Thought for Today

Dreaming
Dreaming (Photo credit: MooBob42)

“Dream small that your dreams may come true. Dream large that you may always have a dream.” ~~ Robert Brault  

Thought for Today

Birthday Sunflowers
Birthday Sunflowers (Photo credit: Mrs Magic)

 

“Never, ever ignore your talent. You didn’t create it, it was a birthday gift from somewhere else.”Barbara Sher 

Send out the Peace Doves

One of the things I enjoy most about surfing around the internet looking for information for Espirational is the little unexpected gems I sometimes find.  My search for information on Desmond Tutu led me to the website for the Nobel Peace Prize.

There I found a game.  Send the Peace Doves out on their mission to disarm nuclear weapons throughout the world.  You choose the destination for each dove.  There is a lot of reading involved because there are extensive clues, but I think you will learn some things you didn’t know.   I did.

So visit the Nobel website and send out those Peace Doves.

http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/peace/nuclear_weapons/game.html

Celebrate Spring!

daffy1 resized

Today is the Spring Equinox.  These are just a few of the things I think are worth celebrating this time to year.

*  Warmer weather or at least the promise of it.

*  The fresh clean smell of spring air.

*  Getting back on the hiking trails after a long, cold winter.

*  Flowers!

*  The symbolic promise of new life and new beginnings.

So, what do you love about Spring?

Thought for Today

A Good Dog Can Bring Happiness to Your Life
A Good Dog Can Bring Happiness to Your Life (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Decide that you are going to do everything in your power to live a simply beautiful life and live your life to the fullest every day… and you will find happiness.”Dr. Robert Puff, Happiness Expert, Author, Clinical Psychologist  

Thought for Today

English: Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)
English: Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Crises reveal character. When we are put to the test the hidden resources of our character are revealed exactly.” — Oswald Chambers Disciples Indeed

Feast Day of Saint Patrick

Not being a drinker, I don’t get terribly involved in the American cultural celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day.  But haven’t you ever wondered about the real life of this Saint and man?  Here are two links to help us learn more.

Who Was Saint Patrick from the History Channel

Saint Patrick from Catholic.org

Thought for Today

Professor Stephen Covey in his home
Professor Stephen Covey in his home (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Live out of your imagination, not your history.” — attributed to Stephen Covey [Source: Brainy Quotes]

It’s National Quilting Day!

Carousel of Time Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins Original quilt based on the song Circle Game
Carousel of Time
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
Original quilt based on the song Circle Game

This is the day we celebrate quilts, quilting and quilters.  If you think quilting is something only done by little old ladies think again.  Women and men of all ages are turning to this age-old art form to not only make practical bed coverings but increasingly as a means of self-expression.  From traditional quilting to art quilting/fabric art this art form is still alive and well.

If you live near Lincoln Nebraska Quilting Day activities are being held today at the International Quilt Study Center.  Visit their website for more information.  While you are at the website take a minute to look around to see some beautiful quilts.

Perhaps you have a quilting story of Grandma’s quilting frame, a beloved old family quilt or a story about your own quilting or fabric art activities you would like to share.  Please leave a comment to do so.  Happy Quilting Day!

 

Healthy Living A to Z: F is for Flaxseed

This is a flax seed "egg." Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins
This is a flax seed “egg.”
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins

Not everyone may be familiar with flaxseed.  Flaxseed is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as phytochemicals called lignans.   It is used to improve digestive health and may help lower total cholesterol, LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and reduce heart disease risk.   Ground flaxseed is easier for the body to digest.  Grind your own in a coffee grinder or purchase flaxseed meal.

You may add flaxseed to a variety of foods including yogurt for a little extra nutritional boost.  I like to replace 1/4 cup of the flour in my baked goods with flaxseed meal or use it as an egg substitute.  Mix one Tablespoon with 3 Tablespoons of hot water for each egg you are replacing.  Let sit until the consistency of egg whites.  When Colette Martin told me about this I didn’t think it was possible, but it does work.

There are other seeds on the market now with similar benefits including chia and hemp seeds.  Flax is usually less expensive.

For more information: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flaxseed/AN01258