Category: about me

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Quiet Time

Hello everyone!

If you follow my blog, you know that I go through periods where I’m posting every week and then it’s like I hit a brick wall and I don’t have much to say.  This is true in my personal life as well – I’m all about being with others – until I’m not…  The quieter you become the more you can hear.

I call it my quiet time.

It happens periodically.   Part of me needs my space, a break if you will.  And I retreat to that place within.  And I let the balm of solitude sooth my soul.

And after a while, my batteries recharge.

And the world calls to me…

And I’m ready to answer.

To be honest, I’m still feeling pretty quiet.  But I did want to let you know I’m thinking of you and I hope all is well in your lives.

-Deb

 

 

 

 

 

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Hygiene Bags for the Homeless

One of my favorite stories tells of a young boy making his way down the beach.  He comes across numerous starfish lying on the sand.  Instead of walking by, he takes the time to toss some of the starfish back into the ocean.  An old man witnesses his actions and comments that he’s wasting his time, that there’s too many of them and it won’t make a difference.  The young boy then tosses another starfish into the water and replied, “It made a difference to that one.”

Everyone has causes that touch their hearts.  And most of the time, if we dwell on the size and scope of that cause and the needs associated with it, it can become overwhelming. Take homelessness if you will.  With so many in need of food, shelter and medical attention, it’s easy to see why so many people choose not to see the need.  It’s easier to ignore the problem than to take action.

plex_wp_edited_image(195) (1)After coming across a post of Facebook about hygiene bags for the homeless, I decided to join the movement.

For less than $25.oo, I was able to put together three hygiene bags. I included things like socks, a hand towel, bandages as well as toiletries. While these bags only serve as a small band-aid on a gaping wound, I hope that the recipients realize that they aren’t forgotten. In a society that places too much emphasis and value on things of no consequence, it’s important to remember that no one should be relegated to the alone and forgotten category.

plex_wp_edited_image(196)Theses bags have been placed in our cars to be given out as needed. And like the kid in the story, I hope that I can make a difference in the lives of those with whom I come in contact.

So – What moves you?  Please comment on the things you’re doing to make the world a better place.  You never know – your passion might inspire another to try and make a difference.

-Deb

 

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Gardening Update #2

So far so good.

tomatoes

Container gardening has its advantages – like no weeding.  I’m loving that!  The plants are growing – actually looking better than I had hoped.  If nothing else, I’ll have tomatoes!

When I was a kid, our family had a big garden.  Each morning, my sister and I would accompany my mother to the garden where we would weed and water the plants.  Each evening, my mother served a variety of fresh vegetables for dinner – greens, corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, etc. – the only thing different was the meat.  We didn’t realize how lucky we were.  Kids being kids, we would have given our right arm for a can of Chef Boyardee spaghetti and meatballs.

Trust me when I tell you that I hated early morning gardening.  I was sure that as an adult, I’d never weed another hill of beans.  Yet, here I am filling the watering can.

I don’t look at myself as a health freak but I have to admit pesticides, fertilizers and genetically engineered vegetables worry me.  The fact that the companies which supply the foods we eat basically foot the bill for their oversight raises serious concerns. So when I can, I’ve started buying organic fruits and vegetables.  Maybe I’m jumping at shadows but erring on the side of caution seems wise.

That leads me back to my little garden.

I know what isn’t being put on my plants…

And no chemicals makes me happy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When the Universe Speaks

It’s been a month but I can finally say that I feel like the old me!  Woohoo!  Good health is something to be appreciated!

After being sick for so long, it’s been difficult to get back into the groove of things as far as my writing goes.  I guess the universe, or my muse, or whatever decided I needed a push. Who would have thought it would come from Chinese carry-out? Seriously – when your fortune cookie starts offering writing advice, it’s time to stop making excuses!

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Let the writing begin!

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The Writing Gardner

After being attacked by what may be one of the world’s nastiest bugs, I’m happy to report that I’m on the mend – AND – ever so grateful for good health!

I wish I could say that all of my down time wasn’t wasted – that I had used that time to write.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  My body hurt.  My head hurt.  All I wanted to do was sleep.  And that’s pretty much what I did – from the couch to my bed.  I didn’t realize one person could sleep so much…

Needless to say, when Saturday rolled around and the afternoon high topped out in the upper 60’s, I took advantage of feeling better.  I started my first container garden.  In the past, I’ve always planted the old fashioned way – tilling the soil, preparing the rows, etc. Containers were for city folk…

Or are they?

Having fresh vegetables is important to me – especially ones that haven’t been sprayed with boo-koos of pesticides.

And

Finding time to prepare the garden, work my job, and write… There just wasn’t enough time in the day.

So, I’ve decided to give this a try.

Container Gardening

Not sure how this is going to turn out but hoping I’m working smarter (not harder)!  Keep your fingers crossed – because I don’t necessarily have the greenest thumb.