A Day to Remember, Just For Fun!

Salad Ingredients…

deborahanndykeman

When I was much, much younger, before I attended Kindergarten, I watched Sesame Street. At that time, it was a new show. It was pretty unique in the way the ‘puppet’ people interacted with the real people. I loved all the little scenes, the singing and getting to know Maria. I found it fascinating to watch her get married, and have a little girl of her own. All the while, the Muppets a part of that world.

So, when my husband and I went out to eat this past Saturday night, this scene from Sesame Street kept running through my head:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C8nl8eBoq0

To watch more classic Sesame Street, please go to this link: http://www.sesamestreet.org

I had ordered a salad. At one time, I always ordered salads when we ate out. Not just because they are healthy, but because I really do love them, and I do not like to make them at home. On Saturday night, I even ordered blue cheese dressing, which I also love, but generally I try to stick with oil and vinegar. So, with great anticipation, I took that first bite of romaine lettuce and a chunk of steak, blue cheese crumbles and dressing mingled enticingly.

And there was a hair in it!

This was not a tiny hair, but a long hair. I had to deposit the entire bite in a napkin. Needless to say, I lost my appetite. The once delicious-looking salad wasn’t so beckoning any longer.

Yes, I did eat the salad. Very cautiously, examining each bite. But the enjoyment was gone.

No, I did not complain to the waitress. I probably should have. But we were the only patrons, and our waitress was very nice, checking on us regularly and giving us big smiles. One of the times she asked how everything was tasting, was right after I had emptied my mouthful into my napkin. I could not think of a way to smile back and graciously say, “There was a long hair in my salad, I almost gagged, and now I want to leave.” After all, it wasn’t her hair. (I know this because she had beautiful blonde hair in a ponytail, almost to the middle of her back. The hair was shorter, and brown. Rather like the hair on the cook we saw behind the counter.)

And while this was going on, I thought of the Sesame Street skit about the fly in the soup. I do not know why this came to mind from under the pile of other memories, many years of memories, but it did.

I still love salads, and I will order them again. But I probably won’t go to that particular restaurant for some time. It has always been clean, the staff very friendly, so I will just chalk it up to a bad experience and go on. I don’t think you always have to set a situation right. Sometimes you just walk away.

Maybe I will be making my own salads again for awhile. Or just have a large plate of something like this. All the right, delicious ingredients for a salad. Doesn’t it look yummy, summery, and fresh?

vegetables-2203300_1920

 

Gardening, Parenting 101

You Aren’t What You Think!

deborahanndykeman

I’m wondering when your mind and thinking processes catch up to your body. In my head, I think I can still work as I did when I was 18 years old. My brain wants to rationalize as if I was still in my early twenties. “Bungee jump…sure! Why not? Work in the yard for 8-10 hours, take a shower, then go out and have fun until midnight…I can handle that!”

Even up until about 3-5 years ago, I could still handle the working in the yard for 8-10 hours, and even longer. I was a bit sore, but after lying down in a cold room for the night, I was ready to hit it again the next day. Now, 3-4 hours in the same yard, and I’m done-in. And our yard is looking like it!

When we moved here 10 years ago, I wanted a sanctuary. Someplace for me to go and sit among the shrubbery and flowers. A quiet spot to do nothing in, just relax. Well, I definitely have the shrubbery now. It’s still not very quiet. The neighbor’s grandchildren have progressed from the riding bikes through my flowers and screaming, to the teenage years of blaring radios and loud mufflers. Walking into the yard right now sends shivers down my spine as my eyes find every corner of the yard that needs attention.

Yesterday, our youngest and I tackled the ‘monster hedge’. This is what it looked like last March after a good trimming with the chainsaw.

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Spring Daffodils

Now it’s a jungle out there! This is the hedge in the front yard. I have two in the backyard surrounding the garden. I love it for the windbreak and the privacy it gives. But each year, our son-in-law comes over and chops it down with a chainsaw to a more manageable height. And then it grows again! If we lived in the middle of nowhere, it would be wonderful. It grows quickly and it’s hardy. But in a neighborhood with power lines, it’s just too much. Our daughter and I only tackled the sides of the monster hedge, cutting off the branches that attacked our vehicles each time we drove into the driveway. The tops will need the chainsaw once again. The hedge in the front now looks like this picture from last summer, only the hedge is about 6 feet taller:

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Yes, I think my yard is out of control. I think it’s time for an apartment with a couple tomato plants in containers on my tiny deck. And that is not the thinking of 18-year-old me! My younger self was not constrained with health problems or thoughts of restrictions on what I could do. I could do it all! And our poor children were my little helpers as I did. They could all tell you stories of their tortuous lives as they helped me with my projects.

Our son was the privileged crew member on this little stone terrace. It looks so neat and tidy here!

I hope at some point that our children don’t recall just the bad moments of hard work. The sweating hours in the heat and sun. Caring for the younger children in the house, and making meals while I painted outside or worked in the garden. My prayer is that they learned the value of a hard day’s work. The sense of accomplishment from completing a project and having it look fantastic. The knowledge that you can do much with a little elbow grease and the willingness to try something new. Those will last you a lifetime.

Yes, my mind is getting there. After only a couple hours yesterday, I’m done-in today. But you can get down the driveway, and hopefully our youngest is learning something along the way. I’m not as motivated as I once was, something our oldest four children remind me of every now and then. So I guess my 18 year-old brain is beginning to catch up as well! Have a beautiful summer day!

A Day to Remember, Our Christian Walk

Patriotism in America, Part Two

deborahanndykeman

Happy 4th of July! I’m happy to see you back.

I don’t normally write a two-part post. I don’t usually post about anything too controversial. Discussing politics and getting fired up is not the purpose of this site. I want all to feel welcome here. But I also have a belief system, and at certain times, it is appropriate for me to state that.

Yes, I do believe you can have patriotism for your country and disagree with the principles it was founded on. But why would you want to? Personally, if I’m going to fight for something and be willing to die for it, I want to believe in it and support it. It’s very difficult to give your life for something you hate.

And here is where we come to the fork in the road. Those that believe that this country was founded on Biblical principles, and those that do not.

I have just finished reading the Declaration of Independence, and it would be a great activity for any American to do, especially on the 4th of July. The people that do not believe in the Biblical principles this country was built on, will of course try to change the history. And because we have freedom in American, those people can put up a fuss.

WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World. (I have copied this from the link below, so I did not edit or correct.)

Here is a link if you would like to read the entire Declaration of Independence: https://www.constitutionfacts.com/us-declaration-of-independence/read-the-declaration/

I believe that our founding fathers, for the most part wanted the best for our new nation. They wanted to be free, they wanted to be happy and they wanted the same for their family and friends. I believe they understood that they were created by God, and that they followed the Bible. Yes, there were some different views taken on it, just as there is today. Just as there always will be until we are face-to-face with our Creator and we understand. We are human, and we fail. But I believe the founding fathers set this country up under God’s direction and guidance. I think that for many, many years, this was a priority in most people’s lives. And even if they didn’t accept Christ as their Savior, they knew He was there and they had respect for Him.

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case in America today. People do what is right in their own eyes, and don’t care too much about what the Bible says about anything. And if they believe God is there, and the Bible is true, they certainly don’t use it as a guidebook for their lives. They would rather float along doing what they think is best. And that is why America is in trouble. Again, we are human, many times lacking wisdom, and to just float along with no guidance causes lots of trouble. Observe any child that is allowed to do whatever they think is best for them. It is not a good situation. God knew that, and gave children parents to instruct them, and guide them, to give them principles to live on for the rest of their lives.

If you have ever read the Bible, and the Old Testament in particular, you know what has happened to nations that turned their backs on God, and decided to do what was right in their own eyes. There are cycles repeated over and over of a king coming in that applied God’s principles, and that nation being blessed. Then a corrupt king would come in, bringing idols and doing what he thought was best rather than following God. That nation fell. Historically, much of this can be documented in areas other than the Bible. In the New Testament, Paul warned the people over and over through his letters to keep seeking God and His guidance.

Is America seeking God and His guidance? Are you pursuing that in your own life? I admit, I get caught up in my own life, and start doing things my own way. And then the trouble begins.

Patriotism in The United States of America should be vigorously supported by Americans because we believe in our Nation, and what we were founded on. We should be willing to give our lives for that. And if you don’t believe that, at the very least, you should have respect for those that do.

Patriotism is at an all-time low. And that is not from statistics that I’ve looked up. That is my personal observance. From children that do not know how to recite The Pledge of Allegiance, to people that do not know what to do when the flag of our country is before them. Americans that think Memorial Day and Independence Day are just great summer holidays. I’m not saying you can’t celebrate, and I wholeheartedly think you should. Go to a parade, have a picnic, take your boat out, and then watch the fireworks.

But always remember, and teach your children why those days are set aside. Hang your flag proudly, thank those that are serving or have served in our armed forces. Respect your leaders. You don’t have to like them, you don’t have to agree, but you should respect them and their position.

And remember those that have died for us, so we can celebrate today. And always remember Who started it all! Have a fantastic 4th of July, in whatever way you decide to celebrate it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfSOAnjQzgs

A Day to Remember

Patriotism in America, Part One

deborahanndykeman

Pledge of Allegiance

Many of us grew up in the era when The Pledge of Allegiance was still recited in school. By the time our children were in school, it was not a daily occurrence.

I just did a really quick research on the The Pledge of Allegiance, when it was written and who wrote it, and the additions over the years. This post isn’t about that, so I won’t go into details. You may do the same research if you are interested.

This post is about patriotism:

The quality of being patriotic; vigorous support for one’s country.

History changes over the years. It is rather like the old telephone game that we all played. Whisper in the first person’s ear. By the time the message has traveled around the room, it has changed. Sometimes so much that it is unrecognizable to the person that first spoke the words. None of us were alive, 200, 500, 1,000 years ago. We rely on events passed down through the generations, ancient recordings and more recently, pictures. If someone relates something inaccurately, or puts their own spin and emotions into it, the facts are no longer there. And over time, the facts get buried.

In America, we are a young country compared to many. But even so, most people from the WWI, (Jul 28, 1914 – Nov 11, 1918) era are no longer with us, much less the Civil War, ( Apr 12, 1861 – May 9, 1865), or the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), also known as the American War of Independence. We rely on records and writings from these events to form our opinions about what occurred.

I think it is pretty safe to say, that most of the men that fought in these wars were patriotic. They had and showed, vigorous support for their country, The United States of America. It saddens me greatly, to see the people of this nation, not all, but some, forgetting their patriotism. The wonderful thing about America is that you don’t have to be here.  But if you are, you should support your country.

It’s not about the president, or your rights. All of us have disagreed with our leaders, all of us have been less than pleased with decisions made for our country at some point. Your actions are what matter, and when our actions trod on our patriotism, they are wrong. And that is what will divide us as a nation.

Men have fought long, gruesome years for our freedoms that we have today. Families have been destroyed. Because of their honor and integrity, their patriotism, we still have The United States of America. Independence Day in America, the 4th of July, is the day set aside to remember and celebrate our independence. And it should be a day of patriotism for those living in this country.

Tomorrow, I will conclude this post. So be sure to check back.

 

Just For Fun!

Swinging From the Trees

deborahanndykeman

The cover picture above was taken last night during another storm here in Kansas. No…not really! I wouldn’t be out at one in the morning snapping pictures. But, I’m fairly certain this is the way the landscape was looking.

If the storms keep up, we will officially be in a tropical rain forest before too long. Then Kansas will look like this:

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Which is really pretty and green. But with all that water, comes lots of greenery, which again, I love, but plants can bring little creatures like this:frog-649564_1920

Or this, (warning, graphic material here!):

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I’m sorry, I just don’t like snakes in any form. Even if they are a cheery green color! This pretty bird isn’t too bad:

animal-21102_1920

But he looks a little grumpy. I would be too if I was living in a swamp. When people think of Kansas, they remember tornadoes, and Dorothy wearing red sparkly shoes. I haven’t seen a lot of those shoes around here, because believe me, they’d be in my closet if they were available!

The storms the past few nights have been different than usual. They come if with a loud bang, literally. Lots of lightening follows, and then the sky opens up, dumping buckets of water. They pass us pretty quickly. A couple of times, another storm has come through. When you are waiting to take your shower between cells, this can be rather frustrating. No tornado watches or warnings that I have been aware of, just tons of water. I can enjoy that, since we have a good roof.

All this water is wonderful for the garden, and the lakes that are filling up. Until it’s not so great anymore! My husband has been wanting to purchase a kayak. Before long, he will be able to use it to get to work.

So for now, I’ll treasure the water, and try to breathe through the humidity. I have a scraper to tackle the moss build-up on the side of the house, if this keeps up. Little frogs, even blue ones, are welcome here. A pretty bird or two would be delightful. The grandchildren would love a monkey swinging through the trees. But, ‘NO SNAKES ALLOWED!” signs are posted two inches off the ground.

And soon we will return to the Kansas we know so well:

kansas-1912323_1920

Our Christian Walk, Parenting 101

Faith

deborahanndykeman

Bad Things

None of us are without pain or regrets. This life really hurts at times. After a couple weeks of reading some pretty heavy stories about child abuse, this is very fresh in my mind.

When I was first married, I attended SUNY Cobleskill, taking some classes in Early Childhood. I had always loved babysitting as a teenager, and I knew I wanted to be a mother as quickly as I could. (As it turned out, I found out I was pregnant with our first child just a few weeks after starting those classes. This was after a couple of years with infertility and dealing with all those issues. So my college career was cut short after that semester.) Another reason I took those classes was to work for Headstart. I did some volunteer time there, and what an eye opener that was! This is not to say that it was a bad program, only that I observed different parenting than what I had seen before, and it wasn’t always good. I am sure any school teacher could say the same.

I want to use the words, fascinate or intrigue here, but maybe shock would fit better. I am, and will continually be shocked, fascinated, intrigued, and even physically nauseous at what a person may go through in their life.

And still grow up to be a person that is whole.

God has given our bodies and our minds, our souls an incredible ability to heal. And that’s what fascinates and intrigues me. That’s what I write about. Just as a tiny tree may be walked on, the leaves torn off, and the weather tortuous to it…only to stand tall once again…so we are as people.

I personally will never understand the awful things God allows in our lives, and especially the life of a child. They arrive in this world a tiny bundle of expectation and potential, only needing protection, love and training. And to some, this is not important, and not taken seriously. Some abuse this privilege of a child…horribly. But I do know that God does not observe this lightly.

Luke 17:2 King James Version (KJV)

2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

No, I do not understand, and someday I will ask God “Why?” But I do know that these terrible, tough times build character, and make a person stronger. I’ve lived it in my own life.

It is very difficult to be thankful in the midst of adversity. It is sometimes more than we can stand to stay in a situation when we want to run. But just as the picture above says, the bad things can, and do put us on the path to the best things in our lives. The key is faith. Faith won’t take away the problem, and it won’t make it better. But it does keep you looking ahead, and striving for more. It gives you hope.

A Day to Remember, Just For Fun!, social media, Writing

The Newest Release!

deborahanndykeman

This book has been a long time in the making compared to my Rubyville series. I had it written in three months, but the editing, cover, etc. took much longer. But today, when I arrived home from my walk, there was the box on my porch! I was so excited to open this shipment of books, and I had to share it with all of you! The book has been available on Amazon for about a week now, but these are actual, real, books I can now hold and take to events. And that’s really exciting for an author. I don’t think that will ever become common-place for me.

This past Saturday, my editor and I attended the Author Fair at the Emporia Public Library. It is always a privilege to be a part of these events, and get to meet other authors. The library staff was wonderful, and whenever water and chocolate is handed out, it’s a great day!

After the library event, we checked out Ellen Plumb’s City Bookstore at the recommendation of a couple authors. I’m so happy I did! This adorable bookstore now has all my titles available for purchase. Well, I do need to get this newest release to them! Supporting local authors is huge, and this store is doing a great job of it! Please check out their Facebook page right here: https://www.facebook.com/EllenPlumbs/  and be sure to like their page. Look for me to be announcing more events with this bookstore!

I’m doing a little happy dance, and it’s tingling right through to my fingers, so I need to get to writing on the book that follows When Hope Blooms. Have a great day!

Writing

Beat the heat with this new book!

deborahanndykeman

It has been wonderful to work with Peas In A Pod Editing&Design! I thank her for this great review, and wanted to re-blog her post.

PeasInAPodEditing&Design's avatarPeasInAPodEditingAndDesign

I’m excited to announce my most recent project is now available to you, the reader!

Once again, I was honored to be involved on the “inside work” with Deborah Ann Dykeman…this time with her newest novel.

Being editor/typesetter/a little of everything gave me the privilege of reading this story…many times! And if I enjoyed it multiple times, you definitely need to give it a try.

Like the Rubyville series, this book takes place in Kansas. Though I’m not yet her age, I feel for Elvira Sample. She’s struggling…looking for a last chance at some happiness. But she knows how easily hurt comes, so she is sure the town of Wheatacre will only be a brief escape. Until she meets some special inhabitants that assure her of her value and place in the world…and the hope that what’s been shattered can be renewed.

Remember, it’s available in print and Kindle version…

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Parenting 101, social media, Writing

Boldness to Speak

deborahanndykeman

When I sit down to read a book, especially in the summer, I want a light, happy read. I don’t know why this is more important to me in the warmer months, but it is. I desire to read stories about beaches, and warm days on the sand, children playing outside with the fireflies. The long days of summer were always a happy time for me. Hours of swim lessons, and neighborhood friends, riding bikes up and down the sidewalk. Times I thought would go on forever.

But as we all know, they do not.

As far as I can recall, I have not done a book review on here. I review almost everything I can. If I purchase something, I review it. This is important to me because I rely so heavily on reviews of a product before I make a purchase. Sometimes I watch reviews and investigate for months before I buy. I want to know what I’m getting for my money. And usually, the reviews are pretty right-on. Most of the reviews I write are on TripAdvisor and Amazon, and those two places are where I read the most reviews.

So when I read a book, I review it. If I was less-than thrilled with it, I will only give it a star rating. If it was really terrible, I will write my humble opinion, and if I enjoyed it, I will give the reasons why. Today, I read a collection of poems written by a woman that I have come to know through her blog, https://rhythminlife.net

This little book, which you may purchase or read for free if you have kindle unlimited right here: https://www.amazon.com/Audacity-Her-Making-Sense-What-ebook/dp/B07256W1Z3/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1498058670&sr=1-1&keywords=the+audacity+of+her was an emotional read. As someone that encountered abuse in my early teens, it really spoke to me. The author lets us into her soul, and that’s difficult to do. Only after much healing, physically as well as emotionally, can a person write with such pain and truth, but not bitterness. This book is a must-read for those that have dealt with abuse as children, or are trying to understand a person that has been abused.

No, this book is not a light, beach-read. But it is an excellent, easy read. Because even through the author’s pain as a child, you sense hope in what she has become today. And that makes me happy.

Thank you, Susan for your poems. For letting us see a glimpse of what has made you the strong woman you are today. Someday, I look forward to a collection of poems on the process of healing, because I know those words are there to share.

A Quick Thought, social media

Changing the Storyline of your own Life

deborahanndykeman

I love the idea of a digital detox! Great read for those of you feeling a bit overwhelmed and needing a break.

ellieholmesauthor's avatar

Realising I was suffering from burnout I underwent a digital detox for a week. Feeling rejuvenated as a result, I took some time to step back and think about all the things that had led to my suffering from burnout in the first place.

All of the projects I am involved with are long term undertakings that will take time and effort over a number of months if not years to complete. As a perfectionist, I want to tie things up in a neat bow and then walk away. Sometimes that just isn’t possible and that’s a hard lesson to learn for a perfectionist to learn.

Long road Long road by Ozzy Delaney courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons licensed by CC BY 2.0 https://flic.kr/p/q44Tc4 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

If you are an indie author running your business you don’t have a boss telling you it is time to leave the office. You are the boss and…

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