November 1, 2015 by Positively Shelle

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 →

October 23, 2015 by Positively Shelle

Walking through Change, Find your BEST LIFE

Change is a true constant in our lives. It begins the moment we’re born and ends when we take our last breath. While change can bring such joy, it can also bring fear and pain. How we respond to change is the key to thriving and growth.

Situations fall upon us by choices. And it’s not always our choice that causes the problem. What is solely your decision, is your personal reaction to the change. Somehow when you stop fighting it, you begin your journey of growth. Easy? Hardly ever. Scary? You bet. You’ve got to accept it and look for the good, the blessings, the opportunities. But, you also have to look for the lessons.

I am the master of my fate and the captain of my destiny. Nelson Mandela

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October 23, 2015 by Positively Shelle

Baked Oatmeal with Cranberries, Blueberries, and Pecans

October 23, 2015

Baked Oatmeal with Bananas and Blueberries

This baked oatmeal is gluten free, dairy free and egg free and FULL of great texture and wonderful flavors. Eat it hot or cold! You can even eat it with ice cream!

2 c oats (gluten-free certified if necessary)
2 T whole chia seeds (ground flaxseeds can be substituted)
1 t baking powder
1/2 t sea salt
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 can coconut milk (You can use either light or heavy)
1 T vanilla extract
1/3 c maple syrup or 2 T agave nectar or 2 t stevia extract or ¼ c Honey

3/4 c dried cranberries

3/4 c chopped pecans

1 banana (optional)
1 1/2 c berries

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grease 8×8 ovenproof dish
3. In a bowl, mix oats, chia seeds, dried cranberries, pecans, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add sweetener of choice and vanilla extract while stirring.
4. Slice a banana (optional) to cover bottom of dish in layer. Top with one cup of berries and then oatmeal mixture. Pour coconut milk over the top of the oat mixture. (Be sure that coconut milk is distributed evenly). Top with remainder of berries.
5. Bake 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Refrigerate the leftovers to be eaten cold or reheated the next day.

PS This can be doubled into a 9×13 pan – I recommend it because you’ll want to eat more!

September 30, 2015 by Positively Shelle

My Psalm

The Bible Babes, my study group for the past 8 years, committed this week to writing a Psalm to share with each other. I can’t begin to share with you the beauty of each sister’s words, brought on by their own inspiration. I spent a few days thinking about what would be in my Psalm and then I sat down and put pen to paper. What will you write for your Psalm?

My Psalm

Hi God – it’s me again. Thanks for being right where I need you. You always manage to show me your presence. Whether it’s in the beautiful flowers or perfectly grown vegetables. Whether it’s smiles and laughter of friends or the calm, serene and silent moments. Whether it’s the majesty of your great big animals or the frail brilliance of the birds. Lord, there’s nowhere I can look that doesn’t remind me of you and your love.

Father, when there’s heartache and disappointment in my life, I don’t always look to you first. Help me Lord, help me to see those signs that you are present.

Give me the wisdom to look first to you.

Give me the right people in my life, surround me with those who will encourage me.

Give me the right words to draw others to you. After all, YOU are the comforter, the be all and end all to provide us that loving warmth and joy that we seek.

Give me peace Lord. I know you offer it to me in so many ways. Let me feel it with all of my senses.

With Peace within, you give me courage to share your fabulocity with others.

And when I say, “Hi God, it’s me again,” Thank you for treating me like I’m the best thing that’s ever happened.

Thank you for making me feel so important and deserving of your love.

I love you Lord.

September 7, 2015 by Positively Shelle

Helping Others, The Good, The Bad, and The Guilty – 6 Ways to Freedom

Do you volunteer some of your time? Whether it’s helping kids, homeless, hungry, church, or family, it’s likely that you have a few commitments meant to help the world in one way or another. I have always volunteered. My mom used to tell me, “Do something for your family, do something for your church, and do something for your community.” I’ve attempted to follow that. Sometimes I might be an over achiever when it comes wanting to do it all! I insist that you refer to my post “All Plates are NOT Created Equal.”

Be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.

I think the approaching fall is a great time to examine how you want to commit yourself for the rest of the year. Somehow the fade of summer allows me to take a look at what’s ahead. It gives me a chance to breathe in the goodness from the past and breathe out what’s not working anymore. I exhale a long goodbye. Continue reading →

February 4, 2015 by Positively Shelle

WE EAT 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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February 2, 2015 by Positively Shelle

A DEFINING MOMENT

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.

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November 6, 2013 by Positively Shelle

The Hardest Part of a Workout

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.

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November 5, 2013 by Positively Shelle

Moms, Kindly Scoot Out of the Way

We moms can be kind of controlling. Are you intrigued because you are a mom, you are married to a mom or you have a mom?!! I write this message as a mom, who has a partner in parenting. I don’t want to leave my sweet husband out of this!

I believe it’s in our nature to want everything to be wonderful for our children. We want to protect them and we don’t want them to hurt – EVER. Our wisdom and experience can certainly save them a lot of grief in life. We think they need us to be in the helicopter over them, ready to slide down the rope to save them at any moment. Hold Please — Land the Helicopter and Let Them Fly!

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November 3, 2013 by Positively Shelle

Soaking in a Girlfriend Weekend

Quinn’s Hot Springs in Paradise, Montana. (Seriously, it’s the name of the closest town!) The cabins and the lodge, the tavern and restaurant are wonderful compliments to the 6 hot pools, which range in temperature from 78 to 106. Pools that offer minerals and therapeutic healing as well as interesting people and laughter to nourish the soul!

Quinn’s was the location of my recent girlfriend weekend! Perfect location for us four girls (AKA The Posse), who see each other as often as possible but in reality, it’s never enough! The last time we were all together was seven weeks ago. Yes, we live in the same town but we all work in different professions, we all have varied hobbies & passions, and we all have families and other “girl groups!” When we get together, “Watch Out World!” We laugh, we talk, we drink wine. We play cards. We dance. We don’t sleep much….

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