Grant it, some people are impressed, some  express curiosity and ask for useful tips for  their pending conversions.  But the biggest challenge is dealing with the doubters. those that are just waiting for a vegetarian to “backslide.”

This blog post is lame, but so are the questions that are put to vegetarians.  I look forward to more  inquiries and comments from people who may be considering making a life style change that involves eating vegetarian meals.

My post is just food for thought…and, oh yeah,  I AM STILL A VEGETARIAN. On August 12, 2024 I will have completed 16 years of successfully leading a vegetarian lifestyle.

(By GDR, original post August, 2009)

Two crochet books that I like are:  “Get Your Crochet On” by Afya Ibomu and “The Crochet Dude” by Drew Emborsky. Both have great projects that are suitable for various skill levels.

I am really pleased to see that so many people are learning crafts.  There are  a large number of knitting  and crotchet crafters.  Since I  crochet, I will focus on that particular craft.  Crochet is being enjoyed by individuals of all ages, male and female. I personally believe that crochet is a magical craft.  A tangled pile of yarn on the floor can be transformed into a hat, a scarf, a sweater or a vase. Magic!  The possibilities are endless. Additionally, there are lots of crafters that can be found on instagram.

Craft is defined as: a profession or activity involving the skillful making of decorative or practical objects by hand, e.g. weaving, pottery, or woodcarving

Your craft is all about you; it adds value to your life.  No matter what you make or who owns it, your skillful hands meticulously pulled it all together.   Now you can sit back and watch the credits for your crafty work roll across the imaginary screen, you hear applause in the background.  You’re thinking –I am great at this…that’s how I feel.

As crafters, our biggest and most important Project is to teach someone a craft or skill that will add value to his or her life.   Enjoy your craft.  Encourage others to join in.

Long live the craft for future generations to enjoy and pass forward.

(This is a repost)

We spend a lot of time and effort focusing on what is wrong in our lives.  Somehow we have arrived at the conclusion that the other guy has it all.  All of what?  We don’t know the answer; it just makes for a good defense when someone actually pauses long enough to listen to our non-productive comments.   

It is time for each of us to make a commitment to ourselves and to those around us that we will stop focusing on becoming a part of the other guy’s plan.  Instead, direct that energy toward recognizing the positive aspects that exist in your life.  Reinvent yourself!   Break the old destructive patterns.   Once you undertake that quest you will inspire others to join in.

 Express gratitude and appreciation for what is accessible…quietly celebrate where you are now.   Your best life can be launched from right there!

(Repost By GDR )

Sometimes we purposely close out the light. We find it is easier to remain in our downhearted or darkened state of mind. But if we think about it, many of us know that grief, roadblocks, or misfortune sometimes illuminate a path we never thought we’d travel. That light, though blinding for a moment, often guides us to an inner strength that had not been revealed before. That has been my personal experience.

Even if the path is obscure, keep moving forward. Adjust your vision as you go and keep your thoughts positive–you’re headed toward greater.

I marvel at how much light can be obtained from a bleak situation. For me, allowing my thoughts to carry me away from a downhearted state of mind triggers that light. At that moment, the choice is mine–with a renewed vision, I move forward.

Choose to see the light; it will guide you.

(GDR repost, revised April, 2023)

While concerned groups network and brainstorm to find ways to end the violence that plagues our neighborhoods, news reports reveal that the pattern continues. Although there are no simple steps to resolve this dilemma, I am inspired by the efforts of the various communities that have banned together to address the issues. Sadly, the efforts to address the issues in the neighborhoods are hindered by the fact that many of the children are not being raised in homes with their own parents. Thankfully, the creation of community workshops has given some of these children a place to demonstrate their artistic abilities. These positive outlets will help those young people to find purpose and renew their hopes for a better future.

Radio stations, and other media have provided platforms for youth to express themselves about the violence in their schools. The majority of these children want to learn and grow in a normal school setting. They are worried that the destruction has gotten out of control; they are looking to the political leaders for solutions.

Children are finding it difficult to focus on learning because the violence is not only happening on the streets, it is occurring inside of the schools as well. Teachers have to contend with unruly students on a daily basis, thus, the entire class will suffer because of such interruptions. Unfortunately, bad behavior has escalated from simple classroom pranks to outright violence. Some children have commented that they are acting out the violence that they’ve encountered in their homes. No doubt, this is a major concern for social service agencies. Unfortunately, children have sometimes been relocated to households that continue the same pattern. In some cases more disturbing things have occurred in the new household settings.

The lawmakers have come up with a plan to place National Guard troops in the neighborhoods to police the streets. Residents are not certain that this is a good solution—still the violence continues, and is expected to escalate even more as we move into the summer months. All of the writing, talking and brainstorming about this situation has brought a number of writers, speakers and analyzers together. Though community leaders and concerned individuals have created some great programs and incentives for young people, the senseless acts of violence continue. I commend and applaud the individuals that have made progress through the implementation of community programs. Their efforts have brought awareness and calm to some of the affected areas; there is hope.

As communities focus on the task of redirecting their youth toward more productive life styles, parents must focus on using their parenting skills to instill ethical values in children—right along with the essential nutrition that builds their strong bodies. This means that it is never too early to start building character in children. Parents can reshape and renew our society by raising children that will add value to the family, to community –and to the world. If that mission is accomplished, then the outlook will be transformed to hopeful, with a strong chance of brighter tomorrows.

(This is a repost original text by GDR)

I am sure everyone is looking forward to the time when we can get our lives back on track. The pandemic has caused many of us to be stressed—physically, emotionally, and financially. Some of  us are still trying to stay strong following the loss of loved ones. Children have been taken out of the learning environment that provided more than just a structured educational plan for them. 

During this difficult time, we all have tapped into our reserve strength. I am confident that we will get through this if we continue to protect each other. 

We are forever grateful to the many HealthCare Professionals who have helped save lives.

Let’s take care of each other.  Then, all of us can share the smiles that have been hidden under those masks.  Oh happy day! 

Vamos a cuidarnos, uno a otro. Luego, todo de nosotros podremos compartir las sonrisas que se han escondido bajo de esas máscaras. ¡Oh día feliz!

The road to success may have various obstacles, but we can maneuver much faster if we don’t bring our own road blocks. Any obstacles we encounter are merely the experiences and tools we need to complete the journey. They are life’s building blocks.

(Repost from 2013, original text by GDR)

My first credit card was obtained from a department store that I worked for. Even though I was employed by this well-known store, I was denied a credit card twice before I was finally approved. Both times the reason was that I did not have any credit history. Not only was I disappointed, but I was confused. In my mind, if I worked for the company, I should be trusted to have a credit card from them. What I did not realize at the time was, in order to obtain credit the borrower needs to have a credit history to prove that he or she can be trusted to pay back the debt. If there is no proof in your credit report to ensure that you can be trusted, it is unlikely that credit will be extended to you.

When I was approved for my first credit card, I was very excited. Not so much because I had resources for shopping, but because that credit approval represented a trust. I am proud to say, I never took that trust for granted. In fact, the approval for my first credit card was the foundation that inspired me to establish and maintain an excellent credit status. Even during difficult times, I was driven by that trust. I realized that good credit and good character go hand-in-hand.

I was prompted to write this post because I thought about a time in my life when I went through a difficult period. Fortunately for me, I met a business owner who trusted me based on my word. He ran a service station which also did automobile repairs. I took my car to him for service. The repairs I needed were extensive—more than I could afford at the time. I explained to him that I would not be able to pay for the repairs that day. He said I could bring the money to him the following week. The only information he had for me was my unpublished phone number and my word. Because of his trust, I felt empowered. That situation proved to be a great character builder for me; I realized the value of my word. I felt as though I had received an approval letter from a major lender.

Prior to settling the debt, various individuals told me I shouldn’t bother to pay for the repairs. One even said, “Why should you pay the guy? He doesn’t even know where you live.” Another friend said, “You could have gotten the repairs cheaper someplace else.” No matter what those individuals said, the only thing that mattered to me was the fact that I had given my word. I did not let those comments influence my actions.

On the day I settled my debt for the repairs, I arrived a little late. The shop had closed, but the owner was sitting outside in his car waiting for me. He knew I would not go back on my word. Because of that experience, I learned that my word is the part of my credit status that really matters.

I still am overwhelmed with pride in myself any time I recall that situation. The experience effected the way I view credit and trust. Credit standing begins with the first time you establish trust. It doesn’t matter if it involves money or merely a commitment, your word is your most solid collateral. Trust does build character—but at the foundation of that character is your word.

(Original Text By GDR)

There appears to be an epidemic of violence in this nation; neighborhoods are slowly being destroyed. Children’s moral and ethical values are lacking; they are using violence as the way to resolve common childhood issues. The turf wars are making it very difficult for normal school activities to be enjoyed by young people. This destruction appears to be out of control. In the mist of this situation leaders are focusing on ways to salvage our youth, and introduce them to programs and activities that improve their quality of life. Hopefully, a positive outlook will become the new trend.

While concerned groups network and brainstorm to find ways to end the violence that plagues our neighborhoods, news reports reveal that the pattern continues. Although there are no simple steps to resolve this dilemma, I am inspired by the efforts of the various communities that have banned together to address the issues. Sadly, the efforts to address the issues in the neighborhoods are hindered by the fact that many of the children are not being raised in homes with their own parents. Thankfully, the creation of community workshops has given some of these children a place to demonstrate their artistic abilities. These positive outlets will help those young people to find purpose and renew their hopes for a better future.

Radio stations, and other media have provided platforms for youth to express themselves about the violence in their schools. The majority of these children want to learn and grow in a normal school setting. They are worried that the destruction has gotten out of control; they are looking to the political leaders for solutions.

Children are finding it difficult to focus on learning because the violence is not only happening on the streets, it is occurring inside of the schools as well. Teachers have to contend with unruly students on a daily basis, thus, the entire class will suffer because of such interruptions. Unfortunately, bad behavior has escalated from simple classroom pranks to outright violence. Some children have commented that they are acting out the violence that they’ve encountered in their homes. No doubt, this is a major concern for social service agencies. Unfortunately, children have sometimes been relocated to households that continue the same pattern. In some cases more disturbing things have occurred in the new household settings.

The lawmakers have come up with a plan to place National Guard troops in the neighborhoods to police the streets. Residents are not certain that this is a good solution—still the violence continues, and is expected to escalate even more as we move into the summer months. All of the writing, talking and brainstorming about this situation has brought a number of writers, speakers and analyzers together. Though community leaders and concerned individuals have created some great programs and incentives for young people, the senseless acts of violence continue. I commend and applaud the individuals that have made progress through the implementation of community programs. Their efforts have brought awareness and calm to some of the affected areas; there is hope.

As communities focus on the task of redirecting their youth toward more productive life styles, parents must focus on using their parenting skills to instill ethical values in children—right along with the essential nutrition that builds their strong bodies. This means that it is never too early to start building character in children. Parents can reshape and renew our society by raising children that will add value to the family, to community –and to the world. If that mission is accomplished, then the outlook will be transformed to hopeful, with a strong chance of brighter tomorrows.

(This is a repost original text by GDR)

Most of the things that we truly want in life are within our reach. Yes, that also means that in order to acquire those things, we must sometimes expand our reach. We must strengthen our bodies, minds, and focus in order to ward off negativity and doubts. Negativity is the thing that is most likely to sabotage our plan. Sometimes we even wait, or anticipate something or someone that will be a block in the path. We might even give that as a reason to abandon the plan or deter our efforts.

I have learned (or finally admitted to myself) that if a block exists in the path to my goals—it is likely one that I put there myself. The main idea behind achieving goals is overcoming obstacles. So if there is something you truly want, you need to get out of your own way. Once you’ve done that, you can move forward freely, and with renewed focus.

You are the only person standing in the way of your dreams. If you are true to yourself, there will be no openings for others to enter and create blocks. If it is your goal, own it–and see it through to the end.

You will be amazed how freely you can navigate when you get out of your own way.

(This a repost. Original text by GDR)