Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Thursday, August 7, 2014 about 6:43 am Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that I have two large plastic covered coffee mugs because I can put iced coffee in one and ice water in the other. I can then sit them on the wooden television stand that is placed next to my computer.
02. ...for the cool morning temperatures that allows me to have my front door open while I am working at the computer this morning. I can look out my front door and watch the morning shadow lengthen as the sun rises above Sunrise Mountain.
03. ...that I had some coffee left over from yesterday because I did not have to wait for coffee to brew before I fixed my first container of iced coffee.
04. ...for the weird noises I hear in this neighborhood before the sun comes up. I know they are only weird because I could not see what was making them, but they encourage my muse and make me think of ideas for poems and stories.
05. ...that I can hear a young bird chirping in one of the pine, oak, or palm trees growing in this neighborhood.
06. ...for the rain we received over the weekend. Listening to the rain and the thunder was a pleasant and cooling experience.
07. ...that is it monsoon season in Las Vegas, which means we can expect some more cooling rain and thunder storms before the end of August.
08. ...for the two containers of milk I got with my senior commodities allotment yesterday. I can now have some Ovaltine© in regular milk instead of making dry milk to drink with the Ovaltine©.
09. ...that I have cheese in the refrigerator because I can make a grilled cheese sandwich with English muffins today.
10. ...for the dry cereal I have because I can open a can of apples sauce to dump over my cereal. I do not care much for cereal and milk anymore.
Thursday, August 07, 2014
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Midweek Reflections: A weary Wednesday evening
It's Wednesday, August 6, 2014, somewhere around 8:04 Pacific Daylight Time. I'm tired. I don't want to think anymore today. I don't want to write anymore today, if I have to think about what I'm writing. I can write if I don't have to think.
It's a weary Wednesday evening
I don't want to sleep,
I don't want to play games,
I don't want to do much of anything.
I still have to put the laundry back in the laundry-grocery cart because I picked up my senior commodities allotment for August. I used the cart to roll the two bags of food into the house because they were too heavy for me to carry in. It was a good thing I had the cart because the handles on one of the bags broke when I took it out of the cart. If I had carried the bags into the house, I would have had food all over the court yard and a broken container of milk.
It's a weary Wednesday evening
I don't want to sleep,
I don't want to play games,
I don't want to do much of anything.
I still have to put the laundry back in the laundry-grocery cart because I picked up my senior commodities allotment for August. I used the cart to roll the two bags of food into the house because they were too heavy for me to carry in. It was a good thing I had the cart because the handles on one of the bags broke when I took it out of the cart. If I had carried the bags into the house, I would have had food all over the court yard and a broken container of milk.
Tuesday, August 05, 2014
Tribulation Tuesday: Reconsidering Breakfast
Fiḍál (Grace), 5 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Tuesday, August 5, 2014 about 11:03 am Pacific Daylight Time
This morning, I got up about 4:30 am, took my thyroid medication, said a prayer, responded to some blog prompts on writing.com, and did a couple of reviews. It was a nice cool morning, so I had the door open while I was doing all this. After I finished writing and reviewing, I got off line and fixed me breakfast. By the time I finish breakfast it had warmed up so I closed the door and turned on the air conditioner.
After breakfast I got online again because I have a couple writing projects to finish on writing.com. I am so tired that even my arms are tired. I am not sure what is causing the problem, but it is possible the breakfast I at caused the issue. This is not the first time I have encountered this issue, so I think it must be something I am eating for breakfast, but I do not know what.
I think I will change my breakfast menu from hot cakes and jelly or English muffins and cream cheese to fruit or chicken. I do not seem to have this problem when I eat fruit and chicken for breakfast. Tomorrow I have an appointment at 9:30 am so I'll fix a piece of chicken or fish tonight so that I have something quick to fix for breakfast in the morning.
I am so tired that I can hardly keep my eyes open and I have a lot more work to do before going to bed tonight. However, since I am so sleepy I will post this and then get off line for a short nap. I do not want to sleep very long, maybe five or ten minutes because, as I wrote, I have a lot of work to complete today.
This morning, I got up about 4:30 am, took my thyroid medication, said a prayer, responded to some blog prompts on writing.com, and did a couple of reviews. It was a nice cool morning, so I had the door open while I was doing all this. After I finished writing and reviewing, I got off line and fixed me breakfast. By the time I finish breakfast it had warmed up so I closed the door and turned on the air conditioner.
After breakfast I got online again because I have a couple writing projects to finish on writing.com. I am so tired that even my arms are tired. I am not sure what is causing the problem, but it is possible the breakfast I at caused the issue. This is not the first time I have encountered this issue, so I think it must be something I am eating for breakfast, but I do not know what.
I think I will change my breakfast menu from hot cakes and jelly or English muffins and cream cheese to fruit or chicken. I do not seem to have this problem when I eat fruit and chicken for breakfast. Tomorrow I have an appointment at 9:30 am so I'll fix a piece of chicken or fish tonight so that I have something quick to fix for breakfast in the morning.
I am so tired that I can hardly keep my eyes open and I have a lot more work to do before going to bed tonight. However, since I am so sleepy I will post this and then get off line for a short nap. I do not want to sleep very long, maybe five or ten minutes because, as I wrote, I have a lot of work to complete today.
Monday, August 04, 2014
Meditation Monday: The Rain
Kamál (Perfection), 4 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Monday, August 4, 2014 3:24 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Beautiful raindrops
descend from dark angry clouds
melting desert sand.
As I look out my front door on this rainy Monday, I see light as the sun attempts to break through the charcoal gray clouds. I watch people walk past my door; they are dressed as if they think the rain has stopped for the day. I suspect we will get a few more raindrops before sunset.
Beautiful raindrops
carried to earth by angels
blessing the desert.
The dark gray cloud appear to be angry, but that is an illusion. We associate darkness with human anger, so when it is cloudy we think the charcoal clouds indicate anger. We are putting our human emotion into the clouds when neither the clouds nor nature is angry. Rain is a natural phenomenon, it is a gift from nature to the desert.
Beautiful raindrops
some call them the tears of God
baptizing the Earth.
In the desert rain causes flash flooding, dangerous to anyone stranded in low areas or walking down dry riverbeds. Flash floods are a natural phenomenon we must beware of and try to avoid. On days like this, I think about the homeless who are living in the drainage tunnels that were constructed to prevent flash floods from devastating part of the city. The homeless living in those tunnels are endanger during rainy weather because of the possibility of flash floods.
Beautiful raindrops
both a blessing and a curse
to desert cities.
Beautiful raindrops
descend from dark angry clouds
melting desert sand.
As I look out my front door on this rainy Monday, I see light as the sun attempts to break through the charcoal gray clouds. I watch people walk past my door; they are dressed as if they think the rain has stopped for the day. I suspect we will get a few more raindrops before sunset.
Beautiful raindrops
carried to earth by angels
blessing the desert.
The dark gray cloud appear to be angry, but that is an illusion. We associate darkness with human anger, so when it is cloudy we think the charcoal clouds indicate anger. We are putting our human emotion into the clouds when neither the clouds nor nature is angry. Rain is a natural phenomenon, it is a gift from nature to the desert.
Beautiful raindrops
some call them the tears of God
baptizing the Earth.
In the desert rain causes flash flooding, dangerous to anyone stranded in low areas or walking down dry riverbeds. Flash floods are a natural phenomenon we must beware of and try to avoid. On days like this, I think about the homeless who are living in the drainage tunnels that were constructed to prevent flash floods from devastating part of the city. The homeless living in those tunnels are endanger during rainy weather because of the possibility of flash floods.
Beautiful raindrops
both a blessing and a curse
to desert cities.
Sunday, August 03, 2014
Supplication Sunday: On the First of Five Sundays in August
Jamál (Beauty), 3 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Sunday, August 3, 2014 about 7:14 am Pacific Daylight Time
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I give thanks for the rooster I heard crowing this morning,
for the cloudy skies that foretell rain,
for the cool summer temperature
that encourages me
to open my apartment door
so that I can listen
to the mysterious neighborhood noises.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I praise the beauty
of a cloudy morning in Las Vegas
by writing poetry
and giving thanks to the Lord
for four more summer Sundays.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I inhale the beauty of dawn
before I whisper
a prayer of thanksgiving and praise
to the Creator of the Universe.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I give thanks for the rooster I heard crowing this morning,
for the cloudy skies that foretell rain,
for the cool summer temperature
that encourages me
to open my apartment door
so that I can listen
to the mysterious neighborhood noises.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I praise the beauty
of a cloudy morning in Las Vegas
by writing poetry
and giving thanks to the Lord
for four more summer Sundays.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I inhale the beauty of dawn
before I whisper
a prayer of thanksgiving and praise
to the Creator of the Universe.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Thankful Thursday: July 31, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 19 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Thursday, July 31, 2014 about 11:38 am Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that there are five Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in August because it means more weekend fun.
02. ...for the family pack of frozen farm raised catfish I purchased today because now I have have fish every Friday or Saturday in August.
03. ...that we have received several inches of rain this month because it helps with the drought conditions.
04. ...for The Long Healing Prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah because when I say or read that prayer all my worries and fears disappear.
05. ...that I received an encouraging postcard yesterday. The postcard was from The Story Mistress and Story Master at writing.com. The message on the front read Life is better when you;re writing.
06. ...for English muffins because they taste delicious with peanut butter and jelly.
07. ...that I have to walk to the alley to take the trash out because it gives me exercise.
08. ...for ground chicken because it makes nice chicken burger sandwiches with hot sauce, onions, and cheese.
09. ...that I have a working air condition in the apartment to cool my living quarter in summer and warm them in winter.
10. ...for the prayers of gratitude revealed by The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha because when I read or say them they help me meditate.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that there are five Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in August because it means more weekend fun.
02. ...for the family pack of frozen farm raised catfish I purchased today because now I have have fish every Friday or Saturday in August.
03. ...that we have received several inches of rain this month because it helps with the drought conditions.
04. ...for The Long Healing Prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah because when I say or read that prayer all my worries and fears disappear.
05. ...that I received an encouraging postcard yesterday. The postcard was from The Story Mistress and Story Master at writing.com. The message on the front read Life is better when you;re writing.
06. ...for English muffins because they taste delicious with peanut butter and jelly.
07. ...that I have to walk to the alley to take the trash out because it gives me exercise.
08. ...for ground chicken because it makes nice chicken burger sandwiches with hot sauce, onions, and cheese.
09. ...that I have a working air condition in the apartment to cool my living quarter in summer and warm them in winter.
10. ...for the prayers of gratitude revealed by The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha because when I read or say them they help me meditate.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Midweek Reflections or Weird Wednesday
‘Idál (Justice), 18 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 30, 2014 about 11:11 am Pacific Daylight Time
According to Dictionary.com there are several intriguing and thought provoking definitions of weird. One of the definitions gives fantastic or bizarre, while the other definitions have to do with the supernatural, uncanny, unearthly, fate, or destiny. Today's entry concerns the unusual, fantastic, or bizarre rather then the other definitions.
Anyone who has every read any of my bogs knows that I am a creative person. I write poetry, short stories, and novels in addition to cooking creative and unusual recipes. Since I eat my own cooking, I must do a good job with the unusual recipes because none of them have made me sick or put me in the hospital. Today I am making celery soup with celery, Italian dressing, chicken stock, filtered water, and hot sauce. When the soup is finished I will eat it over cold cereal.
The celery soup over dry cereal is my unusual or weird action for this week. I like to do something out of the ordinary at least once a week because it keeps me young and gets me out of the rut I sometimes find myself descending into. This week I am also changing the Midweek Reflections theme to Weird Wednesday so that I can blog each week about whatever action I take to get myself out of my rut.
I got the weird Wednesday idea when I realized that I am tired of the Midweeks Reflections theme and all of the other Wednesday themes I have used in this blog. I found myself in a writing and transformation rut, I was not making progress and needed something to jump start the process again. Prayer and meditation worked fine, but I needed something to stretch my wings and change my attitude. Therefore, I decided to do something weird, which was eating cereal with my homemade soup instead of crackers or bread.
According to Dictionary.com there are several intriguing and thought provoking definitions of weird. One of the definitions gives fantastic or bizarre, while the other definitions have to do with the supernatural, uncanny, unearthly, fate, or destiny. Today's entry concerns the unusual, fantastic, or bizarre rather then the other definitions.
Anyone who has every read any of my bogs knows that I am a creative person. I write poetry, short stories, and novels in addition to cooking creative and unusual recipes. Since I eat my own cooking, I must do a good job with the unusual recipes because none of them have made me sick or put me in the hospital. Today I am making celery soup with celery, Italian dressing, chicken stock, filtered water, and hot sauce. When the soup is finished I will eat it over cold cereal.
The celery soup over dry cereal is my unusual or weird action for this week. I like to do something out of the ordinary at least once a week because it keeps me young and gets me out of the rut I sometimes find myself descending into. This week I am also changing the Midweek Reflections theme to Weird Wednesday so that I can blog each week about whatever action I take to get myself out of my rut.
I got the weird Wednesday idea when I realized that I am tired of the Midweeks Reflections theme and all of the other Wednesday themes I have used in this blog. I found myself in a writing and transformation rut, I was not making progress and needed something to jump start the process again. Prayer and meditation worked fine, but I needed something to stretch my wings and change my attitude. Therefore, I decided to do something weird, which was eating cereal with my homemade soup instead of crackers or bread.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Monsoon Season in Las Vegas
Kamál (Perfection), 16 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Monday, July 28, 2014 about 7:35 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's monsoon season in Las Vegas with high temperatures and high humidity. The rain makes it feel cooler, but before the rain comes the humidity makes the temperature unconformable. I enjoy the rain as long as I don't have to drive in it. I have to drive with my window down because the door on the driver's side doesn't open from the inside. Driving in the rain with the window down is an interesting experience.
I have three appointments next week. One appointment on Monday at 9:00 am and two on Wednesday. The first appointment on Wednesday is at 9:30 am and it is across town, while the second it at 4:00 pm. I hope it isn't raining when I go for my appointments. I guess I should check my windshield wipers to see if they need blades.
It's monsoon season in Las Vegas with high temperatures and high humidity. The rain makes it feel cooler, but before the rain comes the humidity makes the temperature unconformable. I enjoy the rain as long as I don't have to drive in it. I have to drive with my window down because the door on the driver's side doesn't open from the inside. Driving in the rain with the window down is an interesting experience.
I have three appointments next week. One appointment on Monday at 9:00 am and two on Wednesday. The first appointment on Wednesday is at 9:30 am and it is across town, while the second it at 4:00 pm. I hope it isn't raining when I go for my appointments. I guess I should check my windshield wipers to see if they need blades.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Supplication Sunday: Prayers Resonate
Jamál (Beauty), 15 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Sunday, July 27, 2014 about 4:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Prayers resonate
ascend from the contrite soul
to the throne of God.
I have Remembrance of God, a book of scriptures, resting beside my keyboard. It is there because sometimes I have to stop in the middle of whatever I am working on to say a prayer or read a scripture verse. When I am stuck for a word or do not know where a story or blog entry is headed, I stop to say a prayer or read a scripture. Prayer also helps when I find my mind wandering and am unable to focus.
Prayers resonate:
smoke rising from a campfire
merging with white clouds.
Remembrance of God is on the left side of my keyboard. On my right side, and sitting on a wooden T.V. stand, is a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes I have a container of soda or bottle of water on stand instead. The refreshment I have there depends on how I feel and what I am working on at the time. These two things, the book and the refreshment help me write.
Prayers resonate:
music reverberating
across mind and soul.
Prayers resonate
ascend from the contrite soul
to the throne of God.
I have Remembrance of God, a book of scriptures, resting beside my keyboard. It is there because sometimes I have to stop in the middle of whatever I am working on to say a prayer or read a scripture verse. When I am stuck for a word or do not know where a story or blog entry is headed, I stop to say a prayer or read a scripture. Prayer also helps when I find my mind wandering and am unable to focus.
Prayers resonate:
smoke rising from a campfire
merging with white clouds.
Remembrance of God is on the left side of my keyboard. On my right side, and sitting on a wooden T.V. stand, is a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes I have a container of soda or bottle of water on stand instead. The refreshment I have there depends on how I feel and what I am working on at the time. These two things, the book and the refreshment help me write.
Prayers resonate:
music reverberating
across mind and soul.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Fruitful Friday: Prayer
Istiqlál (Independence), 13 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Friday, July 25, 2014 about 3:50 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Prayer produces
abundance, a fruitful life,
and a tranquil mind.
I have a prayer book in the glove compartment of my car, so that before I back out of my parking place I can say a prayer of protection. I also carry a small book of scriptures in my purse so that I have something to read while I am waiting in my doctor's office. The title of the book is The Power of Divine Assistance, which contains verse from the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith.
Bring down blood pressure
read from the sacred scriptures
while you are waiting.
Prayer produces
abundance, a fruitful life,
and a tranquil mind.
I have a prayer book in the glove compartment of my car, so that before I back out of my parking place I can say a prayer of protection. I also carry a small book of scriptures in my purse so that I have something to read while I am waiting in my doctor's office. The title of the book is The Power of Divine Assistance, which contains verse from the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith.
Bring down blood pressure
read from the sacred scriptures
while you are waiting.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Thankful Thursday: July 24, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Thursday, July 24, 2014 about 12:09 pm Pacific Daylight Time
This afternoon I am thankful...
1. ...that I have not fallen asleep on my keyboard. I am sleepy so there is the possibility of me falling asleep and drooling on my keyboard, which is not good for the keyboard or the computer.
2. ...for the fresh carafe of coffee I made this morning because now I can get another cup of iced coffee to wake me up.
3 ...that the exterminator came this morning because now I do not have to worry about roaches for another week or so.
4. ...for the two chicken thighs I have marinating in the refrigerator. I put them in a marinade of apple juice and roasted red pepper Italian dressing yesterday. I can have chicken with salad tomorrow after I return from the blood test at the doctor's office.
5. ...that I have an air conditioner in this apartment that works because the temperature outside is 106 degrees.
6. ...for ice cubes trays, ice cubes, and a freezer that works because I do not have to purchase ice when I want to make iced coffee or tea.
7. ...that we have 12 mph wind here in Las Vegas today because I can look out my window and watch the palm fronds waving in the breeze.
8. ...for bottled water because when I go to the doctor's office or the store I can take a cold bottle of water with me. There is nothing like a sip of iced water on a hot day to refresh and raise a my spirits when I am driving around in 106 or 107 degree temperatures.
9. ...that I have several bottle of juice in the refrigerator because I can drink apple, orange, or cranberry juice when I want to without having to go to the store to purchase it on a hot Las Vegas afternoon.
10. ...for wooden slatted Venetian blinds at my windows because they do not melt when the sun shines through the windows.
This afternoon I am thankful...
1. ...that I have not fallen asleep on my keyboard. I am sleepy so there is the possibility of me falling asleep and drooling on my keyboard, which is not good for the keyboard or the computer.
2. ...for the fresh carafe of coffee I made this morning because now I can get another cup of iced coffee to wake me up.
3 ...that the exterminator came this morning because now I do not have to worry about roaches for another week or so.
4. ...for the two chicken thighs I have marinating in the refrigerator. I put them in a marinade of apple juice and roasted red pepper Italian dressing yesterday. I can have chicken with salad tomorrow after I return from the blood test at the doctor's office.
5. ...that I have an air conditioner in this apartment that works because the temperature outside is 106 degrees.
6. ...for ice cubes trays, ice cubes, and a freezer that works because I do not have to purchase ice when I want to make iced coffee or tea.
7. ...that we have 12 mph wind here in Las Vegas today because I can look out my window and watch the palm fronds waving in the breeze.
8. ...for bottled water because when I go to the doctor's office or the store I can take a cold bottle of water with me. There is nothing like a sip of iced water on a hot day to refresh and raise a my spirits when I am driving around in 106 or 107 degree temperatures.
9. ...that I have several bottle of juice in the refrigerator because I can drink apple, orange, or cranberry juice when I want to without having to go to the store to purchase it on a hot Las Vegas afternoon.
10. ...for wooden slatted Venetian blinds at my windows because they do not melt when the sun shines through the windows.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Midweek Reflictions: Contemplating Iced Coffee
‘Idál (Justice), 11 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 23, 2014 about 1:52 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Because I went to the doctor's office for a blood test, I didn't have hat coffee this morning. I drink water before leaving the house instead of coffee. The phlebotomist and the doctor were both out of the office, they won't be back until Friday. Therefore, I have to go aback across town on Friday to get a blood test.
I was hungry when I returned home, so I made myself a turkey burger sandwich on sourdough bread with horseradish mustard and I had a glass of iced black English tea. After I finished the tea, I decided I want coffee, but it was getting too warm to have hot coffee. I brewed myself a carafe of coffee, put ice cubes in a glass and poured the hot coffee over the ice cubes.
contemplating iced coffee
a sip of cold rich liquid
satisfies my coffee lover's soul
while keeping me cool
in triple digit Las Vegas.
Because I went to the doctor's office for a blood test, I didn't have hat coffee this morning. I drink water before leaving the house instead of coffee. The phlebotomist and the doctor were both out of the office, they won't be back until Friday. Therefore, I have to go aback across town on Friday to get a blood test.
I was hungry when I returned home, so I made myself a turkey burger sandwich on sourdough bread with horseradish mustard and I had a glass of iced black English tea. After I finished the tea, I decided I want coffee, but it was getting too warm to have hot coffee. I brewed myself a carafe of coffee, put ice cubes in a glass and poured the hot coffee over the ice cubes.
contemplating iced coffee
a sip of cold rich liquid
satisfies my coffee lover's soul
while keeping me cool
in triple digit Las Vegas.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Tribulation Tuesday: Technical Difficulties
Fiḍál (Grace), 10 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 22, 2014 about 5:17 pm Pacific Daylight Time
All right, to some technical difficulties may not seem like something that could cause unhappiness because it is something one learns to expect when dealing with computers. However, the technical difficulties I am referring to have nothing to do with computers. The technical difficulties I am talking about are moments or hours of depression and fantasizing about worst case scenarios, things that might happen but never occur.
In my case these technical difficulties cause me to procrastinate and worry. Procrastination causes stress because eventually I have to do the jobs I have put off. Worry causes stress because it lets my imagination run wild while rehashing everything I think I have to worry about. The stress causes me to lose stuff because I lay it down and forget what I laid it. The stress also cause fear because I forget words that I should know and I scar myself.
I know that some of what I just wrote does not make sense. I am not worried about making sense right now because the only thing I want to do is write. Writing helps alleviate stress. Prayer helps alleviate stress. I have to find my prayer book because I laid it down and cannot remember where I put it. I am experiencing technical difficulties today. I have experienced technical difficulties all week and I am putting a stop to it right now.
After I finish this entry I will say my noon prayer and then wash my lunch dishes. Once I accomplish those things, I will get back on line because I have more writing waiting and surveys to complete. I need to earn a little more money this month so I can replace the money I have to transfer from the savings to the checking so that I could get a little gas in my car.
All right, to some technical difficulties may not seem like something that could cause unhappiness because it is something one learns to expect when dealing with computers. However, the technical difficulties I am referring to have nothing to do with computers. The technical difficulties I am talking about are moments or hours of depression and fantasizing about worst case scenarios, things that might happen but never occur.
In my case these technical difficulties cause me to procrastinate and worry. Procrastination causes stress because eventually I have to do the jobs I have put off. Worry causes stress because it lets my imagination run wild while rehashing everything I think I have to worry about. The stress causes me to lose stuff because I lay it down and forget what I laid it. The stress also cause fear because I forget words that I should know and I scar myself.
I know that some of what I just wrote does not make sense. I am not worried about making sense right now because the only thing I want to do is write. Writing helps alleviate stress. Prayer helps alleviate stress. I have to find my prayer book because I laid it down and cannot remember where I put it. I am experiencing technical difficulties today. I have experienced technical difficulties all week and I am putting a stop to it right now.
After I finish this entry I will say my noon prayer and then wash my lunch dishes. Once I accomplish those things, I will get back on line because I have more writing waiting and surveys to complete. I need to earn a little more money this month so I can replace the money I have to transfer from the savings to the checking so that I could get a little gas in my car.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Meditation Monday: Swimming And Holding My Breath
Fiḍál (Grace), 10 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Monday, July 21, 2014 about 8:22 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I feel as if I've been swimming under water and holding my breath. I surface so that I can take a breath, I look around, and I find myself in an unfamiliar location. I don't recognize my surroundings or anything else. Where am I? I close my eyes, I take a deep breath, I open my eyes again, but I still can't recognize the terrain.That's the way I've felt lately. I know I'm doing something wrong, but tell myself I don't know what. The truth is that I do know what I'm doing wrong, I simply don't want to admit it either to myself or in writing.
What have I been doing wrong? When I get up in the morning, I take my first medication and then I sit down and the computer and get on-line. After I've been on-line a while I say my prayers, but that is the wrong order. I have to switch things around. I have to take my thyroid tablet the first thing of a morning; however, I don't have to get on-line until after I say my prayers and meditate on a verse of scripture.
"All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath."
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I feel as if I've been swimming under water and holding my breath. I surface so that I can take a breath, I look around, and I find myself in an unfamiliar location. I don't recognize my surroundings or anything else. Where am I? I close my eyes, I take a deep breath, I open my eyes again, but I still can't recognize the terrain.That's the way I've felt lately. I know I'm doing something wrong, but tell myself I don't know what. The truth is that I do know what I'm doing wrong, I simply don't want to admit it either to myself or in writing.
I cannot go on
My attitude has to change
Or nothing else will
What have I been doing wrong? When I get up in the morning, I take my first medication and then I sit down and the computer and get on-line. After I've been on-line a while I say my prayers, but that is the wrong order. I have to switch things around. I have to take my thyroid tablet the first thing of a morning; however, I don't have to get on-line until after I say my prayers and meditate on a verse of scripture.
One step at a time
In the morning on small change
That is all I need
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Serenity Saturday: The Calmness of a Sunday Afternoon
Jamál (Beauty), 8 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Sunday, July 20, 2014 about 2:11 pm Pacific Daylight Time
On this calm afternoon, I remember the Sunday's I spent with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank. In the morning we would god to church, which consisted of attending Sunday School and then church services afterwards. After church we would go to my grandparents' house and eat dinner.
Sunday dinner consisted of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed peas or spinach, soda or iced tea, and some type of desert. Grandma usually made a pie of some kind. I always liked Grandma Mary's rhubarb pie hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes it was home made ice cream and sometimes store bought. I liked the homemade ice cream better.
Serene Sundays
bring back childhood memories
and a joyful smile.
As I think back over to the days of my youth, I remember the serene days were those spent with my grandparents or sitting calming observing nature in all its beauty. I have not been to a park in a long time, I think I need to go on a afternoon picnic, sit in the shade of a tree, and watch the birds flying from branch to branch.
Serene Sundays
morning prayers are intoned
alleviates stress.
On this calm afternoon, I remember the Sunday's I spent with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank. In the morning we would god to church, which consisted of attending Sunday School and then church services afterwards. After church we would go to my grandparents' house and eat dinner.
Sunday dinner consisted of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed peas or spinach, soda or iced tea, and some type of desert. Grandma usually made a pie of some kind. I always liked Grandma Mary's rhubarb pie hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes it was home made ice cream and sometimes store bought. I liked the homemade ice cream better.
Serene Sundays
bring back childhood memories
and a joyful smile.
As I think back over to the days of my youth, I remember the serene days were those spent with my grandparents or sitting calming observing nature in all its beauty. I have not been to a park in a long time, I think I need to go on a afternoon picnic, sit in the shade of a tree, and watch the birds flying from branch to branch.
Serene Sundays
morning prayers are intoned
alleviates stress.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Summery Saturday: Thought on Today's Theme
Jalál (Glory), 7 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Saturday, July 19, 2014 about 7:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time
As Saturday draws to an end my thoughts go to the theme I chose for the day. I don't like it any more because it doesn't have a spiritual context. This is a blog about transformation and other spiritual subjects, I would like a Saturday theme that is closer to the theme of this blog. I am satisfied with only two themes (1) Meditation Monday (2) Thankful Thursday.
I went through several daily theme ideas for this blog, but very few of them satisfy me. I am again changing the daily themes for this blog and I can't seem to think of any that I like. Serenity Saturday sound good and I like the sound of it. Now all I have to day is come up with some thoughts of the subject. Perhaps I should consider answering the question What does serenity mean to me? or How do I achieve serenity? I need to sit down with my prayer book and say some prayers on this subject.
I like the sound of Serenity Saturday, now all I have to day is come up with a subject for each entry. Right now it could be Sleepy Saturday because I'm about to fall asleep on my keyboard, which wouldn't be a good idea because it would be an uncomfortable way to take a nap.
As Saturday draws to an end my thoughts go to the theme I chose for the day. I don't like it any more because it doesn't have a spiritual context. This is a blog about transformation and other spiritual subjects, I would like a Saturday theme that is closer to the theme of this blog. I am satisfied with only two themes (1) Meditation Monday (2) Thankful Thursday.
I went through several daily theme ideas for this blog, but very few of them satisfy me. I am again changing the daily themes for this blog and I can't seem to think of any that I like. Serenity Saturday sound good and I like the sound of it. Now all I have to day is come up with some thoughts of the subject. Perhaps I should consider answering the question What does serenity mean to me? or How do I achieve serenity? I need to sit down with my prayer book and say some prayers on this subject.
I like the sound of Serenity Saturday, now all I have to day is come up with a subject for each entry. Right now it could be Sleepy Saturday because I'm about to fall asleep on my keyboard, which wouldn't be a good idea because it would be an uncomfortable way to take a nap.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Foodie Friday: Don't start the day without coffee
Istiqlál (Independence), 6 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Friday, July 18, 2014 about 9:03 am Pacific Daylight Time
Don't start the day without coffee. Don't go back to bed, until after you've made a fresh carafe of coffee, if you get up at 1:30 am because you wake up and can't go back sleep. Those are my lessons and advice on the third Friday of July 2014. I had planned to make a Funny Friday enter this morning, but I couldn't remember encountering anything funny this week.
I got up at 1:30 am this morning because I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I responded to the blog prompts on writing.com, posted it, and then took my thyroid medication. I felt sleepy so I went back to the love seat (I don't have a bed to sleep in) and dozed off. I got up at 6:30, took my other morning med, made coffee, and then started to review on writing.com. I should have waited until after the coffee brewed before doing the first review because it wasn't up to my normal review quality.
Now that I've had a couple of cups of coffee, I will warm the roasted whole chicken I purchased at Smith's Food & Drug Store yesterday. I also purchased a small container of coleslaw which I will have with the chicken. I had a couple of coupons that needed to be used before July 20, so when I went to the store to get my medication I purchased a few other things and used the coupons I need to use before Sunday.
Now that I've had one or two cups of iced coffee I'm focusing, so now I can eat breakfast and plan the rest of my day. I think I will warm the chicken up in the pepper sauce I had left over from the chicken breast I cooked yesterday. So far this week I've eaten only chicken or fish, maybe it's time I purchased a small lean piece of beef to add variety to my diet. I also need to get some type of fresh vegetable because all I have in the house is canned green bean, corn, and carrots. I think I purchase some celery or green salad makings the next time I go to the grocery store.
Don't start the day without coffee. Don't go back to bed, until after you've made a fresh carafe of coffee, if you get up at 1:30 am because you wake up and can't go back sleep. Those are my lessons and advice on the third Friday of July 2014. I had planned to make a Funny Friday enter this morning, but I couldn't remember encountering anything funny this week.
I got up at 1:30 am this morning because I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I responded to the blog prompts on writing.com, posted it, and then took my thyroid medication. I felt sleepy so I went back to the love seat (I don't have a bed to sleep in) and dozed off. I got up at 6:30, took my other morning med, made coffee, and then started to review on writing.com. I should have waited until after the coffee brewed before doing the first review because it wasn't up to my normal review quality.
Now that I've had a couple of cups of coffee, I will warm the roasted whole chicken I purchased at Smith's Food & Drug Store yesterday. I also purchased a small container of coleslaw which I will have with the chicken. I had a couple of coupons that needed to be used before July 20, so when I went to the store to get my medication I purchased a few other things and used the coupons I need to use before Sunday.
Now that I've had one or two cups of iced coffee I'm focusing, so now I can eat breakfast and plan the rest of my day. I think I will warm the chicken up in the pepper sauce I had left over from the chicken breast I cooked yesterday. So far this week I've eaten only chicken or fish, maybe it's time I purchased a small lean piece of beef to add variety to my diet. I also need to get some type of fresh vegetable because all I have in the house is canned green bean, corn, and carrots. I think I purchase some celery or green salad makings the next time I go to the grocery store.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Midweek Reflections on a Long Day
‘Idál (Justice), 4 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 16, 2014 about 6:52 pm Pacific Daylight Time
In late afternoon
the sun cast long dark shadow
weariness sets in.
It's been a long day, which grows shorter as the month passes. In the middle of July, I listen to the air conditioner as it cools the hot afternoon. I'm tired, but there isn't any use going to sleep because I'm not sleepy. I don't get sleepy until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm. Then I go to be for a short night's sleep.
Day in and day out
I wonder what my life would
be like if I had a pet.
Perhaps I'm lonely. Living alone after so many years of living in the same house with my mother. I have to get used to doing everything by myself. I don't mind the work, but it would be nice to have someone to talk to about so many things. I would like to discuss my memories of growing up in Oklahoma.
Loneliness enhanced
by the long summer days that
pass in increments.
Writing helps alleviate the loneliness. Housework help alleviate the loneliness, I now understand why my grandmother did housework in the middle of the night when she couldn't sleep. Maybe I should try doing housework when I can't sleep instead of writing.
In late afternoon
the sun cast long dark shadow
weariness sets in.
It's been a long day, which grows shorter as the month passes. In the middle of July, I listen to the air conditioner as it cools the hot afternoon. I'm tired, but there isn't any use going to sleep because I'm not sleepy. I don't get sleepy until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm. Then I go to be for a short night's sleep.
Day in and day out
I wonder what my life would
be like if I had a pet.
Perhaps I'm lonely. Living alone after so many years of living in the same house with my mother. I have to get used to doing everything by myself. I don't mind the work, but it would be nice to have someone to talk to about so many things. I would like to discuss my memories of growing up in Oklahoma.
Loneliness enhanced
by the long summer days that
pass in increments.
Writing helps alleviate the loneliness. Housework help alleviate the loneliness, I now understand why my grandmother did housework in the middle of the night when she couldn't sleep. Maybe I should try doing housework when I can't sleep instead of writing.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Transformation Tuesday: I am in the process of transformation
Fiḍál (Grace), 3 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 15, 2014 about 2:43 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's transformation Tuesday and I'm in the process of transforming my cluttered studio apartment into an uncluttered studio apartment. I want to do it without assistance from friends or family to prove to myself that I can do it. It was going fairly well, not perfect, until the exterminator came and I had to remove stuff from cabinets.
I am now rearranging cabinets as I put kitchen stuff away. It's going slowly because I work in the kitchen for a while and then sit down at the computer to work on-line for a little while. This is the way I multitask; I know I could get the kitchen rearranged if I kept at it all day. I also know that for me working at one task for an extended period of time is next to impossible.
I decided to moved the canned good from the cabinets under the kitchen counter to one over it. This way I do not have to bend down when I want a can of vegetables. It's also easier to see what kind of vegetable I have. It also gives me more room under the counter for my pots and pans, which I don't want to store in the stove.
It's transformation Tuesday and I'm in the process of transforming my cluttered studio apartment into an uncluttered studio apartment. I want to do it without assistance from friends or family to prove to myself that I can do it. It was going fairly well, not perfect, until the exterminator came and I had to remove stuff from cabinets.
I am now rearranging cabinets as I put kitchen stuff away. It's going slowly because I work in the kitchen for a while and then sit down at the computer to work on-line for a little while. This is the way I multitask; I know I could get the kitchen rearranged if I kept at it all day. I also know that for me working at one task for an extended period of time is next to impossible.
I decided to moved the canned good from the cabinets under the kitchen counter to one over it. This way I do not have to bend down when I want a can of vegetables. It's also easier to see what kind of vegetable I have. It also gives me more room under the counter for my pots and pans, which I don't want to store in the stove.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sundry Sunday: What's on My Mind on Sunday, July 13, 2014
Jamál (Beauty), 1 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Sunday, July 13, 2014 about 5:45 am Pacific Daylight Time
Middle of July
temperatures are rising high
a busy week planned.
I have a grief counseling group meeting on Wednesday at 4:00 pm. I had a dream about the meeting last night or early this morning. In the dream, I arrived at the meeting place, but found that it was being held in a different room. I went in and took a seat at the head of a huge rectangular table. Normally we sit at a small round table and even when we have a square or rectangular table, I do not sit at the head.One of the other members came in with a large container of hot chicken. I had forgotten that each of us was supposed to bring something to eat.
What did I forget?
Was it something important?
Was it about food?
Because of t his dream, I wonder if I forgot something. Am I supposed to take something to the next meeting? At the last meeting, I mentioned writing a poem about dementia, perhaps I am supposed to take a copy of that. I will have to see if I can get the other computer and the printer to cooperate so that I can print off a copy.
Middle of July
temperatures are rising high
a busy week planned.
I have a grief counseling group meeting on Wednesday at 4:00 pm. I had a dream about the meeting last night or early this morning. In the dream, I arrived at the meeting place, but found that it was being held in a different room. I went in and took a seat at the head of a huge rectangular table. Normally we sit at a small round table and even when we have a square or rectangular table, I do not sit at the head.One of the other members came in with a large container of hot chicken. I had forgotten that each of us was supposed to bring something to eat.
What did I forget?
Was it something important?
Was it about food?
Because of t his dream, I wonder if I forgot something. Am I supposed to take something to the next meeting? At the last meeting, I mentioned writing a poem about dementia, perhaps I am supposed to take a copy of that. I will have to see if I can get the other computer and the printer to cooperate so that I can print off a copy.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Thoughs on A Friday Afternoon
Istiqlál (Independence), 18 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Friday, July 11, 2014 about 5:07 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It is summer
the days are getting shorter,
but they are still long hot days.
My thoughts on this Friday afternoon are scattered. I still have a lot of work to do to put all the dishes back in the cabinets. I have not received the battery for my new upgraded modem, so I did not hook it up today. I expect the battery will come Saturday, at least I hope it comes Saturday otherwise I will have to wait until Monday to call Cox Communications to see why I have not received the battery as yet.
Patience
is a virtue I am short of
on this summer afternoon.
I am not sure what is causing my impatience. I feel as if time is moving slowly, but the days are speeding past. I know that does not make sense. I feel as if something has changed and my life is about to take a new turn. I have had any of the dreams that indicate something is about to change; however, I feel as if the air is charged with electricity. I also feel a bit depressed and I do not have a reason for the depression.
Prayer
and the scent of almonds
and vanilla
I know where the scent of almonds and vanilla originated. I opened the contain of deodorant I purchased the other day and it smells like almonds and vanilla. Normally, I do not purchase perfumed deodorant, but I decided to buy something different this time. I like the scent so I may continue purchasing deodorant with some type of aroma.
It is summer
the days are getting shorter,
but they are still long hot days.
My thoughts on this Friday afternoon are scattered. I still have a lot of work to do to put all the dishes back in the cabinets. I have not received the battery for my new upgraded modem, so I did not hook it up today. I expect the battery will come Saturday, at least I hope it comes Saturday otherwise I will have to wait until Monday to call Cox Communications to see why I have not received the battery as yet.
Patience
is a virtue I am short of
on this summer afternoon.
I am not sure what is causing my impatience. I feel as if time is moving slowly, but the days are speeding past. I know that does not make sense. I feel as if something has changed and my life is about to take a new turn. I have had any of the dreams that indicate something is about to change; however, I feel as if the air is charged with electricity. I also feel a bit depressed and I do not have a reason for the depression.
Prayer
and the scent of almonds
and vanilla
I know where the scent of almonds and vanilla originated. I opened the contain of deodorant I purchased the other day and it smells like almonds and vanilla. Normally, I do not purchase perfumed deodorant, but I decided to buy something different this time. I like the scent so I may continue purchasing deodorant with some type of aroma.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Thursday Thoughts: The Exterminator Came Today
Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Thursday, July 10, 2014 about 4:49 pm Pacific Daylight Time
The exterminator came today and sprayed for bugs. I had to take everything out of the cabinets so that they man could spray up there and now I have to wash all the dishes before I put them away. Since I have problems standing for more then five or ten minutes at a time it is going to take a while to get everything put back where it belongs. When I was taking the dishes down, I realized that I have too many dishes for just one person. Therefore, as I put them up I will decided what I want to keep and what I want to give away.
It is going to take me all weekend to wash out the cupboards and the dishes so that I can put them away. At least I can get everything rearranged so that it is easier for me to get. I think I will move the canned goods to a higher cabinet so that it is easier for me to reach and to see what type of canned vegetables I have. Stooping down or sitting on a step stool every time I want to open a can is difficult. When I put the cans in the cabinets below the sink I did not think about how difficult it would be to get them. I think I will put the dishes I do not use very often in the low cupboards.
The exterminator came today and sprayed for bugs. I had to take everything out of the cabinets so that they man could spray up there and now I have to wash all the dishes before I put them away. Since I have problems standing for more then five or ten minutes at a time it is going to take a while to get everything put back where it belongs. When I was taking the dishes down, I realized that I have too many dishes for just one person. Therefore, as I put them up I will decided what I want to keep and what I want to give away.
It is going to take me all weekend to wash out the cupboards and the dishes so that I can put them away. At least I can get everything rearranged so that it is easier for me to get. I think I will move the canned goods to a higher cabinet so that it is easier for me to reach and to see what type of canned vegetables I have. Stooping down or sitting on a step stool every time I want to open a can is difficult. When I put the cans in the cabinets below the sink I did not think about how difficult it would be to get them. I think I will put the dishes I do not use very often in the low cupboards.
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
I Think I'm becoming a Hermit
‘Idál (Justice), 16 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 9, 2014 about 5:51 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I think I'm becoming a hermit. I go out only when I absolutely have to and sometimes I even talk myself out of going out then. It didn't bother me until this afternoon, in fact I didn't even consider it a possibility until today. This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the grocery store. When I returned home, instead of getting ready to go to the Commemoration of the Martyrdom of The Bab, I changed into my house skirt and blouse. I made some blog entries and then at noon I said the Tablet of Visitation.
At the grocery store, I purchased a small container of deodorant because when I took my bath this morning I found out I was out. I specifically purchased the deodorant so that I could go out, but instead I remained home. I'll have to make more of an effort to get out because I don't think I like being a recluse. Sometimes I don't enjoy being around people, but that doesn't mean I enjoy being a hermit or a recluse.
I know, that despite opinions to the contrary, living in seclusion is not good for a person's spiritual development. On the journey of transformation an individual needs to interact with the rest of humanity because some of the soul's attributes can only be developed during those interactions. I have to make more of a effort to get out of my studio apartment and my shell.
I think I'm becoming a hermit. I go out only when I absolutely have to and sometimes I even talk myself out of going out then. It didn't bother me until this afternoon, in fact I didn't even consider it a possibility until today. This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the grocery store. When I returned home, instead of getting ready to go to the Commemoration of the Martyrdom of The Bab, I changed into my house skirt and blouse. I made some blog entries and then at noon I said the Tablet of Visitation.
At the grocery store, I purchased a small container of deodorant because when I took my bath this morning I found out I was out. I specifically purchased the deodorant so that I could go out, but instead I remained home. I'll have to make more of an effort to get out because I don't think I like being a recluse. Sometimes I don't enjoy being around people, but that doesn't mean I enjoy being a hermit or a recluse.
I know, that despite opinions to the contrary, living in seclusion is not good for a person's spiritual development. On the journey of transformation an individual needs to interact with the rest of humanity because some of the soul's attributes can only be developed during those interactions. I have to make more of a effort to get out of my studio apartment and my shell.
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
On a Beautiful Tuesday morning
Fiḍál (Grace), 15 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 8, 2014 about 10:23 am Pacific Daylight Time
morning prayers said,
the Venetian blinds opened
white fish for breakfast
beautiful Tuesday
the sun concealed behind clouds
will it rain today
blog entries composed
flash fiction story to write
crystal water fall
i am moving on
i am learning to let go
Tuesday morning work
morning prayers said,
the Venetian blinds opened
white fish for breakfast
beautiful Tuesday
the sun concealed behind clouds
will it rain today
blog entries composed
flash fiction story to write
crystal water fall
i am moving on
i am learning to let go
Tuesday morning work
Monday, July 07, 2014
Makeup (Catchup) Monday: Attempting to Catch up on some work
Kamál (Perfection), 14 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Monday, July 7, 2014 about 11:44 am Pacific Daylight Time
It's catchupmakeup Monday,
so I'm eating barbecued chicken
with sweet peas for lunch
and attempting to get the back load
under control.
I feel as if I'm behind on everything, but I don't think that's an accurate statement or feeling. For sometime now I've felt as if I was walking in a fog. I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but it's put me behind on everything. I have to attempt to get caught up this week. I know I can't get everything I want to accomplish in one day or one week; however I can get something done.
Don't focus on the big picture,
rather look at a small space,
at one box,
at one file folder,
get something accomplished
get the trash
taken out to the alley.
I find myself looking at the big picture. I look at everything I have to accomplish and because frustrated. I have to learn to narrow my focus to one small space or one item at a time. The only way to get anything done is in small sections. Say a prayer of assistance and then get to work washing dishes, sweeping the floor, or sorting laundry.
It's catchup
so I'm eating barbecued chicken
with sweet peas for lunch
and attempting to get the back load
under control.
I feel as if I'm behind on everything, but I don't think that's an accurate statement or feeling. For sometime now I've felt as if I was walking in a fog. I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but it's put me behind on everything. I have to attempt to get caught up this week. I know I can't get everything I want to accomplish in one day or one week; however I can get something done.
Don't focus on the big picture,
rather look at a small space,
at one box,
at one file folder,
get something accomplished
get the trash
taken out to the alley.
I find myself looking at the big picture. I look at everything I have to accomplish and because frustrated. I have to learn to narrow my focus to one small space or one item at a time. The only way to get anything done is in small sections. Say a prayer of assistance and then get to work washing dishes, sweeping the floor, or sorting laundry.
Sunday, July 06, 2014
Sundry Sunday: Sunshine, Blue Skies, and White Clouds
Jamál (Beauty), 13 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Sunday, July 6, 2014 about 12:18 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Good morning all! It is another beautiful Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas with bright sunshine, blue skies, and a random white cloud or two floating by. The neighbors are awake and playing pleasant music.
a blue sky Sunday
a warm day in Las Vegas
no dogs are barking
I just finished an entry in my writing.com blog. It took me longer then usual because part of the prompt required me picking out my two favorite blog post of the past week. All the responses to this weeks prompts were either poetry or thought provoking. When I encounter thougth provoking responses I have difficulty deciding which blog entry I like best.
a blue sky Sunday
the sun casting deep dark shadows
it is warm outside.
I have a flash fiction story to finish today. I also have a poem to write about moving on, but I cannot seem to get it started. I think I mentioned this issue before either in this blog or my other one. Perhaps I should try writing the poem while listening to music.
a blue sky Sunday
white clouds float past my window
no birds are singing
Good morning all! It is another beautiful Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas with bright sunshine, blue skies, and a random white cloud or two floating by. The neighbors are awake and playing pleasant music.
a blue sky Sunday
a warm day in Las Vegas
no dogs are barking
I just finished an entry in my writing.com blog. It took me longer then usual because part of the prompt required me picking out my two favorite blog post of the past week. All the responses to this weeks prompts were either poetry or thought provoking. When I encounter thougth provoking responses I have difficulty deciding which blog entry I like best.
a blue sky Sunday
the sun casting deep dark shadows
it is warm outside.
I have a flash fiction story to finish today. I also have a poem to write about moving on, but I cannot seem to get it started. I think I mentioned this issue before either in this blog or my other one. Perhaps I should try writing the poem while listening to music.
a blue sky Sunday
white clouds float past my window
no birds are singing
Friday, July 04, 2014
Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July
Istiqlál (Independence), 12 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Friday, July 4, 2014 about 11:17 am Pacific Daylight Time
Have a safe
and Happy Fourth of July
while celebrating America's birthday
and don't for get to say
The Prayer for America today.
Have a Happy Fourth of July
while listening to patriotic songs
such as Yankee Doodle Dandy,
America the Beautiful,
or The Star Spangled Banner
while watching
red, white, and blue fireworks
decorate the night sky.
Have a safe
and Happy Fourth of July
while celebrating America's birthday
and don't for get to say
The Prayer for America today.
Have a Happy Fourth of July
while listening to patriotic songs
such as Yankee Doodle Dandy,
America the Beautiful,
or The Star Spangled Banner
while watching
red, white, and blue fireworks
decorate the night sky.
Thursday, July 03, 2014
Thankful Thursday: July 3, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Thursday, July 3, 2014 about 5:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for Canada Dry Ginger Ale because it was my Grandma Mary's favorite and every time I drink it I remember Grandma.
02. ...that I can purchase Ginger Ale in 16 oz. bottles because they are easier for me to carry, store, and drink.
03. ...for fireworks on the 4th of July because it brings back memories from my childhood.
04. ...that I can purchase individual watermelons because they are easier for me to carry, store, and eat.
05. ...for English Black tea because it makes good hot tea and iced tea.
06. ...that I have a container in the bathroom to keep an extra roll of toilet paper because then I know when to go to the store to purchase more. I live in a studio apartment and their is not a very much storage that I can reach easily.
07. ...for the news-feed on writing.com because it reminds me to post my weekly goals update.
08. ...that tomorrow (Friday) is the 4th of July because I do not have to worry about going anywhere except to the alley to take out the trash.
09. ...for Dijon mustard because it taste good on hot dogs which is another 4th of July treat.
10. ...that I have a Facebook account because I can wish my brothers a Happy 4th of July without worrying that they will not be home when I call them.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for Canada Dry Ginger Ale because it was my Grandma Mary's favorite and every time I drink it I remember Grandma.
02. ...that I can purchase Ginger Ale in 16 oz. bottles because they are easier for me to carry, store, and drink.
03. ...for fireworks on the 4th of July because it brings back memories from my childhood.
04. ...that I can purchase individual watermelons because they are easier for me to carry, store, and eat.
05. ...for English Black tea because it makes good hot tea and iced tea.
06. ...that I have a container in the bathroom to keep an extra roll of toilet paper because then I know when to go to the store to purchase more. I live in a studio apartment and their is not a very much storage that I can reach easily.
07. ...for the news-feed on writing.com because it reminds me to post my weekly goals update.
08. ...that tomorrow (Friday) is the 4th of July because I do not have to worry about going anywhere except to the alley to take out the trash.
09. ...for Dijon mustard because it taste good on hot dogs which is another 4th of July treat.
10. ...that I have a Facebook account because I can wish my brothers a Happy 4th of July without worrying that they will not be home when I call them.
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
Midweek Reflects or The Hump Day Chronicles: Wednesday, July 2, 2014
‘Idál (Justice), 10 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 2, 2014 about 10:01 am Pacific Daylight Time
I thought up the title The Hump Day Chronicles this morning when I made an entry in Welcome to My Weird Life on writing.com. In that journal, I put a few of the things I accomplished early this morning. Since then I accomplished several more things including checking my bank account to see if the Cox Communications payment had came in. The account revealed that the bank was processing that draft. Therefore, the only thing I have to worry about is paying the power bill.
It has been an interesting and productive morning. I finished the breakfast dishes and washed out the electric fry pan. I still have to go out after today's mail, but I think I will wait until I go to my group meeting this afternoon. I have to finish a short story, do some reviews, and decide whether I will go to the laundromat tomorrow or shopping after I get out of the doctor's office at 8:00 am.
I have to stop at the bank tomorrow morning to pay the rent, so I may just as well get $20.00 in quarters for the washing machines. It won't take that much; however, if I get $20.00 then I will not have to go back to the bank for laundry money in July.
Speaking of laundry money, I had an unusual dream about money last night. I dreamed I found a $10.00 roll of quarters in my purse. I know it was quarters because the coins were too big for nickles, dimes, or pennies. I have not dreamed about finding money since I moved into this studio apartment. I do not know what the dream means, but I consider it a good sign since it is the first time I have had a dream like that this year.
I thought up the title The Hump Day Chronicles this morning when I made an entry in Welcome to My Weird Life on writing.com. In that journal, I put a few of the things I accomplished early this morning. Since then I accomplished several more things including checking my bank account to see if the Cox Communications payment had came in. The account revealed that the bank was processing that draft. Therefore, the only thing I have to worry about is paying the power bill.
It has been an interesting and productive morning. I finished the breakfast dishes and washed out the electric fry pan. I still have to go out after today's mail, but I think I will wait until I go to my group meeting this afternoon. I have to finish a short story, do some reviews, and decide whether I will go to the laundromat tomorrow or shopping after I get out of the doctor's office at 8:00 am.
I have to stop at the bank tomorrow morning to pay the rent, so I may just as well get $20.00 in quarters for the washing machines. It won't take that much; however, if I get $20.00 then I will not have to go back to the bank for laundry money in July.
Speaking of laundry money, I had an unusual dream about money last night. I dreamed I found a $10.00 roll of quarters in my purse. I know it was quarters because the coins were too big for nickles, dimes, or pennies. I have not dreamed about finding money since I moved into this studio apartment. I do not know what the dream means, but I consider it a good sign since it is the first time I have had a dream like that this year.
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Tuesday Ten: Reasons to Take an Afternoon Nap
Fiḍál (Grace), 9 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 1, 2014 - about 2:03 pm Pacific Daylight Time
01. My eyelids are heavy and want to close as I compose a blog entry, story, or poem.
02. I am yawning while I type these words into my blog document.
03. It is 106 degrees Fahrenheit here in Las Vegas, so there is no reason for me to go outside until it cools down.
04. If I get too sleepy there is a good chance I will go to sleep where I am sitting. If I do that then it is possible I will drool on my keyboard.
05. It is not a good idea to go to sleep sitting up in a kitchen chair because it is possible for me to fall out of the chair. (This happen a couple of times when I was living in the house on Bracken).
06. An afternoon nap is a good reason to put off going outside for the mail.
07. People who take naps in the afternoon can stay up until midnight without any problems.
08. Naps encourage dreaming and dreaming encourages my muse.
09. A nap is a pleasant and acceptable reason to procrastinate.
10. People who take naps are better rested and happier.
01. My eyelids are heavy and want to close as I compose a blog entry, story, or poem.
02. I am yawning while I type these words into my blog document.
03. It is 106 degrees Fahrenheit here in Las Vegas, so there is no reason for me to go outside until it cools down.
04. If I get too sleepy there is a good chance I will go to sleep where I am sitting. If I do that then it is possible I will drool on my keyboard.
05. It is not a good idea to go to sleep sitting up in a kitchen chair because it is possible for me to fall out of the chair. (This happen a couple of times when I was living in the house on Bracken).
06. An afternoon nap is a good reason to put off going outside for the mail.
07. People who take naps in the afternoon can stay up until midnight without any problems.
08. Naps encourage dreaming and dreaming encourages my muse.
09. A nap is a pleasant and acceptable reason to procrastinate.
10. People who take naps are better rested and happier.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Sundry Sunday: What am I thinking today?
Jamál (Beauty), 6 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Sunday, June 29, 2014 about 5:05 pm Pacific Daylight Time
What am I thinking today? I am thinking about the weird noises I hear in this neighborhood. These are noises I cannot identify and, since I do not know what is making them, they are weird noises. Any noise I can identify is not weird. The advantage to hearing unidentifiable noise is story and poem ideas. Once I figure out how to describe the noise then I can write about it.
Today, June 29, I heard a high pitched peeping, squeaking, whistling noise. I suspect it may have been some type of car alarm, but it did not sound like any car alarm I ever heard. It could just as easily have been a burglar alarm; however, I have never hear a burglar alarm sound like that. I did not hear any emergency vehicle sirens, so I do not think it was a burglar alarm. I have no idea what it was, but it went on for about fifteen or twenty minutes.
The noise did not seem to bother anyone else in the neighborhood, so I do not think it was anything very important. Of course, I could be wrong there because maybe people in this neighborhood do not respond to weird noises. I do not think the people in this neighborhood respond to much of anything, except perhaps neighbors having a knock down drag out fight and then someone usually calls the police.
What am I thinking today? I am thinking about the weird noises I hear in this neighborhood. These are noises I cannot identify and, since I do not know what is making them, they are weird noises. Any noise I can identify is not weird. The advantage to hearing unidentifiable noise is story and poem ideas. Once I figure out how to describe the noise then I can write about it.
Today, June 29, I heard a high pitched peeping, squeaking, whistling noise. I suspect it may have been some type of car alarm, but it did not sound like any car alarm I ever heard. It could just as easily have been a burglar alarm; however, I have never hear a burglar alarm sound like that. I did not hear any emergency vehicle sirens, so I do not think it was a burglar alarm. I have no idea what it was, but it went on for about fifteen or twenty minutes.
The noise did not seem to bother anyone else in the neighborhood, so I do not think it was anything very important. Of course, I could be wrong there because maybe people in this neighborhood do not respond to weird noises. I do not think the people in this neighborhood respond to much of anything, except perhaps neighbors having a knock down drag out fight and then someone usually calls the police.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Foodie Friday: White Fish, Chicken, or Canned Chicken Stew
Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Friday, June 27, 2014 - about 3:01 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Decisions, decisions, decisions, the decisions never end. I have a choice this weekend, i have white fish and chicken thighs in the freezer, while in the cabinet I have a can of chicken in water and several cans of various vegetables. I have to decide what I will fix to eat this weekend, whatever I fix to eat I will have to open a can of vegetable to go with it.
When I went to the store yesterday, I purchased peanut butter, Ovaltime©, and white fish. I did not purchase any fresh vegetable because I had lots of canned vegetable in the cabinet. If I have fresh vegetable then I will not open a can of vegetable. I have to start opening the canned vegetable and eating those. I am not sure what other types of canned good I have, so while I looking for vegetables I will see what else is down there.
Maybe I'll fix the white fish with a can of corn or some green beans for lunch. For breakfast I will have hotcakes and eggs with some chicken sausage. This is the first time I have tried chicken sausage, normally I purchase the turkey sausage; however, this time I decided to try the chicken.
Decisions, decisions, decisions, the decisions never end. I have a choice this weekend, i have white fish and chicken thighs in the freezer, while in the cabinet I have a can of chicken in water and several cans of various vegetables. I have to decide what I will fix to eat this weekend, whatever I fix to eat I will have to open a can of vegetable to go with it.
When I went to the store yesterday, I purchased peanut butter, Ovaltime©, and white fish. I did not purchase any fresh vegetable because I had lots of canned vegetable in the cabinet. If I have fresh vegetable then I will not open a can of vegetable. I have to start opening the canned vegetable and eating those. I am not sure what other types of canned good I have, so while I looking for vegetables I will see what else is down there.
Maybe I'll fix the white fish with a can of corn or some green beans for lunch. For breakfast I will have hotcakes and eggs with some chicken sausage. This is the first time I have tried chicken sausage, normally I purchase the turkey sausage; however, this time I decided to try the chicken.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Meditation Monday: Take a Deep Breath
Kamál (Perfection), 19 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Monday, June 23, 2014 about 6:44 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Inhale,
focus on my breath,
and then exhale.
Sometimes it helps if I put a crocheted throw over my head, which seems to help me concentrate. However, many times the only way I can concentrate is to read the prayers in my prayer book. Focusing on my breath doesn't always work, so I have to find another way to meditate and clear my mind.
Take a deep breath,
open the prayer book
to a random page
and begin to read.
I can focus on the words when I can't seem to focus on my breath. I can focus on the feeling I get from reading the prayers aloud. I can focus on the sound of my voice when I read the prayers. I wonder why I can't seem to focus on my breath when I attempt that form of meditation.
Inhale,
open the prayer book,
exhale,
chose a random page,
inhale,
begin reading the prayer,
and remember to exhale
with each word.
Keep my journal close so that I can write after I finish. This is when I begin my spiritual poem. After meditation and prayer, I can write easily. After meditation and prayer I'm able to focus. After meditation and prayer worry disappears.
Inhale,
focus on my breath,
and then exhale.
Sometimes it helps if I put a crocheted throw over my head, which seems to help me concentrate. However, many times the only way I can concentrate is to read the prayers in my prayer book. Focusing on my breath doesn't always work, so I have to find another way to meditate and clear my mind.
Take a deep breath,
open the prayer book
to a random page
and begin to read.
I can focus on the words when I can't seem to focus on my breath. I can focus on the feeling I get from reading the prayers aloud. I can focus on the sound of my voice when I read the prayers. I wonder why I can't seem to focus on my breath when I attempt that form of meditation.
Inhale,
open the prayer book,
exhale,
chose a random page,
inhale,
begin reading the prayer,
and remember to exhale
with each word.
Keep my journal close so that I can write after I finish. This is when I begin my spiritual poem. After meditation and prayer, I can write easily. After meditation and prayer I'm able to focus. After meditation and prayer worry disappears.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Summary Saturday: Summer Solstice
Jalál (Glory), 17 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Saturday, June 21, 2014 about 10:19 am Pacific Daylight Time
Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. It will not be long enough to accomplish everything I want to do today, but then no day is that long. I did do a fair job of accomplishing what I wanted this week; however, I could do better.
I think I need to change the way I do things. I either need a bit more organization or I need to set a time limit on each writing or housework project. I suspect the time limit would be better because every time I attempt to organize I start focusing on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. Also a time limit would be easier since I have an alarm on my cellphone and an oven time on my desk. I usually only use the oven timer for timed free writes. I prefer to use it for writing I intend to edit later rather then right after I finish, but I can change the way I write.
I can also change the way I do housework. Maybe I should use the oven timer for household chores. Give myself ten or fifteen minutes to do dishes or prepare something to cook. I have no idea how that is going to work, but it will not hurt to attempt using the timer for these chores.
Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. It will not be long enough to accomplish everything I want to do today, but then no day is that long. I did do a fair job of accomplishing what I wanted this week; however, I could do better.
I think I need to change the way I do things. I either need a bit more organization or I need to set a time limit on each writing or housework project. I suspect the time limit would be better because every time I attempt to organize I start focusing on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. Also a time limit would be easier since I have an alarm on my cellphone and an oven time on my desk. I usually only use the oven timer for timed free writes. I prefer to use it for writing I intend to edit later rather then right after I finish, but I can change the way I write.
I can also change the way I do housework. Maybe I should use the oven timer for household chores. Give myself ten or fifteen minutes to do dishes or prepare something to cook. I have no idea how that is going to work, but it will not hurt to attempt using the timer for these chores.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Thankful Thursday: My Gratitude List for Thursday, June 19, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Thursday, June 19, 2014 about 1:02 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I an thankful...
01. ...for iced coffee on a hot Las Vegas day.
02. ...that I am not on kidney dialysis and that I only have stage 3 kidney disease.
03. ...for all of my online friends at writing.com.
04. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.
05. ...for all of my Baha'i family here in Las Vegas, Nevada, and across the world.
06. ...that I went to my grief counseling group yesterday because I got an idea for a blog or journal entry. The question was ask "What do I want to do?" I will answer that question in one or two blog entries this coming week.
07. ...for homemade celery soup which I am eating for my lunch and dinner today.
08. ...that I have an Internet connection so that I can make some money online and socialize with my online friends.
09. ...for the 16 oz. bottle of water I put in the freezer a couple of days ago. I intended to take it with me when I went to my meeting last night, however, I forget to take it out of the freezer an hour or so before I left the house. Since it was not sitting out where I could see it, I forgot to take it with me.
10. ...that I have some wonderful memories of growing up in Oklahoma that I can use when I write stories or poems.
Today I an thankful...
01. ...for iced coffee on a hot Las Vegas day.
02. ...that I am not on kidney dialysis and that I only have stage 3 kidney disease.
03. ...for all of my online friends at writing.com.
04. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.
05. ...for all of my Baha'i family here in Las Vegas, Nevada, and across the world.
06. ...that I went to my grief counseling group yesterday because I got an idea for a blog or journal entry. The question was ask "What do I want to do?" I will answer that question in one or two blog entries this coming week.
07. ...for homemade celery soup which I am eating for my lunch and dinner today.
08. ...that I have an Internet connection so that I can make some money online and socialize with my online friends.
09. ...for the 16 oz. bottle of water I put in the freezer a couple of days ago. I intended to take it with me when I went to my meeting last night, however, I forget to take it out of the freezer an hour or so before I left the house. Since it was not sitting out where I could see it, I forgot to take it with me.
10. ...that I have some wonderful memories of growing up in Oklahoma that I can use when I write stories or poems.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Tuesday Ten: Websites I check every day
Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Tuesday, June 17, 2014 about 3:07 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Ten websites I check everyday or every other day
01. writing.com where I am Prosperous Snow.
02. blogger where I have my blogs and I am Poet 999.
03. Be On for Publishers
04. Facebook
05. Foodfact.com I use this to check the potassium levels in my foods.
06> Baha'i Reference Library where I find Baha'i Sacred Writings.
07. SocialSpark Blog Marketing
08. SoulPancake
09. YouTube
10. Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus
Ten websites I check everyday or every other day
01. writing.com where I am Prosperous Snow.
02. blogger where I have my blogs and I am Poet 999.
03. Be On for Publishers
04. Facebook
05. Foodfact.com I use this to check the potassium levels in my foods.
06> Baha'i Reference Library where I find Baha'i Sacred Writings.
07. SocialSpark Blog Marketing
08. SoulPancake
09. YouTube
10. Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Sundry Sunday: Father's Day
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Sunday, June 15, 2014 about 6:24 am Pacific Daylight Time
Happy Father's Day!
Is the message I would send
Today to Daddy.
I am not sure I ever wished my father a Happy Father's Day. If I did I was so young that I do not remember saying the words to him. I do not remember saying "I love you, Daddy." either. My parents were divorced when I was quite young and I do not have that many memories of my father. I do not remember seeing him after the divorce.
I miss you Daddy
As I write this and I cry
I say a prayer.
My father died on April 14, 1998, but I did not hear about it until I did an Internet search for him and then it was too late to contact him. I regret that I did not get to see Daddy one last time before he died. I regret that I learned about his death through an Internet search. The only way I can wish him a Happy Father's Day is to open my prayer book and say a prayer for the departed, which I did before beginning this entry.
I miss you Daddy
I want to say I love you
Kiss you on the cheek.
What do I remember about my Father? I remember Daddy carrying me on his shoulders. I remember Daddy holding my hand when we walked down the street or up the front steps. I remember the scent of Old Spice. I remember random words and sometimes I hear his voice in my mind.
Happy Father's Day!
Is the message I would send
Today to Daddy.
I am not sure I ever wished my father a Happy Father's Day. If I did I was so young that I do not remember saying the words to him. I do not remember saying "I love you, Daddy." either. My parents were divorced when I was quite young and I do not have that many memories of my father. I do not remember seeing him after the divorce.
I miss you Daddy
As I write this and I cry
I say a prayer.
My father died on April 14, 1998, but I did not hear about it until I did an Internet search for him and then it was too late to contact him. I regret that I did not get to see Daddy one last time before he died. I regret that I learned about his death through an Internet search. The only way I can wish him a Happy Father's Day is to open my prayer book and say a prayer for the departed, which I did before beginning this entry.
I miss you Daddy
I want to say I love you
Kiss you on the cheek.
What do I remember about my Father? I remember Daddy carrying me on his shoulders. I remember Daddy holding my hand when we walked down the street or up the front steps. I remember the scent of Old Spice. I remember random words and sometimes I hear his voice in my mind.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Foodie Friday: Happy Friday the Thirteenth
Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Friday, June 13, 2014 about 10:22 am Pacific Daylight Time
Happy Friday the Thirteenth or perhaps I should say have a lucky Friday the Thirteenth. There are lots of superstitions about Friday, food, and the number thirteen. Some of these superstitions are amusing and some of them cause a person to stare blankly into space shaking his or her head in astonishment. One of the food superstitions that I grew up with concerned eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day.
Every year I remember Grandma fixing black eyed peas. On December 31, Grandma Mary put the black eyed peas to soak and then, on the morning of January 1, she would put them on to stove to cook. Before turning on the burner, she would add salt, a table spoon of white vinegar, and either pigs feet or fat back. The peas were always cooked by the time the family was ready to eat in the afternoon.
Another superstition I was brought up with concerned salt. If either my sibling or I inadvertently spilled the salt then Grandma or Grandpa would tell that person to throw a pinch of salt over his or her right shoulder. I remember seeing my grandparents and parents do the same thing when they spilled the salt.
A superstition my family never had to worry about was having thirteen guest at the dinner table. I doubt that we could have fit that many people at the table anyway because there was barely enough room for the eight people at our table much less thirteen. Still it is considered unlucky to have thirteen people at a dinner table or a dinner party.
Happy Friday the Thirteenth or perhaps I should say have a lucky Friday the Thirteenth. There are lots of superstitions about Friday, food, and the number thirteen. Some of these superstitions are amusing and some of them cause a person to stare blankly into space shaking his or her head in astonishment. One of the food superstitions that I grew up with concerned eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day.
Every year I remember Grandma fixing black eyed peas. On December 31, Grandma Mary put the black eyed peas to soak and then, on the morning of January 1, she would put them on to stove to cook. Before turning on the burner, she would add salt, a table spoon of white vinegar, and either pigs feet or fat back. The peas were always cooked by the time the family was ready to eat in the afternoon.
Another superstition I was brought up with concerned salt. If either my sibling or I inadvertently spilled the salt then Grandma or Grandpa would tell that person to throw a pinch of salt over his or her right shoulder. I remember seeing my grandparents and parents do the same thing when they spilled the salt.
A superstition my family never had to worry about was having thirteen guest at the dinner table. I doubt that we could have fit that many people at the table anyway because there was barely enough room for the eight people at our table much less thirteen. Still it is considered unlucky to have thirteen people at a dinner table or a dinner party.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Does Not Work for Me Wednesday: This does not work for me
‘Idál (Justice), 7 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Wednesday, June 11, 2014 about 7:27 am Pacific Daylight Time
It does not work for me when you refer to momentary memory issues a A Touch of Alzheimer's. I find this reference offensive because I have dealt with someone who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and I know the devastation it can cause to the sufferer and the family. I you think you may have a problem with Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia then ask your doctor for a referral to a geriatrician or neurologist, either of which are capable of determining if you are suffering from the early stages of these diseases.
I realize that you do not intend to be offensive when you use A Touch of Alzheimer's in a conversation, but the comment is offensive none the less. I watched my gentle and beautiful mother waste away from this disease. I felt her hit me when she got angry, which is something she never did before the disease begin to eat away at her memory, emotions, and personality. So please consider the feelings of those who have had personal experiences caring for family members suffering from Alzheimer's disease and do not use the term lightly in a conversation.
It does not work for me when you refer to momentary memory issues a A Touch of Alzheimer's. I find this reference offensive because I have dealt with someone who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and I know the devastation it can cause to the sufferer and the family. I you think you may have a problem with Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia then ask your doctor for a referral to a geriatrician or neurologist, either of which are capable of determining if you are suffering from the early stages of these diseases.
I realize that you do not intend to be offensive when you use A Touch of Alzheimer's in a conversation, but the comment is offensive none the less. I watched my gentle and beautiful mother waste away from this disease. I felt her hit me when she got angry, which is something she never did before the disease begin to eat away at her memory, emotions, and personality. So please consider the feelings of those who have had personal experiences caring for family members suffering from Alzheimer's disease and do not use the term lightly in a conversation.
Monday, June 09, 2014
Meditation Monday: Begin the Week with a Positive Thought
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Monday, June 9, 2014 about 11:28 am Pacific Daylight Time
It is Monday, the beginning of a new workweek. If you have a job that requires you to leave your house and work for someone else take a positive thought with you as you walk out the door. I read somewhere or someone told me (probably my mother or grandmother) that if you begin the day with a positive thought then every situation you encounter goes better and everything runs more smoothly.
I have found that the best way to begin the day and the week is with prayer, meditation, and a strong cup of coffee. After that the rest of the day flows smoothly even if sometime during the day you encounter rapids. When you do encounter rapids then take a deep breath, say a prayer for assistance, and attempt to steer yourself through the rapids. One thing about rapids is that they do not last forever, eventually the situation smooths and you get a chance to rest before encountering the next group of rapids.
It is Monday, the beginning of a new workweek. If you have a job that requires you to leave your house and work for someone else take a positive thought with you as you walk out the door. I read somewhere or someone told me (probably my mother or grandmother) that if you begin the day with a positive thought then every situation you encounter goes better and everything runs more smoothly.
I have found that the best way to begin the day and the week is with prayer, meditation, and a strong cup of coffee. After that the rest of the day flows smoothly even if sometime during the day you encounter rapids. When you do encounter rapids then take a deep breath, say a prayer for assistance, and attempt to steer yourself through the rapids. One thing about rapids is that they do not last forever, eventually the situation smooths and you get a chance to rest before encountering the next group of rapids.
Saturday, June 07, 2014
Summary Saturday: Sunshine and Triple Digit Temperatures
Jalál (Glory), 3 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Saturday, June 7, 2014 about 4:42 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It is the end of the first week in June, I am sitting in a cool apartment trying to decided what to fix with the chicken I have in the microwave. Every few minutes I glance out the window at the beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine. Every thirty minutes or so I check the local temperature on one of t he news website.
According to the website, the temperature is 102 degrees right now. It is supposed to drop to 101 degrees about 5:00 pm. I will check the temperature again about 5:30 to see if it dropped. I am planning to go grocery shopping on Sunday morning because I have to purchase some supplies for work on Tuesday.
It has been a warm week here in Las Vegas. The temperatures climbed into the triple digits almost everyday. So I have had to run t he air conditioner during the day, but I do not run it at night. I have a remote control that allows me to turn the cool air on and off at will. I hope it keeps the electricity bill down this summer.
It is the end of the first week in June, I am sitting in a cool apartment trying to decided what to fix with the chicken I have in the microwave. Every few minutes I glance out the window at the beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine. Every thirty minutes or so I check the local temperature on one of t he news website.
According to the website, the temperature is 102 degrees right now. It is supposed to drop to 101 degrees about 5:00 pm. I will check the temperature again about 5:30 to see if it dropped. I am planning to go grocery shopping on Sunday morning because I have to purchase some supplies for work on Tuesday.
It has been a warm week here in Las Vegas. The temperatures climbed into the triple digits almost everyday. So I have had to run t he air conditioner during the day, but I do not run it at night. I have a remote control that allows me to turn the cool air on and off at will. I hope it keeps the electricity bill down this summer.
Thursday, June 05, 2014
Thankful Thursday: On Thursday, June 5, 2014 I Am Thankful
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Thursday, June 5, 2014 about sunset Pacific Daylight Time
On Thursday, June 5, 2014 I am thankful that...
01. ...Nevada has early voting because it makes it easier to vote when you can do it while you are out shopping or running errands.
02. ...I received a jar of peanut butter with my June senior food allotment. I can now have peanut butter on my hot cakes.
03. ...I stopped at a full service gas station this morning for gas because the tires on the passenger side were low.
04. ...I was able to vote this morning before going the pick up my senior food allotment because now I do not have to worry about finding a pace to vote.
05. ...I have an Internet connection because I can earn some money to help with my bills.
06. ...I received a can of chicken in water with my senior food allotment, so now I can make my owe recipe for sloppy joes.
07. ...I only need 100,000 Gift Points on writing.com to extend my premium membership to the end of December.
I know that I'm supposed to list ten things I am thankful for, but for some reason today I can only think of seven, but I'm going to post it anyway.
On Thursday, June 5, 2014 I am thankful that...
01. ...Nevada has early voting because it makes it easier to vote when you can do it while you are out shopping or running errands.
02. ...I received a jar of peanut butter with my June senior food allotment. I can now have peanut butter on my hot cakes.
03. ...I stopped at a full service gas station this morning for gas because the tires on the passenger side were low.
04. ...I was able to vote this morning before going the pick up my senior food allotment because now I do not have to worry about finding a pace to vote.
05. ...I have an Internet connection because I can earn some money to help with my bills.
06. ...I received a can of chicken in water with my senior food allotment, so now I can make my owe recipe for sloppy joes.
07. ...I only need 100,000 Gift Points on writing.com to extend my premium membership to the end of December.
I know that I'm supposed to list ten things I am thankful for, but for some reason today I can only think of seven, but I'm going to post it anyway.
Tuesday, June 03, 2014
Tuesday Ten: Summer Activities
Fiḍál (Grace), 18 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Tuesday, June 3, 2014 about 3:51 Pacific Daylight Time
These are the things I plan to do this summer.
01. Survive the triple digit temperatures in Las Vegas
02. Participate in I Write June-July-August on writing.com
03. Get my hair cut, I'm not planning on dying it because I'm starting to like the gray. I do want it shorter because I can't stand long hair in the summer time.
04. Write a wikiHow article wikiHow. I set up an account under the name of Prosperous Snow.
05. Get a pair of new athletic shoes so that I can workout at the gym without my feet hurting.
06. Write a my own recipe for fresh fruit summer salad.
07. Take an MIT OpenCourse MIT Open Course.
08. Do a "bill reduction" The One Hour Project: Cleanse Your Monthly Bills
09. Read the book, Harley-Davidson 100 Years, that my friend gave me.
10. Make a blog entry on each of the items when I do them.
Those activities, working, and the housework should keep my mind and body busy this summer. Since I want to complete all of them and prove to myself that I can do ten projects in three months, I need to get going. I will post how the project are coming along on Saturday or Sunday.
These are the things I plan to do this summer.
01. Survive the triple digit temperatures in Las Vegas
02. Participate in I Write June-July-August on writing.com
03. Get my hair cut, I'm not planning on dying it because I'm starting to like the gray. I do want it shorter because I can't stand long hair in the summer time.
04. Write a wikiHow article wikiHow. I set up an account under the name of Prosperous Snow.
05. Get a pair of new athletic shoes so that I can workout at the gym without my feet hurting.
06. Write a my own recipe for fresh fruit summer salad.
07. Take an MIT OpenCourse MIT Open Course.
08. Do a "bill reduction" The One Hour Project: Cleanse Your Monthly Bills
09. Read the book, Harley-Davidson 100 Years, that my friend gave me.
10. Make a blog entry on each of the items when I do them.
Those activities, working, and the housework should keep my mind and body busy this summer. Since I want to complete all of them and prove to myself that I can do ten projects in three months, I need to get going. I will post how the project are coming along on Saturday or Sunday.
Sunday, June 01, 2014
Sundry Sunday: Thank God It's Sunday
Jamál (Beauty), 16 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Sunday, June 1, 2014 - about 6:04 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I know that it's normal to say Thank God It's Friday, but I'm glad for a new week and a new month occurring on the same day. Last week was confusing and there were days that I wasn't sure of the day or the date. I'm better today, I know the day, the date, and the time. I've caught up on two or three things that I was behind, all though, I still have to go to the laundromat.
I don't want to think about last week, but I'm going to have to face the fact that I still may have a couple of more items to catch up. I know I'll have to take some trash to the alley in the morning when I roll the laundry to the car. I'm not looking forward to going to the laundromat, but I have no other choice. I'm not looking forward to doing anything that I have to stand up to accomplish because my shoes hurt my feet. I need a new pair of shoes.
I'm not going to complain any more because it's a new month. June is looking like it will be a nice month; at least, I'm starting the month with a positive attitude. I don't have anything to complain about this early in the month. I haven't checked my bank account in a couple of day, so I suppose I should check it tonight before I go to bed. I should also balance my books for May, but then I didn't do much book balancing all through that month.
I know that it's normal to say Thank God It's Friday, but I'm glad for a new week and a new month occurring on the same day. Last week was confusing and there were days that I wasn't sure of the day or the date. I'm better today, I know the day, the date, and the time. I've caught up on two or three things that I was behind, all though, I still have to go to the laundromat.
I don't want to think about last week, but I'm going to have to face the fact that I still may have a couple of more items to catch up. I know I'll have to take some trash to the alley in the morning when I roll the laundry to the car. I'm not looking forward to going to the laundromat, but I have no other choice. I'm not looking forward to doing anything that I have to stand up to accomplish because my shoes hurt my feet. I need a new pair of shoes.
I'm not going to complain any more because it's a new month. June is looking like it will be a nice month; at least, I'm starting the month with a positive attitude. I don't have anything to complain about this early in the month. I haven't checked my bank account in a couple of day, so I suppose I should check it tonight before I go to bed. I should also balance my books for May, but then I didn't do much book balancing all through that month.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Foodie Friday: Apple Chicken
Istiqlál (Independence), 12 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Friday, May 30, 2014 about 11:16 am Pacific Daylight Time
I tried something new this week, I put two chicken thigh a casserole and then added two cups of apple juice. Next I put the cover on the casserole dish, placed it in the refrigerator, where I let the apple juice marinate the chicken for a couple of days. This morning, I took it out of the fridge, sprinkled some Buffalo hot sauce over the chicken, and then placed it in the microwave for twelve to eighteen minutes. I like the taste that the apple juice gives to the chicken. If you want the chicken browned then place it in a fry pan for a few minutes before putting it in the Microwave.
For my lunch I will warm some of the green beans I have in the refrigerator up in the sauce from the chicken, to see how the apple juice make the green beans taste. I receive apple juice in my senior food allotment every month, so I need to find creative ways to use the juice and cooking with it make using it much easier. I like apple juice, but not every day unless I can find different ways to cook with it.
I will continue to work on this recipe until I have it perfected. I know that the next time I make it I will have to add more hot sauce. I also my add some celery or some other kind of vegetable besides green beans. I enjoy cooking as long as I can do it creatively.
I tried something new this week, I put two chicken thigh a casserole and then added two cups of apple juice. Next I put the cover on the casserole dish, placed it in the refrigerator, where I let the apple juice marinate the chicken for a couple of days. This morning, I took it out of the fridge, sprinkled some Buffalo hot sauce over the chicken, and then placed it in the microwave for twelve to eighteen minutes. I like the taste that the apple juice gives to the chicken. If you want the chicken browned then place it in a fry pan for a few minutes before putting it in the Microwave.
For my lunch I will warm some of the green beans I have in the refrigerator up in the sauce from the chicken, to see how the apple juice make the green beans taste. I receive apple juice in my senior food allotment every month, so I need to find creative ways to use the juice and cooking with it make using it much easier. I like apple juice, but not every day unless I can find different ways to cook with it.
I will continue to work on this recipe until I have it perfected. I know that the next time I make it I will have to add more hot sauce. I also my add some celery or some other kind of vegetable besides green beans. I enjoy cooking as long as I can do it creatively.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Works for me Wednesday: Apple Juice
‘Idál (Justice), 10 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 about 5:44 am Pacific Daylight Time
I have three jugs of apple juice in the refrigerator that I have to use in a recipe or dink. Since this is my least favorite juice, I do not drink much of it; however, I have to use the juice so I am going to use it in cooking. That being the case, I am going to use the juice in cooking. This morning, I can think of only two options (1) use it to marinate chicken thighs and with my hotcake mix instead of water.
I know there must be other recipes for the apple juice, but his morning I am too sleepy (because I woke up earlier then normal and could not get back to sleep) to think of them. As soon as I wake up enough to surf the internet safely, I will search for recipes using apple juice. I think the only way for me to use it is in cooking because three jugs is just too much for me to drink.
I could also try mixing some apple juice with cranberry juice. That might taste good and it would be a bit different, I just cannot drink that much apple juice without mixing it with something. Next time I go to the store I will get some ginger ale because I know that taste good mixed with apple juice. Right now, I will post this because I am having a difficult time typing while I am half asleep.
I have three jugs of apple juice in the refrigerator that I have to use in a recipe or dink. Since this is my least favorite juice, I do not drink much of it; however, I have to use the juice so I am going to use it in cooking. That being the case, I am going to use the juice in cooking. This morning, I can think of only two options (1) use it to marinate chicken thighs and with my hotcake mix instead of water.
I know there must be other recipes for the apple juice, but his morning I am too sleepy (because I woke up earlier then normal and could not get back to sleep) to think of them. As soon as I wake up enough to surf the internet safely, I will search for recipes using apple juice. I think the only way for me to use it is in cooking because three jugs is just too much for me to drink.
I could also try mixing some apple juice with cranberry juice. That might taste good and it would be a bit different, I just cannot drink that much apple juice without mixing it with something. Next time I go to the store I will get some ginger ale because I know that taste good mixed with apple juice. Right now, I will post this because I am having a difficult time typing while I am half asleep.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Meditation Monday: Memorial Day Poem
Kamál (Perfection), 8 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Monday, May 26, 2014 about 5:25 pm Pacific Daylight Time
My Grandmother made crepe paper rose
Each rose was meant for a hero's grave
My Grandfather would drives us from cemetery to cemetery
On Memorial Day to find the veteran and family member
I remember seeing flags other kinsmen had left
And I wondered what stories the deceased had told about the war
Listening the wind blow through the trees echoing my curiosity
Days have passed into years
And years into decades, but each
Year I remember them on Memorial Day.
My Grandmother made crepe paper rose
Each rose was meant for a hero's grave
My Grandfather would drives us from cemetery to cemetery
On Memorial Day to find the veteran and family member
I remember seeing flags other kinsmen had left
And I wondered what stories the deceased had told about the war
Listening the wind blow through the trees echoing my curiosity
Days have passed into years
And years into decades, but each
Year I remember them on Memorial Day.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Sundry Sunday: A Warm and Beautifu Sunday in Las Vegas
Jamál (Beauty), 7 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Sunday, May 25, 2014 about 11:33 am Pacific Daylight Time
It is a warm and beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas. I had the door to my apartment opened earlier today and heard birds singing in the palm and pine trees scatter across the front lawns of the apartment buildings in my neighborhood.
It is a beautiful and warm Sunday morning in Las Vegas and I am making chicken soup. I do not use a whole chicken to make soup because I do not like to cut up chicken. I use only the thighs, legs, or leg quarters to make the soup. That way I do not have to cut up the chicken and I do not have very many bones to take to the trash.
It is a warm and beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas and I hear the neighbor's dog barking at something. I do not know what caught her attention because I do not hear anyone knocking at any of the doors in this building. I know something must have upset her because the only time she barks is when something catches her attention. She wants to let every one know that the cannot enter he apartment without permission.
It is a warm and beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas. I had the door to my apartment opened earlier today and heard birds singing in the palm and pine trees scatter across the front lawns of the apartment buildings in my neighborhood.
It is a beautiful and warm Sunday morning in Las Vegas and I am making chicken soup. I do not use a whole chicken to make soup because I do not like to cut up chicken. I use only the thighs, legs, or leg quarters to make the soup. That way I do not have to cut up the chicken and I do not have very many bones to take to the trash.
It is a warm and beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas and I hear the neighbor's dog barking at something. I do not know what caught her attention because I do not hear anyone knocking at any of the doors in this building. I know something must have upset her because the only time she barks is when something catches her attention. She wants to let every one know that the cannot enter he apartment without permission.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Thankful Thursday: May 22, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 5 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Thursday, May 22, 2014 about 12:53 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
1. ...for homemade chicken soup make with hot sauce and fresh vegetables.
2. ...for iced tea.
3. ...for iced coffee.
4. ...that yesterday was so cool that I did not have to turn on the cold air.
5. ...that the sparrows are sing in the pine tree across the street.
6. ...that today is a beautiful day in Las Vegas.
7. ...that I received my sample ballot so that I can vote in the primary election.
8. ...that we have early voting here in Nevada, so I can early vote and go to the mall at the same time.
9. ...for Hostess Twinkies, which make a good First Breakfast.
10. ...that I can open my apartment door on cool days and let the fresh air in.
Today I am thankful...
1. ...for homemade chicken soup make with hot sauce and fresh vegetables.
2. ...for iced tea.
3. ...for iced coffee.
4. ...that yesterday was so cool that I did not have to turn on the cold air.
5. ...that the sparrows are sing in the pine tree across the street.
6. ...that today is a beautiful day in Las Vegas.
7. ...that I received my sample ballot so that I can vote in the primary election.
8. ...that we have early voting here in Nevada, so I can early vote and go to the mall at the same time.
9. ...for Hostess Twinkies, which make a good First Breakfast.
10. ...that I can open my apartment door on cool days and let the fresh air in.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Tuesday Ten: Ten Reasons to Get Out of Bed on a Summer Morning
Fiḍál (Grace), 3 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Tuesday, May 20, 2014 about 7:54 am Pacific Daylight Time
The reason I get out of bed on a summer morning is...
1. ...to open my prayer book and read my morning prayers.
2. ...to eat Hostess Twinkies for breakfast, since I live alone I do not have to be a good example for anyone at breakfast.
3. ...to drink iced coffee made from freshly brewed coffee.
4. ...to access writing.com.
5. ...to make chicken soup from a chicken thigh with the skin still on and either fresh or canned vegetables whichever I have in the refrigerator on any given day.
6. ...to carry the trash to the alley after I have cooked the chicken thigh and fresh vegetable in either the microwave on top of the electric range.
7. ...to listen to the morning noises of my neighborhood, so that I can use them in a short story or poem.
8. ...to read my e-mail to see if anything important is waiting for a response.
9. ...to compose a blog entry on a beautiful summer morning.
10. ...to write a short story, poem, novel chapter, or essay so that I can post it in my writing.com port or blog.
The reason I get out of bed on a summer morning is...
1. ...to open my prayer book and read my morning prayers.
2. ...to eat Hostess Twinkies for breakfast, since I live alone I do not have to be a good example for anyone at breakfast.
3. ...to drink iced coffee made from freshly brewed coffee.
4. ...to access writing.com.
5. ...to make chicken soup from a chicken thigh with the skin still on and either fresh or canned vegetables whichever I have in the refrigerator on any given day.
6. ...to carry the trash to the alley after I have cooked the chicken thigh and fresh vegetable in either the microwave on top of the electric range.
7. ...to listen to the morning noises of my neighborhood, so that I can use them in a short story or poem.
8. ...to read my e-mail to see if anything important is waiting for a response.
9. ...to compose a blog entry on a beautiful summer morning.
10. ...to write a short story, poem, novel chapter, or essay so that I can post it in my writing.com port or blog.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Sundry Sunday: At the Beginning of the New Week of May 18, 2014
Jamál (Beauty), 2 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Sunday, May 18, 2014 about 9:11 am Pacific Daylight Time
It is the beginning of a beautiful new week in May 2014 and I am looking forward to warm seven days here in Las Vegas. I have checked the seven day forecast on weather.com, it shows the highest upcoming temperature as 98 degrees. This means I may not have to worry about triple digit temperatures until next week. This is not very much comfort because I still have to turn the cool air on or I cannot work on-line, but I guess that is the price I have to pay for living in a beautiful place like Las Vegas.
I have set my writing and housekeeping goals for this week and began making my To Do List. I check the local news every hour or so to see what the outdoor temperature is so I know when to turn the cool air on to keep me and my computer comfortable. I considered working on-line at night, when it is cooler, and doing housework during the day, but I would still have to turn the air conditioner on while I am doing housework.
Since I need to get a little sleep, I cannot do housework all day and write all night. I cannot write if I am too tired either mentally or physically, so I have to get some sleep. The power bill is not that high in this apartment, but it still causes me worry. I think I have spent so long worrying about the power bill or something else that I cannot stop worrying without focusing on something else. When my mind is busy I do not worry.
It is the beginning of a beautiful new week in May 2014 and I am looking forward to warm seven days here in Las Vegas. I have checked the seven day forecast on weather.com, it shows the highest upcoming temperature as 98 degrees. This means I may not have to worry about triple digit temperatures until next week. This is not very much comfort because I still have to turn the cool air on or I cannot work on-line, but I guess that is the price I have to pay for living in a beautiful place like Las Vegas.
I have set my writing and housekeeping goals for this week and began making my To Do List. I check the local news every hour or so to see what the outdoor temperature is so I know when to turn the cool air on to keep me and my computer comfortable. I considered working on-line at night, when it is cooler, and doing housework during the day, but I would still have to turn the air conditioner on while I am doing housework.
Since I need to get a little sleep, I cannot do housework all day and write all night. I cannot write if I am too tired either mentally or physically, so I have to get some sleep. The power bill is not that high in this apartment, but it still causes me worry. I think I have spent so long worrying about the power bill or something else that I cannot stop worrying without focusing on something else. When my mind is busy I do not worry.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Foodie Friday: Leftover Beef Stew
Istiqlál (Independence), 19 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Friday, May 16, 2014 about 11:38 am Pacific Daylight Time
“The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.”
Calvin Trillin
I am eating leftover beef stew this weekend. After considering all my options, which was the vegetable I purchased at the Farmer's Market on Wednesday and the canned good in the cabinet, I decided that before going to the grocery store I needed to see what was in the freezer. I found the beef stew I made in April (I think that is when I made it). I had to get the beef stew out of the freezer because I needed the container to store cheese. I think I need to get more storage containers.
When I made the stew I used canned carrots and green beans for the vegetables. However, I did not use stew meat for the beef; I think I used either round steak or flat stake. Since I did not write the recipe down I do not know which one I used. I have to go to Smith's Food & Drug store on Saturday to pick up a prescription, so I will purchase a package of chicken (which I need to go with the vegetables) and maybe a box of frozen fish sticks. I do not need any canned good because I have everything in the cabinet I need.
I know I will not get any beef because I have a package of some type of steak in the freezer when I want to make another batch of beef stew. I think that may be all the beef I purchase because I am considering eating only chicken for my meals because I have to cut down on the beef and there is no use having it in the freezer when I do not know when I will use it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Works for me Wednesday: A trip to the Farmer's Market
‘Idál (Justice), 17 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Wednesday, May 15, 2014 about 5:15 pm Pacific Daylight Time
This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the Farmer's Market to spend the $18.00 in coupons I had left. The Farmer's Market was in the parking lot of the place I picked up the commodities, so I had to make only one trip. I plan my trips to the grocery stores, library, and gas station so that I have to make only one or two trips in a day. I especially like going to stores that are in the same section of town because I use less gas.
I have not checked everything I received in the commodities, but I do know one of the bags contained a small jar of peanut butter. Now all I have to do, when I go to the grocery store tomorrow, is get some bread so that I can have a peanut butter sandwich. I also need to get some spices and maybe a jar of honey. I have to check to potassium content of honey before I purchase any. It is difficulty enough figuring out what items I can eat and if I have to cut the serving size to make sure the potassium content is on the low side.
Fortunately, I have access to the internet. I can search for the potassium content in foods. I also have two website on my favorites list that I can use to check the potassium content in my food. It takes a while to do this, but if I plan my menu two to four days ahead then I can keep my potassium intake low.This approach to my diet works for me most of the time.
This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the Farmer's Market to spend the $18.00 in coupons I had left. The Farmer's Market was in the parking lot of the place I picked up the commodities, so I had to make only one trip. I plan my trips to the grocery stores, library, and gas station so that I have to make only one or two trips in a day. I especially like going to stores that are in the same section of town because I use less gas.
I have not checked everything I received in the commodities, but I do know one of the bags contained a small jar of peanut butter. Now all I have to do, when I go to the grocery store tomorrow, is get some bread so that I can have a peanut butter sandwich. I also need to get some spices and maybe a jar of honey. I have to check to potassium content of honey before I purchase any. It is difficulty enough figuring out what items I can eat and if I have to cut the serving size to make sure the potassium content is on the low side.
Fortunately, I have access to the internet. I can search for the potassium content in foods. I also have two website on my favorites list that I can use to check the potassium content in my food. It takes a while to do this, but if I plan my menu two to four days ahead then I can keep my potassium intake low.This approach to my diet works for me most of the time.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Meditation Monday: Be Still
Kamál (Perfection), 15 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Monday, May 12, 2014 about 2:25 pm Pacific Standard Time
It is beautiful Monday here in Las Vegas. I woke up when the alarm went off this morning and pressed the snooze button because I stayed up later then normal last night. After pressing the snooze button a couple of time I finally got up, took my first morning medication, put the dishes away that I washed last night, and made a carafe of coffee. I could not think of an entry for today's theme, so I did some other work on-line before fixing myself something to eat. After eating, meditating, and I think a short nap, I turned the computer back on to do some more work.
As I was waiting for the computer to boot, the verse from Psalms 46 popped into my mind. The only part of the verse I could remember was "Be still, and know that I am God;" I could not even remember in which book it was located. I found several different translations, but chose the King James because that is the version I prefer to read. Every time I read it, I remember growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and going to Vacation Bible School and memorizing this verse.
Exhale
Silence surrounds the peaceful mind
Tranquility comforts the lover of God
In stillness and silence my soul
Listens for the music of the spheres
Listens for the whispers of faith
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalms 46:10 The King James Bible
It is beautiful Monday here in Las Vegas. I woke up when the alarm went off this morning and pressed the snooze button because I stayed up later then normal last night. After pressing the snooze button a couple of time I finally got up, took my first morning medication, put the dishes away that I washed last night, and made a carafe of coffee. I could not think of an entry for today's theme, so I did some other work on-line before fixing myself something to eat. After eating, meditating, and I think a short nap, I turned the computer back on to do some more work.
As I was waiting for the computer to boot, the verse from Psalms 46 popped into my mind. The only part of the verse I could remember was "Be still, and know that I am God;" I could not even remember in which book it was located. I found several different translations, but chose the King James because that is the version I prefer to read. Every time I read it, I remember growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and going to Vacation Bible School and memorizing this verse.
Meditation Poem
Breath inExhale
Silence surrounds the peaceful mind
Tranquility comforts the lover of God
In stillness and silence my soul
Listens for the music of the spheres
Listens for the whispers of faith
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Sundry Sunday: Mother's Day
Jamál (Beauty), 14 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Sunday, May 11, 2014 about 7:28 am Pacific Daylight Time
On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
with a hot cup of Café Mocha
made with Rich Chocolate Ovaltine©
and remember Mama's smile
the first time
I made it for her.
On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
I open my prayer book to read
a prayer for the departed
and remember Mama's favorite prayer
was the one for protection
that she read
before going to work each day
at the old Showboat.
On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
by calling my sister-in-laws
to wish them
a Happy Mother's Day.
On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
with a hot cup of Café Mocha
made with Rich Chocolate Ovaltine©
and remember Mama's smile
the first time
I made it for her.
On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
I open my prayer book to read
a prayer for the departed
and remember Mama's favorite prayer
was the one for protection
that she read
before going to work each day
at the old Showboat.
On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
by calling my sister-in-laws
to wish them
a Happy Mother's Day.
Thursday, May 08, 2014
Thankful Thursday: On May 8 I am Thankful for
Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Thursday, May 8, 2014 about 1:07 pm Pacific Daylight Time
On May 8, 2014 I am Thankful...
1. ...that I have $20.00 in Farmer's Market coupons to use before June 30, 2014.
2. ...for the beautiful and pleasant spring weather we are having here in Las Vegas.
3. ...that I receive a spring savings packet from Smith's Food & Drug store yesterday, which contains coupons worth over $11.00 on products I purchase most often.
4. ...for the environment merit badge I received on writing.com for my poem We Need Green Cities, which won second place in the Earth Day writing. contest.
5. ...that someone came to my apartment last night and unstuck the flatware drawer because now I have access to all of my silverware.
6. ...for the pigeons and sparrows I hear cooing and singing everyday.
7. ...that I earned $20.00 from doing on-line surveys. The money was deposited into my checking account yesterday.
8. ...for the sound of the Harley-Davidson I hear almost every morning. When I moved from my house I thought I would never hear that beautiful sound again.
9. ...that the savings package from Smith's Food & Drug store contained a coupon for a free container of 1 dozen large eggs.
10. ...for the step stool that allows me to reach the top shelves of my cabinets.
On May 8, 2014 I am Thankful...
1. ...that I have $20.00 in Farmer's Market coupons to use before June 30, 2014.
2. ...for the beautiful and pleasant spring weather we are having here in Las Vegas.
3. ...that I receive a spring savings packet from Smith's Food & Drug store yesterday, which contains coupons worth over $11.00 on products I purchase most often.
4. ...for the environment merit badge I received on writing.com for my poem We Need Green Cities, which won second place in the Earth Day writing. contest.
5. ...that someone came to my apartment last night and unstuck the flatware drawer because now I have access to all of my silverware.
6. ...for the pigeons and sparrows I hear cooing and singing everyday.
7. ...that I earned $20.00 from doing on-line surveys. The money was deposited into my checking account yesterday.
8. ...for the sound of the Harley-Davidson I hear almost every morning. When I moved from my house I thought I would never hear that beautiful sound again.
9. ...that the savings package from Smith's Food & Drug store contained a coupon for a free container of 1 dozen large eggs.
10. ...for the step stool that allows me to reach the top shelves of my cabinets.
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Tuesday Ten: Ten Cloud Shapes I Have Witness while Living in Las Vegas
Fiḍál (Grace), 9 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 about 1:34 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today, Tuesday, May 6, is wind, cool and partly cloudy. The white clouds stand out against the blue sky, I can see them change shapes as they float by. This brought to mind some amazing cloud shape I have witnessed since moving to the city a few decades ago.
1. I once saw a could that look like a huge archangel, with his wings outspread.
2. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a flying dragon, which the winds in the upper atmosphere transformed into a walking oak tree.
3. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a windmill that became a wisp of gray smoke as the wind blew it apart.
4. I just saw a cloud in the shape of a baby dragon chasing another cloud in the shape of a unicorn,
5. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a pig running on chicken legs.
6. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a whale floating across the morning sky.
7. I just saw a cloud shape like a bearded person looking toward the west.
8. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a castle.
9. I once saw a cloud in the shape of an oak leaf.
10. I just saw a cloud in the shape of a small fuzzy dog.
Today, Tuesday, May 6, is wind, cool and partly cloudy. The white clouds stand out against the blue sky, I can see them change shapes as they float by. This brought to mind some amazing cloud shape I have witnessed since moving to the city a few decades ago.
1. I once saw a could that look like a huge archangel, with his wings outspread.
2. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a flying dragon, which the winds in the upper atmosphere transformed into a walking oak tree.
3. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a windmill that became a wisp of gray smoke as the wind blew it apart.
4. I just saw a cloud in the shape of a baby dragon chasing another cloud in the shape of a unicorn,
5. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a pig running on chicken legs.
6. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a whale floating across the morning sky.
7. I just saw a cloud shape like a bearded person looking toward the west.
8. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a castle.
9. I once saw a cloud in the shape of an oak leaf.
10. I just saw a cloud in the shape of a small fuzzy dog.
Sunday, May 04, 2014
Sundry Sunday: A Beautiful Day to Pray
Jamál (Beauty), 7 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Sunday, May 4, 2014 about 8:18 am Pacific Daylight Time
It is Sunday morning in Las Vegas. The temperature is about 78 degrees and it is supposed to get up to around 9:00 am. The temperature has not gotten into the triple digits yet, but I do have to turn on the cool air between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. It also means I have begun drinking iced coffee instead of hot coffee of a morning or any other time of day.
It is a beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas. It is a good morning to pray; to say other prayers besides my normal morning prayer. I opened my prayer book to Detachment. The page that it opened to contained a prayer revealed by The Bab about taking refuge in God and putting your whole trust in Him. I read the prayer aloud and felt the spirit of God flowing from the words into my soul.
It is a beautiful Sunday in May.
It is a good day to pray,
A good day to take refuge in God.
It is Sunday morning in Las Vegas. The temperature is about 78 degrees and it is supposed to get up to around 9:00 am. The temperature has not gotten into the triple digits yet, but I do have to turn on the cool air between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. It also means I have begun drinking iced coffee instead of hot coffee of a morning or any other time of day.
It is a beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas. It is a good morning to pray; to say other prayers besides my normal morning prayer. I opened my prayer book to Detachment. The page that it opened to contained a prayer revealed by The Bab about taking refuge in God and putting your whole trust in Him. I read the prayer aloud and felt the spirit of God flowing from the words into my soul.
It is a beautiful Sunday in May.
It is a good day to pray,
A good day to take refuge in God.
Friday, May 02, 2014
Foodie Friday: Three Greens Soup
Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Friday, May 2, 2014 about 6:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Yesterday, a neighbor informed me that when you make soup you have to have at least three greens in it. Therefore, tomorrow I will put the spinach and the asparagus in the celery soup I have in the fridge. I will finish the soup after breakfast because I am making a spinach omelet for breakfast. I usually make a three egg omelet, but this time I will make it with only two eggs.
After I cut the spinach for the omelet I will put the rest in the soup and then cut the asparagus up. I think I will fix the soup in the electric skillet tomorrow. I will fix the omelet and then finish making the soup, which should last me three or four day. I also need to start my grocery list for Monday because I did not purchase everything I needed today.
Yesterday, a neighbor informed me that when you make soup you have to have at least three greens in it. Therefore, tomorrow I will put the spinach and the asparagus in the celery soup I have in the fridge. I will finish the soup after breakfast because I am making a spinach omelet for breakfast. I usually make a three egg omelet, but this time I will make it with only two eggs.
After I cut the spinach for the omelet I will put the rest in the soup and then cut the asparagus up. I think I will fix the soup in the electric skillet tomorrow. I will fix the omelet and then finish making the soup, which should last me three or four day. I also need to start my grocery list for Monday because I did not purchase everything I needed today.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Works for me Wednesday: How do I cool down on a hot Las Vegas Summer Day?
‘Idál (Justice), 3 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 30, 2014 about 1:44 pm Pacific Daylight Time
How doe I cool down on a hot Las Vegas summer day? I put my canned fruit in the refrigerator to get cold before I open it for a noonday snack or desert. When I open the fruit it is cold, so I can eat it right way without having to put it in the freezer to cool down. If I want the desert frozen, then I open the can and put the fruit in a baggy or some other storage container to let it freeze.
In summer, the temperatures in Las Vegas rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. On those hot days, it is nice to have a cold fruit snack already waiting in the refrigerator or freezer to help cool me down. Since I am on a low potassium diet, I can no longer have ice cream to help me cool down, but I can still have some types of canned fruit as long as I watch the potassium content per serving.
How doe I cool down on a hot Las Vegas summer day? I put my canned fruit in the refrigerator to get cold before I open it for a noonday snack or desert. When I open the fruit it is cold, so I can eat it right way without having to put it in the freezer to cool down. If I want the desert frozen, then I open the can and put the fruit in a baggy or some other storage container to let it freeze.
In summer, the temperatures in Las Vegas rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. On those hot days, it is nice to have a cold fruit snack already waiting in the refrigerator or freezer to help cool me down. Since I am on a low potassium diet, I can no longer have ice cream to help me cool down, but I can still have some types of canned fruit as long as I watch the potassium content per serving.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Meditation Monday: Refilling the Well
Kamál (Perfection), 1 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Monday, April 28, 2014 about 6:33 pm Pacific Daylight Time
How do I refill the well of my writing? Thought sleep, meditation, and prayer. I know that there is always more inspiration in the deep part of my well - which is my soul - and that it is through prayer and meditation that the water of inspiration refills my well.
Oh, my Beloved!
I open my prayer book:
Praise and gratitude.
Praise, gratitude, and healing prayers always refill the well of my inspiration. When I fell ill, I open my prayer book and say a healing prayer. Most of the time I chose the long healing prayer, but it does not matter which one I chose because the prayer always refreshes and renews my inspiration.
"I learned never to empty the well of my writing,
buty always to stop when there was still something
therin the depp par of the well,
and let it refill at night
from the springs that fed it."
Ernest Hemingway
How do I refill the well of my writing? Thought sleep, meditation, and prayer. I know that there is always more inspiration in the deep part of my well - which is my soul - and that it is through prayer and meditation that the water of inspiration refills my well.
Oh, my Beloved!
I open my prayer book:
Praise and gratitude.
Praise, gratitude, and healing prayers always refill the well of my inspiration. When I fell ill, I open my prayer book and say a healing prayer. Most of the time I chose the long healing prayer, but it does not matter which one I chose because the prayer always refreshes and renews my inspiration.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Summary Saturday: Review of April 20 to April 26, 2014
Jalál (Glory), 18 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - April 26, 2014 about 2:40 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's summary Saturday and, according to the note I wrote myself about today's theme, I'm supposed to summarize the week with a focus on what I learned. What did I learn this week? After contemplating this subject I decided that I learned the following things.
1. I do not have enough hangers in my closet to hang up all my clothes. Therefore, I have to clean out the large Tupperware© container, that is sitting in the bathroom, to hold my t-shirts.
2. I need to do my laundry every Friday morning because the laundromat has fewer customers, so I can find a place to sit while waiting for the clothes to wash and dry.
3. I need to purchase four more wash clothes because I only have two in the apartment.
4. It is difficulty, but possible to write 750 words without stopping.
5. I have more room for canned vegetables in my cupboard if I store the canned fruit in the refrigerator.
6. I need more storage containers of different sizes because I do not have enough to hold leftovers because I cannot cook for just one person.
I think that is about all I learned this week, which I thin is enough for one week. It is getting warmer here in Las Vegas, so I think I am going to like having a cold can of fruit in the refrigerator. The only problems is that I have to figure out different ways to fix applesauce. How many ways are there to fix applesauce before a person gets tired of eating it?
It's summary Saturday and, according to the note I wrote myself about today's theme, I'm supposed to summarize the week with a focus on what I learned. What did I learn this week? After contemplating this subject I decided that I learned the following things.
1. I do not have enough hangers in my closet to hang up all my clothes. Therefore, I have to clean out the large Tupperware© container, that is sitting in the bathroom, to hold my t-shirts.
2. I need to do my laundry every Friday morning because the laundromat has fewer customers, so I can find a place to sit while waiting for the clothes to wash and dry.
3. I need to purchase four more wash clothes because I only have two in the apartment.
4. It is difficulty, but possible to write 750 words without stopping.
5. I have more room for canned vegetables in my cupboard if I store the canned fruit in the refrigerator.
6. I need more storage containers of different sizes because I do not have enough to hold leftovers because I cannot cook for just one person.
I think that is about all I learned this week, which I thin is enough for one week. It is getting warmer here in Las Vegas, so I think I am going to like having a cold can of fruit in the refrigerator. The only problems is that I have to figure out different ways to fix applesauce. How many ways are there to fix applesauce before a person gets tired of eating it?
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Thankful Thursday: April 24, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 16 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Thursday, April 24, 2014 about 10:55 am Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
1. ...that I was able to extend my premium membership on writing.com another three months from June 30, 2014 to September 30, 2014;
2. ...for the new broom, dustpan, and mop I was able to purchase on Monday, April 21 because now I can sweep and mop the floor;
3. ...that I still have an internet connection so that I can work online and earn some extra money;
4. ...for the six ice cube trays I was able to purchase when I went to the store on Monday because now I will not have to buy ice this summer.;
5. ...that I joined 750 words on Wednesday, April 23, because it is a fun challenge to type 750 words in one setting;
6. ...for ginger ale because it makes sweetened and unsweetened apple juice taste a whole lot better;
7. ...that, because of the cool temperatures in Las Vegas, I did not have to turn the cool air on at all yesterday;
8. ...for the beauty of a sunshiny spring day in Las Vegas;
9. ...that I have $10.00 coming to my PayPal account from one of the survey groups I joined;
10. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah and the Bab.
Today I am thankful...
1. ...that I was able to extend my premium membership on writing.com another three months from June 30, 2014 to September 30, 2014;
2. ...for the new broom, dustpan, and mop I was able to purchase on Monday, April 21 because now I can sweep and mop the floor;
3. ...that I still have an internet connection so that I can work online and earn some extra money;
4. ...for the six ice cube trays I was able to purchase when I went to the store on Monday because now I will not have to buy ice this summer.;
5. ...that I joined 750 words on Wednesday, April 23, because it is a fun challenge to type 750 words in one setting;
6. ...for ginger ale because it makes sweetened and unsweetened apple juice taste a whole lot better;
7. ...that, because of the cool temperatures in Las Vegas, I did not have to turn the cool air on at all yesterday;
8. ...for the beauty of a sunshiny spring day in Las Vegas;
9. ...that I have $10.00 coming to my PayPal account from one of the survey groups I joined;
10. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah and the Bab.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Tuesday Ten: The Haves and The Have Nots
Fiḍál (Grace), 14 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Tuesday, April 22, 2014 about 1:05 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Ten things I have in my studio apartment...
1. ...one small mop bucket and one large mop bucket;
2. ...one new sponge mop with an extra mop head;
3. ...one new broom;
4. ...one dustpan with small brush to sweep up crumbs or coffee grounds;
5. ...six blue ice cube trays;
6. ...one toilet brush and one plumber helper;
7. ...one manual can opener, which is not helpful in opening the tight lids on jars;
8. ...four wooden stand alone T.V. trays to use as tables;
9. ...four sponges to use to wash dishes and counter tops;
10. ...one magnet pillow to sleep on.
Ten things I do not have, but need in my studio apartment...
1. ...one shower curtain with small adjustable shower rod;
2. ...one trashcan for the bathroom;
3. ...seven more refrigerator magnets;
4. ...five more spoons with two being serving spoons;
5. ...one office chair with both rollers and arm rests;
6. ...one jar opener or something to open the tight lids on jars;
7. ...one reading lamp to sit by the love seat;
8. ...one set of various sized storage containers to use in the refrigerator and freezer;
9. ...one set of dishtowels so that I can dry my dishes instead of letting them sit to air dry;
10. ...one or two 16 oz. tumblers made of glass for my ice tea and coffee this summer.
Ten things I have in my studio apartment...
1. ...one small mop bucket and one large mop bucket;
2. ...one new sponge mop with an extra mop head;
3. ...one new broom;
4. ...one dustpan with small brush to sweep up crumbs or coffee grounds;
5. ...six blue ice cube trays;
6. ...one toilet brush and one plumber helper;
7. ...one manual can opener, which is not helpful in opening the tight lids on jars;
8. ...four wooden stand alone T.V. trays to use as tables;
9. ...four sponges to use to wash dishes and counter tops;
10. ...one magnet pillow to sleep on.
Ten things I do not have, but need in my studio apartment...
1. ...one shower curtain with small adjustable shower rod;
2. ...one trashcan for the bathroom;
3. ...seven more refrigerator magnets;
4. ...five more spoons with two being serving spoons;
5. ...one office chair with both rollers and arm rests;
6. ...one jar opener or something to open the tight lids on jars;
7. ...one reading lamp to sit by the love seat;
8. ...one set of various sized storage containers to use in the refrigerator and freezer;
9. ...one set of dishtowels so that I can dry my dishes instead of letting them sit to air dry;
10. ...one or two 16 oz. tumblers made of glass for my ice tea and coffee this summer.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Summary Saturday: The Good, The Bad, and The Painful
Jalál (Glory), 11 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Saturday, April 19, 2014 about 10:24 am Pacific Daylight Time
I'll start with the painful, which occurred on Thursday night. I had another episode of stomach pain which caused me to get offline early, curl up in the fetal position, and attempt to get some sleep. I didn't get much sleep because of the pain, so I sit up and slowly said the long healing prayer, which helped more the curling in the fetal position. The pain eventually subsided and I was about to get a little bit of sleep.
I know the pain was caused by something I ate, but I can't figure out what. The last doctor I talked to about it suggested that the problem was eating fat; however, I hadn't eaten anything with fat or even any red meat for over a month. One of the condiments I ate could have caused the problem, but I don't know which one. I'll just have to make sure I don't eat all three condiments on the same day and see what happens.
The bad occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, I had a panic attack and was unable to do anything for a two or three minutes perhaps more. On Wednesday night I dealt with a bout of insomnia and could hear every strange noise that my apartment makes as well as those coming from the apartments on either side. The weird thing about that is that one of the apartments is empty, so there shouldn't be noises coming from an empty apartment.
The good concerns a new library card and shoppers' card. On Monday, I went to Von's and got one of their shoppers cards. After that I went to the library, got a library card, and checked out a book of poems by an author I'd never heard of. I like reading poem and stories by unfamiliar writers. On Wednesday afternoon, I gave away the chocolate Easter bunny I had in my freezer because I checked the potassium after I purchased it and found out that the bunny wasn't on my low potassium diet plan.
I'll start with the painful, which occurred on Thursday night. I had another episode of stomach pain which caused me to get offline early, curl up in the fetal position, and attempt to get some sleep. I didn't get much sleep because of the pain, so I sit up and slowly said the long healing prayer, which helped more the curling in the fetal position. The pain eventually subsided and I was about to get a little bit of sleep.
I know the pain was caused by something I ate, but I can't figure out what. The last doctor I talked to about it suggested that the problem was eating fat; however, I hadn't eaten anything with fat or even any red meat for over a month. One of the condiments I ate could have caused the problem, but I don't know which one. I'll just have to make sure I don't eat all three condiments on the same day and see what happens.
The bad occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, I had a panic attack and was unable to do anything for a two or three minutes perhaps more. On Wednesday night I dealt with a bout of insomnia and could hear every strange noise that my apartment makes as well as those coming from the apartments on either side. The weird thing about that is that one of the apartments is empty, so there shouldn't be noises coming from an empty apartment.
The good concerns a new library card and shoppers' card. On Monday, I went to Von's and got one of their shoppers cards. After that I went to the library, got a library card, and checked out a book of poems by an author I'd never heard of. I like reading poem and stories by unfamiliar writers. On Wednesday afternoon, I gave away the chocolate Easter bunny I had in my freezer because I checked the potassium after I purchased it and found out that the bunny wasn't on my low potassium diet plan.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Thankful Thursday: Spring Gratitude
Istijlál (Majesty), 9 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Thursday, April 17, 2014 about 2:46 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I give thanks for the spring
and for the birds that sing.
Today I give thanks for the vegetables
that lay on my kitchen table.
Today I give thanks for the sunshine
which makes me happy in springtime.
Today I give thanks for the oak tree
whose leaves cast their shadow over me.
I have so much to be thankful for on this bright and beautiful spring day. It is April when showers water the garden preparing it for May flower. So far this month, we have experience very little rain in Las Vegas, but there is always hope.
Today I give thanks for the spring
and for the birds that sing.
Today I give thanks for the vegetables
that lay on my kitchen table.
Today I give thanks for the sunshine
which makes me happy in springtime.
Today I give thanks for the oak tree
whose leaves cast their shadow over me.
I have so much to be thankful for on this bright and beautiful spring day. It is April when showers water the garden preparing it for May flower. So far this month, we have experience very little rain in Las Vegas, but there is always hope.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Travel Tuesday: A Trip Down The Aisle of a Supermarket
Fiḍál (Grace), 7 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Tuesday, April 15, 2014 about 4:16 pm Pacific Daylight Time
A trip up and down the aisles of a supermarket is always an adventure. I know where some of the items located, but others I have not idea how to find because they do not list them on the signs at the beginning and ends of each aisle.Today, after finding the items I went in for, I decided I needed a jar of prepared horseradish. I thought it was located in the same aisle as the mustard and salad dressing, but it was located in the section with the packaged cheese and stuff; which I suppose makes sense when you think about what taste horseradish is used to enhance.
After finding the horseradish, with the help of a customer service agent, I went to the produce section. There I purchased an individual watermelon and a package of individual red, orange, and yellow peppers. I like to use these peppers in my soup because they add a slight sweetish taste to the chicken soup. After returning home and lugging the bags into my apartment, I was tired.
I think I have to take a different approach to grocery shopping because it making two or three trip up and down the same aisle looking for something wears me out. Therefore I will take a more methodical approach to grocery shopping. That way I will get everything I want or went into get without tiring myself out.
A trip up and down the aisles of a supermarket is always an adventure. I know where some of the items located, but others I have not idea how to find because they do not list them on the signs at the beginning and ends of each aisle.Today, after finding the items I went in for, I decided I needed a jar of prepared horseradish. I thought it was located in the same aisle as the mustard and salad dressing, but it was located in the section with the packaged cheese and stuff; which I suppose makes sense when you think about what taste horseradish is used to enhance.
After finding the horseradish, with the help of a customer service agent, I went to the produce section. There I purchased an individual watermelon and a package of individual red, orange, and yellow peppers. I like to use these peppers in my soup because they add a slight sweetish taste to the chicken soup. After returning home and lugging the bags into my apartment, I was tired.
I think I have to take a different approach to grocery shopping because it making two or three trip up and down the same aisle looking for something wears me out. Therefore I will take a more methodical approach to grocery shopping. That way I will get everything I want or went into get without tiring myself out.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Spiritual Sunday: Am I doing enought for Mother Earth?
Jamál (Beauty), 5 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Sunday, April 13, 2014 about 2:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Am I doing enough for Mother Earth? When I lived in the house I attempted to recycle by putting cans, glass, newspapers, and plastics in the recycle bins and carrying them to the curb every-other Saturday. Now that I live in an apartment, I recycle only the aluminum which I either sell myself or give to one of the people who checks for aluminum cans in the dumpsters.
The approach of Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22) caused me to ask two questions: (1) Am I doing enough for Mother Earth? and (2) Does the way humanity treats Mother Earth have an effect on our spirituality? The first question I can answer easily with a "No!" because there are probably other things I can do to help the planet. The second question I don't have an easy or a clear answer for and I'm not sure anyone does. It is a question that takes more research then I have done at present.
Am I doing enough for Mother Earth? When I lived in the house I attempted to recycle by putting cans, glass, newspapers, and plastics in the recycle bins and carrying them to the curb every-other Saturday. Now that I live in an apartment, I recycle only the aluminum which I either sell myself or give to one of the people who checks for aluminum cans in the dumpsters.
The approach of Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22) caused me to ask two questions: (1) Am I doing enough for Mother Earth? and (2) Does the way humanity treats Mother Earth have an effect on our spirituality? The first question I can answer easily with a "No!" because there are probably other things I can do to help the planet. The second question I don't have an easy or a clear answer for and I'm not sure anyone does. It is a question that takes more research then I have done at present.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Foodie Friday: This Week's Chick Soup
Istiqlál (Independence), 3 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Friday, April 11, 2014 about 10:38 am Pacific Daylight Time
This week's chicken soup contains
This week's chicken soup contains
- Four chicken legs boiled with meat removed from bones
- Two green onions
- Two 2 inch long spears of asparagus
- One large green bell pepper sliced into bite sized chunks
- One small package of carrots sliced but not peeled
- Five or six small orange or red bell peppers sliced.
- Several dashes of hot sauce
- Water enough to cover the chicken when it is cooking, with more water added as needed while the vegetables are cooking
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Workout Wednesday: Will Today's Workout Happen?
‘Idál (Justice), 1 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 8, 2014 about 9:00 am Pacific Daylight Time
It's Workout Wednesday, but due to financial issues, finding some business items, and business calls I won't get to my 11:00 am class. I didn't go yesterday, so I should go this afternoon sometime if I can scrape up the money to purchase some necessities, so that I can go into the gym. I ran out of money and specific necessities earlier this month then I did last month. Right now it's a choice between doing laundry and getting the necessities required for me to go to the gym and other places.
The only workout I may get today is taking the trash to the alley and going to the mail box. Carrying the trash to the alley is a good workout, but going to the gym is better. Perhaps if I take the trash out of the bathroom first and then later carry the trash out that is under the sink. I need to do more walking anyway, so that is as good excuse to get me walking as any.
It's workout Wednesday
a beautiful day to walk
out to the alley.
Right now, I need to fix me something to eat, so that I have the energy to take the trash to the alley. I warm the food I had left over from yesterday and I think I'll take the chicken down from the freezer so that I can fix that this afternoon or tomorrow.
It's Workout Wednesday, but due to financial issues, finding some business items, and business calls I won't get to my 11:00 am class. I didn't go yesterday, so I should go this afternoon sometime if I can scrape up the money to purchase some necessities, so that I can go into the gym. I ran out of money and specific necessities earlier this month then I did last month. Right now it's a choice between doing laundry and getting the necessities required for me to go to the gym and other places.
The only workout I may get today is taking the trash to the alley and going to the mail box. Carrying the trash to the alley is a good workout, but going to the gym is better. Perhaps if I take the trash out of the bathroom first and then later carry the trash out that is under the sink. I need to do more walking anyway, so that is as good excuse to get me walking as any.
It's workout Wednesday
a beautiful day to walk
out to the alley.
Right now, I need to fix me something to eat, so that I have the energy to take the trash to the alley. I warm the food I had left over from yesterday and I think I'll take the chicken down from the freezer so that I can fix that this afternoon or tomorrow.
Monday, April 07, 2014
Meditation Monday: Difficulty Meditating
Kamál (Perfection), 18 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Monday, April 7, 2014 about 5:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but I find it difficult to quiet my mind when I focus on nothing. In order to stop my self-talk and flying thoughts I have to focus on something. When I chant God's Most Great Name using the prayer beads to count, I can focus on the chanting and this calms my mind. I have also found that when I focus on the action of washing dishes I can calm my thoughts and quiet my mind. I need a point of focus for me to quiet my mind.
I'm sure that washing dishes isn't encouraged while meditating. I always thought that you had to sit in a comfortable position and focusing on nothing. When I chant the Most Great Name, I usually sit in a chair or on the love seat and face east. The chair is more comfortable because I can simply turn it in the proper direction. If I sit on the love seat then I have to turn only my head toward the east, unless I left legs off the floor and place them on the love seat's arm.
I recently found a photo that I can focus on, so I may try that for my evening meditation instead of standing at the kitchen sink and washing dishes. It is difficult for me to stand up for long periods of time without one of my legs going to sleep. At least with the photo, I can sit on the love seat while focusing on the picture. I'll give this thirty days before I attempt to change my method of meditation again.
I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but I find it difficult to quiet my mind when I focus on nothing. In order to stop my self-talk and flying thoughts I have to focus on something. When I chant God's Most Great Name using the prayer beads to count, I can focus on the chanting and this calms my mind. I have also found that when I focus on the action of washing dishes I can calm my thoughts and quiet my mind. I need a point of focus for me to quiet my mind.
I'm sure that washing dishes isn't encouraged while meditating. I always thought that you had to sit in a comfortable position and focusing on nothing. When I chant the Most Great Name, I usually sit in a chair or on the love seat and face east. The chair is more comfortable because I can simply turn it in the proper direction. If I sit on the love seat then I have to turn only my head toward the east, unless I left legs off the floor and place them on the love seat's arm.
I recently found a photo that I can focus on, so I may try that for my evening meditation instead of standing at the kitchen sink and washing dishes. It is difficult for me to stand up for long periods of time without one of my legs going to sleep. At least with the photo, I can sit on the love seat while focusing on the picture. I'll give this thirty days before I attempt to change my method of meditation again.
Saturday, April 05, 2014
Summary Saturday: An Interesting Week
Jalál (Glory), 16 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Saturday, April 5, 2014 about 4:05 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It has been an interesting week, I went to the gym three day, I did one load of laundry, and I received $30.00 in coupons for the Farmers' Market. Yesterday, April 4, I made green bean and asparagus soup, but did not use any chicken because I forgot to take it out of the freezer. I warmed up some of the broth for breakfast and for lunch I added some leftovers to the soup when I warmed it up. I have not decided what I am having for supper.
I did not go to the gym today because I was not feeling well, I am feeling better this afternoon. If I feel well tomorrow then I will go to the gym, actually I may go anyway. I have two load of laundry I have to wash tomorrow, I can do the laundry either before or after I go to the gym. I should do the laundry before because after I get out of the gym, I do not want to do anything except come home and eat something.
As I said, it has been an interesting week. I would say stressful, but then most of my weeks are stressful. Since I been going to the gym on a regular or semi-regular basis my weeks have been less stressful and they will become even less stressful as soon I can earn enough money to pay my bills. However, all in all it has been a nice week.
It has been an interesting week, I went to the gym three day, I did one load of laundry, and I received $30.00 in coupons for the Farmers' Market. Yesterday, April 4, I made green bean and asparagus soup, but did not use any chicken because I forgot to take it out of the freezer. I warmed up some of the broth for breakfast and for lunch I added some leftovers to the soup when I warmed it up. I have not decided what I am having for supper.
I did not go to the gym today because I was not feeling well, I am feeling better this afternoon. If I feel well tomorrow then I will go to the gym, actually I may go anyway. I have two load of laundry I have to wash tomorrow, I can do the laundry either before or after I go to the gym. I should do the laundry before because after I get out of the gym, I do not want to do anything except come home and eat something.
As I said, it has been an interesting week. I would say stressful, but then most of my weeks are stressful. Since I been going to the gym on a regular or semi-regular basis my weeks have been less stressful and they will become even less stressful as soon I can earn enough money to pay my bills. However, all in all it has been a nice week.
Friday, April 04, 2014
Foodie Friday: Coupons for the Farmers' Market
Istiqlál (Independence), 15 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Friday, April 4, 2014 about 1:41 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I have $30.00 in Farmers' Market Coupons, a partial list of locally available produce, one location, and dates of upcoming Farmers' Markets.Next week the Market will be on Monday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, I am planning to go on one of those dates. The produce that (I know) will be available are asparagus, cherries, greens, lettuce, peas, radishes, rhubarb, strawberries, spinach, and Swiss chard. I know that I want to get rhubarb and either asparagus or Swiss chard, but before I decide on which I have to check the potassium level in those vegetables.
I can determine the potassium level in each of those vegetables by going to foodfacts.com and searching for the ingredients by product name. This is a big help when it comes to following a low potassium diet because once I find out how many milligrams of potassium a vegetable for fruit contains, I know if I can eat it and the amount I can consume at one meal.
This will be my first trip to a farmers' market since my doctor put me on a low potassium diet, so I am looking forward to see what I can find that I can eat. I am looking forward to seeing what else they have and then figuring out how to cook it. I have only two recipe books in the house (apartment) and I think both of those are microwave cookbooks, which is not going to help since I will be using the electric range.
I have $30.00 in Farmers' Market Coupons, a partial list of locally available produce, one location, and dates of upcoming Farmers' Markets.Next week the Market will be on Monday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, I am planning to go on one of those dates. The produce that (I know) will be available are asparagus, cherries, greens, lettuce, peas, radishes, rhubarb, strawberries, spinach, and Swiss chard. I know that I want to get rhubarb and either asparagus or Swiss chard, but before I decide on which I have to check the potassium level in those vegetables.
I can determine the potassium level in each of those vegetables by going to foodfacts.com and searching for the ingredients by product name. This is a big help when it comes to following a low potassium diet because once I find out how many milligrams of potassium a vegetable for fruit contains, I know if I can eat it and the amount I can consume at one meal.
This will be my first trip to a farmers' market since my doctor put me on a low potassium diet, so I am looking forward to see what I can find that I can eat. I am looking forward to seeing what else they have and then figuring out how to cook it. I have only two recipe books in the house (apartment) and I think both of those are microwave cookbooks, which is not going to help since I will be using the electric range.
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Thankful Thursday: April 3, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 14 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Thursday, April 3, 2014 about 12:49 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
1. ...for the $30.00 in Farmers' Market coupons I received when I picked up my April Senior Food allotment.
2. ...that I still have a working Internet connection.
3. ...for the jar of peanut butter I received with my Senior Food allotment.
4. ...that I am still able to drive my car across Las Vegas.
5. ...for the bottle of grape juice I received with my Senior Food allotment.
6. ...that I still have a bag of rice in the cupboard so I can make Spanish rice to go with the ground turkey I have in the freezer.
7. ...for the nice sunshiny day we are experiencing here in Las Vegas.
8. ...that I am over the Spring Fever I suffered from on Wednesday.
9. ...for my family and friends both on and off line.
10. ...that I was able to attend my grief counseling group yesterday.
Today I am thankful...
1. ...for the $30.00 in Farmers' Market coupons I received when I picked up my April Senior Food allotment.
2. ...that I still have a working Internet connection.
3. ...for the jar of peanut butter I received with my Senior Food allotment.
4. ...that I am still able to drive my car across Las Vegas.
5. ...for the bottle of grape juice I received with my Senior Food allotment.
6. ...that I still have a bag of rice in the cupboard so I can make Spanish rice to go with the ground turkey I have in the freezer.
7. ...for the nice sunshiny day we are experiencing here in Las Vegas.
8. ...that I am over the Spring Fever I suffered from on Wednesday.
9. ...for my family and friends both on and off line.
10. ...that I was able to attend my grief counseling group yesterday.
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Giving up Chocolate
‘Idál (Justice), 13 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 2, 2014 about 6:59 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I have to give up chocolate! I purchase a milk chocolate Easter bunny on Monday, March 31, when I went to the store to pick up a prescription. I read the nutritional facts on the back of the box, since it did not give the potassium content I figured I did not have to worry about that issue. Today, I did an Internet search for the potassium content of chocolate.
I discovered that milk chocolate has 625 mg of potassium for one cup of chips. The chocolate bunny contains about 16 oz. of chocolate, which means the potassium in the bunny exceeds my low potassium diet. Dark chocolate has 158 mg and white chocolate 243.1 mg of potassium, this means I cannot eat chocolate Easter bunnies or any other type of chocolate candy. I have not checked the potassium content of hot coco mix, but I suspect the potassium content in that product excludes me from drinking hot chocolate or cafe mocha.
I think I will miss the cafe mocha the most, but I could be wrong. I might miss chocolate ice cream or chocolate candy more the cafe mocha. I will just have to see and write about what I miss most. I know one thing for certain, I will have to do an Internet search for potassium content in food and make a grocery list accordingly.
I have to give up chocolate! I purchase a milk chocolate Easter bunny on Monday, March 31, when I went to the store to pick up a prescription. I read the nutritional facts on the back of the box, since it did not give the potassium content I figured I did not have to worry about that issue. Today, I did an Internet search for the potassium content of chocolate.
I discovered that milk chocolate has 625 mg of potassium for one cup of chips. The chocolate bunny contains about 16 oz. of chocolate, which means the potassium in the bunny exceeds my low potassium diet. Dark chocolate has 158 mg and white chocolate 243.1 mg of potassium, this means I cannot eat chocolate Easter bunnies or any other type of chocolate candy. I have not checked the potassium content of hot coco mix, but I suspect the potassium content in that product excludes me from drinking hot chocolate or cafe mocha.
I think I will miss the cafe mocha the most, but I could be wrong. I might miss chocolate ice cream or chocolate candy more the cafe mocha. I will just have to see and write about what I miss most. I know one thing for certain, I will have to do an Internet search for potassium content in food and make a grocery list accordingly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)