Well, we made it to Friday. What a joy! I am sitting on my chair, drinking coffee, watching silly movies that I have recorded and not had time to watch . . . and hoping my headache disappears so I can get something done. For now, sitting here with my feet up is fine with me. Very relaxing and something I feel like I deserve after a difficult week. I’ll just sit here, sip my mocha, talk to you and see what the celebrations are for the day. After that I can do another load of laundry and figure out something for dinner. I’m sure there must be something in the freezer that I can make work. The rest of the chores can wait until tomorrow.
Verse of the Day
January 18, 2019
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Thoughts on the Verse of the Day
I guess for those who find themselves in places they shouldn’t be, the abiding presence of God might be a bit terrifying. But I find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always there. He is there to guide me and sustain me. Even when I’m in places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to do, he is still there. I can turn to him in repentance and receive his grace. I can turn to him in need and receive his strength. I can turn to him and know I am not alone.
Food for Thought
If you ask any woman what she finds to be attractive in a man, they will most likely tell you all of the qualities that are masculine. I know I would. A real man is strong, in body and spirit, he is protective of the ones he loves and will defend them with everything in him. A real man works hard for his living, regardless of what it is he is doing for his job. He is gentle with the women and children in his life, firm in his beliefs, loves the Lord with all of his heart, and leads his family accordingly. He can laugh at himself, be serious when necessary, and know the difference between being strong or overbearing. Companies like Gillette, that take it upon themselves to insult masculine men to meet their own agenda do not deserve to have those men, or their families, be their customers. Politics do not belong in advertising – I know that not one more Gillette product will ever be purchased for anyone in my household, just like I will never spend a single penny at Starbucks, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or any other liberal hack company. If enough of us stand up and say ENOUGH, perhaps some day those places will get a clue. If not, then they deserve to ultimately go out of business. Shop your convictions. As for me? I’m perfectly happy that I have a masculine man in my life who isn’t afraid to be just that . . . a man.
Pooh Day – (As in Winnie The) – A.A .Milne, the author who created Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends was born on this day in 1882. If it’s been awhile since you’ve read any of these books, Winnie’s pals included Christopher Robin, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, and Roo. Have some fun today reading some storybooks about the adventures of Winnie and his friends. The first time I researched this day, I stumbled across a very interesting study– I’ve heard of it before, but hadn’t actually read it. There are college and psychiatric studies that analyze the personalities of each of the characters in the Winnie The Pooh stories, and each character it turns out, is completely dysfunctional and displays various mental instabilities, illnesses, or personality disorders that are actually common amongst real life human beings – from ADHD, OCD’s to depression – it’s a fascinating study that I realize that was partially tongue in cheek, but really does make one think. I’ve also heard – though I don’t remember where, since it was a while ago – that just about everyone we know can be compared to one of the various Pooh characters – and it’s true! We’ve all known an Eeyore, or a Tiger, or a Roo, or any of the other residents of Hundred Acre Wood . . . something to think about! I believe I’m a bit of a Kanga – and if you don’t remember what she was like, maybe take a stroll down memory lane and read a Pooh book or take a look at that study and see how you feel about it.
Thesaurus Day – I’m sure very few of us haven’t at one time or another picked up a thesaurus to complete a project, write a letter, or try to articulate a thought without the typical mundane words we use each day. I know that it was a book that traveled to and from school with me for many years, and now there is one sitting by my desk at work. Today is the birthday of Peter Roget, the author of Roget’s Thesaurus. Peter Roget was born on this day in 1779. For anyone who hasn’t used one for many years, the Thesaurus lists synonyms (words with the same or similar meanings) for words. This gives us alternatives to using repetition when writing and giving speeches. It also lists antonyms – or words with opposite meanings. If you haven’t used this valuable book in a while, maybe celebrate today by picking yours up, dusting it off, and taking a look through it. It’s a treasure trove of incredible expressive opportunity. I know . . . I admit it . . . I’m a word geek. I love using variety in my verbal and written conversations and the Thesaurus has taught me much over the years, and I have always appreciated its value to forwarding literary excellence.
Food Celebration of the Day
Gourmet Coffee Day – I am a die-hard coffee snob. I refuse to spend a dime at Starbucks, and every time I have, I felt like I was betraying real coffee and independent coffee shops. I can say that the ONLY time I have spent money at one is when there was literally nothing else available – like in an airport, or in Alabama. Seriously, there wasn’t an independent shop ANYWHERE! We grind fresh organic beans at home for our daily coffee and appreciate the amazing aroma that wafts out of the bag when we open them up to get the morning started. There is no need to spend a great deal of money on the coffee drinks in shops – you can make them in your own home! I don’t take the time to do a lot with mine. I have a Café Latte machine at home that makes my morning mocha a simple matter. I just put the fresh ground coffee and water into the top, put milk and chocolate into the pot, and while the coffee is brewing into the pot there is a whisk whipping the milk and chocolate together into a lovely, creamy, foam topped drink. Ta-Da! Morning mocha in a couple of easy steps. I also have a frappachino maker for those days when I want an iced, blended coffee – but I usually only have those in the summer. Why spend $6.00 a drink when you can get the machine for $40 (or so) and make them at home??? Today I did luck out though, because I had the leftover batter from Hot Buttered Rum day, which translates well to a great flavor profile in coffee (minus the rum of course). Here’s my gourmet treat for the morning – Buttered Latte with fresh whipped cream – no sugar, no chemicals and very low carb! Awesome!
National Peking Duck Day – I seriously thought about trying to do this one, but after I found a recipe, I changed my mind. For one thing, duck is really expensive! And for another thing, I can’t imagine buying a bird for dinner that still has his head. AND I can’t fathom the thought of hanging said bird from his neck with a string until he dries, after boiling him. Um. No. Here’s a recipe from Food Network to help you do it, if you have a less sensitive tummy when it comes to things like heads on dinner food.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peking-duck-recipe0-2013559
It’s been a lovely and lazy day, but it would be a good idea to get at least a few things done before the day is over. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend filled with amazing adventures, or whatever it is you want it to be. I’ll be happy if we manage to get the rest of the Christmas ornaments put away! God bless you and I’ll see you tomorrow.
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Celebration list sources:
www.verseoftheday.com www.brownielocks.com www.holidayinsights.com www.thenibble.com www.foodimentary.com