“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 261—Find the Joy in Your Life!
I hope to illuminate your life with my words.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!

*** The joy I experience in life is a marvelous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes.
*** I want to help you get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years and visited all US national parks.
*** Beth and I were married on 2/22/22. We are both quite happy.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I hope I am helping to guide you. Coaches like myself hope to lighten the way on your path. Remember that it is up to you to generate your path toward excellence. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” 

I HOPE TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS
WORDS HAVE POWER! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

YOU ALREADY KNOW

You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and to show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you. Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences; I have gone through much. I hope to spread ideas for you to live a better life. Remember, only you know what is best for you.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget that you are only as young
as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive,
and always reach for more advancement.

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Finding Joy!
 
Always a choice–
To focus on joy and happiness.
Or concentrate on misery and sadness.
You must choose right;
you have that control.
   
Close your eyes and envision it for a moment–PURE JOY.
You might be sitting in the sun on a warm day.
You might be practicing your juggling and advancing.
Or basking in the knowledge that your grown kids are on their way to visit.
Or you have a quiet moment in the house after a chaotic week.
Joy can seem fleeting—even rare—but there are ways to get closer to pleasure daily.
 
Many people confuse joy with happiness, and although they are closely related and often co-occur, these feel-good emotions aren’t interchangeable. Happiness is an emotion that brings bursts of intense pleasure, excitement, and satisfaction. Joyfulness is a more robust, longer-term state resulting in inner peace and contentment.
   
It’s easy to confuse the emotions of joy and happiness because they are often partaken simultaneously. Yet, some nuances should be determined. Often, happiness is the emotional reaction to what is happening around you. On the other hand, joy isn’t reactionary and is often driven by internal motivations like working toward a goal or finding a purpose in life.
   
Happiness can be easily fabricated; joy comes by setting the conditions for it to appear suddenly. A good cup of tea or a funny movie can bring happiness in the morning. Joy, on the other hand, is more challenging to cultivate. It’s an ongoing strategy that takes time.
   
And yet, it’s worth finding joy because of all the health benefits you get along the way. Happiness and joy predict lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and a more robust immune system. Individuals with more positive emotions also have fewer ailments, including minor aches and pains. Myself, I find that I seldom get ill. 
 
FOR A BETTER LIFE,
ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING–DAILY >>
Do physical activity–Exercise.
Help others as often as possible.
Appreciate What You Have.
Connect with Positive People.
Get out to the wilderness when you can.
Savor your joyful moments, both big and small.
Always be on the lookout to discover new things.
Look for and find pleasure and joy often.
Be aware of the good in life; there is much.
Contrarily, limit any negativity.
Bring plants inside your home.
Plant a vegetable garden.
Take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.
Add some color to your home—and your world.
Walk in a forest when you can.
Strike up a conversation with others.
Give to others as you can.
Find hobbies that bring you joy.
Practice mindfulness, think!
Write your feelings down.
Set goals for progress.
   
If you’re struggling with something such as the current global pandemic, try to find something meaningful about the event. You may have realized you like spending more time with your family and don’t want to return to an office five days a week. Understanding what quarantine has taught you can make the more demanding days worthwhile.
 
What could bring you joy right now? It can be easier to attain than a lifetime of happiness. Eventually, all of those little moments will build up to create joy. You know what won’t? Superficial things, even stately homes. Be comforted with less, and you will be happier.
 
We tend to think about everything else going wrong and spin out when upset. I recommend being more intentional about remembering what you do have—even if it’s as foundational as the legs that let you stand upright. And it doesn’t have to mean starting a thankfulness journal.

Choose something you do every day, such as brushing your teeth or waiting for the tea to brew, and then use that time to reflect on what you are thankful for during that very moment. You have to remember it is not joy that makes us appreciative. It is the appreciation that makes us joyful. We often forget the good things that occur.
 
If your day is full of obligations, consider how you can carve out even 10 minutes for an activity you’re passionate about. The joy comes from what you feel vibrant about; your passion is your purpose. Finding joy in life leads you to understand why you are here and what causes your life to be sustainable, significant, and with purpose.

Do you want this joy to be with you constantly? Then you need something that excites you. Working toward a new goal that feels engaging, meaningful, and challenging—taking you out of your status quo—like taking a mile run. This will not only bring enhanced joy often, but upon succeeding at your goal, you will experience a sense of joy, the memory of which will also bring joy.
 
Our minds usually think about the past and/or plan for the future—but neither perspective will bring you joy. Finding joy can only exist now, always now. Replaying the past takes you down a bad road.
   
Focus on this moment, every moment.
 
Anticipating the future denies us the connection to reality and can cause much pain. If you can learn to live in the now, you will free yourself from pain connected to the past or future.
 
Pondering past mistakes is one thing—but it may be that you’re suffering from a trauma that requires more awareness. Negative experiences and pain from the past can create barriers to accessing joy in your future. Doing the work to overcome your barriers is hard, but it’s well worth it.
   
Are you living to please yourself or others? Are you living as you genuinely want to be? Choosing your authentic self will help you achieve joy. Joy is our organic state, but life happens, and we forget what it feels like. Joy is always there underneath those barriers. Always be on the lookout for joy.
   
Getting outdoors is crucial to finding joy; you might find that for yourself, too. Between walking through nature versus a city setting, I find that being in the wilderness, I have less anxiety, introspection, and adverse effects in general. They also experience more positive emotions and perform better on memory tasks. Get to the wilderness as much as you can.
 
That’s why I lived in my van for six years and went to most of the national parks in the US. The freedom I experienced was mind-opening and joyful. My happiness and joy were evident.
   
And, where Beth and I currently live, there is wilderness right out the back door, which makes me quite happy.  Happy and laughing, I am, often. When someone around you is laughing, there’s a 90% chance it’ll also bring a smile to your face.
   
Please keep in mind that laughter is contagious, and so is joy. Aside from being a prominent fun form, a good laugh out loud has many health benefits. When we laugh, we release endorphins that offer natural pain relief. Laughter also reduces stress and boosts our immune system.
   
So, get out there, experience nature, laugh, and get the most out of your life. 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, 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 get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

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. You 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—it is 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.

BE POSITIVE!

Positive and inspiring quotes are like beams of 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.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >> 

1. “We cannot cure the world of sorrows,
   but we can choose to live in joy.”
   —Joseph Campbell
    
   2. “Find joy in everything you choose to do.
   Every job, relationship, home…
   it’s your responsibility to love or change it.”
   —Chuck Palahniuk
    
   3. “The soul’s joy lies in doing.”
   —Percy Bysshe Shelley
    
   4. “If you carry joy in your heart,
   you can heal any moment.”
   —Carlos Santana
    
   5. “Let your joy be in your journey—not in some distant goal.”
   —Tim Cook
      
   6. “The joy that isn’t shared dies young.”
   —Anne Sexton
    
   7. “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”
   —Khalil Gibran
      
   8. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
   but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
   —Nhat Hanh
    
   9. “We must embrace obstacles to reach the next stage of joy.”
   —Goldie Hawn
    
   10. “Grief can take care of itself,
   but to get the full value of a joy,
   you must have somebody to divide it with.”
   —Mark Twain
      
   11. “Just follow your joy. Always.
   If you do that, life will take you on the course it’s meant to take you.”
   —Jonathan Groff
      
   12. “The more the heart is sated with joy,
   the more it becomes insatiable.”
   —Gabrielle Roy
      
   13. “Joy is increased by spreading it to others.”
   —Robert Murray McCheyne
      
   14. “Joy is the holy fire that keeps our
   purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.”
   —Helen Keller
      
   15. “Joy lies in the fight,
   the attempt,
   the suffering involved,
   not in the victory itself.”
   —Mahatma Gandhi
        

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Keep track for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
You must live joyfully, daily, for every day.
The quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
2/24–Kit in the kitchen today.
Brewed up a batch of my Summers Salsa and my favorite Kit’s Fried Rice.
If you haven’t yet, you must make some.
   
How to make Summers’ Salsa:
Use a can of corn.
One can of black beans (or a can of mixed beans.)
One can of sliced peaches or three fresh peaches.
One bunch of coriander (also known as cilantro.)
One 20-centimeter (8 inches) square of Roma tomatoes–
This is about 15 tomatoes (same as plum tomatoes.)
One large onion.
One lemon.
One lime.
Four cloves of garlic, minced.
Chili powder–one spoon.
Garlic salt–one spoon.
Honey–two spoons.
One or more jalapeno peppers (depending on the heat level you desire.)
   
Use a food processor to chop the tomatoes into small bits, about 1 or 2 centimeters (quarter-inch squares).  Peel the outside of the onion, cut it into quarters, and put these in the food processor; chop so they are about the same size as the tomatoes.  Drain the can of peaches, put them into the food processor, chop them the same size as the tomatoes, and add them to the bowl. Drain the cans of corn and beans, add them to the bowl.   Hand chop the coriander into small bits (about the same size as tomatoes) and add this.  Squeeze the juice of the lemon and the lime into the bowl, and add some pulp if desired.  Add the chili powder, garlic salt, and honey.  In the food processor, chop one or more Jalapeno peppers into tiny bits and then add them.  Mix all of these ingredients well and enjoy your fresh salsa.
   
For spicy hot salsa, leave out the honey and peaches, add more jalapeno, and add habanero peppers for the heat you are looking for.
 
Have you seen >>
Summerssalsa.com
===========================================
Fried Rice >>
4 cups cooked rice.
4 green onions.
1 cup chopped onions.
3 large eggs.
2 garlic cloves, minced.
3 tablespoons soy sauce.
1 teaspoon sesame oil.
1 cup diced carrots.
1/2 cup red pepper.
salt and pepper to taste.
1 or 2 cups of chicken or shrimp.
Olive oil to stir fry.

Cook everything separately, then mix and fry it together.
You will love the taste.
===========================================
2/25 It’s Good to be planting seeds today. I put Jerusalem Artichokes, Cilantro, Lettuce, Broccoli, Carrots, Zucchini, and Amaranth in the ground.

Still to be planted >> Strawberries, Raspberries, Cucumber, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Cabbage, Green Beans, and Peas.
 
I want to be able to feed Beth and me through growing our food. Also, I am saving water; we will use this to clean things and ourselves, to water plants, and, after filtering and cleaning, to be able to drink the rainwater.
 
Have you been able to start your garden yet?
 
2/26–I am off to Costco and the dentist today. Dr. Cook takes excellent care of my teeth. If you are in the Augusta, GA, area, he can take great care of your teeth, too.
https://mapbt.com/locations/goldencamp/
   
There was a Cardinal at the bird feeder today.
These are magnificent-looking birds.
We still have some baby bunnies we care for until they are sold.
 
2/27–Beth is currently away house-sitting. Strange to be here alone, Beth and I have been together almost every moment.
   
One of the things I did was work on this blog.
   
2/28–MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!
Yeah, happy birthday to me.
 
Beth will return home this afternoon, and I look forward to her return.
 
Plants are raising their heads above the ground; good to see.
 
My back is hurting so much today.
I must have broken some ribs recently.
 
We are getting solar panels for the electricity.
Leon was just here to take photos.
Of course, I taught him to juggle; he loved his new skill.
     
2/29–The 29th of February is a day that occurs every four years. I would still be very young if I had been born on the 29th. But, much of age is a mindset. You are as young as you think and how you act.
   
The 29th is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure because the Earth does not orbit the Sun in precisely 365 days. Since about the 15th century, this extra day has been 29 February, but when the Julian calendar was introduced, the leap day was handled differently in two respects.
   
Did you know that February is usually the shortest month of the year? But in 1712, Sweden extended the month to February 30 days. This calendrical anomaly occurred as the country awkwardly shifted between the Julian and Gregorian calendars, which had about a 10-day gap between them.
   
Pope Gregory XIII introduced the latter calendar in 1582 to fix significant discrepancies between the solar year and the calendar date incurred by the Julian calendar. Nations worldwide slowly adopted the new calendar, and Sweden finally opted to do so in 1700. What day is it?
   
I wrote about Ken before. Ken buys huge tree trunks and cuts them down to make boards such as 2x4s. He has scrap wood often that he does not need. I went today and obtained my entire van full of wood.
   
Later, I will work with Terry, our next-door neighbor, to cut the wood down further into a size that will fit into the fireplace. Yes, it’s free wood, but it’s a lot of work to process. I got a big sliver, which I pulled out immediately, but it still hurts greatly.
   
Planted the rest of the vegetable seeds today, many.
We will be eating well with what is in the ground.
Have you started your garden yet?
   
3/1–Sleep is difficult for me. Up about 2am once again.
   
In the garden, lettuce is popping its head above the ground. I planted the lettuce last week.
 
Beth is still taking care of the animals while the owners are away.
They have three large dogs, some chickens, and one cat, who she is babysitting.
She likes how quiet and away it is.

I am here taking care of our animals.
We will be getting cockatiel to be a friend of the one we have currently.
Jemma stayed on the bed most of the morning. I guess missing Beth, I checked on her a couple of times.
   
****************** YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK 
Smile almost every day this week.
Then, make a habit of always bringing on a smile!

THIS IS YOUR LIFE — MAKE YOUR LEGACY HAPPEN!
DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY,
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF  YOUR LIFE.  

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
I will cover more on joy and happiness.
Something we can all obtain, do you? 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 260—Make it Happen!
I hope to illuminate your life with my words.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!

*** The joy I experience in life is a marvelous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** If you read through Facebook, see kitsummers.com
*** I lived in my van for six years and visited all US national parks.
*** I married Beth on 2/22/22. We are both quite happy.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I hope I am helping to guide you. Coaches like myself hope to lighten the way on your path. Remember that it is up to you to generate your path toward excellence. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” 

I HOPE TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS
WORDS HAVE POWER! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

YOU ALREADY KNOW

You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and to show that my ideas can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you. Much of what I write about is taken from my own experiences. In that I have gone through much, I hope to spread ideas for you to live a better life. Remember, only you know what is best for you.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget that you are only as young
as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive,
and always reach for more advancement.

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Make it happen!
Don’t sleepwalk through your life, and don’t sleep too much. Every person has a certain amount of necessary sleep; figure yours out, and don’t go beyond it. I do four or five hours a night. Still think it’s a waste of time, but necessary.
 
Instead of sleeping, you could make things happen to improve your life. Often, it does not take much — just start! It’s always a choice to sleep and to make it happen. I hope you choose the right one. Sleep is a necessary waste of time.
   
Now that you’re awake, you must make things happen, such as this week; I have little to write about for my Daily Jottings. That is because I did not “make” things happen to write to you about. When you “make” things happen for yourself, it can add so much to your life.
 
Successful people are doers–these people make things happen. Driven by passion and fuelled by their dreams, they are determined to change, take action, and make a difference. They are not content to sit idle or procrastinate. Become this person!
 
If you want exemplary things to happen in your life and are dissatisfied you are not reaching your dreams and life is challenging, things have to change. It is usual for people to resist change, but taking a different path may be the right course of action to take; you must decide this. You may need to make changes. Everyone wants to do good in life, of course. Life can be complex and challenging. Everyone will have problems and trials, even you; no one will escape this life without them.

As we live, we often have to “make” things better. It might take some effort, and this is often necessary. The more you make things happen, the better and more in control your life can be.
 
Here are some ideas >>
Step 1 – Decide precisely what you want.
Step 2 – Think of something you want to do or work towards.
Step 3 – Write it down. Carefully and in detail.
Step 4 – Know Why You Want It.
Step 5 – Break your goal down.
Step 6 – Tell someone your idea.
Step 7 – Visualise What You Want.
Step 8 – Take Action.
Step 9 – Get Support In Place.
Step 10 – Realize what isn’t working is often the starting point to making a change.
Step 11 – Plan your first steps.
Step 12 – CELEBRATE! 

To have miraculous things happen, trust yourself; you are the one. When you trust yourself, you will keep moving forward no matter what gets thrown at you because you’ve got a rock-solid foundation (yourself).

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, 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 get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

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. You 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—it is 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.

BE POSITIVE!

Positive and inspiring quotes are like beams of 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.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >> 

1. “There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it.” ― Mindy Kaling
    
   2. “People say, ‘I’m going to sleep now,’ as if it were nothing. But it’s really a bizarre activity. ‘For the next several hours, while the sun is gone, I’m going to become unconscious, temporarily losing command over everything I know and understand. When the sun returns, I will resume my life.'” — George Carlin
    
   3. “Man is a genius when he is dreaming.” ― Akira Kurosawa
    
   4. “I’ve always envied people who sleep easily. Their brains must be cleaner, the floorboards of the skull well swept, all the little monsters closed up in a steamer trunk at the foot of the bed.” ― David Benioff
    
   5. “She used to say she could taste sleep and that it was as delicious as a BLT on fresh French bread.” ― Rebecca Wells
    
   6. “Of all the things a man may do, sleep probably contributes most to keeping him sane. It puts brackets about each day. If you do something foolish or painful today, you get irritated if somebody mentions it. If it happened yesterday, though, you can nod or chuckle, as the case may be. You’ve crossed through nothingness or dreamed to another island in time.” Roger Zelazny
    
   7. “There is renewal in rest.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita
    
   8. “Having peace, happiness, and healthiness is my definition of beauty. And you can’t have any of that without sleep.” — Beyonce
    
   9. “I love sleep because it is both pleasant and safe to use. Pleasant because one is in the best possible company and safe because sleep is the consummate protection against the unseemliness that is the invariable consequence of being awake. What you don’t know won’t hurt you.” ― Fran Lebowitz
    
   10. “My father said there were two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.” — Marlo Thomas
   

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Keep track for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
   
2/17–More birds flew away, or, should I say, Beth got two more to a home with kids who will love them
We currently have many bunnies, Do you want one?
   
Worked on the gardens again today. Remember, if you want to build gardens like mine, I am here to help you in any way I can.
 
2/18-19–Not much these two days; I hope you found success.
My daughter, April, is in Europe with her husband, Jake. It brings back great memories.

2/20–Worked on the blog today. As you see, I am reformatting and making things easier for you to understand. I do hope my words help you make a better life for yourself.
 
Toiling in the gardens, I am making a place to grow potatoes. I have been learning of the Ruth Stout method. With this, you put chited potatoes on the ground, then set about six inches of hay on top. The potatoes will put down roots and grow above the ground. Simple and ingenious.
2/21–Beth’s aunt bought a new house, which is very nice. Afterward, we went to Greenwood, a new route that seemed much longer and more of a wilderness area. I kept telling Beth this was the wrong way, but I let her try this new way and found it a very pretty wooded route. Of course, I doubt we will go this way again.

2/22– Our Second Wedding Anniversary! Beth rewatched our fairy tale wedding. It hasn’t been easy merging two different personalities, but it has been two years, which shows a willingness to work at it. Have you seen?>>
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3204722973105373&id=100000309296793&mibextid=w8EBqM
 
2/23–(Beth used her writing skills to script this) We helped rescue puppies in town today! Thanks to my bestie, Valerie, who spotted the three pups. Kit and I brought food and water and tried to help Val corral these feral pups. Impossible!
 
They were underneath a small house next to our historic Cotton Gin. After a few phone calls, we got ahold of our new animal control officers, Smitty and Yonn, who will come to assist.
 
Then, Valerie heard small puppy sounds from underneath the boards on the back of the little house. The officers pulled up the rotting wood and gently lifted out seven tiny puppies (and, sadly, one who was dead.) Mama was also hiding under the house.
 
The three pups, around four months old, plus the new puppies, probably two weeks old, and mama, all needed to be taken together according to the Humane Society of SC rules.
   
The main SCHS office is coming to trap all the dogs and ensure they are cared for. I was very impressed with the officers’ care while trying to catch the pups. Valerie and I have been part of other rescue missions in the past, but it has been a long time, and we were younger and” bendier” then. 

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
This week, set your alarm clock to awaken an hour earlier.
Also, stay up an hour later and get things accomplished.
You will be surprised at the amount of time added to your life. 

THIS IS YOUR LIFE — MAKE YOUR LEGACY HAPPEN!
DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY,
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF  YOUR LIFE.  

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
I turn 65 on Feb 28! Will you celebrate with me?
Finally, the age at which I can retire.
But, I guess I have been retired for most of my life, living the life that “I” want. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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

“KITTING AROUND”
I hope to illuminate your life with my words.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!

*** The joy I experience in life is a marvelous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** If you read through Facebook, see kitsummers.com
*** I lived in my van for six years and visited all US national parks.
*** I married Beth on 2/22/22. We are both quite happy.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Plan and Prepare
So close to death.
So many times.
Somehow, I live–oh boy.
Plans change, change with the changes.
Death will eventually take me, as it will you.
I am prepared for that–are you?
   
After my last blog, I did hear from Tuko.
Sometimes, I wonder if people even read my words.
It’s great to hear from you, my friend.

In the last blog, I wrote about my recent accident and the breaking of six ribs. Still hurts, but I’ll get through it. I did not tell you in the last blog, but I taught six people how to juggle at the hospital while in bed. They seemed to love their new skill.
 
You may know when you break a rib (I broke six), there is nothing that can be done about it. Ribs will heal on their own while you suffer the pain. I’ve been trying to figure out exactly how this accident occurred; it is difficult to do such a thing.
 
Also, I don’t know how the backs of my hands got so many scraps and injuries. I guess it was working with the gutters. So, I have to heal from several things.
 
Any of us can die anytime. Apply yourself to get the most joy and happiness you can–while you still can- and bring on a spectacular life! Do this while you help others live better lives.
   
As you read, I fell off a ladder, and I am in tremendous pain. This may not have happened if I had gone slower and thought ahead. But I cannot live by “what ifs.”

A visionary has a strong vision of the future (is this you?) Since such visions aren’t always accurate, a visionary’s ideas may work brilliantly or fail miserably. Even so, visionary is usually a positive word. Make your plans and keep moving ahead!
     
All I can remember is I fell quickly squarely onto my back. At that point, I just lay there and moaned. That is when Beth heard me. Come to think of it, this could have easily killed me. I must say, Beth has been such a wonderful wife–taking care of all my needs. Thank you, Beth, you are the best.
   
Thinking about it now, I see how I could have gone slower, figuring out each step and thinking ahead. In my life, I have often done things as quickly as I could. I have to remember to think ahead before doing something.   
 
What exactly do I mean by Thinking ahead? >>

1–Bring balance to your life.
2–Prepare for a future event or situation by thinking about what “might happen.”
3–Showing up every day ready to amaze.
4–Understanding what it means to be unique and different.
5–Always be “on stage,” ready for anything.
6–Always show up early and be ready for your future.
7–Act as if you’re always “on the clock,” even when you’re not.
8–Be proactive and one to make things happen.
9–Become a visionary.
   
These ideas help you develop your ability to think ahead.

HERE ARE MORE IDEAS FOR PLANNING AHEAD >>
   
1—Determine precisely what you want to plan or prepare for.
The future is a prominent place with many possibilities, but chances are you want to manage a specific situation, problem, or possibility. Define this goal to the best of your abilities.
   
2—Use your intuition.
Listen to your first instinct. Intuition often works best before you’ve had time to study details; pay attention to details, even if you do not act immediately. Use intuition as a “lead” rather than as an answer. Investigate what might be causing your hunch or gut feeling and dig deeper until you find it.
 
Not all your decisions are rational or carefully analyzed; your intuitive guesses can often be robust.
What feels right?
What do you think will happen?
When you use intuition, you draw upon your experience and knowledge differently than when you analyze rationally.
   
3—Consider what you already know.
Your prior knowledge comes from many places. Have you tried something similar before? Do you know how somebody is likely to react? Have you seen something done, or could you read about others’ experiences with a situation? Could you ask others? Try something out or gather data suggesting what could happen. Learn and then apply.
   
4—Detect your preferences.
People tend to make guesses and take actions in specific, predictable ways. Recent events may greatly influence your decisions more than they warrant, or you may be more likely to believe something because everyone believes it. If you think this is happening, look closely at hard evidence and question your deductions.
 
5—Invent speculative situations
Invent speculative concerns related to your objective. Ask yourself “what if” for the various options and imagine possible outcomes and likely courses of events. Think especially about the potential consequences of different courses of action.
 
6—Assess the worst-case strategy.
What is the worst thing that could happen?
You must evaluate all possible risks.
Is the worst case something you and others could accept?    
Is the worst case something you could live with, avoid, or mitigate?
Is the worst case too scary or too undesirable?
How likely is the worst case bound to happen?
How likely is an undesirable outcome?
   
7—Consider the best-case plan.
What is the best thing that could happen?
Consider the potential rewards.
What can you do to favor the outcome towards the best case?
Where should you set your plans?
 
8—Think of possible actions to take.
If you are thinking ahead, it is probably because you want to decide how to respond to a concern or need and what your responses would be.
 
9—Evaluate those actions.
Based on your understanding of how such events usually turn out, choose or narrow down which steps to take.
 
10—Prepare.
Whatever you must organize, be it people, equipment, facilities, plans, or simply courage– prepare it. Be ready for anything. Write your desires out in detail to help you manage them. 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others. Inspirational quotes and ideas give us 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! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.
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.

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S QUALITY—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

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. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
Positive and inspiring quotes are like beams of 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.

REMEMBER–VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

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. 

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

GET INSPIRED!
READ OPTIMISTIC QUOTES 

I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS BENEFIT YOU >>
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.” – Thomas Edison

“A plan is a list of actions arranged in whatever sequence is thought likely to achieve an objective.” – John Argenti

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” – Warren Buffett

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” – Pablo Picasso

“Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” – Richard Cushing

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin

“The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” – Robert Frost

“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.” – Henry David Thoreau

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.” – Douglas H. Everett

“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” – Peter Drucker

“I don’t believe in failure. It’s not failure if you enjoyed the process.” – Oprah Winfrey

“Chance favors the prepared mind.”– Louis Pasteur

“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” – Peter F. Drucker

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood. Make big plans, aim high in hope and work.” – Daniel H. Burnham

“Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.” – Margaret Thatcher

“No plan ever failed due to good planning.” – Jury Nel

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” – John F. Kennedy

“It’s not the plan that’s important, it’s the planning.” – Dr. Gramme Edwards

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Keep track for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
   
2/9–I took a shower this evening, which was very difficult. It was my first real shower since the accident, and it was so painful. Things will get better daily. You will find out as I write in this blog this week.

2/10–Today is one week from when I fell and broke six ribs. The pain is excruciating, I must say. Beth has helped a lot—a good thing.
 
I need to get to some projects around the house, but as I heal, I cannot temporarily do so. Going up on ladders might be a thing of the past now.
   
2/11–I slept in until about 5 a.m., which is late. Right away, I got on the computer and watched videos-ones to entertain and ones to educate. This morning, I watched many on gardening, something I will be getting into much more in the future.
   
Along with hurting ribs, today I am having a difficult time dealing with my asthma; yes, it is tough to breathe. I believe I have a lot more to add to the world; I do not want to die yet. As you know, I am hoping to live beyond age 100.
 
Currently, writing this blog is my main effort.
I do hope you like reading my words.
What is your main focus?
       
2/12–It will rain all day today, which is excellent for the garden. I am glad for the water droplets. Kind of a sprinkle all day, nothing drenching.The gardens are full of dirt, a good thing! 

As I write this blog each week I feel my writing technique is advancing.
Are you seeing that?
Please let me know.
   
2/13–Awakening with much pain this morning. Broken ribs will do that.
   
I have some dirt to tell you–the place where Beth gets different animal food also sells garden dirt. I asked, and we lucked out. Also, I need hay for the potatoes; they had that, too, some loose hay for nothing. So, it worked out excellent.

Because of my broken ribs, we hired Trey to help get the new dirt into the gardens. This young man did a fantastic job! 
We hired Trey to help put more dirt in the gardens; he did excellent. 

You should be growing your food and studying the subject; it will be necessary in the future. I had written before that if you need garden soil and the like, check out your local Lowes, Home Deport, or Tractor Supply. Ask them if they have any broken bags to get rid of, and there you go!
 
2/14–Working through my pain and putting the free dirt I got in the gardens. Yes, it does hurt, but it’s getting done. The place where we went to get animal feed had bags of dirt, and they said I could take them. What good news for our gardens.
   
With the broken ribs, it is hard to work. The bags they were getting rid of seemed to have much water. They should be light and easy to move; I see why they are getting rid of them. These bags were of a pallet; a guy on the forklift was about to put the whole pallet into my van; a good thing.
 
2/15–The place getting rid of bags of dirt has another pallet full of bags; I will get that today.
 
I mentioned before you really should make a garden and start growing your food. With the big changes in the world, sorry to say, we must all become more self-reliant. There are numerous sources to help you with this; I hope I have helped.
 
Starting to plant vegetables in the garden. There are cold-weather plants you can plant now. Lettuce and broccoli are going in the ground now.
 
2/16–Nothing new to write about today, sorry.
******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
You know how I write my daily jottings? That is your challenge for the week. Write daily what you do all day and let me know. This will give you a chance to examine your life and see what you do do. 

THIS IS YOUR LIFE — MAKE YOUR LEGACY HAPPEN!
DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY,
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF  YOUR LIFE.  

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Hopefully, the gardens will start to grow, you will see. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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

“KITTING AROUND”
I hope to illuminate your life with my words.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** Hit by two trucks—I remain happy.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com
*** I lived in my van and went to all US states, mainly National parks.
*** I married Beth on 2/22/22. We are both quite happy.
*** Thanks, my wife, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** Secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
Not Again!
This blog is being put together in the hospital by me on my hospital bed. As you might know, I have had hospital visits in the past, nothing new to me. I have words below about this in the Daily Jottings.
 
What happened, in brief, is I fell off a ladder, broke six of my ribs, and have been in the hospital, in pain, for four days now. Living in (with) a broken cage. (Rib cage, that is.)

I just learned from the head of physical therapy that I will be released today. Currently, when I go from laying down to sitting, from sitting to standing, any significant bodily changes, the pain is excruciating. So, I do not like to make these changes and just sit here typing rather than going for a walk.
 
I guess I’m ready to go back to the real world.
Friendly here, they help you do everything. 
Back to that scary “real” world.
   
Someone said again to me,
“You should thank God you got through it alright.”
Why didn’t they say,
“Why do you think God allowed you to fall like that?”
   
Why do so many people believe that only good things come from this “god” Being (hmm, would you call it that?)  I’ve lost friends over this realistic thinking. Do you have evidential proof of such a being? If you do, please let us know on this blog.
   
I have never believed in any gods, spirits, ghosts, or supernatural beings created by humans. Belief has never made any sense to me. No one has ever presented any good, realistic, and provable evidence of a god or supernatural being. Belief has done much harm to the world.
       
I just coughed. This is so painful with broken ribs.
Why the hell would a god do this to me?
If you can prove god, do it. Right on this blog for all of us. 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others. Inspirational quotes and ideas give us 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! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.
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.

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S QUALITY—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

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. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
Positive and inspiring quotes are like beams of 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.

REMEMBER–VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

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. 

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

GET INSPIRED!
READ OPTIMISTIC QUOTES 

I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS AID YOU >>
“Our only kiss was like an accident- a beautiful gasoline rainbow.”
― Alice Sebold
 
“We do not suffer by accident.”
― Jane Austen
 
“Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, often violently, just like love.”
― Andrew Davidson
 
“Love is like a wind stirring the grass beneath trees on a black night,’
― Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, 

“Don’t be very frightened, Marilla. I was walking the ridge-pole, and I fell off. I suspect I have sprained my ankle. But, Marilla, I might have broken my neck. Let us look on the bright side of things.”
― L.M. Montgomery
   
“It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country to decide, by their conduct and example, the important question, whether societies of men are capable or not, of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force.”
― Alexander Hamilton
   
“The ugliest thing in the world is a beautiful woman without the brains or courage to know that [beauty] is nothing more than an accident.”
― Charlie Fletcher, Silvertongue   

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Keep track for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
   
2/3/24–Working on the gutters today. The gutters are up (thanks for your help, Terry.) I was up on a ladder putting on gutter guards. Gutter guards keep the leaves or any debris out of your gutters. I want to semi-filter rainwater to use on the plants, clean it, and, after more filtering, drink it.
 
There I was, almost done with the whole gutter. I guess I was not careful enough and don’t know what happened. I ended up falling from about seven feet directly onto my back.  They call this “Getting the wind knocked out of you.” At first, while lying there, I could not breathe at all. It was scary. After relaxing for some seconds, I could use my lungs again.
   
I landed directly on my back. At first, I just looked at my surroundings and wondered what to do. Then I started moving and moaning, and that is when Beth heard me. She helped me to a standing position. The pain had not come on yet at that point.
   
In past blogs, I wrote about “making something happen” so I could write about it. No, that is not what I aimed for in this incident. In the future, I plan to make “positive” things to add to the blog. This is a suggestion for you, too.
   
If you think your life is boring and going nowhere, this is a path that you have set. YOU can always go in and make changes for the better. Aim in different directions than you are taking now. You are the one to make your life an exciting event.
 
Over time, I have learned to fall. In metal shop class while in high school, I built a 14-foot-tall unicycle. I used that off and on, riding around Ocean Beach, where I grew up, and performing a few shows. After falling from the cycle the third time, I gave the unicycle away. I hope the guy I gave the unicycle to did not get hurt.

There I was, lying on the grass, not knowing what to do next. Beth heard me moaning and ran right out. I am so glad she did. I told her what happened, and she helped me into the house. There was much pain in my upper back, so hard to move, it was. Sleep went well; I woke early, as usual.
 
I hate to deal in “what-ifs, but here goes>>I see now that if I had landed on my front, I could have broken ribs or hit my head. There could have been blood. I can’t imagine my wife’s reaction to blood. I tell Beth not to think of the what-ifs in any situation, but this fall had me considering things that might have happened to me. I am glad they didn’t.
   
2/4– I awoke about 3 a.m.; I just lay there at first. When I started to move, the pain came up. After lying there, I headed out to my computer to watch YouTube. There is only about one foot of the gutter guard to finish the job, and I will do that today.
   
Reaching down and picking up something off the ground hurts a lot. I will be doing stretching and exercise to help me get better. I expected I would be out finishing that one last gutter, but that won’t be the case.
   
It’s incredible how the human body can heal itself.
By next week, I should be okay.
Hopefully, anyway.
 
2/5–This morning, when I awoke, I just lay there. And, like when the accident first happened, I could not breathe. I was scared because I knew that when I transitioned to a standing position, the pain would intensify. It is a terrifying thing to go through.
 
I went to the doctor today and had an X-ray done, but he found nothing broken. He offered to give me a shot for the pain, but I refused. I asked for a refill for a pain medication I had once; I was told that I needed to meet with the doctor tomorrow about that. When you see the doctor here, they weigh you and check your blood pressure.
 
When weighed, I had reached about 200 pounds (Beth feeds me well.)  I want to get back to my past weight of 161. In the future, you can read about my pounds going away. I must stay away from chocolate, cookies, and candy. Because I have gained weight, I have decided to eat only when hungry. I am seldom hungry, so I should start to lose pounds.
   
I used to run or bike ride daily.  Because my asthma has gotten so bad, I cannot exercise as I once did. I must find other ways to keep my body in better shape. Because my asthma has gotten worse, it will be difficult to do these passions.
   
How about you? Are you keeping up with your daily exercise?
 
2/6–Once again, a day of pain. I did what I could to get things done, but it was difficult.
   
This hospital is interesting. They set the beds so that if you try to get out of the bed, like to the bathroom, an alarm goes off, and someone comes down to your room. It feels like they want total control but want to ensure everything is safe. Stuck on my butt in bed–yikes.
 
2/7–In awakening this morning, I just lay there. I knew that if  I started to move, the pain would come on. Yes, when I began to move, the pain did come on–strong. Today, I almost feel like I am dying, a terrible thought.
     
3/8–The days merge here. The nurse comes in, the meal people come in, and the physical therapist comes in. Not at the same time, but the stream flows through. So, I don’t just lay here and cry.
 
Hate to tell you, I just went poop (but I didn’t pop.) You know–defecation, discharge, dung, excrement, excretion, fecal matter, feces, feculence–that sort of thing. That must have been the most painful time I’ve ever had sitting on a toilet seat. Taking the pain pills makes it hard to go number two, so I am glad the poop happened. I feel refreshed and cleaned out (sorry you had to read those words–but you do it, too!)
   
3/9–Today is my mom’s birthday (and happy birthday to you, Larry Zeiger!) Mom died a couple of years ago, and it hit me hard. I never even thought about life without Mom; it was uncompromising news to get through.
 
I just checked my email, and there is nothing in the inbox. Somehow, I must have moved or deleted what was there. There are about 25 items in there, but I don’t care. I reply to critical emails immediately, so I will not worry about the missing mail. I prefer a clean inbox so that things will work out fine.
How is your inbox looking?
Have you sent me an email?
kitsummers@gmail.com
******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
You know you have wanted to.
So many people carry too much weight.
Lose between five and ten pounds this week.
Do this through less food intake and exercise.
Let me know how it goes. 

THIS IS YOUR LIFE — MAKE YOUR LEGACY HAPPEN!
DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY,
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF  YOUR LIFE.  

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
I’ll be healing.
You will learn.

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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

“KITTING AROUND”

BLOG 257—You’ve Lived For So Many Days. You’re Doing Excellent!
With my words, I hope to illuminate your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER! 

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** Hit by two trucks—one involving a 37-day coma—I remain happy.
*** If you read this through Facebook, check out my blog on   kitsummers.com
*** After living in my van and traveling to all US states, I married Beth on 2/22/22.
*** Thanks, my wife, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** Secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — How many days have you lived?
I have lived for 64 years.
Which is about 23,360 days.
Which is about 560,640 hours.
Which is about 33,638,400 minutes.
Which is about 2,018,304,000 seconds.
Did I do the math correctly? You tell me.
   
Many people live each day in sadness and depression; this is a choice for each of us. Many choose sadness, which is sad to me; I hope you don’t. We can all find joy; we just have to be open to finding it.
   
More importantly, we often have to make the joy ourselves. Even if you have a massive change like I had (one is going through a 37-day coma), you can still find joy, although it could be a challenge.
 
We are the ones who decide what is important to us.
So, do what is important to you! 
 
ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME?
 
Each week, figuring out what subject the blog will be about is challenging.
Have you enjoyed my choices?
Do you have any suggestions for blog topics?
Be sure to let me know.
 
All our life, we are the ones to choose to have joy.
No matter what might happen, we can all find joy.
   
How about you?
   
Are you spending your life how you want?
Here are some other ideas >>
 
1–Plan the most critical tasks.
This system ensures that you spend time only on important and urgent tasks. Anything else can wait! Make a list of your priorities.
 
2–Chart your accomplishments each week
A weekly record will show you how you spend your time, including on non-productive tasks. This will help organize your time, primarily if you work differently. Doing this daily will bring a better future, as you see how you are getting ahead.
   
3–Focus on essential tasks when you’re thinking clearly
This permits optimum attention. But remember to include high and low-attention tasks and/or take a small break occasionally. A break will let your brain recover from any mentally demanding activities.
 
4–Make a list of what needs to be done–daily
Your priorities and progress are in one place this way. It brings to mind what you have to do, and you’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you see your progress. When working on your own, you must be very self-disciplined. Some do this at the end of every day or the next morning.
   
5–Take small breaks between tasks
If you work from home, keep things normal and comfortable. Maybe even have a coffee and walk around briefly. This will reinvigorate you and benefit your posture, ensuring optimum concentration when you return to work.
   
6–Look for signs of procrastination and take action through it
We, at times, procrastinate for many reasons. Homeworkers, beware: The newspaper, Daytime TV, extended lunches, and social media can all take you away from your immediate focus. Don’t let them take over. If you procrastinate, figure out why and take action before it overpowers–you can beat it!. If you don’t, you’ll work late into the night and never catch up.
   
7–Manage to get together with others
Avoid all unnecessary discussions. If there is no agenda or the right people, either attend or reschedule it. Keep control.
   
8–Manage your email
Check emails, maybe only two or three times a day; keep emails brief and on point. Don’t look at your emails first; instead, prioritize essential/urgent tasks. Set aside short bursts for responding to emails unless it’s core to your job; use folders to organize emails. Some things are more important than email.
   
9–Learn to say “NO!”
What can you do to deal with a talkative colleague, a demanding boss who’s heaping more and more work on you, a customer who’s in no hurry to let you get on, or even an unexpected visitor or curious family member? Practice strategies for dealing with interruptions and learn to say “NO” without offending anyone.
 
10–Decrease your vulnerability
For tasks that require intense focus, don’t be afraid to turn off your email or instant message notifications, put your smartphone on silent, or even go and work in a different office to minimize distractions. If you’re working at home, headphones can help to limit interruptions. Remember to respect other people’s time by keeping interruptions to a minimum! 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others. Inspirational quotes and ideas give us 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! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.
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.

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S QUALITY—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

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. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
Positive and inspiring quotes are like beams of 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.

REMEMBER–VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

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. 

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GET INSPIRED!
READ OPTIMISTIC QUOTES 

I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS AID YOU >>
If you are a time management enthusiast, reading time management quotes can be one of the best ways to motivate yourself to improve your time management skills. I do hope the following words add to your life in a good way.
 
A–“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” -M. Scott Peck
   
This quote has the top spot as it says that spending our time and setting important things will reflect our values and how much we respect ourselves and what we do. This is an important lesson we could all learn from. The standard message that we need to value ourselves more is if we say YES to everything.
 
While it can seem optimistic if we don’t pay any attention to how we spend our time and what we say, Yes, this is quite negative. So, good time management starts with knowing your self-worth and that time is your most precious resource.
 
B–“I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.” -Golda Meir
One of the most noteworthy advances in managing our time is accomplished when we become bold with spending our time, meaning that we don’t react to every impulse in our environment.
   
Don’t instantly reply to every message in your email; instead, do it later, after you complete the most essential tasks of the day. The idea is that you govern your daily time to the most significant extent possible, never just responding. You are the one who should be the chief of your time.
 
C–“Your greatest asset is your earning ability.
Your most excellent resource is your time.” -Brian Tracy
Besides time, your greatest asset is your earning ability. The more competencies you develop, the more you can earn, and consequently, the more money you earn and save, the more leverage you have to reach greater goals (or to use that money to have more free time). Thus, it’s wise to guard your time carefully and maximize your earning possibility.
 
D–“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” -Abraham Lincoln
Sharpening the saw is about regularly investing in the four basic dimensions of your life, namely >>
Body (Investing in the physical dimension)
Mind (mental dimension)
Heart (emotional dimension)
Soul (spiritual dimension)
Taking care of these four dimensions of your existence is about living a balanced life with the best long-term results. Always take enough time to invest in yourself; you are important.
 
E–“You can only manage time if you track it right.” – Spica’s team
You can only control what you measure. Time is no exception. Thus, to improve your time management, the first step is to track your time, analyze how you spend time, and optimize your time. If you diligently track time, you’ll also be much more aware of how you spend the given hours in a day and set priorities.
 
F–“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand.
The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” -Alexander Graham Bell
Focusing on the most essential tasks of the day are two of the most popular concepts in time management. Great things in life are accomplished by avoiding mistakes and multitasking, eliminating all distractions, and giving everything to the task. Focus your efforts and shine at what you do best.
 
G–“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right”. -Napoleon Hill
Timing is an essential part of being effective. If we do something at the wrong time, we can be doomed to failure simply because of poor timing. Timing is everything. But on the other hand, it’s almost unattainable to hit the perfect timing. The timing of your action needs to be good enough, so make sure waiting for the perfect opportunity is not just an excuse for your procrastination.
   
H–“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” -Mike Murdock
Exceptional time management is closely connected to managing habits. Good time management happens by itself if you develop the proper habits in life. Regular exercise, starting each day with the hardest task, going to sleep early enough, saying no to things you don’t like, etc. — all habits on which good time management is based. You know how to control your habits, and you can also manage your time on autopilot.
 
I–“It’s not the daily increase but the daily decrease.
Hack away at the unessential”. -Bruce Lee
We live in difficult times–information overload, multiple distractions, and many options, including buying new things. The remedy to all these distractions is minimalism, which encourages us to have only the perfect amount of something. This idea usually means a daily decrease in purchases, decisions, tasks, etc., which leads to us focusing only on the essentials. It’s hard to be effective if your life is full of clutter.
 
J–“Once you have mastered time, you will understand how true it is that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year – and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade!” -Anthony Robbins
Completing anything meaningful in life takes years. Overnight success comes after a decade of intricate and intelligent work. We all want to increase our earnings immediately, lose weight, have fantastic relationships, etc., but these things rarely happen quickly. Never overrate what you can achieve in a month or even a year, and don’t underestimate what you can reach in a decade. So, time and patience are the two most powerful tools at your disposal.
 
K–“You can have it all. Just not all at once”. -Oprah Winfrey
A good view on time management is that it was created so everything doesn’t happen at once. That also means you can have almost everything in life, just not all at the exact moment, and of course, you can only get what you want based on the idea that you invest enough effort.
 
L–“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” -Robert H. Schuller
As you know, we sometimes find ourselves in demanding situations. In the end, tough times never last, but tough people do. Hard times can often help us become more powerful, learn new things, and develop our character in new and thrilling directions. Sometimes, life tests you, but fortunately, tough times never last.

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

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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. Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Keep track for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
   
1/27–I am off to Lowe’s again today. I am putting up gutters on a lengthy roof that does not have one. As you probably know, I am adding to the system to collect rainwater. This will be sent into our 275-gallon tote to save the water. I will be building this this week so that you will see.

1/28–There is one last room to improve, and the entire house will improve. We bought a metal rack to hold cans and food items. It was challenging to put together, with each shelf a different height, but I finished it. The birds in their cage are happy. 

Today is Sunday, and Beth says that Sunday is her day off. I try not to, but needed her help on a few things. I try to leave the day for her, but I am always doing something.
 
1/29–It is good to write this blog because it makes me want to make things happen so that I can write it to this blog. MAKING THINGS HAPPEN IS A GOOD THING. Perhaps you may want to start such a thing so that it drives you to accomplish. 1/30–Slept in until 4am, or is that really sleeping in? Start putting up a gutter to collect rainwater. This is a totally open roof area, and the rainwater had just dropped from the roof to the ground. I set up the 275-gallon tote to hold water. When full of water the weight will be about 2330 pounds.
   
In the afternoon/evening, I put the tote on top of pallets so that gravity will let the rainwater out. I plan on building a bathroom in part of the kitchen. We will have access to this from our bedroom. As you know, I want to build a breathtaking home for us, our castle.
   
1/31–I continued working on the gutters today. Our friend and neighbor, Terry, is doing most of the work. He knows about setting up gutters; I do not. The gutters are turning out excellent, and I am glad about that.

We returned to great Mexican food >>
https://www.facebook.com/p/El-Sombrero-Mexican-Restaurant-Grill-100063580811055/
Go there when you can, you will love it!
 
2/1–I went to Costco for my weekly visit. A food bank was on the way, so I went. I also stopped by Lowe’s for some last-minute things needed for the gutter job.
 
2/2–Once again, off to Lowe’s to get some gutter guards to keep leaves out of the gutter. I will be finishing this gutter system soon.
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YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Can you run without moving your arms?
And, do this without looking too goofy.
Have your arms straight down to the site.
How long can you keep up? 

THIS IS YOUR LIFE — MAKE YOUR LEGACY HAPPEN!
DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY,
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF  YOUR LIFE.  

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NEXT BLOG >>
You will learn about the gutters and how they were finished up. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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