Dabbling with PSP!

I’ve been dabbling with creating animations since my husband passed away because I found it firstly, therapeutic and then it became fascinating and I was curious and inquisitive which allowed me to continue digging further to uncover most of the tutorials and I haven’t even touched the surface in the past 12 years in PSP!  So, that explains how intense and complicated the program is.  It surely is a work in progress all the time for me.

I’ve been blessed with having so many online graphic ladies helping me along the way.  They are a great group of ladies and part of my online family of friends!

Creating animations involves so much reading, so much practicing, and now attending online classes which makes things a little easier when an instructor is showing you the tools and the tips needed.  Cool, I like it a lot.  Did I mention the best part is that the online classes are free!

I have to continue searching for valuable possibilities to keep my mind occupied, as the best surely will not jump out and shout an announcement themselves.  Widowhood really sucks!  And, we all need an outlet.

Jewelry making is a lot of fun and I love creating great and unusual pieces but how much jewelry do I really need and I’m not interested in selling.

Three days a week of Silver Sneakers Classes are great to help stay healthy and also meet a new group of friends.

In life’s joys, in the problems, in the pleasures and in the disappointments, there are the seeds.  Seeds that we plant along the way of our life’s journey provide innovation and progress. Creating animations was the outlet I needed to fill the void of my lonely evenings.  It gave me the time to look and to wonder, and see value that’s waiting to be created. I search for things to create that my classmates of “62” may get a kick out of for the blog and that I created just for them and also my very first blog, Roses Are Read that encouraged me the most.

It makes me feel good that my friends that I have known all of my life are enjoying that I keep our classmates together after all these years.  We are a special bunch since grade school and all through high school and now we are all approaching near 69-70, we still have each other.  We are all scattered about throughout the United States but close because of the blog because they tell me so.

For me, it is great gratification that a classmate will email me or leave a comment that the blog makes them so happy that we are all still connected!  I'm not sure they are all aware of all the hours I spend doing this for them but I do know they love it and that is enough for me.

Both of my Blogs keep me busy, as I also love to read the blogs of my blogger friends!  Great people out there like my favorite couple, Sherry and Jack and so many more to name but the list would get very long.  Yes, Jimmy from Miami, thanks for the weekly chuckles!

Now, I know where I am but I really need to find an effective pathway to where I really want to go and that is home.  Things are not as easy as it seems.  I’m working on it.  The pathway may look different now, yet it is indeed still there.

Laughter is the best medicine!

Oh, it’s so true that laughter is the best medicine.  I was watching old reruns of the Golden Girls the other night and nearly fell of the couch laughing until my stomach hurt.  And, just last night, Joan Rivers had me in stitches laughing watching “Fashion Police”!

If laughter seems like a distant memory, then it’s time for the child inside to come out to play.  In reality, you have so much more to enjoy than the child you used to be – and so many more reasons to laugh. You have that library of memories to be brought out and explored – years of joy, happiness and smiles.

We all have mistakes filed away – all good reason for laughter. There’s the accumulation of friendship – full of hugs, love and good times. There’s that treasure chest of experience to be dipped into – and so much more meant to bring a chuckle!

Laughter is said to be the best medicine and there’s lots of evidence that laughter does lots of good things for us.  It reduces pain and allows us to tolerate discomfort.

The role laughter plays in intimate relationships is hugely underestimated and it really is the glue of good marriages and relationships. 

It also synchronizes the brains of speaker and listener so that they are emotionally attuned.

Never overlook the secret of excitement, wonder, enthusiasm in all the good times yet to come.

So keep on laughing everyone!

The Lost Art

I was so surprised and very much disappointed that 36 states have eliminated cursive writing in their public schools.

I remember as a young girl practicing my penmanship, so it would look so pretty and legible.  I have memories of some received love letters, banners above elementary school chalkboards.  Do you remember desks with inkwells? 

I am aware that the computer keyboards and smartphones are increasingly taking place of cursive writing.  But it should not be a lost art.  I find it very upsetting that the younger generation does not know how to write their name in cursive or write a letter in cursive.

When I was in high school, if your book report was typewritten, you got some extra points on your grade only because it was easier for the teacher to read because of some children had poor penmanship and the same held true for college reports.

I still like receiving handwritten thank you notes and I like to send them as well.  Yes, I’m guilty of sending greetings online but it is because I feel that my added animations will bring a smile to the face of the recipient.  It also saves on postage stamps!

While printing might be legible, the less complex the handwriting, the easier it is to forge.

Like it or not, your handwriting can divulge a lot about you.  Here is what your penmanship reveals about your personality:

Large: You are outgoing with a big personality..many celebrities have large handwriting.

Small: You are focused and tend to be introspective.

Closed Loops: You are tense and tend to restrict yourself.

Full Loops: You are spontaneous and expressive.

Slanted: You are governed by your emotions instead of logic.

My handwriting is a combination of Large/Slanted/ and with Broken loops.

What’s yours?

You are your own best judge!

I used to judge myself by looking through the eyes of my parents, husband, friends, neighbors and my bosses in the legal field.  I then realized I was only running around doing more and more in an effort to gain their approval.  It surely does not take long before you end up feeling exhausted, resentful and ready to give up.

I learned that trying to live your life by the expectations of others disconnects you from your own desires. It leaves you feeling sort of empty. The gratification that comes from fulfilling the expectations of others is very little and short-lived most times.

It’s so easy to be resentful about your responsibilities and commitments, and to see them as burdens. Fighting against yourself, and your own obligations, is never in your best interest.

Don't get me wrong, you must do your absolute best in your job as that is rewarding in itself.  Be proud to put your name on everything you do.  I, do get annoyed when I come across incompetent people that just don't care about their jobs and provide poor service.

My recent experience at the dealership for an oil change took a toll on my nerves!  Wow, what a day...........too long of a story to go into but it surely was unpleasant.  A twenty minute procedure took over three hours due to people just not doing their job.  They were all busy playing with their Smart Phones! Poor Customer Service!  Arrrrrrrrrrrg!

I love to write Kudo letters but that day, I hated to write a letter of complaint but it was necessary.

I learned to reclaim the oomph and happiness that is rightfully mine!  You have to be your own judge and live by your own expectations. As you reclaim yourself, you will feel like a new person, because you are accomplishing things that are important to you.  Who is more important than you?

Get your Oomph back………………start today!

Ditch the workout and join the party!

Ditch the workout and join the party!  Zumba is so much fun.  When you are dancing, it doesn’t feel like exercise. 

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness class that blends booty shaking with international music and an intense calorie burn.

It looks fast and intimidating at first but I just started out at my own pace and eventually I was catching up with the others.  I had a blast!  I was also surprised to see so many men in the class.  Everyone walked out with drenched T-shirts.  You certainly break out a sweat.

Different instructors throw in their own flare which is interesting.

It was a great one hour class and I plan on going back for more!  I found it exhilarating!

I remember when..................

I remember when I was young, I couldn’t wait to turn 16 years old so my mother would allow me to wear lipstick and then turn 18 to get my license to drive.  But, I never heard people say, “I can’t wait until I’m old”.  I do hear people say, “I can’t wait until I retire” but they do not prepare themselves that it is an ending and they like myself have to learn to reinvent yourself.  I was not prepared and I have many friends that were not prepared either.

Planning for all the what-ifs of senior life is especially important if you are living alone. And let's face it, even if you have a partner and/or kids, there's no guarantee any of them will still be around when you need them. Do you know who is going to be there to step in with comfort, guidance and rational medical advice when you are old? 

More people are single for a variety of reasons, some have delayed getting married and eventually let go of the idea and others are single because of divorce or entered widowhood unexpectantly, an experience that can be especially difficult economically for women. What's more, those marrying later may choose (or be forced to choose) not to have children.

The choices we make as young adults have ripple effects through life. No one prepared me for the lessons when I was young to enter old age and no one advised me of the many resources needed.

So many adults live alone and are learning new and often richer ways of living by going solo. Still, it is difficult to grow old alone.

Your life maybe different if you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and/or received an inheritance which made your financial life better.  It is hard for a woman to struggle alone and raise your children by yourself.  I’ve been on both sides of the track and understand completely.

I hope the younger generation learn to prepare for their retirement now, as it is crucial.

Embrace Life's Little Pleasures!

There’s a lot to appreciate in life’s little pleasures.  I know that my daily journey would be much lighter, brighter and easier if I don't try to carry my entire past and future around with me.  I have to remind myself to take a break.  By letting go of my obsession with yesterday’s struggles and tomorrow’s never ending to-do list, I’ve learned to force myself to simply enjoy the beauty of what’s right here, right now.

Just enjoying the little things…..you know the ones that put a smile on your face…….no price tag that comes with it.  Cooking something special just for me!   Seeing the beauty in a day filled with sunshine and flowers is a day to behold.  Enjoying a glass of wine while reading a good book on my Kindle. So many little things that we all take for granted.  But, to a Widow, they become big things.  Because for the most part, they are the only things.

I get so overwhelmed sometimes because I miss having my husband around to fix something for me.  It is hard for a woman to do things alone and as I got older, it gets even harder when you add all the aches and pains that come with the “golden years”.  Too expensive to keep hiring a handyman for so many things that need “fixen”!   And, too old to get on a ladder again!

Sometimes you have to stop thinking that some new richness will fulfill you, so you can fully experience the richness that's already yours.  You can’t keep looking back when things were easier.  Those days are gone.

Of course, during difficult times in your life and we all have them, you have to give yourself the gift of patience. 

Patience is the main ingredient necessary to get through difficult times.

Yes, it’s hard to be patient!  But, without patience, you would have no hope and no direction to turn to.  I've been blessed with being a patient person. Some days, it's not so easy but for the most part I'm just fine.

  
Patience helps nourish both compassion and empathy.  So, embrace patience.  Ultimately it really makes you stronger.  Wouldn’t it be nice if everything was organized for you without complications but I’m not sure if that would be the answer to make things better.  It is hard to make major decisions when life throws you some curves but we all seem to get by when you think clearly and weigh the pros and cons to the situation.

Today was not a productive day due to the weather but nonetheless, a good day just chatting with my cyber friends.

Life is good!

Listen Up! Protect yourself from No See Ums

 No-See-Ums.....

They go by many names, and while "Biting Midges" may be technically one of the more accurate ones, No-See-Ums fits the best as you never seem to see the little buggers!

They are so small, they can even enter through my screened in patio.

Years ago, I went to the doctor and got steroid injections to try and relieve the pain and itch.  It was a very painful procedure since I had over 100 bites all over my body.

Treatment after you get bit? Well, not much works. I use antihistamine for relief from the severe itching.

I mentioned my dilemma to my son and he suggested Lavender.  So, I did my research and found that Lavender is excellent to use for No See Ums!

~ The Herb To Grow ~

This flowering herb is one of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy and has medicinal, culinary and beauty uses with therapeutic benefits when used dried, fresh or infused with oil.

I also found some relief from using Avon's Skin So Soft.

I read an article that if you drink down a shot of apple cider vinegar, it will keep them at bay!  I'll try anything at this point.

I'm getting bit in my house while watching TV in my den.  They claim the little buggers are attracted to light.  I just may stop using my battery operated candles too.  Yet, real lavender lit candles help.

I have also landed in a hospital many years ago from sand fleas!  I was enjoying my first trip to Florida on the beach with several girlfriends and I'm the only one that got bit all over.  It ruined my first vacation as a young woman in my 20's.

~ Ideas and Tips ~

Rub lavender oil or even lavender flowers on your pulse points of the body which are also the hot spots. Include under arms, behind ears, neck and on the inner arm area behind the elbow to repel insects.

Basil is also said to be a great bug repellent so make sure you have that in your garden growing or in a container planted up.  I also have kept fresh Basil leaves one on each shelf of my cabinet that contains grocery items.  This I found does work!

White vinegar rubbed into the skin has proven successful for keeping No See Ums, mosquitoes, gnats and fleas away.

If anyone has any successful tips, please send to me!  Thanks!

The Signs of Aging!

I recall jumping for joy when I received my Medicare Card in the mail because for me, it meant I would have health insurance.  I was denied health insurance for the previous 8 years due to existing conditions which inferiorities me because illegal immigrants get health insurance and I paid my dues all my life and I was denied!  And I was born and raised in the USA!  This is my Country!

It seemed the minute that card arrived I started to decline in age.  I expected gradual changes but one thing after another blew me away.  I hated constantly living in a doctor’s office.

My doctor told me that your body ages depends in part on your family genetic patterns, but lifestyle choices have a more powerful impact on how well your body ages. 

Well, I knew I could control that so I signed up at the gym for Silver Sneakers classes three days a week.  I also became a Vegan but not for aging reasons at the time.  I had a fatty liver due to eating animal fat.  It was hard but I did feel better.

The following is what I have noticed since I have turned 65 and now 68 years old!  Oh, gosh where did all those years go?

Skin: With age, the skin becomes less elastic and more lined and wrinkled. Fingernail growth also slows. The oil glands gradually produce less oil, making the skin drier than before. I use moisturizer every day and night and protect my skin from the sun and I live in Florida!

Hair: It's normal for hair to gradually thin on the scalp, pubic area, and armpits. As hair pigment cells decline in number, gray hair growth increases.  Seems like I’m losing more hair now, as I see it on the bathroom floor daily…………….Ugh.

Height: I have lost as much as 2 in. (5 cm) in height. This is often related to normal changes in posture and compression of joints, spinal bones, and spinal discs.  I recently had an MRI for severe headaches and grateful it came out normal but the bottom part of the report indicated that my brain shrunk!  My doctor laughed and told me to not panic and that it is normal because I shrunk in height!  Damn!

I’m too old to be wearing Stilettos now.  Oh, how I loved my shoes!

Hearing: Over time, changes in the ear make high-frequency sounds harder to hear and changes in tone and speech less clear. These changes tend to accelerate after age 55.  Fortunately, my hearing is still good.

Vision: It started with reading glasses in my 40’s and just recently with my last appointment with the eye doctor, I am now wearing transitional glasses every day!  I should try contacts because I’m so vain.

Sleep: Changes in sleep occur as you age. You will probably sleep less at night, and you may not sleep as deeply as you did when you were younger. I’ve been dealing with severe insomnia for years now and I need a sleeping aid, as my doctor feels the quality of life is more important than going without sleep for 2-3 days at a time.

Bones: Throughout adulthood, men and women gradually lose some of the mineral content in their bones. The bones get less dense and strong. You can slow natural bone loss and reduce your risk of osteoporosis getting regular, weight-bearing exercise (such as walking), getting enough calcium and vitamin D, avoiding lifestyle choices that weaken bones (such as smoking). 

At my last bone density test, I now have Osteopenia which is the beginning stages of Osteoporosis!  I had a fall in the house two years ago and it is just now starting to heal.  Great, I just keep adding to my list of “Aging”.

Metabolism: Over time, the body typically needs less energy, and your metabolism slows. Hormone changes in the aging body result in a shift to more body fat and less muscle mass. The best approach to managing these changes is to take in fewer calories while keeping up or increasing your physical activity. 

Lonely:  I need to get out more.  I never go out at night anymore.  I think this causes more trips to the fridge!  I think Widowhood changes a woman.  I think being a couple keeps you young at heart.  Being away from my family doesn't help either.

Weight gain: The above topic explains this!

Dupuytren: I developed four nodules under the skin of the palm of my right hand.  It hurts.  The doctor told me that nothing can be done for it until my fingers start to curl.  Great, freaking great.  Daily warm soaks help and less time on the computer as well.

Foot pain: Does the bottom of your feet hurt when getting out of bed in the morning?  Another damn symptom!  What gives?

Yet, my body still feels like dancing!

You Don't Need A Fortune Teller!

I honestly believe that the only way to get to happiness is to be happy already. Many people live their life according to the formula:

Do + Have = Be.

You don't need a fortune teller to tell you that you need to detox!

Life's formula does not mean that the only way you can be happy because first you have to do x, y and z.  In other words, you have to have this and that, have to do more, then have to do even more, you have to have lots of money and lots of friends, etc. But why not just be happy?

Gandhi once said you have to be the change you want. Why?  Because the mirror cannot change without you.  And the world is only a mirror.

Remember, you see only your thoughts. When you shift, shift happens. If you don’t, you simply experience more of the same.

In order to be happy, you have to do a friendship detox first.  You all have come across this type of person before;  the drama queen, the attention addict, the relentless pessimist, the exploiter.

We all have difficulty getting rid of the friend that betrays you.  So, when poison pals infect your life, sometimes you just need to say goodbye and good riddance!

Some friends, are just not good for us no matter how hard we try to make things work.  No one needs a control freak, or a manipulating individual taking advantage of your good, kind, generous heart and your wallet!

It all starts with small infractions and then they add up and drag you down.  In the process of ridding yourself of everything that threatens your well being and causing stressful days belongs in the same category with the trans fats that are bad for your health.  You have to read your friends the same way you read food labels.

These type of friends don’t change, so stop giving them second chances month after month.  The truth never fails to show itself, so get rid of that liar of a friend.

You know in your heart when you have a good friend.  You also know in your heart when you have a bloodsucking friend that is using you. 

Keep the friends that love you, as you have many!

Life is beautiful, you just have to make some changes along the way.

I didn't say it would be easy, but it will be worth it for your well being.  

It’s called “Friendship Detox”.  Next, we will start on detoxing your closet!

Confidently Forward!

I’ve had a few difficult days lately and I allowed them to get me down.  My hairdresser really messed up on the color of my hair and a followup appointment for a correction color was even worse!  

I’m a redhead and I walked out of the beauty shop with black hair in the front and flame red in the back.  I expressed my displeasure just seeing the front.  I didn't realize that the back of my head was "screaming" red until I got home and looked in my mirror to view the back.  

Mr. Jerkoff refused to take my son's advice to correct the mess!  So, the correction color several days later, I walked out with "Screaming" flame red in the front and black hair in the back.  Futta, Futta!  

I realized I have other choices.  I can choose to focus on the good places I intend to go to, instead of on the painful places I’ve had to go through.  I choose not to go back to the painful places and endure bad hairdos and write out a check and tip to look bad!

I should jump on a plane and have my son do my hair!  I just can’t afford the plane fare on a monthly basis.

I’m very meticulous about my hair as all women should be.  Everyone should care about their appearance even men!

My son is a hairstylist and the best but he lives in Boston and I’m here in Florida.  I’ve gone thru 32 hairdressers since he moved back to Boston in 1995.  I find it very hard to believe that there is not another hairdresser here in Florida that can be put in the same bracket as my son?  I know he is my son, and people will think I’m just bragging but he truly has magic in his hands and so amazingly talented.

I didn’t accomplish anything to complain about, or to dwell on, but I was hoping that the hairdresser could fix it.  He also begged for my forgiveness and even admitted to “sloppy work”.  But his correction did not warrant giving him forgiveness.  I do believe everyone should have second chances but this has been a constant complaint with me for a long time now.  I came home and picked up the phone and told my hairdresser “I can’t go through this anymore”!

And, months ago, I even sent this Jerkoff new customers!  Well, I personally invited these friends of mine that I gave referrals to my house for lunch to view my hair for themselves.  Needless to say, I didn’t have to discourage them for making another appointment with Mr. Jerkoff.  They all pulled out their cell phones and cancelled their upcoming appointments!  

Mission Accomplished!  Don’t make a woman look bad because of sloppy work as he personally said so himself.  Duh!

Just picture Kelly Osborne years ago with the red bangs and black hair!  Yikes!

Two days later, the check I wrote out to Mr.Jerkoff was sent back to me via snail mail.  No note inside, just my check that fortunately, he did not cash or deposit yet.  I did not ask for my money back but I guess he new better to do so.

I did manage to find a “Colorist” that will go to next month. But I will also need a hairstylist to cut my hair.  I should be looking out of my zip code so the cost will be lower!

My son spoiled me doing my hair weekly for years and I didn’t realize how much money he was saving me as well.  Most importantly, I felt beautiful and even look younger when my son does my hair.

JIMMY, YOU ARE THE BEST!  You truly are!

Listen up all “Hairdressers”, you must go to continuing education to keep up with the new and improved coloring and haircutting techniques!  You just can’t get you license some 30 plus years ago and have no clue what has changed in your profession!

Continuing education applies to all forms of professions.

Health or Disease?

Do you frequent fast food restaurants?  If so, please stop for your health's sake.  

We have too many fast food restaurants on virtually every corner. These unhealthy foods are inexpensive, and the drive-thru makes it easily accessible for people on the run. They are also loaded with calories, unhealthy fats, high sodium levels and are highly addictive. 

Taste is the number one factor influencing our food choices.  Food manufacturers market foods that taste good rather than foods that have nutritional value. 

I’m sharing with you what I was taught by my medical office:

An unhealthy diet is one of the simplest things to change in order to improve your overall health.  Start by skipping the interior aisles of the grocery store that are filled with convenience foods and snacks.  Instead, concentrate on the outer aisles of the store where the more nutritious fresh food is located. 

To make smart food choices quickly and easily, compare nutrition facts on food labels and be aware of portion sizes on packages.  Stay within your daily caloric needs and get the most nutrients out of the calories you do consume by choosing nutritionally rich foods.  Opt for diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy. 

If you are a Vegan, no need to read labels because there are no labels on fresh fruit and fresh vegetables.  Simple!  It was a major adjustment at first and I was bucking it from the beginning.  

Now, the doctor tells me he wants me to eat a steak once a week!  I thought I truly would devour it and enjoy it because of being deprived of meat for two years.  As it turned out, I realized that I was not missing out on much.

I had to learn the hard way but I was fortunate to gain this knowledge after a bad report from blood work indicating a very fatty liver.  I never ate at fast food restaurants but I did eat meat at almost every meal and way too many carbs.  

I cook and eat at home daily with the exception of special occasions.  I sometimes make wrong choices when I'm out grocery shopping as I get cravings too but at least I stay away from fast food places.

Health or disease?  It’s your choice.  Choose wisely. 

 

And if you still smoke…STOP!