Friday, August 13, 2010

Autumn Time in the Desert

The autumn in the desert is exquisite. The cool crisp, night air; the warm colors, the dry desert sounds from animals and the rustling leaves in the breeze.

I have never made it out to tend to the cattle, but this is the place where they could be. They roam and munch on the desert flora. They are rounded up and brought in for tending to.

Sonny Boy and Dodo (may they rest in peace), were cattle feeders and farmers. They understood the whole picture. I bet that they BELIEVED "The cowboys and the farmers should be friends..." (song from "Oklahoma!" the musical)!

In my mind, I see Dodo welcoming every Tom, Dick and Harry into her beautiful ranch house, complete with the smells of her signature Chalupa on the stove. She might ask Tom, "How are you doin'?" Or to Dick, "What the hell happened to you? You look tired." Or to Harry, "It's good to see you. It's been too long. How's the family? Tell me all about 'em."

Dodo could make a big, delicious pot of Chalupa. It is my Colorado family's favorite. Over the years, I would have to trick finicky little boys by calling it Pork Stew, or Beef Soup, or some such name. But, if you give it a try, you just might get hooked! They did every time!

Friends have asked if I would give them Dodo's recipe, so here goes! (Thanks sister Becky ~ Dodo's daughter-in-law for the recipe)

3 pounds of pork roast (trimmed, then shredded)
1 pound of beans
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 TBS. powder)
2 Tbs. chili powder
1 Tbs. cumin
1 Tbs. oregano
1 can green chilis
1 Tbs. salt

Put all in large pot. Cover with water. Cook 6 hours.

What a great meal after a beautiful autumn day in the desert.


Sunday, July 18, 2010

The Joy Garden




We Nelsons are really enjoying the beautiful sights, feels and sounds of summer. It has been a hot past week, but overall, we love it! The skies have some glorious pictures for us. Grace gets to practice her photography on our fancy camera. The air has a beautiful feel too. When I let my little dog Lucy out, I like to sit in my cushioned chair and enjoy watching her run around, or just sit in the grass. I like to watch the moss roses bloom and the twirly-whirls spin. I have some little painted rocks that say "Joy", "Rejoice", and "Peace". I put two rugged crosses in my Joyful spot. I put some rusty things on my house. I realized that I had just turned into my mother! She loooved rusty old things on her house! I call this quiet place my Joy Garden. It reminds me of Mom. It helps me to adjust my mind into a joyful place. It seemed so easy for my mother. Not so easy for me. But...I keep working on it!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Family History




FAMILY AND MEMORIES AND HISTORY

Every trip we take, as a family, we make more history. Each event and activity we enjoy become memories for us later on. I have such fond memories of playing in this house, in its yard.

I had no idea it was so small, when the love was so big. This is the house my father lived in with his parents.

All I remember was playing in the front yard, pulling off little tiny leaves from the trees, pretending to be a bride, and having my sister sprinkle those little leaves on me.

And, I remember drinking real coffee, with lots of cream and sugar, in little porcelain, gold-trimmed coffee cups, as we dunked delicious cookies in our coffee.

We also got to play in a swimming hole, complete with gooey mud, unknown critters below and above, and loads of laughter.

Oh, and I remember the outhouse; its stink; our spoiled-ness in going out there as little as possible, but when we did, having our perfume bottle under our noses. Oh, my dear and beautiful grand-Mom could have had in-door plumbing; yes. After all, her son was a plumber. Well, she didn't want to 'get above her raisin' '. She didn't need indoor toilets or bathtubs. She had a nice, big, wash tub outside anyway. Well, she also had a port-a-potty of sorts inside. And, my own beautiful mother, would put up with our finicky-ness, and let us use that one inside. Well, if you ask me, I'd tell my own kids to deal with it; get over it; go use the out house; and remember how blessed you are to have in-door plumbing, and so many other things.

But, in the end, we have memories; more valuable than the wood and the bricks, and the in-door plumbing, the toilets and washing machines. We have the feelings that warm our souls, cause tears to well up in our eyes. No, nothing can compare, or take that away.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Cotton Velour Terry Cloth Hooded Baby Towels




Here is a picture of the latest of my hooded baby towels! It is pink, for a baby girl named Willow. So, I have embroidered her name on the hood, and appliqued a tree. The tree and name are trimmed in a willow green. The towel will have lavender satin trim, to match the fabric of the tree. I love to do this for fun, and as a part of my home business; but mainly for creative therapy! I hope you like them too! I sell these for $40.00.

Happy New You!!!! 10 Things You Can Do For a New You in 2010


My friend Mary Ann, who sells the finest therapeutic grade essential oils, sent me this. The credit is at the bottom of the article. Enjoy!
Happy New YOU - "10" Things You Can Do to a New You in 2010
=============================================================

Here are 10 things you can do ~
that if you bring consciousness to ~
will Create a New You ~
in 2010 !!

The simple becomes profound, even life changing,
with just a bit of conscious awareness to normal
activities of daily living.

I've created this list and added short explanations
of why, how, and what to expect.

Applying conscious awareness to these things, along with
positive intent, will produce outcomes that will create
a New You in the year to come.


Chew
Chew your mouthful of food at least 20 times.
Digestion begins with chewing. Saliva lubricates
the food and releases enzymes to help break down
food. It also aids the transport of nutrients from
the food into your body.
This will help you:
--feel full faster
--eat less
--have less gas and bloating


Breathe
Take deep breaths often and prolong
exhalations when you can.
Deep breathing brings more oxygen into the body.
Every cell is nourished. This promotes
relaxation. Your metabolism will increase.
Endorphins (the bodies own painkillers) will release.
The lungs help to detoxify the body.
This will help you:
--relax
--relieve stress-related aches
--sleep better
--clear the mind
--rid of toxins


Move
Move the body as often as you can
including bouncing motions. Movement
and bouncing mobilize your lymphatic
system. This system helps to remove
toxins from your tissues, There are many
other benefits to moving your body.
This will help you:
--eliminate toxins
--develop muscles strength
--improve bone health
--breathe more naturally
--oxygenate tissues
--strengthen your heart
--burn calories
--decrease your appetite


Sweat
Create conditions in which you can sweat.
The skin is an organ of elimination and
has as one of its functions the ability
to get rid of harmful toxins in the body,
thus taking pressure off of other important
organs of elimination.
This will help you:
--cleanse your skin
--improve blood circulation
--lose weight
--relax
--detoxify the body


Smile
Smile more. Smile often. Smile as much as you can
(even if you don't feel like it).
People are drawn to people who smile.
Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger.
This will help you:
--improve your mood
--stay positive
--relieve stress
--look more attractive
--relieve stress
--seem more successful
&nbs p;

Sunbathe
Get yourself in the sunshine often in small doses
but at least 5 minutes a day.
Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to
exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight.
There is overwhelming research to the benefits of
taking in enough Vitamin D, and it is so easy just
through sunshine.
This will help you:
--prevent osteoporosis
--balance insulin production
--prevent cancer
--improve depression


Poop
Make sure your colon is eliminating properly.
Many health experts say that "death begins
in the colon". Improper elimination, such as
constipation can have tremendous negative impact
on the body and it can create toxicity in the tissues
and the organs which appear as a variety of symptoms.
Ideally you should have a bowel movement naturally
after every meal. Consider colon cleansing techniques
if you are not pooping enough.
This will help you:
--think more clearly
--breathe better
--eliminate allergies
--stop bloating after meals
& nbsp; --have more energy
--lose weight
--improve concentration
--absorb vitamins and minerals better
--have clear skin
--have better overall healthful feeling

Listen
Being an authentic listener has tremendous benefits.
When you truly listen to others you can expand your
knowledge, improve relationships, reduce communication
errors, and become more well-liked. Listening to
yourself has even greater benefits. Having the ability
to be still and quiet enough to listen to your inner
voice and Divine Guidance can shift your perceptions,
strengthen your decisions, and change your life. Listening
is the basis for many meditative practices.
Listening better to others and yourself
will help you:

--solve problems
--make better decisions
--learn more about others and yourself
--have greater recognition
--be less distracted
--gain more respect
--uncover opportunities
--have more inner peace

Hydrate
Drinking water is vital to the body. Our bodies are made
up of mostly water and when we are dehydrated the many
systems in the body suffer. Every cell in the body needs
water. True hydration comes from drinking water only, not
from other beverages.
This will help you:
--reduce hunger
--look younger with healthier skin
--rid body of fat
--combat daily ailments like headaches
--improve digestion and constipation
--keep joints and muscles lubr icated
--be more productive and alert
--think more clearly
--relieve fatigue

Stretch
Stretching comes naturally to all of us, but not
many of us pay attention to when we want and need
to do it. The body has a natural inclination to
stretch when the muscles and tendons have not be
used for awhile, such as upon awakening from sleep.
Stretching is also very natural for
animals. We can observe how frequently cats and
dogs stretch to become more aware of our own
need and desire to stretch. Stretching frequently
with conscious intention (beyond the natural
inclination) helps to keep the body in shape.
This will help you:
--increase blood circulation
--reduce muscle tension
--increase energy levels
--increase range of motion
--reduce back pain
--increase flexibility
--feel good

Reprinted from "Home Spa Lady's Tips of the Week," a free
ezine on how to Make Every Day A Spa Day. Subscribe at
http://www.HomeSpaLady.com.