My Journey Forward

Life after Fifty -

Anyone who knows me, knows I love birthdays! All Birthdays! Everyone's Birthdays! I won't lie though...I really, really LOVE MY BIRTHDAY!!! I am grateful for EVERY one! I am more grateful for who is there sharing it with me, for the day itself that we are there to share it together, the present of each day after my birthday that is giving me yet another day to enjoy.  Maybe it is another day to get a "do-over". Perhaps an opportunity for second chances.  It could be just another day to embrace that which happens...rolling with the sun, or the rain, the snow, or the wind...but embracing whatever comes our way!
Whenever YOUR birthday is...I hope you won't dread the day as many do - we are aging every minute and birthdays are GOOD!!! The alternative is not having one! I hope instead, you look forward to the day of your birth and celebrate with style! Take the day on with a HUGE smile and enjoy every minute celebrating the YOU in who YOU are! Find the beauty in the little things...the things that make you smile and the perhaps makes you giggle inside... and if you can REALLY take in the day - enjoy a good "gut-laugh"!
My journey forward is just that...taking every day as it comes (good or bad) and learn what makes me tick... learn something new...learn to grow from the bad and appreciate it all.
I ONCE AGAIN am going to make a better attempt at keeping this blog current.  I have some updating to do on several of the pages.  I want to finish my mom's story - that one is hard for me to do.  It still seems so fresh.  I do miss her so, but she lives within me every moment...in fact, I think she has a lot to do with my enthusiasm for LIFE!
I hope you will travel with me - through each day of this life's journey, whether it be in cooking, vacations, stay-cations, health and wellness, and just loving and embracing life!
Let's take on this journey together!

Embrace and Enjoy your Environment....

Embrace and Enjoy the Environment which surrounds you!

Finding the beauty in your world can sometimes be a chore, especially when life gets so busy you can't slow down to smell the roses! But what about when the roses aren't where you are? What about that which IS where you are? That is why I love seasons so much! It offers so many different things to appreciate in every single day! The key is.... wait for it.... stop your day just long enough to see them! It only takes a moment... and you won't be sorry.  This is why I love the hour I take for myself every day possible.  When I can't take the hour to myself, I take whatever moment I can, look around me, and find beauty in something.  My hours are not just about becoming more physically fit, but also mentally fit.  We have to take care of our mind and our emotions too, or our physical well being doesn't mean much to us.  I hope my blog will inspire those around me, and maybe those I don't know to embrace life... even the challenges to which make us a stronger us! 

 

How Do I Choose the Best Magnesium Supplement?

How do I choose the best form of magnesium supplement to take? This is a question many are asking themselves.  There are always new descriptive words coming out to declare the new best… “ionic”, “pico”, “trace”, “nano”, “angstrom”, “liquid”, “powder”, “capsule”, “tablet”.  What do these terms mean? How can they help me to determine which is best for me?  Have these same questions crossed your mind?

I am the kind of person who wants things simplified so that my personal health and wellness goals don’t have to be so difficult to achieve, so I break things down.  I wanted to share what I came up with for others who may be struggling with the same confusing ideas around introducing dietary supplements into their worlds.

Supplement Form:
Let’s first talk about the SIZE factor with minerals. It seems logical to me that a liquid would absorb faster than a powder, capsule, or tablet.  The powder, capsules, and tablets would have to go through the digestive system to be broken down by our bodies to be able to absorb any of the mineral at all.  How much would actually be absorbed? According to Livestrong Magazine, the supplements in pill form are only 5-20% absorbed by the body.  Why is this? The liquid form doesn’t really make it to the digestive system. Instead, it is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream because of the size.  Now, all liquids are not necessarily created equal either.  There are a variety of magnesium supplements available in the market today. Which is the smallest and most effective? I looked on several conversion charts for this answer.  Angstrom sized is the smallest and most cell-ready available.  All liquid supplements are not necessarily angstrom sized.  Some liquids are boasting “nano” or “pico” sized.  According to the conversion charts that I looked at, those are larger still than the angstrom sized.  So when referring to the size, I believe in going with a supplement that is angstrom sized for the most affective absorption for my body.
“Ionic” is a word that is being used a lot today as well.  This is how the mineral is bonded.  It is considered to be an ionic bond or a covalent bond. 

Supplement Concentration:
In addition to the “size”, there are also many different concentrations.  It is important to know the concentration, parts per million (ppm), or milligrams (mg) per serving, etc.  People have said they were taking a teaspoon of a specific mineral and think that would be the measurement they would go with.  However, every mineral is packaged according to that brand’s concentration criteria.  Be sure to know the amount of the mineral you are actually getting per serving.  They can also be recognized as “regular strength” or “professional strength”.  It is very important to know the difference.

Know your Deficiency or Symptoms of Deficiency:
There are tests to help you determine your level of deficiency. Tests can show conflicting results for minerals if they are in the blood or in the cells.  Magnesium for example is cellular.  Many times, a blood test will show normal while the cellular test will indicate a deficiency.  So testing can be confusing.  Iron on the other hand, will show up accurately in the blood test.  In my opinion, it is critical to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of deficiencies, as well as the kind of testing that you need to better determine which minerals you need and their dosages.  Many times, if a person is slightly deficient, it may be adequate to just supplement with the regular maintenance level serving size.  If an individual is experiencing issues surrounding a specific deficiency, they may need to increase the amount according to their unique circumstances surrounding their symptoms.  This is certainly something that could be discussed with your healthcare provider, whether it is a doctor who is knowledgeable in nutrition or someone who specializes in nutritional healing.

Know your Ingredients:
I personally don’t like having fillers or other ingredients in the supplements I am taking!  I prefer to have just the mineral itself.  This does a couple of things to set my mind at ease.  It assures me that I am getting just what I need in the specific mineral I am taking AND there will be less of a risk of experiencing undesirable side effects from taking the supplement.  Be sure to read the ingredients list when considering which supplement you are going to choose.

As wonderful as it would be to be able to get all of the minerals through a healthy diet, it just doesn’t seem possible in today’s world.  Our lives are so busy, it is easy to get caught up in eating convenience foods, processed foods, and fast foods.  It takes time to prepare the right foods and even then, you may not be getting enough of the mineral according to what your specific health needs may require. 

I am not a doctor or healthcare provider, so I cannot advise, prescribe, or recommend products for issues a person may be experiencing.  However, I feel like taking responsibility for achieving our own health and wellness goals is important.  It is my personal determination that the angstrom liquid minerals are the best choice for me in taking dietary supplements.  For magnesium specifically, it means better absorption without the frustrating side effect of diarrhea!

I hope this article has been helpful in answering some of the questions you may have in regards to choosing the best magnesium supplement for you!

The Road which marks the Path of your Journey

The Road which marks the Path of your Journey

Define your path - the road...your journey.  Even when you do that, circumstance and life can alter they way it may look.  It can create obstacles to go around, and hills to climb - but the one thing that should always remain the same is the persistence in looking ahead and keeping your focus forward, no matter WHAT!!!

This winter, I tried something new. My sister took me snowshoeing.  It was a blast!!! We spent the whole day just doing what sisters do.  We talked, we laughed - we poked fun at life and it's funny little twists.  Let me tell you about the "walk around the lake".

As we began our adventure that day, we first needed to figure out how in the world those snow shoes worked!!! They had straps everywhere, and they just fit over your boots.  We did finally figure it out. Now the poles extended...did we need the poles right then? Not necessarily, but they went with the outfit, right? There were obviously poles that came with the snow shoes for a reason, so altough we didn't feel like they were "needed" we took them anyway. Gloves? Well, we had some...but what a beautiful sunny day it was! Did we really need them? No...not really, but hey, let's put them in the pockets...just in case.  

So, at the beginning...the paths were fairly easy to follow as they were clearly marked and it looked as if many had gone before us.  At times, as we were talking back and forth to one another, I would sometimes drift off the path slightly - it was easy to tell when that happened, because the snow was deeper and created a little bit of an obstacle of needing to watch my step, after I tripped over myself first!  The snow shoes, DID make it easier to walk as they cover more of the area to which you step, however,  if you are not watching what you are doing...your own feet can become a tripping hazard!  WOW!!! Good thing I had those walking sticks!

As we followed the path around the lake, it took us into a little forest of trees.  Just beautiful - the trees were HUGE...it created wonderful shade from the sun, which isn't as much appreciated in the middle of winter, as it could be in the middle of a hot summer.  I am so glad I thought to keep those gloves in my pocket! When you looked around you almost couldn't see the sun through the trees...it was surely much darker, and a bit colder as well. But, we were prepared and the sun was shining still!

It was fun to visit, but the path wasn't always wide enough for us to walk side by side - so it was necessary to walk ahead or behind for a while...not as easy to visit and not as much fun either, but those times were temporary.   A few times the thought crossed my mind as I wondered if maybe we were going the wrong way around the lake...like is there a right way and a wrong way to go around the lake?? Nope! I don't think so...there were many coming and going both ways, and at the end of the day....we all ended up at the same place! As you can see in the picture...there were some who made their own path across the lake - we were told not to go out there, so we didn't - we thought it best to play it safe...Now it isn't to say we didn't take a few wrong turns as we got distracted by a few chit chats with nice people we met and little critters that made us happy we were able to share in their space of nature that day - because there were a few times...those sticks came in handy!

This little guy entertained us for some time romping back and forth in the snow, up and down trees and bushes...scurrying about his own business in his little neck of the woods. He even followed us for a while, until we went down this other road...what a wise little squirrel - he KNEW we were going the wrong way! It is much more difficult to climb a hill in snow shoes than one would think! However, WE DID IT! We climbed to the top, and continued down another path that did in fact...lead us to the place we needed to go.

You may be asking yourself by now..."is this story just a story"? Well, this story is my life. I think there may be others who can also relate. Our roads or our paths may not all be the same, but we all have them. In fact there may be some of us who go clockwise, while the others choose to go counter-clockwise. We may sometimes drift off the beaten path to find obstacles that make us lift our step a little higher, and we may find friends who help us along and offer up friendships and relationships that last forever...or maybe even just that moment you shared a simple hello on a walk.  Even though you may be watching what you are doing for the most part, you may trip...on your own feet! But, use the poles or walking sticks that are there for you to catch your step...put on the gloves you brought to keep you warm.  Appreciate that which surrounds you.  Absorb the positive part of your environment, leave the rest behind as a learning experience and something that has given you growth.  Although there may be times that appear to be dark and cold...there is sun shining, you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other to get where you can see it better! Stay strong even when the climb seems more difficult and you will reach the top....and it will be easier to see where you need to go.  Walking side by side is always more enjoyable than in front or behind :0) Eventually, you will see, whatever your journey is - everyone has one.... just always look ahead and keep your focus forward.

My mama is facing another battle with cancer - I was not ready tonight to write the new beginning of this old journey.  I felt drawn to something more of what I wrote to prepare us all for what we are about to embark on - Her story will be updated this weekend as I get to spend it with her....  

Embrace your Birthday!!

Embrace your Birthday!!!!

I just had my birthday this last week....I am now a 48 year old wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister, friend...just two years away from meeting a half a century! 
Let me tell you - my birthday is my favorite day of the year! I love every one.  Think of the alternative - no birthday? no bueno! That means we wouldn't be here to enjoy the presents of the presence! The people we hold so very close and dear to our hearts - Every birthday in itself is a wonderful gift.  I look forward to celebrating each and every one with family, friends, and those who are close to me.  In addition - how great does it feel to celebrate OTHER'S birthdays??? EVERY birthday, no matter who it belongs to - is a reason to CELEBRATE!
So this year, I enjoyed everything about this day. I had to work of course...there hasn't been a holiday set on the calendar yet for Stephanie's Birthday! I was later greeted with beautiful flowers and some wonderful presents from my boss and his wife! They spoiled me and I have to say they shouldn't have done so much, but....I LOVED it!!! LOL - then I had some beautiful flowers delivered from my husband, Steve...they were beautiful and made me feel so special! I was taken to lunch and enjoyed a visit with my grandson Hunter, daughter Jennifer and Steve. I also received a wonderful birthday hello from my other grandson Caden and his parents Mike and Amber Mrs. As the day went on, we went to dinner with my daughter Amber....where she promised her homemade lemon bars for me to be done the next day... I love it when the celebration of my birthday extends past for a few days!! At last, Aspen, my granddaughter called and asked if I could come see her so she could give me the present she made me.  Well, OF COURSE!!! She put together a beautiful beaded bracelet just for me! Throughout the day, I had lot's of wonderful phone calls, messages, and facebook wishes.  It was so so nice!
What an amazing way to end the day... 
As I thought back through the events of all that took place, I realized how blessed I truly am. Not because of the presents, or the food, or the flowers...but the presence of TIME, my sweet family and friends. 
I had a beautiful day - Thank you to all who shared it with me...I love you all! 
I hope everyone can always enjoy and embrace their birthdays every year! I wish to all, to always help others to celebrate their birthdays! Enjoy birthdays every chance you get!!!
 

Happy New Year!
This is a little project I was excited about for keeping the talent of my grandmother around for all to see.  My grandma love to crochet doilies.  She was able to design some beautiful pieces which she loved to display in her home in every room.  I have always been drawn to the details of every unique one she created.
I took this one and have displayed it into a window box to hang on the wall.  I am sure it would please grandma to see it continue to be displayed for all to see and admire.
In addition to many New Year's resolutions that I have marked for this new year ahead of us - 2013... I am going to work on keeping my grandma's talents in clear site by preserving as many of these beautiful works of art into window boxes - I want to do this for her.  
Many of us have doilies or needlework pieces from loved ones who have passed. I just felt like this was a great way to not only keep them in our hearts, but also keep them present in our every day. You simply start with a beautiful treasure - then, an inexpensive frame and matte material.  There are a variety of places to get these supplies.  I hope this new year brings love, joy, and happiness to everyone.  Happy New Year!

                                                     Thanksgiving 2012

I have honestly enjoyed the gratitude posts I have been reading on facebook.  I love the ideas of gratitude sharing on some of the morning shows I have landed on while getting ready for the day.  The idea of gratitude, and sharing it with someone makes me melt inside with the warm and tender feeling of the season this fall. 
It warms my heart to see the children in school write what they are thankful for on paper leaves that are all brought together on a tree.  As they read each one, they gain an understanding of the differences in us all.  One may be grateful for their parents, while another excited for their Dad to be coming home from deployment.  Chances are someone else could simply put, but happy to have crayons! 
This year, I am grateful for my family.  As our children grow older, their ideas for what they see in the future changes with them...sometimes, they know forever what they want to be when they grow up.  Other times, it can go from one thing to something else for years.  It is good for me to see them go through each phase of life.  Sometimes, more difficult.  As they do so, it reminds me, it is their time to grow, and learn, and become strong.  It is my time to be there for when they need me, be supportive, be strong. I am grateful for my husband and his patience with me as my "seasons" change :0) He does so much for our family and I am sure he doesn't have a clue at just how much his family appreciates and loves him. The list could go on - my parents: who are awesome, our siblings: who are amazing, our friends: who are fantastic!
I hope as each new day presents itself to all of us, we can find the beauty in it. The changes of the season in "the world", and the changes of the season in "our own world" are a blessing to us.  I am going to feed off the gratitude I see in others, and remind myself to fill my own gratitude bucket.  
I realize this may be early - Halloween is just around the corner...I guess I am excited for Thanksgiving this year!