Today We Make the Poet’s Words our Own ~ A Poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Today We Make the Poet’s Words our Own

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

To-day we make the poet’s words our own,
And utter them in plaintive undertone;
Nor to the living only be they said,
But to the other living called the dead,
Whose dear, paternal images appear
Not wrapped in gloom, but robed in sunshine here;
Whose simple lives, complete and without flaw,
Were part and parcel of great Nature’s law;
Who said not to their Lord, as if afraid,
“Here is thy talent in a napkin laid,’
But labored in their sphere, as men who live
In the delight that work alone can give.
Peace be to them; eternal peace and rest,
And the fulfilment of the great behest:
“Ye have been faithful over a few things,
Over ten cities shall ye reign as kings.”

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Healthy Foods & Recipes: Mangos

4 Healthy Reasons to Include Mangoes in Your Diet

Antioxidant Power: Mangoes are packed with antioxidants like mangiferin, which can help fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.Healthy, Attractive, and Easy Mango Recipe: Mango Salsa

Rich in Nutrients: Mangoes are a powerhouse of vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin A, which boost immunity, promote healthy skin, and support eye health.

Good for Digestion: Mangoes contain dietary fiber and enzymes like amylases, which aid digestion and help prevent constipation.

Heart Health: Mangoes are rich in potassium and magnesium, which support heart health by regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.

Healthy, Attractive, and Easy Mango Recipe: Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe mangoes (peeled, pitted, and diced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced, optional for spice)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the mangoes and vegetables into small, uniform pieces for an attractive presentation.
  2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  3. Season: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve: Serve immediately as a topping for grilled fish, chicken, or as a healthy dip with whole-grain tortilla chips.

This mango salsa is vibrant, refreshing, and packed with flavor and nutrients—perfect for a quick snack or an elegant addition to any meal!

Today’s Joke: Joe Gets a Message from His GF

Joe: “I didn’t hear from girlfriend for three months and today she left a message on my phone.”

Pete: “What did she say.”

Joe: “Waz up? I’ve been in rehab.”

Setbacks Happen, Big Deal, Never Quit

Setbacks happen. They happen to everyone. How we respond when we’re knocked down makes all the difference in our lives. Some people turn to anger, resentment, and revenge. Others remain frozen unable to come to grips with the reality that they failed. And others, shake it off, learn from the setback, and forge ahead never looking back. Motivational consultant Og Mandino wrote, “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” A setback gives us the opportunity to learn, rise after a fall, and to dig deep inside and move forward. Develop a never quit attitude. Always confidently move forward seizing every opportunity to do good and make a difference.

Anagram Challenge 

Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!  

Today’s Anagram: 

Persevere, Never Quit

Destiny has a lot to do with it, but so do you. You have to persevere, you have to insist. ~ Andrea Bocelli

Let My Shadow Disappears into Yours ~ A Poem by Par Lagerkvist

Let My Shadow Disappears into Yours

Par Lagerkvist

Let my shadow disappear into yours.
Let me lose myself
under the tall trees,
that themselves lose their crowns in the twilight,
surrendering themselves to the sky and the night

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes ~ Brussels Sprouts

4 Healthy Nutritional Facts About Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound linked to reduced risk of certain cancers by helping detoxify harmful substances in the body.Healthy, Tasty, and Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Balsamic Glaze

Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants

Brussels sprouts are high in Vitamin C (boosts immunity) and Vitamin K (supports bone health and blood clotting). They also contain antioxidants like kaempferol, which reduce inflammation.

Excellent Source of Fiber

They are packed with dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense

A cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains only about 56 calories, making them an excellent option for weight management while delivering essential nutrients.

Cancer-Fighting Properties

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
  • Optional: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or toasted almonds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Wash, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts.
  2. Season:
    • Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated.
  3. Roast:
    • Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  4. Add Flavor:
    • Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Serve:
    • Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or toasted almonds for added flavor and texture.

This recipe is quick to prepare, enhances the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, and pairs well with grains, fish, or lean proteins for a complete, healthy meal. Enjoy!

Source: ChatGPT

Episode 152 ~ Owning Your Life: Rediscovering Yourself After Losing a Partner

In episode, 152 we explore the journey of reclaiming independence after losing a partner. Life changes dramatically when we take on roles we once shared—cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and navigating life alone in a home meant for two. Drawing inspiration from poets Anaïs Nin, Mary Oliver, and Charles Bukowski, we reflect on the power of self-reliance, finding peace in silence, and embracing change.

Discover how owning your independence can lead to growth, resilience, and blooming into the best version of yourself. Learn to shut out external noise, navigate grief on your terms, and rediscover your “one wild and precious life.”

If you’re navigating grief, seeking empowerment, or looking for inspiration to embrace life’s changes, this episode is for you.

The Gifts of the Super Moon

I took this photo of the past week’s super moon. It was the last super moon for 2024. If I wasn’t aware that there was going to be a super moon I’d have missed my opportunity to witness it. The photo doesn’t capture how I felt when I saw it. I felt awe, a sense of peace, and grateful all at the same time. Life is good.

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