The strong sound, smell connection

A few months ago I remember reading of a father upset because his cell phone provider deleted saved voice mail messages of his deceased daughter.  I'm sure hearing her recorded voice was his way of keeping some sort of connection to her memory. I sure hope he has other recordings of his daughter. One's voice is unique and distinguishable, like fingerprints. He was holding on to a bit of his daughter he could dial up and revisit whenever he had a sense of longing for her presence once again. A father, missing his sweet little daughter.

The Father/Daughter bond is a special bond

Photo credit: kakisky from morguefile.com


It's interesting how we hold on to something which connects us with a loved one. A know of a widow who has kept the recording her late husband's voice on her answering machine. People also hang onto photos, jewelry, clothing, any object which links and gives a sense of closeness to the previous owner will suffice because of a lingering scent or memory associated with it.

My brother's wall-to-wall red carpeted bedroom, with his Bruce Lee posters and collection of James Brown albums, was over the garage. I didn't go up there much, but when I did, the first thing I noticed was a distinct, pleasing aroma which I'd never smelled but in his room.  I've associated that pleasant aroma with my brother. To this day, when I want to heighten my memory of him,  I open a small, round, tin canister, displaying artwork of old, Oriental scenery wrapping it's sides and on the lid, and inside is the treasure which can't be deleted, a small bag containing an exotic blend of potpourri. A deep, slow inhalation and immediately I'm transported back to my brother's bedroom when all was well.
It's amazing how aromas can trigger such vivid memories.

the window and lighting reminds me of my brother's room

Photo credit: kakisky from morguefile.com
 
The brain is amazing. In the brain, the 'glia' cells remembers everything. It helps in survival- the transmission of chemicals and nerves from the molecules we inhale through our nose sends a message to be interpreted by the glia or 'little brain'. There, the electrical pulse that's triggered recalls  the last time that same trigger message was received and what it was associated with, even it it was decades ago, and immediately our brain links that event or person to that aroma. Amazing. Also, based upon other info and experiences, our brain can tell us to stay away from certain aromas which don't smell 'quite right', for it might be spoiled, so do not eat it. Or, it may recall a certain aroma linked to a past enjoyable event. We depend upon our noses all the time, but not quite as to the extent as our canine pets do. Aromas even assist in choosing a mate.

The brain can be triggered to recall events 

Photo credit: clarita from morguefile.com


My brother and I were 'tight' despite a 6 year age difference. Even to this day I believe the world lost out on a great young man when God called him home. He bravely, and I mean bravely fought an invading battle, but after five years the foreign invading cells won and his body died before he turned 18. I was holding him when he took his last breath and even typing these words, tears fill my eyes because I feel joy for him...not that he had to physically suffer, but because suffering is the furthest thing from him since his last breath. He was freed from the unrelenting pain and from death. His body went limp, but he did not die. In the spirit I witnessed his heavenly escort charged to receive his soul, and take him home. I didn't 'see' them, but an awesome presence like no other I'd ever felt or sensed filled the room, no doubt about that. It's impossible to describe the beauty of the last moments of someone dear to you exhaling their last breath with great 'beings' about the room charged to take the saint, just freed from fleshly limitations, heavenward. It had to have been predestined for angelic being to know when to be in that hospital room and to have me there to experience and witness my brother's homecoming. It was beautiful and peaceful and quiet, and nothing to be afraid of at all. Beautiful is not wonderful enough a word to describe what happened in his hospital room late on St. Patrick's Day of 1983. His body was emaciated to skin covering his bones. It shocked to see such a drastic decline of his physical condition in a two week span. I cried all that day because reality sunk in me that my brother's condition didn't appear that he could pull through this time- his defenses and his body had become too severely weakened and damaged.  He'd fought long and hard and his body was give out. I never knew tears couldbe so big and flow so hard until that day.

That entire St. Patrick's Day, for the first time, I had a deep knowing that my brother's time here was short. I was down the hall from his hospital room and I was suddenly overcome by a powerful thought to immediately drop what I was doing and hurry back to his room.. I can't really adequately describe how strong that urgent feeling overcame me. It was as if someone got into my brain and spoke to me to do what I had heard, and right then. There was no way to ignore it. And I really don't remember walking, just floating along that hallway as if I were being carried. I have been changed since. I held my brother and told him I loved him as he started to have difficulty breathing. There was an ethereal feeling about the room. It was beautiful beyond words. His heavenly escorts carried his soul leaving his limp. lifeless shell. His journey here was finished and he was released from the physical world and .he was on his way home. I knew that I knew and I still know he was fine and knowing that has helped me greatly from that night knowing the pain he had to endure was for a while, but no more.  After all that happened, I am still here feeling so honored to have had a brother such as he. One day I would again see him and hear him call me, 'Trina' as only he did. I look forward to that day and in sharing, I hope you have your heart and spirit in agreement with our Heavenly Father so  you'll be charged an angelic detail to escort you HOME!

Right after those last moments with my brother, I had an epiphany. Death isn't anything to fear. Physical death is actually the 'door' to your heavenly homecoming.  If you're in Christ, the last breath you breathe opens the door to entering into a more glorious life on the other side- to being spiritually alive in the presence of our Lord, Jesus. How wonderful that's gonna be!  To be ALIVE with Jesus!

the spiritual opens once you breath your last

Photo credit: dpawatts from morguefile.com

 

Potpourri from my brother's room - still potent & magical

Inhaling deeply, my entire body smiles.



 Important note-----
If you don't ever come to the saving grace of accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will be left without any hope of everlasting LIFE in heaven. If you need guidance on knowing how to go about this, please don't a single day, Make it a priority, Seek a person you know who's saved or a church to have someone walk you through the scriptures and then lead you in a prayer something of the sorts and humbly pray to God that you know you're a sinner, you know you need a savior, you accept Jesus to be the Son of God and as your savior who died in your place on the cross and you thank him for saving your soul and you invite him into your heart. You will begin a new spiritual awakened life, and will require need learning and growing in Christ, for living and growing in your newness of life because you are spiritually and forever a child of God, and heir to His out-of-this-world wonderful blessing!

 Your soul isn't anything to take lightly. Any day could be the day you physically breathe your last, and after that....you don't get a second chance do-over.. It's believing deep in your heart God has the best for you, Jesus, and it's for you to accept his love. It's a spiritual decision to make, and will determine your spiritual future forever. Don't allow the adversary to keep lying and delaying or hindering your decision. To say it bluntly, do you want forever life or death?
 There's only One Way approved by God, only one,  through Jesus and Jesus alone.  That's why he's called, The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

In John 15:13, you can read that Jesus calls you 'friend' and loves you so much that he laid down his life for YOU! 

And you can go here to view 2 videos of Billy Graham speaking.  He shares humor with stories in saying you don't have to shoot for perfection,  you don't need to be perfect and it's alright to fail......  but you need to know the One who can save your soul. Watch and listen, Your choice is to accept or reject the best God has to offer to you.

What sort of aroma are you to God?

This is FYI on what the Bible explains what happens when we die.  
And also Dr. David Jeremiah taught about heavenly escorts.
Here is some info about angels.
And here lists some of the tasks angels carry out and more info on these wonderful beings. 

depicting an angel

Photo credit: iphis from morguefile.com

Read of two incidences with angels I encountered with my brother here. 

Pink-eyed purple hull peas

When I say, 'pink-eyed, purple-hull peas,' I think of a singer warming up her voice by practicing proper pronunciation of words. And purple-hull peas conjure up memories of a friend with bags of peas around her, intently happy watching her daytime soap while busy hulling, blanching and canning her 'mess of peas'. Her Summer-time ritual.
Anyway, another very good friend shared a bag with me to give to my Mom. Let me tell you... those purple-hull peas were yummy.  I did some checking around and found purple-hull peas are popular peas. Please proceed to poke about how people in parts all over plant, prepare and plan to partake in plenty of purple-hull peas.

What are purple hull peas and they are also called cow peas.

Purple-hull peas

Photo credit: greyerbaby from morguefile.com


Here's an article in the Washington Post by someone crazy about purple-hull peas.


Video on picking, hulling and canning purple-hull peas.





And this woman painted them.  Now that's combining food and art.

These peas can be called--purple hull, or pink-eyed, purple hull. Bur never you mind 'bout that. It's eatin' and tastin' them little darlins that has folks always wantin' more..no matter what these beauties are called, they're good ole fashun' good eatin'.


Here's comparing a variety of peas.

Now,  pass the peas, please.

Graphene, diamonds & graphite-carbon allotropes

Graphene. I came across this interesting element, which for a while scientists thought was too unstable to exist. In 2010, the Nobel Prize was awarded to two men for their characterization and discovery of graphene.  (in Physics at the Manchester University). We all know diamonds are hard, but the graphene element is hard, and bendable. Hard as well as bendable is amazing.

Diamond can't conduct electricity but similar to graphene

Photo credit: jdurham from morguefile.com


 Images showing the structure of graphene-



 Images of graphene to view:
http://www.jameshedberg.com/scienceGraphics.php?sort=graphene&id=graphene-onSubstrate-3Dmodel

James Hedberg / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Graphene has a one layer thick hexagonal lattice structure giving it a wide range of useful properties in electronics, mechanical, thermo and thermo-electric, optical and chemical.


Here you can read that graphene has caught the eye for seeing the potential for multiple uses for this 'super material'.  Dec 2012.


Both diamonds and graphene are made of carbon molecules. Here are some comparisons between the two. 
It's the molecular structure which gives an element or mineral it's properties. A small structure change can have big effects upon it's properties.
 

Graphene can be used to create very strong but flexible materials.


Allotropes of carbon- diamond, graphite, graphene
 (allotropes are different physical forms of the same element)
 (elements are chemical structures which can't be broken down or changed to another substance       using chemical means)


Graphite also is made of carbon molecules. and we all know pencil led is made up of graphite- it's soft, and non-conductive properties.  - video below shows how pencils led is made








I believe we're gonna be hearing a lot more about graphene as scientists find ways to use this element's multiple properties in today's ever growing need for upgrading our digital communication devices and products.

Money trees- the real ones

Money trees and the beanstalk Jack climbed are unfortunately not real. So there's no need to set out searching for one to grow in your back year.  But wait, that's not entirely true---Money trees do exist and what's so magical about them is they don't require water, just a generous hand to attach some paper leaves onto their frame, and voila, a good ole fashun' money tree ripe for pluckin'.

You may ask, how on Earth do I know money trees exist? Well, let me tell you sighting one is quite a rare treat. I've sighted not one, but two double-rainbows long before I laid eyes upon my first money tree.  But when I first saw it, I did a double-take. There it was, plain as day, settin' pretty upon a glass top table, not really wanting to be the center of attention. It was like one of those blossoms that only blooms once in ten years and fades fast. Just think, I could've missed it. But not that day. There it was, as real as could be. I got closer and it sho' nuff was in fact a real, honest to God money tree.

An actual money tree in full bloom

It was no fake 'real' money tree cause the leaves weren't 'play' leaves. I would rank seeing a tree like this as often as I'd see a double-yolked egg. So with permission, I took this photo for prosperity sake and proof.

I did some searching, and if you'd like, you can craft your own money tree  just in case you want to have a 'green back' thumb.

I have yet to come across a beanstalk I can climb, but in case you run into one, let me know so I can come check it out.

And,  I might add, there are things like this which are mean to enjoy on special occasions. That's what makes them rare and special.

One more art form passing away- Ninjutsu

Viewing depictions of Ninjas in movies has been a fascination of mine. Ninjas are almost super-human. They make their actions look as if they defy gravity.  They can scale any natural or man-made structure, move without making a sound then disappear in a flash.  I remember thinking it must be so cool to be able to do those things.
Ninjas were Japanese spies, killers, and assassins. I would imagine their training took years to master their precisely executed stills under the cloak of darkness and all without making a sound. They had to be experts in martial arts, weaponry of all sorts, have super strength with amazing agility, and nerves of steel. And I'd add, not be squeamish about killing someone with dead accuracy.

Ninja

Photo credit: miguelwhee from morguefile.com

This art form, jinjutsu, it may be called a self-defense technique of martial art precision killing has died out.  The need for Ninjas is gone.

The secrets of the Ninjas was passed down from father to son, but it has come to an end.

But, no doubt, Ninjas will live on in movies, games, toys, and  in contests challenging the body in every imaginable way, giving us some idea of the rigors the Ninjas executed perfectly.

FYI- More interesting stuff about Ninjas --
What a ninja did. 

Some aspects of Ninja training which gave them strength, precision, self-control.

A famous Ninja.


An obstacle course testing physical strength, stamina, speed, agility, and balance. The video below shows the first female to conquer this challenge for the title, 'First Female Ninja Warrior'



Check this video of some extreme strength, like a Ninja--




and this Ninja-like training bedroom



And lastly, step-by-step, how you can be a Ninja,


 The mighty Ninja will never be forgotten.

Halloween-the 'ugly' side

Halloween has come and gone already this year. Personally, I saw not one kid in costume nor a single trick-or-treater.   Door-to-door trick-or-treating is passe, i.e. history, because of 'ugliness' done by people wanting to harm kids by tampering with candy- (it's pretty darn 'ugly' to do that to children). Kids today are missing out and won't ever get to experience door-to-door trick-or-treating. Trunk-or-treating is just no comparison of walking up to the front door of a neighborhood house, ringing the doorbell, waiting to see who'd answer, ( and maybe getting to peak inside), getting your treat and run.  The fun was being out with friends, then when your sack or lantern couldn't hold
any more candy, (and it did get heavy), getting inside and dumping it all on the kitchen table to see
all the goodies we'd collected. and trading with each other and deciding what we'd eat first and save to eat the next few weeks. We used to make Halloween candy last for weeks. We didn't have to pay for it nor send a 'thank you' note. It was totally free-and-clear sugar.  For us kids, those were some good ole days!


I was wondering if 'the man' was going to display a 'yard of ugliness' in front of his house again so I could drive by and take a photo.

He did.

Click here to see how it looked in 2010.

I don't know how much effort and energy it takes to design and erect these displays, but they're
 quite 'ugly' don't you think?

And if this place was around when I was a kid, I think I'd pass for trick-or-treating here.  
Unless I hear they were for sure passing out all day suckers.  Then, maybe........

Hoppel poppel -my birthday gift to me

I know my talent is not in the kitchen. I think I dislike standing on my feet in the kitchen.
So I really appreciate anyone who enjoys the process of preparing, ingredient gathering,
and mixing for cooking and baking such mouth watering dishes.  It looks so easy, but for
me it's a chore.  I will gladly clean the kitchen afterwards as my offering of help to the
meal preparer.

Hoppel poppel fresh out of the oven

Well, I've been craving hoppel poppel for some time, and I finally got all the ingredients
together this weekend based upon Bonnie's recipe. No potatoes, bacon, or spinach, but
salami instead. Her recipes are a bit different from the usual--that's her creative-genes in
action doing what they naturally do, and the results of don't disappoint the taste buds.

So for my birthday, rather than a birthday cake, I have a proudly made casserole- dish of
 hoppel poppel to dig into. Here it is with cheese on top.  I made it all by myself.

Hobbel pobbel with a cheese topping

And cleaned up afterwards.


As I''m getting older, I've noticed I'm not craving sweets as much. I prefer dessert before my
dinner, but lately I've been noticing a change. I wonder what's up with that? Oh, well, as I take
another fork full of hoppel poppel.  Oh, so good!

 And thanks Bonnie, my friendly, gourmet cook, for having confidence in me in making this.
I'm not gonna say how long I was in the kitchen, but it was enjoyable when I didn't think about
 my poor feet.

Brightening up the guest bath

Who would think to write about a wall switch plates? Me, of course. And reason being I
think it's a very attractive switch plate. I got to looking and thought the old standard plane,
boring, off-white switch plate had to go.

colorful alcohol ink switch plate

Now, doesn't this make for a more attractive switch plate?   Then to make it a bit more
interesting, I found just the shower curtain to compliment my switch plate.

tropical scenery shower curtain

So, now the room is looking a lot more colorful and inviting. Every time I walk past the
bathroom I see this scenery and I can almost imagine smelling coconut, sipping on a
mimosa and walking along the beach of a tropical island. Oh, yeah.

Need I say more?

Oh yeah, I'm planning to decorate more rooms with switch plates of Renee's hand-painted
alcohol ink designs from her etsy shop- ReneeKDesigns.  Her colors 'pop'. I promise you'll
think the same thing.
And, it just wouldn't have been right to not get a matching outlet cover to match the
light switch plate cover.

My attractive Renee K Designs outlet cover

 So, what I did was add a shower curtain complimenting the colors in the wall switch plate
and outlet cover, and find some small rugs, and voila, not too shabby for decorating a guest
bath, huh?

Throw rugs from a dollar store

But all in all, I have to say what I like the best are the hand painted wall plates. They're one
of-a-kind, artsy, hand-painted originals.  Pretty cool! Now, wouldn't you like to perk up a
room or two? If you do, send me a photo. I want to see what you came up with.
 Challenge- do if for under $65.

American Red Cross won't take blood for how long?

It's been a few years, correction, a couple decades since I last donated blood to the American Red Cross. I wasn't surprised to see the intake screening questions a bit more in-depth, and good reason
 to be.
Last time I donated blood I had to be weighed to make sure I met at least the minimum weight to donate, and, AIDS wasn't on the scene yet.


Photo credit: puravida from morguefile.com
 
Besides showing a picture ID and completing a questionnaire of about twenty questions concerning hepatitis, certain medications, blood transfusions, traveling to certain countries, and if I've had
sexual contact with prostitutes or with person(s) who practiced or might have been exposed to
anyone who partook in questionable sexual practices, the most interesting thing I read was the American Red Cross does not utilize blood from a man who's had any sexual contact with another man at any time after the year 1977.  That's 35 years! That's a long time.

video-'Ban on gay donors gets a second look'.

I even had my finger pricked to test my iron content because donating blood naturally is going to deplete iron available in the body.


Photo credit: cohdra from morguefile.com
 
 So, the American Red Cross does not want blood from any man who's had sexual contact with another man for a many years. Of course people, and gay men especially, who practice sex with other men are going to claim discrimination that their blood is as good as the blood as those who are of heterosexual persuasion.
The answer is there has been problems and there are risks to the person receiving the blood. The American Red Cross doesn't want that at all.

The Red Cross screens to keep a safe blood supply, and here's why-

-The first case of post-transfusion HIV since 2002 was recently reported (CDC link: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml… . Specifics on the donor indicate unreported high risk activity over many years. Until pathogen inactivation technology has been perfected to treat donated blood components for transfusion-transmissible diseases, donor questionnaires and screening tests provide the best chance for a safe blood supply-  This is from a medical director at a regional blood center.

The screenings are a precautionary measure to keep blood supplies as safe as possible for recipients.

Here's an article that the Red Cross wants to amend the restrictions to a shorter time.  I hope if this happens, blood recipients get to choose if they want the blood of a gay/bisexual man or not.
It's a matter of receiving blood that is safe, not discrimination, and, of having a choice in what goes into your body from someone else's body.

Here's an article stating the FDA's goal also is to keep the blood supply safe. That is not discrimination, that is being responsible.  That is no way at all being discriminatory towards anyone. The blood supply needs to be 'clean'.  There should remain a strict intake to ensure guidelines and practices to have the blood supply as safe as possible for people needing transfusions.

If there is any hint of a possibility that a person wanting to donate blood may cause the recipient to become sick, then no question, their blood should not be used.

Of course nothing is 100% full-proof. I'm sure gay men and those with HIV have lied on the blood screening questionnaire and donated blood anyway. And, if they can lie about that, who knows what else they can lie about?
That's not being considerate of the well fair of another person and the purpose of donating blood is to help someone. Again, if there's any risk of donated blood being risky, then that defeats the purpose.

All blood may be red in color, but under a microscope, unseen by the naked eye, the cells can be carrying some different cellular material.

Precautions are needed-all blood is not the same

Photo credit: darrenhester from morguefile.com
 
Why do those practicing alternate lifestyles have problems accepting their lifestyle choices bring them unwanted challenges? Do they wish their choice of having a same-sex partner to be equal in every way to a heterosexual relationship?  No matter how you may wish, the two are very much different. But still, discrimination and unfair are cried out.

Simply put, there is no way a man/man relationship can be compared as equal or the same as a  man/woman relationship.  It was never designed or intended to be that way. But, if that is of your choosing, and you do have a choice, but there will be complications you may not like concerning that choice. And, it's not fair to push or force the consequences of an alternative lifestyle upon those who do not care for any association with the gay/same-sex lifestyle.

"No' is often meant for protection and safety

Photo credit: penywise from morguefile.com
 
Yes, God allows you to choose, but there are consequences that go along with certain choices. And those consequences will not ever go away, no matter how loudly you cry.

And, no judging of anyone is intended or implied. God loves the sinner, but hates the sin.

Let's not take any risks and keep the blood supply as safe as possible. Every dear person's health and well being depends upon that being so.

Finally, Male 'Birth Control" - RISUG !

Male birth control! When I read it, I actually said out loud,"Finally! For the man, he can do more in the birth control department so it's not 99% on the woman's part!"

This is the article I read, and who ever came up with the contraceptive procedure called Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance, RISUG,  needs to be given a Nobel prize right now! This is how it works. Women all over the world need to line up and shake the hand of this person responsible of designing this simple solution, RISUG, whose time has been so long awaited.

Let's fill the waiting rooms with men 

Photo credit: mensatic from morguefile.com

Now, men can take their time and visit their doctor, but still not as often as women had to for her birth control. but still, man can go into the doctor's office for a visit to get this done while women can sit outside reading a magazine for a change. Let the man drop his drawers and be a major/equal contributor in the pursuit of controlling births other than the stand by condoms or a vasectomy procedure.

Could they be on their way to do their part to control birth population?

Photo credit: click from morguefile.com
 
 This male contraceptive IS reversible, too, and, it lasts 10, yes, 10 long years!! It sounds very promising with more clinical studies to pass, let's keep our fingers and toes crossed. And it just a gel! Not a male IUD that would be uncomfortable or irritating.

I, for one, want to help spread the word about RISUG, since word of it has not spread far and wide very well. There should be billboards and commercials, but mostly just word of mouth so the cost remains reasonable. That would be the best. Something inexpensive, that works, and the drug companies can't boost the cost up 1000%. It would be nice if for a change if we could block out the drug company on this one from making a billion dollar profit-they make enough already. Let this procedure and contraceptive gel be reasonably attainable for all men the world over. Please!

I'm just so happy there's finally an effect male birth control that us women can know works but we don't have to take or remember to take or go to the doctor to renew. It's on the man this time, finally!

Kentucky Wonder

It's Summer. The wait is over. Time has arrived for digging into a good, fresh watermelon! Today, compliments of Carla, who brought a harvest of home-grown produce from her garden, I got to do just that.  The watermelon had it's own seat, literally, in one of the chairs until slicing time and this bad boy was packing. It wasn't weighed, but it measured in length as what I call 'a big'un'.

Kentucky Wonder coming in at 22 inches

Just like fresh tomatoes from the garden, it's a sweet Summer pleasure when a watermelon is sliced open and you smell that savoring aroma. You know already it's a good 'un.
I enjoy my watermelon WITHOUT any enhancement- no salt on my slice. I want to taste the goodness from nature, and that's all. It's good without sprinkling or adding anything to it.

Thank you Carla for all the garden fresh delights.  Especially, my first lip-smacking, Summer doozie of-a-watermelon.

Zombies and such

They're baaaaaack. I remember years ago watching in black and white, movies of Abbott and Costello running from zombies. They somehow got themselves in come situation that they were running from mummies or werewolves or something ugly.  There were movies of the Three Stooges encountering inhumane beings, too.  And, back in the early 60s, I watched a show called Dark Shadows, a vampire soap opera in the afternoons after I got home from school. Now, zombies are back big time and I'm wondering what's all the fuss?  I see new books written on how to survive a zombie attack, for 'they' are coming.


Photo credit: guilanenachez from morguefile.com

 
I have a difficult time understanding this phenomena of zombies. It's not scientifically possible for a person to get up and walk again after they've been decomposing.
Can a virus reinvigorate life back into a brain and make it be half-alive? I don't think so.   When the brain's been deprived of oxygenated blood, brain cells die inside of 10 minutes. So how can a dead person think even with part of their brain kick-started by a virus?

So zombies function on basic reflex and hunger to eat living flesh. I guess that's the zombie virus telling a half-dead brain that it instinctly needs living flesh so the virus can replicate itself, because viruses need a live medium to stay viable. This means zombie brains must somehow get the rest of the zombie body functioning-like the sense of smell and/or sight to locate and go after living flesh to eat.  How do cells of the nervous, olfactory, bone and soft tissue systems all become functional again? Decomposing tissue can't function. How can zombie hearts beat to circulate blood? And whatever the virus is  that attacks zombie brains, it's got to be some powerful agent if it can control muscle coordination for standing, walking or shuffling for seeking out their prey and keeping a half-dead brain functioning.

How can zombies go on an attack or do anything? Or are they supposed to be not all-the-way dead? Nothing can be a little bit dead and a little bit alive.  If you're infected with the zombie virus, by a zombie, does the virus kill your brain and make you go delirious? If zombies have hunger for live flesh, do they go after the brain tissue for their meal or any live tissue? 

Maybe the 'undead' don't need air or blood in their tissues. Maybe all the fuss about zombies is they're looking for someone to take them all-the-way out of their misery. But that can't be either. They don't feel anything. They're just beings without knowing or thinking. Just half-existing to kill and eat to stay half-alive, or half-dead. Whatever. 

If zombies and vampires are back, are the mummies not far behind?

Take a look at this blog.

And here's something about zombie-proofing your house.


FYI-
I'm fascinated that people are so fascinated in zombies. Could it be zombies symbolize that we as a people are becoming so disconnected from caring for each other and the sanctity of life? I also find it a bit disturbing that I've taken time to write on the subject of zombies.

Zombies eat flesh, vampires suck blood, what is it that mummies do?

People who overcome obstacles

I like to hear about real people who did things in spite of obstacles. For instance, Helen Keller, FDR, Aimee Mullins, and Ray Charles are only four known for the accomplishments they excelled in, but rather paid little to no attention to their personal, physical obstacles they each had.

I've often imagined what it must have been like to not see, or hear.  How different it would be to relate to a world without color or sound, and live in dark silence?

Navigating a hiking path blindfolded


Photo credit: jppi from morguefile.com
 
I went hiking with a friend one time and blindfolded myself to experience how it would be like to navigate the trail without sight. I had a walking stick so I could have something to hold on to and my friend gave instructions to walk straight or turn or step up. It was fatiguing.  Then I've put in ear plugs to experience a few hours without sound. That experience left me numb and unfulfilled. Sounds are very needed for everything. Even small insignificant small sounds tell us information. For instance, when I don't hear birds outside, the  silence indicates something is going on with the weather without having to hear a weather forecast. Without sounds and sight, I wonder if another of my senses would really become more sensitive? Maybe I could become a super food or wine taster. I could gather more info of my world through a heightened sense of touch. What I'd really like to be is a nose. I think that would be very interesting occupation to have. But for now, I enjoy seeing others excel over obstacles and soar.


Dance and soar to your desire


Photo credit: wallyir from morguefile.com

 
Regardless of physical obstacles, the human spirit wants to fly high. This young man, a Little League pitcher, flies over his obstacle,  which happens to be a physical shortcoming to you and I. Rather than letting his physical handicap of having only one arm be an excuse to this young man, and limit the height he wishes to soar, he doesn't. He chooses to make the best of things-he pitched a no-hitter. His parents and family have got to be so thrilled of his accomplishments. That's the sort of spirit we need to all have. Determination, and motivation without hesitation. That shows us there's nothing too high or too wide that a determined spirit can't tackle, persevere, conquer and win.

Obstacles, what obstacles?

Check out this for running/sprinting.
And view this amazing ballet. Read their story below the video.
And check out Clair Lomas, completing the London marathon. in spite of being paralyzed from the waist down.

Missed white deer opportunity

I will never forget the day. I missed a once in a lifetime opportunity to record in photo my white deer sighting.
Let me tell you about it.


Spotted in a country field similar to this.



Photo credit: thegipper from morguefile.com

 
Early one morning I decided to drive to the beach so I could be there for breakfast one nice Sunday morning about 10 years ago. I was between Troy and Brundidge driving happily along when off in a field I spotted deer. I've seen deer a lot when driving, but not usually in the mornings.  So it was unusual, and even more unusual was these weren't ordinary looking deer. They were  white deer. Maybe they were albino, I couldn't determine that, but they were unlike any deer I had ever seen. I couldn't believe my eyes! A male with females and little ones, maybe 10 to 12 in all, just grazing but walking slowly as a group in the direction of the highway which I was passing by. I slowed down to feast upon this rare sight. No one was behind me so I opened my purse to get my camera. Uh oh, no camera.

So I turned around and made another pass to get another look at this beautiful grouping of deer. Yes, they were all white, not just white tails or light, brownish-gray in color, or no spots of white mixed with another color. My eyes were seeing them clearly and each of them was white in color from head to tail. They didn't run or even seem to care about anything around them. They were walking slowly, but also eating as they walked. The sun was coming up and they stood out against everything else in the field just 30 to 40 yards from the highway. I turned around and made another pass as I still was about the only vehicle headed South on the highway.

My terrible thought was I'd forgotten my camera, and so my opportunity to capture on film my sighting was not to be. It would take me at least 15 to 20 minutes to drive back to Troy or ahead to Brundidge, purchase a camera and drive back. I had to face reality of this missed opportunity and made a promise to myself to never be without my camera again. I just had to burn this image in my brain for my own visual memory.

I'll never miss a rare opportunity again


Photo credit: procrastinator from morguefile.com

 

Below is a website featuring an article and photo of 'the mysterious albino deer herd' in Wisconsin.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/big-buck-zone/2010/05/mysterious-albino-deer-herd

Video showing a white buck and a normal buck fighting.
 



There are white deer in Alabama. I witnessed them early one morning. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The Ultimate Hero

Heroes. Who doesn't love and respect a hero? I have on occasion asked young adults the question if they'd consider serving in the U.S. military for all the benefits they'd receive including the experience and honor of serving their country.  The  responses I usually heard were, "I don't want to die." This answer makes me think about Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, whom I consider to 'true heroes'. Non-selfish heroes.

Recently, I searched info on what it takes to warrant a nomination of one of these medals of high honor. What I found was astonishing- The number of nominees to receive medals is fewer now than years past. What's the matter here? I, a Veteran, would accept the chance to serve my country in uniform again. I wish I had opportunity to serve during wartime, but that wasn't a choice for me back in 1976-80. I don't have a death wish, but I can honestly say I would be happy to volunteer and serve knowing the risk of possible dying for something so great as this great country.  Why not be proud to serve for something great? This is what I believe, and I have strong pride and respect for those who feel the same and have given 'the ultimate' for me. 

Here is one recipient of multiple medals whom I don't think was afraid to die.

If you're a follower of Christ, you bypass death. Upon your last breath, in the span of an instant, you're soul is present with the Lord.  So what does a Christian have to fear about dying? Nothing!
(1 Cor 15:11-53)

Symbols of honor bestowed our heroes

Photo credit: natepowers from morguefile.com

 
THE greatest hero, deserving far more than a medal, is Jesus. In heaven, there are unceasing praises unto Him, (Revelation 4:8:11),and deserving so. For He really is worthy of all praise and honor of the highest kind. Jesus is the 'ultimate hero' for what he endured, offering the ultimately for us, and sparing our souls from death. He is The Hero of the World! The Hero of Mankind! The Hero of the universe! The Hero of all time!

This is my definition of what it takes to be a hero. It takes courage, an unselfish attitude, making a decision of committing to action in an unfavorable or extraordinary situation while ignoring possible harm to self, driven by love to prevent harm of another person.


Jesus did more than that. 

He withstood public humiliation, ridicule, unjust accusations, flogging, an unjust trial, being stripped, whipped, made to carry the object he was to be nailed to, (can you believe having nails driven into your wrists and feet), then hoisted up to be viewed by all while, and while waiting to die, He experienced God turning away from him, for the first and only time as he was the 'scapegoat' having all the sins of Man, even the sins of the people responsible for having him crucified, upon him. Yet he said,"forgive them Father....". Then Jesus went to hell for us and there He became our 'ultimate hero' by conquering death for us.  All of this was done for you and I.  He is more than a hero to every man, woman and child since the existence of Man. He is the Savior, our Lord, and deserving of the highest honor and praise for His actions to save us. A hero saves lives by placing others above himself.  A Savior saves souls by placing others above himself by dying to pay their sin penalty so their soul never has to be apart from the love of our heavenly Father.


A load of scripture references on praise.-deserving of the 'hero of heroes'.

Jesus is your hero, too, if you believe who He is, believe what He did, and admit that you need Him as your Savior and Lord.


A hero saves a life.
A savior saves a soul.

Remember your soul will exist forever somewhere. Heaven is a place where no sin can be.  YOU decide the place where you soul will spend eternity.

End note- There are many types of heroes. There's a hero in each of us. For this entry, I was focusing on the person offering the sacrifice of his life to save another. There is only one 'ultimate hero' and He desires to be yours.

You need an 'ultimate hero' type love that only Jesus provides for your soul.



Here is a song, "Sweep Me Away" sung my Kari Jobe.

  

A bestseller for Bonnie

This is an update on a soon-to-be bestseller for Bonnie. Her memoir, "Rural Home, Recollections and Reflections",  has been completed and she's now formatting the manuscript to make it an e-book on Amazon and Kindle.  Research shows e-books are extremely popular now. You'll be able to read her book instantly on computer or tablet. How convenient. For the old fogies, she's planning to self publish her memoir so you can turn pages the old-fashion way, too.  And, I might add, she can autograph a hard copy, which will be a good thing.  Bonnie and I talk daily about plans....naturally, I enjoy writing, so I'm happy to pass this info along to you.

Front cover

Her manuscript was sent to a publisher before the holidays, but that publisher decided it just wasn't what they were looking for.  Well, that's all Bonnie needed to hear, make it available in e-book form was on full-speed ahead the moment she got off the phone with that publisher. I'm glad, this way she'll be more in control of her book.

I'm not exaggerating one bit, (I've read the manuscript) and in my opinion, it's a 'very good read'. I suggest reading it in it's entirety in two to three sittings.  From cover to cover, I was enthralled, never bored, and couldn't read fast enough to see what was on the next page. It has all the makings of a movie in my opinion, too. So, if you know someone in cinema or movie production looking for a good story, I really think Rural Home would make a good movie.  Bonnie's writing is fresh and lively. When I read her manuscript, I picture her next to me reading it herself. (mental note--recommend she make this an audio book, too). Listening to Bonnie speak will give an even more added dimension to her story. She has that pleasant, charming Southern-dialect which is becoming rarer to hear any one speak any more).

One last bit of e-book info to provide to Amazon is the "about the author" and I think that's done now.  I also asked Bonnie if she graduated from Troy University.  All she lacked was her student teaching.  If it were up to me, I say her manuscript more than adequately completes that assignment.  Her memoir is filled not only with some pretty incredible life experiences, but it's pages are filled with her wisdom, engaging her readers to think by opening their eyes, thus touching you, the reader about various life situations. I call that teaching. You'll soon agree with me of the numerous valuable lessons gained from reading her book.


I'd like to see her memoir's first volume reach the best seller list of Amazon books, and, the New York best seller list. That would be so cool to personally know a best selling author, wouldn't you think so, too.  If everyone reading this post will share with your followers and contacts, to buy the e-book when it's available on Amazon, then write your comment at Amazon, (good of course),after reading it, or read a hard copy of her book,  we can all be proud in making this book a bestseller. I'm serious, is one book that will make a strong, positive impact on a diverse range of readers, and I'm very proud that she took time and energy to write and compile and want to share her life with you.  So let's help make Rural Home, Recollections and Reflections, a bestseller in record time.  We can do it!

Stay abreast on her Facebook page, or here.  I'll post updates as to when you can promptly place your order on Amazon.  I imagine it could be available sometime this month, February 2012.


The photos below show some of her latest Nature's Notables art/creations. I'm so impressed with her business savvy, organization and artistry.  Read more about her many talents and skills here, here and here. 

Here are some stunning Nature's Notables compositions-

Compositions tagged and ready for owners to pick up

I can't get over the vibrant colors

An original to preserve a special occasion or event

One of my favorites-looks 3 dimensional to me

See much more in the gallery of naturesnotables.com

Goal- a bestseller for Bonnie. Let's make it happen!!!

Until next time, remember to count your blessings.

Motivated by the Chinese Women's Army

I was surfing the web and found an interesting video which has motivated me. After viewing it, what stayed in my mind was the huge number of women in the Chinese Army- the number of women in the Chinese Army is greater than the entire population of the United States!  I know this video is just a quick look at the women in China. But is saw not a one of them on the video is fat, and are appear to be very light on their feet and look to be extremely agile.  If they can march kicking their legs up like that, and they all look to be probably all of 100 pounds, I best get myself in better shape than I am right now.  I used to be in top physical condition by staying active with aerobics. cycling, tennis, racquetball, jogging, swimming, and hiking.  I could do push-ups, sit-ups and run during my physical tests while I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and used to think when was the tough stuff coming?  I used to jump up and down and nothing on my body moved. I was solid, fit and strong before during and a while after my years as a Marine. I still am proud to have worn the uniform well.

Below is the video that motivated me to get off my 'butt' and work to get myself in better physical condition. And, I don't mean later, but now!  Even though my military days are many moons past,  I owe it to myself for my health's sake, and heaven forbid, should any crisis or emergency arise requiring physical fitness, I will be prepared the best of my ability to accommodate to take whatever action on my part I can fill. These women in the Chinese Army have really, really motivated me.


Chinese Women Army





Then I searched to see what is typical daily Chinese diet.  

I may not eat rice at every meal, or even every day, (here are interesting facts on rice in China) but I am going to eat healthier. If China can show off their Army of women, then I am going to show off and make being an woman ex-Marine proud.

For the person reading this, you may be motivated by a different trigger than I. I was not looking for this to motivate me, but it has. This video, and thinking of what I saw in this
video is now a 'fire' under my behind and has ignited me to seriously take steps to go about getting back in physical condition.

I hope you find your motivation to action for any changes you need to make in your life. 

By the end of this new year I will come back to see how much progress I made during the year. I want to be able to jump up and down and very little move.  I am realistic about this. I've been out of the military thirty years.


Below is the Insanity interval training I'm challenging myself to.







Another challenge of mine is to do upside down situps. 





I'm challenging myself and I'm motivated!

Heart warming love- the perfect way to start any day

I want to share a heart warming email I received recently. It's about love. It's perfect for any one, any day.

I don't know any more of the contest mentioned in it- below is the email.  I found a video with some really good content on 'Love' by the lecturer. It's funny and wonderful. I know it will be very beneficial to you to see it.






             God's Mother
                                IT WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF

I especially liked number 5!

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once
Talked about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the
Contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was:

1. A four-year-old child, whose next door
neighbor was an elderly gentleman, who had recently lost his
wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
Gentleman's' yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his mother asked him what he had
said to the neighbor, the little boy just said,
'Nothing, I just helped him cry.'

*********************************************
2. Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were
discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture
had a different hair color than the other members. One of her
students suggested that he was adopted.
A little girl said, 'I know all about
Adoption, I was adopted..'
'What does it mean to be adopted?', asked
another child.
'It means', said the girl, 'that you grew
in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy!'

************************ *********************
3. On my way home one day, I stopped to
watch a Little League baseball game that was being played in a
park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-
base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was
'We're behind 14 to nothing,' he answered
With a smile.
'Really,' I said. 'I have to say you
don't look very discouraged.'
'Discouraged?', the boy asked with a
puzzled look on his face...
'Why should we be discouraged? We haven't
been up to bat yet.'

*********************** **********************
4. Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot
in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.
Jamie was trying out for a part in the
school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being
in it, though she feared he would not be chosen..
On the day the parts were awarded, I went
with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her,
eyes shining with pride and excitement.. 'Guess what, Mom,' he
shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to
me....'I've been chosen to clap and cheer.'

*********************************************
5. An eye witness account from New York
City , on a cold day in December,
some years ago: A little boy,
about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the
roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering
With cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said,
'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'
'I was asking God to give me a pair of
shoes,' was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into
the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks
for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water
and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back
part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed
his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with
the socks.. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him
a pair of shoes..
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks
and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, 'No
doubt, you will be more comfortable now..'
As she turned to go, the astonished kid
caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears
in his eyes, asked her:
'Are you God's mother?'
 
****



Leo Buscaglia- video  "Speaking of Love"

Love, what a perfect way to start my day. Hope it has yours.