Just“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 298 — Barefoot is Best!
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY AND BETTER!
*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer. 
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two different trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma — Yikes!
*** What do you want to accomplish before you die?
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** What are you passionate about?
*** Only YOU know what is best for you.
*** Live for now! You will have had a great life when all your nows add up!
*** You cannot change the past. The future will come. All you have is now—always.
*** Have you seen >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRsvo
BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!
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WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I hope I help guide you. I want to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to make your journey toward value. I am not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me each time—I love it! In other words, I hope to continually add to your life and bring you to a higher level. Your life should always be starting again–a better life each time!
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual demise?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life — at any age.
Of course, that leads to helping others to have a better life.
We all need to help each other to reach a higher level.
Start today, and know that you can build the life you desire.
MY EXPERIENCES
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide you with additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember — only you know what is best for you.
And — you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?
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ABOUT THIS CURRENT BLOG. 
I have gone barefoot much of my life.
Is that something you desire?
In this blog, you will learn the benefits of bare feet.
I heard from Dave Finnegan, who has been a tremendous part of the juggling world.
Dave turned 83 and is doing phenomenally.
He liked my last blog about going beyond the age of 100–very much.
He has the mental acuity to reach 100—watch him go!
I spoke with my daughter, Jasmine, a few times. She’s trying to help me from a long distance. Jasmine and April seem bothered by my stay at a homeless shelter. It is not that bad here; the people are good. So, I am comfortable staying here—many help. Gabby does outstanding work helping the homeless.
I’m just not sure what direction to take next. I might go south for warmth and visit my sister, Willow, who lives in Santa Fe, NM. Or should I come to see you?
I’ve been speaking with my other sister, Sandy, who lives in Oregon, daily.
We help each other in life, which is a good thing.
I love you, Sandy.
This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving!
What will Kit do? What will Kit do?
THE MAIN TOPIC — GO BAREFOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH!
When you see me in the summer heat, I am usually barefoot, with no shoes covering my toes. I spend days this way, which is very comfortable for me. The point of walking barefoot is to experience the pleasure of feeling the Earth beneath your feet. The sensations are numerous—warm, tremendous, textured, plush, smooth, rough. It is beautiful to experience the sensations you can find with your feet in life.
Of course, you can always be shoeless in your house. It will be better for your body and your mind when you do. Walking barefoot can strengthen your foot muscles, improve balance, and reduce stress. However, some risks, such as cuts or infections, can harm some. To minimize those risks, walk barefoot on soft, gentle surfaces, such as indoor carpeting, grass, or sand.
The art of being barefoot to pick up electrons from the bare earth, often described as Earthing or Grounding, is said to reduce inflammation, make you smile, prevent and treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and produce measurable differences in white blood cells and cytokines. Being barefoot can even reduce pain levels. Make the time to be barefoot — it is well worth it!
Also, you will find the following benefits >>
- Better balance: Being barefoot can help improve your balance.
- Improved gait: Walking barefoot can help enhance your natural step.
- Reduced stress: Walking barefoot can help reduce stress.
- Better foot mechanics: Walking barefoot can improve your foot mechanics, leading to better hip, leg, and core mechanics.
- Reduced inflammation: The practice of “grounding” or “earthing” involves walking barefoot on the earth to pick up electrons, which can reduce inflammation.
- Reduced pain: Walking barefoot can reduce pain levels.
====================== - However, there are also risks to walking barefoot, including >>
- Walking barefoot can increase your risk of cuts and infections (be careful where you walk.)
- Unsuitable for some: Older adults and people with diabetes or foot problems should stick to minimalist footwear instead of walking barefoot.
To minimize risks, you can:
Walk barefoot on soft, gentle surfaces like indoor carpeting, grass, or sand.
You can avoid public sidewalks or locker rooms when walking outdoors.
Could you check your feet for injuries afterward?
Practice going barefoot in moderation at first.
Or, you could simply walk on your hands?
Use common sense when walking barefoot in places where you can’t control what might be on the ground. Studies show measurable differences between humans who consistently wear shoes and humans who do not. We can connect with natural energy and healing properties by directly connecting our bodies with the earth. The good news is that you can reconnect—like right now!
Take off your shoes and socks, head outside, and immediately feel the effects of grounding. Studies show that 30 minutes of barefoot on grass can heal pain, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep quality daily. Try it, you’ll be surprised.
According to orthopedic professionals, walking barefoot restores our natural step. Over time, the padding and structure of shoes can prevent us from using specific muscle groups that can strengthen the body. Walking without shoes can improve balance, help with pain relief, and improve hip, knee, and core mechanics.
Barefoot walking, distinctly different from walking barefoot, has grown from a playful trend to a well-researched practice with recognized health benefits. Barefoot walking, on the other hand, also known as earthing or grounding, has evolved from a pursuit of the open-minded to a scientifically researched practice with several recognized health advantages.
No, you won’t be that “hippy” with no shoes.
According to orthopedists, walking barefoot restores our natural step. Over time, the padding and structure of shoes can prevent us from using specific muscle groups that can strengthen our bodies. Walking without shoes can improve balance, help with pain relief, and improve hip, knee, and core mechanics.
Barefoot walking, on the other hand, also known as grounding or earthing, has evolved from a pursuit of the open-minded to a scientifically researched practice with several recognized health advantages. When was the last time you walked on fresh grass?
Our ancestors evolved in close connection with the earth’s power. We walked barefoot, slept on the ground, and benefitted from the Earth’s natural healing energy, or Earth Qi. Today, we spend so much time insulated from this grounding energy in shoes, in our cars, and indoors. We must get back to our Earth connection.
Earth Qi is regarded as the aggregate of the earth’s magnetic field and underground heat, which is believed to produce a matrix of energy lines and zones across and through the planet. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are thus seen as the Earth Qi re-balancing itself.
Children who experience the world beneath their bare feet have developmental advantages correlating with enhanced brain development and body awareness. Evidence indicates that going barefoot strengthens feet and improves body alignment.
Walking is an excellent form of exercise and is often recommended for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, proponents of barefoot shoes argue that walking in these minimalist shoes can enhance the benefits of walking, particularly when it comes to weight loss.
Your feet can tell you a lot about underlying health conditions before they appear anywhere else. From numbness to tingly feelings and to joint aches or ulcers, your feet will show you symptoms you can attend to before they become a more severe problem.
When we connect with the Earth and ground through barefoot walking, white blood cells are reduced, and red blood cells are increased, which hints at better immunity. Barefoot walking has also been shown to help boost antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep. Being barefoot benefits brain development and more!
He danced barefoot on the carpet.
The children had to go barefoot because there was no money for shoes.
He padded barefoot across the carpet.
How far back in human history do shoes go?
Based on changes in toe bones, anthropologists estimate that humans began wearing some form of sturdy foot covering at least 40,000 years ago.
The oldest surviving pair of shoes is what’s referred to as the Fort Rock sandals. Indigenous people made these woven sagebrush bark sandals in what’s now southeast Oregon and northern Nevada about 10,200 to 9,300 years ago (according to radiocarbon dating).
The Klamath Tribes made similar variants of these sandals until the 20th century. As for fully enclosed shoes, archaeologists made a surprising discovery during a 2010 dig in an Armenian cave: well-preserved shoes made from tanned cowhide dating back 5,500 years.
In other words, it is the world’s oldest leather shoe. Aside from being made of familiar modern material, the boots were also laced along a center seam. Renowned designer Manolo Blahnik commented, “It is astonishing how much this shoe resembles a modern shoe!”
Footwear refinements were made throughout antiquity as new materials were harvested and traded. Sandals adorned Egyptian royalty’s feet were sleek and looked strikingly like flip-flop prequels, as do Japanese geta. Quilted hemp sandals emerged from China and traveled the Silk Road.
The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century changed the course of shoe design and function (like it did for nearly every material thing). Factories sped up manufacturing, sewing machines allowed for more embroidery and canvas work, and new processes (such as vulcanization) and dyes allowed for a greater variety of materials to be used in shoemaking.
The North British Rubber Company (now Hunter) was formed in 1856 and began making rubberized versions of Wellington boots, which were eminently waterproof. Pumps emerged as fashionable women’s shoes in the 1870s.
The 20th century saw the creation of shoe brands and styles that are staples today; many were initially intended for specific sports. Canvas and rubber-soled Keds were created by U.S. Rubber in 1916 and soon marketed toward tennis players.
The Converse All-Star emerged the following year for basketball—the B.F. Goodrich company tapped Jack Purcell to design his namesake shoe for badminton, a design that was acquired by Converse in 1972. Paul Sperry created the Sperry Top-Sider in 1935.
Adidas grew as a soccer shoe company in the 1950s, while Nike famously began as a running shoe company in 1964. The 21st century is still young, but the controversial Crocs (perhaps the shoe world’s version of pineapple on pizza) have earned a place in history since their inception in 2002.
Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it! In other words, I hope to continually enrich your life and bring you to a higher level.
SO, PUT YOUR BEST BARE FEET ON AND TAKE A HAPPY DANCE!
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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. Have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get 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! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
WORDS WILL CHANGE YOU!
The correct motivational quote can change you and things—helping you ditch the excuses, escape your comfort zone, and take action. Read these words with an open mind and learn to improve your life.
THESE QUOTES
When you read these quotes, you’ll also realize that many other people worldwide are experiencing these feelings. These feelings make you think you’re the only person who could feel this bad. But you’re not. Lots and lots of other people feel bad, too. This is the irony of it. You don’t want other people to feel crappy, but it does make you feel better or at least comforted to know that other people feel just as bad as you.
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I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
“Get back in touch with the Earth.
Take your shoes off, relax, stay awhile.”
Kit Summers
“Bare soles to sun-heated earth is how we spent those bright days.”
Angela Abraham
“You learn a lot when you’re barefoot.
The first thing is every step you take is different.”
Michael Franti
“I was born to catch dragons in their dens.
And pick flowers
To tell tales and laugh away the morning
To drift and dream like a lazy stream
And walk barefoot across sunshine days.”
James Kavanaugh
“Barefoot travel allows you to get the true feel of a place.”
Sabrina Ward Harrison
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”
Khalil Gibran
“Students must bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known but to question it.”
Jacob Bronowski
“A simple life is good with me. I don’t need a whole lot. For me, a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, and barefoot on a beach are all that I’m happy with.”
Yanni
“In a beautiful morning, walking barefoot to work through the green fields with the company of the singing birds… and there you shall meet the real happiness!”
Mehmet Murat Ildan
“But tomorrow, the dawn will come the way I picture her, barefoot and disheveled, standing outside my window in one of the fragile cotton dresses of the poor. She will look at me with her thin arms extended, offering a handful of birdsong and a small cup of light.”
Billy Collins
“If I had my life to live over again, I’d run barefoot, relax, talk to children, and learn how they laugh.”
Amy Grant
“When someone deeply listens to you, your bare feet are on the earth, and a beloved land that seemed distant is now at home within you.”
John Fox
“The bottom of the foot measures gravity; we trace the density and texture of the ground through our soles. Standing barefoot on a smooth glacial rock by the sea at sunset and sensing the warmth of the sun-heated stone through one’s soles is an extraordinarily healing experience, making one part of the eternal cycle of nature. One senses the slow breathing of the earth.”
Juhani Pallasmaa
“Go barefoot
and be warm
all the time.
Not only when you go to bed
and sleep”
Nikki Giovanni
“Some women have a weakness for shoes… I can go barefoot if necessary. I have a weakness for books.”
Oprah Winfrey
“Hee that goes barefoot must not plant thorns.”
George Herbert
“Being naked approaches being revolutionary; going barefoot is mere populism.”
John Updike
“You may like walking barefoot, but keep your shoes with you; you may need it when the ground changes!”
Mehmet Murat Ildan
“To the barefoot man, happiness is a pair of shoes. To the man with old shoes, it’s a pair of new shoes. To the man with new shoes, they are stylish shoes. And, of course, the fellow with no feet would be happy to be barefoot. Measure your life by what you have, not what you don’t.”
Michael Josephson
“I just kick off my shoes and walk around barefoot; I don’t care if my feet get dirty.”
Christina Aguilera
“The best treatment for feet encased in shoes all day is to go barefoot. One-fifth of the world’s population never wears shoes – ever! But when people who usually go barefoot usually wear shoes, their feet begin to suffer. As often as possible, walk barefoot on the beach, in your yard, or around the house. Walking in the grass or sand massages your feet, strengthens your muscles, and feels very relaxing…If you can cut back on wearing shoes by 30 percent, you will save wear and tear on your feet and extend the life of your shoes.”
Stephanie Tourles
“Do you love this world? Do you cherish your humble and silky life? Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath? Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden, and softly, and exclaiming of their dearness, fill your arms with the white and pink flowers, with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling, their eagerness to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are nothing, forever?”
Mary Oliver
“He that scatters thorns let him not go barefoot.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
YOU MUST IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE!
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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
11/16–Cindy has a helper. Lizz comes in daily to clean, cook, and straighten. She does fantastic work. She helped prepare the food today. I made a big batch of my salsa, both sweet/mild and extra hot. People will be surprised at the great taste.
The big show was at the Boulder Circus Center (BCC) tonight. I was going to do a piece, but I felt so sick that I bowed out. Later, I will find out from Cindy how things went.
11/17–As usual, I was up early. I returned to bed at about 4:33 a.m. and slept some more, which was good. I’m not sure why sleep avoids me or me.
Today, I helped Cindy around the house. I also worked on the next blog, which is basically all written. I will work on small things during the week.
Every Sunday night is a juggling night at BCC. That evening, I taught Cindy the slapkick trick with clubs. You lay the club out before you with the main body toward you. You bend your knees and tap the club’s end with your toes, and the club flips up into the pattern; then, you juggle simultaneously. I saw Cindy do the trick twice, so she’s got it.
11/18–I only keep track of time a little.
Life and time will go on no matter what.
We drove a juggler to the airport to catch a plane to the West Coast.
After he went, Cindy suddenly decided it was time for me to depart.
What a shock it was for me. I went to the homeless shelter and spent the night.
https://www.instagram.com/bouldercircuscenter/p/DBb6E-MyWLq/
I lead a strange life and don’t know what to think.
Cindy complicated matters, but I will go on.
Right now, more cold is coming into the area—but . . .
11/19–I brought my van into Christian at
https://www.legacyautoboulder.com/
They made my turn signals work again. He pointed out that the van should be replaced. Several things need to be worked on. I was told to pick up a van for cheap, and I will be on my way again. I am comfortable with how the van works, but it is time for a new one. CAN YOU HELP?
After that, it was back to the homeless shelter and on the computer. I am so glad this place is here. Boy, is it cold out there today? I am happy I am inside.
Jennifer did an acupuncture treatment on me. Inserting tiny needles into my ears. I did not get much from it. She comes once a week, and I don’t think I will experience it once again. On video, I saw several improvements the treatment supposedly brings, although I did not see any myself.
While staying here, I have no costs at all. They provide food and a place to sleep, which is a good thing. There are electrical outlets everywhere, and the Wi-Fi is good. I owe $4,000 on one of my credit cards and am working to pay that off. Any help you can provide would be fantastic.
11/20–I woke at my usual 3 a.m., then lay there, and yes, I did return to slumber. Awakening again at 5 a.m., I gathered my things, using the light in my clock, and went off to the other room and my computer. That is where I am now—“Hi.”
I am still happy about yesterday’s work on the van, and I am confident it will continue.
I spoke with my daughter, Jasmine. She wanted to move me into a motel. I greatly appreciate her caring, but it is much better here. I can plug in and get online. They provide food and a bed. This is temporary, as with the other people staying here. But it is great for now.
Last night’s sleep was quieter and more friendly. As I told Jasmine, when you are asleep, your eyes are closed, and your mind is turned off, so you do not even know your situation. Now, I have headphones and am listening to the news. Yes, in my own little world.
I am watching Gary Frenchi, who is covering material about the war. Yes, it is pretty scary out there.
Many of the people staying here are intelligent and successful in their past. They fell onto hard times, as I did. I found a corner of the TV room where I set up my computer and can work solo. There are seven people currently watching the news on TV here.
I am currently staying here to save money to pay off one credit card, which has a $4000 balance. I can still write and read, and that’s a good thing. I can also work on and improve the van.
Yesterday, I was out until about 2:22 and had to stay outside in the cold until 4:30, when they let people back in. I receive Social Security Disability each month to keep me going—not much, but it works.
I learned you must be inside by 2 p.m. or stay out until 4:30. To get a bed, keep in line outside from 4:30 to 6:30 for the lottery. Last night, I got to bed early, which is a good thing. I will remember to wear my boots, which warm my feet.
The place is kept very clean. There is a main window to go to when you need anything; I was surprised at what they have to offer.
I will shower and wash my clothes this morning (it is 8 a.m.). It will be a cleaning day. The temperature outside is below freezing, so I’m glad I am inside.
Showering here is complicated, but I am much cleaner and feel great. On to the wash: It costs a buck-fifty to run the clothes washer, and to dry is free. So, I am now waiting for it to be completed.
Regarding the bunk and sleep, every bed mattress is clean; I just lay my sleeping bag onto the bed, and that is it for the night. You have to wait outside in the cold for about four hours before they start calling people who have chosen to get a bed.
I keep my stuff safe, often lying directly on it as I sleep.
My number was high this evening, so I was down on the list to get a warm place to sleep. I slept in the van last night, which got down to 33 degrees—a frigid night. As you know, my usual wake-up time is about 3 a.m. So, there I was, awake, and I had to wait until 9 a.m. to be able to come into the building.
11/21–I walked into the building at 9 a.m., and here I am. I had no breakfast, but I was able to get my hot tea, though.
I am mainly staying on my computer and not dealing with others. So, I am in my own little world here. I will prepare better if I don’t get a bed tonight; I want to stay warm. Currently, I am watching videos and spending time on the computer.
Things are safe here, but I sleep on top of my stuff just to be careful.
Lunch is coming up at noon. I will be here. Then, I will go to a local dentist to try and be fitted for a retainer for my bottom teeth. Then, I will go to an auto store for a center island for the van; the old one broke (but, I got one through Amazon, which will arrive tomorrow).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KKV7BQ1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
As you might know, I love to live by experiences, not by getting more “things.” I must say, currently, I am living an extraordinary experience. But I also know this is temporary, and I don’t know where I want to end up next.
Do you have any ideas for what might be next for Kit?
11/22–I was not awarded a high number again, so I went to the van to sleep last night. Earlier, I set things better for my bed and stayed warm all night. I had a good sleep. Once again, I had an early wake-up time, 3:00 a.m. Early this morning, I read a book and again cleaned the van. It is delightful on board. You will have to join me sometime.
I’ve been on my computer most of the morning. I go through my blog numerous times, making improvements each time. I do hope you notice.
I learned you can apply for a permanent bed every Tuesday rather than going through the lottery daily. I also discovered that the process can start the evening before, on Monday. So, I will be right there for this. I’ll let you know what I discover.
I am very excited about the plans my daughters (Jasmine and April) have for my future.
DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING NEW FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!
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THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
I keep this section about gardening in.
I do like the skill and hope you do, too.
Winter now, but there are still things you can grow.
And, remember about indoor gardening.
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.
Because I am back on the road, there will be no more words about the garden.
I do hope Beth keeps it up.
We did a lot of work establishing our vegetable garden.
When I drove the van seven years ago,
I grew stuff under the sunroof windows on the top.
I may start that up my van garden again.
You will find out, of course.
START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE!
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ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Go barefoot all you can this week; I will do that myself.
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NEXT BLOG >>
Do you ever think about your morning routines?
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AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?
