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!

One of my mental candles is lit  for my nephew Don.  Don passed away a few years ago , at a young age.   I don’t know of Don’s major accomplishments in life.   I do know that he committed to be an organ donor and that all of his major organs have been donated to ensure life for others. I celebrate you Don, and others like you who have made such an awesome contribution to LIFE.

(Original Post by GDR)

The clouds of life are there to get our attention—they merely offer a pause in life’s action so we can prepare ourselves for our next blessing.

(Image by Gabriella Green, edited by gdr, Original text by GDR)

Some of us have the desire to reach out, but are waiting for someone else to take the first step. We sometimes deprive ourselves of some of life’s most rewarding experiences because of the fear of rejection. If the journey of a successful individual was illustrated by a list of accomplishments and rejections, you would probably be amazed at the number of rejections that appears on the list.

While there is no guaranteed formula for success, it is certain that determination plays a major role in the life of all successful people. The same holds true when you reach out to others—some may reject you, but you will feel good for having made the effort. After all, even if the experience does not turn out as you intended, you have planted a seed that could influence positive actions later.

Reaching out to help someone doesn’t have to be a major undertaking; in fact, a simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact. There are greeting cards available for many different occasions—you don’t have to wait for a card that says, “I see you could use a hand,” for, that card is created in the heart.

Each of us has the ability to help someone; even while you wait for help, actively use your abilities and resources to help someone else. And above all, even if it looks like your efforts might be in vain–reach out anyway.

(Repost of original by GDR, Image-PrintMaster)

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)