Category: Health and Wellness

Saturday Sweet Talk…

Wiwohka3 Comments

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

Gimme a smile…

Wiwohka9 Comments

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

  • Sensory Input: Emotional data from experiences (seeing a friend, hearing good news) travels to the brain. 

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:

  • Dopamine: Boosts pleasure and motivation. 

Endorphins: Act as natural pain relievers and mood elevators. Serotonin: Functions as a natural antidepressant, lifting mood. 

Types of Smiles

  • Social Smile: Involves only the mouth muscles (zygomatic major) and is used for politeness or social cues.
  • Genuine Smile (Duchenne Smile): Involves both mouth muscles and the orbicularis oculi, creating eye crinkles, signaling authentic happiness. 

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.

Sail on…

Wiwohka3 Comments

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

  • Trust God Fully: Place complete faith in the Lord with all your heart, not just in big decisions but in every aspect of life. 

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

  • In Uncertainty: When faced with dilemmas, pray and seek God’s will rather than trying to figure everything out alone, which can cause stress. 

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

My thoughts?

Wiwohka2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
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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…

This, that, and the other…

Wiwohka1 Comment
Daily writing prompt
What could you do differently?
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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!

Monday Messages…

Wiwohka6 Comments

Wow! The holidays simply flew past, didn’t they?

I’ll be honest in saying that I was a bit distracted, what with our newest grandbaby arriving. I’m gonna let Sugarplum take all the spotlight, because all I did was feel sorry for myself and play video games.

Oh, as far as the self-pity gaming… I’m over it, thank goodness!

While things have not changed for the better with my health, my reliance and obedience to God have not wavered!

I’ve no idea what, when, or if I’ll write anything of value this year, but I intend to be here with bells on, regardless!

There is a very fine, and precarious line between writing with passion or writing with emotion. Some can separate these two things while writing, quite effectively, I cannot. Don’t get me wrong, as I can definitely write this way… but it’s raw, painful, and often can be very damaging to others, not to mention my own mental state.

My health journey over the last 6 months has been exhausting, discouraging, and traumatic. I’ve been tossed from one specialist to another, none of which want my case. Primary doc sent me to the G.I. who went on vacation, so I waited three weeks. They ran tests and said it was simply due to my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The weight continued to drop, and I still couldn’t eat. I asked for another appointment which was scheduled for two months later. I went off on the nurse, to say the least, though no swear words or disrespect were used. I simply screamed out over the phone that I didn’t want to die, and I was begging for help. In exasperation, they scheduled me for the next test, which was the Esophogram. That’s where they made the SECOND diagnosis for the Hiatal Hernia.

Off to the surgeon I was sent, where he also went on vacation for an additional 3 weeks before my appointment. He said he wanted more tests, so again, I waited another month for the nuclear study. They then said that my stomach was not emptying like normal, and referred me back to the G.I. for more meds… the surgeon refused to operate!

I got a message immediately from my G.I., not for an appointment but to offer a new drug… surprise!

My answer… NO MORE DRUGS!

Since when did doctors refuse to doctor?

When was it acceptable to allow a commercial about a new drug to dictate whether I should ask a doctor for help or not?

What about the Hypocritic Oath? Or are they now teaching the Hypocritical Oath in colleges these days?

Not even hours after that email, email I said, email… I saw a commercial on television for the very medication the doctor had so quickly offered me over the phone.

I’m out!

It will be God that heals me or I shall be going home… either way brings me no fear, but rather, hope for my future.

Each day I pray that God covers me, allowing me to get the very most out of a bowl of oatmeal with raisins, and 3 oz. chicken and rice w/veggies for dinner. I am reminded of how the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, eating Manna and quail… if they could do it, so too can I!

My God is far more Omnipotent and powerful than anything of man… I will stay on my feet as the chosen warrior of God until my last breath has gone!

I shall not fear!

I will walk boldly in the shadow of my God, who knows every part of my journey!

There may be days where I am silent, only offering inspirational music or scripture. Those are the days where He carries me.

There will be days of laughter, where God’s lessons are the ones that help me to lighten up, and let things be.

There may even be days where I cry out, in need of some encouragement and love from those I consider family… that’s you!

Whatever this year brings, we will face it together… I will share my ups, downs, and in-bewteens, and I expect the same from you! Just because one has struggles, doesn’t mean they’re incapable of giving love and understanding to others.

No matter where you are, what you are going through, or how badly you might be hurting, you are loved… you are valued… you are prayed for… and you are NEEDED, as you are!

How’s that for a Monday Message?

A bit too much…

Wiwohka7 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
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This girl likes to have fun, if you hadn’t picked up on that yet, but “playtime” has had to be toned down these days.

From the time I was small, playtime revolved around hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and/or any fun activity out in the wilderness.

Over the years I’ve walked marathons (running them is silly), played softball, and at one point even played a game of tackle football in a muddy field, no joke. I was fast, light, and could take a hit!

Sitting where I sit now, with a rainy day ache in every single place that I injured myself over the years, playtime has had to become a bit less aggressive.

I traded my outdoor adventuring for online gaming outdoor adventuring (don’t judge), as I’ve no desire to collapse from trying to do things the way I used to. Not only that, but the embarrassment of being hand carried off the path by some young, strong, and handsome paramedics… no thanks!

I may not be a young spring chicken any longer, but this wise old owl has traded her adventure shoes for Meemaw slippers. Don’t think that this is just anybody’s game, no ho ho way! You wouldn’t think that rocking a baby to sleep would be so tough… until you have rocked them for an hour, while holding yourself in the most awkward and uncomfortable position. You’ll ache for days, trust me!

I guess you could say that my playtime has become selective now… I save up all my physical energy for baby, while I imagine, write, and virtually play online games. I also bake you virtual cookies each day, which I consider playtime, as well.

Speaking of cookies…

From the depths…

Wiwohka24 Comments

I sat for a good bit this morning, trying to find the words to enter back into the stream of literary traffic that is WordPress… and it’s been hard, to say the least.

If I could sum up the last several months in only a few words, it’d be something like, “alrighty then, wasn’t that a ride!”

I could tell you the details about my health journey, and perhaps in time I may, but now is not the time… maybe later.

On the upside, we’ve a new granddaughter that has to be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever lain eyes upon…

From the tip of her tiny toes, all the way to her silky soft hair…

… our Sugarplum was the most wonderful of Christmas package one could ever imagine! While I would love to show you a cascade of new baby pictures, I wish to respect my daughter’s privacy, so for the most part I’ll be using the Avatar created for Maisie unless Mamma gives me approved pic’s for public viewing…

Please forgive any future crazy writing angles, as I’m still trying to right my health situation. When you are physically compromised, it bleeds over into your emotions, as well.

In a tiny nutshell, doctors have failed to offer anything other than more drugs, so we’ve been forced to step back from modern medicine and seek a different route. Basically, we’re DIYing it. I don’t know what’s to come, but God does, so I’m leaving it in His mighty hands.

While God watches over me, I’ve been tasked to continue my writing. I want to publish my works, and I want to be here, with you… my family.

So, with that being said, let’s just get back to it, the writing that is…

Let’s all celebrate and have a party… cause the Punctuation Fairy has returned!!!

A bit of this, a bit of that…

Wiwohka7 Comments
Daily writing prompt
You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?
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I’ve shown you my imagined perfect spaces before, as I’m sure you remember… favorite quiet spot, favorite bookstore/coffee nook, favorite little cottage along the sea, and don’t forget the Barnyard. What about our sturdy sea going ship?

Honestly, the perfect space for reading is within the books pages, and the perfect writing is wherever the pen reveals the adventure… so really, it’s you and me that make the perfect space for reading and writing.

Let’s face it… I can make an imaginary scene pop with sparks of light, passion, and wonder, in only a blink if the words are there. Some of my best work was written while we lived in that broken R.V. with no toilet, and that includes my first full length novel. My perfect imaginary reading and writing space (in my own head) gave me a reason to go on, keep trying, and stay upon the path of my journey.

If I could give any advice at all, it would be NOT to wait for the perfect space, scene, or situation… just pick up your pen and write, no matter where you are… just write!

Oh, and take a cookie, too…

I don’t play favorites with my people…

Wiwohka9 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Who are your current most favorite people?
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In a world where love seems to have taken a back seat with many humans, I myself wish to give my love equally to whomever I encounter.

You aren’t a cookie, nor ice cream, nor a shiny new car… no no… you are much much more precious than any of those perishable objects!

You are priceless!

How would it make you feel if I were to spin up a list of my favorites, only to find out that you weren’t on that list? Or perhaps you might feel a bit sad to discover that you weren’t at the value number that you once thought you belonged.

Not that any of us has EVER had that happen, nor have we EVER accidentally demoted someone on our fav’s list, without meaning to do so.

My point is, this question is very impertinent… and quite frankly, nothing more than a fire starter. I refuse to answer stupid questions… just sayin!

Cookie?

Feel free to help yourself to whichever one is your favorite, but perhaps you might try a different one this morning, as they’re all someone’s favorite flavor.