Tired! It’s time for a nap.
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate The Day of the Dead
I learned what The Day of the Dead meant by spending time in the New Orleans markets admiring the vignettes. It’s a huge celebration with family and friends welcoming back the souls of the dead.
According to History.com
The roots of the Day of the Dead, celebrated in contemporary Mexico and among those of Mexican heritage in the United States and around the world, go back some 3,000 years, to the rituals honoring the dead in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The Aztecs and other Nahua people living in what is now central Mexico held a cyclical view of the universe, and saw death as an integral, ever-present part of life.
During contemporary Day of the Dead festivities, people commonly wear skull masks and eat sugar candy molded into the shape of skulls. The pan de ánimas of All Souls Day rituals in Spain is reflected in pan de muerto, the traditional sweet baked good of Day of the Dead celebrations today. Other food and drink associated with the holiday, but consumed year-round as well, include spicy dark chocolate and the corn-based drink called atole. You can wish someone a happy Day of the Dead by saying, “Feliz día de los Muertos.”
The Day of the Dead celebration sounds very interesting, having the soul of a loved one appear could be life-changing.
Enjoy the celebration!
Melinda
The Steps to Take to Improve Your Self-Worth
Many people struggle with confidence and self-worth, and if you’re one of those people, there are lots of things you can do to start reversing the situation. Taking positive steps in the right direction will enable you to start feeling better about yourself and more confident on a day-to-day basis. We’re going to talk now about some of the steps you should try to take.
Practice Forgiveness
First of all, you need to get into the habit and mindset of forgiving. It’s impossible to feel positive about yourself if you’re forever hanging onto old resentments and things like that. They’re not going to help you to move forward and focus on your own well-being and self-worth. There really is no benefit to be found from carrying around grudges and resentments with you.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
One thing that many of us are guilty of us is comparing ourselves to others. But it’s something that’s not healthy and not positive in any way at all. When you compare yourself to someone else, whether you’re focusing on the good or the bad, it sets up the wrong paradigm. You don’t need to measure your own success and worth by that of someone else. It’s a negative way of looking at the situation.
Get Into the Habit of Exercising
Exercising is good for the body and the mind. You tend to feel invigorated and positive after you’ve been exercising, whether that means going for a short job around the park or a long session in the gym. It’s entirely up to you what kind of exercise you do and how you balance it, but you should certainly try to exercise a little more if you can. You’ll notice the difference it makes.
Do Your Bit to Help Those Less Fortunate Than You
There are so many people who are worse off than yourself, even when you feel like your life is pretty tough. If you want to feel better about yourself and the impact you’re having on the world, you should think about how you can do things such as help the homeless or volunteer your time and effort in other ways. That way, you’ll be having a positive impact on the world.
Carry Yourself with Confidence Each Day
The way in which you carry yourself and conduct yourself in your day-to-day life can help to move your feelings of self-worth in the right direction. Try to be as confident as you can each day. Acting confidently will breed inner confidence and that’s what you’re looking for right now. It’s within your power to change these things.
We all deserve to feel a higher sense of self-worth, so if this is something that you’ve been struggling with recently, you should do what you can to change that. And the tips we’ve discussed here will certainly make that possible for you, so try to implement them in your day-to-day life.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Anything Is Possible
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Anything Is Possible.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
When I was 12 years old, my father told me:
“Nothing is Impossible,”
I like to state things positively, so Anything Is Possible is the name of this blog.
When we think and speak positively about our hopes and dreams and express gratitude for the good things we already have, we receive our hearts’ desires…..or something even better! That became clear when my high school sweetheart found me 39 years later when the timing was perfect.
I have followed Joanna for years, she has a positive energy which we all need. Be sure to check out her two books.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What would you pack in your bike basket to ensure you have everything you need to create the most magical day?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
How Dogs Can Enrich Your Life
Have you ever wondered why people say dogs are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend? Well, if you’ve ever been around one, you probably get the gist. But if not, let’s jump into the glorious, tail-wagging world of how dogs can seriously upgrade your life game!
Cardio Buddy
Who needs an expensive gym membership or a fancy treadmill collecting dust in the basement? Dogs are the ultimate workout buddies. They’re always ready for a walk or run, rain or shine. And let’s face it, when those big ol’ eyes are pleading for a jaunt around the block, who can resist?
Social Butterfly Boost
Have you ever been on a walk with a dog? You’re basically a local celebrity. People stop to chat, other dog owners give you the nod, and before you know it, you’re in a full-blown conversation about breeds, dog parks, and that cute thing your dog did last Tuesday.
Ultimate Stress Reliever
Had a rough day? Dogs have this magical ability to sense it. A snuggle on the couch, a wagging tail, and the sheer joy they show when you walk through the door can melt away the stresses of the day faster than ice cream on a hot summer’s afternoon.
While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!
Boost That Immunity
Dogs are messy, and they’re explorers. While that means occasionally you’ll be questioning what they’re eating off the ground, it also means they’re exposing you to a world of new germs – in a good way! Regular exposure can actually boost your immunity. Who knew Fido was also your personal health guard?
Unconditional Love
Ever tried explaining to a dog that you made a mistake at work or that you forgot to pay a bill? They don’t care. They love you with a kind of purity and loyalty that’s rare in the world. It’s unconditional and unwavering. Talk about a confidence boost!
Laughter Overload
Dogs are downright goofy. From chasing their tails, getting spooked by their reflection, or just the goofy ways they play with toys, they’re a constant source of entertainment and chuckles.
A Purpose and Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and having one can encourage you to build and maintain a daily rhythm. Morning walks, feeding times, play sessions, and bruising your labradoodle’s hair (did you know labradoodles come in many colors?) – these activities create a structure that can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you’re someone who tends to feel a bit lost without a plan.
Safety First
While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!
Learning Patience
While dogs bring joy, they can also test your patience (looking at you, chewed up shoes). But, in these moments, they teach us patience, understanding, and problem-solving. It’s all part of the package and, in the end, makes us better humans.
They Keep You Present
Dogs live in the moment. Whether they’re chasing a ball or just lounging in the sun, they’re all in. And that’s a beautiful lesson for all of us. In a world constantly pulling our attention in a million directions, dogs remind us of the beauty of the here and now.
In short, dogs aren’t just pets; they’re an upgrade to your life. They’re a constant source of fun, joy, and purpose, which is why, if you think you could give one a loving home, you should definitely consider the benefits of having a pampered pooch of your own.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town-Live
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
https://youtu.be/Ta3YkTdIQqE?si=vcOOJgArrvHu5ul8
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Game Day Sheet Pan Nachos
This is the perfect dish for when friends and family come over to watch the game or celebrate the weekend.
True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari
What you need
2 (5-once) bags of tortilla chips
2 cups Black refined beans
2 pounds shredded Slow-Cooker Chicken taco meat
8 ounces of goats-milk cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup full-fat sour cream
1 cup Simple guacamole
1/2 cup Roasted Salsa
3/4 cup chopped jalapeno (Optional)
How to make
Preheat oven to 375F
On a large baking sheet, spread the chips out evenly. Next, spoon the black beans spread over the chips gently, avoiding breaking the chips as much as possible. Scatter the shredded chicken on top followed by the grated cheese.
Bake the nachos until the cheese starts to melt, 15 minutes.
Remove the backing sheet, from the oven and spoon the sour cream, guacamole, and salsa over the top.
Sprinkle the jalapeños on last, if using
Serve immediately
Service 6
Enjoy!
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Hetch Hechty Trail, Yosemite National Park
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Hetch Hetchy Trail, Yosemite National Park
Feel the spray?
Melinda
DIY Pressed-Flower Gift Tags
What a way to decorate your gifts and people love it when you go the extra mile.
You Will Need
Rolling pin
Air-dry clay
Glass/or cookie-cutter
Pressed flowers
Toothpick
Scissors
Twine
Wooden beads
To Make
Use the rolling pin so it is about 1/4 inch thick
Press a glass or cookie cutter into the clay and remove excess clay around it
Gently place pressed flowers on the clay circle using a rolling pin very gently to press the flowers in.
Use a toothpick to create a hole in the clay
Let it dry for a couple of days
Cut a length of twine and insert it into the hole
Add a bead, tie the twine, and then tie the twine in a knot to finish
This is a simple and inexpensive way to decorate any gift.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage by Stampington
DIY Lavender Green Tea Foot Bath
Taking time for a foot bath is great self-care and it’s very relaxing.
Willow & Sage by Stampington
You Will Need
Large bowl
1 cup Epson salt
1 TB organic lavender flowers
1 TB organic green tea
20 drops organic lavender essential oil
Fork
Airtight jar
To Make
In a large bowl, combine the Epsom salt, lavender flowers, and green tea.
Add the lavender essential oil, and use fork to comb through the salt to make sure it is well combined without any lumps.
This foot soak sounds so good.
Melinda
DIY Refreshing Room Spray
There is nothing pleasant about lingering foul order. This citrus-scented spray helps eliminate unwanted odors from any room from any room in the house.
You will need
Spray bottle: small
Distilled water
1 tsp dish soap
1 tsp vodka
30 drops of citrus essential oil
How to Make
Fill a small spray bottle two-thirds with distilled water
Add the dish soap, vodka, and the essential oil
Tighten the spray top and swirl the mixture for 30 seconds before spraying.
The spray is a great housewarming gift or for use around the house.
Melinda
Reference:
Have You Heard Of A Shoulder Slap Tear?
My shoulder started hurting but I had pain in many places so didn’t pay attention at first. This went on for at least six months before I saw my (shoulder) Orthopedic Doctor. The pain kept getting worse.
He prescribed six weeks of therapy, two times a day. What he didn’t know was that I did my own therapy for both knee replacements. My (hip & knee) Orthopedic Doctor told me I was a month ahead of the patients that went to therapy. Walking the stairs is the method I used as therapy.
I had no plans to go somewhere twice a day for six weeks. I would not go even once a day. I’m capable of rehabbing myself. He gave me a steroid shot in my shoulder and off I went.
The Cleveland Clinic Explains
SLAP tears happen when you tear the cartilage in the inner part of your shoulder joint. The tears can be caused by injury or overuse and make it painful or difficult for you to move your shoulder and arm. Left untreated, these tears can cause chronic pain, limit how much you can use your arm and shoulder, and lead to more serious shoulder problems.
The L in SLAP refers to your glenoid labrum. Your labrum plays two important roles in keeping your shoulder functioning and pain-free. First, your labrum is a cushion for the top part of your upper arm bone. This cushion helps your upper arm bone stay where it belongs – cradled in your shoulder socket. Second, your labrum is a connection point between your shoulder blade socket and one of your bicep tendons.
Recovering from SLAP tear treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take three to four months for non-surgical treatment to help relieve your pain and improve your functioning. It can take up to a year to fully recover from SLAP tear surgery.
What is interesting is when it was time for my second steroid shot, I didn’t make an appointment because my pain was low and I can live with that.
Melinda
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21717-slap-tear
Blogger Highlight-Vova Zinger’s Photoblog
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Vova Zinger’s Photoblog.
I’ve decided to highlight the blogs I follow, some I’ve followed for over 10 years.
Vova Zinger’s Photoblog
The world around through my camera’s lens
My name is Vova Zinger, and I’m an amateur photographer. I am an urban guy and I love all the cities where I have lived – the nice very old Ukrainian city of Lviv(where I was born and lived for almost 40 years), reborn after the Recession of 1970s Pittsburgh (where I started my life in the United States), and beautiful charming Boston (where I’m living now). I love these cities and I like to share my love to them with you by making and displaying their pictures of them. This is why you’ll see a lot of city’s images on my blog.
But I also like to travel, to see new places. By traveling I mean not only visiting new cities (because I like them), but going outside to see the wonders of nature. And when I see something beautiful, I can not resist taking pictures.
I look forward to seeing what photo he will show next.
Melinda
What’s In Season This Fall
The page I’m sharing is from True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari.
Elderberries
Yarrow
Figs
Violet
Cranberries
Dandelion root
Black walnuts
Persimmons
Juniper Berries
Rosehips
Kumquats
Plantain
Conifer needles
Beetroot
Crabapples
Crab apples
Sage
Birch bark
Quince
Goldenrod
Pomergranates
Enjoy the goodies of the season.
Melinda
Slow-Cooker Banana Bread Oatmeal
The holidays are around the corner so I’ll have more recipes coming your way. By getting everything you need, you can avoid the frenzy at the grocery store.
This recipe is from True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari, all the recipes are free of glutens and refined sugar.
What You Need
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
4 cups full-fat coconut milk
2 bananas sliced
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Pink Himalayan salt
2 TB pure maple syrup
Serves six
How to make
In a slow cooker, combine oats, coconut milk, bananas, and 2 cups of water with the vanilla, cinnamon, and a big pinch of salt. Stir together, and cook on a low setting for 8 hours.
In the morning or when it’s ready to be served, add maple syrup to the oatmeal. Stir to combine and serve warm.
Melinda
DIY Moroccan Sugar Scrub
The scrub is easy to make and it also makes gifts.
You will need
Small Bowl
1 cup granulated sugar
1 TB matcha powder
2 bags of Moroccan mint tea
2 1/2 TB Jojoba oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
Container you want to use
Chunky yarn
To make
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the matcha powder.
Cut two bags of Moroccan mint and loose tea into the sugar mix.
Add the jojoba oil, and mix well to distribute.
Add peppermint essential oil, if desired.
Store the container in a dark and cool place.
To package for your gift-giving purpose, wrap a nice rope around the container.
Simply rub on rough skin or anywhere that needs exfoliation.
Have fun making for yourself or giving a gift for the holidays.
Keep your eyes open for more DIY projects and recipes.
Melinda
What’s Your Mood Today?
#Weekend Music Share-Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (Official Video)
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
https://youtu.be/qYkbTyHXwbs?si=dHaa8cO85uovhIlv
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Do You Know What A VNS Device Is?
My Bipolar Disorder was difficult to manage with medication alone. My Psychiatrist told me about a device that was waiting for FDA approval.
In 2005 the VNS device was approved by the FDA and my doctor had all the information ready to send to my insurance company.
The first time insurance denied the device. Here’s how I got insurance to approve. I wrote a letter explaining what my life was like and how it controls my life and in time the possibility of suicide.
A VNS device looks much like a pacemaker with two leads that attach to your vagus nerves, sending signals to the brain to relieve your depression.
The surgery doesn’t take long, but getting used to the device turned on takes a while.
When you are talking the device makes your voice sound weird but only when the device is sending signals to the brain.
When I had my surgery, no one had seen one implanted which meant the Gallery was full of other doctors. My doctor got to see my boobs, that had to settle in.
After you have healed the device is turned on at a low level so you get used to the feeling of the device working. Then we turned up the level until we found what we thought was the right setting.
I kept it on for years but finally admitted it wasn’t working and had it turned off.
The only pain involved is initial surgery.
I thought this device would change my life but it didn’t work out that way.
This is the notes I made on 12/30/05.
Received a letter today from the insurance company, they approved.
I can’t wait to call my Psychiatrist to tell him the news and to get my surgery date rolling.
2005 has been a rough year but this news is my beacon of hope.
The greatest news all year.
Unfortunately, I was in the percentage of people that the device didn’t work.
I am waiting to hear about new treatments but nothing new for my mental illness.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Fall in Alabama
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Fall in Alabama
Melinda
My Heart Issues Took Two Years To Solve
I kept a journal during my heart journey and below are snippets from the notes taken.
Background
I spent two years with my Cardiologist and had no answers. I contacted the Mayo Clinic and they accepted me.
I spent a week having test after test and they did a heart catheter to see what my heart was thinking. I was awake while they performed the catheter, you can’t move during the procedure and of course, I got nausea and the tech gave me a pen with spearmint to stop the nausea. It worked fast. I keep one around for when I need it.
My official diagnosis is Supra Ventricular Tachycardia, small vessel disease, and the artery that keeps the flow of fresh blood back into the heart doesn’t work every time because the flap to let in the blood enter is lazy which means it doesn’t open fast enough to get a full amount of oxygenated blood.
My first event
I was looking at the tomatoes at the back of the yard and suddenly this strange feeling came over me. I don’t know why but I jumped in the pool and stayed under the waterfall. Then I started to feel some pain and started to hyperventilate. By this time my husband is outside trying to coax me out of the pool but won’t budge. I asked him to bring me a Xanax, it took two before I would get out of the pool.
My heart was the last thing that crossed my mind. Shortly after it was clear that it was my heart. My heart arrhythmia won’t kill you but you feel like you’re having a heart attack.
My first full-blown event was like having a heart attack, and your mind says go to the hospital but you know it will be over by the time you get there. One night I started to feel a sharp pain in the chest area, and my blood pressure was high which made me think they were connected. The typical magic number is over Pulse over 100. Unfortunately for me, I can feel an event coming on at 85. This confused my doctor because 100 is the norm. I never said I was normal.
I might have an event every day or go days in between. One day I was cleaning the tub and a full event happened, the chest pain was severe and I was home alone. My husband was grocery shopping when I called and asked him to come home. I remained crawled up on the floor. There were several occasions I had to call him home.
My cardiologist was clueless. I did two different Holter monitoring tests and still had no idea what was happening. This is when I called the Mayo Clinic, and after a week of tests, they had a diagnosis. You can only stay with any doctor so long when you don’t have any answers. The Mayo started me on Nitro, what a life savior.
Snippets From Journal Notes
My hands are swollen this morning along with my ankles. I feel like my upper body is swollen.
Both legs have red dots and I’m shaking. My husband looked at my legs and said yes they were swollen.
Several places are uncomfortable to move, they feel crunchy.
My lungs sound clear and not coughing.
My lower legs feel cold
I was breathing so hard that my stomach muscles hurt.
Seemed like it took forever to slow my breathing down.
This is the longest event I’ve had.
I was already in general pain in the chest but by the time I lay down the pain had increased and stabbing pain started.
If I didn’t know better I would go to the hospital.
I could not see the start of my toes.
I left a message with admin for my doctor but didn’t call back. That was probably the last straw.
When I lay down the pain begins.
I had to buy a shower chair because it takes so much energy to shower.
This is my blood pressure and pulse on my worst day. It lasted from 4:43 pm to 10:21 pm. Below is an example of feeling heart pain and you’ll notice that not one reading is my pulse over 100.
4:43 127/77 Pulse 95
4:49 117/69 Pulse 92
4:55 114/67 Pulse 86
5:08 145/88 Pulse 89
5:33 138/92 Pulse 80
5:46 127/65 Pulse 82
10:21 131/78 Pulse 88
You will notice my pulse is under 100.
I’m happy to say events happen rarely now.
Take care including your heart.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What is one good thing you have today that you didn’t have a year ago?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
I’m Agoraphobic
My agoraphobia started a year or two before the pandemic. It was frustrating but my therapist helped on the journey. It started with intrusive thoughts that people were chasing me in their car and planning to hurt me by driving me off the road. These thoughts lasted for a long time. These are not dreams, they came during the day.
It’s possible the trigger was set off by me driving to a doctor I had seen for 15 years and got lost with no cell phone, I had left it at home. It was very stressful because I didn’t know the area well and had problems getting back to the freeway. Is this connected, I don’t know.
Then ongoing dreams that centered around my car started. I couldn’t find the right key, I rented a car and when I looked for it I didn’t know how to find the car. I was carrying a huge keychain full of keys and I couldn’t find the right key and different dreams continued. The dreams came often in the beginning. The latest thought is someone is following me after going to the bank.
I thought it might be Agoraphobia but thought it was someone who could not leave the house. When I started reading about Agoraphobia, I was shocked by the different types. I found my symptoms listed and now have an answer.
One treatment option is EMDR Sessions. It works for many people but some doctors do not recommend it for people with Bipolar Disorder. It doesn’t matter, I’m not having 20 treatments to see if it works. Life is too short.
For now, I only drive within a 3-4-mile radius of the house which makes me less independent. I don’t focus on Agoraphobia, it’s when I make plans to leave the house that the feelings kick in and dictate what I do next.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-MS Hazy Brain
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of MS Hazy Brain.
MSHAZYBRAIN
Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia
All about me, my name is Lynn Rose. I am a mother of two, being a mother is my greatest role. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2020, after over 9 years of the doctors saying it’s all in my head. I should have been diagnosed in 2012 when I was extremely sick and admitted in the hospital. I had all the tests in 2012 MRIs, spinal tap, and blood and still made me feel I was crazy. I got really sick again at the end of 2018 and started going to the doctors again.
She’s a great resource, be sure and stop by her blog.
Melinda
What’s Your Mood Today?
How Can I Have A Low Number Of Email Followers Yet The Email Section Shows Over 307 Views On A Post
This is a question I asked WordPress and walked away empty-handed. I need someone who can explain how the Email numbers are so much higher than the number under Stats.
Do I add the numbers together to find the total number of views that day?
I’m thrilled to see the numbers under Emails. I need to know where all these extra views are coming from and how to apply them to my stats for the day.
If you understand the second number under emails applies to the daily number, PLEASE HELP ME :)
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by And hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 