Monday, April 30, 2012

Is that an apple pie you have baking in the oven?

Want to treat your family to an inexpensive indulgence, to be enjoyed when you're at home together? Buy a lamp ring! A lamp ring is an essential oil diffuser. They come in several materials, ie terracotta, brass and ceramics. Apply several drops of essential oil to the ring( a groove goes around the circumference) and place it on a cool light  bulb. When the light is turned on, the heat from the bulb vaporizes the oil, filling the room with fragrance.

Use Bay, Rosemary, Ginger or Nutmeg essential oils to give the air a culinary flavor. Use Rose, Lavender, or Geranium essential oils to feel like you're walking in a garden. Put Eucalyptus, Peppermint, or Citrus essential oils in the lamp ring of the sick room. It will help to open nasal passages! No flames or electricity needed; this is a very clean way to enjoy fragrant surroundings.

You can get a couple of diffusers and essential oils for around $20.00. Try Amazon.com and Crabtree and Evelyn.com or any Target or Pottery Barn for your purchases! Safe, economical and soothing, Lamp Diffusers create a loving and sweet-smelling environment for your family's interiors.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Back?

Walking along the beach, I look out into the noonday ocean and see a rowboat drifting on the waves. As it drifts closer,I see there's a man, stretched out, sleeping in it. I call to him- he doesn't answer. "Ramon,Ramon," I call. Why Ramon? Who knows,it just flows out.... naturally.

As the boat reaches the shore, the man stirs and awakens.. he sits up. Although he has a baby face and a slight build, I can tell he's in his early thirties. I offer him some water from my jug and he gulps it down like he's been ten years at sea. As he finally lowers the jug from his lips, he looks at me and starts to smile.He recognizes me, although he doesn't know from where. I'm taken aback because now it's me remembering him: it was a soft, summer's day when he rowed away; not a cloud in the sky."Mama, I'll be back before night. Don't worry." A deep sadness overtook me as I waved good-bye to all the peace and tranquility I'd ever known.

That was some twenty years ago and NOW this disastrous ocean has delivered him back to me? Am I dreaming? Am I? I lean over to kiss his cheek...

Ramon?



©paulabrown.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012


She sells seashells by the seashore( but we get ours for free!)

One of the best things to do while at the beach is to collect seashells. They are nature's most beautiful jewels. All shapes, colors and sizes....well,c'mon...get your shovel and bucket, follow me and let's start digging! Below are a few suggestions for what to do with the shells, after you get them home:

1) Put your shells in a big decorative basket; line the bottom with balled up newspaper, cover with a colorful fabric and arrange your "jewels" on the top. Use your creativity to make something your friends and family will swoon over!

2) Visit your thrift shop for a plain, inexpensive picture frame.Use your seashells along with beads, feathers,sparkle dust, glue, etc. to make a fancy masterpiece!

3) Journey to the craft store in your area and ask them (for a small fee) to drill holes in to your shells for jewelry making. The larger shells make wonderful pendants. Use the smaller ones for earrings or as charms for a unique bracelet!

4) Crush* your seashells to make a mosaic-type picture. A craft website will give you ideas about techniques and designs!

5) Big clam shell halves make beautiful soap dishes.Use them as is, no extra decoration is needed!

WOW, use the above ideas to turn your beach jewels into gifts for yourself, family and friends! Do you have any ideas to add? Please leave your helpful comments below and have a GREAT day!

(1) idea from  "So Crafty" website
*Crush shells under your feet. Put a towel over them and step forcibly with hard-bottom shoes on.

Matt. 28:6 | Make it Share it.

Matt. 28:6 | Make it Share it.
My joy within!
GLORY!

Friday, April 20, 2012

http://paulabrown1.muzy.com/post/38409971-flowers-for-him

Blue skies, anyone?

Staying in "thankful" mode, keeps you uplifted, enabling you to rise above dark thoughts. No matter how you may feel about your achievements, or lack thereof, YOU CAN GIVE THANKS FOR HAVING MUCH!
Stop, right now (I'll wait for you!) and write down ten things that you're thankful for....tomorrow, same time, write another ten!
As I write this passage, my ten come quickly to mind: 1) Woke up sane 2)Breathing on my own 
                                                      3)Used bathroom on my own
                                                      4)Had a pleasant conversation, with my son, before he left for work.
                                                      5)Will prepare a hot lunch, and eat it with utensils, as opposed to being fed through a tube.
6)Listening to music with two functional ears
7)Inside, warm
8)Enjoying a sunny Spring day!
9)Neighbors are quiet today (one day at a time) smiles*
10)Internet is up with no interruptions in service.


My ten. I could have easily kept going..how about you?

Darkness exists, but you CAN minimize it in your own life. Count your blessings often. Staying thankful brightens your attitude, increases faith, invites love.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Monday, April 16, 2012

Parsley, sage...

"Green-up" your thumb with little risk; grow an herb garden on your windowsill. Although anyone can do it, it's a perfect task for a city dweller (apartment tenant), because it takes up a small amount of space. Wouldn't it be wonderful to pull off oregano from your planter and throw it in your homemade spaghetti sauce, while it simmers on the stove? Or how about making tea with peppermint leaves from your 'sill garden? Let's see how to do it:

1) You'll need a windowsill that gets a lot of natural sunlight (preferably southern exposure).
2) Purchase a bag of potting soil, some culinary herb seeds and a planter.
3) Water regularly and go light on the fertilizer, combining multiple herbs in one pot as long as they have the same moisture and lighting needs.
4) Wait for the plants to reach 6-8 inches before harvesting any leaves and only take about a quarter of the plant or less at any one time.

If you tend to like a particular herb very much, have two and three of these plants growing at once.
Growing an herb garden on your windowsill is a small price to pay to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. Not only is it economical, it answers the call to be creative...using your hands!


*Facts taken from the article: "How to grow an herb garden" by Sara Elliot.

Friday, April 13, 2012

http://paulabrown1.muzy.com/post/37152598-paulabrown

Repost from riseaboveitnow.blogspot.com (dated May 15, 2006)

Monday, May 15, 2006

Today, Father God, asked me, "What has changed daughter?" My only response was to reply,"Nothing." I still travel and go wherever I want. When I get money, I shop. I go out anytime of the day or night. I see and keep company with whomever I wish and I still catch an occasional movie with my son, Quincy.

The library is still my favorite place to go ; I still go often to access the Internet. I still do the laundry on Sunday mornings and I still enjoy Mrs. Fields' cookies. I'm building quite a DVD collection and Law & Order is still my favorite television program. I still love Whoppers and Big Macs with cheese. I still pick my mail up at the post office in Queens.

Still can't fight my way out of a paper bag. Still do the Wonderworld puzzle in the daily newspaper.

After all the Voodoo, Witchcraft, Santeria, Blackmagic, Juju, ugly demonic looks, spitting, stares, innuendos and just plain ole bad behavior......


I'm here to tell you Father God, Nothing, absolutely Nothing has changed! All praise to You Father God and Your supernatural High Tower protecting me, always.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

What can we learn from talking to our senior citizens?

The senior citizens you come in contact with, in your nabe, are walking history books. They've lived through wars, economic highs and lows, mass migrations...opposition from all sides. Sit your  senior friend down with tape recorder in hand and learn. Most are ready to share their stories and have formulas for longevity living. The "ole time" ways of saving money, healing an ailment, communicating and raising a family, are the best and outweigh modern technology.More than likely, when asking an older citizen for information, they will "tell it like it was." They no longer have anything to prove and are objective when relating an incident. Of course, their personality will come into play,but it only adds color and vibrancy to the "trueness" of the tales.

My grandmother, Victoria Brown, was interviewed on tape right after her 100th birthday. Even though she's been gone some 20 years now, I clearly remember some of the gems she dropped into my life via DVD. The information she shared about money and living as a real woman, will be passed down to my children and beyond.

Our seniors have lived a long life, FULL of good and bad times. Talk to them, microphone in hand; get information to see your way, abundantly, into the next phase of your journey!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Yeah,
maybe it WAS us
dressed in black,


but now someone is telling us
to WATCH HEAVEN 'cause...
it's gonna blow!





paulabrown.

Thank-you, All!

If you own a small business, you know that it takes many people to keep it running smoothly. There are (1) Employees (2) Vendors (3) Customers and (4) Advisors. Thank each and every one of them on a regular basis:

1) Get to know your employees on a personal level. Be able to ask about their family members and what's going on with them. Make incentives available, so they can get price cuts at the movies, restaurants, etc.

2) Your vendors work hard on your behalf. They deliver their best and offer you discounts when they can. Say thank-you! For example, you're a soapmaker. Today's order of molds, dyes and fragrances was delivered- no leaks or damage, at all. When you place the next order, include a small note of thanks for their care in preparing your package. They'll be happy you noticed and it will enhance your customer service experience with them.

3) Let your long-time customers know that their loyalty does not go unnoticed! Offer discounts during the year in the form of coupons and give gift certificates on their birthday. Hold contests regularly, inviting the local press in to interview the winners. Your customers will feel special, knowing they're important to you.

4) What would we do without the lawyers, accountants and other advisors that have our backs? Once or twice a year, throw a small cocktail party inviting them and their guest to enjoy, eat and drink in a relaxing and loving atmosphere. Nothing extravagant; just a gesture of goodwill and friendship.

You will reap many benefits by going the extra mile to make everyone associated with your small business feel appreciated; in part, sales will go up, your employees will give you their best, and you'll always have your supplies, promptly, when you need them.
A simple and genuine "thank-you" goes a long way to ensure a successful small business!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Get Moving!

This morning I woke up with Spring Renewal, for my body, on my mind. I always thought Zumba would be the main flow for getting my body "right", but now I'm leaning towards a more spiritual, laid-back type of movement. Three types of undertakings in the running are: Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi.

1) Yoga: is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline originating in ancient India. Meditation, Hinduism and Divinity are concepts associated with Yoga. I've seen people doing Yoga...hmmmm,... all those twists and turns? I'll have to see if they have a beginner's guide for the voluptuous and curvy!

2) Pilates: is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, lean muscles,strength and endurance in the legs, abdominals,arms, hips and back. Emphasis is on spinal and pelvic alignment. Other key words associated with Pilates is breathing, balance and coordination. This movement sounds like a winner, for my particular needs. I feel I never get the full air capacity of my lungs...how about you? But wait; let's see what Tai Chi has to offer!

3) T'ai chi ch'uan: is a form of internal Chinese martial art, practiced for both it's defense training and health benefits! Health benefits: promotes balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Also helps those suffering from high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's , Alzheimer's and fibromyalgia.
I see many seniors in the parks across my town, practicing Tai chi in the early morning hours. It amazes me that those unassuming arm movements could contribute to a healthy, vital body!

Well, I have many things to think about, as well as more research to do, before I make a decision. Which movement should I pick? Do you do any of these? What's your suggestion? Please leave your helpful comments below. I appreciate the time you take to respond! Have a nice and "moving" day!

*Movement definitions via Wikipedia

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Can We March Now?

our feet look up and ask

the One above to

say

Yes....