Category: Fun
Friday Quote 7/15/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
How A Dog Could Improve Your Teen’s Mental Health
This is a great repost for those who are being asked to buy a pet.
Many teenagers ask their parents for a dog, and it can be tough to decide as a family whether the time is right to add a canine companion. A dog can be a great way to teach your teenager to be more responsible, but a pet can also help with mental health. By getting a dog, your teen gets to experience the joy of owning and bonding with a true friend.
Image – free for commercial use
Pets can be especially beneficial for teens who are struggling with emotional or psychological issues. Many teenagers struggle with their mental health, so the idea of them being helped by owning a dog is worth investigating. For serious problems, professional therapy should be sought, but a dog can help with your teen’s self-care.
Growing Up With A Pet
Your teenage years are a turbulent time. Teenagers often start to pull away from their families at this time, as they search for their own identities, separate from their parents. Caught between childhood and adulthood, many teens struggle to find their place in the world, leading to a sense of confusion.
Many young people lack the skills in coping that they need to deal with troublesome emotions. Sometimes teenagers are left to face these worries alone, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Young people with a pet tend to function better emotionally than those without. Pets give teens a sense of purpose and force them to interact, even at times when they might not feel much like socializing.
Teens who care for an animal build stronger social relationships. Caring for a dog can help teenagers to connect more to their community too. High levels of attachment to a pet can also help teenagers to feel more connected to others, feel more empathy, and have more self-confidence.
If you’re thinking about getting your teen a dog from somewhere like Lucky Labs, then you might want to consider these benefits.
Dogs are easier to hug than a person
A lot of teens aren’t naturally very affectionate, but a pet can help to turn that around. Animals will always demand (and get) attention. It’s much harder for a teenager to ignore an animal seeking attention and expressing their love. This can be very important for teens who aren’t feeling much affection from their peers or are feeling more distant from their parents.
Dogs are all ears during tough times
Many young people don’t feel that adults understand them or what they’re going through. This means they’re likely to bottle up or push down their feelings instead of talking about them, which isn’t helping. A dog can be used as a listening ear, which is a great way to process and put into words any confusing thoughts and emotions that they might be having. After all, dogs are the best listeners.
Dogs melt away stress and anxiety
There are few things as effective as petting an animal for soothing and calming a stressed-out mind. Playing with a dog increases levels of oxytocin, which is a hormone that reduces stress, and decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. Having a pet is good for your physical health too. Owning a pet is associated with a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which all reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Dogs help with socialization and communication
Owning a dog can help young people to enhance their social skills, which is especially useful for teenagers with autism. Animals help young people to feel more assertive and increase their confidence when they interact with other people. Having a dog gives your teen something to talk about if they get stuck for conversation, and also acts as a way of getting people to engage with them in social situations.
Having a dog can also help you to meet new people and start conversations, something which teenagers can struggle to do. Many teens are caught up in social interactions online, whereas a dog is a great ice breaker for real-life social situations. People always want to stop and talk to a dog.
Dogs are always by your side
A dog is always there for you, even when things are at their hardest. People can come and go in life, but a dog is loyal and with you through every step. A dog can help to fight feelings of depression and anxiety as they provide companionship. Owning a dog can have a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem, as well as other psychological benefits such as lessening feelings of loneliness and helping someone to become less introverted.
Dogs provide structure
Dogs are a great way to teach a teen to be more responsible and are also a good way of adding structure. The structure is helpful for teenagers who may be feeling adrift from their normal life. No matter how disconnected you feel, a dog will still need you to be up and ready to take it for a walk at least once a day. A dog can help to fight the urge to stay in all day when you feel down, which is an urge that teenagers can often fall victim to.
Dogs make your brain release the love chemical
Spending time with a dog releases the hormone oxytocin, sometimes known as the love chemical. This hormone plays a part in bonding and trust, as well as reducing stress. This feeling of being bonded to your dog can be very beneficial to a young person who is suffering from PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Dogs also help you to release endorphins. Just seeing a dog can trigger your brain into releasing these endorphins, which are natural anti-depressants. Even when you’re doing the jobs that are a less pleasant part of dog-owning, like cleaning up after them, you’ll feel more positive just by having the dog around.
Dogs can help against allergies and asthma
Children who grow up in homes with dogs or other furry pets are less likely to develop common allergies. Children who are exposed to dogs and cats are a lot less likely to develop allergies such as dust, grass, ragweed, and pet allergies, and are at a lower risk of asthma. Allergies can make people become lethargic, apathetic, and struggle with insomnia. These problems make young people more vulnerable to mental health struggles, like depression.
Dogs make you laugh
Dogs can be very funny companions and are bound to make you laugh every day. Whether they’re being clumsy, adorable, or silly, your dog will cheer your teen up by making them laugh. Laughter is one of the best forms of stress relief.
Owning a dog can be very positive for people of all ages. If your teenager is begging you for a dog, it’s worth thinking about all the ways that they might benefit from dog ownership. Dogs are good for mental and physical health, as well as teaching your teenager to be more responsible and social. If you think your teenager is ready for the responsibility of owning an animal, the benefits could make the decision for you. Just remember that a dog is a big commitment, and you should be certain that your child is capable of providing the care that a dog will need. Agree in advance how much responsibility you as the parent will have, such as feeding and bathing. Choose a breed that suits your home and lifestyle, and prepare to see a real change in your teenager and the way they feel.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Pink
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Purple
I’m a bit under the weather so no Today in History but I wanted to send some sunshine so here’s a photo of my Wandering Purple Jew Ivy. It loves this hot weather and is thriving.
I hope you’ve had a great day and weekend. Be back tomorrow with Blogger Highlight.
Melinda
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “make a note”
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “make a note.” Do with it what you will. Have fun!
I have two thoughts that quickly come to mind. The first is “take a note”, reminds me of a time before computers in the office and the receptionist would write your caller information down on a pink piece of paper. That was the time for typewriters, which they taught in my high school.
The second it “take a note” reminds me of post-it notes, I had them everywhere in my office, purse, briefcase, and pockets. They mostly came in yellow then, long before vivid colored ones. In business, we relied on them like gold. I even have a few bookmark-size ones inside my desk.
The good ole days!
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.
95% of people text things they could never say in person.
Honeybees can recognize human faces.
The Battle of Hastings didn’t actually take place in Hastings.
Human blood cells have different lifespans.
A swarm of 20,000 bees followed a car for two days because their queen was stuck inside.
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/
Enjoy!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
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 7/8/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Good Times On The Highway to Hell *Part 3
This is another blast from the past post that I thought you would get a kick out of. You can read Part 2 here.
At five years old I loved my baton and was quite good. One 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 every year. 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. One year I decided to go over the waterfall. As I came over to the other side people were taking photos, clapping, and cheering me on, I was acting like I won a marathon, then someone said to 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 found 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
I wore a beautiful white and light-flowered long dress for a school formal and had the florist make a head flower wreath that matched to wear. I thought it looked beautiful, everyone kept calling me mother earth. Today that would be a huge compliment.
My granny watched my boyfriend and his friend paper our house, never interrupted them, just enjoyed with pleasure. The next morning she wakes me up at 6am to go clean it all up before the neighbors see.
In my bedroom, there was a street light, a street sign that said Goodnight, and 12 orange cones. Granny kept asking where this stuff was coming from. “it was on the street 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 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!!!!!!!
I always end with my favorite story.
I was in love with a Purple pantsuit with Elephants on it my granny made. During recess, I tell the teacher I have to go to the bathroom. No, she said go play. A few minutes later I’m back begging to go to the bathroom, NO again, go play. The third time she said No I said “I’ll use the bathroom right here”. To her surprise I had diarrhea, it ruined my favorite suit, and she never even said sorry.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*White, Pink & Red
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Today in History July 3, 2022
Welcome to the weekend edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1890
Idaho becomes 43rd state
Idaho is admitted to the union on July 3, 1890. Exploration of the North American continent mostly proceeded inward from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and northward from Spanish Mexico. Therefore, the rugged territory that would become Idaho long remained untouched by Spanish, …read more
1969
Brian Jones and Jim Morrison die, two years apart to the day
Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones is found dead of an apparent accidental drowning on July 3, 1969. Two years later to the day, in 1971, Jim Morrison dies of heart failure in a Paris bathtub. For all the highly publicized brushes with the law that Mick Jagger and Keith …read more
1775
George Washington takes command of Continental Army
On July 3, 1775, George Washington rides out in front of the American troops gathered at Cambridge common in Massachusetts and draws his sword, formally taking command of the Continental Army. Washington, a prominent Virginia planter and veteran of the French and Indian War, had …read more
1989
A mother is arrested and accused of killing her four children
Martha Ann Johnson is arrested in Georgia for the 1982 murder of her oldest child, Jennyann Wright, after an Atlanta newspaper initiated a new investigation into her suspicious death. Johnson’s three other children had also mysteriously died between 1977 and 1982. Back in …read more
1990
Pilgrim stampede kills 1,400
A stampede of religious pilgrims in a pedestrian tunnel in Mecca leaves more than 1,400 people dead on July 3, 1990. This was at the time the most deadly of a series of incidents over 20 years affecting Muslims making the trip to Mecca. To the followers of Islam, traveling to …read more
Have a great day!
Melinda
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “amble”
Time for SoCs again, this week Linda’s propmt is : Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “—amble.” Add letters to the beginning of “-amble” to make another word or use it as is in your post. Enjoy!“
When I was 19 years old, a friend and I drove from Texas to California and then to Las Vegas. I’m still surprised my old car made it there and back but it was a trooper. We were counting our pennies on the trip and by the time we made it to Vegas I had only $21 to gamble with. This was my first time gambling so I started with nickel slots to help make the fund last. I didn’t win big but I spent an afternoon making memories on $21.
Flash forward to the last time I gambled, maybe five years ago. We stop at this casino that’s in a river boat on the way to Alabama. They have my favorite game, Wheel of Fortune. I’m not a big gambler, would rather buy something or save it than risk it but on this occasion, I have $200 for the night.
Now I get to gamble the dollar slots and I do the max bidding. Sometimes I leave up for the night and others even but whatever the number, I always have a great time wishing on a fortune.
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.
Recycling just one tin can saves enough energy to watch television for 3 hours.
After the premiere of 16 and Pregnant, teen pregnancy rates dropped.
Squirrels cause approximately 10-20% of US power outages.
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all banned in China.
95% of people text things they could never say in person.
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/
Enjoy!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *OneRepublic – I Ain’t Worried (From “Top Gun: Maverick”) [Official Music Video]
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 7/1/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Splish Splash
Grab a wireless speaker, and a cold beverage to join me in a water noodle fight!
I’m at the doctor’s today, will update you when I know more.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Green Hydrangea
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Where do you want your life to go?
Are you on the right track?
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
Wordless Wednesday*Hibiscus
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
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
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
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
#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
Looking for the Light 