I’m super late responding to this honor and it’s not because I’m not so tremendously grateful. Life have just gotten ahead me yet again! I am thankful and love doing these awards! With all that said lets’ get to it!
I have received this special award from a blogger who has truly kept me going in some of toughest times…whether they know it or not. So thank you! God puts people on our path just we need them!
Answer the questions you are asked ( if you’re comfortable doing so!)
Create 5 questions for the bloggers you’ve nominated.
Nominate at least 3…no more 10 bloggers for the Special Blogger Award.
Comment on your nominees most recent blog post to let them know you’ve nominated.
Have fun
Are you a Generation X, Generation Z, millennial, etc.. what do you think about it and how does this make you feel?
Well, I think I’m Gen X and I am 100% very good with that!
What are the little things that make you, you?
I cry easily and am also so hardcore at the same time. I’m strong and such baby. I feel other pain so much that it will effect me to the core. Yet, I strong and don’t feel physical pain like I do emotion.
What post (whether your own or someone else) tells most about you?
100% the sun! If I go to many without seeing or feeling the sun I become depressed!
What is your best advice to anyone about anything?
It’s some of the best advice I ever got and it has nothing to do with writing.
Discipline your children the same no matter where you are.Be the same parent at the store, at school, with your neighbors and in your home, then your kids will know you’re not pretending with them ever.
Firstly, I have apologize for my late response for this honor. I have no good excuse other than being overwhelmed with life. These awards do mean so much to me and I honestly do enjoy doing them! Who doesn’t appreciate some validation for the hard-work and love they have put into on something cherish?
Thank you and again Racheal, I am so sorry for my late response…Here we go…
Thank you so much for nominating me!
If you haven’t been to her blog you’re missing out!
Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post/or on your blog.
Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.
THE QUESTIONS:
1.Tell us something about yourself that will make our jaws drop?
Wow…Sadly, I’m probably pretty lame. 🤓 I do think that I am really funny and take pride in being able to make people laugh even at my own expensive. I don’t get embarrass easily because I make fun of myself all the time. I prefer a burger and a cold beer over a fancy restaurant with wine any day. I hate dressing up or dress shoes. Jeans, sweat pants and T-shirt with flip-flops or my favorite shoes, P.F Flyer! That’s me…Take it or leave it!
2.Do you collect?
Not sure I understand the question. So I’ll guess…
I did do the whole Willow-tree thing but now it’s journals and notebook with pens that write really well. I also like mugs that feel good in my hands. If I could collect dogs…I would.
3. What’s your Favorite Quote?
4. Have you ever punched someone in the face?
Oh wow! Well… unfortunately I have done this before to a few people and now my hands look stupid now because of it. It was ridiculousness and dumb…thank goodness I wants part of the facebook, Instagram world.
5.Which places in the world would you like to visit?
For sure I would have to say one place would be Ireland:
The other would be Italy/Venice:
6.What makes you forget about everything around you?
The first answer is writing. Getting all my thoughts on the paper or typing them out and creating is good for me. I can get lost in a good book too but lately I’ve found myself losing time in the story tellings of Mike Rowe’s The Way I Heard It Podcast. It’s very interesting, the way he surprises you at the end of every story!
7. What’s your favorite season? Why?
I have always and forever loved autumn. I usually live in place where the summers are super hot and winter is super cold so you pray for spring and fall. The colors and beautiful and air smells good. Everything right down to the food is perfect. I like when I can wear a hoodie all the time but still not need a real coat. That is perfect for me.
8. Are you an Introvert or Extravert?
I think I’m a mix of both but leaning heavy on the introvert. When I have had a “peoplely” day, I really have to be alone to recharge. It takes everything out of me to be with lots of people. Yet, I do like socializing with others and experiencing life with other people. Maybe large groups aren’t my thing? 🤷🏻♀️
9. Why in the 21st century with all this technology do we still have people who die because of lack of food and water?
This not a tech problem… this is a people problem and I’ll just leave this right here.
10.Have you ever donated something to someone who has less than you?
Yes all the time.
11.Do you have a Boy/girlfriend or wife or husband?
I do! I’m married and have been for 15 years and together for almost 18 years this September!
MY QUESTIONS:
1.Do you make Money off you blog?/ What purpose do you think your blog serves?
2.Scary Movies, Comedies, or Action?
3.Favorite Season and why?
4. Life changing moment that changed your direction in life?
5.Salty foods or sweet?
6.Have you ever broken your parents heart?
7.What do you want to be when you grow up?
8. Are you someone that likes to try different things or stick to what you know?
9.How many states have you LIVED in?
10.Do you like to drink tea or coffee?
11. What’s your favorite book, blog, or tv show, podcast, Youtube channel at the moment?
Please don’t feel like you have to participate in this. However, I do want you know I enjoy your blog to the nominated above. Your post do more than entertain, they inspirer, encourage and for me personal they let me know I’m not alone. That’s everything.
Thank you my dear my Stu for giving me The Mystery Blogger Award! I am honored that my blog is even read at all, let alone thought of for an award… so thank you!
Please! Go check out Something To Stu Over and be inspires and become motivated to be a better writer and person! At least that’s what his blog has done for me!
I had no idea Mystery Blogger Award? So after reading Stu’s blog, here’s what he had:
“It’s an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging, and they do it with so much love and passion.”
Here are the rules: (which I will not follow 100%)
Put the award logo/image on your blog ✓
List the rules✓
Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog✓
Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well✓
Answer the 5 questions you were asked✓
Tell your readers 3 things about yourself✓
You have to nominate 10 – 20 people X
Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog✓
Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question✓
Share a link to your best post(s) ✓
Here are the questions Stu’s posed to his nominees:
1. Out of all the characters in Looney Tune land which one is your favorite?
I have a few favorites but I think I’m going to have to go with Gossamer. The reason is because I feel like I most relate. Gossamer means fragile, transparent and delicate but yet this charter is a big, giant, red monster that is destructive….can we say me.
2. What was your favorite bedtime story growing up?
I’m favorite story wasn’t a real book but a story that my Grandpa would tell me even once I was old enough to know it wasn’t true. I still would choose to believe it was anyway.
My Grandpa would tell me that he had a little man that lived in his watch. This little man that would hammer away at the gears the make his watch tick and then my Grandpa would put his watch up to my ear so that I could indeed hear the little man at work hammering away.
One day my Grandpa told me that the little man had got sick and had stopped working. My Grandpa again put his watch up to my ear and he was right! I didn’t hear little man hammering anymore. So my Grandpa took the watch and the little man to Sears, where the doctor was to get the little man some help! What do you know! The little man was all better and back to work in no time at all! I loved that!
The little man would come down with a cold from time to time and we would take him back to the “Sears doctor” and then the little man would be better again! My Grandpa would prove it to me by putting the watch back up to my ear and then I knew it was real!
This will be my favorite story ever!💝
3. Your child comes home from school and tells you they have been bullied, how do you react, what do you tell them?
I’m about to kick an 8 year old ACE! Just kidding!
I’m upset of course. I hate this part of being parent but it’s going to happen.
I would have to have a real understanding of the situation and if I needed to go to the school and intervene or not. Now a days kids die over this stuff and it’s scary! Having already dealt with the issue with both my teenager (son) being a target and my younger one (daughter), I starts this way:
I have to explain to them that usually this comes from the bully being insecure and trying fit in somewhere. They’re trying to be cool and look tough so they make want to someone else feel small and weak.
This is why it vital that our kids happiness and comes from inside themselves and not others. They need to know they are important and loved not because of the clothes that they wear or the Apple phone they have or how many likes on Instagram they get. That doesn’t make you a good person. It’s how to treat others, how much you love, care about life, your gratefulness and compassion. Your strength in your weakness, which can be hard to explain to a child.
This is hard to answer because we live in a very shady world sadly but I do believe when our kids are bullied with words we have to remind them that they are loved so much by a greater, bigger power then sun…the one who created the sun! And middle school and high school are seconds of their lives in the big scheme of things, it all gets better and these words that this person says now will all be nothing in a few years. We have to build them up. Get them in actives and Youth Groups with other people who will build our kids up and give them an armor against nasty people they will meet along the way because even as adult they are still out there.
Now if someone hits you…You defend yourself 100%. I got your back!
4. If you watch old black and white movies at all, which is your favorite?
Gone With Wind
It’s a Wonderful Life
Wizard of OZ (I know only part of it)
5. (Now it is time for the weird/strange question)
Okay, I have one. Why do you feel God created fleas, mosquitoes, and any other little bug that drives us absolutely crazy?
Man! I wish I knew! I guess to annoy us?
3 things about SKelly:
I have a son Tristan that just turned 14! Which is great because now I can make him do more yard work! But don’t feel bad for him…He get paid for it!I have a very sassy daughter that turn 9 Aug 14, Gigi. She thinks she 18… Lordt help me!
My husband is amazing and without him I’d lost. We truly are a team. I just have to say that. Maybe not a real fact about me but I am truly thankful for his love and patience. This year we will be married for 15 years and together a total for 18 years. God is Good!
My dream job would be to get a large barn or two and a few acres of land and take on unwanted/old dogs and be their last forever home, along with finding homes for special needs/ hard to place dogs. I could write more about this forever! I really would love to protect and love on the unwanted ( shouldn’t haven’t have bought) pups. To get a good Veterinarian to back me, I feel like I could make a huge different. My heart would be so full!
*I am breaking the rules officially on nominating others on many of the awards I receive from here on out. I feel that having to nominate 10 to 20 bloggers per award actually devalues the award and it takes away from the fun of doing an award. 1 to 5 nominees should be plenty. That is where I stand on the issue. I hope you all understand and can appreciate this.*
This trip has been emotional for me in so me way. More than anything this trip did it’s job for me. It reminded me who I am and why I do the things that I do….Whether wrong or right.
Now we’re making our way west, back to California. I know without any doubt that things won’t be easier. However, I do feel differently… for once. I’m at a loss of words to describe what that means. All I know is I’m going to be fine.
There were tears saying goodbye and seeing my sons face broke my heart. Goodbyes are hard no matter what.
On TheRoad
Now headed back to California I know I have plenty of work ahead of me. Jason and I have talked a lot and I think we’re on the same page. We need to be! It’s going to be good for all of us. I have a good feeling!
We’ve done lots of talking and planning and we motivative. We’re ready to get to work, even though it’s not going to be easy at all, this family is worth it!
In a few weeks I’ll get updated on my blog and process all the drafts that I’ve already written. I know there’s probably a lot I’ve written I may never share but there’s also somethings I think I need to. Because I talk to no one but this blog… this is my safe place.
So yes, I’ll be fine. This family is totally fine. It’s all gonna come together and something’s are changing and other things aren’t. Some people will be happy and others won’t. Like always I can’t do anything about other people… but I can love, learn and pray!
I sat back waiting to board our plane and I felt overwhelmed with joy as I watched my kids eye swell with tears of happiness.
All three of us have missed home, Colorado. Missed my Dad, my Mom, Grandparents and my Aunt so much. I miss my friends!
Landing In CO
It was awesome to get to my parents house. I was so excited to see my sister and her kids! The sound of the cousins playing together is the best sound ever!
My sister and I went to get coffee and talk for a bit. We stopped in and saw my Mom at her work to surprise her! It was a good first half… kind of day.
Next…
The next day 7/10 is my birthday and I’ll share that with y’all in a few.
We also planned a trip to Wray, CO 7/11 to visit my Grandparents, my Aunt and uncle, and my cousins… Hopefully some close friends!
Jason is actually doing quite amazing on his own in California and I’m so proud of him! I miss him too pieces and I knew that I would! I know that we are using this time apart wisely and when it’s time for us to come back together we will be even better than we could ever have imagine! #dreamteam #forlife
Sorry I don’t have a Lot of links to share with you on this post but it’s got to be quick! I’m just doing this from my phone on spur of the moment. I hope that you enjoy these posts and that you’ll stick along for the ride!
Since March I have been keeping a journal of everything that I eat, all symptoms and also my workouts.
Just to fresh anyone who cares… I’m in my 30’s going through menopause! Yay me!
I also have a migraines conditions that can cause a “seizure like” effect on my brain/body if I don’t do everything I need to to control it-which can be tricky.
Recently, my neurologist has been testing and observing me for Belly’s Palsy.
What’sHappening So Far
I turned in my journals to my doctor only Friday (7/8/19), so I’m not sure what she thinks yet. But I’ll tell you I do workout, eat well and take my meds like I’m supposed to.
This makes it very frustrating when my weight only goes up! From December to March I had lost 13 lbs and I was killing my self to get that done.
I woke up at 4am to get to the gym, then I would workout a second time at the park by my kids school. When I was done with that workout I would do yoga at home and then do a long, fast paced walk for 45 minutes to an hour before I pick them up from school. At one point I was doing another decent hike with Jason when he got home from work!
Trust me when I say…I was pissed that I had only lost 13lbs after all that and was only eating carrots and cottage cheese everyday!
Oh JOY another day of veggies
Since then I’ve actually maintained that weight loss okay but 3-5lbs here and there will stick around. However, I haven’t lost a single pound since!
My workouts and eating has changed a bit. I couldn’t keep that nightmare up so now I do a light yoga stretching in the morning and at night but have days when I work my core area harder. My new workout routine in more focused and I do it almost everyday, with somedays being longer or shorter than others. I like it but I am not losing and I look that same.
My eating haven’t changed a crazy amount. I fast for long periods during the day and drink lots water. I have had a soda 🥤 or cookie every now and then but I intake far less calories and Still I remain a cow 🐮…well in my eyes.
Hormones & Other Meds
My medications do a lot of good for me and a lot of harm. That sucks!
It’s because of medicine that I’m able to have headaches free days and my body is free of aches and pains. But medicine comes with so many side effects too! I gain weight, my eyes burn, I’m sleepy, forget things and even my writing is effected. My cognitive skills are just slower sadly. My energy is drained.
So then I’m giving another medication and that one should help with one thing but has it’s own side effects too. Stomach pain, dry mouth, stuffy head and mood swings… this is my life!
At some point I have to get off the roller coaster!
What Will I do?
I honestly don’t know what the answer is! I’ve been fighting this for along time. I do my research and I think the doctors try too.
Right now I take only what I feel I need for myself emotionally and mentally. Then there’s what I need because of my hysterectomy. I have to be on hormone replacements for that. The rest is all About healing my body and replacing what is missing. If that makes any sense?
If it’s not going to help me then I don’t want it!
Self care & Meditation 🧘♀️
I use to live be Meditation! This is something I’ve been doing before and after my Bible Study. This has made a massive difference in my health.
I also have started to moisturizer 🧴 like crazy! I use my essential oil everywhere! In the shower, out of the shower, with my face wash, my facial moisturizer and even with my primer before makeup and I cannot believe how it’s helps me.
I use less Advil for pain for aches and pain. I don’t use chemicals on my skin or for breakouts. Honestly, I have so many less breakouts that I don’t worry about that much now.
The oils
**Different oils help with different things. Some with physical pain and others emotional/mental pain.
**Helps me to sleep or give me energy
**Helps with focus, concentration and creativity.
**Other times I just use them to be in a peaceful, calming state to relax
I again want to thank my WordPress Following and everyone else who supports, likes & share & comments!
This Blog has been by far the best medicine for my soul. The people I’ve connected with have been a big part of my healing and direction to brighter place. I’m so very thankful!
A Hometown State of Mind is just what I need to get centered… the get back to the fabric that made me.
I was sitting here trying to recall my last visit home? It’s sad that actually I can’t remember. Christmas in 2017 we went as a family and it was a rushed trip! My anxiety was terribly! I was home once before that in June 2016 I think, for Father’s day, to surprise my parents. That visit was a less than 45 hour turn around for me and I back in Minnesota!
Jason, I and the kids did a short stop in Colorado when we were journeying to California but I was on special orders, that I had NO TIME to make plans with a soul… so I saw no one. We only spent one single night at my parents house before we hit the road again.
Spending less than 2 hours, saying a quick hello-goodbye to my Aunt, Uncle and Grandparents in Wray, CO but then it was all business again and we were back on the road. It wasn’t what I wanted at all. I was really missing and needing my friends and family then. This was probably the start of my down-ward spiral into major depression, I just didn’t know how bad at the time.
All of my two visits to my hometown have been very rushed. Jason can’t take on the kids or handle more responsibilities than his job, so he tends to panics when I’m not around to handle the living-being in our care. Even this current visit coming up to Colorado, Jason is in a frenzy about me leaving and I’m taking the kids with me this time! I mean, let me live, Dude!
Home sick…
My One solo trip to CO
I will always love my home. Colorado
I favorite place will always be the mountains
You just never know what you’ll see but this made me smile Colorado
I have seen so many beautiful different fields but by far my favorited is golden fields of wheat North Dakota
South Dakota…somewhere
Beautiful views all around on this long road trip
I favorite place will always be the mountains
Meeting Aunt Jessie for breakfast in Lakewood,CO before hitting the road for CA
Visiting My some of my very favorite people on this earth my Wray/Magruder Fam in Wray, Colorado
You just never know what you’ll see but this made me smile Colorado
Time for some fun and laugher with people that I miss and love, in a place that I once called home.
It’s been a long time since I really laughed, like a real belly laugh. You know the laughs that make your face go ugly and you start to cry but it feels so good! I need that! I need the ugly, tear streaming down your face kind of laugh! I haven’t had a whole lot of happiness going on for awhile! It’s been too long and I’ve been on survival mode! There’s been no time with friends, no conversations with a single human or really living my best life in this world at all. I’ve been just barely getting by! I’ve said this too many times…I’m like a rat in a cage! But I’ve allow this to happen to me. I did this to myself!
My happiness comes from inside me and that’s an awesome freedom and scary reality!
I miss my friends, my family and my home. Mostly, I miss making my own life choices and having some freedom in my choices! What I’ve realized is, I can take control of my life and my happiness. It is possible…I can be a leader in my own life. However, not everyone will always be happy with my choices and I have to be okay with that. I also have to know I am responsible for the outcome. I can’t put it on anyone else.
I mean it hasn’t been all bad, I’ve definitely learn some valuable lessons along the way! I’ve made lifetime friends in Minnesota! I’ll be forever grateful for the Andersons and their friendship. California has been a real B***H! It’s because of my brokenness that I found my hope.
While I’m in Colorado I’ll have some time to remember the good times and get caught up with some old friends. I’m excited to have this time to be with my friends and not have anyone to push or pull me into a direction they want. I need this break and I think Jason needs it too.
No Place like home…
So Tuesday I and the kids will be in Colorado for a month. I don’t know what to say other than, I ask for prayers during this time. I’m sure the kids need this just as bad as I do, to see their cousins and grandparents. We needs to be part of something and feel safe and sound again. Our security has been shot. Our peace has been ripped apart but we are on the mend. I have hope for us.
I’ll keep my blog updated with “life”! I’m excited to see where God leads us. I have faith He is hard at work.
