CHOCOLATE SERENDIPTY: July 2020

Friday, July 31, 2020

Thursday, July 30, 2020

GOOD

Most People Are Good: Luke Bryan

https://youtu.be/e6EGQFJLl04

I believe kids oughta stay kids as long as they can
Turn off the screen, go climb a tree, get dirt on their hands
I believe we gotta forgive and make amends
'Cause nobody gets a second chance to make new old friends
I believe in working hard for what you've got
Even if it don't add up to a hell of a lot

I believe most people are good
And most mamas oughta qualify for sainthood
I believe most Friday nights look better under neon or stadium lights
I believe you love who you love
Ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of
I believe this world ain't half as bad as it looks
I believe most people are good

I believe them streets of gold are worth the work
But I still wanna go even if they were paved in dirt
I believe that youth is spent well on the young
'Cause wisdom in your teens would be a lot less fun
I believe if you just go by the nightly news
Your faith in all mankind would be the first thing you lose

I believe that days go slow and years go fast
And every breath's a gift, the first one to the last

I believe most people are good
I believe most people are good

THE ART OF LIFE

Renoir always painted things
that were unabashedly pretty
— happy scenes...

Renoir often said
“ There are enough
ugly things in the world.”

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

CHOICES

BREAKFAST IDEA

RESPONSIBILITY

Monday, July 27, 2020

IN BLOOM

A HIDDEN CREEK

MAGIC

HOW PRETTY ARE YOU?

DINNER ... YUM

Greek salad with Toasted Ham and Turkey

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Optimism

Learn Something New

Feed the part of your brain that naturally seeks knowledge.

Understand more about a topic that interests you by:

Listening to a podcast
Reading an article or book
Registering for an online class
Making an appointment to meet or video conference with an expert
Playing a game like Jeopardy or Scrabble.

You can learn about gardening, astronomy, sports, pets, crafts, political science, music, technology, or whatever you find new and intriguing.

Learning doesn’t automatically make you more emotionally fit, though turning it into a regular habit may help you stay mentally sharp. On the other hand, science substantiates that people who love learning tend to have a sense of possibility and be more mentally healthy later in life. Nudging yourself into learning opportunities, as you’ll do in this activity, is one of the best ways to make your love of learning blossom.

AWE

Mindfulness

Find More Awe

Transform the way you experience the world, even for a moment.

You probably hear the word “awesome” several times a day. But what is awe? In the context of emotional well-being, awe is your perception of something so vast and wonderful that it enriches your view of the world.

Awe works in many ways, including evoking a state of being fully aware of the present moment. Take a few minutes to:

Reflect on a time you recently experienced awe. Write about this — with as much detail as possible — to rekindle the feeling.
Watch a short video that inspires awe. Use whatever genre works best for you: nature, music, astronomy, sports, or biology, for example.
Take a walk outside, focusing on the wonders that surround you.

Awe can be inspired by something physical ― like the ocean, a sunset, art, a display of athleticism ― or by something intangible like a brilliant idea, soaring musical score, or extraordinary act of heroism. Feeling awe can take your mind off everyday concerns and increase your sense of life satisfaction and connection. This study even showed that perceiving awe can make you feel less rushed in day-to-day tasks, as if time has expanded.

Pay attention to what triggers your awe ― physical or intangible. Notice how it makes your perception of time and well-being… awesome.

https://www.bauer.uh.edu/mrrudd/download/AweExpandsTimeAvailability.pdf

EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES

Collage

Face Emotional Challenges

Facing difficult emotions is healthier than avoiding them.

Everybody experiences burdensome emotions at some level. This is your chance to learn more in a way that may help you move on.

(Important: If troubling emotions feel extreme to you, seek professional support. If your employer offers an EAP, it’s a good place to start. Your local mental health association may also be able to help. Or talking to a loved one, clergy member, or primary care provider may get you back on track.)

Write about your emotional challenge, whether it’s going on now or is familiar from past experience; it could be…

Envy
Resentment
Powerlessness
Low self-esteem
Fear
Pessimism
Loneliness
Sadness
Longing
Stress
Jealousy
Anger
Regret

… or some other feeling. You may even choose to reflect on an emotion you’re unable to name.

What’s important is to freely describe:

What it feels like
How it affects your thinking, interactions with others, decisions, confidence, work, energy, or your body
Any other observations or thoughts — whatever comes to mind.

Think of your writing as taking care of your emotion by allowing it to express itself. Note any insights you gain in the process. Is the emotion bigger or smaller than you thought it was? More or less difficult to resolve? (Feeling worse as a result of this exercise may be a sign to consider professional support.)

Sometimes we have a natural tendency to avoid tough or complex emotions. Acknowledging, understanding, and expressing them are initial steps toward bidding them farewell.

OPTIMISM

Optimism

Do More of What

Makes You Happy

Think about what you enjoy and do more of it.

It goes without saying that experiencing more of what makes you happy should make you… well… happier. Yet sometimes the pleasurable activities in our lives get crowded out by responsibilities, unimportant tasks we feel we should do, and unhelpful habits.

List activities that make you happy — big or small — and do at least 1.

Not sure what makes you feel good? Here are tips to get you thinking:

Set aside other people’s assumptions regarding what should make you happy — like losing weight, being rich, or knowing more about a particular topic
Remember what made you happy when you were a child
Recall what you were doing last time you felt especially happy
Ask a friend or family member when they last saw you feeling joyful and determine what triggered it
Examine what you tend to look forward to — such as time alone, with others, or off work and special events — then see what exactly it is about these things that inspires your happiness and how you can bring more of them into your life.

Enjoying the outdoors with kids, walking with a partner, reading fiction, browsing old photos, listening to favorite music, working in the garden, holding a baby, and hiking are examples — many of which are consistent with social distancing practices — that make some people happy. But everyone is different, and your list will be uniquely yours.

Fit in more of what pleases you, even if it means putting aside other things. Write your happiness activities on your calendar to firm up your commitment.

https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/newsletters/authentichappinesscoaching/learning

PUT YOUR PRIORITIES IN PLACE

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

IS WORTH SO MUCH MORE

THAN A GREAT HOUSE

NOVEMBER 2020

I think November is going to be

a terrible month in the USA.

IF Trump wins,

I expect the left to violently protest.

IF Biden wins,

life as we know it, is over.

This was said by someone who usually sees the glass as half full.

Perhaps she is right... the glass is looking rather murky.

Sunday, July 26, 2020

TAKE A BATH

Not my tub, Not my toes!

PICK TWO

WINS

Saturday, July 25, 2020

TODAY AT MISSION BEACH

QUOTE

Getting back up is a choice.- Zig Ziglar

HAPPY WITH WHAT I HAVE

It has been said that I am never happy with what I have. That I always want more.
I have given this some thought.
I am happy with the things I have.
My furniture is old, my things are old. The only new things I have bought for my house, in the past decade, are chairs. They are all second hand and very inexpensive. I did buy a folding table back in 2016, I needed a sewing table.
I have just bought a new car, it’s used. My last one wouldn’t run. So that was a necessity. It was used as well, I have never had a new, brand new vehicle. And I’m okay with that.
I haven’t got new kitchen gadgets, I did get a new shower curtain. Two of those in the past 3 years. I am very frugal on clothing, shoes, makeup and bling. I spend very little on my hair, and I no longer have my nails done. I find shopping painful, due to it causing me loss of funds.
I like to go out though, a nice dinner out, breakfast or lunch, I’m not picky. I don’t want it all the time, but I don’t think it’s absurd to like that on a regular bases. I also enjoy going to the movies, the theater, concerts and the like. Yes these are all fluff, and costly fluff. But an indulgence occasionally is a treat.
My big expenses in the past few years were on medical and dental.
I don’t spend money on the latest tech either, no big screen, no game systems, no smart home tech...
I still have an iPhone 5se after all.

Don’t get me wrong. I would like a new bed. Mine is far too old and it was cheep when it was new.
I would also like an upright freezer. First world want!

All in all, I’m pretty happy with all my things though.

Let’s talk about the real issue, as I see it.
I want to own a price of dirt.
I have never owned any land before. I did have a house with my ex but I only lived there for 5 years. Yes I want, more than anything to own a small piece of land, with a small house and woods. I want to grow vegetables and flowers. I toy with the idea of chickens, bees, a lamb or two and maybe a cow. But those are just fluffy thoughts at this point.
I also want to travel. Near and far. I don’t want to go into debt for it, but I want to see everything I haven’t already seen.

Ok, so that is my pocketbook footprint.

I’m okay with that. I have used my own money wisely.
And I haven’t asked anyone for a dime.

I am happy with what I have.
And yes I will always want more. There is a lot I haven’t seen or done yet.
But I think that is called moving forward rather than standing still.

It’s 2am, I’m not editing this. My eyes are tired and my heart feels broken.
I just needed to defend my need for more.

2:48am I would like a nice bedroom set... my 30 year old Target dresser is falling apart, and I have never owned a headboard. So yes I WANT! And I’m still okay with that, it’s normal!

Friday, July 24, 2020

WORD of THE DAY

^Cockwomble:

^{British derogatory slang;}

^{used in reference to a
male}

^{A foolish or
obnoxious person.}

STEPPING STONES

I wrote this several years ago on another blog. I stand by this wisdom everyday.

Life is full of ins and outs

and ups and downs.

Truly rocky roads.

And if we let it,

life will dictate everything we do.

Step by step, our lives can play out

in a pattern that is set

by circumstances and habit.

We often get complacent

and fall into routine;

causing us to lose the

excitement and thrill that

we had looked forward to

when life was new and

the future stretched out in front of us.

If we don't take the reins at some point,

we forget that the best part of life....

is living it.

When we stop letting the years slip by

and we finally gain control;

setting a new course,

taking a leap of faith in ourselves.

We need to press on, to continue on new paths,

one stepping stone at a time,

picking the forks less traveled.

We need to live the life we always hoped for.

Never again giving into the the

regret of standing still.

Take the stepping stones of your life.

OH I LOVE THIS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpm7Eicl5v4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOTOEMopOfc

HUMOR

SUMMER BEAUTY

Thursday, July 23, 2020

WORK FOR WHAT YOU WANT

LIFE... GET IT RIGHT

You only get one

Don’t waist it!

SAUDADE

NOT

I find it funny, NOT, that some people get on social media and post lots of religions posts.
Then lie about other people, tell untrue things, and say that they are Christ like.
I find it funny, NOT, that they are so beguiling, that they continue to create their stories to get others to think better of them. I wonder how many lies that takes. They must be very good at spinning their stories, to cause others to doubt the word of others and believe these lies. I bet it takes a lot of practice.
They talk about Jesus and how good they are. But if they are lying to make themselves look better than someone else, there is NOT a spiritual thing about them.
They post things about God sending financial gain in the next few days if you are a believer.
God is NOT the lottery. And if you question those that like to talk, just watch their actions.
Because if they were walking with God they would NOT not be lying. They would be treating others like Jesus would. NOT deceiving for their own gain.

Good Morning

It’s Thursday

Let’s get this day started!

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

REMINDER!

LIFE

FEAR DOES NOT STOP DEATH

IT STOPS LIFE

WORRYING DOES NOT TAKE AWAY

TOMORROW’S TROUBLES

IT TAKES AWAY TODAY'S PEACE

QUARTER MILE

I like to drive the little back roads to and from work. I love to see the woods, the farm houses and the growing fields. There is one section I drive through where the two-lane road zig zags. Both sides of the road currently have corn growing well over 7 feet tall. The middle of the zig zag is a quarter mile straight shot. You can tell by the tire marks on the asphalt, that this spot is used for drag-racing. I would like to see this thing happen!

*This morning I noticed that both sides of that quarter mile are littered with beer bottles. Made me sad.

ONIONS

I often wonder why so many people, world wide, view my blog. I hope you like the silly things I put here. I hope my statements make you think. I hope the internet babble I share adds to your day. And I hope the snip-it’s of my personal life adventure hit home in your life too. I guess like all others, I have many layers...Like an onion!

Here is some info on those too!

Eek

INTRICATE

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

PSITHURIAM

It’s my favorite magic!

BOYSENBERRY

This was delivered to me yesterday at work.

I was delighted! Boysenberry syrup is my very favorite! I don’t really like pancakes or waffles... but a tiny bit straight on a spoon is a delightful treat! Thank you JR

Boysenberry syrup by any other name...

Would still be delicious! ♥️