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.
Bullies
Updated April 11, 2024 No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. — Eleanor Roosevelt M. Scott Peck’s book The Road Less Traveled, opens with, “Life is difficult.” Until then, I thought life was supposed to be pleasant, despite all evidence to the contrary. Peck, a psychiatrist, further wrote, “Once we truly know that life is difficult-once we truly understand and accept it … the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” Ideally. Maybe. Mrs. Roosevelt’s words recalled an episode of National Geographic Wild’s Dog Impossible. When attacked by a mean, aggressive bully hound, Pierre a handsome husky, barked back, as though saying, “You’ve got your nerve. You need to take that stupidity somewhere else.” See Pierre in action [Facebook]. Pierre knew a tyrant when he heard-saw one and did not allow oppression. But some don’t recognize browbeaters or second-guess whether they’re being intimidated, in part because there are several types: Physical: When someone tries to physically control another person Verbal: Name calling and teasing Cyber: Hurting others from behind social media screens Emotional: Calculated social manipulation that leaves targeted people feeling isolated and alone. Prejudicial: Attacking those who look or act different. Sexual: Acts that humiliate, shame or physically assault another sexually or their sexuality. See More Why do people bully? VeryWellMind says there are many reasons. Mainly, bullies: Feel powerless Suffer from insecurity Need to control others Enjoy the rewards they get from bullying How can bullies be handled? The eight tips Psychology Today offers include: Keep Your Distance and Keep Your Options Open. Know Your Fundamental Human Rights. Read More. See also Health Direct. BTW, someone may be trying to bully when they say, “Can’t you take a joke?” Read more on jokesters. As Pierre and Mrs. Roosevelt understood, bullying requires two. The one who bullies and the one who consents to being bullied. In either case, these words of wisdom are worth remembering: People who repeatedly attack your confidence and self-esteem are quite aware of your potential, even if you are not. – Wayne Gerard Trotman When a toxic person can no longer control you, they will try to control how others see you. The misinformation will feel unfair, but stay above it, trusting that other people will eventually see the truth, just like you did. – Jill Blakeway, The Minds Journal People who love themselves, don’t hurt other people. – Dan Pearce If they don’t like you for being yourself, be yourself even more. – Taylor Swift What goes around comes back around. – Ancient Proverb For more on dealing with toxic people, see Succeed and Soar’s August 14 post, “Freer Than Ever Before.” NOTE: According to Quote Investigator, a century before Mrs. Roosevelt was credited with this post’s featured quote, the American clergyman William Ellery Channing said, No power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent. Succeed and Soar! Shop Succeed and Soar’s Eleanor’s Insights Collection Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with my photographs of ‘wild places.’ Of this post’s featured image, I like thinking of these mountains near Grand Junction, Colorado as Spirit Protectors. They look like the fortifications sometimes needed to repel difficult people so that our spirits can grow brighter, more beautiful and beneficent. My 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
Autumn Treasures
“Memories are the treasures locked deep within the storehouse of our souls; to keep our hearts warm.” — Becky Aligata A Meditation Once upon a summer, I played tag and softball and ran races with Madeira Street’s other ten-year-olds. Lunch was chipped ham and sweet pickles on Miracle Whip-slathered bread chased with Tropical Punch or Pink Lemonade or Cherry Kool-Aid. We played Tic-tac-toe, hangman and checkers on porches and watched television cartoons until dinner. At sundown, the ice cream truck’s jingle promised sparkling shaved ice drenched with pineapple or watermelon, strawberry or grape syrups. Now sometimes as leaves fall at eventide, I think of playmates running under streetlights, calling through the twilight. “There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place, where colors are brighter, the air is softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” Elizabeth Lawrence The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here