Friends

What do you think of this Theme Mix

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I am having trouble getting comfortable with this theme. The post run together on front page, the header selections don’t seem to fit, the background color looks dull. Why can’t I find a bright white background? Do I need to learn the programming codes to accomplish that? Do I have to many widgets making the page to busy? Anything that […]

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Celebrate Life

The Asp Wrangler For A Day

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The Asp Wrangler For A Day        Summer and searing heat are just ahead, it’s time to introduce you to the Texas Asp. One morning while pruning roses I noticed these furry cream-colored caterpillars. I grabbed my camera and started clicking. Something about them was familiar, I just could not put my finger on it. I had taken photos of critters all week so my husband was not surprised I discovered something new. Curiosity got the best of me, I had to see what kind of caterpillar they were. I had thoughts of beautiful butterflies flying around my yard. To my surprise and horror they were Asp! If you are not from the South you can’t fully appreciate the terror growing within. It is close to impossible to kill them. When you get stung by an Asp it’s like having acid poured on you. Their hairs can get imbedded in the skin and every time you touch the area it’s like a new dose of acid. When I was a kid one fell from the porch ceiling at my grandparents house. It fell down the back of my shirt. I was screaming and crying so hard it was difficult to stop to tell granny something was on my back. They leave a mark that looks like a branding iron. My back looked like red tire tracks. With this memory I had to go out the next morning a […]

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Celebrate Life

New Chapter in My Life Begins

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I’ve started to walk again, it fells great and very unstable. Throughout my battle with Lyme I prayed for my Granny’s strength. My Granny had to learn to walk twice as an adult. The first was from a terrible accident leaving her in a wheelchair or walker for years. She cleaned new houses for extra money, whatever the job required […]

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America

Wapama Falls on Hetch Hetchy Trail, Yosemite

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  Wapama Falls (1,400 feet) Flows: all year, with peak flow in May. Relatively few people visit Hetch Hetchy Valley to see this roaring waterfall. In some springs, the water from this fall flows over the footbridges near its base. You can see this waterfall from the parking lot at O’Shaughnessy Dam or you can hike on an uneven trail to near its base (see a list of Hetch Hetchy day hikes).

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America

Yosemite National Park: Half Dome

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  Wild Wild West by Melinda https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=6F8A61D7-E3B5-F2FD-0E7E5921833F1954 The summit of Half Dome is a dangerous place during a lightning storm. Check the weather forecast before your hike and try to reach the summit early in the day to avoid thunderstorms, which are more common in the afternoon (but can occur at any time). If a storm appears nearby, do not continue to the summit and, if in the summit area, leave the area (while still using caution when descending the cables and steps). The summit is typically 15°F (8°C) to 20°F (11°C) cooler than Yosemite Valley and windy conditions are common. Be prepared for cool temperatures and rain showers. Black bears frequent Yosemite’s Wilderness and are adept at grabbing backpacks from hikers and campers–during both day and night. Always keep your food within arm’s reach (or on your back); never leave it unattended. If you see a bear, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling. If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear. Squirrels, Steller’s jays, chipmunks, and other animals also live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. Do not leave your pack unattended (e.g., at the base of the cables or while you take a swim or nap). Keep wildlife wild: respect them from a distance. Improper food storage and feeding of […]

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Celebrate Life

Bridalveil Falls Yosemite National Park

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Bridalveil Falls Bridalveil Fall (620 feet) Flows: all year, with peak flow in May. This is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. You can see Bridalveil Fall from near the tunnels on the Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) and from a signed parking lot on your way into Yosemite Valley. You can walk to the base via a short but steep (up to 24% slope) trail in just a few minutes. https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm 🙂  M

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Moving Forward

Guest Photographer Gavin Kerslake

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Please welcome Guest Photographer Gavin Kerslake. I met Gavin several years ago, probably thru a comment on a photo. He is a natural with the camera, his work can memorize or shine light on something missed. I would categorize his work as Industrial Realism, his eye captures the story in what others walk by without a thought. I’m thrilled Gavin allowed me to share his work with you. I’ve asked Gavin to join us again, eveyone please go to his blog so he will say yes. Here are links where you can find Gavin’s work. I encourage you to look at his expansive collection. The first link is his blog, you will want follow for sure. http://www.sedge808.com/ http://www.fluidr.com/photos/sedge808/interesting/ http://www.redbubble.com/people/sedge808/

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Outdoors

My Bucket List has moved to Looking for the Light Blog

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BUCKET LIST STARTED 2015 Chronic Lyme Disease has given me time to reflect on the blessings in life. To stay motivated, I think of a bright future. Thinking of travel locations and adventures left to do. I want to help my community. I’m extremely proud of my charity God’s Tree of Life Ministries. There’s an unlimited amount to learn, see, give back and baggage to let go. My first Bucket List now started and written down. I’m a strong believer, if you can feel and see the goal, you can do it. I’ll live a full life expanding my soul and supporting others. XO Melinda ********************************* Learn to double jump rope Roller Derby Watch baby turtles hatch Drive Hover Craft Tango and Salsa Lessons Dive again, I had panic attack during a dive in 1999. I have to tackle the fear. Argentinian Wine Country, Twin P will escort me Volunteer for RAINN Advocate Speaker for Child Abuse and Rape. Started charity, Tree of Life Ministries, focused on children’s early education, children in shelters and growing community awareness. Our first initiative was to provide underserved kids with clothes and backpacks and books. Provide pastoral support as Ordained Minister with a focus on dying children and the elderly. My challenge is to clean my language up. Swim with Manatees, Dolphins and Sharks, Sharks only while in cage. Ride a Camel and Elephant in native environment, treated ethically. See every inch of Australia. […]

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Celebrate Life

Third and Last Day of The Quote Challenge

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“This to shall pass” Believed to originated in writings of the Medieval Persian Sufi Poets.  The quote appeared in tales by the English Poet Edward Fitzgerald and in speech by Abraham Lincoln before becoming president.  My granny used the quote probably before I was born. Times were very difficult for the family when her father died in 1930, granny was 9 years old. They had no money, insurance and no idea what tomorrow would bring. Both my granny and her mother were deeply religious, my guess this quote comforted them. I started using at some point simply because if I can survive, tomorrow can bring a blessing. The quote was not a religious quote to me. Fast forward to being a caregiver to both of my grandparents. I loved my gramps so much but several times a day I wanted to strangle him. I’d say to myself  “This to shall pass”. I tell you the above because the quote “This To Shall Pass” is religious to me now.  I changed in the 10 years taking care of my grandparents, what came after depression, ECT, hospitalization, Heart problems and Lyme Diease…….One day I woke up and the quote felt different, like God sent a message I’m at the wheel. Today there is a warmth in my heart to help others. The awakening gave the strength to become an Ordained Minister and start charity, God’s Tree of Life Ministries. I have enjoyed the […]

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Art

It's my sixth anniversary on WordPress *Get out the streamers*

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I received a reminder from WordPress today, it’s my 6th year anniversary! Wow, time fly’s when having fun or not. I’ve written 303 post on Looking for the Light, in less than two years. I must have a lot to say. I had several blogs before starting Looking for the Light. The greatest reward of blogging is the people I meet daily and hearing about the adventures of long-term followers. Thank you for reading, commenting and filling my heart with joy. Enjoy the Picasso, photo taken in D.C. ACHIEVEMENT 6 Year Anniversary Achievement Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 6 years ago! Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging! M

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Photography

Randstien Brightens My Day With No Strings Attached Award

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Ride on! Rough-Shod if need be, Smooth-Shod if that will do,but ride on.  -Charles Dickens- My friend Randstien from Hyperion Strum https://hyperionsturm.wordpress.com Honored me with The No Strings Attached Award. Two in one week is awesome. I now get the pleasure of passing the award to other great blogs..  The No Strings Attached Award designed on Alfreds Almanac using input from his readers. You can check out his original post by clicking  https://thenostringsattachedaward.wordpress.com . It is with great pleasure to introduce  you to:  http://myweb-municipality.com https://beautifuliceland.wordpress.com I enjoy both sites and look forward to their new post. Please visit both their sites, you’ll find two great site. XO  Warrior

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Fun

"When I Find Love Again, I'll Be Much Better Than The Man I Used To Be" **I see in his eyes and Body Language **

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Many of you know I’m a huge James Blunt fan. How many converts will sway to his new song. I love the black and white video, fit’s perfect. Men may enjoy the babes shaking it. I find the men dancing and kicking up the dust quit satisfying. James married Sofia in September, I believe his music will show a happier man. He comes from a long history of military officers and James takes pride in serving. He’s dated some of the most beautiful women. He met is match with Sofia, who comes from long line of royalty. I wish them the best.    Warrior   Let me know what you think??

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Lyme

Can Anyone Tell Me What Day It Is? **Yosemite National Park Here We Come**

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      I’ve been in the house so long there’s no reason to keep up with the day of week. Today is a perfect example, Throw Back Thursday is on Wednesday. I want to cry and laugh at the same time. The neurological effects of Lyme Disease sucks. In the Chronic phase the virus can set up house in the brain causing neurological damage. To remain as positive as possible I don’t focus on the effect to my brain. There is no way to know if the damage is permanent or not. One side effect is memory loss, like walking to the kitchen and not remembering why. It’s annoying and a reminder you have a virus boring thru your brain. I choose not to focus on the what or why even with constant reminders. I am not at the wheel and trust God to get me to the other side.I’m on a long journey that will give plenty chances to laugh, laugh with me, not at me. Overlook the missing words in a post, thanking you for stopping by more than once and Throw Back Thursday on Wednesday. Life is too short to worry about the little things. Let’s laugh, then focus on how we can help someone and have our collective voice heard. Sending a heart-felt thanks and Texas size hug to you. M  

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Fun

Throw Back Thursday**Triple Shot with Country Legends Tanya, Reba,Loretta,Tammy and Dolly** Hang on to your hats!

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  Enjoy the songs from my childhood, give or take a few years. Tanya Tucker’s Delta Dawn has a place buried in my heart. Many of the songs are simple, no fancy videos or special effects. What they have in common are words that grab your heart and still have meaning today. I bet there are many who aren’t familiar with the artist or words to the songs. Get on your shit kickers and get line dance warmed up!  Enjoy. M

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Alcohol

Throw Back Thursday **Triple Shot With Neil Young and Janis Joplin**

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Triple Shot Thursday, who can turn the volume down on Neil Young or Janice Joplin. The first Neil Young gives you a glimpse at his sense of humor. Who knew? The video is priceless, today you won’t see an artist not prepared for a set. It cost money. The exchange with the audience is real and the foundation of good music. The second Neil Young and Janis Joplin videos have special meaning to me. While in bad girl boarding school I met people from every economic group and fours corners of America. One thing we all had in common is we were damaged, for different reasons yet all suffering. Music became the glue, we had music in common. Needle and Damage Done effected me deeply. Not for the reason he sings about, I was a drug addict without using needles. My mind focused on Damaged Done. At 13 years old I felt my life was damaged beyond repair, it’s amazing what a year in a positive environment can do. Mercedes Benz by Janis brings memories of hard work wrapped around fun. The boarding school had a fully functional laundry, it was a way for the Convent to make money. They did laundry for The Greenhouse Spa. When you graduated from kitchen duty you moved to laundry. In the middle of one room was a mangler machine. You feed the sheets in properly and they came out the other side ready […]

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Awards

Look Who Recieved the Liebster Award**Celebrate Dance to the Music**

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I received the Liebster Award by Silver Lining at HopeFulDepression.  It took a minute to pull myself up off the floor. I’m grateful for the nomination. The Liebster Award has a long history in the blogging community. The award is given to blogs with less than 1,000 followers as a way to acknowledge and motivate new blogs. I discovered the word Liebster is of German origin which is perfect since I’m of German origin. Nothing like a mix of German, Neanderthal and American Indian. I’m honored to receive the Liebster Award from a long time follower. Her work is powerful, I urge you to stop by to see for yourself.   http://hopefuldepression.wordpress.com  How did you come up with name of blog? I have Treatment Resistant Bipolar Disorder and have spent years in darkness. Looking for the Light could sum up your hopes for relief.  Has the experience been what you expected? I’m having so much fun meeting people from across the globe. Shortly after starting my blog, I joined The Cut Throat Club a collaborative group of survivors. We support each other in recovery and offer support to the community. I’m privileged to share my experience of abuse and depression with others. If sharing helps one person, my heart will smile.  One thing that scares you? Spiders, snakes and sharks. One song that makes you the happy? Beautiful Tonight by EC. Do you have special talent or play an instrument? Don’t play […]

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Awards

WOW! Most Influential Blogger Award Feat. John Mayer

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 Don’t care for John Mayer? He may change your mind before the video is over. Admit he is a guitar hero? He is so badass, how can anyone other than EC play like that. Watch the entire video, the last couple of minutes will blow your mind. If you like jamming guitar work. They are in Rio (sweaty) and the fans are great. Don’t get confused by his Japanese pants. If you want to cut the WOW, it’s starts about 5:50 minutes. He looks high, I’ve never seen him do the head swagger. I play Gravity at least once a day. No matter what my mood Gravity always get me jamming, singing and playing air guitar. My husband makes me shut the door, says my singing voice needs some practice. I look forward seeing the videos chosen, a wild mix I’m sure.    Warrior Most Influential Blogger Award On June 4th, my CTC sister Persia from Blog of a Mad Black Woman nominated me for the Most Influential Blogger Award. I’m truly grateful for the recognition from fellow Cut Throat Club member. I will pass to worthy nominees who will keep the passion alive. Big hugs Persia. I respect your strength and highly recommend nominees to stop by, Blog of a Mad Black Women http://persiakarema.wordpress.com. Congrats to all! I’ve nominated Blogs who write from the heart and will carry the torch proudly  Still working on graphic code for badge. If you find one on your […]

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