Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Green Hydrangea
Category: Celebrate Life
Book Review Talk by Rich Gough
I want to give a special thanks to Managing Editor Soraya Nair from Trigger Publishing for sending me an advanced copy of Talk by Rich Gough to review.
Publication date: 07/07/2022
ISBN: 9781913615703 32 pages
Blurb
What’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach? Some kids don’t quite know what it is and why it’s there. So, they feel they must hide it away, which only makes them feel worse and worse…
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Author and primary school teacher Rich Gough makes a simple proposition in his debut book: Talk. Opening up about fears and anxieties can help kids feel relief, so long as they know you’re there to listen. This book will help you open up that first conversation.
My Thoughts
This is a very different type of book for me, it’s a children’s picture book. I know many of you have children or grandchildren and this book could be very valuable in your conversations with them.
Talk is bringing the ability to talk down to a child’s level. It helps them put words to their feelings. The illustrations are outstanding and will keep your child engaged.
Rich takes his experience as a school teacher and translates his knowledge into wonderful conversations you can have with your children.
The book will help your child’s mental health, it gives them a way to not only talk to you but to others. This is the type of book I would love to of had as I struggled to understand so many feelings and my anger.
This is the first step in opening communication with your child and leaves the door open for many more conversations.
I would recommend this book to all parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
What Are The Different Types Of Hemp Products
If you read my review of Delta 8 CBD products you know I’ve tried quite a few and found only two that I would buy again. Right now my front runner is Kind Oasis. Not only do they taste great, they actually work for me. Not all the products worked as stated.
I take 2 gummies when I start my nighttime routine and by bedtime an hour later, I’m relaxed and ready for bed. I have been able to stop taking sleeping pills because these keep me relaxed and able to go back to sleep after my late-night bathroom break.
I found this great article on the Kind Oasis blog that really breaks things down in terms you can understand. Not that you will remember all of this but you can always come back here to read again.
What are the different types of hemp products?
Progressing trends, evolving laws, and expanding R&D is leading more and more hemp derivatives to surface. Hemp has created a unique and dynamic market that is reaching users on a global scale. From edibles and beverages to skincare and hair products, to topicals and tinctures, smokables and self-care practices, plant products have carved out a niche across industries.
Let’s pause for a moment to clarify that increasing consumer demand for hemp-derived products is not limited to a singular demographic. The shift towards natural alternatives is present in a vast spectrum of users (even pets and grandparents!) that are seeking out wellness solutions for diverse goals.
With so many subsets on the horizon, how do we keep the ABC’s of hemp organized and understood?
Let’s break down the variations of this powerful plant, starting with the standard lineup, and simplifying the rookies on deck.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
The most potent of the classic CBD trio, Full Spec utilizes the whole plant. Full Spec contains both CBD and all other cannabinoids – and trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less).
What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Still offering extensive plant benefits, Broad Spec is comprised of CBD and various other cannabinoids. The difference: no THC.
What is CBD Isolate?
Like the name indicates, CBD Isolate is just CBD. No other cannabinoids, no THC.
What is Delta-8 (D8)?
A dominating trend in hemp, delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid and is mostly extracted from hemp-derived CBD. D8 is an isomer of delta-9 THC, where the only difference is the location of a double bond between two carbons. Users say this provides a milder effect.
What is Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)?
This derives from the scientific process of hydrogenation and is procured from CBD. HHC can have THC-like effects, but less potent than D8.
What is (compliant) Delta-9 THC?
Compliant delta-9 THC comes from the hemp plant, not marijuana, and contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. For example, let’s say our gummy weight is 3.5g. What is the math behind compliancy?
3.5g gummy = 3,500mg * .003% = 10.5mg THC.
What is THCO?
Unlike the other hemp players mentioned here, THCO does not occur naturally in a cannabis plant. Users say the effects of THCO are bolder than delta-8 and delta-9.
What is CBG?
CBG is obtained from the cannabis plant. CBG is on the rise as it is being seen to have many potential benefits for your mind and body. There is no THC in CBG.
What is CBN?
CBN is a product of THC oxidization. In addition, CBN is catching widespread popularity as a natural comfort aid.
We all have an endocannabinoid system, and the effects different cannabinoids have are bio-individual. A great rule of thumb is to continue doing your research and seek out consultation from a medical provider as research advances and more plant products hit the market.
Melinda
Another WordPress Anniversary
When I started blogging in 2005 the thought of where I was going or what my goals were didn’t enter my mind. I just needed to write and grieve my grandmother’s dementia and death. Flash forward to 2014 when I started Looking for the Light, my goals were more clear. To share my stories in an effort to reduce stigma and educate others along the way.
I think I’ve accomplished this goal on a small level, as much as we can as individuals working from behind a computer.
Thank you doesn’t seem appropriate for all that you’ve taught me but that’s all I have. Thank You!
Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!
So glad you’re a part of my life and you share your stories in return.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Where do you want your life to go?
Are you on the right track?
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-A visual journey
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 a new blogger, A Visual Journey.
A visual journey
I am just another human being that enjoys taking pictures of everything. I look at photography as a very special way to capture a moment in time, a memory, a feeling or illusion.
I am also a beginner animator and video editor. Who doesn’t like comics and cartoons? I love learning new things, experimenting and sharing my work.
Relax while enjoying some special moments I captured
or some homemade animation to make you smile.
Relax! Let your eyes wander and quiet your mind with some visual therapy. A picture is always more than you can see. You will also find my own illustrations, animations and sometimes short stories. You never know what you will find so make sure to come back.
Be sure to check out her great photographs and artwork.
Melinda
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “product/produce”
The first thing that comes to my mind is a product, small flatbreads. We make flatbreads with a variety of ingredients on a regular basis but I’ve learned to love them by themselves, just heated in the toaster oven. I’ve been on a weight loss journey for the past couple of months, doing it the right way this time. No diet just cutting meals in half and cutting out snacking. The flatbreads are only 100 calories so I get to eat two of them with some peanut butter which is very filling but not too many calories. I’m not counting every calorie to the letter just keeping tabs to try to stay under 1500 calories. I’ve lost 14 pounds with this method but have trouble reaching 15 pounds. My goal is another 10 pounds. I have made the eating changes needed now I have to continue to keep up the good habits.
Another product I have to mention is my computer, I would have a hard time living without it. Boy, how it’s changed our lives. That and cell phones. I remember my first cell phone was a bag phone that weighed about five pounds. The receiver was huge and the battery didn’t last long. Little did I know at the time how far technology would take phones and that texting would be an option.
Speaking of produce, that is one thing I eat a lot of especially strawberries and blueberries. Every day for lunch I have yogurt and fruit, usually one of the above, and when in the season I add Mangos. I love many types of fruit and veggies. If fact I have been eating tomatoes every week for over a month now. Our homegrown cherry tomatoes have been producing and the larger ones are turning red. I love fresh tomatoes with salt and pepper. I’m not crazy about cauliflower unless it’s raw. I also don’t like the smell of cabbage cooking and can’t eat it and won’t eat Polk salad.
What about you, what product or produce can you not live without?
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started.
4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post.
6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at:
Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Fun Facts
Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week. We learn some interesting things.
A baby octopus is about the size of a flea when it is born.
A sheep, a duck, and a rooster were the first passengers to take a trip in a hot air balloon.
In Uganda, around 48% of the population is under 15 years of age.
On average, men get bored of a shopping trip after 26 minutes.
In the 16th Century, Turkish women could initiate divorce if their husbands didn’t provide enough coffee.
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/
Enjoy!
Melinda
Friday Quote 6/24/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer I love this song!
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 don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
What whimsical things can you do to add some magic to your life?
Melinda
What Do You Think Of New Font Size?
I’ve noticed that font size seems to be getting bigger and wanted to see for myself if it’s easier for you to read.
Drop me a line and let me know if you think the font is too big.
Thanks a million.
Melinda
Cancer from the Sun Awareness Month
It is estimated that 20 percent of Americans will have skin cancer at some point in their lives. About 9.500 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each day. 20% is a high number and I know my sun protection habits can use an overhaul, I’m not disciplined at reapplying sunscreen. This summer I’ll do better.
The sun protection dermatologists recommend
Seek shade
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
Wear sun-protective clothing
Wear a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
Apply sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Also, remember to see a General Practitioner or Dermatologist on a regular basis to check your skin for moles or other skin abnormalities. Caught early skin cancer is treatable.
Melinda
References:
https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/awareness-campaigns/skin-cancer-awareness-month
Wordless Wednesday*Hibiscus
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s and Dementia are important awareness days to me because my granny had Demtania after a bad stroke and I have Dementia from Lyme disease. Losing one’s cognitive capability is difficult and can be quite frustrating.
Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Join the Alzheimer’s Association in going purple and raising awareness this June. The more that people know about Alzheimer’s, the more action we inspire.
What is Dementia?
Small abnormalities, so-called amyloid plaques, and tau tangles, formed in the brain and found in specific locations throughout, are two distinguishing hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia. Advanced testing, such as PET scans, MRI, DNA, and spinal fluid analysis, can shed invaluable light on the probability of Alzheimer’s, but still, at this time, a conclusive diagnosis is only obtained through close examination of brain tissue post-mortem.
Explore Related Resources:
- Alzheimers.gov: Find resources and tips for individuals, families, and caregivers.
- NAPA at 10: Read a blog post from Dr. Hodes on the progress made in Alzheimer’s and related dementias research.
- Progress and Potential: Watch this video series featuring NIA grantees and progress made in the field.
Melinda
References:
https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp#goPurple
https://www.dementiasociety.org/alzheimers-disease-dementia?msclkid=b276fd3d88fc130123ac9f8c79f574d8
Thank You, You, and You
I’ve been blogging since 2005 and started Looking for the Light in 2014. You’ve seen me bury my grandparents, more than one stay in a Psychiatric hospital, countless ECT treatments, heart problems, stalked, going thru withdrawal, Lyme disease, and countless other illnesses and your support does not go unrecognized.
It’s kind of corny to post a thank you but I want you to know. I hear you, I thank you, I have learned from you, and I’m so glad you visit my blog.
I love the conversations we have, and your comments each week. Thank you for growing with me and allowing me to be a part of your journey.
Melinda
National Osteoporosis Month
National Osteoporosis Month is marked throughout June every year. It is a special awareness month that makes it easier for people to find out about the critical importance of good bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Did you know that hundreds of millions of people in the world suffer from osteoporosis and low bone density? In fact, approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and more than 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk of osteoporosis. What exactly is osteoporosis? How can we prevent it? Is there any remedy for people suffering from the disease? Let’s get into the details.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a brittle weakness of the bones. It is often called the silent disease because you cannot feel your bones getting weaker. In fact, you may not even know you have osteoporosis until after you break a bone.
We reach our peak bone mass between ages 25 and 30, and then, we slowly start losing bone mass at age 40. This is accelerated for women. They lose 1.5% to 2% of their bone density per year in the first 10 years after menopause, which is why women over 50 are particularly at risk of having osteoporosis. People with low body weight, and people with a family history of osteoporosis, are also at risk. However, the disease is preventable through the regular consumption of calcium and Vitamin D and treatable through physical therapy and medications.
A simple Bone Scan can determine if you have Osteoporosis, if you have a family history let your doctor know so they can test early.
Melinda
References:
I Remember When
I had trouble taking a nap yesterday and my mind wandered off to my childhood and growing up. Life was so simple then, it’s a shame kids don’t know that kind of peace today. You knew your bully, they didn’t hide behind a computer. There was all the time in the world when you weren’t tied to a phone or computer. We built forts out of sheets on the clothesline, you played outside till dinner and believed in the boogie man after dark. Here are a few more observations.
Before computers, the Internet and cable
Before Cell phones
Yo Yo’s
Rotary dial phones
Slippery Slide
Television went to snow after the news went off
Black and White TV
Penny candy
10-cent soda in a bottle
Albums, 8 tracks, cassettes, and Cd’s
Television consoles
Etch-a-sketch
The game Operation
Most stores closed on Sunday
Station wagons
Before bottled water
You knew your neighbors
Front entry garages
Getting mouth washed out with soap
Taking a mat to school for nap time
Halloween was safe
Jump rope
Jungle gyms
Playing Red Rover
Report Cards
Sunday road trips
Push-button car radio, with maybe 5 channels
When the first Honda came to America
Hula Hoop
Wiggle Worm
Jacks
Before animals were dressed like people
Just a few observations on this quiet afternoon.
I’m only 58 years old and it’s amazing to look at how far technology has come and how it’s shaped our world. For the good and the bad.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Natural Goodness
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 a new blogger, Natural Goodness.
Natural goodness
Healthy living| Wellbeing| Parenting
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience about living a healthy life naturally, raising self-reliant and happy kids, and tips to care for your overall wellbeing by managing stress, choosing a healthy lifestyle, and embracing life.
I am an expert in food safety, and also have experience working in a research laboratory and the education sector. I find happiness in enjoying the little things in life, learning from my experiences, using life experiences positively, exploring my capabilities, and spending time with family.
I started my blog when I found people being extremely curious about healthy living and taking care of kids, during the pandemic, as all of us have gone through different kinds of stress and learned a lot of life lessons during this period. I hope to spread goodness and positivity with my blog and help you live healthy and happy.
Please visit Rancy’s blog to see what’s going on in her world.
Melinda
Happy Father’s Day Gramps
This is a sketch of my Gramps playing scratch-off games, we always bought him some on holidays. He loved the anticipation of winning if only a dollar. My Gramps was my only father figure and he was the best.
No nonsense, hardworking, loyal, honest, simple, and loving.
Gramps never complained or made excuses and didn’t let you either. I remember once when I was in high school I ask him to call my employer to say I wouldn’t be in. He said it’s your job, you call. He was right, it was my responsibility and he taught me to own what was mine.
He taught me to drive by taking trash cans down to the levy bottoms and had me practice parallel parking. He was very patient as I toppled on one can after another.
He had some simple rules to live by:
If you can get out of bed, you can go to work.
If you’re going to be late, might as well not go in.
If you borrow something, give it back in better shape than you got it.
Put your family first.
My Gramps knew he was dying but refused to get in the hospital bed until two days before he died. He was so stubborn. I lost him in 2012 and my life was forever changed.
I spent the last five months of his life living with him, I’m so glad we had that time together. The good and the bad.
I know he’s proud of me today and still watches over me.
Happy Father’s Day! I love you, Gramps.
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate All Fathers Today
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Fun Facts
Hi, thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week. We learn some interesting things.
There is a species of spider called the Hobo Spider.
A lion’s roar can be heard from 5 miles away.
Saint Lucia is the only country in the world named after a woman.
The national animal of Scotland is a unicorn.
The United States Navy uses Xbox controllers for their periscopes.
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/
Enjoy!
Melinda
National Cancer Survivors Month
This is an important awareness month for me because I was diagnosed with cancer at 28 years old. I was young, healthy, and had no idea what lay inside. I was very lucky and my cancer only required surgery, all the cancer was found so no chemo or radiation, for that I’m forever grateful. I’m now 58 years old and have had no relapse.
Cancer is something we all have to think about in that it comes to us from so many angles. Be sure to bring up any changes you are going thru with your doctor no matter how insignificant you think they are.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, this person is considered a cancer survivor from that moment throughout the rest of his/her life.
Surviving cancer has physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial consequences that start with diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond. It also includes issues related to follow-up treatment, side effects of treatment, the risk of getting cancer again, and your quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are a critical part of the journey of the cancer survivor.
It is estimated that there will be about 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2022. This number will not include basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Cancer Survivorship As difficult as treatment is, thousands of cancer survivors have said that the experience led them to make important changes in their lives.
Cancer Survivorship Issues
Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care, more people than ever before are surviving the disease. In America alone, more than 16.9 million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer.
However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer survivors are also at greater risk for developing second cancers and other health conditions.
Cancer survivors may face numerous challenges during and after treatment:
- Limited access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments
- Denial of health insurance and life insurance coverage
- Difficulty finding jobs
- Economic burdens due to mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced productivity
Add to that emotional struggles, strains on personal relationships, and the profound fear of cancer recurrence. The effects of cancer don’t simply end when treatment does.
Stay in tune with your body, if something doesn’t feel right see your doctor right away. My cancer was discovered during a routine exam. If we catch cancer early enough we have a greater chance of beating it and not having to go thru extensive therapy.
Get checked. Keep your annual appointments.
Melinda
References:
https://www.va.gov/long-beach-health-care/stories/national-cancer-survivor-month
Cancer Survivorship Issues
#Weekend Music Share *Prince and The Revolution – Purple Rain (Live in Syracuse, March 30, 1985)
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 don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 6/16/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
International Panic Day June 18th
June 18 is International Panic Day. Use it as an excuse to panic about everything under the sun, or take the day to evaluate your priorities and eliminate anything that causes you stress and anxiety.
It is a fact of life that as we grow older, life can get complicated. This made-up holiday is an acknowledgment that work, finances, health and relationships can all sometimes get overwhelming and that it is necessary to take a pause once in a while and relax. The holiday encourages people to find ways to reduce and manage their stress.
How to Observe?
- Take the day off and relax. It is for good reason that today is also International Picnic Day. What better way to relax and forget all your stresses than by going on a picnic?
- Go to the store and treat yourself to some aromatic candles. It has been shown that soothing music and pleasant smells can help reduce stress.
- Go for a long walk in the park and commune with nature.
- Read, get a new hobby or get involved in social activities. The more you are busy, the less time you will have to think about your stressors.
- Recruit a stress buddy – someone who can calm you and work through the futility of panicking with you. Every time you feel life is overwhelming you, call them and ask them for their help.
I think this is an observance day we can all get behind.
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/international-panic-day
Things I’m Loving
I want to share a few products I’m in love with right now. Most have been purchased off of Amazon unless otherwise stated. I hope you find a new product to add to your household or self-care routine.
Levoit Air Purifier model #Core 300
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pets Hair in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Ozone Free, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core 300, White
It has a red button that shows you when the filter needs replacing and it’s as simple as turning the machine off, turning it upside down, twisting the bottom, removing the filter, installing the new filter, placing the bottom back on, and turning on. You will need to hold down the red button for a minute to clear the setting.
I purchase the pet replacement filters, see below. They catch so much from the air, that you are surprised when you change the filter. The filter is easy to change and unlike our Dyson, it doesn’t make a mess. Here’s an article on the 6 Best Air purifiers for Mold from Healthline.
The Pet HEPA filters for Levoit, LEVOIT Air Purifier Pet Allergy Replacement Filter, 3-in-1 True HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Core 300-RF-PA, 1 Pack, Yellow
Busy Co.
Need a powerful cleaning without the shower? I have discovered these Busy Co. body wipes and love them. One wipe can clean your entire body, I use a cheaper brand on my feet.
Refresh Line Body Wipes for Women – Cleansing Body Wash Wipes, Armpit Wipes & Body Wipes w/ Fresh Citrus Scent – Zero-Waste Gym Wipes & Cleansing Wipes – No Rinse Bathing Wipes for Adults – 10 ct
Ancient Greek Remedy Moisturizer
I just bought this a week ago and love how well the oil soaks into the skin. I dislike oils that sit on the skin and feel greasy. This one doesn’t, it has a great smell, it’s made from natural ingredients, and is multi-purpose for men and women. It has a faint lavender scent, nothing overpowering.
Organic Blend of Olive, Lavender, Almond, and Grapeseed oils with Vitamin E. Day and night Moisturizer for Skin, Dry Hair, Face, Scalp, Foot, Cuticle and Nail Care. Natural Body oil for Men and Women
Eco Tools
As summer sneaks up on us my skin is getting very dry. I noticed some flacking and decided to buy a dry brush. this one does the trick, its hard bristles do a great job of loosening dead skin. Best of all it’s less than $6.00.
EcoTools Dry Brush, Gentle Exfoliating Scrubber For Skincare and Beauty, Pore Cleansing, Pink
What products have you added to your life lately that you love?
Melinda
Book Review-Life After Care by Mark Edwards
I want to send a special thanks to Marketing & Ecommerce Executive Laura Sebright at Tigger Publishing for sending me Life After Care From Lost Cause to MBE by Mark Edwards.
About the Author
Mark Edwards spent the majority of his childhood in foster and then in a children’s home. Following this, he was sectioned under the Mental Health Care Act and admitted to a local mental institution.
Mark is now a Vicor in Newcastle upon Tyne and is a volunteer Ambulance First Responder. He’s a Police Chaplin to Northumbria Police and has previously as a lifeboat crew member. In 2010 he received an MBE for his service to the public. Mark is now happily married with four children and one grandchild.
Blurb
Life After Care follows Mark’s journey with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, and we learn about the enduring impact his childhood had on his mental health. His diary entries bring to life the thoughts and feelings of Mark, as a teenager, struggling to understand how he came to be placed in care, and how to deal with his adolescent feelings of loss and love.
On the verge of breakdown, Mark tried to take his own life and he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. We follow his journey from local authority care to the wards of a crumbling Victorian psychiatric asylum, and beyond into life on the streets…This is a heartfelt, true story of how a troubled young man managed to turn his life around. From being imprisoned in the care system and mislabel
My Thoughts
Wow! Heartbreaking and Inspiring. I have a traumatic background and can say that Mark’s life was far beyond traumatic it was pure hell on earth.
From an early age, Mark and his brother were shuffled from foster home to foster home never finding a family to take them in. After staying with one family for two years they were given hope that they had a forever home only to be taken away and sent to a children’s home. Mark spent his early adolescent years grappling with his panic attacks, depression, and anger. After years of neglect, his repressed emotions caused him to lash out and be deemed unmanageable. He spent the last few months before his 16th birthday living with his sister. Now turning 16, he ages out of the system and is left to sink or swim.
Mark is living with his sister and her husband on his 18th birthday. He has a job but spends his off time drinking and drowning in his traumatic memories. One day during a fight with his sister, Mark goes into a blinding rage and picks up a knife, pointing it at his sister. He scares her but himself even more. Mark sinks to his darkest level yet and takes a razor blade to both of his wrists in an effort to end his pain. He second-guesses himself and goes for help.
His sister is forced to have Mark sent to a Psychiatric Hospital for his own safety.
Fast forward, Mark is a respected member of the community, a volunteer, and a man of God. He went from the darkest depths of mankind to chart away forward for himself. He was awarded an MBE by none other than Prince Charles himself.
This book is for anyone who is dealing with a family member with a traumatic background, or dark depression. Mark’s diaries speak volumes about the obstacles he has overcome and his mindset.
I highly recommend this book. It would also be great to give to a troubled teen, they may read it.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Hydrangea
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Fibromyalgia Thoughts #8 Giving Myself Grace
It’s been a year since I wrote Fibromyalgia Thoughts #7, I had no idea how well I had been managing. Until today, when I wasn’t managing at all. A wave came over me after breakfast just as I was going outside to water the plants, and the life drained out of me. I had to go back to bed even though I had a good night’s sleep, maybe the best sleep I’ve had in days.
The temperature here has already reached 100 degrees and the humidity is high. We’ve touched on several record-breaking days already and it’s not even July. July and August are usually the hottest months in Texas, but we are having average temps in June. The heat is exhausting.
I go out to water most days by 9:00 am but today I was delayed by an hour since I laid down. Boy, what a difference an hour makes. It’s not that I was feeling so much better but knew that if I could muster the energy it would be much easier to water now than wait or ask my husband for help. He’s always glad to help, but it’s my passion, my flowers, and my sanctuary. I thought if I could just get out there I would somehow feel better. NOT.
I’ve been battling many symptoms that have progressed over the past year, I don’t know if they are all Fibro since other things are going on with my health. I think telling myself it’s something else has somehow allowed me to keep pushing on.
I see a new Rheumatologist at the end of the month and I hope to have some answers. I’ve been keeping detailed notes of each symptom by body area and tracking the progression. I can only sleep for 2-3 hours at a time before the pain wakes me, I have to roll over and wait for sleep to come again. It’s very tiring.
The other morning the muscles in my legs were so tight I could hardly walk, I lay in bed thinking how am I going to do this. I took my muscle spasm medication and moved to the chair. I realized today that the limp from my hip is more pronounced, that’s from my Brusitis. I am late on my steroid injections and can tell.
I know this afternoon will include a nap, which I give myself grace. I’ve beat myself up for too many years for not being the best wife or granddaughter or best self. In fact, the best self I can be is to take care of my health, do what I can, be honest about what’s going on, and take the pass when I have to.
I’ll keep you posted on my Rheumatologist appointment. I work hard to not over-research my symptoms and go in with a layman’s diagnosis. I’ve taken very precise notes and the symptoms will hopefully lead to answers or in the right direction.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 