Baking Things....

...I felt creative, so I made some massive cinnamon rolls.

 I used a slightly healthier version of the 

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting...

and thought...hmm....

I bet that would be good on a sliced apple too.

So I tried it.

And. It. Was. Delicious!

Healthier version of Cream Cheese Frosting:

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp.

1 cup full-fat cream cheese, room temp.

4 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

A squeeze of lemon or orange juice (1 tsp.)

Beat it all together, and chill for 10 min.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"There are days when I am unaccountably happy,

and, in fact,

that is usually the reason for it."

"Most happiness, like most worry depends

pretty much on small a thing you can make important."

"It is still possible to be a cockeyed optimist these days-

you just have to be a little more cockeyed."

Peace

In the midst of great challenges, and chaos,

pause to slow down and breathe.

Listen to the solo goose flying overhead,

Otis, and his morning howl in the distance,

the neighbor greeting his chickens, "good morning ladies".

Smiling at the urge to speak up from where I sit hidden by the Boxwood bush

and say "well...good morning to you too, fine sir".

Watching Polly's tail-less-butt-wiggle as she preps to pounce 

a twitching leaf.

Noticing...the sound of a boat's engine revving up as it takes off 

from the dock nearby,

 the flag flying at 1/2 mast,

curtains rippling in the breeze of an open window,

the gray clouds opening to pockets of light,

and Charles Stanley (cardinal) singing in a tree.

Feeling...the sun's warmth, the breeze blowing through your hair,

and the ground steady beneath your feet.

Remind yourself to stay present, find what peace means to you. 

What is true, lovely, good.

It's here for you, now,

wherever you are.

be well...

xoxo

💓

"She was happiest in her own little world.

She didn't need anyone to complete her.\She was whole

all by herself."

" You may not control all the events that happen to you,

but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

"The days that you think are ordinary,

are the ones that someday,

you will miss the most.

Love it, or lose it."

~Sandra Hart~

"People who are on social media the most

have higher inflammation, more anxiety and depression,

worse sleep, higher stress levels, and are more lonely.

You are not 'Just anxious'.

You weren't meant to know what billions of 

strangers were doing and saying 24/7."

~Dr. Will Cole~

Time Out

I think we could all use a little stretch break....

be well...

xoxo

💖

"If we don't take good care of our body,

where will we live?"

"The great dividing line

between success and failure

can be expressed in five words:

I did not have time."

 

Hurdles

X-rays, Bone spur, Inactive right thumb, trigger fingers,

MRI, Orthopedic surgeon, Stenosis, Spinal clinic.

Sophie

I will focus on the ups, 

for they still far outweigh the downs.

Energy training with a retired race horse, and an overly cautious horse,

 sweet smiles, and old friends with big lovable dogs.

Left hands that learn fast, and fingers that pick up 

where thumbs leave off.

Wonderful medical community who care,

and rapid responses.

Mild evenings and after dinner walks.

Deep breaths.

Trusting in the process.

Flowers in bloom and a fresh morning rain.

Dove cooing in the distance.

A loaf of sourdough fresh out of the oven, and the heel calling my name...

Receiving a new book in the mail.

YouTube PT videos.

Meditating on scripture, and being acutely aware of  the 

messages that carry me through each moment, each hour,

each day.

And today is a beautiful day !!!

Am I nervous? You bet!

It sometimes borders on extreme fear...

however, 

I continue to choose to look at it as an experience.

Through eyes of faith.

I have found great comfort in that alone.

I'm 63. 

It's happening.

I want to see the lessons, the beauty, and provisions in it all.

I feel like I am on training ground.

We don't always have to be strong to be strong.

Sometimes we need to fall apart to regroup & stay on track.

Sometimes strength is expressed in being vulnerable.

Part of taking care of ourself is giving

ourself permission to fall apart when we need to.

There is nothing that empowers me, or lifts me up more,

than falling apart and spending those moments in 

God's loving care.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"...the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd

keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

"At every moment of our lives we all

have one foot in a fairy tale 

and the other in the abyss."

~Paulo Coehlo~

"Did you know: Spending just a few minutes 

gazing into a dog's eyes can increase oxytocin

by 300%?

Petting and interacting with dogs

also lowers stress hormones and helps 

reduce blood pressure.

Love had four legs."

~Dr. Mark Hyman~

Friendship

Once upon a time, many years ago...on a cold winter day,

she woke up with a sudden urgency (huge nudge),

to get to the airport.

A bit confused, and somewhat anxious...

she started her morning off in the usual way.

Angie

She drove her kiddo to school, then returned home with her unshakable nudge.

She decided to follow the nudge, but felt very freaked out by the random weirdness

of it all...

so she called her "Barbara Mama".

Barbara Mama had taken her under her wings over the years,

and had become her spiritual warrior.

Mama spoke in a comforting voice, and kind words, & then prayed with her.

She then encouraged her to get ready, and head to the airport.

"Don't ignore this. Just go! You'll know when you know."

Following Mama's suggestion, she wiped away her tears, pulled herself together, 

and headed out for her one hour commute.

She pulled into short term parking, her heart pounding in her ears.

*deep breath*

She made her way into the lobby. Totally awkward & directionless...but

curious. She visited the airline counters and picked up a few applications

at the rental car counters. 

That didn't satisfy the nudge.

 She was missing something.

So she found a bench, and decided to sit for a while and just be.

She heard laughter, and looked across the hall into

the gift shop. Miss J, and Miss R, were working,

and looked to be having fun.

That seemed to draw her attention and pull her right into the 

shop to ask if they were hiring.

Jokingly they made a few comments, 

and then disappeared to grab an application.

She filled it out and gave it back.

After a few more synchronous events...

a week went by, and she was asked to join the team.

One day her manager told her she was going to meet

another co-worker.

"You are a toned down version of her"

he said.

"I think you two will hit it off nicely"

They did hit it off, & discovered they had much in common,

  a love for twinkle lights, nature

and all things cozy.

And, both of them lived far from their families.

One's from the East, one's from the West.

They bonded instantly,

 becoming sisters.

The girl loved working at the gift shop, and the people she met,

 but the commute was long, 

and the hours were wonky. 

She wanted to be closer to home.

So after a year she closed the giftshop for her last time,

and stepped into her new chapter as a fitness instructor.

As for her sister?

She continues to plan weekend stays.

They spend all day in sweats, one sips coffee, the other, hot tea,

and they cackle like chickens when they laugh.

They talk...and talk...

and talk...

and hug when they cry.

Then...

cackle some more.

They never ignore the power of the nudge...

for now they know the reason why.

be well...

xoxo

💝

 "Gratitude is a way of being."

"People who are living life in balance...

tend to be more often at the right place

at the right time."

"I think people really underestimate

how attractive it is to be passionate and real

instead of trying to be everyone's cup of tea."

"When 'I' becomes 'We', even

illness becomes wellness.

Kindness is medicine.

Friendship is medicine.

Connection is medicine.

Reaching out is medicine."

~Dr. Will Cole~

Self-assured

So, I've been giving myself time to simmer,

as I'm discovering and developing

 a path forward that works for me.

Baking class... cinnamon rolls....💛

I mentioned in the past of an opportunity
(for growth).
It was a job working with a sweet kiddo with Autism.
I met the family...their pets, and even their friends.
We took to each other instantly. It was a perfect fit.
However, after much thought and prayer...
I decided to turn it down.
We were all a bit bummed.
(Which led to my funktastic mood in my previous post.)

 Keeping in mind, 
I had plans (as I mentioned as well) for this month,
and it would have taken me way off course.
As life would have it,
God had His own big plans, and my
 course changed direction anyway.
I'm still heading in the same direction,
 but there's been a course correction.
 A "recalculating" moment.
More clarity.
I'm letting it unfold naturally.

In the meantime....
I'm loving:
 This gentle February weather!!
Volunteering at the therapy barn, new horses joining our team,
funny kids, and our new volunteer leader.
Learning high kicks now with my Tai Chi buddies, and
channeling our inner Ninja's.
A chat with the  cashier who told me she thought she had a micro-sleep (& still shaking it off)
while checking out someone's groceries before me....and then 
us adding more to the story, until we doubled over laughing.
Laughter.
Baking class last night. Cinnamon rolls and rolls filled with chocolate ganache...
a group of grown adult ladies with chocolate smeared hands, licking chocolate covered
spoons. Hoots mixed with laughter. 
Joy.
Tea rooms, and a Parakeet named "Sunshine".

And all is well.

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Living intentionally creates a soulful reason

behind our actions.

When we take the time to zero in on what we want 

and why we want it, 

we can narrow in on our purpose.

Instead of allowing our thoughts to run wild,

focusing shapes our reality.

Wherever our focus goes,

growth can take place.

Creating an intention with focus

will reap rewards. In fact, it may not happen 

exactly as you would envision, but it will happen as it should."

"Sometimes a person has to go back,

really back-

and have a sense of understanding of all that's

gone to make them-

before they can go forward."

"We can own our own power to choose

the path that is right for us."

"Luxury, to me, is not about buying things;

It's about living in a way where you 

appreciate things."

~Oscar de la Renta~

Honestly...

...as your thinking goes,

so goes your entire being.

Brandon, nature, lunch, and friends.

Yup! I took a nose dive this week. 

Self-doubt, mainly, but it grew into

a big-hairy-monster in need of an exorcism.

God provided exactly what I needed.

Some pre-exorcism journal notes & quotes. 

(the cleaner version of some come to Jesus moments)

Me: "....then bam. Down I went. I tried to lift, but nope.

The weight wouldn't let up."

Ha! 'Respond to hostility with love.'

Blew that!! I don't think the F bomb is very loving.

"What the heck is this anyway?"

"I'm tired. This sucks!"

J: "Your racing mind makes it hard to hear My whisper."

Me: "Father I've lost hope. I've lost the anchor for my soul."

Cue...*Blue Jay's piercing tones*

look it up:

'encourages authenticity & speaking ones truth. Take time for some 

areas of your life. Be brave.

Fight for ones rights.

'Blue Jay's loud piercing tones keeps away misfortune.

Guardian in the spirit realm.

It shows up when you're in a dilemma.

New change.

Coming of age...

Protection, understanding & spiritual direction.'

*(followed by Psalm 34:18)

'He is close to the broken hearted & saves those who are

crushed in spirit.'

*(followed by a tantum of sorts. Not pretty.)

J: " It is crucial that you realize deeply 

that your worth & value do NOT depend

on anyone else.

You have to claim your own inner truth."

Me: "I get that. My heart is closed today.

I'm p--sed off!

I need You. I am not open to You today.

Very little.

Thanks for the Jay.

It makes sense....but I don't know what else to do.

So I'll do nothing.

I want to be angry. I want to hate this.

I want to be authentic today.

This is me being authentically F---ed up!

Thank you for your provisions...

& for loving me anyway.

 xo

Amen"

Thankful that my kiddo stayed a couple nights while he was here for work.

I tried to push it down while he was here...

but Nope. That weight wanted to go.

He was a great support while I sat with my spinning head.

be well...

xoxo

💝

....when something feels impossible, it may take some time

to find your way.

' ...I hope you know the taste of hope on an ordinary

Thursday,

when you don't feel okay,

and you rise up anyway.

Listen for the high pitch song of the blue-bird,

the sound of rain.

Listen for any little reminders of Life,

feel it call you by your name.'

"It takes great love and courage to excavate buried dreams."

"Where there is great love there are always miracles."

"...not to be a 'would-be-if-I-could-be

or a could-be-if-I-would-be.' Just be."

'....while I have learned that dreams need doing as much

as they need being, I have learned that

being always comes first.'

Brandon, 

I have always felt the need to have my act together, and

be at my best. Be..."the perfect Mom."

Thank you for allowing me to unravel at the seams...

and helping to free me from the unrealistic

expectations that I put on myself.

Thank you for showing up.

And allowing me to go through my ugly, weak, scrappy moments...

and to show nothing but love and understanding through it.

You help me to see the humor in the worst of times.

You remind me of who I am, and refresh faded dreams.

You lift me.

Then you take me out to go have some fun.

Thank you for showing me what real love does best.

Thank you for teaching me to embrace life.

You are all of the best parts of your Dad and me.

I am so proud of who you are and what you stand for.

I love you so much.

xoxo

Mom💖

Self-contentment

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Doors and windows open, sitting on an old tattered quilt,

listening to the clucks and giggles of the neighbor "ladies" (chickens),

 and to the incredible singing of the Tufted Titmouse who

flew as if it were coming in to join me, 

but chose instead, to land on a wire right above the door.

Polly happily flowing in an out of the house as if she 

was suddenly gifted a magical super-power, and 

testing it to see if it really works.

Keeping things simple right now. 

Staying focused on the moments as they unfold.

Riding out some shifts of newness and uncertainty.

Finding my flow.

Enjoying the lovely weather we've had lately.

Trying not to over-think things.

Letting go of the distractions that try to pull me down...(like overthinking things...).

Staying present to the surprising gifts, 

 and trusting the signs and signals along the way...

Tufted Titmouse

'If you envision this bird singing, it symbolizes good fortune.

Living in the present.

Step away from the past & worry less about the future.

Breakthrough is around the corner. 

Life is about to change completely.

Keep practicing expressing yourself.

Be cheerful even on your worst days.

Appreciate the small things in life.'

"Life is more amazing when you smile more 

and worry  less."

~Tufted Titmouse~

"Distractions are a dime a dozen: stay focused

on God's amazing plans for your life."

When we're distracted we lose sight of the path

that is laid out for us.

Do whatever it takes to eliminate  the distractions

that keep you pulled away from your innermost self.

Listen in solitude.

Become present.

Absorb the small moments of joy.

Trust in yourself.

Hold gratitude deep in your heart.

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Stop chasing distraction and numbing.

It's okay to be bored, to be silent, or be alone.

Sometimes we need a dopamine

detox from overstimulation to calm

our nervous system.

A break from streaming services,

junk food, alcohol, 

doomscrolling social media,

phone notifications, video games,

shopping.

Calm the noise to hear

what's going on inside."

~Dr. Will Cole~

"Did you know your gut, liver, fat,

& muscle talk directly to your brain?

Chronic stress inflames these organs,

and that inflammation feeds back to the 

brain, shaping mood and emotion.

When you calm your body,

your mind will follow."

~Dr. Mark Hyman~

"I wish people knew to hum more.

It awakens your Vagus nerve.

Your grounded, rested, center.

It calms anxiety, heart rate and

blood pressure.

It produces oxytocin and serotonin, 

your relaxation and pleasure pathways.

Humming is medicine."

~Dr. Will Cole~

Inner Voice

....a year ago I was not painfully aware

 of how every choice I made...

could either keep me spinning...

or help to set me free.

A year ago I didn't believe, that the quality of my life

 was only, truly, up to me.

"When we break up with a few of the distractions that

have been drowning everything out,

we create a beautiful, quiet spot 

where God can meet us once again.

Find that place."

Journal notes...

Deny the strongholds of fear & control.

When you have what you need spiritually,

all else falls into place.

Be honest about where you are.

Stay focused & develop a plan.

'Fight for the right to be happy,

and fight will emerge from your soul.'

Break free from oppression and victimization.

'Big decisions seem scary.

If you know the answer but can't seem to jump,

harness your bravery to jump with confidence.'

Trust your intuition.

He reveals what is important for you to know.

In His Presence you receive what you need.

You won't know what's waiting on the other side of a decision

until you move forward.

Be brave and know that everything will be okay.

He will sift out everything without a solid foundation

so that only unshakable things will be left.

Hebrews 12:27

People grow where they are loved...

be well...

xoxo

💝

" Intuition is a spiritual faculty, and does not explain,

but simply points the way."

"Going after what you want is an opportunity to 

honor your soul and take action toward fulfillment.

If you have a desire in your heart, you have the choice to 

do what it takes to make it happen.

When you decide to go after a dream,

be prepared for the work it takes to make it come true.

It will all be worth it in the end.

Welcome the hard work it takes for you life to change."

I wanted something new for breakfast this morning....

So I made a Pumpkin Smoothie...

1/2 cup pumpkin puree canned 

I frozen banana

1 cup coconut milk

1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 scoop Vanilla protein powder

(My #1 Ancient Nutrition)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mixed it in my Ninja...( a blender works too).

You can sweeten with honey or maple syrup if needed.

Try it first. I tried both with and without. I like it better without.

Protein powder makes it creamy, plus I need the added

protein.

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, potassium, and 

antioxidants, and is nutrient dense. Yes please....!

A Gift

Running from change.

'Change can be painful-

it can even seem insurmountably difficult.

But nothing is more difficult or painful than

becoming stuck where you don't want to stay.

Be open to what comes next.

Be open to new experiences and

allow yourself to grow.

It's rarely the future that causes your unwillingness

to move forward,

it's the fear of repeating the past.

Happiness comes when you decide to make changes,

and move on from the past.'

I had an unexpected turn on my path this week.

A friendly offer. 

Excited by an opportunity, paired with with a massive rush of doubt & insecurities.

Over the phone....she added...

"This is a good growth opportunity for you."

She gets me.

 She ,being a friend,...who has also earned her masters in psychology.

I trust her and appreciate her encouragement.

I know she's right.

The idea tugs at my heart.

I'm looking into it.

I'll know more soon.

Journaling....

Accept your circumstances just as they are.

Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning.

Let thankfulness and trust guide you.

The best way to get through the day is step-by-step.

Do not hesitate to ask God for help.

What He provides for you is not only ample

but is of the finest quality.

He leads you in the manner best for you.

"It's in those where-can-I-go-but-God

experiences that He gets you all to Himself and you

hear Him more clearly."

"When a God idea overrides your human thinking

& knowledge,

your faith in God releases Him to perform miracles

of all shapes and sizes."

The only thing you can grasp without damaging

your soul, is His hand.

Trust Him, or worry. You have thousands

of correct choices each day.

Don't let fear, doubt, or unbelief steal your life from you.

Throw out scary "what if's".

Keep your focus and faith in God.

Stop doubt at the thought level.

Throw it out.

"God gives you the sight, the right, and the might,

to do great things,

but you have to develop the fight."

Know the truth and don't budge from it.

Believe it. Live it. Refuse to back off.

'Courage doesn't happen without fear, doubt & unbelief.

Courage overcomes all of these and gets the job done.'

If you don't believe God will do what He says He will do,

Who do you believe?

be well...

xoxo

💞

"Do you remember the cowardly lion in the movie, The Wizard of Oz?

Everyone knew he was a lion, but he didn't have a clue

he was a lion.

He was afraid because he didn't know who he really was."

"The joy of life comes from the ways in which we live together

and the pain of life comes from the many ways we fail

to do that well."

"It  is when you're going through the most difficult

chapter of your life that your hero is revealed,

and how beautiful it is when you finally realize

you have the strength to save yourself."

 

Grateful

...hubby was sitting beside me, 

held his phone in front of me...

and said, "I want you to see this...."

...having a moment.

Pause. See the beauty around you, listen to music that stirs

you and makes you want to cry or dance.

Let yourself be moved by a commercial...a comment...a quote.

Pause longer...

give thanks for your the people in your life.

All of them.

Breathe deep.

Appreciate time. 

Be present.

Savor the little moments.

Keep it simple.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. 

It turns what we have into enough,

and more.

It turns denial into acceptance,

chaos into order,

confusion into clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast,

a house into a home,

a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of your past,

brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow."

~Melody Beattie~

February 3, 2026

...take a cue from nature and 

allow the day to unfold without rushing.

Blondie and Buddy

Words from a friend that hit me in the feels...
"Welcome back!"

Journaling...

A renewed mind is present focused.

Train your mind to see God in every moment.
A lilting bird song, a loved one's smile,
the morning sunrise.

"Do not allow the cancer of bitterness to continue
in your heart. 
Life is much sweeter when the heart is tender
not tainted."

You don't need to meet every need.

You face nothing alone.
Nothing.

The remedy is simple.
Fix your eyes on what is unseen.

"The Lord will fight for you;
you need only be still."
Exodus 14:14

Let Him sooth you from the inside out.

How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts
when today's is set before you.

Don't edit the extraordinary out of your life.

Do not hesitate to love deeply.

"Love isn't something we do.
It's something we become."

be well...
xoxo
💝

'Mornings provide that feeling of freshness.
The air smells clean and feels like a new beginning.
Everything is renewed and fresh.
Be present with this feeling.
Nothing else matters at this moment.
Be here now, ready to take on the new day.
Right now is your chance to begin again.
Let go of worries and regrets.
Today you have the gift of a fresh start.'

 

February 1, 2026

A ride through the pasture,

breathing in the crisp winter air,

cows lazing in the sunshine chewing their cud,

and the mockingbird who tagged along beside us.

I'm totally a moments girl...

not everything has to be extraordinary to matter.

"Show  gratitude no matter what 

the circumstance."

~Mockingbird~

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Spending time in nature is as close

as we get to a magic pill

for decreasing stress and cortisol."

 

Unbothered

Peace is worth more than being right.

Keep your inner peace.

It's a practice.

"The person who makes you the angriest

is showing you exactly what you haven't

made peace with in yourself."

Journaling...

Simple but not easy.

Let go of the need to control.

Pause.

Keep your inner peace.

Stay calm.

See clearly.

Let it go.

Free to be.

Refuse to waste energy worrying,

and you will have strength to spare.

A Spiritual transaction is acknowledging 

that a higher power is in charge of your life.

The outcome is His.

Lighten your load.

Be relieved from feeling responsible 

for things beyond your control.

Be more sensitive to His Spirit.

"Blessed is the man who listens to me,

watching daily."

Proverbs 8:34

be well...

xoxo

💗

'See problems or possibilities.

Complain or be grateful.

Live in fear or live in faith.

The difference between a heavy heart and 

a peaceful one is perspective.

Gratitude and joy aren't feelings

They're decisions.

You choose.'

"In the end- it's you.

Your heart, your soul,

your energy.

Take care of them.

You matter. Always."

January 29, 2026

The enchantment of Winter is not missed by me.

"Wherever you are, be all there."

snow day movie date

Joy is that intense gratitude for someone of something.

Aligning with your core values.

Inward peace and happiness.

It comes from the inside out.

Journaling....

See things from a heightened, big-picture, perspective.

Meditate on the truth.

Absorb it into your very being.

"When you see faults in others, go a little easier on them.

The same applies to you.

Don't be so hard on yourself when you blow it."

"Faith isn't figuring out what we're able to do.

It's deciding what we're going to do

even if we think we can't."

"Our faith will grow when we regain

a sense of childlike wonder."

If you want a different outcome than what you've 

been seeing, adapt a new strategy.

Focusing on your difficulties intensifies

 & enlarges them.

'Get good counsel for your life,

but don't get head-faked by what 

the peanut gallery has to say.'

" Whatever it is that God made you good at,

do it with gusto like you're serving Him."

Nothing is too difficult for you.

(with God)

Choose gratitude over victimhood.

The biggest fight is with yourself.

Becoming yourself is an amazing adventure.

"Keep showing up;

you're the only you there is."

"No one but you is responsible for your happiness."

"Happiness leaps into existence from a positive attitude to life."

Make sure at the end of the day you are happy.

Life is too short for stress and unhappiness.

Be sure to taste the moment to the full.

be well...

xoxo

💝

'Remember when you were young and wanted

so badly to grow up?

Challenge yourself to see things through the 

eyes of your younger self.

Remember the hope and possibility you had.

Infuse your day with wonder and see that nothing is 

permanent-and anything is possible.'

" A man at the bottom of a deep well cannot

see anything but darkness and the sky far above him.

He cannot see the surrounding landscape.

He doesn't know what awaits him once

he climbs out of that well."