Category: Travel

Sending A Special Thank You To Fiji, Latvia, Samoa, Peru, China and Ukraine
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Sending A Special Thank You To Fiji, Latvia, Samoa, Peru, China and Ukraine

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Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life, your time here makes me smile. I set a goal to travel the world when I was a child and get the chance through your visit. I appreciate the time you’ve taken to read a post or two and hope you’ve found something that resonates with you. I have not had a chance to visit your home country yet but it’s on my bucket list.

I’ve recently struck up a friendship with a woman in Latvia, and she has shared incredible photos of the countryside which gives me a taste of where she lives. You can find Ilze at A Day in the Life of a Latvian Mom. Yesterday I wrote a special post of support for Ukraine, you can find it here.

 

I look forward to seeing you again soon and please take good care of yourself in the meantime.

Melinda

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor · Trauma · Travel

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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Domestic violence not only traumatizes the woman but also their children. My mother married my stepfather when I was seven years old and I watched him beat her to a pulp almost daily until I moved out at 12 years old. She screamed out in pain, begged for her life, and cared for her wounds privately to not set him off again. He was an alcoholic but that is not what made him an abuser, that came from within for reasons no one will know.

I watched him drag her down the hall, beating her head from side to side so she would hit both walls, all the while she was begging and crying for him to stop. What’s crazy is that I hated my mother, she was my abuser but down deep she was my mother and it pained me to watch her be treated that way. She stayed married to him until he was beating her and my brother took out a shotgun and made him leave.

You might ask “Why didn’t she just leave?” There are so many reasons women don’t leave, one is their children. How do you prepare to leave when you are watched like a hawk? How do you squirrel away enough money to live, relocate, move your kids out of school, and pay rent? It’s nearly impossible. One attitude the abuser takes is that they own the woman and they will go to any lengths to keep her. To get her to come back, the most common is the sweet personality change and wooing her back only to beat her more.

At the same time, they are beating a woman, they are also degrading her and some women think they deserve it over time which causes them to stay. Some women stay out of fear and others know they will be hunted down, some will have a child kidnapped or the abuser will call the police claiming she left with the kids and make up a wild story that the police have to check out.

I’ve met many women while blogging who were in violent relationships and saw what they went through to leave, the heartbreak after, and all the horrific acts towards them and each one was so traumatic you ask yourself, “How did they make it?” Each one is a survivor!

It’s important to know that men also have violent relationships. There can be shame involved and that is why many men don’t come forward but they are not forgotten. They are survivors as well and often carry a big burden by not seeking help or telling anyone.

How to Offer Support

  1. Get Resources – don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
  2. Supporting Survivors – what to say and how to help
  3. Bystander Intervention – real-life examples to help prepare you to take action
⛳
Of course, if you see, hear, or suspect that someone is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
———
This article by No More gives you examples of how to support someone who is in a domestic violence relationship.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.nomore.org/know-the-facts/

 

Blogger Highlight-Mum Cee
Celebrate Life · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Blogger Highlight-Mum Cee

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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 Mum Cee. I have followed Cecilia for years, her writing is raw, powerful, from the heart, and often relevant to her country, Ghana. She is a strong voice for women, and I love that about her, she is wise beyond her years. 

Mum Cee  

Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia: Writer, Teacher & Speaker

Just a simple Ghanaian trying to find the best in our society. I may be fun, I may be interesting, I may be funny, I may even be foolish or intelligent, but it is all based on the mood in which you find yourself. I believe our minds make us who we are. Know that, pain, no matter its ‘unbearability’, is transient. Unburden or delight yourself for a while in my writings please. And all corrections, advice and opinions are welcome. Know that you are the king, queen or royal on this blog.

Her published books:

Excursion on an African Mind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cecilia Amoafowaa Sefa

If you are looking for a good book to read, get ready to be rather read by Cecilia’s art through her heart. Wilson Ayinbangya Amooro Author of ‘Love Letters’ book series Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia is a poet, novelist and an occasional dabbler in article writing. A passionate writer all her life, Amoafowaa holds a BA in English Language from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. She is a feminist who seeks equity for women, justice for the abused and hopes for happiness and safety for all children through her writings. Amoafowaa is eclectic in her writings – from the beauty of the sun to the deception of politics; nothing escapes her literary brush, only feeling complete when her works touch hearts. She has worked at Bishara Radio in news casting, lunch time programs which are more song-driven, and hosted some literary programmes. Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia is currently an English Teacher at Tamale Secondary High School.

 

Ashawo Diaries: Tales of Adwoa Attaa

 
A few reviews:
 
Ashawo Diaries raises queries on why young girls should experience sexual suppression in a cultural context like Ghana where children are valued, moral standards are held high and sexual discussions silenced. – Dr. Georgina Yaa Oduro, Director, Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), University of Cape Coast
 
The titillating intrigues of a good bad girl…delightful reading: sometimes light, sometimes dark; always with ponderous insights! – Koku Dotse
Ashawo Diaries is a text that challenges sanitized perspectives of Ghana. – Kwabena Opoku-Agyemang, Lecturer, Department of English, University of Ghana, Legon

Ashawo Diaries will surely leave readers scratching their heads with excitement. – Dr (Mrs.) Nana Ama Pokuaa Arthur, Lecturer, KNUST

A thrilling page-turner. Amoafowaa is fluid in narration, and succinct in description. – Rebecca Obuobisa-Darko, Personnel Officer, Ga East Municipal Education Directorate

Cecila’s Ashawo Diaries is storytelling meddled in art, obviously, science and a game of the protagonist. Daring diary entries with erotic sprinkles, gripping and sustaining…Poetically written and with a feminist undertone. – Grace Ihejiamaizu, Lecturer, University of Calabar, Founder of IKapture and Opportunity Desk, Nigeria

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Wordless Wednesday-White Snapdragon
Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-White Snapdragon

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I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

It’s frustrating when the photo looks good in the editor yet comes out blurry. I love Snapdragons, the white ones don’t have as strong of an alluring scent. They did have a choice at the market so I had to get my fix. Maybe they will have another great pick next time I drive to that market to get Almond milk. The floral section is large and the flowers are so fresh.

Have a great day.

Melinda

 

 

Sending A Special Thanks To The Countries That Have Visited My Blog-Iceland, Equatorial Guinea, Jordan, Peru and Cameroon
Blogging · Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Sending A Special Thanks To The Countries That Have Visited My Blog-Iceland, Equatorial Guinea, Jordan, Peru and Cameroon

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Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life. I have not been to any of your countries but they are on my bucket list and all are so inviting. My travel fix comes from you as I often do a search on each country to learn more about it.

 

 

I hope you found a post or two that caught your attention and that you will return soon.

Melinda

Blogger Highlight-Everyday Lillie
Celebrate Life · Cooking · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Photography · Travel

Blogger Highlight-Everyday Lillie

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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 Everyday Lillie. We have followed each other for some time now and her posts never disappoint. Her posts with recipes are carefully explained and photos are taken along the process of making. Her travel posts are a deep dive accompanied by great photos and they make me want to visit. Lillie enjoys living life to the fullest and it shows through in her blog. 

Everyday Lillie

Everyday Lillie is my platform to share my passion for family, cooking, travel, and DIY projects, and to inspire others to embrace these aspects of life. As a wife and mom of many young adults and a Canadian, I’m passionate about exploring the unique experiences and issues that come with family life, retirement and living in Canada.

My content is always authentic, relatable, and honest. I believe in sharing my struggles and successes to help others on their own journey. From easy-to-follow recipes to easy DIY projects, my goal is to provide you with inspiration and ideas that you can use in your everyday life.

My family shares a passion for preparing and enjoying food together. Our recipes range from my husband’s authentic and classic meals, our chef daughter’s beautifully plated vegan preparations, to preserves, and home made pasta – all fit to please a large family.

We are also avid travelers. My husband and I just like to get in the car and go! I believe that travel is an essential aspect of life, and I’m dedicated to sharing my experiences and tips to help you plan your own adventures.

Clearing Brush and Eating an Elephant is a recent favorite post, sounds like way too much work yet the payoff is tenfold. 

I asked Lillie for two of her favorite posts. 

My favourite post is about our Cottage Memories: https://everydaylillie.com/2024/05/16/cottage-memories/ because it’s about memories of going to summer cottages growing up – it brings out warm emotions in me!

My favourite travel picture is from our trip across Canada – https://everydaylillie.com/2020/07/25/canadian-road-trip-day-3-regina-to-calgary/ – I loved the scenery of Dinosaur Provincial Park – but there is one photo of my children in the distance misbehaving at the Dinosaur Park.

Please stop by and tell Lillie hello, pull up a chair, and enjoy reading through her archives, you’ll be glad you did. 

Melinda

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Wordless Wednesday-Retro
Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-Retro

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I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

Beanie Babies! I had no idea they were still on the shelves until I went to CVS last week. It reminded me of my Granny’s love for them, I bought her a huge collection of the little plush babies. I wasn’t into them but Granny was so crazy for them, she got so much joy out of getting a new one for her collection. Feeling nostalgic, I had to bring this little turtle home. I won’t be buying others but this one with its big eyes is so cute to look at.

The arrangement is from leftover flowers from the mini arrangement in my office.

Melinda

Wordless Wednesday-Flowerama
Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Photography · Self-Care · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-Flowerama

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I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

 

 

My husband went to Costco and bought flowers as usual but I had fresh flowers already. Then I went to a store across town to get my almond milk and I could not pass up the mini arrangement for my office. I am overjoyed this week with all the fresh flowers, this rarely happens.

Melinda

Sending A Special Thank You To the Countries Who Have Visited My Blog-Malta, Argentina, Cyprus And France
Blogging · Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Travel

Sending A Special Thank You To the Countries Who Have Visited My Blog-Malta, Argentina, Cyprus And France

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Thank you for inviting me into your life by visiting my blog. I appreciate you and get my itch to travel through you. The only country I’ve traveled to is France. I stayed in Paris for a week and had the time of my life. I’m from Texas and have an accent, you can imagine how the few words I could say in French sounded. I stayed in the welcoming 12th arrondissement, and my replies were met with a smile. I saw the touristy areas which were amazing, spent a half day at the Palace of Versailles, and took a train to the Taittinger winery. I looked forward to a tour even though I didn’t understand French but the cellars were amazing. Taittinger is one of my favorite champagnes and rivals several of the more expensive brands I’ve tasted. Bringing back six bottles was an effort.

I look forward to returning to France to visit the wine country and tour more wineries.

As for the other countries, a visit to your country is on my bucket list. I am ready to travel Internationally again but not ready to get on an airplane, it’s not safe right now. Too many systems going down, understaffing and widows blowing out of aircraft for my comfort level.

I hope this post finds you happy and healthy. :)

Melinda

The Treasures On My Bookcase
Art · Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care · Travel

The Treasures On My Bookcase

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The bookcase in my office holds many treasures including travel finds, books, photos, candles, and an antique camera. The items bring me joy, and memories of travels and adventures. Here are a few photos. 

 

 

“It Ends With Us” – NO MORE x Wayfarer Studios’ Tools & Resources to Spark Change
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Survivor · Travel

“It Ends With Us” – NO MORE x Wayfarer Studios’ Tools & Resources to Spark Change

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PUBLISHED

Aug 16, 2024

BY

NO MORE

This week, we have been proud to join Wayfarer Studios, the independent production company behind “It Ends With Us,” the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel of the same name, in spotlighting the extensive resources, information, and tools available to all theater-goers, fans of the book, and community organizations in the U.S. and around the world. 

You can check out a story in Variety here, and below is an overview with a few more details.

Through an end card running in the film’s credits, and a dedicated page on nomore.org, NO MORE is offering survivors/victims of domestic and sexual violence and their loved ones easy access to find help. Most notably, through the NO MORE Global Directory which seamlessly connects people to support services in the U.S. and 200 countries and territories around the world. 

Resources created for the film include:

  • The “It Ends With Us” Viewers’ Guide for audiences to learn to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy relationships and find out how to make a positive difference in their own communities. 
  • A specially-branded version of the NO MORE Silence: Speak Your Truth platform where people impacted by domestic and sexual violence can safely share their stories and find support.
  • A free Community Toolkit to provide sector and community organizations with ideas and tools to use the film to create special events, programming, educational materials and content to engage and activate local audiences.
  • We also included a link to “The Lighthouse,” a comprehensive guide providing information for survivors on recognizing abuse and getting help for themselves and their families. 

All of these elements can be found here. 

In addition, we have kicked off an ongoing social media campaign with Wayfarer Studios’ Man Enough platform to raise awareness of key topics raised in the film and encourage everyone to join in and become part of the solution. 

This effort builds on Wayfarer’s and NO MORE’s long-standing partnership, first announced in 2023, to use the power of art and entertainment to inform, support, and inspire greater progress in preventing gender-based violence and promoting healthy relationships.  As part of this partnership, NO MORE served as a content advisor on the film, both within the script and throughout pre- and post-production, to help ensure that domestic and sexual violence were portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible. 

We know that the issues raised in the story of “It Ends With Us” are all too prevalent in our society. One in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the US experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and more than 15 million American children live in homes in which domestic violence has happened at least once. That’s why we feel so strongly about using this cultural moment of the film’s release to spark dialogue, increase awareness, and inspire meaningful change. 

We hope you’ll join us! See the film, explore our resources, and help break the pattern of abuse. Together, we can end domestic and sexual violence! 

With gratitude,

The NO MORE Team

Be sure to tune in, it promises to be an informative event for women and men.

Melinda

Wordless Wednesday-White & Orange Floral Surprise
Celebrate Life · Fun · Photography · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-White & Orange Floral Surprise

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I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

I don’t know what type of flower the are but the color combo is perfect. On Sunday they will have lasted two weeks. I do change the water and add a nutrient packet every three days. It makes flowers last so much longer. Oh, I also trim a small amount off each flower.

Melinda

A Special Thanks To The Countries Who Have Visiting My Blog: Czechia, Ireland, Serbia, The Seychelles And Ghana
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Travel

A Special Thanks To The Countries Who Have Visiting My Blog: Czechia, Ireland, Serbia, The Seychelles And Ghana

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life. I appreciate you and get a fix of my desire to travel from your visit.

 

I hope to see you again soon and appreciate your comments and follows.

Melinda

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A Cherished Peice Of Art By Wyland
Art · Celebrate Life · Fun · Self-Care · Travel

A Cherished Peice Of Art By Wyland

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I bought this piece in Hawaii while vacationing with some friends. It was gallery night and many had their doors open, serving drinks and welcoming people in to see the art on display. I was already familiar with Wyland and the thought of owning a piece of his art had my blood racing. Most of the pieces on display were way out of my price range but I fell in love with his signature whale tail tucked in the back. I could not wait to get home and hang the amazing piece. It’s one of my most treasured even though it’s not the most expensive.

“The value of art is not in the price, it’s what the piece means to you” Me

About World Renowned Artist Wyland

Over 40 years ago, marine life artist Wyland exploded on the scene with his rich, majestic murals of marine life. The timing couldn’t have been better – the environmental movement was in full swing and ocean-themed art was in high demand. Today, the art is as vibrant as ever and the message of showcasing the beauty of nature is even stronger. But Wyland’s mission has expanded in entirely new ways. With new art, a new emphasis on families and education, and a broader view of our relationship to the beauty of our entire blue planet – from our oceans, lakes, and rivers, to our streams and wetlands.

Wyland has inspired millions of people worldwide about marine life conservation thanks to his life-sized paintings and images ranging from the sides of sports arenas and cruise ships to installations at the U.S. National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Wyland’s mission of engaging people through nature-themed art and a more environmentally friendly lifestyle has touched hearts and minds, and led to strategic alliances with the United States Olympic Team, United Nation Environment Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, Toyota, and Walt Disney Studios, to name a few.

Large-scale, inspiring public artworks, beautiful art galleries, and award-winning community service projects. In a career spanning more than four decades, Wyland’s art and commitment to conservation has made him one of the most influential artists of the 21st Century, with artwork in museums, corporate collections, and private homes in more than one hundred countries.

Since 1993, the non-profit Wyland Foundation has set the standard for environmental outreach, using art, science, and community events to inspire children and families around the world to become caring, informed stewards of our ocean, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands. With traveling science exhibits, national art programs, and innovative outreach events, the foundation helps people everywhere to be more creative, positive, and solution-oriented. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has worked directly with more than one million children since its inception in 1993.

You can find his breathtaking art at https://www.wyland.com

 

You can still see my desk in the background of the photo, I could not get the right light and haven’t perfected my photo apps. This piece hangs in my office and is a treasured piece and a great memory of being in Hawaii with my friends and finding his gallery.

Melinda

A Favorite Piece Of Art By Andy Warhol
Art · Celebrate Life · Fun · Self-Care · Trauma · Travel

A Favorite Piece Of Art By Andy Warhol

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Even though I have paperwork on this piece I can’t say for certain that is a Lithograph because there is not a number on it and there should be. I purchased it in 2014 because the piece spoke volumes to me. My mother always told me I was stupid growing up even though I knew it wasn’t true. It was more of her mental torture. When I saw this piece I had to buy it. A young girl with good grades at school and getting a goodies bag for and being called So Sweet. It was a sweet revenge for me. It hangs in my office and I get great satisfaction looking at it daily. If it is real, that’s a bonus.

Do you have a favorite piece that calms your inner demons?

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Photography · Travel

Sending A Special Thanks To Denmark, Guatemala, Australia, Chile and Bosnia & Herzegovina

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Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life, it’s a great joy. Every country is different in the best of ways, each offers something special to travelers and the people who call it home. I have been to Sydney, Australia, and would go back in a heartbeat if I could fly via Air Emirates. The people were warm, very much like Texas, very helpful and courteous. Here is a photo of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

 

You color my world.

Melinda

Blogger Highlight-Popsicle Society
Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Photography · Travel

Blogger Highlight-Popsicle Society

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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 Popsicle Society.   I have followed Ribana for years, vicariously through her delicious recipes and awesome food photography.  One thing about her cooking that I love is that she makes good food by taking the freshest ingredients and making them yummy! I would love to be a guest at her table. She and her husband made a recent move to Phuket and have expanded their marketing business into a full-time effort in paradise. 

POPSICLE SOCIETY

My journey of food, travel and inspiration

Hi, I’m Ribana!

I am a nutritionist, pastry chef, recipe developer, food writer, and ultimately a passionate home cook. I curate and develop recipes that are high on nutrition. I develop and test cost effective, nutritious meals using quality ingredients to help people improve their everyday eating experiences.

I love traveling, cooking and enjoying this beautiful nature. We have a wonderful world.

Life is not always easy  but give us the opportunity. It is a continue experience, a journey with no map and no rules.

We’ve engaged in this never ending adventure! Let’s enjoy the trip and see where will take us.

Check out Ribana’s free book, PASTA, MY FOOD JOURNAL.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Ribana’s blog.

After a storm, unfortunately this is how it looks Kamala Beach, Phuket

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watching the waves flex their muscles at Kamala Beach, Phuket

Here’s one of my favorite recipes. 

Homemade Gluten-Free Italian Almond-Orange Cake Recipe

If you love life, you have to check out her site. 

Melinda

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Join Me For The Party of 2024, It’s Everything You Can Dream Of
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Music · Self-Care · Travel

Join Me For The Party of 2024, It’s Everything You Can Dream Of

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I want you to think of a party for everyone including the kids. It’s a huge party outside of town with the perfect weather and tents that are all different depending on your desires. Each is catered with the finest foods and is made to order, Anything you want it’s on the menu. Drinks flow freely and are handled by the finest wait staff who can handle your every request. Outside there are so many activities, a race track for car lovers, axe throwing, chess, and card games. Fun circus games with nice prizes, of course all free. There are all types of activities for kids like scrapbooking, jewelry making, legos, you name it, it’s available for the kids to have a great day. There will be live entertainment from a variety of bands and everyone will hear the music they like.

The party is September 4th, 2024, and starts at dawn and goes to who knows when. After the sun goes down it’s more adult-focused and no doubt the kids will be worn out by then.

Some of the tent ideas are:

Spa tent

Cat tent

Massage tent
Tantric Tent
Infinity Tent
Floating Tent
Time Tent

What I need from you is more ideas for tents, what is it that you would like to indulge in?

As I gather more information about the tents I’ll be explaining what is inside of them. I’ll do this in another post. This is a huge party for the Blogosphere so I need help quickly to continue planning. It’s a worldwide party and everyone is invited. The party is inviting to everyone, we’re all there to enjoy ourselves and not judge others. It’s about peace and harmony, enjoying each other’s company as human beings, and being civilized. No weapons are allowed as this is a harmonious event.

This is the first image I created to give you a look at the layout and the massive nature of the party. The only difference is the tents will be closed not open air as in the image.

 

A huge outdoor party with several large tents and activities happening outside including a race track and a stage for live music performances and food trucks around the tents and a photo booth for fun memories. Image 1 of 4
So start firing ideas off to me so I can plan for everyone.
Melinda
Sending A Special Thanks To The United States, Zambia, Argentina, Cambodia, Cameroon and South Korea
Blogging · Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Sending A Special Thanks To The United States, Zambia, Argentina, Cambodia, Cameroon and South Korea

Looking for the Light2 Comments

I am honored that you have taken the time to visit my blog, there’s nothing like hearing the diverse feedback from around the world. I want to give a special shout-out to my home country, The United States. I was born in Dallas and now live north of Dallas in Plano. I can’t imagine living in another country and I’m sure you feel the same way about your homeland. I appreciate you. :)

 

Melinda

Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Daily Writing Prompt

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I don’t participate often but this question caught my attention.

Are you seeking security or adventure?

While security is important to me, I prefer adventure within reason. I have been an adrenaline seeker for years and only stopped due to health reasons. I’ve been fortunate to race a car on a quarter mile track, parachute from an airplane at 13,000 miles up, take a hot air balloon ride, parasail off a boat in the ocean, scuba dive in several countries including shipwreck diving, and get lost in a few countries where I didn’t speak the language. The most difficult times were when I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, and in Toledo, Spain.

What do you look for, security or adventure?

Melinda

Recent Discovery: Mosquitoes Carrying Dengue Fever In America And There’s A Global Warning
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Recent Discovery: Mosquitoes Carrying Dengue Fever In America And There’s A Global Warning

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It has been reported that Mosquitoes are carrying Dengue Fever and the CDC has warned of a global case surge. This is important information and quite scary, the number of cases in the United States is alarming. Puerto Rico is a major port for many cruise ships. They also have the highest rate of people infected with Dengue Fever. I hope there is a warning for passengers or a shutdown of the port which I doubt the government would because it is a major source of income for the poor country. The United States treats Puerto Rico as a second-class country, and the government should be ashamed of itself.

CBS News reported on July 3, 2024

As dengue cases break international records, U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be alert for the mosquito-borne virus, prompting questions about where exactly the disease has been detected.

So far this year there have been three times more cases than at the same point last year in the 50 states — mostly from infections travelers got abroad. Earlier this week, Florida health officials issued a local alert in the Florida Keys after two people were confirmed to have dengue fever. The two cases were locally acquired, which means the people didn’t get sick while traveling.

Dengue remains less common in the continental United States than other parts of the world. The virus is often a leading cause of illness in these areas, primarily in tropical and sub-tropical climates around the world. Almost half of the world’s population live in areas with dengue risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Following spikes in cases, the World Health Organization declared an emergency in December, and Puerto Rico declared an epidemic in March. So far this year, there have been nearly 1,500 locally acquired U.S. cases, nearly all of them in Puerto Rico.

Local mosquitos still pose a threat, officials warned in the national health alert, advising doctors to know the symptoms, ask questions about where patients recently traveled and consider ordering dengue tests when appropriate.

“We’ve seen a huge outbreak in Latin America over the last several months. There are parts of the United States that are also at risk, in particular the Gulf Coast, Florida, Texas, also parts of southern California,” said Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.

giant mutant mosquito with extra legs and a venomous stinger. Image 1 of 3

Dengue fever symptoms

About 1 in 4 people infected with dengue will get sick, the CDC says, with symptoms ranging from mild to extreme. About 1 in 20 people who get sick will develop severe dengue, which can result in shock, internal bleeding and even death.

The most common symptom is fever, which is usually accompanied by:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rash
  • Aches and pains, including pain behind the eyes

If symptoms occur, they usually start four to 10 days after infection and last for two to seven days, according to the WHO.

Additional warning signs that could point to severe dengue include:

  • Belly pain, tenderness
  • Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
  • Bleeding from the nose or gums
  • Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
  • Feeling tired, restless or irritable

Immediately seek professional help if you or a family member has any of those symptoms. “Warning signs usually begin in the 24 to 48 hours after your fever has gone away,” according to the CDC.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Sending a special thanks to Lithuania, Netherlands, Georgia, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Sending a special thanks to Lithuania, Netherlands, Georgia, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia

Looking for the Light2 Comments

Thank you for visiting my blog, I appreciate you stopping by. I have not been to any of the countries but they are very interesting to me.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com

Melinda

I Love Art, Here’s One Of My Favorites From Jim Stallings
Art · Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

I Love Art, Here’s One Of My Favorites From Jim Stallings

Looking for the Light6 Comments

I had an appreciation of art long before I bought my first piece and later while traveling, I would buy a piece to remind me of the trip. I only have five expensive pieces and the rest from my travels are street art or maps. Maps are another thing I collect and love picking them up while traveling. I bought this Jim Stallings while in Maui at an outdoor showing. He thanked me and we talked for a while, he was so down to earth and I didn’t even know who he was, just that I loved this piece. I think it was $800 and I display it in my bedroom without a frame on a decorative easel. His father owned a restaurant chain that I ate at regularly, on the menu was the first plant-based patty I had. It was so good it was hard to believe it wasn’t beef.

Here’s More About Jim Stallings

Stallings is considered an artists’ artist. Fascinated with art and artists from a very early age, private painting classes at age eight started the course of Stallings’ destiny. He earned a degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and then spent as much time as possible in the museums of London and Paris while earning a diploma from City University, London. Stallings then embarked on a backpacking odyssey for over two years that included more than five hundred miles in the Grand Canyon and the surrounding states ending in Denali National Park, Alaska. After four months in Alaska Stallings flew to Maui with only a backpack and a duffle bag where he began his artistic career.
Stallings hung his first early paintings in Maui restaurants which sold quickly leading to a number of gallery shows. He then opened his own gallery in Lahaina, Maui enjoying the friendships he made with collectors from every state in the United States and all over the world.
Stallings has explored the relationship of music and pure color for his entire artistic career. Deciding early on to pursue canvases of whimsy and purity, questions about the relationship of music, vibrations and visual art led Stallings to paint live on stage with symphony orchestras including the Long Beach, San Diego, Honolulu and the Russian National. Painting music as visual art was a defining moment in Stallings’ career. He enjoys exploring the harmony of music and color and their positive effects on the human spirit. He has worked with world renowned scientist, physicist, conductors and musician regarding the physics and energy of music.
After creating and selling more than two thousand original works of art, Stallings still pursues his love of painting classical and jazz music. He has also painted jazz music live at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Napa and New York. Never complacent, Stallings continues to stretch his creative limits while sharing his passion for the arts.

Here are a few I like from his collection.

Floral On Blue by Jim Stallings

Floral on Blue

Floral Study by Jim Stallings

Floral Study

Bistro Five by Jim Stallings

Bistro Five

Interestingly, he has signed his paintings on the left and right. I have not seen that before.

Melinda

Reference:

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/jim-stallings

Sending a Special Thanks to Uganda, Thailand, Yemen, Turkey and Kazakhstan
Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Travel

Sending a Special Thanks to Uganda, Thailand, Yemen, Turkey and Kazakhstan

Looking for the Light2 Comments

Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life. You’re what makes blogging so special. I have not been to any of the countries but have wanted to go to Uganda for as long as I can remember to see the Silver Back Gorillas. They are amazing animals and I can see their human behaviors. Diane Fosset spent years in Uganda researching the Gorillas and is famous for her research and the relationship she built with them. Now new researchers are picking up where her research left off, I’m so glad there is a new generation dedicated to the survival of the Gorillas and sharing their knowledge.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Sending A Special Thanks To Mali, Russia, Brazil, Spain And Greece For Visiting
Art · Blogging · Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Sending A Special Thanks To Mali, Russia, Brazil, Spain And Greece For Visiting

Looking for the Light19 Comments

I love to see what countries visit my blog, it actually hits my travel desire. Each week I look further into countries I’m not familiar with and this week I took a closer look at Mali. Mali, is a landlocked country of western Africa, mostly in the Saharan and Sahelian regions. Mali is largely flat and arid. The Niger River flows through its interior, functioning as the main trading and transport artery in the country. Sections of the river flood periodically, providing much-needed fertile agricultural soil along its banks as well as creating pasture for livestock. Although Mali is one of the largest countries in Africa, it has a relatively small population, which is largely centered along the Niger River. Agriculture is the dominant economic sector in the country, with cotton production, cattle and camel herding, and fishing among the major activities.

St Petersburg, Russia will always have a special place in my heart, I loved the city’s deep history, the Cathedrals, the architecture, and above all the kindness of the people. I knew three words in Russian and the people who didn’t speak English, many of them, tried so hard to help me, taking extra time when I was lost or not able to find a museum I really wanted to see. The history of St. Petersburg is fascinating and at one time it served as the capital of Russia. The Hermitage Palace and museum is something everyone needs to see, it is mind-blowing and houses not only fine art but the greatest collection of Faberge Eggs. 

I visited Madrid, Spain in 1988 and it was my first international trip. I keep a photo of a couple performing with string puppets in the square on my bookcase. We made the trip to Toledo, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Cathedral of Toledo and the Alcázar fortress. The Cathedral was reportedly built in the Middle Ages and is one of Spain’s most important Gothic structures. At the same time, the Alcázar fortress has played a significant role in Spanish history, serving as a royal palace, military fortification, and now a museum. The fort was a trip back in time, on the huge wooden doors you could see where it was hit with cannonballs. The architecture was undescribable and being on the river made it even more special. The locals were welcoming and tried to help me so hard when we were lost and I needed to go to the bathroom. Try to speak that in body language. The exquisite handmade Ladro porcelain pieces are made in Spain and I found a special one to bring my Granny. We also found a beautiful black plate with gold detailing, all made by hand.  

Greece is high on my bucket list, with its deep history, magnificent blue water, cathedrals capped in blue, crazy uphill walking, and white-covered buildings and houses and the mob. I’ve read that mob still runs parts of the country although I bet they would prefer I not mention. Greece is also known for gold, when traveling you can pick up gold jewelry for a fraction of the price in America. There a plenty of shops to choose from and the designs are creative and playful. That’s just the tip of the iceberg that the Greek Islands are.  

Brazil is on my travel bucket list, the country has so much to offer. 

Statue of Peter the Great in St. Petersburg Square

Thank you so much for stopping by. 

Melinda

References:

https://www.britannica.com/place/Mali

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Saint_Petersburg#1945–1970s

https://www.britannica.com/place/Madrid

https://www.britannica.com/place/Brazil

https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece

Avoiding Tick-Borne Diseases While Traveling In Europe
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care · Tick Borne Illnesses · Travel

Avoiding Tick-Borne Diseases While Traveling In Europe

Looking for the Light18 Comments

IMPORTANT READ

By Alexis Chesney, ND, LAc

As summer arrives, many US families are planning vacations and trips abroad. This reminds me of a patient I met this year who reported experiencing the onset of a fever, flu-like symptoms, and joint pain upon returning from a biking trip in Europe.

Upon testing, Borrelia garinii, one of the Borrelia species that causes Lyme disease in Europe, was confirmed.

This case highlights the importance of being aware of the different types of ticks and the diseases they can transmit when traveling abroad. By understanding these risks and taking preventive measures, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip if you are traveling to Europe this summer.

European ticks and diseases they may carry

  • Ixodes ricinus (Castor Bean Tick): Anaplasma phagocytophylum, Babesia spp, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia bavariensis, Borrelia spielmanii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Rickettsia spp, and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus.
  • Ixodes persulcatus (Taiga Tick): Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, Borrelia miyamotoi, Rickettsia spp, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus.
  • Hyalomma marginatum (Mediterranean Hyalomma): Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
  • Dermacentor reticulatus (Ornate Cattle Tick): Rickettsia slovaca, R. raoultii (tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA)), tick-borne encephalitis virus.
  • Dermacentor marginatus (Ornate Sheep Tick): Rickettsia slovaca, R. raoultii (tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA)), Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.

Since ticks in North America do not carry tick-borne encephalitis virus or Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, it’s essential to be aware of the symptom profiles for these diseases, which can be acquired overseas.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) symptoms

  • Early Symptoms (first five days):
    • Fever
    • Fatigue
    • Headache
    • Muscle pain
    • Nausea
  • Asymptomatic Phase (seven days):
  • Next Phase:
    • Meningitis
    • Meningoencephalitis
    • Myelitis
    • Paralysis
    • Radiculitis

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Malaise
  • Light sensitivity
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea, vomiting
  • Hemorrhagic symptoms (may include petechiae, nosebleeds, bruising, severe hemorrhages)

Prevention Tips

  • Use tick repellents: DEET or TickShield by Cedarcide, a natural cedarwood oil spray safe for humans and dogs over 20 pounds, applied every 1-2 hours.
  • Permethrin treatment: Treating socks and sneakers with permethrin decreases the chance of getting a tick bite by 73 times! Before you pack, treat shoes, socks, clothing and gear with permethrin. Wear gloves (permethrin is toxic to our skin when wet) when you spray down materials outdoors. Safe to touch when dry. Treatment lasts six weeks with do-it-yourself treatment.
  • Perform nightly body checks for ticks after a day of potential exposure. Ticks love warm, moist areas, so be thorough.
  • Put your clothes in the dryer (skip the washer) on high for six minutes after coming indoors. This kills ticks effectively.

If you get bitten by a tick, save the tick for testing. Place it in a zip lock bag and send it to a trusted facility such as TickReport once you return home. This is crucial, especially if you develop symptoms after a tick bite.

Watch for symptoms especially over the next 30 days from a tick bite: “bull’s-eye” or other rash around tick bite, fever, flu-like symptoms, joint pain or swelling, muscle pain, headaches, neck pain, facial palsy, lymph node swelling,  palpitations, night sweats, air hunger or non-exertional shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, cough, sore throat, confusion, disorientation, difficulty breathing or speaking, loss of coordination, seizures, lethargy, paralysis, body rash. Report symptoms to a [Lyme-literate] health care provider.

Learn more

Bringing awareness and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases. For more detailed information and resources, consider reviewing her new online course, Preventing Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases: Ticks from Around the World, Diseases They Carry, Prevention, and Acute Treatments.

By staying informed and taking these preventive steps, you can enjoy a safer travel experience this summer.

Alexis Chesney ND, LAc is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in the treatment of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. For more information about her book Preventing Lyme and her protocols, see her website. 

Melinda

I’m Celebrating The Countries That Have Visited My Blog To Date-You’re The Fabric Of My Life
Blogging · Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Travel

I’m Celebrating The Countries That Have Visited My Blog To Date-You’re The Fabric Of My Life

Looking for the Light14 Comments

Thank you for letting me travel with you. As a child, I read the National Geographic magazines my friend’s father collected and have wanted to travel the world since. I have the chance through you and your blogs.

I have changed the settings for commenting on my posts. You no longer have to sign in or be a member of WordPress. I hope this opens more communication between us. I love all the comments and feedback. There’s always something to learn and another side to every story.

 

                       The countries that have visited my blog and views to date

These numbers are up to June 19th, 2024.
It’s cool to see an Unknown Region, and that intrigues me! I would love for you to take a minute and let me know how you found my blog. You’re the fabric of my life.
Melinda