U.S. Congressman’s Day! April 28, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Happiness, Humor, Joke.comments closed
While eating breakfast with my teen-aged granddaughter, I asked her, “Is tomorrow a special day?”
Without skipping a beat she said, “Yup. It’s U.S. Congressman’s Day.”
“Really? What’s that?”
“On U.S. Congressman’s Day, our elected representatives step out of the Capital Building . . . if they see their shadow, we have 4 more years of Bull Shit.”
You know, it hurts when hot coffee spurts out your nose.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Source: E-mail from unknown author (sent by Joe M.)
The Tao of Pooh April 25, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Life Balance, Mindfulness, Nature.comments closed
Joy Roses shared this nugget on Nuggets of Gold:
As I pondered the image, these thoughts came to mind:
All things must pass.
Let go and go with the flow.
Every drop is part of the whole.
Water flows over and around obstacles in its path.
You can never step into the same river twice.
What thoughts came to you as you watched the river run?
Aah . . . that’s wisdom!
Happiness For Everyone! April 24, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, People, Writing & Writers.comments closed
I’m divvying up my parents’ scrapbooks, letters, writings, photos, etc., between me and my siblings.
In the process, I came upon this gem that I wrote . . .
a week before Christmas . . .
at age 9 . . .
One Thing Only
If I could have one thing at Christmas I would pick happiness. I would be able to make anything happy. Then there would be peace because everyone would be happy with everybody else. There would be no more wars anymore. Every country would be friends with every other country.
How’s that for an altruistic Christmas Wish List?!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Do I Look Like A Pawn? April 21, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Humor, Less IS More, Life Balance.comments closed
“How can you quit practicing law? Don’t you realize how many women would love to trade places with you?”
“Of course. And now they can.”
“What do you mean?”
“As soon as I resign, they can apply for my position.”
“Haha. Funny.”
“I’m not kidding. They are welcome to it ~ it doesn’t fit me anymore anyway.”
“Be serious. You’re a role model for young girls ~ living proof that women can do anything they want to do.”
“So?”
“So . . . that’s why you can’t quit.”
“OK, let me see if I follow you . . . in order to prove that women can do anything they want to do you want ME to keep doing something I no longer want to do?”
“Exactly.”
“No thanks. Sacrificing my freedom will not enhance their freedom ~ it would just turn me into a pawn.”
Aah . . . that’s better!
Quote to Ponder: Don’t worry about what the world wants from you. Focus on what makes you feel more fully alive. What the world really needs are people who are fully alive.~ Joseph Campbell
* * * * *
Do you resist being manipulated by public opinion?
If someone tries to play you, do you put them in “check” by highlighting their faulty reasoning or nonsensical logic?
Do tell.
I always wanted to be somebody . . . now I realize I should have been more specific. ~ Lily Tomlin
Let Billow Your Sails April 19, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness, People.comments closed
For much of my life, my actions were governed by consensus.
My desire to be accepted allowed others to manipulate me through fear and guilt.
Instead of acting in conformity with my values, I complied with the wishes and expectations of others to avoid their disapproval.
As I grew older, and perhaps a bit wiser, I realized that I did not need a permission slip to live my life.
I decided that I no longer wished to be manipulated by public opinion.
I gave myself the freedom to be exactly who I wanted to be without first taking a poll.
A few acquaintances resented my increased personal autonomy since my decisions no longer required input or approval from them.
They tried to convince me that I was being selfish for living life according to my own rules, and tried to make me feel guilty about not doing what they wanted me to do. They urged me to get back in line.
I ignored them.
Instead of conforming to their expectations, I used an internal compass to guide my actions, and followed my own road in the direction of my dreams.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Quote: Why do we put off living the way we want to live, as if we have all the time in the world? ~ Barbara de Angelis
Make “Bottoms Up” Your Mantra April 17, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Food & Drink, Health & Wellness.comments closed
We all know that we should keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Here are 13 reasons why:
1. Flushes toxins from the body through the kidneys and colon.
2. Aids in digestion, including saliva production.
3. Keeps the intestines moving smoothly to prevent constipation.
4. Keeps brain (75% water) functioning at “maximum” capacity.
5. Assists body absorb nutrients and convert food into energy.
6. Moisturizes eyes to keep vision sharp through tear production.
7. Helps regulate body temperature.
8. Cushions and lubricates joints.
9. Keeps muscles (75% water) pumped up . . . including the heart.
10. Lubricates nasal passages to assist immune system fight alien invaders.
11. Protects and cushions vital organs.
12. Keeps blood (83% water) thinned to protect against heart attacks and strokes
13. Helps regulate blood pressure and carry oxygen and nutrients to cells.
Bottoms Up!
Or should I say . . . down the hatch!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Friday the 13th . . . Again! April 13, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Life Balance, Mindfulness, Word Play.comments closed
The scariest thing about Friday the 13th for me is the words used to describe phobias attached to it. Words like:
Friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga-triska-ideka-phobia) ~ how would you like to get stuck with that tongue-twister in the Scripps Spelling Bee?

Wikipedia ~ Friday the 13th (Free Use)
What about paraskevidekatriaphobia (Para-skevi-deka-tria-phobia)?
By the time you spit out that monster, it’s Saturday the 14th.
I also love Black Cats. We rescued a solid black kitten once. We called him Buddha. Not because of his color . . . because of his big fat Buddha Belly.
And his serene nature. He held our hearts in steady gaze . . .
Aah . . . that’s better!
Happy Friday the 13th! Be well and mindful as you move through your day. Namaste! _/!\_
Curried Pea & Almond Salad April 11, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Vegetarian Recipes.comments closed
Curried Pea & Almond Salad
1 pkg. frozen peas
6 oz. almonds
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 lb. pasta, cooked
1/3 c. vegan mayonnaise
2 tsp. curry powder
Cook pasta per package directions. Drain. Stir in celery, peas, almonds (and any other cooked veggies that appeal ~ I added asparagus and carrots). The heat of the pasta will “cook” the peas.
Combine mayo and curry powder. Pour over salad and toss well. (You may want more dressing.) Good hot, warm, or cold.
Aah . . . that’s yummy!
Mexican (Rice & Beans) Lasagna April 9, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Vegetarian Recipes.comments closed
ARROZ Y FRIJOLES (RICE AND BEANS) LASAGNA
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 can (16 oz.) black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 oz.) Ro*Tel tomatoes, undrained
1/2 c. uncooked rice
3/4 c. water
1 tsp. instant veggie bouillon granules
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
3/4 c. diced bell pepper
2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese
12 corn or flour tortillas (6 to 7 inch)
Cook onions, peppers, and garlic in oil in 10 inch skillet 2 minutes. Stir in beans, tomatoes, rice, water, bouillon granules, cumin and oregano; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup cheese. Layer tortillas and bean mixture in 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees 20 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5 minutes.
Serve with desired toppings. Makes 6-8 servings.
TOPPINGS:
Avocado slices (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Pace Picante Sauce (optional)
Aah . . . that’s yummy!
Ready, Set . . . Drink! April 7, 2018
Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Humor.comments closed
It’s National Beer Day!
So raise a glass to your favorite brew . . .
And, yes.
I know what you’re thinking.
Why April 7th?
That’s the date in 1933 that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act into law, making the buying, selling and drinking of beer and wine legal for the first time since Prohibition in 1920.
Oh, that’s not what you were thinking?
Well, fill me in . . .
Gotcha!
And I agree . . .
Why limit the fun to one day a year?!
Aah . . . that’s better!