| Reasons to buy local produce: fresher (doesn’t travel 1-2 weeks to get here); fewer/no preservatives or genetic modifications to extend freshness; save energy (local production takes 3-17% less oil); less packaging; support our local farmers and economy. |
I’m in that mood again: where the heck did that phrase come from? Please indulge me. It gives me a break from serious thinking.
Of course, you know what it means–super excited, hyper-interested, like, wow! that’s unbelievably fantastic! And most people associate it with being in love.
Originally, though, it just meant being upside down, topsy-turvy. The romantic soul who tied it into love for the first time did so in his autobiography in 1834. That was none other than Davey Crockett.
How’s that for a bit of trivia that you can’t work into any conversation?
Today’s Thursday Thought quote struck me as a very simple truth.
“If you were my friend, you’d….”
“How would you like it if I told your parents/spouse/children/friends/boss that….”
“What about the time I did _____ for you?”
Anyone who says things like this to you is emotionally blackmailing you. So is gaslighting. And it isn’t always done with malicious intent. Sometimes the person feels justified doing it. Even so, it’s abusive, and you shouldn’t put up with it. You need to confront it through communication.
If you think you or a loved one is being emotionally blackmailed, read this short but informative article, How to Spot the Toxic Behavior.
To many of us, chocolate is comfort food. And, since we can all use some comfort, what better day than today, Chocolate Day? I hope you enjouy my little chocolaty poem:
CHOCOLATE ME
In my next life, I’ll be chocolate.
Sometimes nutty, sometimes smooth,
Sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet,
Or hiding a squishy center.
Harmless in moderation
But increasingly expensive.
A melting mess in warm hands
While maintaining my allure.
Adding weight to the over-burdened.
Raising spirits periodically.
Hazardous in extremes.
A cause of sibling rivalries
(Fighting over me!)
Plus a rapid thumping heart
And a crawling belly ache.
There will be those who want me gone,
Yet secretly crave more of me.
Yes, that’s what I will be–
Sort of like I am now.
But in that day, when I’m chocolate,
Everyone will love me.
——- Jackie O’Donnell
Happy Independence Day! I’ll celebrate by noticing how truly independent I am. I have so many choices: sleep inside my home or camp outside; eat too many BBQ ribs or not eat at all; go to the doctor with my nagging cold or just ride it out; go to work or take a day off; spend full price on that coat, just because I love it, or forego it for now, hoping to find it on sale or even free from someone who no longer wants hers.
I can choose to spend my day dreaming of fun activities with the family or worrying about what might happen to me next. Oddly, I’m given this independence of choice through an accident of life. Because I’m not mentally ill or addicted to a destructive substance, am not divorced, and I was lucky enough to situate myself comfortably before the economy tanked, I get to enjoy my independence while others struggle on the streets.
Yes, I’ll spend this 4th of July weekend in deep appreciation.
We all want our opinion heard. If you doubt that, look at postings on social media. You’ll find a multitude of ideas people hold and want desperately to pass on to others, because they know they’re right and want everyone else to know and do right. Today’s Thursday Thought quote gives a different perspective.
Independence Day is this weekend. Traditionally, we celebrate the 4th of July by setting off fireworks in our yard or maybe in the middle of our court. Add a bit of alcohol to the participants, and carelessness can lead to injury and property damage. That’s why fireworks of all kinds, even the “Safe and Sane” variety, are banned in many places.
Here’s the thing. If they are banned, that means they’re illegal. If you set off illegal fireworks and they hurt someone or burn down your house, your homeowner’s insurance (or any insurance) will NOT cover you. You’ll be left to bear the financial burden totally yourself. (This, of course, is on top of the fine you’ll get.) If you burn down someone else’s house (or nearby business), their insurance company will pay to rebuild their home–then sue you to get their money back.
So, take this into consideration when those fireworks look so tempting. I hope you’ve learned what most of us have, that the idea that “it won’t happen to me” is totally untrue and a dangerous premise to base your actions on.
Please have a safe holiday without fireworks. My property and my dog will thank you.
