Tag Archives: Truth

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

50/50

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Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

I’ve always wanted to be at this point. Not have a smart phone, a computer for media, etc. but it’s too realistic in todays world. Because as much I would love to live simply; there are reasons I need a way to stay connected.

Like my family. We all live apart. FaceTime has been a game changer. My kids know their grandma, uncles, aunts, and cousins. We only see each other in person maybe once or twice a year. But my mom can still watch her grand babies grow up in real time. This one is hard to change. But I suppose I could go back to writing letters with pictures included.

Another is recipes. I use the internet most to find new recipes. Even though I’m constantly trying new things; we get to a point that feels like I’m just in a cycle of recipes. So I find a few more to add into my cycle. I’m constantly doing this. But this one I could switch over to getting cookbooks.

This blog. When I get a moment to write down something; it means I’m still using my creativity side of my brain. Just because I’m so busy, I don’t want to loose that side of me. This one, I could just switch to a journal. This blog is a digital journal.

Media. I really want to get to the point where our entertainment watching is just DVDs or Blu-ray’s. Because then I know what my kids are watching. And with all the things happening in the entertainment industry I’ve stopped watching new things. I have favorites and I just watch them over and over. I’ve never been someone to watch something new. I have to be in the mood. This one is easy to solve if you have unlimited money. Since everything is going digital, dvds and Blu-ray’s are getting to be more expensive. So I have to just slowly add movies to our collection.

Photos. This one is difficult. I don’t want my pictures digital, especially with AI becoming more and more meddling in our lives. I don’t want pictures of my kids to be used elsewhere… so I want to switch. But the convenience of capturing a moment on your phone in an instant is so…I can’t think of the word. But it’s hard to stop. Also I can receive photos of my nephews and nieces. I get to watch them grow up so conveniently. so again this one probably tied into the letter writing. Also scrap booking. Just think that takes time, that I barely have time for.

So I’m at war with this topic. I would love to ditch my digital world. But I don’t know if I will ever get to. Time will tell.

“Dare to go through the tunnel into a different way of life?“
Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

Two…

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What skill would you like to learn?

Yes. There are two skills I would love to learn. One is unrealistic for me currently. But the other is possible.

The first one is be able to build anything I can think of. Carpentry skills. I have so many ideas that I would love to be able to just make them. But currently I’m pregnant. And I have so many other jobs to do when taking care of a family and household. That when I do magically have free time I don’t want to do anything productive. And that magical free time is going to dwindle away as the next baby comes.

But I’m so happy I’m married to a man who has over fifteen years of carpentry experience that he can bring my ideas to life. (If he had the time) but he can at least make them a reality.

The second skill is small, but I wish I knew how to spin the pizza dough in my hands like professionals do. I still use a rolling pin. But I would love to learn that skill. But I don’t want to waste the dough by trying. So unless some true master of pizza came to our house I’ll just stick with my way of making pizza.

The master would at least be impressed that now I make my pizza sauce from scratch. So I might impress them with my skills of making things from scratch.

This skill would be useful because my family seems wants to eat pizza at least once a week.

And I will say, even though I can’t build things. My husband says I’m a great helper when he is building. I’m good at helping. Helping is easier when I have no idea what’s going on. I just hold things when they need to be held, or give things when things are needed. So I am helping to build my ideas. The construction plan is him, but I’m helping with the inspiration and execution.

In case anyone is looking for a great pizza sauce recipe.

https://thefoodcharlatan.com/pizza-sauce-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-24708

It says to use canned tomatoes. I just use 28 oz of fresh tomatoes. With their skins on. And I cook it for 30min.
Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

If I Ever Get To Relax…

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How do you relax?

I don’t really know the answer to this question except like the simple answer of: my quiet time at bedtime.

But today I spent the early morning doing a puzzle with my daughter; and it was relaxing. I haven’t felt that way in a long time. It’s probably because we are on a vacation. So there’s no dishes, laundry, or cleaning.

So maybe vacations relax me; which is the purpose of a vacation. To relax.

So yeah, I don’t really have an answer…

Maybe playing solitaire. I’ve been playing solitaire at night to fall asleep. Because watching a movie or show keeps me awake.

My answers make me sound so mature. 😎 Haha!

Enjoy your evening. I’ll enjoy my vacation.

Art, Creativity, Reflections

A Battle.

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‘You can. It won’t hurt you. Just try it for a moment.’

“No! It will hurt me. I’m not going to do it again.”

‘You know you want to. If you don’t do it now you are just going to dream it.’

“No. I’m stronger. I can stay honest.”

‘Staying honest is not easy. Just take the easy route. Come and try again. You know you want to.’

“Stay strong. Stay strong.”

‘You are strong. That’s why you should try again. You are strong enough to have self control. I’m sure you will stop after this time.’

“I should stop now. Don’t falter. It’s trying to trick you.”

‘I’m not trying to trick you. I’m trying to encourage you to enjoy some happiness; instead of hiding from it. Come.’

“Maybe I could try for a short moment. Maybe I would be able to stop on my own terms. Maybe…”

‘Yes. Yes. You know yourself. You know what is good for you. You know what you need. This can help you.’

“It might help me. I’ve been having a feeling that something was missing from my life. Maybe this is it. The thing that helps me relax.”

‘You deserve to relax after everything you have gone through these last few days. You owe it to yourself to unwind and enjoy your quiet time. Come.’

“Yeah. Nothing is wrong about enjoying something. That it helps me relax after a long hard day. I deserve this after all my sacrifice throughout the day.”

‘So true. Come.’

“But wait…should I be doing this? I have been good for several days. And I always feel nauseous and disgusted after doing it again. Maybe…”

‘Don’t listen to anyone but me. I’m on your side. The other voice is trying to take away all the joy in your life. Just listen to me and find the finer things in life.’

“Right. Think about me, and what I want. Okay!”

‘Good. Good.’

…Moments later…

“I feel sick to my stomach. Please forgive me God! Why did I do that? Why would I listen to that voice.”

‘Because everyone always listens to me. I’m the voice everyone try’s to ignore and stay away from. But they always crumble and listen eventually. I revel in your defeat! Victory is on my side!’

“What have I done? What have I done? Forgive me. Please heal my heart and clean my soul. Make me stronger. Make me able to withstand the voice of darkness. But also, make me better at listening to the voice of lightness. Please help me.”

‘You don’t actually mean that. Why would you not want me. I’m…’

“No! I’m done listening to you. Shut up and leave!”

‘But…’

“LEAVE!!”

Silence…

“Can you forgive me? Can you let me know you hear me?”

‘You did fail at listening to my voice. I’m not the voice to be a kill joy. I’m the voice to keep you on your path. The only path. But you continue to falter and listen to the voice of darkness. You block out my calls.’

“I’m so sorry. Please! Forgive me. I need you to be louder. Be louder than the other voice.”

‘I am loud. But you deafen me by ignoring my calls. You would rather fail than fight. You need to fight with me, and not against me.’

“I’m going to! I will! I promise!”

‘Your promises never seem to last long. It’s been about a week since our last conversation. Will you fight with me for all the years to come. To never sub-come to hear the other voice. Block it out from your ears?’

“I want to!! I’ve been trying to. It’s just so hard. But I’m going to. Today. I will fight alongside of you. Let us be one. Show me the path.”

‘Okay. Let’s go.’

…

Everyone struggles with something. And not everyone will have these types of conversations inside their bodies, but it can happen. It’s a battle between you, a demon, and the Holy Spirt. You can be strong for years, weeks, or days. And then falter. No one is perfect.

But you can fight it. God will help you. You just have to fight the fight with Him.

Fight the Fight!!

Digital Art
By: emily2jane
9-02-24

Inspired by today’s post.

Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

I Remember Life Before iPhones.

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Do you remember life before the internet?

I was never a popular person with following trends. I was always a step behind. Which I was fine with; I was blessed to have what I had.

Like when the iPod came out I still rocked my Walkman. Then the shuffle came out and I got an iPod. I had that iPod for several years.

Around the same time, I had one of those awesome flip phones. It could flip two ways; I thought I was some cool stuff. (Turns out my husband had one too. Haha!)

I remember life before the internet. I was just so young that I was just outside playing. It’s not like it was an obvious milestone. It was just my childhood. But I remember when the iPhone was new. But I have no idea when I got my first one.

My family took turns using the upgrade with our cellular plan. I know I used an upgrade for the awesome flip phone!!

I can say life was simpler. I miss it; but I use my phone for everything now. My blog, new recipes, digital art, movies, FaceTime, etc. I could use a laptop for all those things but the FaceTime is so lucrative living so far away from family.

If could switch to an iPhone that could only call, text, take photos, and FaceTime, I would. But I don’t think those exists anymore. And if I’m allowed all the options I’m going to use them because they are convenient. So it’s a never ending spiral of being dependent on my phone.

But life before the iPhone is no longer attainable…which is saddening.

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections, Uncategorized

Things…

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What are you good at?

I could list the “easy answers”, but I want to go more in depth. (The quotations is because I like to do the things, but I’m not claiming to be the best.)

I could list art, writing, swimming, dancing, etc. However I want to list other things I’m good at. That are unique to me.

Like I’m good at being a fair referee. No matter if I’m playing or not I want it to be kept fair. This was a skill I needed in coaching. No matter what, I kept it fair. Especially in ultimate frisbee. So much cheating would have gone on if I didn’t keep them honest.

I am also good at befriending the ones left behind. I would say I prefer it. Usually there is that friend that doesn’t fit into the group; and the group alienates them. Unless for severe reasons, I usually gravitate to those types of people. Being different is not a bad thing; it’s just different. My favorite saying is, “Normal is a setting on a washing machine.” I don’t know where it came from but that’s pretty much my motto.

I’m good at not procrastinating. This helped a lot when I was in high school and community college. I was the student to get the homework done weeks before it was due. (I was a definite teacher pet…) but I would turn in the assignments early so that the teacher could give me feedback so that my assignments would receive A+!! Yes, I was that student.

I think I’m also good at admitting when I’m wrong. This one has taken many years; but I believe I’ve gotten somewhat better at. But believe me, there are times where I want to be petty and not say a word, but I’ve come to realization that it’s hurting me not the other person. For me to be happy, I need to admit mistakes, forgive, and move onward.

Thinking outside the box is actually quite difficult. Because you may start off thinking you’re one thing, but putting it into words is impossible.

Have a wonderful Sunday 🥰

Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

This Is A Tough One

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How do you feel about cold weather?

This is tough. I guess it would all depend on what time in the year is it? Because it’s it supposed to be Spring and it still snowing; Nope I’m definitely Not a fan!

But if it Summer and you have been slowly melting. Like you feel like your face has melted down to your shoulders. And the only relief you feel is the cold shower before bed; then yes! I’m excited about the cold coming.

Just where we live I would only wish it would stay in its designated months.

Like one year. (I was dumb, and impatient.) I had planted a massive amount of seeds inside. Because I wanted a huge garden. And since it doesn’t start to warm up until mid May I had to keep everything inside since January.

But seriously enough was enough! It looked like a green house in my enclosed patio. That needed space was no longer accessible.

So. It was around the 2nd week of May and it had been sunny and rainy for most of it. I had been told to wait until after Memorial Day, but I was impatient. So I spent almost 8 hrs transplanting all the plants. Tomatoes, Lettuce, Onions, carrots, cilantro, potatoes, green beans, sweet peas, cucumbers, etc. Everything you could think of I had started from seed. But importantly from heirloom seed.

But so I transplanted everything. And it was all fine. Everything was happy to have more sun and way more space!!

Only to have a night frost happen 2 days before Memorial Day and kill almost everything. I think 2 of the 13 tomato plants survived. All the green beans froze and shriveled. Everything above ground perished. I was so sad. Because we had been planning on having our vegetables covered for at least a few months.

But I was impatient and I suffered the consequences. Our harvest that year was so sad.

All this to say. I like cold, but not when it springs up from no where and ruins all your hard work. Because I had been told by several different local people that the frost was over; that it should be fine to plant outside. But that’s what I get for not listening to the year-round farmers in the area. They are the ones to listen to, because it’s their livelihood is at stake.

So to answer the question it would be yes. I like the cold after the hot hot Summer. But also no; if it has not departed in a timely manner.

I miss Spring. Anywhere else, Spring is my favorite season.

Enjoy your Monday. 🌸

I did not have a relaxing Sunday like I had hoped. Instead my kiddos decided to have meltdowns all day, since their daddy is away on a trip. We miss him dearly. I miss being sane.

So a shout out to all the good husbands out there! Your help is always wanted. You keep us, moms, at bay from insanity! Give your husband a hug today. Just randomly. I’ll give mine a virtual one. 😊

Photo
By: emily2jane
5-19-24

My daughter picked me so many wildflowers!! We are going to plant some today.

Adventures, Daily Prompts, Reflections

Done Many Dumb Things…But No.

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Have you ever broken a bone?

I’ve never actually truly broken a bone. I’ve been hurt. Severely hurt, but it’s never been broken.

I can think back through my childhood and remember sprains and deep bruises, and torn muscles. But no broken bones.

I wore roller blades in the house without a helmet on the second story, and fell down the stairs. But miraculously I was okay.

I tried the “sledding” when on a skateboard with my dog towing me, and she went so fast I fell off the skateboard and scraped almost all my skin off my limbs but no broken bones.

Swimming, I hit someone in the head with my thumb so hard they got a huge bruise, and my thumb throbbed, but no broken bones.

I ran into a teammates shoulder (with my face) and got my lip pressed into my braces. Lots of blood but nothing broke. Not even the braces.

I punched myself in the face with a paint scraper. Gave myself a minor concussion and lost some blood. An Ambulance had to come and take me to the hospital because I passed out while standing. But no broken bones.

I hurt my back enough that it stopped my swimming career, but the doctors couldn’t find the culprit.

There’s several more things. I know I sprained the same elbow more than four times. But it was never enough to break any bones.

Probably why my kids are so resilient. Their bones are strong like their mama.

I guess the only time it might have counted was when I was really little. I don’t know exactly what age…eight…ten…? Something like that. Just imagine two brothers and one sister. Plus two hula hoops over lapped. The brothers were on the outside, the sister (me) in the middle. The brothers begin to play tug-o-war. The sister trips and falls, and the brothers fall on top of her. Which causes the sister to bust up her lip and twist and chip a tooth. So much blood.

I still have it to this day. I could get it capped but it doesn’t bother me. It also has memories. Yes, some bad memories, but also I remember playing with my brothers. That day was almost twenty years ago. Wow. Time does fly.

So I guess I did break something. One tooth. I’m doing pretty good for being a adventurous child. I did so many dumb things in the past.

Enjoy your Sunday!! I will be having a quiet peaceful Sunday with my kiddos. ❤️ Also!

Happy Birthday Mama!!! 💕

Digital Art
By: emily2jane
5-19-24
Creativity, Word Of The Day

Word Of The Day: Turbid 2-16-24

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Synonyms: murky, muddy, thick, cloudy, clouded, etc.

.-.-.

The turbid liquid,

Stirred before me.

I used to find comfort,

Instead I have misery.

The joy is gone;

The laughter too.

I’m left with murky,

Thick…

Cloudy Coffee.

It’s bitter,

It’s brown.

Now all I do is frown.

Goodbye my old friend.

I’ll never drink you again.

.-.-.

Obviously this poem is about coffee, but it’s truly about the lost love for coffee. When I became pregnant with my daughter I gave up coffee. It was difficult, because I enjoyed the smell, the flavor, and just the warm drink in the morning.

I switched to a tea; which is good, but not yummy like I remember the coffee being. But I’ve been caffeine free for almost 8 years. Well for the most part.

If we are on a trip or my husband desperately needs my help I have a mocha frappe with real coffee. All the sugar and caffeine makes me an energizer bunny. But I’ve also given up sugar. So that option is no more. Now I have to drink plain old coffee.

Which I used to love! I’d have coffee with milk. Simple. But now that’s so bitter to me.

I’ve had an occasional decafe coffee and I never can drink all of it, so I’ve given up. I think coffee is not meant for me.

Which makes me feel boring. Like coffee was the thing that connected me to people my age. And I already have a tough time talking to people…now I’ve chopped out the simplest conversation starter. Haha!

Well after all that…I’m just sad to say goodbye to coffee. It’s been a part of my life since I was 15. Now a part of me is gone.

Enjoy your weekend. Enjoy a cup of coffee!!

Just a few cups I’ve gotten over the years. I need to cross out boyfriend and write husband….I love giant cups!!

Life As A Mama, Reflections

So tired.

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I’ve been having trouble sleeping. I know why, but it’s been difficult to change my weird schedule.

I’ve been staying up late until 1-2am and my son wants to wake up at 5am. But I’ve been doing that for maybe the last week.

At night it’s my alone time, and when I divulge in binge watching shows.

But man it’s hitting me today. The husband wanted to play video games last night so I went into the room early. And magically I was tired at 11pm. And I went to sleep. And I woke up just before 7am. And I’m still exhausted.

I’ve been trying to put my son in his own bed, but the motion of laying him down wakes him up instantly. So I have to wait until he is dead asleep. which is about 1am.

So tired.