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I Am... Mama and Writer

First Mama.  Then Writer.  Though, of late, the latter has consumed a great deal of time as I work to get things in order to potentially be ...

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I'm thankful for slow days and family time.  I'm grateful for family traditions and trying new things in a safe and comfy way.

We are regular Americans here in the Gollihugh household.  We do things a bit differently, here and there.  One tradition we changed happens to be for Thanksgiving.  We decided (maybe the children and I and Jessie has sorta just gone along with it??) that we would forego the traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving.

It happened very "organically" last year.

A couple nights before Thanksgiving last year we had a hankerin' for sushi.  We didn't have much of the makings, but we had a few things (like the ingredients to make sushi rice and nori, so we made a go of it).  Actually... Jessie MADE it, I just encouraged him along.  And MAN! did he make a GO of it!  We ended up with what we'll call "redneck sushi" and it was fabulous!  We had a roll with green apples in it, a spicy tuna roll made of tun from a can, and another few rolls.  It was scrumptious!

All that wonderful redneck sushi made us want more, so we went to the store and purchased a few things and planned to have more for Thanksgiving.  Since we were going to have sushi, we decided to make it an Asian meal.  I prepared lumpia (with two sauces), okonomiyaki, and Jessie made lots and lots of sushi rolls!  It was AWESOME!  We had okonomiyaki for a few days after.  The children still remember all of it (including the leftovers) with fondness!

This year, the requests were Taiwanese or Thai.  Well, as it happens, Taiwanese food is very much like Chinese.  It would've taken me a great deal more research time to find some authentic Tiawanese recipes.  It's a little easier to find Thai recipes (or, as we've coined it: Thai-ican recipes).  So, we had a lovely Thai dinner for our Thanksgiving dinner and it was FABULOUS!

We had Green Chicken Curry on Jasmine rice, cold broccoli salad, butternut squash cakes, butternut squash biscuit pudding, butternut squash spice bread, and pineapple banana coconut milk shake!  MAN!  Our bellies are very very FULL!

God is good.  Even when things in my life don't feel quite as wonderful as they do right now.  God is GREAT!

http://importfood.com/recipes/chicstiringreencurry.html


Monday, November 25, 2013

Meditation Monday #48

I'm still going strong, yall!  :)  I haven't yet figured out what my new 40 day challenge will be.  I'm holding steady with the two conquering anger meditations, though.  Hoping for more drastic changes in that area of my development.  *sigh*

Are you meditating?

Friday, November 22, 2013

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful to be well now.  Last week I was down with some sort of crud.  It wasn't as bad as it could've been since I know a thing or two about essential oils (Praise the Lord for THAT awesome provision).  I'm also a Young Living Distributor, if you're interested, let me know.

I'm grateful to have been ill.  Being sick provides a wonderful way of comparing wellness!  If I was always well, I wouldn't realize how wonderful it was to be well!  I certainly prefer to avoid being sick, but I'm striving to be thankful/grateful in ALL things.

My walks were out while I was sick, so I'm VERY glad and grateful to be back to that part of my morning routine.  Routines are very comforting (increasingly more so) to me.  It's very strange.  I used to think such a feeling was pretty lame.  It's AMAZING how much God is changing me!  I'm so grateful!



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Working Wednesday #5

My Ria's Lilla Rose Party turned out quite well.  She is very pleased with it's conclusion, as am I.

The Farmer's Market(s) are not happening because my tent is STILL in disrepair.  :(  I'm hoping for some satisfactory resolution very soon.

I continue to work on building my business online by seeking out bloggers with whom to do reviews and giveaways.  It could be a bit of work for bloggers, but they get a Free Flexi from me... if you love this hair jewelry or are looking for something comfy AND beautiful to hold your hair, it is totally worth it.  The bloggers I have worked with have been wonderful so far!

Networking can help our businesses and lives, too... Did you know more than 1/2 of job-seekers find their employment through networking?  I'm not really sure how to do it... the whole networking thing.... so it's like I'm feeling my way in the dark.  I know there are classes and online things you can pay for to teach about those things, but I just don't want to spend what I'm making for that.  I guess I'm willing to spend my time more than money.  Praying for leading always!

Being a Mama is always lots of work... especially as a Homeschooling Mama.  I'm definitely still doing that!  And my laundry room floor was actually bare at least once this week!  HA!!!  ^_^


Monday, November 18, 2013

Meditation Monday #47

Another 40 day meditation challenge completed without fanfare.  Totally didn't realize it was already upon me!  I finished on the 13th.  I'm still doing the challenge form and I added another one in during the challenge (on November 3rd) that I'm going to continue for 40 days.  I'm working on figuring out what new form to begin a 40 day challenge on next.  If you have any suggestions (within Kundalini Yoga), I'm happy to hear them!

I'm excited that I'm well on my way to my second year meditating!  How time flies!  I encourage you to begin.  My baby (now 5 months) has patiently waited through many sessions.  It's amazing how it has worked even when I wondered if it could!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Working Wednesday #4

I continue to work hard to market myself and my businesses, primarily Lilla Rose.  I am working to increase my efforts at marketing my crocheted items, too.  I've crocheted since I was around 10 years old and am pretty good at it.  I'm even an award winning crocheter, matter-of-fact.  I am very pleased about that bit of info.  ^_^

I didn't get to go to the Volusia County Fairgrounds Farmer's Market last Wednesday because the part for my tent that I received was wrong again.  We ordered a new one and it's STILL wrong.  I'm going to miss my Wednesday market day yet AGAIN.  I'm especially sad about it because the County Fair is going on and that means LOTS more traffic than normal.  Trying to look on the bright side... I was pretty sick on Sunday and Monday.  Maybe I need the break?  Working to resolve this newest problem.

If you like what I do here, I hope you'll check me out on Facebook by searching for TNJNT!  I would love to hear from you here AND there.  I would love to develop a community feeling with you.  As it stands, I don't really feel like I know my audience very well.  I know a few of the ladies who post and comment regularly.  I sure would like to know more of you!  One benefit to you of me knowing you... I can cater what I do to you and for you.  I sure would like to!

These cuties are examples of my work.
You can order these guys in purple (with pink,
as pictured, blue with green, green with blue, and more!)
$15 each plus shipping
drop me a line if you're interested


Monday, November 11, 2013

Meditation Monday #46

I'm sick.  I was sick yesterday.  I'm still meditating daily.  Most days it's the minimum of: open, 7 minute kirtan kriya, 3 minutes anger meditation, 3 minutes conquering anger meditation, close.  But I'm still DOing it!

Do you realize some of the time contraints in my life that I could (and did in the past) use as excuses for NOT doing meditation or other things that consume time and are good for our physical/spirit systems?  I'm a homeschooling Mama.  I have 5 children.  I am overweight (which means, in my experience of it and with others who are: I'm ALWAYS tired to a degree greater than "normal").  I am a business owner.  My husband is a Chef (which means he's not really around while awake  much).  My fifth child is 5 months old (I have meditated almost every day since she was 4 days old).

Very recently I learned the real definition of excuse.  Excuse: a well-planned lie.  Yep.  I'm working toward not using excuses.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

The Backpack

I've long heard the backpack analogy.  Have you?  My quick version goes something like:

Feeling overburdened, someone begged to be freed of the weight on their shoudlers (seen figuratively as a backpack).  In a dream or vision the person pleading encounters Jesus Christ who accepts the person's backpack.  He takes it and tells the person, "I will take it.  In a few minutes, I'll take you to a room with new backpacks.  You can choose a new one because in life all the sons of men carry backpacks."

The person is relieved and waits a little while and then Jesus returns, takes them to a room full of backpacks and the person chooses one.  Jesus says, "Are you sure this is the backpack you want?"  The person is sure.  Jesus says, "This is the backpack you did not want.  Why do you want it now?"  Shocked, the person says, "All the other backpacks are bigger.  I was sure I couldn't manage those.  I guess mine isn't so bad afterall."

I've long accepted this story as truly representative.  However, as a result of some experiences in the last while, I believe this story conveys a fallacious view of reality.  I accept that I may be the only one who sees things as I do, but I'm going to share my perspective because I think it is much more accurate.

So, I think that everyone's experience is basically the same.  Do the same things happen?  NO WAY!  Of course, not!  But I think the changes required are often the same sorts of things.  For some the changes required are more than others.  For some the changes required much occur in a much shorter period of time.  So, those "backpacks" would, to me, look ginormous.  I actually think, though, that the weight of the backpacks is the same.

How could that be?

Well, let's look at it!  To travel, everyone needs all of the same basics.  Nitty gritty bare bones basics.  They are the same for all of humanity.  Then there are the things that each person needs because of their different needs... males have certain thing they need to carry to provide for themselves as do females.  Then there are those with physical ailments.  They have some different things, of course.  But everyone has something that is difficult.  Whether it's physical (and visible OR not).  Whether it's mental, emotional, spiritual, whatever.  Everyone has a disability.  Everyone!  Just like everyone has a gift.  EVERYONE is everyone.

All the things that are in the backpack for this life are the same.  I do think it's probable that some carry things from before (the pre-existence).  Maybe, superficially, things look easier and smoother in their life to others who are cumbered by physical problems that are outwardly obvious.  This does not mean that they weigh differently, overall, though.
Maybe one person has stronger spiritual muscles, so it seems that little phases them in that area.  But something else troubles them deeply and greatly that another deals with really well because of their inherent strengths.  This does not mean that the person who does NOT struggle spiritually does not struggle.  Just means their struggle is DIFFERENT.

I look at women who have children very close together and cannot imagine dealing with that since Father has planned this family and the children are all at least 2 years and a couple weeks apart (or more!).  So, my fire is not super heated... my backpack for child rearing is not weighted heavily by closely spaced children.  Does that mean that childrearing is a cinch for me?  Absolutely not!  My challenges are just much less obvious.

Perhaps all of the backpacks in the room actually carry the same weight.  Perhaps they are simply different colors, styles, and packed differently.  A pack with the sleeping bag packed on top feel very different from one packed on the bottom.  A pack with an external frame is different from one with an internatl frame is different from one with no frame.  Does that mean I could bear the pack of anyone else?

Certainly not.  That's not the point.  I know I need my backpack packed just the way Father has it for me.  I know I could not bear a single day with another's burdens because my "body" is made for the burdens I bear.

The point is more this: maybe we (I) should consider, when I look at to observe another in wonder and awe, that yes, they are probably wonderful in whatever way I have observed, but they struggle, too.  In that moment, I think it would be good and helpful to give thanks for the struggles I have.  To give thanks that my perfectly packed backpack, colored specially for me, tailor made and packed for me is mine!

The theory of relativity is not just a Scientific theory.

Friday, November 8, 2013

New Giveaway. Go Enter!

Tammy Trayer at Mountain Woman Journals is AWESOME.  I hope you will check out the review she did for me AND read up in her part of the internet.  She's a lovely person.  I'm blessed to know her and work with her!  Also, enter the giveaway!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful to be alive.  I'm thankful for hope.  I'm thankful for my family.  I'm thankful for my friends.  I'm thankful for my business.  I'm thankful for hope.

I'm thankful for you.  Thank you for taking the time to read here.  Seriously.

I'm thankul for my Savior.  I'm thankful for the Plan of Salvation.  I'm thankful for God's Word and the opportunity to hear His voice directly to and for me through His word AND the Holy Ghost.



 
What are you thankful for today?


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Working Wednesday #3

So... remember how my tent sustained some damage last week?  Well, the part did not arrive in time for me to have my first Saturday Farmer's Market day.  It still had not arrived in time for me to return to my regular market day.  Very disappointing in some ways, but probably best.

My children have a little bit of a cold-thing.  Probably a result of too much sugar.  We had two birthdays in just over two weeks and I go against my standard "No" to sugar.  I regret it.  I've also been feeling icky.  Not much externally noticeable, but definitely feeling a depressed immune system.  I've missed my walk for 3 or 4 days because I wake up with a rockin' headache and I have tried walking with one and it was a rotten idea.

I really REALLY "love" sugary things... but I also really REALLY do NOT... especially the effects of them on my body and mind!

So... here's hoping I'll be back at the market next time (which is actually today).  I'd also REALLY like to be able to start my Saturday market!  I sure do hope to gain a customer base and, eventually, be able to run this business exclusively from home.  It's exhausting to worry about getting to market days each week.  I'd still love to do shows and things... just rather not have to do them EVERY week (or multiple times each week).

If you think Lilla Rose is nice, I sure would love it if you'd LIKE my Facebook business page, share stuff from there, and introduce your friends to Lilla Rose... if you'd like to get some Lilla Rose for free, let's have a party!  Even if you live totally far away.  We can do a Facebook party, google hangout party or some combination.  Just write to me through my Facebook business page.

November Flexi of the Month
(they are going fast)


Monday, November 4, 2013

Keep Calm

http://lillarose.biz/TNJNTGivingGodTheGlory
 
Meditation does wonders, too!
 
 


Meditation Monday #45

I missed posting last week only because I lost track of time and days and stuff.  Sorry about that if you look forward to Meditation Monday!

So... over the past two weeks, I've continued meditating each day.  Only rarely am I able to do more than a 7 minute Kirtan Kriya.  I'm still only doing a 3 minute conquering anger meditation, but my prosperity meditation is often 5-11 minutes long.  I'm not really sure why, but my baby seems to mind that form less than any of the others!

I've been able to wake up super early (between 4 and 6am) 5 times in the last two weeks.  That's not great, but it is progress!  Especially considering how TIRED I've been lately.  Probably due to the increased sugar consumption as a result of two October birthdays.

Are you still meditating every day?  Are you going to start?  I'd love to hear!

 
You could do this for a few minutes each day!


Saturday, November 2, 2013

What Do YOU Think?

There's a new Flexi of the Month out now and going fast.  I think it's beautiful.  What do YOU think?  Click over to my replicated website to buy yours now... or, better yet, click over to my eldest daughter's Lilla Rose Party to register as a guest and/or place an order.  The party will close a day or two after November 16th (the day of the house party), so if you choose to help my girl by ordering through her party, your order will ship AFTER the party closes.  Just want to fully disclose.  :)

If you're up for it, you are hereby cordially invited to join in the Facebook party I'm holding (real time) online the same day as her in Home Party.


Additionally, I'm adding to my business adventures.  Have you heard the word?  Do you know?  Well, I've been crocheting since I was a preteen... tween... sometime quite a good many years ago now (around when I was 10, I think).  I decided to sell what I make as there is desire from my friends/family/readers/followers.  I am taking orders.  I have a few pictures and will share more as I make more items for sale.  If you have a special request, I'm happy to get to work on that, too!

This is the monkey style I have available.
Currently available in purple (with pink, as in the picture),
 pink (with purple), blue (with green), and green (with blue).
$15 plus shipping.
Special request colors for only $18

I also have elephants, giraffes, and owls.

Just a bit bigger than the monkey.  $12 plus shipping



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