Finally, thank you!

 Without a doubt, the best movie. Ever. Made. I've seen it 4 times already, and now that it's been extended for another week, for the second time (yay!), I will see it at least one more time. It's more than a movie, it's an experience, a journey, and so much more.

It's that good! Am I disappointed that this extended theatre release delays streaming it on Amazon...yes, a wee bit. But not enough to cloud over the fact that this movie is best experienced on the big screen to begin with. 

Two years ago, I created a blog post to challenge Hollywood, or the movie making powers that be, to create a movie worth seeing. 

They came through, and then some!!!

Project Hail Mary - Final Trailer

If you haven't seen this movie, go! What are you waiting for?

The little tree that could.

Hope is in the air again.

For the first time since Sam and I purchased the Christmas tree farm 20 years ago, we sold a tree before Thanksgiving! While we have customers who always come and tag a tree in November, no one ever took one home
to decorate before Thanksgiving!! And that weekend, Sam sold two more.

The Christmas spirit is thriving once again. And people are excited about the future.

I know I am.

Hope and faith are very much alive and thriving in our little tree farm, in the form of a simple Fraser fir tree. Yes, a little tree. So, what's the big deal? It's a Christmas tree farm, and that's a tree. Hardly worth getting excited about, right? Well, Fraser firs do not thrive at this elevation or in our climate. They require a rain forest climate to grow and aren't well suited for dry climates with low humidity.

The Christmas trees we grow are a white fir species called concolor fir, so named for the variety of colors the tree comes in as it matures. This species is native to the southwest, is drought tolerate, and well suited for the Lewis-Clark valley climate.

For the first few years, we only ordered and grew concolor firs, but people kept asking us if we had any grand firs, or fraser firs, as these are the species most well-known and what you will find at any tree lot. So in 2015, we ordered a small batch of grand fir, fraser fir, and noble fir seedlings as an experiment, 10-20 of each species. We planted some here, and I took a half dozen up to our cabin (elevation 3,800') to see if they would grow up there. To my disappointment, none of the seedlings survived...except this one single fraser fir here in Lewiston. I thought maybe the ones planted at the cabin would make it, but the summer proved too hot and dry; by fall only a twig and slip of marker tape was all that remained. And so, I turned to this one simple tree and silently asked it to stay and grow. Then I stood back, checking on it occasionally, always wondering how much longer it would stay.

The lone Fraser fir, December 2016.

It became my little tree that could. A testament of my faith when all seemed lost...and hopeless. Yet, in that simple tree, I found a miracle. I know it seems silly, but I love little things like this; I tend to believe in the impossible.

Sam standing next to the lone Fraser fir, December 2019.

Christmas can be a time for hope, faith, wonder and maybe a bit of magic. I hope as you read this, you find the faith you need, and it fills your heart with joy in the simple things we may overlook.

The lone Fraser fir today, December 14, 2024.

All grown and thriving at over 7 feet, December 14, 2024.

#fraserfir #treefarm #FaithJourney #keephopealive #christmastreefarm

Apples + Fall...a winning combination!

A comfort food that's good for you, I'm in! Apple Cider Donuts. Just in time for fall!

Common sense. These days it seems everywhere we turn someone makes the comment that common sense is lacking in our society. That's a troubling thought. But I believe that is about to change. It happened last year when I read a book titled, Thyroid Healing: The truth behind Hashimoto's, Graves', insomnia, hypothyroidsim, thyroid nodules & Epstein-Barr by Anthony William, Medical Medium. There's just something about what he says and writes that makes sense. Right now, I'm reading his first book, Medical Medium, which he revised and expanded because of the covid pandemic.

Anthony helps us bridge the gap between our understanding of how our bodies work and how everything we eat, think and do affects this amazing machine we live in. He provides the tools to get healthy and stay healthy. In simple, easy to understand and follow language. Plain and simple.

I consider myself to have an open mind (most of the time), but I carry a healthy dose of skepticism as well. However, my life experiences have proven to me, time and time again, that anything is possible and there is so much we do not know or understand about this world, this universe, we live in.

I have tried many of Anthony's recipes which offer healthy alternatives to comfort foods (those foods we crave even when we know they are not good for our bodies). But Anthony flipped the script on these misunderstood gems and created easy recipes that not only taste wonderful but provide us with a healthy alternative: ice cream made from frozen bananas (OMG, where has this been all my life!), "Nacho Style" baked potatoes that were fulfilling and delicious (now that's flipping the script!), and a garlic cashew aloli which quickly became my favorite topping. Just to name a few.

I've reached the age where serious changes are happening within me, and I have no desire to lose any of the ground I enjoy standing on. If change is in the cards, then I'm dealing the cards and taking some control of the hand I am dealt.

There are sacrifices. Eggs, dairy, pork have to be completely eliminated if I want to heal my body.

Love is about making sacrifices, but it is so worth it.

It is time. I am learning to become my best advocate for my health.

If you missed the above link for the recipe, click here---> Recipe for Apple Cider Donuts.

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An Open Letter to Hollywood

Hollywood. Go back to making movies with substance and humanity.

Stop with the gore, horror, and apocalyptic themes. That's not what makes us tick.

You have hit rock bottom in our minds and hearts. Too many within your so-called elite circle dabble in the dark side, wholly supported and hidden by you. It appears you thrive on scandals, abuse, and violence.

Hollywood has lost sight of what is real, genuine and most of all, authentic. Your image is tarnished. Even the great Oscar no longer has value to the rest of the world. Not like it once did. Now the movie going public views you as just another fool.

Your customer base is shrinking. Soon, it may be gone. Is that what want?

There are thousands of stories written and published every day. Stories that bring people together. Stories we, your customers, can relate to because they have depth and meaning...and most of all give us hope that there is something worthwhile to believe in. Find those stories and writers, because the ones in your pockets today are giving you garbage. 

Get back in touch with your audience base, the real audience. Ask us what we want.

Go back to making movies that tell us a story of what it's like to be human. To stand strong with our heart and get back up when we get knocked down.

Move us. Inspire us. Lift us up. Fill our hearts with love. Bring yourself to be human again. Bring us movies. Like this one. 

Love requires sacrifice, because it's worth it.

The Longest Ride  <----This. Make movies like this again!

Of messages from the past

Often, I find myself filled with wonder at something I did or wrote, that was lost to my memory with the passage of time.

Thursday evening, I came across my journal from 2021. As I scanned through the pages, one entry dated 9/21/2021 in particular caught my eye.

Seeing it for the first time in years filled me with a sense of delight. I don't remember writing it, what inspired it, or what compelled me to put the thought down on paper. But I'm glad I did. It was a nice reminder that day.

It's been on my mind since.

It is the little things in life that lift our spirit and fill our soul with lightness.

Resilience isn't learned, it truly is built. Funny, how changing that one word, completely transformed the intention.

114175

Monday Morning Motivation, February 26, 2024

 

If I’ve learned anything in life, it’s that you should tell people how important they are to you. Not because they could leave at any moment, but because they’re here now, and it’s worth saying something. ~Unknown.

 

You are important.

Monday Morning Motivation, February 12, 2024

 

Good morning!

Wherever you go, may people recognize that you have a beautiful heart!

Photograph of Labradorite heart, copyright 2024 IdahoGemGirl (copyright embedded in image).

Monday Morning Motivation, January 29, 2024

 

5 THINGS TO REMEMBER TODAY

You are valuable.
You are enough.
You have a voice.
You are seen.
You are capable.

#mondaymorningmotivation #mondaymotivation #mondayvibes #mondaymood #bekind #bekinder #bekindertoyourself #bekindereveryday #encourage #encouragement #liftoneanotherup 

Monday Morning Motivation (on Tuesday), January 22, 2024

 

In case no one told you today…
Hello!
Good morning.
You belong here.
You’re doing great.
You make a difference just by being you.
Somewhere, someone’s life is better because of you.

Monday Morning Motivation, January 15, 2024

Good morning/afternoon!

I hope…

Yesterday reminds you how strong you were.

Today proves you how capable you are, and

Tomorrow tells you how fantastic you can be.

You can say that here

 Being around horses has distinct advantages. We can say things that, in any other time or place, might be deemed inappropriate. Things like...

"You look good on him." (I've had that said to me).

Or "He's too much for her, maybe you should get on him."

It's perfectly normal conversation at the barn; no one gets offended or put out. That's just the way it is; that's how we talk.

And such was the case at team sorting two weeks ago. I'll set the stage.

The barn owner/event hosts have many friends, one of whom is an avid team roper and frequent visitor to the barn. I'll just call him R and he's a hoot and a half, just a fun loving guy. Extrovert major. And that's when he's sober. Alcohol tends to magnify his personality, but not in a bad way. He becomes more...people friendly...if you know what I mean.

So, I'm sitting on Duke nursing a cold brew when I see R strolling on foot into the arena. Make that swagger into the arena. His entrance is one that won't go unnoticed because he has a certain lively energy to him at the moment...the kind everyone hears...and he has a beer in his hand.

Data gathered and noted.

To my right are my friends Erica, Hillary, and Kim. To my left is another friend named Judy; a shall we say mature woman. I had just taken a swig of my beer, as I'm watching R's face light up and he strolls right up to Judy, like he's on a mission.

Then he belts out, rather loudly, "Hey, how old is your ass?"

Judy is sitting on a mule. And responds to his question as if he was asking about her son. "He's 30," she says, nonplussed. And the two strike up a conversation about mules, comparing notes, etc. The way people meeting for the first time might chat.

Me? I'm really glad I already swallowed the beer, because it would have come out my nose if I hadn't.

If a guy said that to a woman (especially a stranger) anywhere else, he would have been slapped...possibly. Most likely more than once.

Okay...someone would be stinging, that's for sure.

There's no people like horse people.

Monday Morning Motivation, January 1, 2024

 

A tad late posting today. Got distracted by boxing up my Christmas decorations and needing a nap. :)

Monday Morning Motivation, December 25, 2023

 

Today is the day many children look forward to with wonder and delight. And yet the day may come when the feelings of wonder and delight slowly fade, replaced by responsibility and perhaps obligation as we mature.

On this day, my wish is that you allow room in your heart for the wonder and delight you felt as a child; even if it was only once and short-lived, push through whatever it is that separates you from that lightness and joy. Think back to the best memory you have of a Christmas past (or any event), linger in that moment in the present, and hold on to it so you can carry it forward to the future.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Familiar things in unfamiliar times

 

In this constantly changing world, which leaves us feeling unprepared, there is a feeling of nostalgia and even a sense of comfort that comes with the familiar. This little reindeer stamp is one of those familiar things.

 

In December 1988, I was in Markettime Drug when this fun lil’ character, sitting by itself on a shelf, caught my eye. I was smitten with its charm and without hesitation snatched it off the shelf and headed to the cashier. It's probably the only thing I ever purchased at Markettime Drug, and it’s been with me ever since. Funny thing, before that night, I never visited Markettime Drug. I drove by it hundreds of times, never stopping; yet that night I felt compelled to stop and go in.

 

The ink pad dried up years ago, but as a card maker I have enough red ink pads to keep it going. Every year when it appears in my workspace while I am sending Christmas cards, it puts a smile on my face and a bit of joy in my heart. A tiny reminder of a different time, and yet serves to remind me that not everything has to change.

Monday Morning Motivation, December 18, 2023

Some things just have to be shared.

I've been following Our Mindful Life on Instagram for several years. When I'm stuck on what to say come Monday morning, I'll turn to OML and find a treasure. And when I do, this happens. "Self," I say. "You just can't keep this nugget of wisdom to yourself. It must be shared!" And so, I did. 😊

It's My Favorite Time of Year

 It's my favorite Christmas song, which I listen to all year long.

Florin Street Band - My Favourite Time of Year

The making of My Favourite Time of Year. How much do I love BTS for anything on video? A lot!!!

BTS for the video

Speaking of the heart

 

Somewhere, at some time in my life, I heard or read the words The heart has no concept of time. Those words became a ripple of change within me and my perspective on everything changed. Perhaps for the better.

And when it comes to loss and the grief that accompanies it, I came to grasp a deeper meaning of those words. 

Especially last April, when it came time to let go of my horse, Duke. In late March he went into respiratory distress; I immediately took him to his vet, Dr. Dave, who diagnosed Duke with heaves and prescribed a month-long round of Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) applied topically to his pelleted feed. I tried everything to heal him, soaking his hay in water to remove dust, removing all bedding from his stall. I clipped his long shaggy Cushing's related coat around his vital organs hoping on the warmer days it would bring some relief. Nothing helped him. I was hoping for a miracle. There was nothing further Dr. Dave could do, and so, after speaking to veterinarians at Washington State University, I came to terms with the fact that the time had come for me to make a quality-of-life decision on Duke's behalf. Since that day, just the thought of him, or when a social media memory of him pops up, the flood of emotions flows. 

Duke crossed over at mid-morning on April 28, 2023, seven days shy of his 28th birthday.

I am grateful for every moment I had with him. I am eternally grateful for his existence in my life. I am grateful for the fifteen years we had together; those memories are sacred to me. Duke was the gift I always dreamed of but never expected. 

Duke and I, August 20, 2011

Duke, March 21, 2023 with his hair clipped.

 Farewell, until we meet again...

I will remember you...

Long after your hoofprints have faded from this Earth,

Because they are forever imprinted...

On my heart.

I hold you close within my heart

And there you will remain...

To walk with me throughout my life

Until we meet again.

Monday Morning Motiviation, December 4, 2023

(c) 2006, copyright embedded into photo, 

Hello December!

Diamond turns into gem by
Enduring what should have 
Crushed it. However,
Every ounce of pressure
Makes it stronger than
Before. And if coal can
Evolve, you can too because you're
Rare, strong
and beautiful.

Monday Morning Motivation, 11/13/2023 {World Kindness Day}

 

In case no one told you today…

Hello!

Good morning!

You belong here.

You’re doing great.

You make a difference just by being you.

Somewhere, someone’s life is better because of you.

I have a favor to ask. During this month when many of us include gratitude in our daily efforts, I ask that each time you lay your head on your pillow, take a moment to put out positive and loving energy into the world. 

Whatever your beliefs, let the last thoughts you have before you drift off be those of healing and kindness. Ask comfort for those who suffer, be it human or animal. Seek guidance for those who feel lost. Imagine our earth surrounded with the light of love. Visualize people working with and supporting one another, replacing apathy and judgement with empathy and understanding. 

One minute, each night, a few words. In the morning, when you wake up, you may find your heart feels lighter, because these words will help you as well.

Keep hope alive.

Our world needs it. It is time. 

#mondaymotivation #mondaymood #mondaymorning #mondayvibes #worldkindnessday #KindnessMatters #bekind #bekinder #bekindertoyourself

Monday Morning Motivation, October 23, 2023

 

Hello!🌅

As we begin another week, whatever you are facing today and, in the days, ahead, always remember you are never alone. 💗Someone, somewhere, will always be there for you…even if at times that person turns out to be you. 👈