On My Mind Today

There are those days in all our lives where nothing seems to be right. No one thing to point to, no one to blame, just feelings that settle too deep. We can tell ourselves to let it all go, that our life is really not bad. As hard as we try, we can't shake it off like a cold chill that refuses to leave. When these feelings linger and refuse to leave, we may hear a whisper in our ear. Call it fate, or a guardian angel, in a stranger who suddenly appears. A kind word or compliment not expected will catch us by surprise. We turn to see the smiling face of a stranger sent to lift our soul. This small act of kindness, no matter how brief, will impact the rest of our day. A simple reminder to be aware of so much we have to be thankful for. As we go about our day, we must remember to spread kindness whenever we can. Some days we will be the guardian angel, and others the one who needs a hand. A few kind words, a compliment, and a smile can have impact far more than we know.

 From  ManilaSpoon.com , these cookie bars are very easy to make; from start to finish you can have them in and out of the oven in just 40 minutes. The seven layers of rich sweetness are decadent and delicious, and a real treat for your taste buds! The simplicity of this recipe makes it a good one to make with your children. Hello Dolly Cookie Bars 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cut butterscotch chips 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the butter in a 13 x 9 pan in the oven. Remove once the butter is melted ensuring that the entire bottom of the pan and an inch up the sides are coated. 2. Press graham crackers to form a crust. Make sure the crust is spread flatly and evenly. Sprinkle the coconut flakes all over the crust, then layer with the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and then butterscotch chip...

Ahh, the wonderful aging process. So many new things to experience; some are welcome. but many others are not. Going into the senior years, changes are small and uneventful. A few laugh lines appear and maybe some gray hair starts to mix in. Nothing that causes any concern or alarm, just a natural progression in life. In time we find comfort in the "laugh" lines and welcome the gray as it ushers in less work and fewer trips to the salon. As time goes by, we may experience some of the other issues of getting older. These may include joint pain, issues with our eyes, etc. Our eyeglasses may require a stronger prescription, and at some point, we may need cataract surgery. Eventually some of us may encounter a hip or knee replacement. None of these is earth shattering and when addressed we continue on with our normal routines. And then there is the hearing loss. I had noticed for several years that my hearing was not what it once was. A couple of years ago, I had my hearing teste...

I recently lost a close, dear friend who was a very important part of my life. We shared over fifty years of friendship, and I feel like I have lost a part of me. She filled my life with joy and laughter, and we shared so much over the years. It is difficult to envision a world where I will never be able to pick up the phone and hear her voice again. My heart has been shattered by this loss. As I navigate this significant loss, I felt it was a good time to share this earlier blog about cherishing those we love. I have reached the age where years seem to be passing by in the blink of an eye. However, my inner struggle between acceptance and denial over the number of years I have experienced so far is something to contemplate another day. Today my thoughts are focused on the relationships that have been established over a lifetime. So many people who have helped to shape who I have become; some still a part of my life and others who have come and gone. A few lost to age or illness, and t...

From Allrecipes.com contributor, Bibi, this recipe for chicken piccata makes it easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion. This oven-baked casserole gives the great flavor of chicken piccata without the mess. It can be prepared in about 20 minutes and then popped into the oven. The convenience of a casserole frees up time to prepare pasta, veggies or salad for side dishes. Chicken Piccata Casserole Prep Time:15 mins Cook Time:35 mins Total Time:50 mins Servings:6 cooking spray 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup chicken broth ½ cup half-and-half ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup capers, drained salt and ground black pepper to taste 3 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 medium lemon, sliced 3 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, or to taste Directions 1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a 9x13-inc...

Where did you go with your vibrant soul, that once shined bright as a star. In the midst of everyday chaos, did you lose yourself once again? It used to be easy feeling free to dream, never letting things get in your way. These days so much seems to cloud your mind, that barriers hinder your vision of what could be. Torn between the inherent need to do for others, and the yearning to chase a buried dream. Your heart is filled with a desire to care for the ones you cherish, and your soul cries out, what about me? Balance, you whisper, or everyone will lose, yet balance is elusive most days. Pulled here, then there, to make sure that loved ones thrive, and telling yourself tomorrow will be for you. There is great joy in what you do for others, and their happiness is a true reward. But you are empty when there is no time left for you, and your soul feels the void. Don't lose yourself, take a breath and step back. Remember the dreams, set time aside, and bring your heart and soul back ...