Healthy Living

It is the last day of March. A library e-book is due back tomorrow. But I’m not FINISHED! I cannot check it back in until I write this partial review! There is so much information to absorb.

It took over two and a half months with it on hold before I could get it checked out to me. Life (i.e. sleep) got in the way to read it diligently! But, I decided a couple of days ago, it’s a keeper so it’s on its way to me via Amazon!

I’ve read more books this year already than the last 5 years combined! And, I’m not stopping! I’m loving the library e-books and my Kindle! This latest book is by Martha Stewart, Living the Good Long Life. I highly recommend this book, especially for those of us beyond 60 years young!

I’ve always admired Martha Stewart. She gives credit where credit is due. She alone did not write and compile information for this book. The acknowledgment section clearly details all the people involved making it happen. I appreciate the list of Resources that are general then chapter specific. Of course, the Notes for each citation within the chapters are as they should be and is, in itself, a great resource for further reference. Speaking of further reference, she/they also provide a list of Suggested Reading that I will have at my fingertips once the actual book arrives.

The mantra throughout the book!

The book is divided into two parts:

Part I   Healthy Living Today
    Healthy Eating
    Healthy Fitness
    Healthy Brain
    Healthy Outlook
    Healthy Living Every Day
    Healthy Looks
    Healthy Home

Part II  Healthy Living into Tomorrow
    Healthy Living into the Future
    Healthy Caring

Honestly, I rarely try Martha’s recipes. Out of her 77 (counting this one) books she’s written, between Momma & I, we have at least 30. Most of the recipes call for ingredients that either I’ve never heard of, cannot find locally, or are impracticable for this household - meaning Bud would not want to try! So I sort of skipped over the recipes. The information elsewhere was spot on!

HOWEVER, her fitness chapter gave me much inspiration! I know I need to as she suggests:

STAY active every day
INCREASE your endurance
MAINTAIN your flexibility
BUILD your balance
FOCUS on core strength
STRENGTHEN for stability

The balance and flexibility and strength... why am I wasting time listing the things I need to master... I need to work on them all!!

Oh, and the Healthy Brain chapter! I’m already practicing the tips she offers. For example, before if we needed more than two items from the grocery store I would have to make a written list. Nope. Not anymore. This is a prime example of “memory boosters” rather than giving in and writing it down I am now doing the “Rehearse and Resize” technique. But, oh so many other tips and techniques are listed for brain health.

Goodness. I could go on and on. I’m thrilled I made the decision to order this book. It will come in handy as a daily guide/reminder for healthy living thereby living the good long life!

P.S. I went on Amazon to get the link to share and read a great review of this book... the reviewer said it much better than I did - "Unlike any other book Martha Stewart has written"!

Let me know what you think of this book!

Take the Time!

In another lifetime I worked at a Texas Public Charter School. During that time, many amazing people came through the door to teach, guide, and help the wonderful yet disadvantaged kids. It was such a fabulous learning experience for me, and I’m still learning from that experience.

One especially hit home yesterday.

I learned yesterday, I missed out getting know an amazing person.

During lunch with some long time friends (two out-of-towners I haven’t seen in over 13 years - Wendy and her daughter Megan -  and one local - Dee that I haven’t made the time to simply visit with), a common denominator brought us together. The passing of Ann.

While working at the school, I didn’t know Ann, except to say hello. I only saw her occasionally as she worked on the other side of campus.

But after hearing Wendy speak of her, their long time friendship, even across the hundreds of miles and a time zone change, I so wish I had taken the time to know Ann myself. I so wish I had known first hand the gentle soul and generous spirit Ann brought to this worldly life. I am so grateful I had Wendy share a bit about Ann, and for that I am blessed.

Lesson learned: Take the time.

Boring - Not Any More!

Can you imagine looking out the kitchen window at this? This is boring! 

June 2016
(Before Mr. Mesquite had a major overhaul!)

After becoming inspired by reading the various books I’ve mentioned the past few months, and watching videos created by the Bealtaine Cottage (Ireland), Justin Rhodes (USA), Morag Gamble (Australia), and many others too many to mention, with their “permaculture” design concept... it finally hit me! Why walk all the way to the far end of the West Yard to tend to a vegetable garden?!!! That’s absolutely silly!

So, this is where I’m at now... a work in progress...

The white PVC pipe is my no dig zone, it's where the telephone wire is buried! Potatoes are planted to the right of cardboard, but the cats have messed the mounds up - they thought their easy no-dig toilet! Doubt any potatoes will come of it. Oh Well. Maybe next year.

Right now, the blue barrels and cardboard are to kill the grass!
The pots on top of cardboard keeps the cardboard in place! Once Bud's up to it, I plan on having him cut the barrels in half (lengthwise) and making planters. Someday we'll get "real" rain barrels rather than try to modify these sealed barrels.

I planted asparagus in the black pot in front of the hanging garden hose. We'll see if the cats leave it alone! I've put hardware cloth on top to discourage the cats. The terracotta pots will be for tomatoes and peppers. The last black pot to the left... blueberries!!!
FYI: Red Pepper Flakes do not bother the cats at all! I've got to figure out how to keep the cats out of the garden!!!

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White pots & swan have onions growing inside. Momma's roses are coming back nicely after the severe Valentine's Day pruning. Will add Lavender to the newly prepared area.

It is a work in progress... I am bringing up dirt from the corral, one wheelbarrow at a time.

I need WOOD CHIPS!

Give me a year...

Books on the Shelf

I may have already mentioned (I’m having a senior moment), but I wanted to share a bit about the books I’ve added to my physical bookshelf! Yes! For me, they are worth having to reference when needed, for inspiration, and “just because” I’m addicted to having actual books on hand!

The latest is The Wellness Garden, by Shawna Coronado. After attending her workshop at the Mother Earth News Fair, she offers great inspiration and gardening tips and methods, even while suffering with chronic pain. As found on her website, the back of the book reads:

If you love to garden but also worry about chronic pain and physical strain, or if you are in search of ways to promote a healthier lifestyle that features stronger nutrition with anti-inflammatory eating, then noted garden author and wellness expert, Shawna Coronado, has good news for you. In The Wellness Garden, her new book from Cool Springs Press, Shawna details exactly how she has learned to use her garden as a key tool in her battle with osteoarthritis and other chronic pain issues. This guide to better health can help you combat specific, chronic, health issues and inspire you to feel better every day. In this inspiring but highly practical book you will learn from Shawna’s life changing garden experience and see how you can grow, eat, and walk your way to better health by creating your own Wellness Garden–gaining the healthier lifestyle you desire and need.

The “West Yard Project” is on temporary hold. I still have a bit more of the irises to transplant along the spiritual pathway, it’s a Living Process. It’s time (past time really) to get beds prepared and veggies and herbs and flowers ready to plant after the last (hopefully) freeze.

It’s because between some of the library books I have read, Shawna’s book, and Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison (that is now on my desk), I decided to turn our front yard into an edible garden! It, too, is a Living Process!

And, the 3rd book I now have on hand is Mel Bartholomew’s 2nd Edition All New Square Foot Gardening. It is absolutely packed with fabulous information! The subtitle reads: The Revolutionary Way to Grow More In Less Space. I truly believe it! The book is certainly a well rounded reference to have on hand!

I’ll take pictures of the work in progress and share next time!