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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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 (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.

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!

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. 😊

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. 👈

Monday Morning Motivation, July 24, 2023

 

Good morning!

Late start, slept in, but where I am it is still morning. 😊

Just remember, your progress still counts even if it's only visible to you.

Each step, no matter how small, holds power and significance.

Monday Morning Motivation, July 10, 2023

 

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, July 3, 2023

 

Oh, hello July!

Just be you, because you are

Unique, worthy and amazing.

Live every day to the fullest as

You deserve all the good in life.

Wishing you a safe, sane, and happy 4th of July! 🎆🎇

Keep hope alive.

Monday Morning Motivation, June 26, 2023

Good morning!

If you need to compare to anyone, compare with your past self.

If you need to impress anyone, impress your future self.

And if you are to make anyone happy, be it your present self.

Copyright 2010,2023 Dona Cox

Monday Morning Motivation, June 12, 2023

 

Don't forget, while you're busy doubting yourself,

someone is admiring your strength.

Monday Morning Motivations, May 29, 2023

 

Good morning!

I hope...

Yesterday reminds you how strong you were.
Today proves you how capable you are.
Tomorrow tells you how fantastic you can be!

Trust in your potential!

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Monday Morning Motivation, April 10, 2023

 

My husband, Sam, pauses during a hike in Yellowstone to take in the view, yet deep in contemplation. July, 2009.

#bekind #bekindertoyourself 

Monday Morning Motivation, April 3, 2023

 

Hello April

Always keep moving forward,

Pushing your limits, and

Remember, each obstacle

Is a chance to grow, to

Learn from the past and thrive.

Monday Morning Motivation 3/27/2023

Hello and good morning!

As this last Monday of March unfolds, I hope you remember this.

Butterflies cannot see their wings. But the rest of the world can.

--You. You are beautiful and while you may not see it, we can.

May this week unfold as one of your highlights and favorites!

#bekind

Monday Motivation 2/13/2023

Hello Monday!

February reminders…

Your time is too valuable for self-doubts and worries.

You are already and will always be loved.

It’s ok to do what’s best for you.

The only person you can’t afford to lose is you.

No worries, no hurry; you’ll get there step by step. 

Teachers Worth Remembering

Weekend Assignment #59: We've all had teachers who have made a difference in our lives. Tell us about one of yours. It can be a teacher from any level of education, from kindergarten to graduate school.

Extra Credit: Tell us your second favorite subject in schoool.

It was my senior year in high school.  Her name was Mrs. Johnstone, and she taught Creative Writing.  This was my first exposure to creative writing.  I'd written a few short stories and a poem or two, but to be honest, really didn't think my writing had 'it.'  You know, that certain something that makes one person's compositions stand out.

But Mrs. Johnstone saw 'it' in me.  And she encouraged me to continue to write.  With a gentle smile, and a few gentle words of encouragement, she opened the doors to a whole new world for me to explore.  Yeah, I'd always loved the written word...I was a book worm growing up.  Always had my nose in books.  But write?  Me?  Sorry, writing was what other people did.  Mrs. Johnstone...she had other ideas on that.

I liked her.  She wasn't stuffy like my previous English teachers.  She was relaxed and funny, warm and friendly, encouraging and inspiring.  To me, she was the perfect teacher.  And it was Mrs. Johnstone who took me aside one day and planted the writing seed in my brain.  "You can do it," she said.  "And I really think you should."

She is responsible for my decision to write my life story.

In the years that followed, I sometimes thought of and spoke of her.  If any one teacher ever stirred inspiration in me, she is the one.  Like a sculptor gifted with the ability to see beneath the solid layers, she summoned the essence that lied within.  Awakening that which slept.  I shall never forget her.

Extra credit:  If Creative Writing was my favorite subject, my second favorite subject had to be art.  I know what you're thinking.  And yes, I am a closet artist, of words, and objects.  If I needed to express myself and words failed me, I knew I could pick up a pencil and a piece of paper and draw.  There was something soothing in the tangy smell of a freshly sharpened pencil in my hand, the sound of the lead dragging against the paper, the feel of my fingers rubbing and smudging those sharp, hard lines into shapely forms and silky soft textures.  When I was creating, time just stood still.  Even if I was just making a collage from magazine tear outs, I loved it.  I was creating and I was in my element. 

A little something in pencil, circa 1980-1981.  It was a gift, to a friend.  Now I wish I would have kept it, but at least I have several photos.  This photo is a bit worn out and wrinkled, but you can see the work.