to help yourself feel less stressed, and it can be useful when wanting to channel any uncomfortable feelings or emotions that you might have. You can also enjoy a social aspect to a musical hobby if you are interested in joining a group, a band, or an orchestra. Having goals is all part of beating anxiety or depression, and there are plenty of things that are goal-orientated when it comes to music. You will also have the distraction of learning an instrument as you need to fit in time to play it. That will require your focus and mean that you don’t have to focus on other things that are causing you to stress or worry.

Gardening

Gardening is a great hobby for people who love to be outdoors and be at one with nature. Even if you’re not too keen on the outdoors, getting out in your yard can work wonders when you are feeling low. You can plant your favorite flowers which will require planning or research, as well as planting fruits and veggies. You will need to do research to know what will be best to do and when, and it can be a hobby that can definitely help you in a physical way, as well as from a mental health perspective too.

Gardening can be a very rewarding hobby, as you will see things that will grow because of your efforts in taking care of them. Appreciating nature and the outdoors can also go a long way to help your stress levels and anxiety. So it should be a hobby to consider if you are looking for something new to try.

Cars and automobiles

If you have a passion for cars and automobiles, then it can be a good idea to incorporate those into a hobby of yours. You could have a hobby of making kit cars, which can be extremely rewarding as you see something come together that you can then use, all from your hard work, research, and expertise. You could look at replacing things like car batteries, but make sure that you use a good battery finder to get the right one for your needs. You could also look into repairing engines and learning how to do things like oil changes, which can be such a useful thing to know and save you a lot of money down the line.

From another point of view, you could also get into cars and automobile hobbies by getting into racing. It could be off-road racing, it could be sports car racing, or even something like biking, trail bikes, and even BMX biking. 

Photo by Chevanon Photography on Pexels.com

Yoga

Several benefits to our mental health come from physical exercise. Yoga is one of those ways that you can exercise that does have a benefit to mental health. It has grown and grown in popularity in recent years, due to it being a way to move and be active and help your mental health. Yoga works well as a hobby because it can calm our nervous system. It can also help with depression and help to reduce any muscle tension. You can watch classes online or attend them locally. Some easy poses can be done at home, although it is a good idea to seek advice from an instructor if you want to take things to the next level. When you are doing something new, your focus is on the task at hand, which can take your mind off other things.

Writing

Writing is a great hobby, and it is one of the most simple choices out there. It costs very little and can be done at any time. Writing out on pen and paper, rather than on a computer or phone notes can do great things for your mind. You could have the creative element of writing a novel or using the time to write more of a journal which can be very cathartic. As a result, it can offer several benefits, and help you to relieve stress, help depression, eliminate anxiety, and even help your memory and improve your sleep. If you want to dedicate more time to this hobby, you can download the care.com app and find great childcare, for example, to give yourself the time you need to finish your novel – what an achievement that would be!

Putting thoughts down on paper means that you can identify some negative thoughts and behaviors, and then they are no longer in your mind. You can also use this time to write down how things are going as a way to replace negative thoughts with happier and more positive ones. 

This is a collaborative post. 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Just Pondering

What is one place you would like to travel to by train?

Why do you think it’d be special to experience it this way?

 

Melinda

Field Guide by Stampington

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Balancing Side Effects And Quality Of Life

Every medication from OTC or from the pharmacy has side effects. Don’t fool yourself. Look at all the cough medication pulled from shelves recently. 

Those who take medication usually read the side effects, including long-term ones, and look for balance in their decision-making. You have to know the side effects and weigh them against the quality of life.

If you have taken a medication for a long time, it’s good to go back for a refresher of the side effects. That’s level ground, and you have to make choices. There is no wrong answer here, just facts.

If you are depressed and taking several medications, your Psychiatrist may suggest adding an Antipsychotic to your medication protocol. Read ALL side effects, including long-term, and balance that with quality of life. It was an easy decision for me because the life I was living wasn’t working.

Antipsychotic medications allowed me to live a better quality of life until I got Tardive Dyskensia, one of the most serious side effects, and I can not take Antipsychotics again. Taking the medication is one of the best medical decisions I’ve made.

Remember to call your doctor right away if you’re having difficult side effects, if you can not reach your doctor, go to the emergency room. Don’t use a Doc-in-a-Box, I don’t believe they are equipped to handle a mental health crisis. 

I’m having Brain Fog today, I hope this flows and makes sense. :)

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health

Eid al-Fitr Celebrates The End Of Ramadan For Muslims

Traveling to Ramadan is a chance of a lifetime, I can’t even guess how many people attend but it’s packed inside and out. I watched a service on television years ago, it’s a time of fasting and intensive praying. Seeing a large group of people who have come from all over the world is quite moving, I felt an energy. 

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims and after Ramadan people celebrate. Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration, it’s a time to feast, pray, and engage in charity. This is a joyous occasion for Muslims around the world. 

Eid al-Fitr 2024 is expected to fall at sundown on April 9th or 10th and continue to the sundown on April 11th or April 12th.

Eid al-Fitr, also known as ‘the Festival of Breaking the Fast’, marks the end of the sacred Ramadan fasting month. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, during which they gather for feasts, offer prayers, and engage in acts of charity. The festival is usually celebrated for 2–3 days.

Photo by Anna-Louise on Pexels.com

Things You Should Not Do During Eid al-Fitr 2024

Eid al-Fitr is a joyful event for Muslims all over the world. Muslims celebrate the festival with mouthwatering feasts and happy wishes. Although a happy event, there are still some things you should not do, either so as not to spoil the festival atmosphere or to show your respect:

  • Fasting: Eid al-Fitr is a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims. It is important (for Muslims in particular) not to fast on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
  • Drinking alcohol: Consuming alcohol is not allowed during Eid al-Fitr (or at any time for Muslims). Even if you are not a Muslim or do not observe Eid al-Fitr, it is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol in public, if you are visiting Muslim countries, to show your respect.
  • Eating pork and haram foods: Pork and foods that are considered haram (forbidden) in Islamic dietary laws are still prohibited for Muslims during Eid al-Fitr.

After a month of fasting during certain hours, the Eid al-Fitr celebration is a time to rejoice and eat. 

Melinda

References:

https://www.globalhighlights.com/egypt/festival-eid-al-fitr

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Susana Cabaço

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 Susana Cabaco.    

Susana Cabaço

Spiritual Insights & Personal Empowerment

Susana Cabaço, PhD, is a biologist who graduated from the University of Algarve (Portugal), where she worked for many years in scientific research on ecology, and a mystic who, for decades, has been journeying the paths of spirituality. Love for Spirit and Nature led her naturally to share her unique spiritual visions and more conscious ways of living, namely veganism, in order to bring forward individual and global expansion of awareness, balance, and well-being.

Copyright © 2024 Susana Cabaço. All rights reserved.

Susana and I started following each other this week and I can already tell you she’s generous. Check out her blog and the books she has written.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

On The Highway to Hell *Part 3

The original post was in 2019

At five years old I loved my baton and was quite good until the day I got mad at my mother and bashed several holes in my closet door. There went the baton and the dream. No anger issues here!

A large group of friends and I would tube down the Nacogdoches River. It’s a 6-8 hour trip if you do the full stretch. There is a dangerous waterfall along the way. In previous years I would get out with others and haul the beer coolers around the waterfall. It was so hard on my back that one year I decided to go over the waterfall on the other side people were taking photos, clapping, and cheering me on, I was acting like I won a marathon, then someone said look down, no more two pieces after that.

This is one story I debated telling in case my brother ever reads my blog. He was about six and taking a bath. He starts yelling for me to come in the bathroom, I hurried in to find he had a washer and put it on his penis. I’m trying to pull the thing off you know the rest of the story. I gave up and left him to figure it out.

Our oldest dog Shaggy is a gentleman, he makes me enter the house first.

I wore a beautiful white and lightly flowered long dress for a school formal. I had the florist make a flower wreath to wear on my head. I thought it looked beautiful, everyone kept calling me Mother Earth. Today that would be a huge compliment.

My Granny watched my boyfriend paper our house, never interrupted them, just enjoyed in their pleasure. The next morning she wakes me up at 6am to go clean it all up before the neighbors see.

My bedroom was eclectic with a street light, a street sign that said Goodnight, and 12 orange cones. Granny kept asking where the stuff was coming from. It was on the street and it was not a lie.

My girlfriend and I took all the orange cones and scattered them randomly in the neighborhood of a certain person on our shit list that week. It was a great payback.

In high school, I spent an hour on my hair and make-up every morning. Granny was the alarm clock for the household. One day she overslept and there was only time to dress and go to school. I said I can’t go to school today unless I do my hair. Gramps blew a gasket, “School was more important than my hair, you’re going to school!!” I started washing my hair in the sink, we didn’t have a shower. By the time I came out of the bathroom to blow dry hair Granny managed to help Gramps understand how important a girl’s hair is in high school. Yeah, granny!!!!!!!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Lady Antebellum – Need You Now

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Just Pondering

 

What a gift it is when something captures our attention while we are going through our everyday routines.

A flower growing in an unlikely place, a rainbow appearing in a puddle….. 

What is something that recently made you stop and take in its beauty?

Yesterday, I enjoyed two woodpeckers eating, we have 2 species of woodpeckers, one is tall and the other is a small Ladderback. They are so cool and happy to share food and birdbath.

Melinda