AAhaa!
CONSIDER To me, the job of the artist is to provide a useful and intelligent vocabulary for the world to be able to articulate feelings they experience everyday, and otherwise wouldn’t have the means to express in a meaningful and useful way. — Mos Def 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. Scrabble Info Scrabble is sold in 121 countries and comes in 31 different languages. The English version has 100 tiles. Italian and Portuguese versions have the most, 120 tiles. The English version has 8 A tiles. Malaysia has 19 A’s. Word Match Should you wind up with several A’s in your rack, this post’s Word Match offers 11 ways to use two of them. Match letter in first column to their meaning and build vocabulary as well as chances of winning your next game. A Aa A type of cable. Two or more 3-D forms with a common axis. B Amazon Person who uses a chopping tool C Ammonia Volcanic rock D Arachnid A story showing life and action E Armada A powerful woman F Arrange A nitrogen, hydrogen compound with pungent smell G Aviary A fleet of warships H Aware To organize I Axman A class of arthropods that includes spiders, mites and scorpions J Coaxial To be knowledgeable. Alert. K Drama A large enclosure or building for keeping birds Answers below Quality of Life Wouldn’t you agree that two great achievements at this stage in human evolution would be: Peace and prosperity for all people Make violence and brutality, especially war extinct Homo sapiens are smart enough to create a flourishing planet and Win-Win [rather than Win-Lose] relationships. In the Marvin Gaye classic, “What’s Going On,” he sang, War is not the answer. Maybe, once upon a time when there were only a few million people, conquest was an option. Now, with billions and billions and high-powered weapons, there’s too little space for bickering. In personal affairs and of decision makers, consider: You can have everything you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. — Zig ZiglarFor I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. … Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. — Matthew 25: 35-40The test of a civilization is in the way that it cares for its helpless members. — Pearl Buck “What’s Going On” official video [2019] view here Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Hooded Sweat Shirts As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more With autumn’s arrival, snuggle up artfully. These fine quality hoodies are: : 75% cotton, 25% polyester blend Five sizes [Small, Medium, Large, X Large, 2X Large, 3X Large] Two Art Locations [Full Chest or chest patch] Double-opening waist pouch Colors: White, Heather, Charcoal, Black, Navy Machine washable Price $48 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. 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 Hooded Sweatshirt View All Hoodies Thanks for shopping! Word Witty Answers Aa Volcanic rock Amazon A powerful woman Ammonia A nitrogen, hydrogen compound with pungent smell Arachnid A class of arthropods that includes spiders, mites and scorpions Armada A fleet of warships Arrange To organize Aviary A large enclosure or building for keeping birds Aware To be knowledgeable. Alert. Axman Person who uses a chopping tool Coaxial A type of cable. Two or more 3-D forms with a common axis. Drama A story showing life and action
Thrive! Egg Alternatives
Consider The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human form, in diet and in the care and prevention of disease. – Thomas Edison 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Baking Click Here to View Quick tips on why silken tofu or bananas are great in soft, spongy cakes while applesauce or ground flax works best in cookies. Length: 2 Minutes Once upon a time, a favorite food was eggs. Scrambled with buttery bread. Fried. Hard boiled, especially when deviled. My poached and omelet concoctions were proving delicious when physical upsets were connected to eggs. Darn! Health Grades reports that certain egg-proteins cause the “body to overproduce the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes inflammation.” Symptoms of this “IgE-mediated egg allergy” include cramps, hives, wheezing, nausea, runny nose, shortness of breath and more. Other reasons to avoid eggs can be a desire to reduce cholesterol and fat intake, concerns for animal welfare, salmonella contamination, and the ‘environmental burden’ associated with egg farming. HealthLine writes, “Egg-laying hens, even free-range ones, are a source of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Choosing plant proteins over animal proteins reduces this footprint.” But what to do? Eggs are important parts of cooking. They bind or hold ingredients together. Eggs add flavor, moisture and keep liquids like water and oil from separating. Commercial products are available, like: The EVERY Company produces ‘bioidentical’ egg whites through fermentation JUST, Inc. makes egg-free products like cookie dough and a mayonnaise with yellow pea protein Egg Replacer] combines potato starch, tapioca flour, leavening (calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, cream of tartar) and a modified cellulose The Vegg is a yolk replacer made of nutritional yeast flakes, sodium alginate, kala namak,and beta-carotene. This Source also notes that “Egg Beaters” is a substitute for whole/fresh eggs (from the shell) but contains egg whites. Fortunately, real foods can also substitute for eggs. As shown in this post’s video, they include applesauce, bananas, ground chia and flax seeds, tofu and more. Here are some other foods that can replace eggs: Vinegar and baking soda that can keep baked goods light and airy Aquafaba, the liquid left over from cooking beans, functions like egg whites and works well in making meringues, marshmallows and nougat Carbonated water can add moisture because the air bubbles make baked good light and fluffy See All 13 Effective Food Substitutes “You are what you eat. What would YOU like to be?” – Julie Murphy COMMENT Succeed and Soar! Food for Thought Based on news reports in recent years, humans now need to address another form of global warming. The time has come to lower the temperature on how we interact. Deadly responses that once seemed effective in handling disagreements can now exacerbate and prolong rather than resolve disputes. Two great achievements at this stage in our evolution would be: Peace and prosperity for all human beings Make violence and brutality, especially war extinct Homo sapiens are smart enough to create Win-Win [rather than Win-Lose] relationships. Remind decision makers, Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called Children of God. Matthew 5-9 Image: PNGTree.com Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Hooded Sweat Shirts As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more With autumn’s arrive, snuggle up artfully. These fine quality hoodies are: : 75% cotton, 25% polyester blend Five sizes [Small, Medium, Large, X Large, 2X Large, 3X Large] Two Art Locations [Full Chest or chest patch] Double-opening waist pouch Colors: White, Heather, Charcoal, Black, Navy Machine washable Price $48 Purchase this Hooded Sweatshirt View All Hoodies Thanks for shopping!
Happiness
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. — Eleanor Roosevelt Of what might happiness be a by-product? The Dalai Lama says, “compassion.” Another suggests, “… letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like.” Sam Sunquist advises, “Some days, you have to create your own sunshine.” Over 2,000 years ago, Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” If so and happiness is like success, a journey rather than a destination, here are items for the suitcase: Deep breathing, it reduces stress. Giving sincere compliments, regular exercise and plenty of sleep boost happiness along with these habits. Rev. Billy Graham described happiness as circumstances that are pleasant and free from troubles. He added, “The kind of happiness that’s lasting is an inner joy and peace, which endures in any circumstance no matter what comes our way. It may even grow stronger in adversity.” From April 4 to June 20, 2020, Succeed and Soar published “Twelve Paths to Joy.” The posts reminded to celebrate your magnificence, follow your bliss, remember that a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles and no one knows what palaces we may build with beautiful thoughts. Enjoy more. Because some friends, family, co-workers, etc. must have missed Aristotle’s memo, keep Abraham Lincoln’s insight in mind, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” So, nurture and protect your own path toward inner joy. Along it, plant birds of paradise, roses and lilies of happiness. Grow sunflowers, poppies and chrysanthemums of peace. Succeed and Soar! Here are books I’ve been reading this month. All offer fascinating topics for Succeed and Soar’s next Zoom chat.Nothing to See Here. Kevin Wilson’s novel shows how a lonely young woman learns what family means while caring for children who burst into flame when upset. Captivated Reading Review. Toms River. Dan Fagin’s research is an astonishing exploration-explanation of how beautiful dyes connected with unusually high cancer rates in Jersey Shore children. New York Times Review. Born A Crime. Trevor Noah is one of comedy’s brightest voices. Recalling the apartheid world where he was never supposed to exist, Noah presents his life story, of “a lovable delinquent making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time.” C.aprichos Books Review Eleanor’s Insights Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art 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
Peace
We will have to want peace, want it enough to pay for it, before it becomes an accepted rule. Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt’s words really resonate on this anniversary of the World Trade Center attack, one of so many in human history. Think of Pearl Harbor. Think of Germany’s Gypsy, Homosexual, Jewish Holocaust. Think of the decimation of this hemisphere’s first people. A 100,000 year war waged by our species now leaves us without another. See How Neanderthals and Humans Battled. Also see The Neanderthals War. While wars between humans have been brief by comparison, the longest include: The 781-year-long Christian invasion of the Iberian Peninsula The 681-year-long Greco-Roman vs. Persian [Iran] battles The 675-year-long Byzantine-Bulgarian wars in the Balkans The 602 years, five months, one week and four days of the Christian Crusades Here’s More Whew! Mrs. Roosevelt believed, ”The basis of world peace is the teaching which runs through almost all the great religions of the world. Love thy neighbor as thyself.” And some have also, historically advocated the conquest and killing of those viewed as different. Eleanor Roosevelt asked, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?” Personal peace is a start. What if more and more: Resisted guilt. Didn’t compare themselves to others. Challenged their ‘musts’ and converted ‘shoulds’ to ‘coulds.’ Took breaks from the hustle-bustle and visited tranquil places. See More Ways to Find Peace of Mind and Inner Calm. Predator-Prey is Earth’s MO [Modus Operandi, Method of Operating]. All animals and some plants kill other living things to live. That said, here’s a thought [illustrated in part by playing the original Super Mario]: What if Earth’s kill-or-be-killed conditions are a kind of test, a puzzle? What if a blissful after life is the reward for figuring out how to create on Earth all that’s promised in heaven, Eden, Paradise? What if Earth is, as some suggest, Purgatory where failure-flunking requires a re-do? Here’s another question: What price would you pay for more peace? Succeed and Soar! Remember September 11 is also “Make Your Bed Day” September 12 is Grandparents Day September 15 is International Day of Democracy September 17 is National Constitution Day Image by pikepicture Eleanor’s Insights Collection Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art 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
Path to Joy: 6th of 12 – Peace and Good Will
Peace is joy at rest. Joy is peace on its feet. – Anne Lamott Can vigilantes be part of a healthy, flourishing society? For me, the answer is in Ahmaud Arbery’s story. His death reminds that a cure is needed for another kind of COVID-19, the self-appointed judges and juries who then execute other human beings based on verdicts reached in their own minds. This Paths to Joy series has so far been built on values of simplicity, money, words, friendship and generosity. On the 6th Path, individuals can become cures for the Lynch Virus, the dis-ease killing the possibility of safe and harmonious communities. Wouldn’t you agree that when people choose peace, light expands [rather than darkness, distrust and destruction]? Couldn’t a brighter world then grow when individuals approach each other with good will, opportunity-by-opportunity, as best we can. How? Enjoy this beautiful video. Join the song. Sing along with Vince Gill. This Post’s Featured Art, “Peace and Good Will,” A Visual Meditation What do I like best about the picture? The stars in the darkness. Why do I like these things? To me, the stars in the darkness are the presence of light, hope, peace and guidance through turmoil, chaos, danger and [blindness] the inability to see. What does this picture teach me? I can sow light, hope and peace like seeds. How can these insights lead to joy? There is the parable of one who wanted to change the world. Failing that, they tried to change their country, their community then their family. Finally, they understood the only change possible was themselves, so that by individual [my] choices and actions, one [I] can bring peace and good will into the world. NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 1st of 12 – Keep Life Simple, Honest and Real
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo da Vinci Years ago, I found an old book of inspirations called The Treasure Chest. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” This letter launches “Twelve Paths to Joy,” my adaptation using visual meditations I called Illustrated Wisdom. This Post’s Featured Art, “Simplicity,” A Visual Meditation What I like best about the picture The gleam of the gold paint. The lines circling upward. Why The shining gold brightens and adds vitality. The lines look like paths that trip the light fantastic with leaves and flowers growing along the way. What does this picture teach? Because the intent was to envision life lived simplistically, to me: The dark borders suggest night, a time of rest within which large, gold stars shine. The gold sprays look like galaxies where countless stars cluster. The dark shows possibilities that cannot be seen by daylight. The curlicue lines teach that many dances are possible. The spirals say life can have carefree moments. The flowers remind to appreciate life’s beautiful, natural and simple gifts. The green dots represent seeds. They teach that opportunities can be abundant and grow from tiny packages. How can these insights lead to joy? The picture reminds me to: Relax, Enjoy the times when life dances, Find delight in peace and contentment, in keeping life simple, honest and real. The ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. In this “Twelve Paths to Joy” series, permanent markers, ink, colored pencils, crayons, metallic, water color, acrylic and tempera paints are applied to 98-pound, 11 x 14-inch, mixed media paper. The doodling and dabbling, scribbling and splashing provides a process for stepping away from life’s hustle and bustle while creating pictures guided by the heart [rather than structured by the mind]. Along the way, Peaceful and inspiring spaces are opened Choices are clarified Important insights are gained The body, mind and spirit are relaxed and refreshed To see more of my art and purchase prints, Visit: SandraGouldFord.ImageKind.com
Desiderata [the List]
When I was twenty, I worked for an airline and used my first travel passes to fly my mom cross country to San Francisco for her birthday-Mother’s Day. In a Fisherman’s Wharf gift shop, I found Desiderata. It raised my awareness. From time to time, I like to share this list: Go placidly amid the noise & haste & remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is. Many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. Max Ehrmann Wisdoms Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in my 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 for your support! Sandra Gould Ford NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.