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Thought for Today and a Few of my Own

peony - resized for web — Image copyright 2010 by R.O. & R.A. Robbins

“Misery is a communicable disease.” — Martha Graham

The thought for today is a very important one. We must remember daily that misery and negativity in general are indeed communicable diseases spreading quickly without our even realizing it. This is why it is so important not only to watch our own attitudes and beliefs but to also surround ourselves with positive people. This is important not only in our daily face to face interactions but also online.

Remember, “misery is a communicable disease.” Don’t be a carrier.

Thought for Today

BirdsOfHeaven_CANON — Birds of Heaven — original artwork by Rogene A. Robbins
Photo Copyright 2008 by R.A. & R.O. Robbins

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Ways to Add Flavor to Food Without Adding Bad Stuff

In celebration of More Herbs, Less Salt Day let’s talk ways to add flavor without adding a lot of sugar, fat or salt.

* Garlic and onion are obvious. Cook first to make flavor pop.

* Vinegar adds a nice acidic bite. Many varieties are available.

* Liquid smoke replaces pork as seasoning.

* If you have limited knowledge of herbs and spices find a good spice chart.

* Citrus juice and zest add just a little tartness.

* Don’t forget salt free seasoning blends.

* Remember mustard comes in powdered or prepared forms.

* Marinades are easy to make. They tenderize as well as adding flavor.

How do you add flavor without adding the “bad stuff”?

Thought for Today

Cat's Meow Answering Service — Callie’s Answering Service, Meow?
Image copyright 2012 by R.O & R.A. Robbins

“If you want to be happy, be.” — Leo Tolstoy

Thought for Today

Pretty Sky 1 resized 20070805_0327 — Copyright 2008 by R.O. & R.A. Robbins

“Life is not meant to be easy, my child, but take courage – it can be delightful.” — George Bernard Shaw

Laughter

I laugh a lot. Not just a little giggle. No, I laugh right out loud and don’t care who hears it.

A boss used to tease me about my laugh. After I left for another job she called, telling jokes until I finally laughed. On the other end of the line I heard, “It’s about time! I miss that cackle of yours. No one laughs around here anymore.” She didn’t know she could reintroduce laughter by laughing herself.

There are actual studies showing laughter may indeed be the best medicine. So go ahead and laugh. If anyone says anything tell them it’s for your health.

Thought for Today

Thinking... — Thinking… (Photo credit: Klearchos Kapoutsis)

“It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.” — Dale Carnegie

Thought for Today

Iris - resized for web — Image copyright 2010 by R.O. & R.A. Robbins

“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.” — Buddha

A Visit to the Louvre

One of the things I love about the internet is the opportunity to visit places I many never actually go in real life. A favorite way for me to spend time is to visit some of the world’s great art galleries online. One of my favorites is the Louvre. Yes, you read that right the Louvre — the famous one in France. Didn’t know they had a website? Go check it out.

Thought for Today

“Remember that happiness is as contagious as gloom. It should be the first duty of those who are happy to let others know of their gladness.” — Maurice Maeterlinck