Abduction
Consider Audiences are harder to please if you’re just giving them effects, but they’re easy to please if it’s a good story. — Steven Spielberg One of my delights is finding and presenting special, short videos. This month’s feature is a Sci-Fi story that opens with this, crackling police transmission: All units, another possible 1065. The missing person was last seen at 839 Cherry Road. Enjoy! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Shop Sandra’s Art on Fleece Blankets About these luxuriously soft blankets: Bottom is white 100% polyester fleece available as either: Plus fleece is soft and fluffy on both sides Sherpa blankets are smooth like a soft sweater [shorter threads allow sharper image] Machine wash cold and tumble dry with low heat Two sizes 50”x60” – $45.00 60”x80” – $49.50 Manufacturer recommends: 50×60 Plus Fleece is soft and luxurious on both sides. Artwork looks incredible. Size works for everyone. Be sure to sample the VERTICAL [tall] ORIENTATION. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Click on pictured item to purchase.Shop All Fleece Blankets HERE. Thanks for your support!
Pumpkin Power
Consider Good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence. All parts are interconnected. – T. Collin Campbell Did you know pumpkins have three, nourishing parts? 1 The Flesh While pumpkin pulp is best known for pies, pumpkin carotenoids [the orange, yellow or red pigments plants produce to absorb sunlight] act as antioxidants. They fight the free radicals roaming around looking to damage healthy tissue. In her article, ‘6 Surprising Health Benefits of Pumpkins,” New York Times best-selling physician Amy Myers, MD adds that the beta carotene in pumpkins support eye and skin health. Plus, the vitamin A in pumpkins prompts, “the production of white blood cells, which fights off pathogens in your bloodstream.” Learn more & check the sources. 2 The Seeds Pumpkin seeds are more than tasty snacks. Pumpkin seed’s high amount of magnesium helps form and maintain healthy bones, reduce heart disease risks and control blood pressure. Healthline reports that zinc and the amino acid tryptophan in pumpkin seeds can improve sleep. The article, “Science-Based Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds,” notes studies linking pumpkin seeds to reduced risk of stomach, breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers. Another, ‘large, observational study found that eating them was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.” Read more & check the sources. 3 Pumpkin Seed Oil Very Well Health reports that the oil extracted from pumpkin seeds contains fatty acids and phytosterols, which interfere with cholesterol absorption in the intestines. A 20111 study found, “significant improvement in menopausal symptoms,” like hot flashes, headaches and joint pain. A 2014 study showed that pumpkin seed oil increased hair growth. Read more & check the sources. Southwestern Pennsylvania is now experiencing first frosts, a great time to visit a pumpkin patch. Here’s The Ultimate Guide. In addition to this post’s videos, here are 23 Healthy Pumpkin recipes. And here’s how to “Carve A Jack-O-Lantern” in seven steps, with pictures. Here are more great recipes: Sandra’s Art on Fleece Blankets This photograph was taken at a farm stand beside the fields where these pumpkins were picked. I’d driven to Sharon, Pennsylvania to experience the marvelous Water Fire live-art performance and enjoyed a great weekend in farm country. About these luxuriously soft blankets: Bottom is white 100% polyester fleece available as either: Plus fleece is soft and fluffy on both sides Sherpa blankets are smooth like a soft sweater [shorter threads allow sharper image] Machine wash cold and tumble dry with low heat Two sizes 50”x60” – $45.00 60”x80” – $49.50 Manufacturer recommends: 50×60 Plus Fleece is soft and luxurious on both sides. Artwork looks incredible. Size works for everyone. Be sure to sample the VERTICAL [tall] ORIENTATION. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Click on pictured item to purchase. Shop All Fleece Blankets HERE. Thanks for your support! Keep in Mind All information offered here is meant to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. With a Masters Degree in Fine Arts, Sandra Gould Ford is an artist, author, educator and former steelworker who intends to lift hearts and spirits, our awareness and humanity. Know that information explored here may be time sensitive and could have been updated. This material prescribes neither drugs nor therapies. Further, this brief post cannot cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic responses, adverse effects or appropriateness for any individual. This presenter uses her best discretion in sharing resources. She recommends readers do the same, including consulting appropriate professionals [including doctors, nurses and/or pharmacists] to make sure this information fits personal circumstances. Blessings and Good Health.
Keep Your Muse Close
Consider Often bumpy roads lead to beautiful places. –Dave Martinez Have you ever faced precious projects you couldn’t bring yourself to finish? These writer tips could help any project. Inspiration for Writers reminds, “Face it; you’re not going to wake up each morning eager to jump headlong into writing. In fact, most days you won’t even want to get out of bed without hitting the snooze button at least once. Don’t wait for the Muse to sit on your shoulder. She’s a fickle little witch, anyway. You don’t need her. Write without her, just to spite her!” Read more Dragon Soul Press suggests, “Avoid Burnout – don’t write every day. … In addition to that bad case of carpal tunnel, you wear yourself out by constantly thinking in pushing a story through instead of giving your brain time to absorb and think about what you wrote. You’ll burn yourself out. Give your brain a day off.” Read more The Writing Cooperative adds, Know your niche Read a lot Schedule time Get coffee See more tips Whatever your project, keep going. Check out these inspiring videos! Shop Sandra’s Gallery Buy Sandra’s Art framed, on canvas, as posters as well as on mugs, tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more These unique, sturdy mugs are: Ceramic Dishwasher and Microwave safe Two sizes: 11 oz and 15 oz Prices, $15 and $18 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Purchase this cup View All Collections HERE. Thanks for shopping!
Soul Words: Third Eye
Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. – Benjamin Spock In a few days, we reach Autumn Equinox, a time when night increasingly dominates Earth’s northern half. This growing darkness seems a good time to grasp another way of seeing. Thus, the “Third Eye,” the sixth of eight Soul Songs presentations of words-phrases I connect to well-being. So, what is the Third Eye? Here are some explanations: We were created with more than five senses. Apart from the basic five, we also have the gut and the third eye. The gut being the seat of all feeling, and the third eye being the seat of intuition – Suzy Kassem Cause my third eye sees the lowdow/ And I know it’s not my time to go now/’Cause God’s got my back in this showdown/ So I know we’ll be alright. – War, Nas The so-called “third eye” is not an eye in itself, but a gateway to infinity or self-realisation. ― Mwanandeke Kindembo Because of the Third Eye, “You are not limited to this body, to this mind, or to this reality—you are a limitless ocean of Consciousness, imbued with infinite potential. You are existence itself. ― Joseph P. Kauffman According to The Mind’s Journal, “The Third Eye is the [pine cone shaped] Pineal Gland. It is the spiritual Third Eye, our Inner vision and it is considered the seat of the soul. It is located in the geometric center of the cranium.” Biblically speaking, TruthSeekah says, “The third eye is the place where God meets with us. It is also the door by which an individual is able to ‘see’ into the spirit realm by way of spiritual gifts such as the discernment of spirits, quickening, words of knowledge, words of wisdom, dreams … The Peniel or Pineal Gland is where each and every individual wrestles with God. It is where the battle between good and evil are fought within the mind of each and every person.” Understanding The Third Eye – 11:30 minutes Click on Image or Here to View. Succeed and Soar! SkyScapes Carry-All Pouches Organize travels and carry possessions safe and secure in these unique and beautiful wallets. Click Here to Visit About the gorgeous, quality Zipped, Carry-All Pouches: Dress up, dress down. Stay organized while on the go. Crafted with 100% poly-poplin fabric Seams double stitched for extra durability Secures everything with strong, metal zipper Three sizes,” 6”x4”, 9.5”x6”, 12.5x 8.5” Optional bottoms: regular or T CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop All Zipped Carry-All Pouches HERE. Thanks for your support!
Visuals & Music That Inspire
Consider Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife. – Kahlil Gibran Unlike Succeed and Soar‘s regular [short] videos, these special selections are three to five hours long. While visually amazing, they’re created for listening. The music offers relaxing, soothing, even stimulating, dramatic themes. [“Deep Beauty” played while creating this post.] Enjoy! Shop Sandra’s Art on Zipped, Carry-All Pouches This “Hydrangea” image and inspiration is from Succeed and Soar‘s “Mistakes a/k/a Sub-Optimal Decisions” post. View here. About the gorgeous, quality Zipped, Carry-All Pourches: Dress up, dress down. Stay organized while on the go. Crafted with 100% poly-poplin fabric Seams double stitched for extra durability Secures everything with strong, metal zipper Three sizes,” 6”x4”, 9.5”x6”, 12.5x 8.5” Optional bottoms: regular or T Price: $16.50 to $27.50 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Click on pictured item to purchase. Shop All Zipped Carry-All Pouches HERE. Thanks for your support!
Apple Delights
Consider All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature, the challenge of science is to find it. – Paracelsus In the early 1800s, John Chapman traveled from Pennsylvania into the Ohio frontier barefoot, wearing a coffee sack and tin hat. Johnny Appleseed earned his living growing and selling seedlings from which westward-bound settlers could make cider, essential on American tables back then. Read more. Apples are a fruit whose wild ancestors still grow in the mountains of central Asia. From those origins guess how many types of apples exist today [75, 750, 7,500, more]. Answer below. The saying, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ has merit. Healthline reports, apples are, “a rich source of polyphenols, an important group of antioxidants that protect” cells from free radicals, the harmful molecules that can cause chronic conditions, like heart disease and cancer. Scientists also credit apples for helping: Strengthen lungs The heart Bone health Weight loss Brain (easing age-related memory loss) The immune system Gut health and more From late summer into autumn, picking apples also offers exercise while enjoying sunshine and fresh air. Here are Pittsburgh-area orchards. While the different flavors of fresh apples make them fantastic treats, here are some wonderful, healthy recipes, from apple crisp, to Mulligatawny soup, to a salad with spinach and butternut squash. In addition, here are short videos offering recipes that had to be shared. Enjoy! Shop Sandra’s Art on Zipped Carry-All Pouches This “Sun Mint Tea” image and inspiration is from Succeed and Soar‘s “Winning the Game of Life” post. View here. About the gorgeous, quality Zipped, Carry-All Pouches: Dress up, dress down. Stay organized while on the go. Crafted with 100% poly-poplin fabric Seams double stitched for extra durability Secures everything with strong, metal zipper Three sizes,” 6”x4”, 9.5”x6”, 12.5x 8.5” Optional bottoms: regular or T Price: $16.50 to $27.50 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Click to purchase pictured item. Shop All Zipped Carry-All Pouches HERE. Thanks for your support! ANSWER: There are 7,500 types of apples. Keep in Mind All information offered here is meant to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. With a Masters Degree in Fine Arts, Sandra Gould Ford is an artist, author, educator and former steelworker who intends to lift hearts and spirits, our awareness and humanity. Know that information explored here may be time sensitive and could have been updated. This material prescribes neither drugs nor therapies. Further, this brief post cannot cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic responses, adverse effects or appropriateness for any individual. This presenter uses her best discretion in sharing resources. She recommends readers do the same, including consulting appropriate professionals [including doctors, nurses and/or pharmacists] to make sure this information fits personal circumstances. Blessings and Good Health.
Overcome Writers Block
Consider You can’t think yourself out of a writing block, you have to write yourself out of a thinking block. – John Rogers Geraldine Brooks‘ debut novel, Year of Wonders has been translated into over 25 languages. Brooks won a Pulitzer Prize for her novel, March. Her Caleb’s Crossing and People of the Book were New York Times best sellers. When chatting with Brooks at the National Book Festival, I asked how she handled Writers Block. Here’s her answer [applies to any fresh start], Why do we never hear of hairdresser’s block, or auto mechanic’s block? Or even sculptor’s block, for that matter. Why are writers the only workers on earth who are allowed to have a “block?” I’m sorry, but you need to get up and go to work, like every other person on the planet. Some days are more productive than others. So what? When there’s no wind, row. When you find you can’t make art, practice craft. Just as a bricklayer can always pick up a brick and lay it next to another brick, a writer can pick a word and place it next to another word. Just as, some days, the bricklayer’s wall will go up straight and true, some days the sentences will be fluid and laden with meaning. Some days, the wall will be wobbly and uneven, and will require the use of a backhoe and new beginning. Some days the writing will be stale and meaningless and you will throw it away and start over. But from seeing what didn’t work, you will have a better idea what might. The important thing is the daily effort. You cannot just check out and refuse to write because your aura is on crooked or the mot juste is unarriving. Find some other word, for the time being, and row onward. * Many successful writers [Ernest Hemmingway, James Baldwin, Gene Fowler] have said that there’s nothing to writing once you wipe the blood from your forehead. Fortunately, this post’s video shows how start-up writing can be much easier, less painful, fun, even hip. Write. Share your thoughts. Along the way, 10 Secrets to Overcome Writers Block Shop Sandra’s Galleries
Hibiscus Tea
Consider Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. — Hippocrates Welcome to Thrive!, a new addition to Succeed and Soar‘s theme rotation. The goal: Offer ways of understanding how foods can both nurture and nourish. This first post examines hibiscus tea. Beyond hibiscus tea’s fragrance and flavor, the flower has been found to lower blood pressure. The article Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea reported a 2004 study where, 70 people with hypertension were given either 16 ounces of hibiscus tea before breakfast, or 25mg of captopril (a prescription anti-hypertension medication) twice per day. After 30 days, those who received the tea showed that their diastolic blood pressure had dropped at least 10 points, the same amount as the group who received the prescription captopril. Everything ingested affects us. As Hippocrates said, foods can be medicine. The popular Red Zinger tea is hibiscus. Yeah! Here’s more information: Best Medicinal Teas Risks of Hibiscus Tea Hibiscus Uses, Benefits and Side Effects Here’s a recipe for refreshing Hibiscus Tea. Length: 8 minutes View here NOTE: Hibiscus can have emmenagogue effects. These herbs [like Angelica, Lemon Balm, Rue and others] can stimulate menstrual flow. August Feature Sandra’s Art on Beach Sheets and Towels Descriptions Luxuriously soft Brushed microfiber 100% cotton back for extra absorption Art printed on front. Back is white cotton. Beach towel is 32” x 64”. Cost $35. Beach sheet is a 37” x 74” towel. Cost $45. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop Sandra’s Beach Towels and Sheets HERE. Keep in Mind All information offered here is meant to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. With a Masters Degree in Fine Arts, Sandra Gould Ford is an artist, author, educator and former steelworker who intends to lift hearts and spirits, our awareness and humanity. Know that information explored here may be time sensitive and could have been updated. This material prescribes neither drugs nor therapies. Further, this brief post cannot cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic responses, adverse effects or appropriateness for any individual. This presenter uses her best discretion in sharing resources. She recommends readers do the same, including consulting appropriate professionals [including doctors, nurses and/or pharmacists] to make sure this information fits personal circumstances. Blessings and Good Health.
Soul Words: Relational Wealth
Loyalty and friendship, which is to me the same, created all the wealth that I’ve ever thought I’d have. — Ernie Banks August 2 is Mid-Summer, halfway between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox. Also called ‘Teltane’ in some cultures, Mid-Summer is a time of fruitfulness and abundance, when – far beyond our Sun – the constellation of stars called ‘Leo’ glitters. The days are shortening. Night lengthening. Harvest begins. Reaping what was sown. After exploring ‘Traumatic Wisdom,’ ‘Conditional Love,’ ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and ‘Created Family,’ this fifth of eight special ‘Soul Songs’ posts considers the term ‘Relational Wealth.’ It is the richness that ‘emanates from our interconnections with other human beings. It gives us inner strength and emotional security and defines our quality of life.’ ScienceDirect This poem adds: Tiny Giggles Silly giggles of laughter I store upon a shelf I give some to other I save some for myself I am rich beyond all measure Though not with worldly wealth I store up these treasures For my heart and soulful health. — Muse Richelle Goodrich advised, “To obtain wealth beyond measure, seek to make more friends than money.” What is a friend? Here are some thoughts: “Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words.” – George Eliot “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell “Best friends are the people in your life who make you laugh louder, smile brighter, and live better.” – Unknown How to recognize a good friend? Marie Claire says they: Never gossip about you behind your back Always keep your secrets Never put an unflattering picture of you on Facebook without your approval 27 More Signs Someone is a True, Best Friend How to be a good friend? Motivation Grid recommends: Listen and Remember Be Honest Without Being Hurtful Grow with changes Seven more, genuine ways to be a good friend Consider, The real measure of our wealth is how much we’d be worth if we lost all our money. – John Henry Jowett Two resources on Relational Wealth: Are You Building Relational Wealth? Relational Wealth and the Quality of Life Succeed and Soar! The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here to Visit
Farewells & Circles
The world offer lots of ways to part ways, like, Adios in Spanish, Auf Widersehen in German, Bless in Icelandic and Sayonara in Japanese. In some languages, ‘Good bye’’ is also a welcome or greeting, like: In French: Salut In Hawaiian: Aloha In Hebrew: Shalom In Hindi: Nameste In Thai: Sawasdee While studying ‘farewells,’ I learned that saying, ‘Ciao’ should be avoided. The Venetian source means, ‘I am your slave.’ Ah well. And did you know ‘fizzle’ originally meant:. To break wind without noise? Meanings change. And life can circle. As Ivy Baker Priest wrote, “The world is round and the place which may seem like the end, may also be the beginning.” Speaking of going round, hope you enjoy these refreshing, invigorating 11 seconds of our group called the Polar Bears. [I’m bouncing and splashing farthest to the right.] Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Succeed & Soar Art The inspiring and beautiful work in these Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here Thanks!