Thrive! Broccoli Benefits
Consider The marvelous pharmacy that was designed by nature and placed into our being by the universal architect produces most of the medicines we need. – Norman Cousins Broccoli Cucumber Salad Click Here to View Quick, Cool, Delicious & Nutritious Length: 5 Minutes How many times have you heard: Eat your broccoli. It’s good for you. Why? Here are a few of HeathLine’s fourteen reasons: Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit or neutralize cell damage caused by free radicals. So, eating broccoli can lead to reduced inflammation while protecting health. Small studies have shown that eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may protect against cancers like: Breast, Prostate, Gastric/stomach, colorectal and Renal/kidney Research indicates that broccoli may help reduce various heart disease risk factors and prevent heart tissue damage. Nutrients found in broccoli are associated with a decreased risk of certain dental and oral diseases Read more, including resources As with so many veggies that are good for us, how can they be included in our diets easily and deliciously? Fortunately, Mama Boi’s Kitchen provides the easy, refreshing salad headlining this post. And remember to make the most of that concentrated goodness in broccoli stalks . Along with “Crispy Broccoli Stem Fries” from the Rachel Ray Show, Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’ provides another of many ways to enjoy the good green below broccolis’ crowns. Video Recipes for Broccoli Stalks Crispy Broccoli Stem Fries – 3 Minutes Iron Chef Alex’s Broccoli Salad with Stems – 5 Minutes 47 Seconds Enjoy! COMMENT Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Round Beach Towels Art also available as shirts, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, journals, blankets and more Each item is individually made, just for you. This versatile, summer essential is perfect for day at the beach, a picnic, festivals, or home décor. Fine Art America’s round beach towels are: 60” in diameter + fringe Ultra-soft, plush microfiber 100% cotton back Machine wash cold and tumble dry with low heat Price $70 to $76 Purchase Pictured Item View All Round Beach Towels View All Collections HERE. Thanks for shopping!
Path to Joy 7: Gratitude
The more you are grateful for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for. ― Zig Ziglar What if, for the next twenty-four hours, you whispered to your heart, “Thank you,” for every beneficial thing that happens? Like, Poof!, remembering a forgotten name Finding keys exactly where you meant to leave them The perfect word popping into place A new recipe that tastes great [and you had just enough sugar] A feel-good conversation A parking space opening on a crowded street A flower blooming beside the sidewalk Very Well Mind, writes, “Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits.” The post goes on to list the good that can come from an attitude of gratitude, including: Higher self-esteem Lower blood pressure Higher levels of optimism Read more Mindful reminds, “Practicing gratitude can be a game-changer: it has far reaching effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships.” Here are recommendations for practicing gratitude: Watch Your Language: Grateful people use the language of gifts, givers, blessings, blessed, fortune, fortunate, and abundance. Rather than noting how good you are, focus on the good things others have done on your behalf. Remember the Bad: When you remember how difficult life used to be and how far you have come, you set up an explicit contrast in your mind, and this contrast is fertile ground for gratefulness. Share Your Gratitude with Others: The next time your partner, friend or family member does something you appreciate, be sure to let them know. It can strengthen relationships. Read more We Stress Free describes the Gratitude Journal as a way to, “focus on the positive things in your life, which is the opposite of our innate tendencies that only focus on negative things and things that are not going well and properly.” The benefits of keeping a Gratitude Journal can include, Increased self creativity Improved leadership skills Better Sleep Read more, including how to keep a Gratitude Journal Note: All of Sandra’s Succeed and Soar art is available as journals here. In traveling the 7th Path to Joy, remember, To live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. – Thomas S Monson Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Round Beach Towels As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more This versatile, summer essential is perfect for day at the beach, a picnic, festivals, or home décor. Fine Art America’s round beach towels are: 60” in diameter + fringe Ultra-soft, plush microfiber 100% cotton back Machine wash cold and tumble dry with low heat Price $70 to $76 Purchase Pictured Item View All Round Beach Towels Thanks for shopping!
10 Delights
In autumn, 2019, Succeed and Soar began as a way to share wise words I wrote by hand and saved in file folders. After about 200 posts, I realize some of these treasures may never prompt a little essay or meditation, like the following ten which I hope lighten your heart and brighten your week Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself. –The Gospel According to Zen Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet. — L.M. Montgomery The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere in which we are permitted to remain children all of our lives. — Albert Einstein Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. — Les Brown Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you. — Marsha Norman What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul. – Yiddish Proverb Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile. – Franklin P. Jones Whatever happens, always remember to smile. Showboat 1951 It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis. — Margaret Bonnano If at first you don’t succeed, get a bigger hammer. — Alan Lewis Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Shower Curtains As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more The high quality and unique Shower Curtains by Fine Art America: Are made of 100% polyester fabric Include 12 holes at top for ease in hanging Dimensions 71” wide, 74” tall Cost: $68 to $78 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this shower curtain View All Shower Curtains Shop All Art and Collections HERE
Recoiled & Hair Love
Consider We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each others’ happiness, not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world, there’s room for everyone and the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. From the 1940 film, The Great Dictator hear the 19-second sound clip Once a month, Succeed and Soar offers little videos, often less than five minutes. Some are selected to inspire. Some to amaze. Some to fascinate, even to shock. All are chosen to fulfill the mission: Lift the heart and spirit, our awareness and humanity. Of this this month’s special choice, viewers wrote, This video also shows what an important role older siblings play in the lives of their younger brothers and sisters! We absolutely need a Hero movie of a girl with power that comes from her hair. I really liked that this showed the good, bad and the bounce back that our hair goes through. This is a perfect example of African American hair. Enjoy! Click Here to View. Recoiled 8 minutes, 02 seconds. If you like Recoiled, you’ll love this repeat presentation of an African-American father learning to do his daughter’s hair for the first time, the Oscar-winning “Hair Love.” Click Here to View Shop the Inspiring, Beautiful Illustrated Wisdom Collection Click Here
Writing Ghost Stories
Consider Monsters are real, ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win. – Stephen King, The Shining Several times a year, Succeed and Soar offers Wordsmith Stars, which provides insights and information for those write and enjoy reading. Each year, the Associated Writing Programs’ conference offers fantastic, carefully curated panels and workshops. Several years ago, I attended one titled, “Writing About Ghosts and The Undead.” Phantoms, ghouls and things that ‘go bump in the night’ had never been of interest until I learned they could be frightening in ways I hadn’t expected. Here are my notes about the ways spooks and spirits can be haunting: Writing about ghosts can be hopeful because the stories suggest that there is something more Ghosts are spirits without bodies. The zombie is a body without a spirit. [Can ghosts resume physical form? What happens if zombies receive souls?] The ghost can serve as a metaphor for loss [something lost] There are times when a loss haunts The death the ghost represents could be of an idea or culture These stories can present a crossroads, a choice of direction I did watch an episode of Ghosts, and found the show adorable. Plus, the programs provides a great example of how variety [different types of personalities] makes the character interactions more interesting. But I have not watched the show enough to understand the characters as metaphors. Perhaps, they’re merely entertainment. What do you think? I also hope you’re thinking of writing a ghost story. If so, here are six tips for writing modern ghost stories, which include deciding what your ghost looks like and what they can do. What fun! See more. Best of all, magazines exist that will pay for these stories. Here are ten. Worth considering are these words from Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls, “In one aspect, yes, I believe in ghosts, but we create them. We haunt ourselves.” Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Shower Curtains As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more The high quality and unique Shower Curtains by Fine Art America: Are made of 100% polyester fabric Include 12 holes at top for ease in hanging Dimensions 71” wide, 74” tall Cost: $68 to $78 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this shower curtain View All Shower Curtains Shop All Art and Collections HERE. Thanks for your support!
Knock-Knock. Who’s There? Lettuce Thrive!
Consider Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. – Jim Rohn Keep the bottoms and REGROW LETTUCE Length: 4 Minutes Click here to view. Is cabbage a form of lettuce? Four main types are grown. The category called ‘head’ lettuce includes Bibb, iceberg and, yes, cabbage. As summer’s hottest days approach, keep in mind that lettuce can be refreshing and nutritious as well as tasty. According to Nutrition And You, lettuce “also contains healthy amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are very much essential for body metabolism. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. The body uses manganese as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is essential for red blood cell formation.” Read more Lettuce Benefits. including tips like soaking lettuce in salt water to remove sand, parasite eggs and worms. Some lettuces are healthier than others. Here’s Money Inc’s list of best to least: Living Lettuce is tops. Because roots are still attached, they’ll hold nutrients longer. [See video at top and below for how to grow lettuce indoors.] Oakleaf Lettuce earns second place because of the many types of vitamins it contains. Red Leaf Lettuce contains several different types of phytonutrients, which act as an antioxidant. Some studies have shown they can help prevent certain cancers. Green leaf lettuce contains lots of vitamin K which helps build healthy bones and heal wounds. Romaine lettuce also contains many nutrients. All sources checked state the main value of iceberg lettuce is the water it contains [as do all lettuces]. Ways to Enjoy Lettuce These 40 Recipes to get excited about include: Warm Rice and Pintos Strawberry Salad with Poppy seed Dressing Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps These Lettuce Wrap Recipes include: Lettuce Leaf Tacos Easy ‘Peking Duck’ Lettuce Cups Vegan Lettuce Wraps with Tofu Lettuce Thrive! COMMENT Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Shower Curtains As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more The high quality and unique Shower Curtains by Fine Art America: Are made of 100% polyester fabric Include 12 holes at top for ease in hanging Dimensions 71” wide, 74” tall Cost: $76 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this shower curtain View All Shower Curtains Thanks for shopping!
Path to Joy 6: Peace and Good Will
Embrace the healing power of these three things: Music, the Ocean, Stars — Source Unknown As a Path to Joy, “Goodwill” is an inclination toward kindness, and friendliness. It is a cheerfulness in helping and giving. Goodwill is an interest in good relationships and building of positive reputations. They are enhanced by “Peace of Mind” or calm. Of this quality, Josiah Gilbert Holland said, “Calmness is the cradle of power.” Two years ago, the CD player in my car stopped working. For the first time, I listened to the radio. In searching stations, I encountered a man with such a divisive and mean-spirited message and growly voice, he sounded rabid. He created such dis-ease, I thought – by listening any longer – I’d need rabies shots. Seems we’ve reached a time when strategies for peace of mind and good will are vital and can be life saving, given the rise of grudge shootings and other acts caused by mental unrest. Here’s vaccines from the article, “How to Build Peace in Your Life and the World Around You,” Use music art and culture for peace because they can, “can inspire us. They can unite people. They can heal. They can change hearts and minds.” One way is by using, “music, performance, poetry, comedy, or storytelling to raise awareness of issues or imagine peaceful futures.” Stop telling stories that justify war, rationalize inequality and dignify violence. Read more The Psychology Today article, “How to Practice Powerful Peace” reminds, Peace is a practice that … improves quality of life, individually and collectively. Holding peace as a way of life [can be] both contemplative and active. The warrior in oneself is most effective through the intention of peace, even when called into battle. Which of these words of wisdoms do you like? How important are these qualities in those who govern? In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics. – John F. KennedyCalmness is a human superpower. The ability to not overreact or take things personally keeps your mind clear and your heart at peace. — Marcand AngelAn eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. ― Mahatma Gandhi.Make your heart like a lake, with a calm, still surface, and great depths of kindness. Lao Tzu Goodwill is the mightiest practical force in the universe. –Charles Fletcher Dole COMMENT. Succeed and Soar! Click here to view. Thank goodness some people are on the planet. In this full Super Soul Sunday presentation, Dr. Brené Brown talks about rising strong. Every moment of this conversation opens the Path to Joy by the peace and good will that starts within and so richly deserved by everyone. Length: Full Broadcast, 43:27 minutes Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Shower Curtains As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more The high quality and unique Shower Curtains by Fine Art America: Are made of 100% polyester fabric Include 12 holes at top for ease in hanging Dimensions 71” wide, 74” tall Cost: $76 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this shower curtain View All Shower Curtains Thanks for shopping!
Scrabble Winning Sounds
CONSIDER Vocabulary enables us to interpret and to express. If you have a limited vocabulary, you will also have a limited vision and a limited future. – Jim Rohn For writers, readers, Scrabble, crossword and word gamers like me, Succeed and Soar’s “Word Witty” posts offer little puzzles that strengthen a precious tool: Vocabulary. Please enjoy. Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Word Match Here are five ‘sound’ words that can now score points in Scrabble games. Match words to their definitions. Answers below. Ew or Eew 1. An expression of frustration Tsk or Tsktsk 2. An expression of joy or excitement often associated with cowboys Yeehaw 3. Expression of disgust Yeesh 4. An expression of approval, excitement or enthusiasm Yowza 5. Expressing disapproval or annoyance Be sure to see a film adaptation of “The Gold Bug” below. Also hear Vincent Price read the story that inspired Scrabble. Write. Let me know if you’d like to join a Tournament Scrabble Club. [We have several in Pittsburgh!] Shop Sandra’s Succeed and Soar Art on Weekender Totes As well as beach towels, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more These chic weekender bags are 24” x 16” Soft spun polyester fabric Have double-stitched seams One-inch thick, white cotton handles Can spot clean or dry cleanhone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available. Price: $43.25 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop Weekender Totes Visit Gallery Thanks for supporting! Thanks for shopping! Click here to view a young Anthony Michael Hall starring in this ABC Saturday Special adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Gold Bug.” [45 minutes] * Listen to Vincent Price read Edgar Allen Poe’s classic mystery about a man bitten by a golden beetle” HERE Word Witty Scrabble Answers Ew or Eew Expression of disgust Tsk or Tsktsk Expressing disapproval or annoyance Yeehaw An expression of joy or excitement often associated with cowboys Yeesh An expression of frustration Yowza An expression of approval, excitement or enthusiasm
Strawberry Joys
Consider When the ‘I’ is replaced by ‘we’ even illness becomes wellness. – Anonymous When is strawberry season? Here in Pittsburgh, NOW [from late May to early June]. In Florida, the fruit grows from November through April. Texas grows strawberries from February through April. California also starts in February but harvests through November. Because strawberries are so easy to freeze, the wonderful fruit can be enjoyed year round. Two shocking discoveries about strawberries made at Outforia were that the luscious red fruit is not actually a berry, which “like blueberries and grapes, are fleshy fruits with seeds and pulp that develop from flowers with only one ovary.” Yes, ovaries. And each, individual strawberry has many ovaries. Beyond their fabulous flavor, strawberries have quite a few health benefits. According to Natural Food Series, they: Contain “potassium and fisetin, the flavonol that gives the strawberry its scarlet color, enhances memory” Offer high amounts of potassium and magnesium, “both of which are efficient in lowering high blood pressure” Preserve eyesight thanks to their “Ellagic acid, flavonoids, and phenolic phytochemicals” Read more Healthline reminds that fresh strawberries are 91% water, with lots of Vitamin C, Managanese, and Folate [vitamin B9]. ‘Folate is important for normal tissue growth and cell function.” Plenty of reasons to enjoy these delicious and Healthy Strawberry Recipes, Enjoy! COMMENT More Videos on Growing Strawberries Growing Strawberries from Seeds [9 minutes 51 seconds] How to Grow Strawberries from Runners [9 minutes] Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Weekender Totes As well as beach towels, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more These chic weekender bags are 24” x 16” Soft spun polyester fabric Have double-stitched seams One-inch thick, white cotton handles Can spot clean or dry cleanhone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available. Price: $43.25 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop Weekender Totes Visit Gallery Thanks for supporting!
Path to Joy 2023 #5: Generosity
All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection were created by splattering viscous Dylusions shimmer spray on 11×14, 98 pound, Canson mixed media paper, then spritzing with water to see how the colors would run and gather. When dry, stair steps were added to suggest climbing to the stars, a feeling Henry Ward Beecher must have understood when he said, Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven. And Frank A. Clark added, “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” . Art is available with and without text. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. Two years ago, Succeed and Soar’s “Heroic Heart” post was inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “We do not have to become heroes over night. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up.” A random act of kindness qualifies. Three years ago, the 2020 “Paths to Joy” post on Generosity offered Luther Vandross song, “Inside Every Heart is a Hero,” and Scientific American‘s report on the gifts that come from giving as well as the detrimental effects of stinginess. This post presents The Ascent’s findings that high-generosity people: Report greater satisfaction with friendships, family, romance and finances Are happier with what they have Experience higher self esteem And more That said, keep Suze Orman’s words in mind, True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. And remember Scott Adams advice. ‘Generous people take care of their own needs first. In fact, doing so is a moral necessity. The world needs you at your best.” So, of the four steps Psych Alive suggests for practicing generosity, one is: Accept the generosity of others because, “it is important to let others do things for you.” This is called the generosity of acceptance. Read more. The Cleveland Clinic reports that generosity can encourage the brain to secrete chemicals like serotonin [regulates moods], dopamine [pleasure] and oxytocin [a sense of connection to others]. “Giving can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a ‘helper’s high’ that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combat feelings of depression.” Beyond these ‘feel good’ effects, researchers have found that “giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker.” Read more. Imagine a home then neighborhood, next a city, country and world where people infect each other with energy that seeks one little way, each day to help another with grace and receive kindness with gratitude. Isn’t it worth a try? And why not start with support for Succeed and Soar. I’ll definitely be grateful! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. What happens when one who has so little is asked to help another? Brings to mind Margaret Cho’s words, “Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else’s life forever.” View here. Length: 2 Minutes & 38 Seconds. * Watch Dave Ramsey, an Evangelical Christian discuss how generosity builds wealth and influence. He also tells why God doesn’t need his 10% off-the-top-of-his-earnings tithing and donations. Length: 9 Minutes & 33 Seconds. View Here COMMENT Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Weekender Totes As well as beach towels, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more These chic weekender bags are 24” x 16” Soft spun polyester fabric Have double-stitched seams One-inch thick, white cotton handles Can spot clean or dry cleanhone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available. Price: $43.25 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop Weekender Totes Visit Gallery Thanks for supporting!