Family

I am a Navy Wife
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I am a Navy Wife

It’s Veteran’s Day. I love and feel respect for all who served. I totally admire those who are called by something greater than the single human spirit to serve in our armed forces. They are the ones who have patriotism run through their veins. Their love of country is to be cherished.

I am a Navy Wife. I’m married to one of those Veterans whose love of country often times had to take precedence over love of family, love of friends, love of life at home. I would never want it any other way.

I married into the Navy. I thought I knew what I was getting into…. Continue reading →

What’s Your ONE? Solutions to a Crazy World
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What’s Your ONE? Solutions to a Crazy World

In this world where the media shows us more bad than good, more sorrow than joy, and more problem than solution, we can work ourselves into a spiraling mess of woe.  On any given day we see shootings, hunger, terrorism, abuse, and bullying.  Some of us see the snippet of news and let it pass by, never to rest in our consciousness while others of us are very affected by what has been told.

Whether you’re affected in a big way or you let it pass by you, the bigger issue is what can you do about it?  What can one person do with such large problems?  Let me offer some suggestions.  You can be involved in the Power of One.  Read on friend.  My small solution might be tantamount to a larger solution. Continue reading →

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BE KIND

kind words mother teresa

In all of my wanderings throughout life, kindness has been such an important part of my journey.  I have had examples of kindness throughout my life.  From teachers to family members, kindness is always remembered.  Not necessarily remembered by what they said but in how they made me feel.  I can go back almost 50 years and feel the warmth created by those who made me feel like I was worth their time.  Of course I can say the opposite about the neighbor lady who was never kind and always made me feel inferior to her children.  We’ve all felt that way.  Some like me, as children and some of you, even now. Continue reading →

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WE EAT RIBOLLITA SOUP

 

Ribollita Soup

RIBOLLITA SOUP

This is a SIMPLE Italian veggie soup that I always have the ingredients in stock.  I haven’t met a person yet who didn’t rave about it! 

Ingredients

2 cans white beans, such as Great Northern or cannellini
Kosher salt
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus extra for serving
1/4 pound large diced pancetta or smoked bacon (optional)
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
1 1/2 cup chopped carrots (5 carrots)

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A DEFINING MOMENT
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A DEFINING MOMENT

Heart Flame

A defining moment can come at any time.  My moment came in the early morning hours while a gentle snow fell from a dark sky.  Oversized Chair. Warm Fire. Cozy Blanket. Bold Coffee. And Max Lucado’s book, Come Thirsty.

Continue reading →

WE EAT THREE BEAN CHILI
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WE EAT THREE BEAN CHILI

Vegetarian Chili

THREE BEAN CHILI

Oh Yes!  It’s winter and we love to eat something hearty that provides some leftovers for lunches.

1 medium zucchini,chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups frozen corn
2 cans (28 ounces each) Italian stewed tomatoes, cut up 
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15-ounce) white (cannellini) beans, rinsed and drained

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1/4 cup each minced fresh cilantro and parsley

1/4 cup chili powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Continue reading →

LOVE, ME
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LOVE, ME

There’s something very palpable about a person who loves them self.  There’s an energy that is real and is felt by those around.  Their love is unconditional, their ego is set aside, and their thoughts and actions focus on others.`

“You, yourself, as much as anybody else in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~Buddha

Loving yourself is the first step toward loving the world and all that it offers.  It’s a prerequisite to fully living your life.  If you have doubt about your worth, baby steps are needed.  Let me reassure you, we all want the same thing: To Love and To Be Loved. Continue reading →

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THE WAY TO A CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Christmas-Tree-Fireplace

Ever walked into someone’s home during the Christmas season and wonder how they transformed their regular house into a Christmas Wonderland?  You need hours to wander around and look at each and every nook and cranny!  I love to look and I love to create!  You can create a fantastic Christmas look in YOUR home if you follow my advice! Continue reading →

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Didn’t Get What You Wanted?

The rush to the Christmas finish line!  You did everything that you were supposed to do!  You shopped for months, baked for weeks, hosted parties, gave gifts to all of your friends, and late at night you arranged the gifts under the tree just so the perfect photo could be taken of your handiwork!  Then Christmas morning arrived.  Everyone so incredibly happy and at the end of the day, you’re wondering what happened. Continue reading →

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The Hardest Part of a Workout

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Jaime & me on October 27, 2012 after the Healdsburg Half Marathon in Sonoma County celebrating my 50th Birthday!

Hands Down, most difficult part of a workout for me is just putting on my shoes….

I absolutely love it when I’m actually working out!  I love the feeling of making my body tired, and more than that I love the feeling of being able to walk, run, hike as many miles as I want to.  I love meeting a goal.  I love the euphoric feeling that running can bring.  My family all works out.  From running to lifting weights to playing organized sports to yoga.  We all participate in something.  I’m happy that Aldo & I were able to set an example of the importance of taking care of your body.  Even if it’s some hard work in the yard and garden!!

You’d think I’d never quit working out, would you?  Ha!  I love meeting a goal and once the goal is over, I tend to stop.  I can still do active fun but not like when I’m training.  I lose my motivation and I can’t seem to put my running shoes on to go outside or go downstairs to the treadmill.

I have come up with ways in the past to solve the lack of shoes on my feet.

Continue reading →