CREATIVY wins over CRAZINESS!

YES! I was facing a week full to the brim with projects, extra jobs, violin lessons, trips out of town, studying, ALLERGIES & ANXIETY! BUT, what a sense of accomplishment I have experienced over the past week as I conquered my CRAZINESS with CREATIVY. I gave myself over to my artistic side and enjoyed a week of peaceful bliss found in a painting! Yes I am crazy enough to do all that NEEDS to be done in one week and then add just one MORE thing in the mix. The craziest thing, I accomplished it all, with a smile on my face, and here I sit writing to you!

My week was looking busy, and I knew the only way to relieve the anxiety that would inevitably overcome me, was to start the week with a blank canvas and painting project in mind. As I looked at the blank canvas, the invasive thoughts of what I needed to be doing kept creeping in, but quickly, I brushed the negative naggings aside and thought about what it was I wanted to create. Slowly, I could see in my minds eye what I wanted to create. I lovingly chalked the outline on the canvas, and with my brush in hand, and a quiver of excitement I began the background. Even though the background consisted of browns and blacks, the stroke of the brush and the rhythm of the movement lulled me into a world of bliss and calmness.

As I squeezed the colors from their tubes, a sense of peace, tranquility, and complete awe overwhelmed me as I looked at the beauty and diversity of the colors.

I started with the leaves of my fanciful 'dandelion' using greens and yellows whose names I love! Is that crazy? Who would not fall in love with names like Buttercup, Blue Mist, Yellow Citron, Italian Sage, and Poetry Green? BEAUTIFUL, imaginative, and creative names. I began the filling in, and then shading, swirling, and mixing of the colors; it was such an overwhelming feeling, I am sure I must have cackled with excitement like one of the three witches from Macbeth! I know I was making enough sound of pure enjoyment and delight to catch my husband's attention! He hesitantly entered the room and with a quick gaze at the source of my amusement, he commented, "You look so professional!"  I wondered if it had to do with the painting on the canvas or more with the paint covering me from head to toe. Nevertheless, it was pure music to my ears and a kick in the seat of my tired pants to continue on and complete my masterpiece. So, next came the magical, mystical, blue swirly petals. Blues with lovely names like Cobalt blue, Amish blue, Slate blue, and Berry blue.

Fast and furious the brush did move, as if it had a mind of its own. I was swirling, twirling, spinning, and moving to the picture in my mind. I was transported from the anxiety which had been looming over me to a world of whimsy and wonder, and I laughed and danced to my favorite tunes by Frank Sinatra as I dabbed and dotted the final touches on my crazy, anxiety, stress reliever of my 'piece de resistance.' When all was said and done, I felt calm and ready to tackle the rest of my very hectic week. SO! the question is: Was it crazy to add one more seemingly unnecessary project to my week? With a grin, a belly laugh, a new painting and a smudge of Cobalt blue still on my cheek, I give you a resounding NO!

I heard a great quote last night while watching a movie and it goes like this: "‎If you don't wake up tomorrow, if it turns out that today is your last day on earth, will you be proud of what you've done in this life?" I want to be proud of what I have accomplished. To me that means enjoying the journey every step of the way, and using the tools and talents I have been given to make that possible! NOT crazy, BUT super smart, and OH SO ENJOYABLE!

I love the verse that reads: "May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." ( Romans 15: 13) So, as you begin your week, if you are already grinding your teeth, white-knuckling everything you touch, or feeling the temptation to give your child, teenager, husband, or coworker a ten-finger necklace, CONSIDER a project! Whether it be painting, journaling, blogging, knitting, crocheting, cooking, or whatever captures your fancy, I daresay you will start your week off with a smile on your face, a more relaxed state of mind, and a laugh to go on!




Living, Laughing, and Love to you,




Patti

LAUGHTER... IS CRAZY! And I LOVE IT!

Do you know I love it when people say, 'GIRL YOU ARE CRAZY'!  I take that as a compliment!  REALLY!  It means I have made them laugh!  I love the fact that my friends will belly laugh with me, and that I will in return give a good SNORT of appreciation.  I love Woody Allen's quote, although I would like to rewrite it:  I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.  I do believe when something is THAT FUNNY, whatever you are consuming SHOULD definitely come out of your nose!  : )  There are so many wonderful things that have been said about laughter!  Here are just a few: a fundamental stress reliever, a visual expression of happiness, being tickled, the best medicine, an internal workout, and on and on!  NOW, with all of that said, HOW can crazy, maniacal laughter not be good for you?

It is amazing to me the number of studies that have been done on the benefits of laughter- CRAZY in fact.  Just google the word laughter and you will be amazed at the multitude of articles that pop up.  I will share just a few of the benefits I have read about!

1) Laughter can help relieve pain”!  Now, I find this amusing.... but I do plan on putting this to the test the next time I stub my toe, or fall off my shoes (oh yes my friends, it happens more often that I care to mention!) or when I get a smack upside the head for a 'stupid moment'!  BUT, seriously, I have found that when I have a headache, or cramps which I shall not discuss,  lest I offend any male readers, I do make a sincere effort to find something to laugh about, OR better yet, I will call one of my CRAZY friends, (you know who you are), and I find that laughing with them or even on my own (although that does raise questions in the minds of those watching me!) does take my mind off the pain, and focuses my attention on joy!

2) “Laughter brings greater happiness”!  Now, being the wise acre that I am, I simply say DUH!  I mean REALLY?  How many individuals do you know, who are constantly whining and complaining, nary a laugh to be found, and you would describe them as a happy, joyful individual?  I always want to ask the question, “What's 'a matter “EEYORE?”  ”Lost your tail again?”  Laughing brings beauty to your face, joy to your eyes,  a wellspring of happiness from within.  I would rather laugh and have greater happiness, than have someone ask me, “MA'AM, would you like some cheese with that 'WHINE'?”

3) Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones”!  BINGO... give laughter the million dollar prize!  I find at my most stressful moments, the best thing to do is breathe, say a prayer, and then find something joyful to focus on! A joke, a funny picture, another phone call to a CRAZY friend, (again, you DO know who I am talking about!)  I had a situation this week where I did not get a pertinent message about the  cancellation of  a job, so I drove all the way to the destination (an hour and a half away), promptly went into panic mode when I discovered NO one else was there, and naturally assumed I was in the wrong place!  So, I sat in my car for a half hour, breathing into a paper bag,  prayed, found the phone number I needed,  got the info I needed, that I would have loved to have had BEFORE I started my drive (giggle), and then LAUGHED.  I was honestly very thankful that I had just had a lovely peaceful drive, I had listened to great uplifting music, I had a BEAUTIFUL drive with much to look at, thanks to the time change...and all my stress started to turn around.  I called one of my CRAZY friends who shall remain nameless, love you Nicole! Hee hee.  We laughed and then as I was driving through Gulf Breeze, I saw a 'carnival' with a beautiful Ferris wheel!  I stopped my car (my husband did ask to clarify that point) and snapped a few shots.  SO YOU SEE, what I would have missed without making an unnecessary trip.  I laughed and no longer felt the stress that I was feeling when I thought I was going nutty at being at the wrong place for a job!

4) “Internal Workout: A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.” I like this laughter benefit. Today I am going to work on my 6 pack abs! YES, at this moment I am laughing! Who in their right mind would want to exercise their diaphragm and abs, and shoulders, by straining, stretching and heaven forbid 'glistening' while lifting weight and doing sit ups? I know the junk in my trunk is not benefiting from laughter, which is why I plan on taking a walk on this gorgeous spring day, but an 'internal workout', followed by a sense of relaxation is my kind of workout. I shall find things to laugh about as I walk, again passers by may wonder... but when they see my 6 pack abs, they will join in the laughter!

I am thankful that I have been blessed with a joyful spirit and a propensity toward laughter. I found a great quote online yesterday: "Don't whine - laugh." ~ Roy Castle. Short, sweet, and too the point! Life is TOO short to walk around like an Eeyore- and here is a great Eeyore quote:“

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily. “And freezing. However, we haven't had an earthquake lately."

I would I rather be a Tigger, who sings: 

“A wonderful thing is a Tigger; A Tigger's a wonderful thing. Their tops are made out of rubber, their bottoms are made out of spring They're bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, The most wonderful thing about Tiggers is: I'm the only one!” Yes, I would rather be 'Tiggerish” and that is how I would like to be remembered! Fun, full of laughter, and bringing joy to those around me. So if you are in town today, and you see me driving alone in my car, LAUGHING maniacally, call me CRAZY, but know that I am: stress free, pain free, happier than a  pig in a mud puddle, and working on my 6 pack abs.  Why don't you join me in my effort to make the world go round on laughter!   Love, Joy, Peace, and MUCH Laughter, Patti

If this DOES NOT MAKE YOU LAUGH, I am worried! ; )

Credit to goes to the following article for the benefits of laughter: http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/laughter.htm

I lost my SANITY for three days... but....

Thank goodness my sanity has returned. It all began with a BLOWOUT with my cell phone company who shall remain nameless. The BLOWOUT began on Tuesday... and was followed by a 3 day meltdown on my part. Apologies go out to all family members, friends, colleagues, and even people I do not know for listening to my rants, mad ravings and unintelligible mutterings about the atrocities which had taken place. My story is as follows....







The date was December 23, and I decided it was time to update my cellphone from my 2007 flip phone to a new device which would include Internet capability. I was trembling with excitement, frothing at the mouth, and overjoyed with ecstasy as I looked over the wide selection of phones available to me at the cell phone store. I was immediately drawn to the 'PRETTY PINK' (oh so girly) Blackberry 3G curve. My daughter, who was with me kept saying, "MOM, Blackberry's STINK". But did I care? NO! My overriding thoughts and logic were that the phone was pink, AND most importantly, it had Internet capability. So, within minutes I was the proud owner of a Blackberry with Facebook downloaded in another 5 minutes. (Did I mention I was excited about Internet access?)




Oh, I felt like a kid at Christmas! I was reading Facebook updates in the store, the mall, the restaurant. I was a VERY happy camper until Christmas day when suddenly, my updates stopped. Thank goodness the cell phone workers were working on Christmas Day, because "I" had a problem that needed an immediate fix. And within minutes it was fixed and working - UNTIL the next day. WELL, after 5 phone calls to the company, I finally happened on a friendly little salesman, named "SNERDLY". (I am calling him Snerdly to protect his identity and because Snerdly is a name which fits his repulsive behaviour to a "T" as you will see by reading on!

Snerdly was overly sympathetic toward me and my Blackberry issues, assuring me that MANY other consumers had experienced the same Facebook issues, and that they were ALL switching to the DROID X. Snerdly painted a vivid picture of the Droid X's outstanding features so much so, that I heard harps playing and angels singing. Within 5 minutes, he had convinced me that, 'YES, I DID' want to update to the Droid X', and with a glazed look and the feeling of a hypnotic state, I walked slowly to my purse pulled out my bank card and charged in excess of $300.00 for a DROID X! Interestingly enough, it was at this very moment, Snerdly noticed that on this VERY day we were speaking, it was the LAST DAY in my 30 day period to return my Blackberry, or I would be stuck with it. That was a slap of reality, and suddenly everything snapped back in focus. It was Sunday, it was 4:30 p.m., there were BIG football games I was tuning into. Return a phone that day? NOT a chance! So with Snerdly's reassurance, we would cancel the order and he promised that he would call me back the next day to see if I had been able to return the blackberry. "Please hold while I have my manager cancel this order", said Snerdly, and I kindly acquiesced. After a 5 minute hold, Snerdly assured me that my order had indeed been cancelled. Just to be safe, I asked the all important question: "Are you SURE this will not come out of my bank account?" and he responded, "I can assure you of that!". Relief ensued and I promptly ditched my football game, ran to the cell phone store, returned my Blackberry and with a gleam and the promise of a phone that would work, I IMMEDIATELY purchased a Droid. Snerdly wouldn't care. Surely he would be understanding, since he had just painted an incredible picture of the Droid and he would KNOW the immediate gratification I would have by purchasing the Droid right then and there!

My peace came to an end on Tuesday when I casually looked at my bank account and... BLOWOUT! Snerdly had fibbed, and there was $300.00 plus dollars gone from my account. All I could picture was Snerdly rubbing his hands together, sneering, and patting himself on the back for his 'wiley salesmanship' and his impending commission. It was at that moment that the meltdown began. I promptly called the cell phone company to plead my case. Would they help me, would they refund my money, would they make things right? OF COURSE NOT- THIS IS A CELL PHONE COMPANY. In a state of panic, I called my bank. Could they help, NO the charge had already gone through. To make a long story short for 3 days there was a cell phone battle of Olympic proportions! My calls to the company started out politely enough, but on day 2 they became less nice, and by day 3, the 'wrath of Patti' was falling from the skies above onto the cell phone company below... all to NO avail. Raging, Ranting, Lunacy, and Threats of bodily harm to everyone working at the cell phone company did nothing to help my case. Finally, on the third day, I called my bank. They were kind, courteous, consoling, and finally I found someone who would listen and take my side. I found JUSTICE. With my fist in the air, and a grimace on my face, and my best Scarlett O'Hara imitation, I proclaimed, "I shall NEVER deal with this cell phone company again"!

But, now that justice had been served, my bank account saved from insufficient fund fees, and the possibility of no food in the house till payday no longer a threat, I started using my Droid, and, I LOVE IT. It takes fabulous photos, which I can download to my Facebook. I am getting Facebook updates wherever I go, my family and friends can rest assured that I am still alive as I respond to their statuses and post my own. Joy and rapture, peace, tranquility and SANITY have all been restored! This is, as Martha Stewart would say, "A GOOD THING"

But, Mr. Snerdly, BEWARE, I have your number, I have your email. Don't mess with me again. One more slip and I will have NO CHOICE but to have you pry my Droid from my hands, and move on to a new company, who do not have an employee by the name of "SNERDLY"!




Till that day, I will continue to check my status, get my updates, respond to my friends, post my silly comments, and download all of the pictures I take. I was very close to saying "Oh, this is the biggest heart attack I ever had. You hear that Elizabeth? I'm coming to join you honey. " (thank you Fred Sanford for your hysterical comedic drama), But the moment has passed and I am excited I was not pushed over the brink to the CRAZY side! Now off to check my Droid!




Living, Laughing and LOVING my Droid,




Patti

The Creative Temperament- crazy or not?... YOU DECIDE!

“The creative person is both more primitive and more cultivated, more destructive, a lot madder and a lot saner, than the average person.”
Frank Barron


I asked a reliable source this morning what they thought this meant.  Here was their response: "It takes reaching inside to find your  animal instincts, to take the most basic of elements and pull them together to form a Creation.  And while the creative person may seem full of chaos, and hell bent on destroying themselves, when channeled and focused, out of the chaos comes something remarkable and amazing."

Another friend said, and i quote:

"Surround yourself with those creative people, and your life will never be dull!" Oh how true. Creative people are known for their off the wall, silly and quirky sense of humor. Many creative people are the 'life of the party'. And you NEVER know what a creative person may pull out of their sleeve! By surrounding yourself with creative individuals, you will experience the ride of a lifetime!

Now, while my office and craft area are may not look 'quite' this bad, my office is a definite reflection of the creative chaos I live in. The rest of my house is clean. But my creative space chaos! It is with white knuckles that I cling to the quote: "out of chaos comes order" Nietzsche. The most fun part of my creative chaos is when a family member needs something, and as they stand there looking with utter dismay at what they see as a disaster, I calmly go to the exact spot of the item they are needing and with a smile of purely delicious triumph hand it to them! The fun part, seeing the look of dismay turn to a look of complete and utter disbelief! This alone shows that what may appear as chaos to others is merely order to me. In my chaotic space, I may find bits and pieces of paper that I use to design a card. I may find a piece of music that I have wanted to learn and begin to practice. I may find a sheet of paper and a pencil, and pen a poem or thought for a new writing project. Chaos, CRAZY? no... a sign of complete and utter Sanity and Creativity!

As a musician/artist/ author, I am a definite right brain thinker! And so proud of it. After all, I am lumped in with some of the most famous RIGHT BRAINERS: Einstein, Bach, the Beatles (love my Paul Mcartney), Leonardo Davinci! Many of these individuals were considered eccentric, slightly crazy! Now I am not claiming to touch the creative achievements of any of the above, but I am proud to join their ranks... and yes I know many of my friends think I am just as 'crazy'!, but what they see as crazy, I see as creative thinking leading to a masterpiece! I just believe that people who think with their right brain get a bad rap, instead of a pat on the back for what we contribute to society. In learning a piece of music, there is a lot of 'creative and colorful' language that goes on, a lot of emotional tears, and temperamental stomping, a lot of growling and groaning... but in the end, the creative process allows me to bring forth something that is truly beautiful and worth all of the effort. Was I conflicted and full of chaos during the creative process?- YES. Was it worth all of the pain, time and effort put into creating the finished product? -YES. Many people would scream 'YE GODS' and run if they caught me in the beginning stages of my creative process, but once the process is complete, the above mentioned individuals will sit with rapt attention as I perform or share my creation.

SO! Before labeling one of your creative, right brain thinking, chaotic friends a complete 'crazoid', just remember... we are NOT CRAZY, we just operate on a different level. We have much to offer society in the form of music, art, books, crafts, and passion. AH, the passion, artists are some of the most passionate people you will EVER meet. So, I encourage you, before labeling those of us who are creative, as 'crazy', look deeper and see that we struggle to create something beautiful that we want to share with you, as our friend, and the with the world as a whole!




Express your love to a Musician, Artist, Author, Cook etc. today, and you may be surprised at the beauty and laughter they can add in abundance to your life!




Creatively Yours,




Patti

Multiple Personalities in the form of the Seven Dwarfs! CRAZY!

YES!  I am convinced that I have a Multiple Personality Disorder that links me to most of Snow White's Seven Dwarfs!  I came to this conclusion yesterday morning when my alarm awoke me from my peaceful slumber to remind me that, TODAY, was my first day back to the 'Coal Mine'. I was SLEEPY and that alarm was a VERY clear representation of the 'whistle' blowing to call all workers back to the mine.  I must admit, in my very sleepy state, that I was bewildered, befuddled and slightly confused by this sudden awakening, and it was at that moment that I began to experience a definite personality change.  Yes, I hate to admit it, but I, like Sybil, morphed into a different character entirely.  My thought pattern changed, my attitude changed, the 'voices' in my head took on an new tone, and suddenly, I was...

GRUMPY! Oh! how I grumbled and mumbled.  I certainly did NOT deserve to be awoken from my peaceful slumber to face a day of work, especially after I had just come off of the most LOVELY of holidays!  I muttered under my breath about the injustice of having to crawl out of my warm bed, and into the chilly air of my bedroom.  I growled about having to 'get ready' for the day with 'real clothes, make up and hair done', instead of  my vacation look which included 'pajamas, no make up, and hair in a permanent ponytail'.  I growled as I stumbled down the stairs to make my coffee, and croaked as I put the mug to my lips, and then SUDDENLY, another personality shift!  What was going on?  I was seriously considering psychiatric assistance as I changed from Grumpy to....

HAPPY! As I stood there with my steaming cup of "Donut House - Cinnamon Roll' coffee in my palms, and a marvelous homemade 'vegan' blueberry muffin (yes, I am STILL sticking with my new vegan diet!),  I smelled the coffee and tasted the fresh blueberries, and I quickly became happy over the fact that I had food, a warm, delicious, fragrant cup of coffee, and a job to go to, when so many are looking for employment.  I had friends at my job, whom I respect and love, whom I had not seen since vacation started, and students who were excited to share all about their  Christmas vacations.  And, I was simply happy over the fact that I woke up to face another day!  What more does one really have to be grateful for than these comforts; family, food, friends, a home, a job, LIFE!  I was happy because I was counting even the smallest of blessings!  BUT, yet again, there was another personality change in the making. I felt my brain fighting the next personality, as if it were a force trying to take over my entire being, and indeed, a NEW and different personality emerged and  it was...

DOPEY!  Yep, that was me.  I had been away from work for 2 weeks, and I was feeling slightly nervous about going back and teaching music to my eager pupils!  Could I dredge up the excitement and enthusiasm needed to engage these eager young minds?  After all, I was feeling quite DOPEY from all of the Christmas parties, the sweets and meals, the late nights, the CHRISTMAS REVELING! Was I up to the task of 'performing' for and 'creating' an enthusiasm for music in the minds of my students?  I thought long and hard, as much as my Dopey brain would allow me, and it was at that moment the last and final personality pushed through to lay my worries to rest!  The next and final personality to present itself was...

DOC! Yes the voice of reason broke through! I had made it though my Sleepy personality, my Grumpy grumbler, my Happy 'count my blessings' dwarf, my Dopey doubting demon, and had arrived at my final destination, "DOC", the voice of reason, the purveyor of sanity in my multiple personality scenario! I thought the thoughts of a person with wisdom and insight into the mish-mash of personal transformations, and as I 'thought my thoughts' and analyzed my personalities, I came to the conclusion that, I was NOT someone going through a SYBIL LIKE MULTIPLE PERSONALITY CRISIS. I am simply a normal individual, experiencing the same thoughts and emotions that any NORMAL person experiences when being awoken at 5:15 a.m. faced with the prospect of returning to work after a wonderful two week vacation. And my logical DOC like personality also helped remind me that is just fine to experience these emotions and differences in personality. And chances are, I was still going to feel like a "SNEEZY" allergy moment some time during the day, and I may, though not likely, experience a "BASHFUL" moment! All of these multifaceted personalities, when mixed, shaken and pressed together, may look like a lump of coal from the mines, but in reality after some polishing and perfecting in the form of 'life circumstances, and 'hard knocks', NO LUMP OF COAL, but a BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND waiting to shine in all of its brilliance

We are all made up of different personalities that present themselves at different times, and that is what makes each of us so unique and so absolutely CRAZY wonderful! Rejoice in, and embrace the different facets of your personality. Work on chipping away at the rough spots and jagged edges that you don't like, and polish and perfect your best qualities, so you can reveal the INNER DIAMOND that is waiting to shine brilliantly for the world to see... your CRAZY Uniqueness!




Uniquely and Crazily Yours,

Patti

A CRAZY CHANGE...

That's right! I am making a CRAZY CHANGE as the New Year begins, and it totally involves my eating habits! I am a lover of ALL foods, ANY nationality, ANY course... from salads to dinner to desserts. I enjoy trying new things and usually love it all! Indian, Mexican, Italian, Thai, Seafood, you name it, there are very few things I don't simply love.




When I turned 40, and stepped onto the scale, I was reminded of the comedian Vicki Lawrence's quote: "after 40 everything heads south for the winter"! I looked at the scale and thought to myself, I shall not descend to the south except in the proximity of where I live. Therefore, a change in diet is in order. Thank goodness a blessing in disguise named "GWEN" has come along to encourage, cajole, and all but cook a Vegan meal for me! Love you Gwen! Seriously, I believe people are put into your lives for a reason, and along comes a new friend to advise, guide and give direction in the way of healthy eating... and she used the magic words, "YOU'LL FEEL SO SKINNY"! Well hop down, that was all I needed to hear!




So with my friends guidance, a list of stores to find the correct ingredients, and some recipes to boot, I have ventured out into the Vegan lifestyle. I went to Publix for a few items today, and felt like a kid in a candy shoppe, yet in reality I was simply an adult in a health food aisle... how IRONIC! I had so much fun pouring over foods that would be healthier for me, and with relish, I picked my breads, my fruits and veggies, and my TOFU! Now I have to admit, that the word TOFU simply intimidates me... but then the words, "You'll feel SO skinny' popped back in my mind, and my ego overruled my intimidation, and I placed TOFU in my cart with confidence and relish.




It is impossible for me to do anything half way or haphazardly! If I am going to do something, I am going to do it with gusto, excitement, and raw determination. SO, I came home armed with my ingredients, and prepared to fool my family into 'thinking' they were eating a fat ridden, meat laden, greasy chili... But I giggled as I chopped my onions, added my peppers, and 3... 3 DIFFERENT kinds of beans. I rubbed my hands together with a gleam in my eye as i added tomatoes and spices galore... and as it simmered, I snickered as they kept asking how soon it would be ready! They are eating as I type, and as of yet, I have heard no complaints. Little do they know that they are guinea pigs in my diabolical plan of turning myself and them into a healthier happier family!




I've have already tasted, and tested, and given a 5 star rating to this recipe, and I can say, with the enthusiasm that usually pours out of me, I am EXCITED about eating healthier in 2011! Now you may say, "HOW is that part of her crazy life?" It is crazy because, I am so busy that dinner has to be easy, fast and quick to prepare. BUT I say to you, "HEY I AM CRAZY"... I am willing to give it a shot! I am insane enough to try something new if it means a healthier happier me! I am willing to invest the time and effort into cooking a meal that will be good for my family! AND, I invite you along for the ride. So with that said, I will post my "VEGAN CHILI" recipe, tweaked here and there with a few more herbs and spices and a few more tomatoes! Try it! I dare you. YOU NEVER KNOW! You just might like it!




And AHA! The verdict is in, hubby and kids could NOT believe there was no meat, and that it was a VEGAN dish! Their exact words in describing the chili.... "I NEVER would have known it was vegan if you had not told me." So, as I rap up this blog, and pat myself on the back, I hope that you will find ways to make your year a healthier year! You never know where a walk down the health food aisle in Publix may take YOU!




Love, laugh and HAPPY HEALTHY EATING,




Patti







Patti's Vegan Chili:

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

2 cups chopped onion

1 chopped green pepper

1 chopped yellow pepper

2 garlic cloves minced

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 package. McCormick Chili seasoning

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 (28 oz.) crushed tomato

1 cup tomato juice (leave this out if you want less liquid)

2 (16 oz.) cans black beans rinsed and drained

1 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained




Preparation:

Heat oil in large pot. Add onions, peppers, and garlic; saute 5 minutes or until tender. Add sugar and remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Serve in a bowl and WAIT! Just wait, and soon you will hear the sighs of contentment and the gasps of surprise as you tell them... YOU ARE EATING VEGAN!

Waiting for the CRAZINESS TO BEGIN!

Bring it on 2011! I am excited for every CRAZY opportunity, experience, adventure and crazy new friend that comes my way! I love to know that I have a BRAND NEW YEAR ahead of me that is filled with new possibilities, new projects, new adventures. Thinking about a new year for me is like imagining a clean canvas just waiting for me to paint the first strokes of delicious and delectable colors! A canvas WAITING for me to create a painting that will represent my NEW YEAR! I am ready to run and grab my paint brush, squeeze out dollops of rainbow colored paints on my palette and start and.... WAIT!... without a plan, I may create a mess...




"A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power." Brian Tracy

Words of wisdom! I must design a plan, with 'crazy' in the mix so that I can create a 'year in painting' that I will be proud of when the year ends. I need the right mix of colors, which for me will be: living and celebrating my life with no FEAR, and living to the FULLEST. Loving all around me without abandon, and SHOWING my love rather than just speaking it. The saying action speaks louder than words is definitely applicable here! Laughing until my belly hurts! (an absolute necessity when it comes to riding the waves that come my way!) Being true to myself and my convictions, without fear that others may disagree. And lastly, when spending time with family and friends, making sure, that when I walk away, that person feels better after having spent time with me. WOW, some lofty goals, but at least it is a plan. Yeah, Call me crazy, but I know what I want, and I am willing to do what it takes to get it. And I am claiming this promise:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

SO, with the first day of the new year ahead of me, I have made my plan, I have chosen the colors, I have donned my artist smock and french beret (must look the part!), and I am ready to start painting my year! I am 'aquiver' with excitement.

I hope you to have a plan in mind for the crazy things you want, and I pray that you will EMBRACE the new year with all of it's exciting possibilities! Make your year what you want it to be! Paint your YEAR with wild abandon!

With a grateful heart!

Patti

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

I never KNEW a Dodge Neon could FLY!

Good morning! The tale I am about to tell you is true, and not fabricated in any way, nor shall I embellish the truth to make it sound crazier that in really was. Oh yes! Leave it to me to perform the craziest stunt possible and walk away from it alive! My friends would agree that I can never do anything the easy way. For example, my friends will tell you, "Patti would never have a simple fender bender, it is simply not her style"! And I would have to agree. So, in reflecting upon my craziest most outrageous activity for this year, hands down I would have to give it up for... "The Day My Dodge Neon Took Flight".




Now you may be picturing the Magical Flying Car from Harry Potter, or maybe even the Antiquated, Flying car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Oh no! My Dodge Neon's flight through the air would better be described as a car stunt from the movie the Dukes of Hazard or Dirty Harry. Yes, it was wild, it was outrageous, it was unparalleled, and to quote an off duty police officer who just happened to be following me when this was all going down, his comment: "THAT WAS AMAZING".




Thursday, October 29th started out as a typical CRAZY day. I was running late, and as usual. I was wiping coffee off of my clothes, grabbing what I needed for school, searching for my keys, but at last, whew, I was in the car, starting the engine when I remembered... NO GAS! I was already late as I have told you, but I knew the fumes left in the car would not get me to my destination which is approximately 20 miles from my house. SO, gas station stop, and I am now wiping gasoline off my clothes! Back in the car, I was feeling the adrenaline, and I knew Evil Knievel had nothing on me that morning! I got on the interstate, noting that the roads were a little slick, but still continued along at a Nascar drivers pace as I hurried to be on time.




Now there is a well know curve in Pensacola that takes you from I-110 which I was driving on, and dumps you onto interstate 110 going west toward Mobile. Oh this curve is deceptive, sly and sneaky as you start down it's slippery slope. It is deceptive because is starts out shallow and then makes a sharp lurch to the left, at which point there is no guardrail to keep you from leaving the safety of the interstate, and in my case this was probably a good thing! I was still driving taking this curve at a pretty quick pace, maybe not so nascar'ish' as I know the treachery of this curve, but with a fast pace, a slick road, and a fierce determination to be at work on time, my car chose that moment to go into a little hydroplane!




I am sure you have all been there at one time or another and your husbands words of 'DO NOT SLAM ON THE BRAKES" resonated loudly in your head as it did in mine- NOT SO MUCH! I panicked and I slammed the brake pedal to the floor, and could not figure out why my car started to swerve even more toward the hill lined with those lovely little pine trees. SO, SURELY, slamming the brakes one more time would help, alas NO DICE! My car decided to commune with nature that day, as it left the interstate and somehow propelled itself, according to the off duty police officer, 'AS HIGH AS A HOUSE-MAN!" into the forest of trees!




During my actual experience I remember nothing, but thank goodness my eyewitness, my now new found, and dumb founded off duty police officer friend, was able to fill me in after the fact. I simply remember landing nose down in a ditch, and I couldn't see because my glasses were gone (probably hanging from a tree limb after flying out the now glass deprived back window)! I was FINE, I was ALIVE, and then, I KNEW.... a dreaded phone call was ahead of me, and I lost it. Oh yes, the tears started falling, and santa's bowl full of jelly had nothing on my shaking. As I picked up my cell which was miraculously laying next to me, I dialed the number, the number of all numbers, and I spit the glass from the windshield out of my mouth as I waited for an answer.... And he picked up, "Greg Easton", and all could think to say was, "I THINK I have just been in a very bad car wreck." Luckily by this time my new found friend, Mr. off duty police officer who was still going on about the miracle of my flight, took the phone from my hand, and told Greg to hurry over, that I was lucky to be alive! I got out of the car with one small cut on my leg, a bump on my forehead which later developed into a horn of interesting proportions, and a hair and body full of glass. Yes, I was now living my finest moment! HA! But then I started thinking....




Actually this was one of my finest moments and here is why... That morning, after I had pumped gas, for some reason I had put my seat belt on. Now to all of you normal people out there saying, "and your point is?" I NEVER used to wear a seat belt- my best of friends KNOW this to be a fact! It was too confining and restraining. It left me unable to flail my hands at drivers who were irritating me, or made it impossible to apply lipstick in a very precise fashion. This morning however, unconsciously I put my seat belt on and began my journey. My journey that launched the Neon into unparalleled glory of which no other man has seen the likes of except for my off duty police officer buddy and a few disbelieving fellow travelers.




So, my angels were with me that morning, making sure I buckled my seat belt, surrounding my car as it 'flew through the air with the greatest of ease'! My angels were around me as the car rolled end over end before landing in a downward and upright position! WOW! I was still alive, I was walking, I was talking coherently, well to some that may have been debatable, but I was ALIVE! CRAZY!




Once I got home, I assessed my bodily injuries, which turned to out to be minimal.... the cut leg, the horn on my head, a very bruised shoulder (I had no idea bruises could turn into all the colors of the rainbow) a bruised top of my head from where the roof crashed in on it, and I watched in disbelief as mountains of glass fell out of my hair, my clothes, and my mouth as I was STILL spitting it out!




Once I assessed my bodily injury, which was AMAZINGLY minimal, I sat and, as I always do, thought to myself, "Self, What have you learned from this CRAZY MOMENT in your life? I came away with several invaluable lessons. First, I would never again drive without a seat belt! I hear your chorus of AMENS out there! Second, I would strive to have myself organized in the morning so that I could drive in a less stressed fashion. Third, I would NOT SLAM ON MY BRAKES when hydroplaning. But, by far, the most important lesson, I realized God was not done with me yet! He still had a plan and a purpose left for me. There was still time to love my family and friends, time to meet and make new friends, time to perfect and share my gifts and talents, time, time TIME! I still had time, and since that life changing day, October 29th, 2010, I have chosen to live my life with an attitude of gratitude. I am so thankful for each and every day, and what that day brings me. I am simply CRAZY about my family and my friends, and I am passionate about showing them and telling them exactly how much I love and appreciate them. I have started reacquainting myself with crafts and hobbies I had let fall by the wayside, and I have started writing again. Something I love and enjoy, and do to be a blessing and encouragement to others.




So this, was the CRAZIEST moment in my life for the year 2011. But, I would not change a thing! I have learned from this lesson. And to end this tale of my "FANCIFUL FLIGHT" I will say to you, never take your life, your day, your family (including you furry family members), your friends or your gifts and talents for granted. Always strive to live each day to the fullest, laughing all the way. Always be thankful that you do have someone looking out for you, even when you are not aware of it, and realize YOU are here for a REASON and a PURPOSE.




I am thankful for you my friends. I love you, and look forward to the times that we will share, living, laughing and loving our way through this CRAZY JOURNEY called life!

And a little p.s. to this story. While attending a Christmas party a few nights back, a friend who knew about the accident asked me, "Are those YOUR skid marks on the curve?" And with a laugh I looked at him and said,"YEAH! they are, and aren't you glad I am here!"

Crazy People!

Crazy People... the world is full of them! Now when I say crazy people, I am not referring to my brand of 'crazy' which means laughing at my mistakes, having the strong desire to make other people laugh, or finding humor in the silliest of situations. I am talking about people who are "FULL, BLOWN OUT, CRAZY!"


I am often very naive and accepting when it comes to making new friends, and I guess some people would say 'THAT IS CRAZY'! But I love people, and I always attempt to look for the good in people. Somewhere along the line though, I missed being blessed with the 'NUTTER' radar. You know, that radar that is supposed to go off when you meet someone who has that Jeckyll/ Hyde personality! Oh my, if I could purchase a 'SPOT A NUT JOB' radar somewhere I would buy it!

Have any of you met a person on Facebook that you just seemingly 'click' with. Well, I found a person JUST like that on our local Facebook news site, and we became Facebook friends! Oh, she was nice, fun, intelligent, seemingly having the same values as I, the same positive, humorous, fun outlook on life that I have! Did I mention that I met her on 'Facebook'? Well, the friendly posts turned into friendly inboxes, which turned into a friendly first meeting, which turned into a few friendlier get togethers, which then turned into an 'exorcist, head spinning, foaming at the mouth like, chaotic drama! I had NO clue that one person could fabricate, insinuate or create such DRAMA in one's life. AND I could not believe that I had allowed myself to be sucked into the mouth of well, a DRAMA of MASS DESTRUCTION. Oh, I stepped in to console and conjole, and 'be the friend' that one should be when these dramas creep up. I gave advice, prayed for her, sent cards, yes I even left numerous texts and voice mails, because for some reason my friend did not like 'talking on the phone'! Maybe that should have been my first clue?

As usual, when life hands me one of these learning lessons, a 'crazy lemon', I look at if from every angle to decide: what can I do differently next time? And here is the conclusion I have come to. First of all, you don't have to accept every friend request that someone sends you on facebook! WOW! What was a brilliant, Oprah, 'a-ha' moment that was for me! Secondly, the truest friends you will meet are those whom you meet in PERSON. You may meet them in a place of common interest, or in a gathering of common friends, a place of worship, or a club of shared hobbies. Not on a facebook site! And thirdly, if a person can only communicate via texting and facebook... there may be an issue. Now there are some exceptions to that rule, I have found, but they are very few and far between! (those of you that are the exception to the rule know who you are- xoxo)

So as I sit and ponder my 'true friends', I can honestly say, that I am blessed with many. And to those who have given new meaning to the phrase 'You are one card short of a full deck', I say hasta la vista baby! Life is too short to live your drama! The phrase, "save your drama for yo' mama" has taken on a whole new meaning.

This has been a hard lesson to learn, but I can sit and laugh now, from my 'drama' free zone. The long and short of this lesson; Pray for guidance when seeking new friends. Pray that you will be equipped with a 'lunatic radar' (I have found that the 'Hershey Kiss Tin Foil Hats' that the actors wore in the movies "SIGNS" work fabulously at deftlecting the crazies!). Look for the 'glaring' psycho' signals that are amazingly obvious to most, but may slip by you if you believe there is truly massive amounts of goodness in all mankind. Don't be afraid to ask your 'true' friends to look out for you, and to warn you, lest you slip though the cracks of someone else's duplicitous drama! Beware of the 'crazies' my friends, for they ARE out there, and they DO have plans to rob you of your joy, your time, your passion, and your happiness! BUT with prayer and counsel from true friends you can avoid the pits that I have blindly fallen into. In all seriousness, the most important lesson I have learned is as follows: you become like the people you choose to surround yourself with. I don't know about you but I choose to surround myself with people who love life, and who are living their lives joyfully, honestly and to the fullest. That is what I want for my life, so from now on that is what I seek for as I choose my friends! Luckily I have moved on without any damage, but with a much wiser outlook on the meaning of a 'true friend'. To my true friends, I love laughing with you and sharing your joys and good times as well as bad times. To those wearing a drama queen tiara... I am sorry there is too much life left for me to live and too much fun left to be had!

Living laughing and loving from a drama free zone!