Month: January 2025

Above All Be Yourself

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“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.” ~ Robert Frost

here’s to opening and upward ~ A Poem by e. e. cummings

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here’s to opening and upward

e. e. Cummings

here’s to opening and upward, to leaf and to sap
and to your(in my arms flowering so new)
self whose eyes smell of the sound of rain

and here’s to silent certainly mountains;and to
a disappearing poet of always,snow
and to morning;and to morning’s beautiful friend
twilight(and a first dream called ocean)and

let must or if be damned with whomever’s afraid
down with ought with because with every brain
which thinks it thinks,nor dares to feel(but up
with joy;and up with laughing and drunkenness)

here’s to one undiscoverable guess
of whose mad skill each world of blood is made
(whose fatal songs are moving in the moon

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Oranges

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4 Healthy Reasons to Eat Oranges

  1. Boosts Immunity
    • Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system and helps the body fight off colds and infections.
  2. Supports Heart Health
    • They are rich in potassium and flavonoids, which help regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.
  3. Improves Skin Health
    • The antioxidants and vitamin C in oranges promote collagen production, helping to keep skin youthful and glowing.
  4. Aids in Digestion
    • Oranges are a great source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Fun Healthy Recipe: Orange Sunshine Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 2 fresh oranges, peeled and segmented
  • 1 banana (frozen for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
  • 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional for added nutrients)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for fiber and omega-3s)
  • Ice cubes (optional, for a frosty texture)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Peel and segment the oranges, removing seeds if necessary.
    • Freeze the banana ahead of time for a creamier texture.
  2. Blend:
    • In a blender, combine oranges, banana, yogurt, orange juice, baby spinach (if using), and chia seeds.
    • Add ice cubes if you prefer a colder smoothie.
  3. Adjust Sweetness:
    • Taste the smoothie and add a small amount of honey or maple syrup if desired.
  4. Serve:
    • Pour into a tall glass, garnish with an orange slice or zest, and enjoy your refreshing and nutrient-packed drink!

This smoothie is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and healthy fats from the chia seeds, making it a vibrant and energizing choice for breakfast or a mid-day snack!

Source: ChatGPT

Healthy Tips: Listen to Your Body

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Listen to your body. It wants to talk to you. It will tell you if something is not working or if it is working.

This afternoon I was on FaceTime with a friend. My friend was concerned with her protein intact. She’d been taking a protein supplement along with her husband for six months. During the past six weeks they both noticed muscular symptoms and aches. They stopped with the protein supplement and their muscular symptoms and aches went away. Sometimes things are that easy. Sometimes we need a professional to give us an assessment. Their bodies were talking to them. They listened to their bodies and made a good decision. In a good way our bodies talk to us. For example, after I have a heavy workout. I’m feeling it. I’m sweating. My body is telling me, “Good job, Ray. It’s time for a break.” Listen to your bodies, they want you to keep them in high performance mode.

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Pineapple

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4 Healthy Reasons to Eat Fresh Pineapple

  1. Rich in Vitamin C
    • Pineapple is packed with vitamin C, which supports your immune system, helps with tissue repair, and promotes healthy skin by boosting collagen production.
  2. Aids Digestion
    • Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins, making it beneficial for digestion and reducing bloating.
  3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
    • Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and reduce inflammation in the body.
  4. Hydration and Energy Boost
    • With its high water content and natural sugars, pineapple helps keep you hydrated and provides a quick source of energy without processed sugars.

Healthy Pineapple Recipe: Pineapple Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup roasted cashews or almonds (optional for crunch)

Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Quinoa:
    • Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water/vegetable broth.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa absorbs the liquid. Let cool.
  2. Prepare the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  4. Add Crunch (Optional):
    • Sprinkle roasted cashews or almonds on top for extra texture and flavor.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish.

This recipe combines pineapple’s sweetness with refreshing veggies and quinoa’s wholesome nutrition, making it a satisfying and

Happy Eyes and a Smile

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I enjoy life. I enjoy being with people. I enjoy being alone. I enjoy going for a walk in nature. I enjoy being on busy city streets. I enjoy music playing. I enjoy silence. I don’t know how I came about this way of being. It’s nothing I studied. My parents weren’t this way. It just happened. I don’t think I was always this way. It happened. I’m always looking for something good to happen to me. It usually does but not always in the way I want it or in my timeframe. I think it’s important to look at life with happy eyes and a smile and arms wide open to catch the good things life is tossing at you,

Anagram Challenge

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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: 

QUIZ START

Feed Your Mind’s Hunger

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“The more you feed your mind with positive thoughts, the more you can attract great things into your life.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

Dogs ~ A Poem by Aaron Kramer

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Dogs

Aaron Kramer

Looking foolish next to the tree in a one o’clock rain:
umbrella aloft, the leash in my other hand-
I wanted my late-coming neighbor to understand
that dogs are worth the expense, inconvenience, and pain;

their tails are truthful, no coiled rebellion beneath
a loving look; they are quick to kiss you, and quick
to fetch for you, and-should you raise a stick
threateningly-they are quick to show their teeth;

and better still (but this I never revealed),
when you bring downfall home, the death of a hope,
their nonchalant manner does more for you than a drink;
and best of all, when triumph’s to be unsealed,
such lack of respect they show for the envelope,
-your fingers halt, the brain cools, and you think.

Source

Healthy Tips: Get It Done, Pardner

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Today’s Healthy Tip: Get regular checkups: See your doctor for regular checkups and screenings.

What do intelligent people do? They’ll get regular checkups. You’re intelligent so schedule the annual tests appropriate for you. Give yourself the best chance to maintain your health. Yes, I know, we’re supposed to be on time to wait an hour or longer. If we’re late we have a problem. Take an iPad and read an ebook, scroll through your social media, or find another type of distraction. Don’t let it bother you. You know they’re going to take your blood pressure. They’ll put it on their computer and will show you have a high BP just because you got ticked because the doctor kept you waiting. Let’s not forget when you get chosen to go back to an examination room, there’s another 30 minutes to wait while you sit on the edge of an exam table in one of those half naked hospital gown dangling your legs over the edge. It almost seems funny. Ok, in Texas language, “Get it done, pardner!”

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