Mother Nature

We've certainly experienced some dynamic beautiful weather this past week. The wind, rain, and even snow has changed the artistry of mother nature's canvas. This morning the sun has appeared and shines gloriously onto the earth. Warming things up, breathing warmth into our souls. Shining, like a spotlight on the ever changing scenery around us. Stop, look, soak it in.

This day I'm going to slow down, take a walk in nature, listen to her music, it's really all around. Going to escape the city sounds, and get close to nature, to God. I have found that when I calm myself, empty my mind of 'to do' lists, and the feeling of having to fill all my time with 'something' is when I experience the most joy.

Today, I am going to 'simply just be'. Try it sometime, I truly don't feel one would be disappointed. Perhaps one may even find themself a bit enlightened.

Blessings to you may family and friends this day.

Barney (aka Patty)

10 minute challenge

Just how long is 10 minutes? Perhaps the time it takes to blow-dry ones hair, or the time to take a shower, make a quick breakfast. 10 minutes can fit in alot when you think about it. 10 minute break at work to get a cup of coffee/water perhaps? 10 minutes to drop the kids off at school? When you think about it one can do quit a bit in 10 minutes. Which brings me to this question.

What 10 minute activity do you do daily for yourself? I'm talking about something that moves the body. Walk? Run? Weights? Sit ups? Perhaps you're one of the millions that say I just don't have time. I know I'm amongst that group. HOWEVER, this weeks challenge is to fit in 10 minutes of walking daily.

How? Walk 5 minutes one direction, and 5 minutes back. There you have it your 10 minute workout. Weathers bad? March in place at home for 10 minutes. March in place as you make dinner. Lift weights, there's Pilate's, Yoga, Dancing, Walking... and we're talking 10 minutes only.

Think of all the 10 minute activities you do daily and then erase that thought of "I just don't have time".... quite frankly we all have time. We can start today with 10 minutes. I challenge myself and I challenge my family and friends to make time for "you". I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Blessings to you my family and friends this day.

One step at a time....

Finally, finally finally! I did it! I hit my first 5-lb loss, after the past year of ups and downs, I did it. Yes, I did say past year. This past year has been a whirlwind of emotions for me, a whirlwind of sorrow and heart-aches. The kind of heart-aches that knocks you to your knees and literally sucks the very breath out of you.... as if your body has collapsed inward.

Oh joy though.... tonight I did it. I almost jumped for joy, and when given my first 5-lb marker it was all I could do not to cry as my mind quickly rewound the past year. Thankfully, with the love and support of my sweetie and my younger sister I've been able to keep to an even keel and not give in to "the beast". The "beast" of emotional eating for comfort. Perseverance, love, and gentle forgiveness has kept me going and got me this far. 5-lbs, a small goal, seems like the weight of the world has been lifted off.

Thank you Sweetie and thank you "M" for believing in me and keeping me focused on what is important and that it can be done... you only have to believe in yourself.

Great big hugs to all who continue to support me. Wow! I really did it! Now I can only step forward to healthier and happier times.... with less of me that I will over time, leave behind.

Track!

Track... first thing that comes to mind is the sport of Track and Field.

In Track and Field you certainly have movement, some very precise; take the hurdles or pole vault. You would not want to be "off track" in those events or you could go splat! That would not be fun, although I'm sure when one first started there were moments where things weren't on track.... however.... you learned from it and moved on. The movement and energy of Track and Field is near and dear to my heart.

Now I'm faced with another form of Track. Tracking my health, tracking my food intake, tracking my energy output, and working on finding the combination that will ultimately bring me to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Sound exciting? Well yes! To me it is exciting, however I'm not as intimately familiar with this from of "track" as I am with "track and field". I'm learning though, and learning is the key word here.

I received this quote today and it fits so perfectly with my thoughts on this blog today...

"It's not how often you get off track that impacts your life. It's how fast you notice you are off track and what you learn that determines where you end up". Marshall Sylver

That quote in and of itself sums it all up for me. It's how fast you notice you are off track and what you learn.

This day I woke knowing I'd do something for myself and my family. Something that enlightens us and gets us moving. For me that is taking a nice hike amongst our foothills. The views are spectacular, the scenery keeps one engaged to where one hardly notices the distance one's traveled. Spectacular views tied in with movement (exercise). An inviting combination for this writer.

As I venture the hills today I know my mind and body will be energized with new ideas for my next blog. Nature has a way of bringing out the creative side in me; I'd call that a plus.

To my readers this day - ENJOY your day. Find what makes you happy, live what makes you happy, smile more, move more, love more.

Blessings to you my family and friends this day.

Barney (aka Patty)

It's Friday - Yes!

There's something about Friday that sets the mind in an "ahhhhhhh" place.

Ahhh to the satisfaction of week past, and a welcoming ahhhh to the weekend. A time for self, a time for family, and fun. You can sleep in, sleep out, or not sleep at all - it just is because it's Friday. Whatever you chose, because it's Friday.

Fridays often times are an enjoyable evening out, as I did tonight. Enjoyed a nice cold beer in an even colder and icy mug. The taste was smooth and went perfectly with a sizzling plate of fajitas. The company was even better, filled with wonderful conversation about the day and life.

A nice way to wrap up a work-week. I sit her now and ponder about tomorrow, will I sleep in, sleep out, or simply stay up all night and move right into the next. Hmmmmmm you never know. What I do know is that it's time for this writer to sign off as there's much too much Friday left to be clicking the keyboard.

Ahhhhh..... yes, it's Friday!

Time

Isn't it mostly true that we "take time" for the things that are important. My challenge and question to you and myself is.... "Aren't YOU important?".

Take time for "you" TODAY!

Blessings to you my family and friends.

A New Journey

Have you ever set out on a journey? I have, and there's been many different journeys. Some journeys are very well planned out - like a vacation. You have an itinerary, know the costs, know whom you're going with, when you're going, when you're coming back - nicely laid out plans. Ahh......... and you're set... off you go to have fun.

Why is it, I ask, that some journeys are more difficult than planning a vacation? I've been on a weight loss journey for the past 6 months. A literal roller coaster.... started out great, had a plan, was losing the pounds, and then wham!! An emotional setback hit in March that set me into a tailspin of emotional eating... at times I still struggle. Yeah, you see I'm like a million other folks that are emotional eaters... emotions set folks like us into non-stop, non-conscious eating. And dare I say, not the best or healthiest of choices.

We eat when we're angry, sad, bored, and the reality of it is our emotions turn to food for comfort! Not a good or healthy combination, but hey, I know it's there and believe you me I'm working on "taming that beast". One can "choose", and believe it or not "have power" over food. What a concept, huh?

Let's change the mind frame - Food becomes fuel, becomes energy... vs. comfort. Food no longer is comfort for angry feelings, sad feelings, boredom, or even loneliness. Food simply is food.. a fuel to nourish and power the body. As I type this I am convincing and re-programming my mind to believe... the goal here (the journey) is a shift of mindset to healthy eating that becomes second nature; A permanent way of life. My journey and goal is to say goodbye to "the beast" of emotional eating. I do have a "choice" and "power" over it.

Join me as I start my weight loss journey. An adventure into self discovery really. I suspect that not only will I change to healthy eating habits but I might just find I do a bit of housecleaning in all aspects of my life.

Now, how to get this all planned out carefully.... I suspect I will take the approach of a well planned vacation. It takes planning, a desire to get to your destination, and more important to have fun!

So...... here we go..... the journey has begun.

All in perspective

Mother Nature has a way of bringing life into perspective.
The human race has, in this writers' opinion felt bigger
and more powerful than many things.

However, and I say however, let's take Mother Nature for example.
The Wind can feel pleasant on a warm summers' day/night.
The Wind can also chill you to the bone in sub-zero temperatures.
The Wind can even bring death... destruction... when
she forms tropical storms and hurricanes. Are we more powerful?

Water. Oh how I love being near the water. The Warm tropical
climates with a warm sandy beach and an ocean as far as one
can see. The water caresses your body as you slip into it and
can soothe an aching body and soul. Too much water in a torrential
downpour, flash flood, or tsunami can bring death. Are we more
powerful?

Mother Earth herself is amazing. So many beautiful sites, so many
shapes. Flat ground, soft ground, hills, mountains, valleys, a variety of shapes
across her canvas. Yet the earth can shake, it can slide, and it can bring
death if caught in her path. Are we more powerful?

Why such deep thoughts? Well, the past couple days I've hiked
many miles along the ridges and mists of Mount Diablo.
Beautiful country, just outside the hustle and bustle of city life.
Here I felt so small amongst the winding paths and trees. Sometimes
the hills were so steep I felt they would defeat me. Sometimes I felt the
presence of the animals watching - though we could not see. They only
left their tracks, their body a ghost to us ..... fresh tracks. Wild boars, raccoons and
coyotes. In the middle of nowhere, yet so close to civilization I crept
into a different world, if just for awhile. Alone with Mother Nature and
her creatures.

Today, I faced 5 big bulls on our trek through the foothills. Some standing
in our path. Did I ever feel small! As we approached my thoughts raced,
what if he charges, can I run fast enough? Find a tree to climb? Or will I
face a fate I'd like to not think about? Luckily all 5 were content in their
field of cows -- ever watchful as we past. Some only 10 feet away. I did get brave
and snapped a couple pictures. I mean if I did face a bull at least I'd have a picture
to say "hey, this is the one that did it" . All kidding aside, one feels small
next to a 1200 pound animal in the open, in the middle of no where. It is
also invigorating too! Talk about getting your blood pumping.

The morning air was crisp and cool both days. Seeing your breath as you
walked. Soon as your body moved more you felt warm even though the
grasses around you, covered in frost, told you it was still very cold out.

The hills from afar do not look that tall or big. When faced with climbing one or
two you realize their beauty, their height, and the challenge to get to the
top. If one doesn't slip or slide (as it was wet out both days), the view from
the top is breath-taking.... worth the climb.

One realizes just how small they are in a world were mankind
feels so big and powerful. Mother Nature has a gentle way of reminding
us just how small we are in the midst of it all. Mother Nature has
a way of bringing an appreciation back to life, to living. Take a walk
in her and she won't disappoint. You may be surprised when she
quietly enters your soul and whispers her wisdom to you. She's worth
the Walk.

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May the beauty of Mother Earth bring her wisdom and life to you
my family and friends. Many blessings to you this day and always.

Moments

Woke with a song in my heart, Glory be to God
Woke with a feeling of joy, knowing everything would be okay
Woke with a feeling of Mom right beside, though I can't see
Surprised that tears did not come to me. For she has risen
and is with our Lord, safely home in heaven above able
to reach out to all her family at once, she can be with
everyone now, spreading her love and joy.

Sitting on the cold grass of the cemetery I no longer feel
like I need to dig her up. Yes her body is there, however her
spirit soars with Angels high. Sitting on the cold grass I
stare at her name on the marble grave marker.... 1936-2009
a short time here on earth. A time when she blessed all those
she knew and loved. Even those that never knew her, she
prayed for them, faithfully daily... this she did I can assure you.

Sitting with brother, and my nieces I
puffed on a peach cigar (sorry mom) offered to me by brother.
Contemplating life, contemplating how short 73 years can be
yet how profound an impact a life can make.

Hard to walk away, sitting there for a long while, just staring
at her name... feeling how lucky I am to have a Mom like "my Mom".

I miss you Mom, I know you are in a joyous and peaceful place.
Know that we raise our hearts and our prayers to you this day...
And thank you for leading us and guiding us on our way.

Merry Christmas Momma-sita, you ARE the BEST!

And then it surprises you...

Wow! Talk about a strange feeling. I write about "da hood" and then "da hood" surprises me with a warmth that melted my heart.

25-30 Christmas Carolers, all carrying lit candles come out of the alley way, singing their hearts out door to door. It is the little surprises and kindness from all walks of life, even from "da hood" that make one realize that we are all the same, made of his likeness and his love. This is the season about Jesus, and he shines even in places where there are many struggles.

Thank you Jesus for the reminder of "love" and "goodness" - for it can and is everywhere if we look beyond the troubles and issues that sometimes can plaque our steets.