Wild About Nature
September came and went so fast my hair is blowing!
I’m excited about Thursday of this week, when fall is finally coming to Greenwood, Arkansas. We’ll have some rain and the highs for the rest of the week as far as I can see will be in the 70’s. AHHHHH! I’m more than ready.
Our son, who came home to help us through the aftermath of my husband’s stroke, will be leaving Oct. 19th. We are SO lucky to have such a generous, caring son. It’s time for him to get back to his life in Thailand now.
We will do errands, change the decoration on the mailbox, and then settle in to enjoy the day. Yoga and art room are planned. And that’s it from the exciting life of the Lewises! It’s so wonderful NOT to have drama. :0)
Enjoy the last day of September.
Filed under DIET!, exercise, Mother Nature, playing in my art room, Seasons, Thoughts on a ________
Sound Cloud
If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I should get an award for procrastination. I’m an EXPERT in putting off things I hate, coming up with mental and vocal excuses that are truly impressive. My biggest area has been in bookkeeping/tax records. I keep folders, but don’t do the actual putting things down or organizing until push comes to shove and time is running out.
THIS year, I decided that I would do my bookkeeping and tax records at the end of each month. It wouldn’t take a lot of time and I would be up to date, just needing to do totals on the spreadsheets before tying it with a bow for our wonderful CPA.
I have been really good (for me) on keeping up with this. I got behind, though when health issues took obvious priority, so I was going to start on August yesterday, and then dive straight into September.
When I brought up a spreadsheet, a bunch of data was gone! I looked at the other spreadsheets and found the same thing. I got out my backups and ran them. The data wasn’t there, either. :0(
SO – It looks like I’ll have to redo about 5 months of records. OH, JOY.
“No good deed goes unpunished.” (Source in question)
I will grit my teeth and try to get August done today. THEN, I’ll tackle one month at a time until everything is back and caught up. THEN – I will print a copy of each of the spreadsheets AND make a backup!
And the character-building exercises continue….
Filed under Challenges, character-building exercises
Carsten Dahl – “God Throwing with the Light”
Carsten Dahl – “The Old Man and the Moon”
Filed under paintings I love
Niki Firmin – Tess
Dreama Tolle Perry
Gary Wing – Kedzie
Filed under drawings, Gary Wing, Niki Firmin - Pet Portraits
Patti’s Pasticceria
First HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our cousin/treasured friend MURRAY. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating YOU, Sweet Murray. I love you! Love, also, to all there with you today. :0)
We are having a nice, calm morning so far, and for that I’m truly thankful.
Our son helped me find another carb counting site. We compared it to the one I’ve been using and it seemed to be more accurate and easier to use, so I’ve switched to Cronometer. So far, it seems easy to figure out what type of thing I need to eat in order to meet my percentages of fat, carbs, and protein for the day. I can also type something in there I’m planning to eat to see if it is good for my goals. If it isn’t, I find out BEFORE I mess up. A really good thing! :0) I’ve lost 4 pounds this month, but have only gotten serious about the keto percentages (macros) for 12 days now. I’m hoping to be able to report next month a much more satisfying number. I’m planning to lose another 30 lbs or so.
I am earning Gold Star #10 this week (7 for daily yoga practice and 3 for elliptical trainer exercise three times this week.) Even though I really am adverse to exercise, not relating at ALL to the fit folks in their cute little exercise outfits who LIVE to get to the gym, saying it feels so GOOD, I CAN tell you that I can feel that my body needs what I’m doing. I stiffen up again after I exercise, but even that is getting a bit better as I move the lard. :0)
I tried my new crayon melter two days ago. I made a huge mess and had a blast doing it. I will watch more YouTube demonstrations and enjoy playing in my art room – if not today, then hopefully tomorrow.
Lots to do today to end this month and start a new one.
I wish you a really good day.
Filed under DIET!, exercise, playing in my art room, Thoughts on a ________
One of my favorite photographers is Paul Militaru. He has captured some beautiful images of fall, which is happening in his country, Romania, much faster than it is here in Arkansas. They give me hope for cooler weather, glorious colors, and more time outside.
“Acorns Touched by the Autumn Wing” – Paul Militaru
“Colors Characteristic of Autumn” – Paul Militaru
“Dry Leaves” – Paul Militaru
“Fall” – Paul Militaru
Hilary Bralove
“The owl,” he was saying, “is one of the most curious creatures. A bird that stays awake when the rest of the world sleeps. They can see in the dark. I find that so interesting, to be mired in reality when the rest of the world is dreaming. What does he see and what does he know that the rest of the world is missing?”
~ M.J. Rose
Science Phile
“A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?” ~ Unknown
Like Page If You Love Owls
“Owl
Wiser than can be
Seeing great at night
Flying quieter over the sea
Making hope shine bright”
Unknown
Amazing Things – Linda Orrell
Progress Report – Lardage
I lost a pound yesterday, but it was a RE-loss of a pound that was gone and regained. I’m working with my MACRO daily to try to get the right percentages of carbs, protein, and fat. This morning I ate an avocado and put heavy whipping cream in my coffee, resulting in over 1/3 of the fat I should have for the day. I don’t really like avocados, but I’m impressed with how good they are for you. They are high fat, which kept me away from them before. Now I’m looking at them as a relatively painless way to get a lot of the fat I need (other than my own, homegrown). I like the fact that on CarbManager.com I can ‘test’ what I plan to eat for each meal and see what happens to my numbers BEFORE I make a mistake. I can then modify my plans. Wonderful! Ultimate goal is to lose another 30 pounds or so.
Flipkart
I have a good start on my efforts to move more. I have been doing yoga stretches daily now for 26 days, and I just started my elliptical trainer 3 times a week. Since Gold stars on my desk calendar are a really good motivator for me (one for each yoga practice and one for the elliptical) I’ll be adding stars # 8 and 9 for the week today. I’m doing 35 minutes on the elliptical at a regular pace, listening to my MP3 player, basically just trying to zone out and do the time right now. Later I’ll think about doing a couple of intensive (for me) times in there. I try to make changes slowly – trying not to make this body rebel and go on strike for a couple of days in protest – hopefully culminating in more and more of my week spent in moving myself around in ways that will help my strength, balance, and flexibility.
The Guardian
It looks like fall will officially begin here in Arkansas on Thursday of next week, with highs in the 70’s, according to the weather people here. I HOPE they are right, because my energy levels rise when the temperature and humidity decrease. I’m more than ready for fall.
Daily Dose of Flowers
Today is a quiet one for us. I’ll do my elliptical, my yoga, and plan to spend time in my art room again. Yesterday I tried my new crayon melting tool. I had fun, but am only making glorious messes at this point. I’ll enjoy playing with it again today.
Fill your day with things that bring you joy.
“Relaaaaaaaaxing jaw. Relaaaaaaaxing face.” ~ Cat Kabira, “Gentle Yoga” DVD set
I just finished doing my yoga practice for the day, earning my 5th gold star for the week for yoga (+ two for my elliptical trainer). I’m going for 10 gold stars on my desk calendar by the end of the day Sunday.
“Yoga. Because punching people is frowned upon.” — Anonymous
My husband watches me practice each day, reading his tablet in his chair. He says he is exercising and stretching with me ‘in spirit.’ His favorite pose HE calls, “The dog at the fire hydrant pose.” :0)
Laughspark
“Yoga is not for the flexible. It’s for the willing.” — Anonymous
I AM feeling a good difference since I started the DAILY sessions of yoga 25 days ago. Even though my husband is still having to rub muscle gel with Arnica on me most mornings, I’m feeling looser, and I feel good after my practice. This is really good for me because, at 72, I tend to get stiff and ‘brittle.’ This is a great way for me to stretch s-l-o-w-l-y and c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y without hurting myself.
Best Healthy Magazine Canada
“Remember, it doesn’t matter how deep into a posture you go – what does matter is who you are when you get there.” – Max Strom
The Gold Stars are a stupid, silly way that WORK to keep me motivated to continue daily practice. Now that I’ve added my elliptical trainer 3 times a week, I’m working toward 10 stars a week. :0)
Photo by Photosport Int / Rex USA
Longleat Safari Park, Britain – Sep 2006
“I bend so I don’t break.” — Anonymous
It’s fascinating to FEEL my body resist a pose at first, many times being uncomfortable at first – and then start to ‘give’ toward the stretch as I breathe into it. I’m feeling the difference here. I still can’t go all the way to the floor on some things, but Cat Kabira, the wonderful teacher on “Gentle Yoga” emphasizes that if you are stretching toward your goal, that’s enough. It’s really what kept me going at the very first of getting into this.
The Animal Zone
…just enjoy yourself. For many years I mistook discipline as ambition. Now I believe it to be more about consistency. Do get on the mat. Practice and life are not that different.” — Judith Hanson Lasater
So, this old lady is grateful to have found a way to start a practice that will help me get and stay as flexible and strong as I can be. Hopefully, I can keep this going for many years to come.
Filed under exercise
I just love this quote! It makes me smile each time I read it.
I received the first of two crayon melting tools I ordered in the mail today. I’ve watched a BUNCH of YouTube videos demonstrating what creative folks can do with melted crayons. I have NO experience, but LOTS of enthusiasm and ideas rattling around in my brain right now. I’m going to try to make time to get up to my art room and start playing and see what a mess I can make. :0)
This is the first of the two different styles I ordered. This is more like using a crayon/soldering iron, so it isn’t as intimidating as the bay clothes ironing style I saw. I’m excited about my new toy.
“Brilliant Sunlight – Venice” by Graham Colthorpe
“Poppy Field – Venice” by Graham Colthorpe
Filed under Acrylic Paintings I Love
Free Spirited
A rich life –
Filed under Attitude, Encouragement, Favorite Quotes
Alma Maghakyan – Imgend.com – LinkedIn
We are enjoying a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the temperature is in the low 80’s. How CIVILIZED after Mother Nature’s snit where she was routinely boiling us in oil!
We just returned from enjoying our long-time good friends for Lunch Bunch – a thing we’ve done every Friday for over 17 years now. We as a group have had more of our share of challenges lately. We’re helping each other get through them. A happy thing – Kay’s daughter from Albuquerque is here and we always enjoy her wit and humor. Another happy thing – Linda’s daughter dropped by with Linda’s great-granddaughters! They were sweet and shy. My husband’s reaction when we got in the car was, “How come come I can’t have some of those?” He would be a WONDERFUL grandfather.
We’ve grocery shopped and just finished putting everything away, so we’re well stocked for the moment. Our son is trying to get into the habit of rising really early, fixing breakfast, then going to meditate, so he didn’t go to Lunch Bunch with us today. He asked me NOT to get the things we’ve been routinely adding to the grocery list since he’s been here. He’s trying to ‘wean himself off of’ some things he considers bad habits… He came home to help us when my husband had his stroke. I’m trying to prepare myself that he will need to go home soon. I wish he would stay with us forever. He’s such a fine man.
I’m happy to tell you that one of the two crayon melting tools came in the mail today! I’m going to try to get up to my art room this afternoon and start playing! :0)
I’m on DAY 25 on my effort to do a session of yoga daily, and DAY 10 of getting-serious-about-Keto eating. I have six gold stars on my desk calendar so far this week (4 for yoga and 2 for the elliptical trainer.) I’m hoping to have 10 stars by the end of the day Sunday.
I hope your weather is beautiful and your outlook hopeful.
Filed under DIET!, exercise, Mother Nature, playing in my art room, Thoughts on a ________
Shabby CHIC Inspirations
Shabby CHIC Inspirations
Filed under Embroidery/Sewing Art
Sergio Dardon
Sergio Dardon
Sergio Dardon
Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography, Sergio Dardon
Animals | HowStuffWorks
We’re having a quiet, soft rain this morning. I can HEAR the flowers, grass, and trees saying, “Ahhhhhh”
Centre of Excellence
I am leaving for a massage as soon as I finish this post! I’m REALLLLY looking forward to it. Lynn Moody, my massage therapist, is a true miracle worker.
Since it’s raining, I’ll concentrate on inside stuff today, plus my elliptical trainer and yoga.
I’ve been showing you gorgeous melted crayon art lately. I ordered two melting tools recently, and I’ve been watching YouTube demonstrations on different techniques. I’m like a kid at Christmas, waiting to be able to play with them in my art room!
I hope that YOUR day is relaxing and fun.
Filed under taking care of yourself, Thoughts on a ________
Shania McDonagh – Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls
Shania McDonagh
Shania McDonagh
Shania McDonagh
Filed under drawings, Shania McDonagh
Alina Ciuciu – “A Lion Heart into a Dog”
Alina Ciuciu – “All Kinds of Feelings”
Filed under Acrylic Paintings I Love
We Love Earth – Blue Footed Boobies Bird
We are trying to change out two ballast transformers on fluorescent light fixtures in the garage. We had quite a fight with the first one, but FINALLY got it finished. We decided to ‘declare victory’ and rest for a bit before tackling the other. These have last 31 years, so you could say we have gotten our money’s worth. Still, it’s really stressful with my husband on the ladder, hands above his head, trying to get the job done with his inept go-fer trying to help as best she can…
I am on DAY 8 on getting-serious-about-keto. I lost 2 pounds yesterday! Last night my son and I talked about how I could add more fat into my diet, since my macro showed I should be eating 5% carbs, 25% protein, and 75% fat. I had been eating way too much protein and not enough fat. I can add whipping cream to a cup of coffee. I can eat some macadamia nuts. I can – and did – add a tablespoon of olive oil to my salad last night. I’m already eating eggs and cheese, but will try to find a ripe avocado. The last time I tried one, I didn’t care for it, but now is now and I’ll try again. I will ‘test’ each addition on my CarbManger.com tracker, so I can be confident all is good on the macro and the total number of calories. I’m encouraged that the weight scale is finally starting to smirk at me, rather than showing a sad face.
DAY 23 on daily yoga today. I’m happy that I can FEEL a difference in my body giving into the stretches as I breathe. The biggest problem is real stiffness when I’m in a sitting position and trying to stretch in any direction, but I’m making gradual progress. I’m also happy that I didn’t have any muscles yelling this morning about yesterday’s combo of the elliptical trainer and my yoga. I do that again tomorrow.
Funotic.com-WhereFunNeverEnds
I finished painting the last stained tee in my art room yesterday.
Here’s hoping we can get the second ballast transformer installed and still be in one piece and speaking to each other.
I wish YOU a calm, satisfying day.
16-year-old Shania McDonagh from Ireland – Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls
Shania McDonagh
Shania McDonagh
Filed under Shania McDonagh
Of all the signs in our yard, this is my favorite. I laugh each time we drive up to the house. It’s on a tree to the right of the top of the driveway. :0)
I’ve told you I had to clean out our raised-bed square foot garden a few weeks ago because the intense heat was too much for the remaining plants. I haven’t been able to find any plants locally to plant for a fall garden, and it’s been too hot to start any seeds in the greenhouse, so I think we’re pretty much finished for the year.
The only thing we have left is the tomatoes in our two converted brick planters on the opposite end of the house. The plants look really sad, but are still producing tomatoes. They aren’t as large or as perfect as they were at the height of the season, but they are still delicious in our salads or cut up as an extra veggie on the plate. We’ve had a pretty good garden this year. I’ll start making plans for the spring garden soon.
Awesome Earth via Mara Spirig – LinkedIn
It’s really overcast today with heavy rain and flash flooding predicted.
When my husband and I went to take our trash bags down to the bottom of the driveway, there was lots of heavy equipment there – big trucks, backhoes, etc. We asked them what was happened and were delighted to hear they are running fiber optic lines! That means that the news we heard awhile back that we might be getting an offer for a bundle of phone and much faster Internet services within a year and a half might be coming true!!! I was so happy to hear it, I was clapping my hands and grinning like a loon. The man who told me flashed a big grin at me. :0)
Amazon.com
I decided to add my elliptical trainer to my exercise ‘regimen’ since our weather is finally cooling off some. My elliptical is in the garage, and with heat indices in the 100’s, I just let it gather dust out there. I did 35 minutes on it this morning – old lady speed, but worked off 260 calories and worked the muscles in a way that won’t hurt my joints. I’m planning to do this 3 times a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. So this is Day 1 on the elliptical.
Penn Fitness Warehouse
Day 22 on yoga and Day 7 on Keto. I MAY be getting into Ketosis. From what I’m reading it can take up to 10 days. I also learned from reading that I may be eating too much protein, and that might be delaying things. I’ll read more today and try to adjust my food. Meanwhile, I’m eating a piece of cheese. :0)
The Animal Zone
I’m still working on the long-sleeved tee I’m painting in my art room. I’m really having fun experimenting. (There is a freedom in painting a tee you would have had to throw away or use as a rag due to stains that won’t come out!) :0) I’m trying to paint a snow scene. Yesterday I used SnowTex – a product that adds a bunch of texture and a 3-D look. I have no clue whether it will work or not, but I’m having a blast trying this.
Oakridge Elem Sch – Arlington Publ Schools
I hope that YOUR day has good news, hope for the future, a nice rain if you need it, and FUN.
Bill Whitehead, Creators.com/Free Range Comic – email from Marsha Koenig
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
Niki Firmin Pet Portraits
Niki Firmin Pet Portraits
Niki Firmin Pet Portraits
Niki Firmin Pet Portraits
Filed under drawings, Niki Firmin - Pet Portraits
Thanks to a tip from my good friend, Irene, I found and ordered a tin of Stockmar Beeswax Crayons and color blocks. They came in today’s mail, and I’m like a kid at Christmas, my mind racing while drooling looking at my new goodies. :0)
Today I’m heading up to my art room to finish the long-sleeved tee I’m painting. I’m kind of amazed that it’s the LAST stained tee in the pile I had, so I won’t paint another until I find I have duplicates of the same tee or stain some more.
Meanwhile my brain will be playing with ideas for how I can experiment with these new crayons.
EPBOT
fashionnewstips.club
ListingMore
Filed under Crayon Creativity
creativeartworksblog 