“You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by trying.”
~ W. Clement Stone
“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful – an endless prospect of magic and wonder.”
Motifs are recurring elements in a novel. Motifs can be physical objects, images, actions, sounds, symbols, or abstract ideas. The most important thing to note about motifs is that they repeat themselves throughout the story. The elements may not appear in the same form, but they will share the same message.
For example, an author may wish to use ticking clocks, wristwatches, and hourglasses as a series of symbols to represent one motif (i.e. the passage of time). That motif will then tie into the story’s main theme (i.e. the transience of life).
The mountain laurel are in bloom in south Texas. If you’re not familiar with it, it is a beautiful cluster of purple flowers hanging much like grapes on a grapevine (see photo). Every time I pass a mountain laurel bush I stop, check for bees, and take in their wonderful fragrance. Take time this spring to stop and smell the flowers.
Avoiding excessive sun exposure is a big way to help stave off wrinkling. But you can also make some changes in the kitchen that could impact how many wrinkles you get.
Antioxidants – Foods rich in antioxidants: Examples include: Berries, dark green, leafy vegetables,, plums, and broccoli.
Vitamin A – Vitamin A and its constituent compound beta-carotene . . . . is also a helpful nutrient in the fight against wrinkles. Foods high in vitamin A and beta-carotene include: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and cheese and dairy products.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E-rich foods may help calm the internal inflammatory process that plays a role in skin damage. In addition, getting an insufficient amount of vitamin E has been linked to skin dryness, leading to wrinkles. Foods high in vitamin E include: Almonds, olives, sunflower, safflower and soybean oil, and peanuts and peanut butter.
Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant that helps support immunity, vitamin C can also help defend your skin from the ravages of time by mitigating the damaging effects of free radicals. Foods high in vitamin C include: Strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peppers, and potatoes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Omega-3 fatty acid can lower inflammation. Foods high in omega-3s include: Salmon and other fatty, cold water fish such as sardines and herring, Oysters, shrimp and other shellfish, seaweed, chia and hemp seeds.
Collagen – Collagen is a type of protein that’s integral to building strong bones, tendons, skin, hair and nails. Foods rich in collagen that can help support healthy joints, skin, hair and nails include: Collagen-rich foods include: Citrus fruits, chicken, and egg whites.
Somethings we’ll never understand. Continually asking why and not hearing a response only leads to anxiety and stress. There are time when we have to let go of the why, trust that something good will come out of it, and move on.
Gifts
Juliana Horatia Ewing
You ask me what since we must part
You shall bring back to me.
Bring back a pure and faithful heart
As true as mine to thee.
You talk of gems from foreign lands,
Of treasure, spoil, and prize.
Ah love! I shall not search your hands
But look into your eyes.
Joe: “My wife was upset. She said I don’t listen to her. She was so wrong.”
Pete: “What did you say?”
Joe: “I asked her if she knew the score of last night’s game.”
Put the cloud behind you, there’s a bright day ahead, it’s waiting for you. Don’t look back, keep moving with your head held high and hope in your heart.
Music is a fundamental attribute of the human species. Virtually all cultures, from the most primitive to the most advanced, make music. It’s been true through history, and it’s true throughout an individual’s lifespan. In tune or not, we humans sing and hum; in time or not, we clap and sway; in step or not, we dance and bounce.
The human brain and nervous system are hard-wired to distinguish music from noise and to respond to rhythm and repetition, tones, and tunes. Is this a biologic accident, or does it serve a purpose? It’s not possible to say. Still, a varied group of studies suggests that music may enhance human health and performance.
