30 Days of Love - Day 30: Blog4Peace 2015

Day 30 is dedicated to Blog4Peace 2015.

Tomorrow is the big day. Blog4Peace 2015 has arrived!  Join hundreds of us as we blog about peace.  Together we can make a difference!

Join the revolution on Facebook and at www.blog4peace.com on November 4, 2015.

How To Blog4Peace...

1. Make a peace globe. Choose any graphic at www.blog4peace.com under "Get your own Peace Globe". Save. Sign. Decorate

2. Send the finished peace globe to blog4peace@yahoo.com or TAG Mimi Lenox on Facebook

3. Post it anywhere online November 4.

4. Title your post or status Dona Nobis Pacem (Latin for Grant us Peace); hashtag #blog4peace #blogblast4peace

5.  Visit www.facebook.com/BlogBlastForPeace 

See more at: http://peaceglobegallery.blogspot.com

30 Days of Love - Day 29: Peace

Day 29 is dedicated to Peace.

The answer to peace can be quite complex but can also be quite simple. 

Peace to me is the reassuring, calm and gentle presence of my dog by side and her unconditional love.

Peace is knowing that my children and my loved ones are safe.

Peace is being accepted for who I am and being loved for who I am. 

Peace is living in a world without child abuse and animal abuse.

Peace is about seeking forgiveness rather than seeking revenge.

I want the world I live in to be a peaceful world. And I want my children, grandchildren and all children for years to come to live in a peaceful world.

I want peace to matter.

30 Days of Love - Day 28: Blogging for Peace

Day 28 is dedicated to Reasons to Blog For Peace

1. To stop the hatred
2. To be free from pain
3. To help us develop patience
4. To help us develop tolerance
5. To help us feel stable
6. Because every life is precious
7. To make life look brighter
8. To help prevent hunger
9. To eliminate hate crimes
10. To help eliminate poverty
11. To promote better health
12. To share the love
13. To rid the world of demons
14. To show the world there is nothing wrong with getting along
15. To end the suffering of millions of people
16. To end child abuse
17. To end animal abuse
18. To promote understanding
19. To fill the world with love
20. To fill the world with happiness
21. To prevent abuse of the elderly
22. To work together to find a cure for cancer 
23. To celebrate life
24. To enjoy love
25. To be able to stroll down the beach hand in hand.
26. To beat the devils at their own games.
27. To prevent the annihilation of the human race
28. To preserve our planet
29. To save our values
30. To uphold our morals
31. To raise the bar on our standards
32. To fill the world with harmony
33. To prevent senseless deaths
34. To prevent senseless destruction
35. To be heard as one very loud voice
36. To stand side by side, together, rather than so many separate entities

The list goes on and on and can be different for each person.  I blog for peace because I see no reason not to. I think peace is something every one in this world wishes and dreams for.

Why do you blog for peace?

30 Days of Love - Day 27: Happiness

Day 27 is dedicated to happiness.

Finding happiness can be a challenge at time.  Each person has their own idea of happiness and therefore have different ways of finding happiness.  Some people say that happiness comes from within.  However, that happiness tends to get covered up by emotions and  thoughts.  We lose sight of happiness. 

Happiness can be found in every day life.  For me, coming home from work each day to my dog, Shelby...is happiness.  Shelby is always happy to see me and gives me kisses.  She brightens my day and makes me feel happy again.

I also find happiness in helping my husband.  He has some medical issues and recently had a below the knee leg amputation.  Supporting him, taking care of him and being by his side makes me happy.  Him being happy makes me happy.

I see happiness in my children, brother, my in-laws, nieces, nephews, family and friends...and that makes me happy.

Each day I find at least one positive thing that made me happy and I do my best to focus on that happiness.  It may be something as simple as a smile but sometimes that is all it takes.

What makes you happy?

30 Days of Love - Day 26: Panic Attacks

Day 26 is dedicated to those that suffer from panic attacks.

My panic attack experiences start with a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear. My heart pounds, I feel as if I cannot catch my breathe and I feel very weak.  I am 100% sure I am either going crazy or that I am going to die.  I have to talk myself into calming down and once I have calmed down, I am physically and mentally drained.

I have no warning before a panic attack starts. It can happen any time but mostly occur when I am away from home.  If I am driving I pull over and wait.  If I am in a building I go to the bathroom and wait for it to pass.  All I can do is hold on for the ride and hope it is over quickly.

I know that I am not alone in the world when it comes to panic attacks.  There are millions out there that also suffer.  I want them to know they that there is help. Please talk to your doctor about your panic attacks. Do not let your symptoms go untreated. Learn about panic attacks and learn how to control your breathing. Practice relaxation techniques. And most of all, know that you are not alone.

30 Days of Love - Day 25: Favorite Recipe

Day 25 is dedicated to a favorite recipe.

One of my most favorite recipes is Easy Peanut Butter Cookies.  The recipe only has four ingredients, which makes it easy to whip up a batch.  However, what makes me like this recipe so much is because my Mom used to make these cookies for my brother and I.  Mom let me put the criss cross pattern on the top of each cookie and then when all the cookies were on the pan, I got to lick the spoon.  Such joy and such good memories! :)

Here is the recipe if you would like to try it out:

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter, any style
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Cream together sugar, peanut butter and egg. (Mixture will start to form a ball). Add vanilla. Using a cookie scoop or 2 teaspoons, spoon out mounds of cookie dough on an ungreased cookie sheets. Using a fork (or cookie stamp!)press cookie in a criss-cross pattern. Bake for about 13 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes, then cool completely on rack

30 Days of Love - Day 24: Chocolate

In honor of National Chocolate Day - Day 24 is dedicated to chocolate.

Chocolate is one of my "comfort foods", which has helped me through

many of life's ups and downs.  So, Happy National Chocolate Day to Everyone!

As with most fine things, chocolate has its season. 

There is a simple memory aid that you can use to determine 

whether it is the correct time to order chocolate dishes: 

any month whose name contains the letter A, E, or U 

is the proper time for chocolate.

-- Sandra Boynton

30 Days of Love - Day 23: Domestic Violence Awareness

Day 23 is dedicated Domestic Violence Awareness

October is a month dedicated to Domestic Violence Awareness.  However, I feel this topic should be addressed all year long.  Why? Because, domestic violence touches everyone and is everyone's business!  Domestic violence violates a person’s dignity, safety, and basic human rights. Domestic violence should not happen to anybody but it does...every day.  

Many years ago (1998 to be exact), I needed help and thankfully a few people refused to turn their backs on me.  Those wonderful people got my children and I into a clean, safe place to live and helped us get back on our feet.  I learned that life is not full of harsh words, physical pain, and sleepless nights. I am eternally grateful for the kindness, caring and love shown to my children and I.  Without those special people I am not sure where I would be today.   

So, if someone you know is suffering...help them.  Do not turn your back.  If you are suffering, please get help!  Getting help or helping someone can save lives!

 

30 Days of Love - Day 22: Dream

Day 22 is dedicated to dreaming.

Life has taught me to go where I want to go! Do what I want to do! And, be who I want to be!  I know that I only have one life and one chance to do all the things I want to do. So, I dream what I want to dream!

Try it...and you may just find peace.

30 Days of Love - Day 21: Thankful

Day 21 is dedicated to having people/animals/items to be thankful for.

I am thankful for all the wonderful people in my life...my children, brother, husband, in-law's, nieces, nephews, friends, aunts, uncles, co-workers and so many more. I am thankful for the roof over my head, the job I have, the jeep I drive, and my computer. I am also thankful for the Internet and the mindless hours of entertainment it provides.

I am thankful for my health, even if it isn't the greatest.  I am thankful for each of my senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) and I am thankful for having a nice, warm bed to sleep in each night. I am thankful for the food that I eat today and every day. I am thankful for blue skies, sunny days and the smell of fresh rain.

I am thankful for the time I got to spend with my Mom, Dad, Grandma Henson and Grandpa Henson before they passed away.

I am thankful for life and the experiences it has given me. Those experiences have made me who I am today.

I am thankful for those that accept me for who I am.

30 Days of Love - Day 20: Annabelle (Bella)

Day 20 is dedicated to Annabelle, also known as Bella.

If you read this blog much or if you follow me on Facebook, you will already know who Bella was.  For those of you that do not know...Bella was one of the best dogs ever!  Bella was born on November 22, 2000.  I received her as Christmas present, December 26, 2000.  She was this tiny, black ball of fur and I fell in love immediately!

Bella passed away on August 2, 2012...one of the worse days of my life.  That day a piece of my heart left and will never be replaced.  Bella was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. She was there for me when I was sick, depressed, sad, scared, happy, and etc.  Bella knew when I was having a bad day and would always kiss away me tears.
 

I miss Bella's bark, her cute little stubby tail wags and her gentle doggie kisses.  I miss cuddling with her, taking her on car rides, her playing with tennis balls and her playing with all her stuffed babies. 
She will be forever a part of me. I love you Bella forever and always!

30 Days of Love - Day 19: Red Ribbon Week - October 23rd to October 31st

Day 19 is dedicated to Red Ribbon Week!

Red Ribbon Week is during the week of October 23rd - October 31st each year and is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and  take a visible stand against drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon.

The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance  towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment  towards the creation of a DRUG - FREE AMERICA.

For more information visit: www.nfp.org and www.redribbon.org.

30 Days of Love - Day 18: Fall Weather

Day 18 is dedicated to Fall Weather.

Shelby and I spent the afternoon hanging out in the beautiful Fall weather. The trees have lost all their leaves and I really dread winter,  However, Fall is still a beautiful time of year. Smells during the Fall time of year are so awesome. The fallen leaves reminds me of playing in the woods as a child and of walks in the woods with family and friends.  The sounds of nature surrounding me brought a bit of peace to my soul.

Fall is the time of year for sweatshirts and cuddling up next to the warm fire while sipping a up of apple cider.  Football games, campfires, raking leaves and jumping into the piles over and over....all fun reminders that life can be good.

30 Days of Love - Day 17: Music

Day 17 is dedicated to music

I enjoy listening to wide variety of music.  The music I choose each day, of course, depends on my mood.  For me, music picks me up when I am feeling sad, releases my angry when I am mad, and brings joy to my heart when I am happy.

Today I am in a Vern Gosdin kind of mood.  Specifically the song "Chiseled in Stone".

30 Days of Love - Day 16: Books and Reading

Day 16 is dedicated to Books and Reading

I love to read and I read a wide variety of books, magazines, news articles, blogs and more. I read as much as I can each day whether I am at work and at home. Books have always brought peace to my little world. I love to escape into a good book and forget all the troubles and craziness going on around me.

My favorite book of all time, one that I can read over and over is "Gone With The Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. I was quite young the first time I read GWTW and ever since then I have dreamed of being as beautiful as Scarlet.  I love her sassy and flirty attitude.  I love the thought of beautiful dresses, and being the belle of the ball.

Growing up I was (and for the most part I still am) an introvert.  Reading GWTW allowed me to dream of something that was, what I felt, the exact opposite of who I was/am.

Do you like to read?  Do you have a favorite book?  Please share in the comments below! :)

30 Days of Love - Day 15: Forgiveness

Day 15 is dedicated to forgiveness.

In my 45 years on Earth, the hardest lesson I have learned...the hardest person to forgive at times is...myself.  I have been through a lot in my time here on Earth.  I don't talk about 95% of what I have been through.  Part of forgiving myself is to open up to others (very slowly) and share my life journey with them.  And maybe someday, I will put my words to paper.

I have also learned that I need to forgive people in my life, especially for things that happened years ago..  I need to forgive those who are not sorry for their actions.  I need to forgive those who do the same actions over and over.  I need to forgive those that are no longer here and cannot be confronted.

For the most part I have forgiven all those I have in mind while writing this post.  Why have I forgiven them?  Because hard another lesson I have learned is that holding on to anger only hurts me, not them.

30 Days of Love - Day 14: Kindness

Day 14 is dedicated to random acts of kindness.

Every day I read or hear about at least one random act of kindness.  And every day I wonder why there are not more.  Random acts of kindness should happen hundred if not thousands of times each day.  Kindness is free.  Something as simple as a simple can make someone's day so much better.

Many years ago, my kids and I were at Baskin Robbins (around Christmas time) because we wanted an eggnog shake.  I didn't have much money but our little family was going through a very rough time and I wanted to give the kids a treat.  We ordered and waited our turn to pay as there were several soldiers ahead of us.  Two particular soldiers were watching to and listen to the kids talk.  When I got to the counter to pay the cashier told me "no charge".  When I asked why not? She explained to me that the soldiers had paid for our shakes.  Tears immediately filed my eyes. The kids and I went to the soldier's table, and I shook their hands and thanked them.  My son gave them both a hug.  A memory that will stay with me forever.  

Have you experienced an act of kindness.

30 Days of Love - Day 13: Grandparents

Day 13 is dedicated to my grandparents.

I never knew my dad's parents(Charles Edward Pinkley and Averah Elizabeth Vance-Pinkley) They both passed away before I was born. I have no photos of Grandma & Grandpa Pinkley and I do not remember ever seeing a photo of them. Dad did not talk about them much.

My mother's parents (Raymond Elmer Henson and Juanita Frances Ketcherside-Henson) lived next door to me as I was growing up. I have a few photos of Grandpa but none of Grandma. They were both great people and I remember holidays and fun times spent with them.

Grandma Henson passed away on November 15, 1981 at age 61 and Grandpa Henson passed away on May 13, 1988 at age 75.

The following two photos are my Grandma Henson and Grandpa Henson. This is the only photo I have of Grandma and one of a few I have of Grandpa. I miss them and love them both very much!

30 Days of Love - Day 12: Teddy

Day 12 is dedicated to Teddy.

One year for Christmas (many, many, many years ago), I received a teddy bear.  She was beautiful and of course I named her Teddy.  Teddy had a music box inside her and a "key" sticking out of her back.  At night I would wind up the music box over and over until I feel asleep.  I was (and still am) scared of the dark.  Teddy's soothing music helped me forget about what lurked in the dark.  

When the music box broke, Mom performed "surgery" on Teddy and removed the box.  Mom did a great job sewing Teddy back up.  Teddy was my best friend for many years...until 1994.  That year I was moving from one town to another and Teddy, along with most of my personal belonging were left behind. Yes, I was an adult and yes I know people think I am silly BUT I was devastated to lose my friend.  Even now I am sure people will judge me but I don't care.  As the old saying goes "walk a mile in my shoes".  

Anyway, Teddy brought me peace and helped me through some very rough times.  Maybe someday I will find another Teddy that looks just like her (I search the internet weekly)...but none will replace her.  

30 Days of Love - Day 11: Sister-in-Law

Day 11 is dedicated to my sister-in-law.

I only have one sibling (my brother, Brian). The closest I ever came to having a sister is my sister-in-law, Christina (Brian's wife).  Christina was by my side when my mother passed away, when Brian was critically injured, and when Dad passed away.  She has been there through the really bad times, the not so bad times and the good times.  

Between the two of us, we have three children (two for me and three for her).  As the kids were growing up, we kept the kids close and did a lot of family activities.  I cherish everyone of those moments and I am very glad Christina planned all the fun times.  

Christina...I love you and I am very proud to call you family!