29 Gifts, How a month of giving can change your life, book review

"29 Gifts", a book written by Cami Walker"is a random idea with much merit. A prescription was given to her from an African medicine women: You just should give 29 gifts in 29 days, she told Cami. You should focus on what your have to offer to other people, bringing more abundance into your life. She decided to try this approach and was soon amazed of how her life changed in this month long journey. Today 29 gifts, is a worldwide goodwill movement that has and will change lives forever. A good read for anyone who believes they can change their own lives for the better. You can find more information @ 29Gifts.org and 29GiftsBook.com check this out.. life is the journey... and how we live it...

GRUMP solitaire free online card game

Be sure to check out a favorite online free solitaire card game: available @ www.grumpventures.com you can even post your score and have a great game! Play GRUMP! everyday!

Mold, the constant problem in homes

Mold: yes, plain old fashioned Mold... Yuk... but it does exist and probably always will. Properly tending to this ugly problem as soon as it appears give it little chance to cause problems. It is best to not wait, but attend to it immediately. Since the sooner you attack mold, the less problems it will cause later. Controlling it can be accomplished. Keep all indoor humidity low, wipe up standing water immediately, fix all plumbing and other water problems soon. Ensure that kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly. Dispose of moldy linens, flooring, carpet right away. Clean gutters to avoid seeping. With these strategies and good home cleaning Mold can be avoided. Do not just ignore it and live with it. It can cause many health problems... especially in the very young and elderly. Beware of Mold........ sometimes we just have to be proactive! more info can be found @environmental protection agency a great government resource for things of this nature. Get rid of Mold, everyday and you will live healthier. Your family will thank you!

Signs and symptoms of Autism

This is something I've always been meaning to learn more about. Today is my day to learn. Autism, is a very common disorder. Some say that as many as one in 113 children have this problem. Autism has several common symptoms: Apparent insensitivity to pain, may prefer to be alone, echoes words of common phrases, difficulty interacting with others, inappropriate attachment to any objects, may or may not want to cuddle, inappropriate giggling or laughing, no real fear of dangers. And the list goes on. Not much fun for the person who has Autism, or the family. There are many new treatments available. Catching it when it first appears is the best. As a younger child sometimes responds better to treatment. On the internet there are so many websites devoted to this, good place to start is The Autism Society of America. Good luck with the answers, they are out there... Be patient and ask lots of questions... good help really does exist.

One of my favorite Dog photos ever

This is one of my very favorite photos of pets! Courtesy of www.dogtime.com so very precious.. and mother and her babies...

Port Townsend, Washington

Another lovely city by the sea... they boast many days of sunshine every year... It is a small town with great shops and scenic views from every vantage. This year on June 18th the town hosts its very own Secret Garden tour. Lots of fun for all ages... this photo is courtesy of www.52perfectdays.com One of my favs...

Sandra's Valentine's Day journey with Cancer

On Feb.14, 2011, my daughter and myself proceeded to a local hospital to have a small cancer removed from my right side of my 56 year old face. A journey I thought would be quick and very easy. No sweat... well... eating breakfast I found myself getting anxious, mainly wondering how long would it take, would the restroom be close, would it hurt? Typical for a hospital visit for most of us. We arrived on time, checked in and proceeded into a small clean surgery room, shortly the nurse and doctor arrived. I was nervous, but he seemed confident I would be fine. He explained everything as we started .He would be using the MOHS system of surgery. One numbing shot, then another and another, 6 or 7 in all. I could no longer feel my face, that was strange enough. Then he began, what was always my face, would be no more. I closed my eyes... I never moved, opening just one eye at precisely the wrong time. I saw the tumor as he was removing it. I almost screamed! It almost looked like it was alive. I thought I have to get through this, I can't get up and run away, all I can do is wait. I was bandaged and sent to another room with my daughter waiting. I thought I was done... no, no, more surgery as there was more cancer.

Then more numbing shots and more time cutting. Finally, it must be over soon. Then off to another room, then the reconstruction began. Thirty minutes of sewing, stitching and bandaging. Finally, I was done. Cancer free at last! A very long day and hopefully I will never have to do this again. The last 3 months have been challenging and interesting. Going into the grocery store and being asked "what happened?" and all the looks have given me a new and positive outlook on people who have facial scars and deformities. Gut wrenching, and inspiring. I still have a scar and maybe always will. I'm free from cancer... and that is what matters most. No more sunburns or taking my days on earth for granted. I for one will warn others to protect their skin and visit a doctor of dermatology often. They can catch those pesky little problems before they get larger. Don't put it off... go get checked for skin cancer! Be careful in the sun, but also enjoy life... life is for living.

Earth Day 2011

Mother Earth is in our hands...take good care of her.

Thundercloud Plum, spring blooming tree

This is a beauty of a Thundercloud Plum, it is in my parents yard... Simple, yet ever so lovely! Stunning...

Mighty O Donuts, Seattle

These donuts are extra large and extra good ( I hear) Just were featured on King 5 news today. I'm thinking Donuts!

Amazing Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake

This decadent Chocolate Raspberry layer cake comes to us from: www.wetakethecake.com they make the most fab cakes... everyday! My all time fav cake!

Chocolate World Art

Okay, yes, I'm dreaming of chocolate in an artistic manor... I love this clever and creative hand carved chocolate art piece... Amazingly beautiful... Here for all to enjoy! from chocolate-world.net

Vegetables, and more Vegetables

I just really love this photo, the artistic nature of vegetables make me smile always... and hopefully you also. Make your day really special and feel better, by eating healthy! photo from Healingtalks.com

Grandma Emma's Days, continued

Grandma Emma was born on April 2, 1905. Long time ago ...... Her birthday is on saturday this year. The other day I asked the question" What would she be doing in todays world?" Karen replied, she would be helping me shovel gravel! Karen was right! Grandma always tried to help and worked through any situation that she came upon. She was a person who was always " Thinking" and working. Did any of you know that during the early years in Mukilteo that Grandma made old fashion lye soap? Oh, she did... She would save the meat fat and grease for many days, make the soap with lye, and maybe a touch of perfume.( If she had any at the time) shape it into bars, then shave it up again and wash clothes with it. She said it was really too strong to use in the bath, but it helped save money, so she tried to use it. A clever idea from a very clever person! She was a person who practice frugal living way before it was in style! For her, it was just a way of life. Today I honor her and send her birthday greetings to heaven for her special day... Happy Birthday Grandma!

Port of Allyn, Washington

Port of Allyn, Washington Another city by the sea. Small, quaint and very old world... See for yourself....

Gig Harbor, Washington

Another " City by the sea" a charming little community getting larger with each passing year. The main street of old town is an easy walk with stunning views of Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound. Grab a friend for a quick meal and enjoy your special time there.This lovely photo is from : www.seldomseenphoto.com   please visit their site for other information....this is a spectacular photo!

Carillon Point, Kirkland, Washington

Carillon Point is in Kirkland, Washington. Living on an inland sea... Lake Washington is huge! This is a nice area with shops, restaurants and galleries. Truly unique~ Enjoy your walk in this trendy part of Kirkland...

Frye Art Museum

Located in Seattle, Washington and always Free...the best of all art from the Charles and Emma Frye collection. You can spend hours here... worth the trip. My very favorite art museum!

Edmonds Beach, Washington

A great beach for a walk or to enjoy a sunset! Close to the ferry terminal and downtown. Sunshine makes this beach very special...

Never, Never Skip Breakfast!

In my life, I have eaten large breakfasts, skipped them, or just had a glass of juice. I have finally figured out what my body needs to get going in the morning. Now, I never, never skip breakfast, I actually enjoy the time I spend fixing and eating breakfast. This very important meat helps set the tone for your entire day. First I have 2 to 3 cups of warm water, or peppermint tea. Second, lean protein, such as eggs, turkey, chicken and almond butter. Third, a cup of V-8 juice, it is loaded with potassium. Fourth, a serving of whole grains, such as toast or oatmeal, even cold cereal. Fifth, a small handful of almonds or any nuts you enjoy. This will help balance your morning self...give you energy and help sustain you throughout the day. Living simple is always better! Enjoy life always!

Poulsbo, Washington

Poulsbo, Washington is another quaint city by the sea. It is based on a Scandinavian theme that is carried out through this lovely small town. Shops, art galleries, bakeries and restaurants grace the old fashioned narrow streets. Weekends tend to be the busiest days to enjoy this village. All year long activities abound, day and evening. A true Washington tourist destination! A great day trip.

Poulsbo, Washington

Poulsbo, Washington is another quaint city by the sea. It is based on a Scandinavian theme that is carried out through this lovely small town. Shops, art galleries, bakeries and restaurants grace the old fashioned narrow streets. Weekends tend to be the busiest days to enjoy this village. All year long activities abound, day and evening. A true Washington tourist destination! A great day trip.

More Favorite Puppies

Great photo of these four adorable pets.... they are ready for some fun...

An Adorable Puppy

This adorable puppy is one of the cutest I've seen!

Cutest Puppies Ever!

Just in time for Valentine's Day... the one in the middle looks like he or she is smiling... Enjoy the day...

Legacy

In our lives we all do things that we are so very proud of. For all of us we will want to leave our "Legacy" of life to those who will come here after our time is finished. My question is: What will mine or yours be? Will we write a novel, paint a masterpiece, sing, play music, become an actor? How and what will be tied to our own unique name on this earth? I'm thinking mine will be a scene of a lovely beach or a garden on a painted canvass. Bright colors, bold statement about my life as seen through my own eyes. I need to get busy with that goal. What will your "Legacy" be?

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness... one message one day at a time.

Shiba Inu Puppy

This is one of my favorite dog breeds, smart and make a great companion dog for living in a small space, originally from Japan. Love to have one in my home...

Seattle, Washington, Space Needle

The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington... A great photo of a great subject...

Henderson Waves, people bridge

this is a great piece of art and a bridge to walk on. In Singapore, truly interesting, and with style!

Makua Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

This is a beach and area that is off the beaten path for a vacation. It is stunning and full of wonderful nature... Very green and scenic. A great place to sit back and enjoy some peace and quiet from the everyday stress of life... Put away that cell phone and computer, listening to the waves and feel the warmth of the sun. Magnificent!

snowflakes

The mystery of the snowflake is being pondered as I'm writing this. Last night while watching the midnight snowfall, I decided that "Snowflakes" are Art in its purest and most unique form. Each one glistening and glowing making its own light, illuminating wherever it may fall. The evening was so bright and beautiful. Just like a painting. The snow was glowing. Each snowflake is indeed its own special artwork. A true and rare beauty in each tiny snowflake... Reminds me of the days in school when we cut out those paper designs, we called snowflakes.... The good old days... do you also remember? I hope so...

lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Just this fabulous photo to brighten the dark days of winter... this is such a nice beach to take a walk, have a picnic, sunbath, enjoy the peaceful blue water and powder sugar sand. Always a great day in Hawaii....

Rite Aid saving $$$$

Another after Christmas sale... on sunday Jan. 9th, looks like yours and mine, our local Rite Aid will be marking down all Christmas items to 90% of the original price. Great deals to be found if you want to stock up for next year.... Wrapping paper, ornaments, cards, candy etc... can't beat the prices! Have fun with this one!

Cut your Cable bill and save $$$$

In these tough economic days, looking for ways to save can get time consuming. An easy way to cut your cable costs, is simply to look for a basic plan. Most give you about 30 channels for around $10.00 or a little more. You could also try Netflix for as low as $7.99 per month. And don't forget the public library for Free! They have so much to choose from, even new movie releases. Also, check out sites on your home computer such as: Hulu.com for continuous stream of all types of programming. Keep checking with your friends and family also, as they may find something new too!

Save $$$$ on your cell phone...

You may even be able to cut your cell phone bill in half! We did just this with the new Walmart " Straight Talk" plan, available in most areas. It is a pre-paid plan with many options. We chose the $45.00, unlimited talk, text and internet. Works great, sounds clear, and good reception also. Not only did it save on the base price, but really cut the taxes. A win , win for us! So far quality service and pricing, give it a try and save those $$$$... Good quality in the phone unit too! Simple Living is always better!

Same Price, Smaller container

Yes, in this ever changing world we live in... Have you been noticing at the grocery store some major changes? You are right! Some of our most visible and used products have reduced the size of their containers, but the price is the same, or maybe more? Hagen Daz ice cream, 14 ounces, to 12 ounces... Okay it is not a big deal, but a new trend for the future. This ultimately makes our cost more and more when we shop. I think that I will buy less also, not because of the size, but just to save dollars anywhere I can. Did anyone see that in some areas a five pound bag of sugar is now a four pound bag? Same price... Interesting isn't it. For more information, todayshow.com did an interview this morning. Also, check out your favorites at your local stores...