Month: March 2025

Lions and Ants ~ A Poem by Walt Mason

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Lions an Ants

Walt Mason

Once a hunter met a lion near the hungry critter’s lair,
and the way that lion mauled him was decidedly unfair;
but the hunter never whimpered when the surgeons, with their thread,
sewed up forty-seven gashes in his mutilated head;
and he showed the scars in triumph, and they gave him pleasant fame,
and he always blessed the lion that had camped upon his frame.
Once that hunter, absent minded, sat upon a hill of ants,
and about a million bit him, and you should have seen him dance!
And he used insup lots of language of a deep magenta tint,
and apostrophised the insects in a style unfit to print.
And it’s thus with worldly troubles; when the big ones come along,
we serenely go to meet them, feeling valiant, bold and strong,
but the weary little worries with their poisoned stings and smarts,
put the lid upon our courage, make us gray, and break our hearts.

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Rainbow Trout

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4 Healthy Reasons to Eat Rainbow Trout

  1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Rainbow trout is an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and support cardiovascular health.
  2. High-Quality Lean Protein – A single serving provides high-quality protein to support muscle repair, metabolism, and overall body function while being lower in saturated fat compared to red meats.
  3. Packed with Essential Nutrients – Rainbow trout is loaded with vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium, which contribute to nerve health, energy production, and a strong immune system.
  4. Low in Mercury & Sustainable – Compared to many other fish, farmed rainbow trout is considered low in mercury and is often farmed in environmentally responsible ways, making it a safer seafood choice.

Cautions When Eating Rainbow Trout

  • Potential Allergens – As with any fish, some individuals may have allergies to trout.
  • Source Matters – While farmed rainbow trout is generally safe, wild-caught trout from polluted waters may contain contaminants like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Always choose responsibly sourced fish.
  • Cooking Safety – Ensure the trout is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to kill any potential parasites or bacteria.

Tex-Mex Rainbow Trout with Spicy Lime Avocado Salsa

This Tex-Mex-inspired trout recipe is light, flavorful, and packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

For the Trout:
  • 2 fillets rainbow trout, skin-on
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
For the Spicy Avocado Salsa:
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ tsp honey or agave
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Season the trout – In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning over the trout fillets and drizzle with lime juice.
  2. Cook the trout – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the trout skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until opaque and flaky.
  3. Make the salsa – In a bowl, combine the avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt, then toss gently.
  4. Assemble & serve – Place the cooked trout on a plate and top with the spicy avocado salsa. Serve with warm corn tortillas or a side of Mexican-style quinoa.

This dish is packed with healthy fats, protein, and Tex-Mex flavors while being light and nutritious.

Healthy Tips: A Healthy Personality is Resilient & Adaptable

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A healthy personality is often characterized by Resilience & Adaptability

Resilience & Adaptability

  • A healthy personality has the ability to bounce back from setbacks, stress, or adversity.
  • A healthy personality shows flexibility in adjusting to life’s uncertainties without becoming overwhelmed. Example: Someone who loses a job but sees it as an opportunity for growth. He/she does see him/herself as a failure.

He Did It By Himself

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I had an interesting experience today. There’s an older guy, Jim, in my neighborhood who lives alone. When I walked by Jim’s house on Monday I saw he left a big box next to his recycle bin. The box indicated Jim bought an electric bicycle. My first thought was, good for Jim. I saw him on Tuesday and asked about it. Jim told me he put the bike together but he couldn’t figure out how to make it work. I asked if he wanted some help telling him, “Maybe two guys who refuse to read directions can figure it out.” He laughed and invited me to help him. I went to see him today (Wednesday – that’s when I’m writing this post). When I got to Jim’s house he was beaming. He figured it out and had taken his bike for its maiden voyage. All Jim needed was someone to connect with him and offer to help. I did nothing. He did it all. Now he won’t be as isolated. Who needs your help? Make a difference.

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

You Have The Power to Make Everyone’s Day Better

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“Charity, like the sun, brightens every object on which it shines.” ~ Confucius

Our Daily Bread ~ A Poem by C S Lewis

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Our Daily Bread

C S Lewis

We need no barbarous words nor solemn spell
To raise the unknown. It lies before our feet;
There have been men who sank down into Hell
  In some suburban street,

And some there are that in their daily walks
Have met archangels fresh from sight of God,
Or watched how in their beans and cabbage-stalks
  Long files of faerie trod.

Often me too the Living voices call
In many a vulgar and habitual place,
I catch a sight of lands beyond the wall,
  I see a strange god’s face.

And some day this work will work upon me so
I shall arise and leave both friends and home
And over many lands a pilgrim go
  Through alien woods and foam,

Seeking the last steep edges of the earth
Whence I may leap into that gulf of light
Wherein, before my narrowing Self had birth,
  Part of me lived aright.

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Sour Cherries (Healthy Tex-Mex Sour Cherry Salsa)

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4 Healthy Reasons to Eat Sour Cherries

  1. Rich in Antioxidants – Sour cherries, especially Montmorency cherries, are loaded with anthocyanins and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and support heart health.
  2. Supports Better Sleep – They contain natural melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, making them an excellent food for improving sleep quality.
  3. Muscle Recovery & Pain Reduction – Research suggests that sour cherries may help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after intense exercise, making them great for athletes and active individuals.
  4. Aids in Gut Health & Digestion – The fiber in sour cherries promotes healthy digestion and gut microbiota, while their tart compounds may help regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels.

Healthy Tex-Mex Sour Cherry Salsa

This spicy-sweet salsa is perfect for pairing with grilled fish, shrimp tacos, or as a topping for Tex-Mex bowls.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen sour cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 1 medium jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ tsp honey or agave nectar
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the sour cherries, jalapeño, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
  2. Drizzle with lime juice, honey (or agave), cumin, and salt.
  3. Toss everything together and let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Serve over grilled salmon, shrimp tacos, or Tex-Mex bowls with brown rice, avocado, and black beans.

This salsa balances spicy, tart, and sweet flavors while packing in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C—a healthy and delicious Tex-Mex twist! 🌶️🍒

Healthy Tips: Traits of Healthy Personalities

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For the next 5 days I will post a trait of a healthy personality. A healthy personality is often characterized by traits that promote well-being, resilience, and meaningful relationships.

Today’s trait of a healthy personality: Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence – Example: A person who recognizes when they are feeling overwhelmed and takes steps to manage stress rather than lashing out at others.

Key points:

  1. Understanding your emotions and how they influence your thoughts and behavior.
  2. Being aware of strengths and weaknesses without excessive self-criticism or denial.

Grief and the Power of Faith: Setting Sail for a New Life

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In this episode of Journey from Grief to Healing, Dr. Ray Calabrese explores the profound experience of grief and the choices we face in its aftermath. Using the metaphor of a harbor and two boats—one staying put, the other setting sail—he illustrates the critical decision between remaining anchored in sorrow or bravely venturing into the unknown possibilities of healing. Drawing inspiration from poets like Octavio Paz, Taigu Rao Khan, and Czesław Miłosz, Dr. Calabrese encourages listeners to rise above the pain, embrace faith, and trust in the journey ahead.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in grief, this episode offers a beacon of hope, reminding you that healing is not about forgetting but about choosing to live again. Tune in for an uplifting reflection that just might inspire your next step forward. Don’t wait—your new harbor is waiting for you.

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