On My Mind Today

We live in a society where the mindset is to throw things away if we feel we no longer have a use for them. Our landfills are overflowing with things that should not be there; much of it toxic to the ground, and some of it tossed when it still may have a purpose. Many years ago, the trend turned to manufacturing things for a single use - plates, utensils, paper towels, diapers and so much more. Marketers convinced everyone that these new and innovative items made our lives so much easier, no fuss, no mess. Nobody thought about the consequences to the earth. There were times, such as during the depression or during war, that people were very cautious about what they used, and didn't throw things away needlessly. There always seemed to be something else they could do with an item after its initial purpose was done. Out of necessity came many innovative and creative ideas on how to use a "used" item. Growing up we were taught ways to reuse everything from paper bags to coffe...

  "Legends say that Hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The Hummingbirds delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life's sweetest creation." ~ Unknown A few Hummingbird facts: They are native to the Americas and are among the smallest birds measuring 7.5-13 cm in length. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second). They can fly right, left, up, down, backwards and even upside down. They can hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern, and fly at speeds up to 49 mph. They live for 3 to 5 years. Their bright radiant color comes from iridescent coloring like on a soap bubble or prism and are used to attract mates. Out of the more than 300 species, 12 of them summer in North America and winter in tropical areas. Hummingbirds migrate individually and only during the day. Their migration ca...

This recipe for Chicken Francese is from  www.saltandlavender.com  and  has golden  pan-fried  chicken in a delicious buttery lemon sauce. I recently made it when my  granddaughter  was here, and she can be a bit of a picky eater, and not much of a lemon lover. It was a big hit with her, and we loved it too. You can make this restaurant favorite at home in about half an hour! Chicken Francese 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise Salt & pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup flour + 1 tablespoon flour divided use 2 eggs lightly beaten 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup chicken broth or 50/50 chicken broth and dry white wine 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 lemon sliced into thin rings For serving: chopped parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner cutlets. Place them between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and then pound thin (to about 1/4...

 Whether times in our life are good or bad, I do believe that there is always a lesson we are supposed to learn. The question is, are we open to receiving the message? Too often we are caught up in whatever is going on to see what is right in front of us. When wonderful things happen like getting married or having a child, we sometimes are so wrapped up in making plans, or caring for a fussy baby, that we don't fully appreciate these blessings. The days filled with sunshine and fun with family and friends pass far too quickly. An exciting new job, promotions at work, traveling to new places, and so many more great moments in our life. Perhaps we have fleeting moments of appreciation, but are we receiving the message? These wonderful times are ones we need to never forget, as we will need these memories and lessons later in life. Even in difficult times, there is a lesson for us to learn. We may not always understand why we are given stress, struggle or sadness, but if we are o...

We are children of the 60's and changing times. Witness to an escalation of the Vietnam war, anti-war protests, the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and sexual revolution. We were the love generation, the hippie generation, and the counterculture movement. Psychedelic colors, drugs, and rock music were an integral part of our world. We saw the assassination of President Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King's March on Washington. We all believed when he spoke so eloquently, about having a dream for a better tomorrow. We challenged our government, and brought great change politically and socially. We were young Americans rebelling against tradition, men wore long hair and women miniskirts. We embraced Mother Nature, and became environmentalists. Demanding change and protection, through political activism. We saw the Soviet Luna 9 land on the moon, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon. The FDA approved the first birth control pill, changing how we looked...

It's that time of year when zucchini is plentiful. There are many options available for finding new recipes, and I found this one on social media. I thought it was worth trying and I'm glad I did as it is amazing! I love zucchini and find that there are always new ways to prepare this versatile vegetable. Give it a try - I'm sure it will become a favorite for you too. Zucchini Boats 2 medium zucchini, stem end cut off and sliced in half lengthwise olive oil minced garlic salt and pepper grape tomatoes plain or seasoned breadcrumbs small mozzarella balls grated Parmesan fresh basil 1. Scoop out center of zucchini halves. Mix olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper, and brush on the zucchini. 2. Cut grape tomatoes in half and place on the zucchini, then sprinkle breadcrumbs over the tomatoes. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until just turning tender. 3. Remove from oven and place mozzarella balls on top of each zucchini half, then broil until melted. Brush with a ...

Spirituality: the quality or state of being spiritual. of or relating to religion or religious beliefs of or relating to a person's spirit When I think of spirituality, the second definition is the one I relate to. I do believe in God, but I do not think of myself as a highly religious person; one who follows a specific religion. However, I am a very spiritual person. Spiritual in the sense that I feel very connected to the earth and nature. I do believe we are linked far more than many may think. Those outside the Native American culture often confuse religion with spirituality. Native American spirituality includes a strong reverence for animal life, the environment and each other. Although many tribes practice different spiritual ceremonies and rituals, the main feature is the relationship of man with the land. There are times in my life when I have felt that I was losing my way, or when outside forces have easily overwhelmed me. These times have also coincided with periods when...

My old-fashioned traditional Whoopie Pie recipe is great; they are always delicious and other Whoopie Pies never seem to compare. I recently decided that I would like to make adjustments to my recipe for a new flavor. Since I am a fan of Mexican chocolate cake, I came up with some changes and additions. I added chili powder and cinnamon in the cake and substituted some cold brewed coffee and cocoa powder in the filling. Not only did they smell amazing while they were in the oven, but the results were outstanding! Mexican Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Mocha Filling 1-1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour milk* 1/2 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup hot water (I used dark cocoa powder) 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 cup mini chocolate chips * To sour milk, add 1-1/2 teaspoons vinegar  or  lemon juice and enough milk to make 1/2 cup) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 1. In a me...

As decades pass, it seems the years fly by at a faster pace. We believed in our youth that we had forever and could not foresee fewer years ahead than behind. And yet, we reach this point sooner than we could have imagined. What we find as we age, is how precious time is with our children, our grandchildren, family and friends. The love, joy and laughter we have shared over the years, we hold onto in our memories like they are precious gold. At this point in my life, my grandchildren are close to, or at, the adult stage of their lives. The time with them is far and few between with their busy lives. When I receive a call saying they want to come and stay for a few days, my only question is, "when are you coming"? I was blessed this past week to have my two granddaughters, ages 15 and 17, come stay with us. They are intelligent, funny and filled with contagious energy. Don't get me wrong, they do love their technology and spend time looking at phones, but they also still l...

Growing up we were outside as much as possible. The thought of staying in the house and looking at a screen was boring; we couldn't wait to go outside and play games with our friends. Back then playing in the street was not a big deal. We simply moved to one side whenever a car came by. Back in the 60's, few cars did come by, and for the most part we could play without interruption. Of course today, playing in the street is not advisable, but you can certainly play in the front or backyard with your children. Getting them outside for fresh air and exercise will be easier once they see how much fun it can be. There are many outside games, but I have some from my childhood that I wanted to share, along with the rules of each game. We had many hours of fun playing these games, and I hope that you will enjoy playing them with your children. Red Rover Two teams make two lines of kids facing each other and holding hands.  One side begins by calling out to an opposing teammate: "...

This soup from Food Network Magazine is low calorie and delicious. With our gardens filled with fresh vegetables it's a great time to prepare this for your family or to serve to dinner guests. Serve with some crusty rolls for a great meal. Summer Vegetable Soup with Andouille 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1 - 12-ounce package fully cooked andouille sausages, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1-inch pieces. 1 pound red-skinned potatoes, cut into chunks 4 ounces wax beans, trimmed and halved 4 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved 1 ear corn, kernels cut off 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock 1 large tomato, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon. 2. Add the potatoes, wax beans, gre...

Sight, sound, touch, smell and taste - things that most take for granted every day. So used to having the ability to experience these that we ignore what they bring to us. Acknowledging only when our senses are offended by something. Let your eyes truly see the beauty around you each day. The smiling faces of your family when you awaken in the morning. The green grass, blue skies, trees, oceans, lakes and rivers that Mother Nature offers up to you. Really take the time to observe and appreciate what is there in front of you. Take in every vision and store it in your memory to recall a treasured moment. Hear your children as they play and enjoy every moment of laughter. Take in the sound of the waves as they crash in on the sandy beach, the wind blowing through the trees, and rain as it gently hits the ground. Listen to the many different songs of the birds or the music on the radio. Every now and then, just enjoy the silence. Feel the downy softness on your lips as you ki...

There is an old saying   “When we walk in someone else’s shoes, we gain a deeper appreciation for their struggles and triumphs.” – Unknown We all have struggles throughout our life, some of them we will push through and come out the other side in a better place. Then there will be things we experience that will test us to our core. Eventually these hardships will improve, but some of them may be our cross to bear for the rest of our lives.    When we are maneuvering our way through life's obstacles, it is easy to fall into " why me?" Of course, none of us knows why certain things are thrown into our path. Some may say it is to test us, to put us on a new path, or to teach us a lesson. Perhaps it is to open our eyes so we can see what others endure, to have a greater understanding and appreciation for their struggles. To learn to have empathy.   Augusten Burroughs once said, “When you have your health, you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing e...

I love vegetables and look for new ways to prepare them to spice things up a bit. This recipe is a variation from a Food Network Magazine offering. They used edamame for their dish, but I am a fan of sugar snap peas so decided to use them. The garlic and red pepper flakes give them a nice kick, and the fresh lime juice is the perfect flavor to top them off. This will be added to my recipe file, and I may try other vegetables in the future. Chile-Garlic Sugar Snap Peas 1 pound sugar snap peas 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 cloves garlic, sliced Cook the peas in salted boiling water until crisp tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Heat olive oil, red pepper flakes and garlic in skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the sugar snap peas and season with lime juice and salt.

  Hope - to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true. To wish for · dream of · hope against hope for. What would life be if we had no hope for things to be better? If all we expected were for everything to remain the same, then what words of encouragement could we give to our children for a better world? Recent events have given us a glimpse of it would feel like without hope. We all have hopes, dreams, and desires; some of them on a personal level, and others that pertain to our communities, our country, and the world. All of them equally important when it comes to what we foresee for the future. A desire for a better life keeps us moving forward, it makes us feel alive. The dreams and aspirations that we have not only for ourselves, but for our children, are the catalyst to strive for better. Hope should come from a positive place; never from a desire for bad things to happen for personal gain. If we obtain something from someone else’s loss, the...

Respect: A feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way. Compassion: Sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. Kindness: The quality or state of being kind; a kind act. Three simple words that hold much power. Either by the use, or lack of use, in our society. Unfortunately, today, there seem to be far too many not practicing the meaning of these words. Have we become that apathetic? Is this the cold world we want for our children? Respect - We should treat our family, friends and members of our community with dignity and respect. The use of sarcasm, or saying whatever we are thinking, displays a total disregard for those around us. We don't have to agree with someone, but we should respect their opinions and beliefs. Social media has made it too easy to disrespect someone as we hide behind a computer screen. At times it appears that some forget we are all ...

Fresh strawberries are in season! If you're looking for a quick, delicious dessert for last minute company, then you're in luck with this berry tart. From Food Network Magazine this recipe couldn't be any easier and can be ready in less than an hour. This calls for fresh strawberries, but you could change it up by adding raspberries, blueberries or apple slices. Shortcut Berry Tart 1 thawed frozen puff pastry sheet fresh sliced strawberries 2 tablespoons melted butter sugar 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slightly roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. 2. Score a 1-inch border around the edges with a knife. Brush the whole sheet with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. 3. Arrange sliced strawberries inside the border, sprinkle with more sugar. 4. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve with whipped cream.

What right do you have to invade their home? It is not yours to take by brutal force. Attacking like a thief in the night, showing your cowardice and cruelty. Telling the world your lies in order to justify your actions. No one, not even your own citizens, believe your fabrications and protest against you. Brutally killing innocent people, and labeling them as the aggressor. Forcing families to leave their home, traveling far and wide to protect their children. Men of all ages, and many women, staying behind to protect their homeland. Using their bodies and weapons to block the destruction from tanks. These brave souls will always be the true heroes. You, with your powerful army and weapons, attacking a small country living in peace. If you succeed, you will always be the pariah who has isolated his country from the world.   The world is watching your aggression with sadness and tears. They all see you for the brutal oppressor that you are. This will not end well, as wars neve...

Music, the universal language that can bring people together in times of joy, and in times of great distress. Even if you don't understand the language the music speaks to your soul. As far back as I can remember music has been a part of my life. Our parents enjoyed listening to music, so we grew up with the sound of country melodies. As a teenager I can't say I was a big fan of country music; I grew up in the 60's so when the Beatles came along, and then the Rolling Stones, rock and roll became a part of my life. In the 80's and 90's I was raising my children, and as my parents did, I introduced them to music as infants. As they grew up, we enjoyed much of the same music, but it's funny how they too were not big country fans as teenagers. Perhaps it has something to do with rebelling against parents. Over the years I have come to appreciate many genres from country to classical, rock, soul and much more. I learned that good music comes in many forms and if you ...

When we get to the hot and humid days of summer it is hard to think about cooking. This is a great alternative to a hot dish, and you make it ahead of time so all you have to do is pull it from the refrigerator and serve. For those who don't want meat, you can add your own choice of fresh veggies such as green and red peppers, spinach, onions, cucumbers, etc. for the meat layers. Ham and Turkey Muffaletta  1/2 cup drained sliced pimento stuffed green olives 1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (reserve 1 Tbsp. marinade) 2 Plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 round loaf (1 lb.) crusty Sourdough bread 8 oz. deli sliced cooked turkey 4 oz. deli sliced Black Forest ham 4 oz. deli sliced provolone cheese 1 cup fresh basil leaves 1 cup black olive tapenade In a bowl mix together sliced green olives, chopped artichoke hearts, chopped tomatoes and reserved 1 Tbsp. marinade. Cut off top 1/4" bread, reserve. Pull soft bread from inside loaf, leaving 1/2" thi...

As I look out at an absolutely breathtaking day at the lake, it is nice to see people relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. We need to do this more often as it becomes so clear as we age that the years go by in a flash. One day you are a child playing hide and seek, and in the blink of an eye (or so it seems) you are moving into retirement years. Where did all those years in between go? I know that when I was young I was like everyone else. I could not wait to go to school, become a teenager, learn to drive, to be out on my own, to get married, and to have children. All that time spent hurrying my life away unaware that some day I would be wanting all those years back. If I had only known how precious all that time was perhaps I would have slowed myself down and enjoyed it more - and perhaps not. I guess when we are young we feel that we will live forever so no need to go slow. There will be plenty of time tomorro...

I see a world sick and suffering, beseeching us to heal the wounds. We must do our part to help one another, and bring harmony and peace to all. The world is filled with chaos today, no peace to be found it seems. Everywhere we look the sights and sounds, bring a heaviness that is hard to bear. Conflicts and wars linger on, with nobody willing to step back. Fueled by tyrants who want to take, with the victims trying to save what they have. Hatred being spread far and wide, there seems to be no end in sight. The instigators pushing every day, telling you who to blame. Media coverage twenty-four hours a day, it is difficult not to become numb. We must persevere to ensure, that none of this becomes the norm. Social media has become all consuming, and the children suffer the most. Bombarded with images of what they should be, and bullied by many of their peers. In spite of all of these troubling things, that are trying to destroy the world. There are many people we see each day, helping ot...

A frittata is one of the simplest breakfast foods to master and uses ingredients that are normally in the fridge. From Southern Living, this Hash Brown Frittata transforms plain eggs and hash browns into one tasteful dish. Once you are comfortable making frittatas, you can make them your own using additions such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach and cheese. No matter what your preference is, be sure to watch the eggs carefully as they bake as overcooking can make them chewy. Hash Brown Frittata 5 large eggs 1/2 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 1 (20 oz.) package refrigerated shredded hash browns 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 10-inch nonstick oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add onion; cook, stirri...

Morning begins with calm and quiet, with only the sound of nature breaking through. Our soul is at peace with no worries, and our mind has not been filled with noise. Cling to these moments for as long as you can, you will need them to take you through. In no time at all, the day will begin, and your peace will fade quickly away. Voices start seeping into the calm dragging your thoughts into the day. Someone looking for answers or help, pulling you out of your quiet place. Inevitably the buzz of the television will start, with the latest news headlines of the day. Although we want to be informed,  the reality of it all can be more than we can take. Whether at home, work, or venturing out in the world, the constant chatter and noise do not end. At times we find time to escape sitting quietly  behind a closed door, or even in our car. Noise, noise, it never seems to end, and we grow weary as the day goes by. What we wouldn't give for a moment or two to shut out the constant din....

Most days it is easy to find the good in our lives and to be thankful for what we have. Then there are the days that we are discouraged and must dig deep to find the positive.  We all have times in our lives when we are faced with obstacles that can make it difficult to approach our days with a positive attitude. It can be something very personal, or it could be from the negative messages that we are bombarded with every day. Both have the same impact and will take over if we allow them to. It is not easy to change how we think and approach our daily lives even if we know it would be the best thing for us. It takes significant effort, and the path of least resistance can seem much simpler. Unfortunately, that does not do anything for our physical and mental health.  When we focus on looking for the positive in the world, there is one thing that stands out every time; people who do good things for others. Their focus is on what they can do to make another's life better. In doin...

My original intention was to make a strawberry rhubarb pie. I thought some of my rhubarb was just about ready, but unfortunately it is still too early. I had a few apples in my refrigerator, and I purchased some fresh strawberries and blueberries in the market recently, so I decided to throw all of them into a pie. The result was wonderful. It is absolutely delicious served with whipped cream and was a big hit in my house.  Apple, Strawberry and Blueberry Pie pie crust for 2-crust pie (homemade or pre-made) 3 apples, cored, peeled and sliced 1 pound of fresh strawberries, sliced 1-pint fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1.2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter Preheat oven to 425℉. Prepare pie crust (make your own or use the pre-made). Line bottom of pie plate with crust. Core, peel and slice apples and toss with the lemon juice. Add sliced strawberries. Mix sugar, flour, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in with the app...

Although it's been twenty-plus years since my father's passing, I still miss him. There are some days when I feel his absence more than others; with the arrival of Father's Day there have been many of these days. My father was not a perfect man; like everyone he had his flaws. However, he was a good man. He was very intelligent and had a sharp wit and good sense of humor. He also had a good heart and treated people fairly, regardless of social status or race. He was strict when it came to his daughters, but what father wouldn't be? Even though I rebelled as a teenager, I came to understand his reasons when I became a parent. He was only trying to protect us from the bad in the world. I remember him bringing candy bars home in his lunch pail for us and taking us for a ride on Sundays. Sometimes in the summer we would go to the lake for a cookout, or pile in the car to see a movie at the drive-in theater. He also taught us fun things like reciting the alphabet backwards a...

The sun rises with clear blue skies, with hope for peace and serenity. I remain still with shallow breathing, careful not to disturb those who sleep. These days quiet moments are rare, they are more precious than gold. Silence is like an elusive butterfly, hiding just out of sight. Noise surrounds me far too early, and sometimes never seems to end. From television to constant chatter, at times it is difficult to breathe. Some days the sensory overload, can exhaust my weary soul. Just a few moments of silence and solitude, a bit of tranquility is all I need. Let me watch the sunrise appear in the sky, and see Mother Nature awaken. Her creatures stir and start the day, a great joy for the eyes to behold. So, give me just a few moments, to soothe my weary soul. The peace and serenity of silence, are far more precious than gold.

In our youth we have many dreams, ever changing with each new day. So much ahead in our lives, with choices we will need to make. Early on our dreams are smaller, with visions of first dates and kisses. Imagining gliding across the floor, at school dances with our first crush. Some of our dreams are a fantasy, of living a rich and famous life. The younger we are the bigger the dream, never believing it cannot become real. As the years pass by the dreams evolve, into much larger events in life. Marriage, children and so much more, making precious memories along the way. In mid-life things begin to change, and we see things with new eyes. After years of chasing our many dreams, we learn some things don't go as planned. Dreams become so much different, more personal and smaller in scope. With each year we begin to realize, the smaller dreams mean so much more. As we enter into our senior years, everything becomes crystal clear. Our only dream is to embrace each day, for sometimes life...

From Just a Pinch Recipes contributor, Vicki Butts, Grapeview, WA. this Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon is a good comfort food that warms your soul. The beef is extremely tender, and it pairs well with the smoky bacon and sweet carrots. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, with a baked potato side, or as a soup over rice. Any way you choose to serve it, the flavor is absolutely delicious! Yield: 4 -6  Prep time:15 Min Cook time:12 hours Beef Bourguignon 3 lb. rump roast, trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 carrots, peeled and sliced (I like to use baby carrots instead) 1 md onion, sliced 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 3 Tbsp flour 10 oz beef broth 6 slice cooked bacon, cut into 1-2-inch pieces 2 c red wine 1 Tbsp tomato paste 2 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp thyme 1 bay leaf 1/2 lb. small white onions, peeled 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced Place the beef cubes, carrots, and onion in the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper; stir ...

Looking at all the so called "reality" shows they keep producing that exhibit the worst of people's lives, and knowing that so many are watching, is very disconcerting. The people they present are often offensive and negative, or willing to make a fool of themselves for their fifteen minutes of fame. It is truly sad in many ways. To think we would rather look at such negative nonsense, instead of embracing our own life, absolutely puzzles me. It is very apparent that we have become a society that seems to dwell on the negative. I guess it is easy as there are so many negative messages put in our faces and screaming at us, while we must look much harder and deeper to see the many positive possibilities. It takes energy and a positive attitude to move your life in a direction that will bring joy and happiness.  None of it comes by just sitting back and expecting it to show up. You need to engage yourself each day and see what could be. Try something that you have ...

Over the last few years, my time has slowly been transitioning into being a caregiver. It has been a slow progression, but time for me is becoming more elusive these days. It can be difficult to r emember that if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be any good to those in your life.  It is not in my nature to put myself first, and I know there are many others like me. We try to make sure that everyone else in our life is taken care of and their needs are met. There are two reasons for this: we enjoy doing for others as it makes us feel good, and it is rewarding when we see them happy. Of course, my sister would say there is a third reason; our purpose in life is to help others. When our children are young our role is to take care of them. We plan, organize and prepare for whatever arises each day, nurturing them as they grow into young adults. As our children leave the nest we tend to transfer these actions to others in our life. The need to nurture so strong that we can...