If I could eat anything I wanted, without any penalties, it would definitely be something from the fair!
While I could regale you with all of my favorite snacks, I think that Templeton should take over from here…
I couldn’t have said it better, myself!
Now that I’ve probably gone and made you hungry, I thought it prudent to offer up some worthy fair food substitutes. And what would be worthy, you ask?
Well, I knew that you knew that I would know to offer you cookies…
Funny, isn’t it?
Though I’m somewhat at a disadvantage when it comes to baking, what with only using ingredients that won’t hurt my stomach, I refuse to let it stop me from doing what I love.
Fortunately for me (and Squagon), one of the few things my stomach agrees with, are nuts. Did you know that nuts are classified as a fruit? Who knew? Not all, but most nuts have been a life saver to me, as they’re a great source of protein, as well as, healthy fats. My two favorites are almonds and peanuts, though I’ll not be able to pass up a handful of cashews, here and there.
Back in my early baking days, I created a recipe for Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies that were to die for, so to speak. I’ve never given the recipe out, only because it made the cookies more valuable, lol.
Unfortunately, I currently have a severe aversion to anything chocolate. I miss baking cookies, and my husband’s been starved of his favorite treats, so where does it leave me?
This is where our Squagon comes in handy, as this little guy knows peanuts like no other! Between the two of us, we’ll soon come up with an all new secret cookie recipe… it’ll just be healthy, that’s all.
So far, I’ve found that Reese’s Pieces work for a good replacement for the chocolate morsels. I don’t want to attempt any chocolate alternatives, at least until I’ve mastered the rest of the ingredients. The cookies need to have the right consistency, first.
I will be attempting a re-write of my original cookie recipe, only replacing or removing what might offend my stomach. I’ve been able to bake with eggs, though only as a small ingredient, but that should be alright. I already know that the flour is the 1:1 gluten free flour from Red Mills. They say that you can simply swap it with the normal flour, without any problems. I tested this by baking those muffins, remember? It worked then, so I’m willing to trust it in this case.
What could be the problem, you ask? The liquids are the problem. Specifically, the milk and butter. The butter can be experimented with, what with finding one that browns the cookies to my liking. The milk, however, has had both successes and failures. I’m fairly certain that it has something to do with being too watery, or too creamy. My suspicions tell me that it has more to do with adjusting my dry ingredients, rather than changing up the Oat Milk, which is one that my stomach can tolerate.
If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them, as it’s always good to troubleshoot a thing, when you have help. My goal is to have ingredients in hand next Saturday, along with a group effort sort of recipe, and I’ll post my step-by-step experiment, as I bake.
Who knows, we might get lucky, right?!
Hugs
As a girl of only eleven, I’d already discovered the item I was most fond of… my survival, or my physical life, if I’m to label it as an actual thing. No, it’s probably not what one might call an item, but sure felt like it.
Sometimes, life has a way of getting reduced into nothing more than a thing… an item to be played with, bartered, or thrown out when it’s usefulness has been expended.
For some souls, it can take an entire lifetime to figure this out. They don’t feel the harsh bite of reality pop up, for a good long while. Who knows, maybe everyone begins to take notice of being less valuable to society, once the body begins to slow, and they lose the ability to carry on at the pace they once held.
Then there’s souls like mine. We discovered, early on, how little value we held, how we weren’t valuable enough protect, to care about… never worthy enough to be saved! This was my dark alleyway of existence, wandering through the night until I found a place to sleep… doing whatever I had to do to secure food, warmth, and sleep… never safety… just sleep! This life was not much but it was mine, and I valued it above everything else!
I’m 55 now and nearing the age when most are preparing for retirement and their golden years… not this runaway!
I strive to prepare and strengthen myself for something bigger, better and still yet to come.
It has taken some considerably long years to get my life to this moment, and I couldn’t have done it without God. And, I didn’t care for the item I was so attached to, nor cherish it, as I did when I was a child. None the less, I’m grateful to say that it’s still in tact, for the most part.
If you’ve any curiosity about what has become of the item I was so attached to as a youth, you need only read the letters I have written over the years, here on WordPress.
As this site is really all I have to show for explaining things, it will have to suffice as my best answer!
I don’t know about all you, but I need a cookie…
Smiles are magical, I think. And, they’re contagious, too…
When someone smiles at you, don’t you just automatically want to smile back?
A smile can soften a heart, lift a person’s spirit, and/or trigger some actual good will toward our fellow man.
Take a baby’s smile, for instance. Don’t we get all mushy inside, and feel the sudden urge to speak babyeese… was dat a smile, awwww, you widdle fuzzy wuzzy bundle of bootiful awesomesauceness… hey, don’t judge me! I can’t help it!
The world is filled with all differing types of magical smiles, babies obviously being the best and most effective in brightening ones day. But, one must appreciate the value and magic of all the other differing smiles out there, as well…
Smiles are actually pretty important, as studies have shown how smiling affects ones health, and state of mind. It’s a real scientific thingie, I swear. I even googled it, to make sure that I did not mislead you in any way.
I typed in “what is the science behind a smile”, and this was googles reply:
The science behind smiling involves a positive feedback loop between facial muscles and brain chemistry, where contracting muscles (like the zygomatic major for mouth corners and orbicularis oculi for eye crinkles) trigger the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, reducing stress and enhancing happiness. This “fake it ’til you make it” effect means even a forced smile can make you feel better, while genuine smiles (Duchenne smiles) signal authentic joy and foster connection, improving well-being and perceived attractiveness.
How it works: The Muscle-Brain Connection
Muscle Activation: Specific facial muscles contract: the zygomatic major pulls lips up, and the orbicularis oculi creates crow’s feet around the eyes.
Brain Response: These muscle contractions send signals back to the brain, activating the reward system.
Neurotransmitter Release: The brain releases feel-good chemicals:
Endorphins: Act as natural pain relievers and mood elevators. Serotonin: Functions as a natural antidepressant, lifting mood.
Types of Smiles
Benefits of Smiling
Increases Attractiveness & Trust: Smiling people are often seen as more reliable, sincere, and attractive, enhancing social interactions.
I challenge you to count your smiles this weekend. It’s merely an exercise, meant to show how many times you do smile, as well as, how many opportunities you’re given to intentionally smile at someone… remember, this is only an experiment. You don’t even have to tell anyone you’re doing it. Call it an exercise for health and wellness.
Whatever you do this weekend, remember how loved you are… that should help with the smile thing.
I pray that my words, my life, and my purpose will always reflect a light that is not mine, but that of the Almighty! There is no greater calling, or mission, if you will.
Mine is a testimony of redemption, cleansing, healing and unfathomable grace, from the One who created the very foundations of this world.
It was simple, really. All I had to do was believe in Him, and trust fully in the words spoken by His only son, Jesus Christ. The mission given me was, and is, the same one given all those ages ago, while Jesus walked this earth…
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
When you accept one of my silly virtual cookies, they are stuffed with as much love and light that I can muster. And, then I pray that you will be covered with a myriad of little healing cookie crumbs… blessed crumbs, even. I know they aren’t real, but I guess it’s sort of symbolic, in hopes that you’ll see how valuable and precious you are to me, and more importantly, how much you’re worth to God. He loves you, whether you believe it or not, and He will never stop loving you… ever!
Why do I do it? Because, I’ve been called to do so. Not only that, but it fills me with such peace and happiness, knowing that everything I do for others is to be for His glory, not mine…
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Cookie?
Even when you cannot see your destination, sail on
When the winds threaten, sail on
And, when the waves hit you from every side, sail on…
Trust your compass, trust your ship
Lean not on your own understanding
And, do not fear the wind that threatens…
Take each wave as it comes
Keep your course straight and true
And, trust the map you’ve been given…
As I was writing this, Proverbs 3:5, 6 came to mind. I googled part of the verse, because I couldn’t remember the scripture reference, and this is what popped up…
“Lean not on your own understanding” comes from Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Bible, meaning to trust God’s guidance over your own limited perspective, especially in decisions, acknowledging that divine wisdom is greater than human intellect, and that while using your mind is good, ultimate reliance should be on God, who promises to guide you if you submit your ways to Him. It encourages faith over purely rational, incomplete human reasoning, especially in uncertain times.
Key Meanings
Limited Human Wisdom:
Recognize that human understanding is finite and can be flawed or incomplete, even with intellect.
Seek Divine Guidance:
Acknowledge God in all your ways (actions, plans, thoughts) for Him to direct your paths.
Not Irrationality:
It doesn’t mean abandoning your intellect, but rather not relying solely on it, especially when it conflicts with faith or leads to confusion.
Practical Application
Surrender Plans: Give your plans to God, trusting His bigger picture and better plan. Be Wise in His Eyes: Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil as a result of trusting Him.
I know that was the long winded version to accompany my tiny poem, but thought it worth the share.
Have a beautiful day, my sweet friends…
Hugs
Are we really saying that living a long life is a mere concept? I guess it could be, but it just sounds weird. First of all, it wouldn’t be considered a mere concept, if you were born with a disease or disability.
I looked up the definition of concept, but it only made things worse. But, as I’ve committed to answering these prompts without being flippant, I’ll give it my best shot.
Since the prompt is only asking what my thoughts are about this whole concept thing, ummmm… living a long life is a great concept, I guess. In truth, only God knows the length of my life, and nothing I do or don’t do will change that outcome.
I suppose the concept of being a decent human being is also good, if you’re a decent person. But, what good is that concept if you’re an arse, by nature?
I can honestly say that I am unable to really come up with any life altering thoughts, regarding long life being a mere concept. I will be making every effort to live a long life, but it’s not really in my hands, is it? We can do everything right, but still accidentally get hit by a bus. Concept just flew out the window.
Life, itself, cannot be placed in a box, given boundaries, and/or assigned any wonderful concepts… it doesn’t work like that. There are no guarantees, precautions, or conceptual guidelines that keep reality at bay.
Besides, I can’t personally think beyond the day in front of me, let alone focus on what my earthly old age might look like. Rather than thinking on the concept of a long life, how bout we just do the best with what we have, and leave the rest of it to God.
Now eat your cookie…
Eustace is still visiting his family, but wanted to send you his customary Wednesday greeting. He should be home by next week, I think. You know how camel’s can be when they’re with their caravan. I may even have to send Brutus off to collect our big guy, what with all those sparkly bangles he’s wearing… no way for him to sneak all that jewelry past airport security, without setting off all the alarms!
Since this feels sort of like a woulda, coulda, shoulda question, it seemed appropriate that I answer with a this, that, and the other sort of response. Here goes…
I could walk differently, talk differently, and even wear my socks differently. Perhaps I could dance a new step, change the way I laugh, or maybe start wearing wigs. I could change my style, my clothes, or possibly change what shows I watch on television.
When it comes to looking on the inside, I suppose that I could pray harder and longer, read more of the bible each day, and even spend more time thinking of others instead of myself. I could love deeper, laugh longer, and live with a deeper purpose, possibly.
At the end of the day, I suppose that we all might consider a handful of things we should have, could have, or wished we might have done differently. We may even wake with these thoughts swirling around inside our heads, each morning.
If you ask me this question tomorrow, it will most likely be a completely different answer. Why? Because each and every day, we encounter situations that will either turn out well, or maybe not so well. From those circumstances comes the thought of whether we could have done a thing differently, in order to see a better outcome.
Aren’t you glad that I didn’t decide to offer you liver and onions, instead of my normal cookies? Don’t worry… I’ve no intention of changing that part of these daily prompts. I wouldn’t dream of it!
Guess what? Norbert got an upgrade!
Well, OpenArt was actually what got a facelift, but I like to refer to the AI by a fictional name, just for fun.
Anyhow, one of the changes to the program was an upgraded visual for all my characters… that means, more realism and more accuracy. I love it! Of course I’ve no intention of paying for a silly account upgrade, but they did give me a freebie, so I chose Squagon.
Our tiny flying squirrel has never been the same since the switch to this AI application, so I gambled with my freebie character upgrade, and look what we got…
SUCCESS!!!
This new upgrade made it possible to put life back into our little guy, real fur and all. Plus, no matter what I tell him to do, the program now keeps the character perfectly in tact. No more free range, off the reservation, loose AI interpretations of what I ask… at least, with the visuals. It still tries to change what I ask for it to do, in some futile hope that I’ll like it’s version instead of mine, but I enjoy telling it off. I’ll have to make all new characters for each of them, but it’s cheaper than paying for the next tier of membership.
There are also a number of improvements on the beta version of putting two characters into the same scene. It’s still not good, but it is better than before…
They’ve even made improvements to the storyline side of things, like the short videos…
I didn’t like how the AI opted to change faces by the end of the video, but it still felt like somewhat of a success, in and of itself. Don’t think for one moment that I’ll settle for anything less than a true Tilly and Henry. This was just the first of many tests and trial runs, but I don’t mind, really. It gives me time to improve my own skills, utilizing ai for my illustrations without letting ai change my direction, if that makes any sense.
For now, it’s back to the drawing board, or rather, back to the ai program. I intend to become quite proficient with this program, but let it be made quite clear that I am NOT an artist, but simply a writer who enjoys bringing visuals into my writing. I think it helps with introducing an atmosphere that enhances the readers ability to see and feel what I do when I write. Trust me, if I had an actual publisher with an actual illustrations department, I’d leave the graphic visuals to the pros. But, til things change in this department, OpenArt is my go to.
Tinkering is by far the best way for me to become more proficient in the editing department, as well as sharing my progress with you.
My hope is that I’ll have some better pieces of video and images to share by next week so that you, me, and Norbert, can view the improvements made. I think I want to tackle both Osrig and Peanut, as they are both a battle with Norbert’s abilities. The ai program really seems to struggle with creations that are human, vs, fictional, or animal combinations. My characters are nearly all part human or animal, mixed with a fictional imaginary type creature. That’s why I love them so! These characters each have a life of their own, which I strive to keep true to their personalities, not just what Norbert thinks.
Well, that’s it for now. Maybe next week will have some real successes, but I’ll probably show you the failures, as well. Sometimes the mistakes are better than the perfect outcomes, wouldn’t you agree?
Journey With Me! 