Treading Water by Bea Tifton

Sometimes life interferes. It just does. I love writing this blog and look forward to it all year, but now it’s late. I never used to miss deadlines. But as I’ve gotten older and life has become more complicated, I find that I don’t feel as organized. Sometimes I feel like I’m treading water. Sometimes I go under.

To be clear, Dear Reader, I have a good life. I have a few very close friends who are always in my lifeboat. They are different in personality and they have different talents, which is great. It helps add balance. But I know I can trust them and that’s what’s important. I have parents who love me. I have activities I enjoy. I volunteer for a pet rescue called Highway Hounds of Texas and it’s such an important organization. Saving lives and warming my heart. I also volunteer for a homeless program called Room in the Inn during the hottest part of the year and the coldest part of the year. The other volunteers are my friends, it’s so interesting to meet the unhoused men, and volunteering really restores my perspective!

But in our modern times, we are inundated with information. Too much, really. I use social media to keep up with people. Years ago, we would telephone, visit, or even (gasp!) write letters to keep in touch. Oh, how I miss getting and writing letters. But our country is in the midst of a cultural civil war. And I struggle with my friends who follow a person I just can’t imagine supporting. It’s gone beyond, “Agree to disagree” because we are developing different value systems. And there’s so much vitriol and disinformation on Facebook that it can be difficult to sift through it all.

And the news. We hear about things that happen all over the country, all over the planet. And that can be overwhelming. I truly believe there are more good people in the world than bad people, but the bad people do such horrible things and we hear so much about them. It’s hard to remember the good things. I used to watch the news several times a day. I’m down to once a day with my father each evening, but I may have to just take a break for a while. I like the human interest stories, so I’d like to just watch part of the news.

When we were locked down in a world-wide pandemic, people said they wouldn’t overschedule anymore. I was dubious, but hopeful. One of my favorite friends cares about me and thinks about me, I truly believe. But she’s too busy to get together. I miss her. I’m missing her kids growing up. But those kids are busier than a Fortune 500 CEO, and she has a job and a side business. I don’t know how she does it, brilliant and amazing as she is.

So, if you’re feeling a bit overloaded, remember that as trite as it is, it’s true: taking time out for yourself is not selfish. It’s refreshing, invigorating, recharging. It’s just as important to the people around you as it is for you because a car that’s run out of gas can’t help anyone. Take a news break. Take a break from the garbage on social media. If you must check, and I get it; I keep track of several people I love that way, think of it the way we should thing about work email. Check it twice a day. Or just check the pages that are positive and uplifting. And do the occasional frivolous thing. Don’t think of reading as nonessential. Reading recharges our brain and keeps it going through the years. Take a bubble bath. Go to a museum. Take a nature hike. Anything that recharges you. Or leave a day blissfully, wonderfully open and just relax.

And so I must conclude, Dear Reader. I have an appointment for a pedicure, and I feel delightfully decadent. It’s time to uplug.

(I would love for you to comment, but please don't include anything political in your post. 💓)

Photo Credits:Pexels.com
Laszlo Glatz "A Duck Paddling on Water"
Elena Saharova "Lifeboat in Calm Water in Dusk"
Darina Belonogova "WOman with Curly Hair with Hands on Her Head"
Ricardo Lima "An Old TV Set"
Arina Krasnikova "Girl in Green Dress Standing Behind Woman in Beige Shirt"
Anna Tarazevich "A Woman Meditating at the Beach"
Andrea Mosti "Close Up of Woman's Feet With Pink Toenails on Glittering Background"

TAKING A BREAK

                                          by Judy Ann Davis

I’m currently on the Isle of Palms in South Carolina and watching the navy blue waves, fringed with white foam, roll in from the ocean. My husband and I decided to escape Central Pennsylvania’s February cold temperatures and spend some time with our son, his wife, and our grandchildren who live in the upper part of the state. The grands are two+ and three+ years old and are so delightful to interact with and watch. I’ve forgotten how active and animated youngsters can be.

For some reason, I can’t seem to get in the writing zone while we’re here. I’ve watched too much television and binged read too many books. I’ve discovered that digital/Kindle devices maybe to my advantage or disadvantage. With only one click, I have the written words instantly pop up in front of me. It allows me to not move from the chair where I’m sitting.

My writing friends tell me that it’s okay to kick back and take a break. Supposedly, breaks distract us so we’re able to focus once again. We need to escape. We need to reduce mental fatigue and boost brain creativity for those times when it’s essential for performance.

But I think I’ve completely zoned out.

Specialists who deal with human behaviors also agree it’s perfectly fine to take a break. It’s essential to higher productivity, energy, concentration, efficiency, creativity, and those things you need to survive. In fact, we need to take them to prevent burnout and stay healthy—whether it’s to escape the pressures of work or to perform any task requiring concentration and long stretches of devoted time.

How do you take a break? A few suggestions include taking a walk, heading outdoors into the fresh air, grabbing a high protein snack, allowing your eyes to refocus by dimming the lights, meditating, or just letting your mind wander.

So right now, I’ve decided to either cruise the internet, looking for a new book to read—or just sitting in the sun and letting my mind wander.

Either of those can’t be too difficult, can they? 

NEW - NEW - NEW     

COURTING BETSY - Book 3 of the Ashmore Brothers Series

  

                          VISIT MY   AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE FOR ALL MY BOOKS 

 

Stop And Gather The Flowers - Laurean Brooks

My latest manuscript is now in the editor's hands, giving me a short window to relax. On Friday, I used that window to literally stop and smell the flowers.

On my walk with the dogs, I left our country road and crossed a large field on the return trip home. Beautiful elongated red flowers as far as the eye could see, beckoned to me. I picked a handful of these. I later learned they were Crimson Clover.

Golden Ragwort grew among the Crimson Clover. I thought how together they'd make a lovely bouquet. Then it struck me that a few white flowers were necessary to pull the arrangement together.

When I reached the house and saw the English Daisies growing at the edge of the yard, I knew they were my answer, so I added them to the mix . I thought as I admired them, that these wildflowers combined, are as pretty as any florist could arrange. I placed them in a vase and set it on my kitchen island. I was happy with them until...

...I ventured down the road to where a house once stood and discovered a cluster of white flowers with yellow-cupped centers. At first look, I thought they were Buttercups, but on closer inspection, I saw, unlike Buttercups, the petals were open.

These flowers have the heady scent of Jasmine, but the petals are different. After a lengthy online search, I believe these gems are White Narcissus. I added them to the bouquet. As I type this, the gorgeous bouquet is before me and I am inhaling the sweet fragrance of the Narcissus.   Ahhh...

We all need to enjoy the beauty around us and, if you can, bring some of it inside your house. 

Tell us which nature scenes you find most refreshing. Would you like to sit on the bank of a stream and dangle your toes in the water? Do you like mountain hikes, or would you rather lie on a beach and listen to the lapping waves of the ocean?

*********************************************

This book will always be dearest to my heart because it is based on my mother's life and set in 1938. 

When the family's cotton crop failed, Jenny took a train north to find a job to support her mother and siblings. Not familiar with electricity,  she is first introduced to it when she catches up to the handsome blond stranger who has run off with her vanity case.

Jenny breathes a sigh of relief when she retrieves the bag--relief that she will never again lay eyes on the obnoxious Austin.

Wrong! Austin shows up at Aunt Violet's church to beg for money for his so-called mission project. But...is the money going for a mission, or into Austin's back pocket?

 Jenny joins the mission trip to help rebuild a town destroyed by tornadoes. What better way to keep an eye on the illustrious Austin? 

Her attraction to Austin grows by the day. One unexpected kiss makes her swoon. But then, Jenny spies Austin taking money from the mission strongbox. Does she have the heart to report him?

https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Forgiveness-Laurean-Brooks-ebook/dp/B01FEDR8O8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Journey+To+Forgiveness%2FLaurean+Brooks&qid=1605714219&s=books&sr=1-1

  

What On Earth Is Grounding?

by Laurean Brooks

Spring has sprung, and nature is bursting with renewed life. Birds are singing and flowers are blooming. Then why do many of us find ourselves in a physical and/or mental slump, unable to focus or relax? When we try to sleep, we toss and turn, then awaken tired the following morning. 

I can relate. Life has thrown me a few curve balls in the past months.  Since last May, I've lost a beloved family pet, a sweet sister-in-law, a precious mother, and two friends I'd bonded with on Facebook.

Then last month my husband had bypass surgery. I'm happy to say he is improving daily. We are thankful for the many prayers offered up. 

No matter how strong we may think we are, these experiences put stress on our bodies and minds. Taking time to commune with God reduces stress and brings peace to our hearts. But, He also provided natural ways some may deem unorthodox, to improve our physical and mental health. In reality, they are often simple things.

Keep reading. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a Cardiologist known for alternative and integrative medicine, has several interesting videos on "Grounding" or "Earthing." These terms are interchangeable. Dr. Sinatra calls it "Caveman Medicine." I'll call it "Grounding" since it seems to be the most commonly used term. Next to his picture is a link to one of his many videos. I selected one that is 3 minutes.

    https://youtu.be/CzffW_Pz3pQ

Grounding is a simple method to energize and heal both mind and body. It works like this. The earth is loaded with negatively-charged electrons from lightning strikes and solar flares. At the same time, our bodies become overloaded with "positive" energy from the overuse of electronic devices--mainly cell phones, and computers. These devices drain energy and can result in health problems. 

Even a TV and other appliances drain the body's energy. The remedy? Go outdoors and place your bare feet on the grass, sand or bare ground. Let the electrons flow into your feet and circulate up and throughout your body, energizing every cell. Even concrete contains these electrons because it's made of natural elements. 

Neither wood nor asphalt is a good conductor of the earth's electrons. To the contrary, these materials block the flow. And since most shoes are made of plastic, rubber or wood soles, we humans don't benefit from the earth's energy. No wonder we continually fight stress and fatigue.

Remember as children, when we ran, played and tumbled in the grass, and all the while barefoot? It's become a lost pastime. How many times in the past couple of decades have you passed a yard seen barefoot children playing games on the lawn?

Grounding has scientific backing and the procedure takes only a couple of minutes to start reaping the benefits. If you feel overwhelmed, tired, or depressed, kick off your shoes and take a walk through the grass. Or if you feel adventurous, trek across a meadow and into the woods. Dogwood trees are in full bloom, now, during this Easter season. Drink in their beauty.

Sit on a creek bank and relax. Press your feet beneath the cool water and let the sand squish between your toes. Close your eyes and inhale slowly. Exhale and let the peace engulf you.

Grounding is simple and it costs nothing. You don't even have to stand. Pull out a lawn chair, sit and relax, instead.  It works as long as your bare feet are in contact with the earth to soak up energizing electrons.

According to Dr. Sinatra, these electrons intercept free radicals in the body, making sticky blood platelets smoother, which helps correct circulatory and cardiovascular problems. Grounding also brings tranquility to the nervous system. And all within a couple of minutes. Dr. Sinatra calls it “Caveman Medicine.” And it's free.

If you are out of sorts, don't hesitate to take advantage of a nature walk. Can you think of a more beautiful season than now, when spring has made her glorious entrance? 

I took a walk to the creek twice this week. If the weather had permitted, I would have gone again. Not only did I enjoy the beauty of nature and the flowing stream, but the dogs had a wonderful time splashing through the shallow water while sniffing trails up and down the creek bank.

When I returned to the house, I felt refreshed, calm and energized, all at the same time. It's hard to put into words unless you've experienced it yourself. 

So, go ahead, give it a try. Kick your shoes off and walk in the grass. Throw the ball for your dog. Splash in a stream. What do you have to lose?

              ****************************************

All Carrie wanted was to flee town after shoving an offensive drunk off the boardwalk. Oh, no! Did she kill him?

 Who was this pretty lady who made Josh forget his broken heart? All he wanted was a young woman to help his ailing aunt with the housework. 

What he got was NOT WHAT HE ORDERED. 

You can find it here.

https://www.amazon.com/Not-What-Ordered-Laurean-Brooks-ebook/dp/B076X653V8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Not+What+He+Ordered&qid=1555702346&s=digital-text&sr=1-1-catcorr

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE TO REFRESH YOUR INNER MUSE

OK, this is a bit of a stretch, but as a writer, we sometimes take liberties. What does a day at a Korean spa have to do with writing?

Don't know about you, but sitting in front of a computer all day makes me tense. When I'm tense, I have to fight for inspiration. So, when my niece got a special coupon to use at a Korean spa, I gave in and agreed to go. I needed to get out of my comfort zone, I told myself. Now, this is the niece who has no inhibitions and loved hanging out at Hippie Hollow near Austin. That's a nude beach on a lake.

But, my brain was fried and in a weak moment, I envisioned a wonderful day of pampering and relaxation. She did warn me that there would be nudity, but only in protected areas. Coed areas required suits. So, I stuffed my extra large granny bathing suite in a bag and hopped in her jeep. Besides, I loved Kathy Bates in Fried Green Tomatoes and her "Tawanda!" attitude.

We entered a large building with a pair of gigantic ceramic lions on either side of the doors. The place seemed very crowded, but there is a water park for children attached. I was reassured to see several non-Korean customers scattered around. Some with children. I'm feeling more reassured.

Removing our shoes, we picked up our bracelets with locker key and a disc that can be scanned when you purchase something. Food, extra services or drinks. There is a list of massages, facials, manicures and such posted with outrageous prices. All I'm interested in is the swim up bar.

Then, horror of horrors, we are in the women's locker room. No turning back. I'm surrounded by naked women in all shapes, sizes and ages. We are required to shower before entering the room holding several hot tub pools. I don't know where to look. Boobs everywhere and nothing, I mean nothing is covered. None of us have on anything but a small towel clutched to our fronts and the bracelet.

Head down and hands holding a tiny orange towel, I plunged into a variety of boiling hot pools, then showered. Again. I gratefully stuffed myself into my bathing suit and joined a crowd of people in another set of pools with water jettisoned out of pipes that bubbled, fizzed or pounded down on you. One power jet shot me clear across the pool.

We grabbed lunch, then it was back in the locker room with naked ladies, We shower. Again.  Now it's time to don baggy t-shirts and shorts. We're ready to silently meditate in several little domed ovens (sauna rooms) that look like Hobbit houses. I last about two minutes. It was hot in there and you had to sit on the floor. I prayed I could get up again and not have to crawl out. This is the only area that allows cell phones and I didn't want to see myself on YouTube.

At last, I see rows of easy chairs for those exhausted from all the "pampering." I tried to nap but a Korean lady somewhere behind me talked non-stop. There is another restaurant and a counter where some industrious clients are using their laptops. Hey, I'm thinking this might be a good place to work. When I get tired or blocked, I can just whip off the clothes and jump in a heated herbal pool. Or, maybe not.

I did get less twitchy about being naked. Nobody cared and there were worse bodies than mine. I am usually a very modest person so this was a huge challenge. Still, I'm not getting any younger why not try something new.

So, I came home refreshed, beaten, boiled and extremely clean. After that experience, working on my historical should be a piece of cake. Who knows, I could use it in a book. Tawanda!