• BLOG 147—Kit’s a painter?

    BLOG 147—Kit’s a painter?

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please, befriend me.
    *** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
    *** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

    I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

    Beths’ and my friend, Lee, has a rental property. The last people living at the place left it quite a mess. Because Lee knows of my painting projects at Beth’s, she asked if I would, I said yes, so a painting man I was this week. Along with painting, I did quite a bit of cleaning and fixing stuff.

    So, I spent the week as a painter, and I am told that I did quite well.

    I’ve introduced you to Beth, she wrote the following, learn more about her –

    Written by Beth Firce –
    Our story began four months ago on Friday, May 14th, 2021. I was working at the local library and it was my last week before retirement. I was looking forward to staying home and crocheting, reading, and being a semi-hermit, while I decided whether to move to NC near family or figure out a way to live in my house alone. I liked being alone.

    It wasn’t an issue for me at all. I had been alone for 8 years following a very uncomfortable divorce with a former criminal who had tendencies of returning to his craft.

    My life had been uneventful except for job stressors, much like everyone has. I struggled thru a broken leg one year ago but managed with the help of local friends who couldn’t have been kinder to me. I suffered a serious dog attack in my own home, 2 months after the break, on the same leg, and was hospitalized where thankfully, my leg was able to be repaired.

    During that horrible time, my sisters came to help me, many of my town friends jumped in again to help, and somehow I made it thru this also. It still haunts me today but I am so much better and retirement was what I looked forward to most of all. Time to sit and think and consider and plan.

    But then, on May 14, a normal Friday afternoon at the library, this skinny man dressed in mismatched shorts and a flamboyantly colored shirt, breezed in asking for a place to plug in his laptop. I pointed to a place with an outlet, he turned around and smiled at me with big white teeth and the most beautiful smile and I felt it shoot straight into my heart.

    I am not kidding.

    I knew instantly that this was going to mess up all of my plans if I didn’t take care to squash down any type of friendship coming. I hoped he was gay. He came up to the desk for information and told me how he had been living in his van for 5 years, and had written books about juggling, his profession.

    I am a van fanatic and I follow Carolyn’s RV Life on YouTube and wanted someday to live like her, so I jumped at the invitation to see his van. He was very proud of it, showing me the cupboards and nooks and crannies where he stored all of his things. He had a soothing voice. I enjoyed listening to him talk.

    Back inside the library, he sat down at his laptop, I found his books on Amazon and was going to order one for myself and I walked over to tell him. He went outside to his van and gave me one. He then gave 2 to the library also. This guy was a top 20 juggler and was all over google!! I was impressed. I gave him some snacks I had behind the desk, cookies I’d made etc.

    He came up to the desk to chat a few more times before it was time to close. As I drove off slowly in my car I waved to him and I felt terrible that he was all alone. My mothering instincts kicked in. If I hadn’t had plans with my friend, Nancy, for supper, I would have taken him out to eat. I thought about him through my entire meal. Poor waif.

    Later that evening, he messaged me thanking me for the food and he sent me a juggling video. He asked me if I would be working at the library Saturday or Sunday. I would be working Sunday but off Saturday. I told him I was going to Greenwood because my goldfish died and I wanted to get another one. He responded, May I join you in obtaining your fish that is gold? We shall have a great time together.”

    Already, he was too cute. We arranged the time and I picked him up the next morning. We did have fun shopping in Greenwood and by the time we got to back to McCormick, I had asked him if he wanted to park his van in my yard. So he did.

    Sunday he left to go visit his friend Gary, the man who brought him to my area in the first place. He texted me from there saying he wasn’t having a very nice time and could he come back. We spent the next couple of days hanging out, him staying in his van or on my front porch, because of allergies to my dog. He was able to come in to have breakfast and supper with me at the table.

    And my dog, who hates men, accepted him immediately. I never understood this but I’m so glad that she did. It was nice having company and I enjoyed him so much but I began feeling closed in. He was there in the morning, awake hours before I woke, his presence was on my porch.

    I felt the need to be with him all the time and I didn’t want this. I expressly told him I didn’t want any more relationships, as we discussed many things about our lives. I know I got my point across so that no misunderstandings would happen, and yet, I knew something was happening. But I did not want to acknowledge it.

    I did not want another man in my life. By Wednesday morning I was a nervous wreck. He came breezing in asking if I wanted to make salsa! I asked him if he could find something to do that wasn’t in my house. Kit graciously said it was fine, he would go back to Gary’s. I felt horrible. I hated asking him to leave, I hated thinking I might have hurt him. He didn’t act hurt but he was so sweet I knew he wouldn’t show it if he was hurt.

    He left and I felt relieved. I slept well knowing that he wasn’t in my yard alone. But that relief did not last long. We texted back and forth and I met him down the road from Gary’s to return a few things he’d left behind. When he left to go to Georgia a couple of days later, I felt completely shattered. What had I done? I knew I didn’t want a relationship of any kind and yet, I could not stop thinking about him.

    My retirement party went well and I missed Kit being there but I also knew I couldn’t have handled him being there. He wanted to come. I said no. He wanted to come back to stay in my yard. I said no. I just couldn’t do this. But I still felt awful and I missed him.

    He went to a town in Georgia and hung around and we kept in touch. He wrote that he was going to be back in my area at Gary’s and wanted to stop in to see me. I jumped for joy! I responded with a “YES! YES! YES! Please come see me”.

    I didn’t know what was going to happen but I missed him so very much. I waited the entire next day, looking out the window, re-doing my hair, making sure my dress looked OK, checking my make-up….but he wasn’t able to get to my house until a day later. Talk about being bummed out.

    I do hope you like reading my words,

    please let me know how it might help you.

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>

    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words.
    Words have power.
    At any age, you can (and should)
    make changes to make your life better.

    You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—
    sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    In fact, you have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind. Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive and always reaching for advancement.

    Remember, very little is needed to
    make a great life.
    I hope these words I pick do help you.

    ********************
    BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS

    The difference between sadness and happiness
    depends on what you do with attention to the matter.
    Kit Summers
    ********************
    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

    11/27—Finishing up with my painting of Lee’s rental house today. There will be other things I will help with to help make this home look fantastic.

    12/2—My computer was working slow and had some possible water damage, I have an account with Geek Squad so I took my computer to them to take a look. After learning that the computer might have water damage he told me they would have to send it out for repair.

    Today I got the computer back. They had wiped the computer clean, something I did not ask for. All my photos, all my files—GONE! I have many of them on Google Drive, but there are some I will not be able to ever recover.

    I do have my files backed up by being able to sync my account through Google, but I will not be able to recover many files and photos. I never did ask them to do such a thing as reformat my entire computer.

    I am angry and upset, but, because I know this change cannot be changed, I will go on with my life and recuperate how I can. I’ve had to start over many times in my life—just another restart.

    Many people have these sorts of changes, that is life. You must find a way to see the future in a different way, then move on. I was hit by two different trucks, 15 years between the two. In the first I was in a coma for 37-days.

    Yes, it is difficult, but learn to see the problem and/or change, smile, and then move forward in a different way.

    12/3—Today we went to see Beth’s friends, Mia and Roman Stone. What a fantastic farm they have; their very happy animals make all people happy, too. From the goats to the chickens to the donkey, a great time was had by us. Take a look at this fabulous place –

    https://business.facebook.com/Stonywoods.Farm/


    ********************
    Your Challenge for the week >>

    Is your computer or phone backed up to a place that is safe?
    This week make sure each is in case you might lose the device.

    **********

    **********

    NEXT BLOG >>

    Next week we will be going to another farm:
    https://www.mettsorganix.farm/

    I will try and sell my salsa there.
    https://sites.google.com/site/summerssalsa/

    THIS WEEK, MAKE YOUR LIFE SOMETHING

    THAT YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT!


    0
  • BLOG 146—Work? Or Fun?

    BLOG 146—Work? Or Fun?

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please, befriend me.
    *** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
    *** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

    I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

    Hope you have made your life a fantastic event this week.

    No travel to speak of, so limited photos. I have included ones from the past.

    A friend of Beth’s, Lee, has a rental property. The last people living there left it a mess. She knew of my painting from what I have been doing at Beth’s house, so I was hired. I do not see projects like this as work, it is our choice to attack the work as work, or as play.

    I used “The Paint Stick” to cover the walls. I’ve used this before to paint my house in Trainer, PA. Using this makes it easy to paint. There are videos on YouTube on how to use it right.

    It took about one week, which seemed to move quickly.

    Why pay someone a lot of money when you can easily paint? As I’ve said before, “If someone else can do it, so can you. You just have to find a way.” Things are working out well and I will finalize the project today.

    As you might know from my past writings when I do something I aim for excellence; something each of us can do. By excellence I mean the best you are able to do—no matter what might have happened to you in the past—not comparing yourself to others.

    In 1982 I went through an accident which resulted in me being comatose for 37-days. I have left-other problems like some memory and balance issues, but I deal with those as they come. You can, too, aim toward the excellence that’s in you.

    Before I could stand or walk well, I worked on my juggling. 

    One of the challenges faced by many brain injury survivors is managing or articulating their emotions. Creative writing, like writing this blog, can often help people to put their thoughts onto paper and process what they are feeling or thinking.

    Creative writing and helping others have given me such meaning in my world since sustaining my brain injury. No matter who you are, when you help others it will help you, as well.

    If you have gone through a brain injury or life change, helping others by putting your words down will help the world heal.

    Some brain injury survivors find it beneficial to share their story with the rest of the world, whilst others prefer to keep their writing to themselves. Either way, creative writing is a great way of opening up and releasing emotions that may have built up over time, with a brain injury or not.

    Creative writing presents a way for you to dissipate your frustrations. It will also help to reiterate how strongly you feel about certain issues, especially incorrect assumptions about the effects of a brain injury. Writing is also a main way to help others.

    Before my brain injury, I was someone who was always on the go, since then I have read much. I seem to have developed a passion for creative writing. I find it really therapeutic.

    Simply put, creative writing gives people the chance to explore their life after brain injury, with the possibility of reaching out to those in a similar situation and helping them, too.

    You see, creative writing also has a number of cognitive benefits for those living with a brain injury. Not only will it help to improve the cognitive abilities of brain injury survivors, it can also help anyone to keep moving forward.

    Maintaining focus is key when it comes to creative writing, but a reduced attention span is common following brain injury. However, creative writing can sometimes help to strengthen this area of cognitive functioning. And, you can go forward with your writing at your own pace.

    Writing, on the other hand, gives me the chance to solely concentrate on expressing myself by putting pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard.) The pressure to keep up with the conversation – both verbally and mentally – is removed and instead, the author can write at their own pace, free from judgment.

    So, if you have gone through a brain injury or not, start writing, it will do you good.

    I do hope you like reading my words, please let me know how it might help you.

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>

    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words.
    Words have power.
    At any age, you can (and should)
    make changes to make your life better.

    You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—
    sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    In fact, you have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind. Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive and always reaching for advancement.

    Remember, very little is needed to make a great life.
    I hope these words I pick do help you.

    ********************
    BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS

    Don’t give up on yourself when you can’t seem to get inspired. You are the one who has to make it happen. It’s easy to conclude, especially when you’re in the doldrums, that you’re just not a very motivated or talented person.

    Accept that it’s OK to be down at times, and maybe others can help guide you to greater heights; as you help them to move forward.

    Take a mental break to allow yourself to refocus. Digging into your own mental processes can provide unexpected sources of inspiration.

    Taking that mental break can also be the break from the rut you’re in and you’ll see things in a different light.

    Team up with others. Putting your group identity to work may mean that you partner up with people, like you, who are also seeking new sources of inspiration. Find help where you can.

    Together, you may find that you’re bouncing far more creative ideas off each other than you could have come up with on your own. Things can be hard alone.

    Realize that there are just some times in life when you won’t feel very inspired. It’s OK to spend the day in your sweats, on the couch and watching TV, and just to relax.

    Maybe it is cold and gray outside, or perhaps too hot even to move. An occasional day off shouldn’t detract you from achieving your goals.

    Break your inspiration down into manageable pieces. You may not get that one great idea, but perhaps you’ll have several small ideas that you can build up into something grand.

    The main thing with your writing, make life better for others with your words; that will help you, too.

    ********************
    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

    Did not do any wilderness outings, which I miss.

    This week I spent at my house doing painting projects, things turned out well, too.
    ********************

    MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

    Pick a room in your house that needs it, paint it in a beautiful way–pleasing to the eye.

    ********************

    NEXT BLOG >>

    This week we will be going to see Beth’s friend Mea Stone at her place Stonywood’s Farm. They raise Angora goats, as well as chickens, ducks, guinea hens, and other creatures. I will give you the details next week.

    Until then take a look at >>
    https://www.facebook.com/stonemea
    You will be impressed by this facinating woman.

    THIS WEEK, MAKE YOUR LIFE SOMETHING

    THAT YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT!


    0
  • BLOG 145—This Blog Doesn’t Matter

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please, befriend me.
    *** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
    *** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

    I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

    Nothing really matters, I’ve found that to be so true. Going through life as a human, we have to make the most of it and find as much joy as we can. In the end, all we have is death, so we must make the most of our life, always, and find (and give) all the joy that we can.

    Yesterday we went to the funeral of James Butler. This is an older man who Beth took care of for some years. He was 91 when he passed, you must remember you are eventually taking that route, too.

    For me, I don’t think anything matters, heavily. We go through things and go on. Death is just a part of life, we will all get there. So, in the end, not even that matters much.

    Not much happened this week, so I am including photos from past travels. I hope you enjoy them and let me know what you think. 

    Charles Dickens once wrote:
    “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for others.”
    I hope my words do that for you.

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>

    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words.
    Words have power.
    At any age, you ca
    n (and should)
    make changes to make your life better.

    You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—
    sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    In fact, you have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind. Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive and always reaching for advancement.

    I hope these words I pick do help you.

    ********************
    BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS
    From my book series, Beyond Your Potential >>
    TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MIND, USE IT RIGHT. As you might know, I once went through a brain injury and was in a coma for 37-days. For many years, the consensus was that if a person sustained a brain injury, that their brain would not be able to operate normally again.

    The general thought was that once a brain was injured and it could not heal, but in more recent years, doctors and researchers have found that the brain can be amazingly resilient. In my case, I have found that my brain and thoughts are actually much clearer in some aspects, and that I have a newfound perspective on the world. In fact, this book may not have existed if I still operated with the same thought patterns I used before my accident. YES, THERE IS MUCH HOPE FOR A BRAIN INJURY VICTIM.

    My brain experienced substantial trauma during my accident, and was sloshed back and forth in my skull. I have since discovered that our brain has so many neurons that when some neurons are damaged or die, other neurons can take on their functions.

    For your brain, you need to keep adding new knowledge and skills throughout your life to take the full potential of your brain’s possibilities. YOU MUST KEEP LEARNING AND GROWING YOUR BRAIN FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. Your brain’s structure changes throughout your lifespan.

    Scientists no longer see the brain as an organ that is “hardwired”, and therefore inϐlexible. All the thoughts you think, all the experiences you have, all the love you show, all the changes you go through, actually shapes your brain by creating new neural pathways.

    Your brain is learning and therefore evolving all the way to our last breath.
    It is a truly amazing organic machine.

    WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS, YOU CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING.
    At any age, you can make the change and aim your life anew.
    Now, it’s time to get out there and do
    something incredible that you can rejoice in!

    ********************
    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

    11/13—James Butler’s death came this week.

    Not much to write of, hope you are inspired, though.

    ********************

    MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

    I have trouble balancing while on one leg, brain injury and all.

    Can you stand on one?

    See if you can do it for two minutes.

    ********************

    NEXT BLOG >>

    Winter is here, you will hear of the cold next week.

    ********************

    THIS WEEK, MAKE YOUR LIFE SOMETHING

    THAT YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT!


    0
  • BLOG 144—What do You Know About Mushrooms?

    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please, befriend me.
    *** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
    *** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

    I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

    The cold is here, we are keeping the fireplace going throughout the day; nice to have this. You may remember, I liked having my fires when I was out traveling and in a campground. Now I get to have a fire all the time, I like that.

    Something that likes the cold in the area, we are seeing many different kinds of mushrooms. These fungi are delicious, deadly, magical, intoxicating, and mysterious. I’ve never eaten a mushroom from the wilderness, always store-bought for me.

    Mushrooms are a low-calorie and rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and protein. They may also mitigate the risk of developing grave health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. They’re also great sources of Selenium.

    Throughout history, mushrooms have gained many varying notorieties, considered both food and foe. Today it is easy for us to find safe, tasty mushrooms at the grocery store, as I have, but it wasn’t always the case. Over the years reckless mushroom hunters have thrown caution to the wind with sometimes fatal results, giving food-safe mushrooms a bad reputation.

    It’s resulted in two very different categories of people and a mycophile (those who love mushrooms) and a mycophobe (those who fear mushrooms); which are you? Then, there are folks like me, who fall somewhere between adoration and trepidation. I enjoy mushrooms, but I’ve heard enough horror stories about them to be cautious; you won’t see me hunting for wild mushrooms and eating without knowing if they’re safe.

    A great deal of the mystery surrounding mushrooms stems from their association with poisonings and accidental deaths. On the other hand, mushrooms have also been praised for their medicinal properties, thanks to their heavy dose of protein, potassium and polyacrylamide, which contribute to your healthy immune function.

    Of course, you can’t have a talk about mushrooms without touching on the intoxicating variety. Though we may associate hallucinogenic mushrooms with the culture of the 1960s, archaeological evidence suggests that these types of mushrooms served religious and spiritual purposes many years earlier.

    It wasn’t long before the rest of the world began to cherish mushrooms. By the late 19th century, Americans were cooking up mushrooms in their own kitchens. Prior to this time, mushrooms were mainly reserved for use in condiments. Inspired by the French, Americans took mushrooms to a whole new level of devotion.

    For centuries relatively little was known about mushrooms, and for a long time the Eastern half of the world was considered mostly mycophilic, and the West mycophobic. This all changed when the French introduced mushrooms into their haute cuisine.

    Mind-altering mushrooms were used in religious ceremonies in ancient Mexico and by hippies of the 60s. Roman Catholic priests also observed and recorded the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms by native peoples after the conquest of Mexico in 1519.

    Psychedelic mushrooms are an interesting group. Although certain cultures have been known to use the hallucinogenic properties of some mushrooms for centuries, psilocybin was first isolated in 1958 by Dr. Albert Hofmann, who also discovered lysergic acid diethylamide (which is LSD.)

    Magic mushrooms are often prepared by drying and are eaten by being mixed into food and/or drinks, although some people eat freshly picked magic mushrooms.

    I will have to study eatable mushrooms now and have a bite.

    How about you?

    Charles Dickens once wrote:
    “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for others.”
    I hope my words do that for you.

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>

    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words.
    Words have power.
    At any age, you ca
    n (and should)
    make changes to make your life better.

    You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—
    sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    In fact, you have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind. Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive and always reaching for advancement.

    I hope these words I pick do help you.

    ********************
    BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS >>
    From my book series, “Beyond Your Potential”

    Why have goals?
    Goals are good for us because they help us to focus our attention and energy, and we can then act passionately and effectively toward our desired outcome. You don’t want to aim at reaching your goals though. Instead, aim your energy to the path leading to the goal. This is true for career goals, juggling goals, fitness goals, relationship goals, and all other goals you have.

    Stay on Course
    As long as it is within your control, stay on the path you’ve set for yourself and enjoy your time there. If you were to disregard the path, your entire effort may be weakened. If you don’t in fact enjoy the process of doing what you do, you risk not giving it your all and giving up on the goal. A short-range goal would be one that you want to accomplish in a day or even a week. A long-range goal might take a year, five years, or even a lifetime. We can’t put our goals out in the future and hope to one day work toward them. What we have to do is pull the future to us. Set your goals now and start driving toward them.

    Direction
    Without a clear goal in mind, we can find it difficult to decide what to do next. Goals should be set for many areas of your life – physical, family, economic, social, spiritual, mental, career and juggling. Without being clear about your goals, you will go only as far in life as what you need to get by. You must go beyond the potential you think you have. Everyone has different dreams and goals. Figure out exactly what yours are, then start mapping out a course to reach them.

    People are Here to Help

    Remember, people are here to help you. Maintain relationships with positive people who have goals similar to yours. This will help you to reach your goals much sooner. Remember though to judge yourself by your goals and your abilities, not by comparing yourself to other people’s progress or results.

    Makes Life Better
    Goal setting and self-improvement does not mean that you are dissatisfied with the way you are now. Goal setting is a way of looking to the future and seeing new paths toward success so that you can add to what you currently have. Goal setting is an aggressive way to break out of the ruts and plateaus of life to advance you. It is a plan, a desire, a passion, a mission. Planning like this is a way of getting to know yourself, what you can achieve, and what you really want out of life.

    Model Excellence
    As I was recovering, I found and modeled other people who had suffered head injuries and later found ways to do well for themself. By modeling, I mean I would do as they would do, act as they do, be on the same track of success. After my recovery, I would still use this technique and would find people whom I respected and admired and I would model them. You see, excellence can be duplicated. Think of people who have already reached the goal that you have in mind and answer the following questions.

    1. What did they have to do to reach their goal?
    2. What steps did they take?
    3. What do you think their frame of mind was?

    Get Help Toward Your Goals

    If at all possible, talk with people who have achieved the goal that you have in mind. Don’t be afraid to talk to other people – we are here to help each other! I have found that every person that I wanted to talk to about how they met their goals was happy to talk to me about their success. Rightfully so, they were proud of what they had accomplished. When you talk to other people about their successes in life, ask precisely and intelligently how they reached their goals. Ask them what ideas they might have to help you avoid the roadblocks or obstacles they encountered on the way to reaching their goal. This will save you energy and time on your path to reaching the same goal.

    WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS, YOU CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING.
    At any age, you can make the change and aim your life anew.
    Now, it’s time to get out there and do
    something incredible that you can rejoice in!

    ********************
    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

    11/7—Beth and I went for a walk. When were about ½ kilometer away, our dog Jemma, to our surprise, went walking up on the other side of the street. She found a way to use her nose to open the door. We must be more careful.

    11/8-12—Not much to write about this week. My not being on the road can make things seem slow. Yet, each of us is in charge of finding joy and pleasure in our own lives. Even not traveling I am finding joy how I can.

    ********************

    MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

    As spring is coming, get out there and start planting your garden. If everyone grew edible fruits and vegetables instead of having a lawn, we could easily feed the world. A raised bed garden makes it so you don’t have to bend over and looks nice. Watch this >>

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMk8Mo7pwWY

    ********************

    NEXT BLOG >>

    This upcoming week I will be building a raised bed garden using old pallets that I cut down. I will have photos so you can see. As you might know, I am against the idea of having a lawn. A lawn serves no purpose and, unless you have kids to play on it, the grass is a waste of space.

    I plan on building gardens (which take no more time than having a lawn) and pathways around the house. Eventually, I do not want to have any grass growing that is necessary to cut. Right now we don’t even own a lawnmower.

    ********************

    THIS WEEK, MAKE YOUR LIFE SOMETHING

    THAT YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT!


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  • BLOG 143—“Another New Life”

    Do you wander or just wonder?
    With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
    I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way.

    *** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please, befriend me.
    *** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
    *** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
    *** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
    *** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

    I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
    ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

    ********************
    INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

    In that I am not currently traveling and in the wilderness, I have no new photos for you. Enjoy the photos from my past travels.

    As I complete and post my blog each week, I have the conation to start the next one. These weekly writings of mine show me that all journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware, we are all on our way.

    When we set out on life’s journeys, we assume our plans and preparations will keep us firmly on course. But we are often blindsided by the twists and turns that our road takes, and we hardly ever end up where we expected.

    I never thought I would end up in South Carolina with Beth, what a fabulous highlight in my life. I’ve had many life-changes in my experience, being with Beth is another of my big changes (you should see my smile.)

    You might know from my past writings, I have been very lonely in my life, traveling around the US all alone. To meet up with Beth and the strong love that was brought on is a fabulous thing.

    Charles Dickens once wrote:
    “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for others.”
    I hope my words do that for you.

    ********************
    WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>

    Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

    This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

    Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

    I hope to inspire you with my words.
    Words have power.
    At any age, you ca
    n (and should)
    make changes to make your life better.

    You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

    When you improve the quality of your thinking,
    you change the quality of your life—
    sometimes instantly!

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

    In fact, you have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

    To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

    Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

    Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind. Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive and always reaching for advancement.

    I hope these words I pick do help you.

    ********************
    BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS >>
    1. “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” ― Vivian Greene

    2. “Just keep going like crazy and look back when it’s over. Otherwise, you just get confused.” – Cliff Burton

    3. “Just because someone stumbles and loses their path, doesn’t mean they’re lost forever.” ― Charles Xavier

    4. “To be lost is as legitimate a part of your process as being found.” – Alex Ebert

    5. “Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.” – Zig Ziglar

    6. “Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.” ― Henry Rollins

    7. “The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything but they make the most of everything.” – Sam Cawthorn

    8. “Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

    9. “Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and when people start getting it confused, that means they need to sit down with some real people.” – Chuck D

    10. “The fears we don’t face become our limits.” – Amy Elizabeth Galles

    11. “There are so many things that life is, and no matter how many breakthroughs, trials will exist and we’re going to get through it. Just be strong.” – Mary J. Blige

    12. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” — Henry Ford

    13. “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou

    14. “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Robert

    15. “We generate fears when we sit. We overcome them by action.” – Dr. Henry Link

    16. “He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.” — Louisa May Alcott

    17. “You have to be strong and calm to overcome difficult moments.” – Dani Alves

    18. “You have power over your mind―not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ― Marcus Aurelius

    19. “Whenever I’m confused about something, I ask God to reveal the answers to my questions, and he does.” – Beyonce Knowles

    20. “If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” — Vincent Van Gogh

    21. “You’ve got to stay strong to be strong in tough times.” – Tilman J. Fertitta

    22. “Dream, struggle, create, prevail. Be daring. Be brave. Be loving. Be compassionate. Be strong. Be brilliant. Be beautiful.” – Caterina Fake

    23. “The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision.” – Maimonides

    24. “You really have to look inside yourself and find your own inner strength, and say, ‘I’m proud of what I am and who I am.’ “ ― Mariah Carey

    25. “Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you.” – John Gay

    WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS, YOU CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING.
    At any age, you can make the change and aim your life anew.
    Now, it’s time to get out there and do
    something incredible that you can rejoice in!

    ********************
    MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

    10/30—We went across the road to feed the horses, of course, Jemma the dog was right there with us. Have you ever heard of a dog who eats carrots? I think because the horses were eating, Jemma had to have one, too. It was cute and kind of funny.

    We just finished dinner. I had bought at Costco, a pizza-making kit (me?) It tasted quite good. You put on your own toppings, I added many.

    While eating I was watching the small tank with one goldfish and one small neon tetra. Goldfish should actually be called “Orange Fish”. I have never seen one of these fish that is actually gold.

    I was trying to imagine how life is for the little fish, the only world they know is in the small tank and getting fed once a day. What if we humans are actually on this small planet within a huge world where there are creatures watching us?

    Do goldfish get lonely if kept in a tank by themselves? You might be surprised to learn that, no, they don’t. At least, not as far as we know.

    Based on everything we know about goldfish, it is very unlikely that goldfish feel loneliness and boredom. It’s normal to wonder whether a goldfish will get lonely if kept in a tank on their own. Perhaps the size of their brain?

    You see, a goldfish swimming around the same tank, all day, by themselves; looking at the same plants, sticking their noses into the same bits of gravel, swimming under the same ornamental bridge.

    You leave for work or school for hours on end, so there’s nothing going on outside the tank for them to look at, they’re not being fed regularly throughout the day, and you just found out that the “three-second memory” is a myth. Their mind is fine with that.

    Surely a goldfish will get bored unless you get another fish for them to live with? Well, actually, no, they probably won’t. We have a neon tetra living with the goldfish, they never connect.

    10/31-11/4—Not much to report on this week.

    11/5–Matthew and Brendon from wctel.net came today to install a new cable system. The computer speed increased so much, I love it. Of course, while the guys were here I had to teach them to juggle; which they did. 

    ********************

    MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

    Have you looked into learning a new language? It will advance your mind to do that. This week, start to discover which other linguistic communication you would like to learn.

    ********************

    NEXT BLOG >>

    Time to get out to some parks and wilderness this week, will you?

    ********************

    THIS WEEK, MAKE YOUR LIFE SOMETHING

    THAT YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT!


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