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  • Posted by Kit

    BLOG 212—Hmm, I Forget What to Write

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

    *** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** 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 >>
    A brain injury and memory.
    They go hand-in-hand.

    Who came by?
    As I was recovering and in the hospital, at first, I did have a lot of trouble with short-term memory. I would forget when someone visited me in the hospital and other short-term events. I had to retrain my brain to remember what I was hearing, seeing, or doing.

    Remember?
    For this blog, each week, I have to think back and remember
    what occurred during the week to add to the blog.
    It is difficult, sometimes.
    And, what did you do over the past week?

    Ask yourself–
    “How many things will I remember today?”
    “How many things will I remember t    his week?”

    Thousands!
    Most people estimate, for memory, somewhere between 100 and 10,000 things go into our brain. Hard to believe; the answer is in the billions. This, of course, would be broken down to the tiniest of details.

    Your Excellent Memory
    Your memory is so excellent and runs so smoothly that you don’t even realize that every word you speak and hear is sorted for consideration, recognized precisely, recalled, and placed in its correct context in your brain, and all this in an instant! Yes, you are pretty amazing!

    Unlimited
    Most people have memory problems or just think they do. There are specific ways of improving the excellent memory you have. I hope to help you pull in memories from your brain. You’d be surprised; human memory can retain almost an unlimited assembly of information stretching backward for your lifetime.

    It Takes Little Effort
    For your memory, anyone can get by with little effort (and so many do, that’s a sad thing), but no one can stand out remembering without going a step further—finding techniques that work for them. And, each of us remembers things differently. Find the way that works for you.

    Is it Important?
    Many times, memory problems are problems of not concentrating enough on what you are trying to remember. People often don’t want to make that effort of concentration. Make it important enough to remember, and you will. For memory, we have to have a link, an association, or why would our mind want to try to remember? These can help with impression, repetition, and association.

    Back Home
    In the summer of 2012, I drove across the US. On this trip, one of the places I visited was Portland, Oregon. I was born in Portland and had not been there since I was seven. (I was 53 then, you do the math.) To return brought back fabulous memories; I was surprised at all that came back to me.

    Your Memory
    Most everyone has had the experience of hearing a song, smelling a smell, or seeing an image that brings back memories so vividly that they couldn’t believe it. This shows you that the brain is excellent at remembering. Unless you have problems, the brain sees and stores every detail throughout your lifetime, unless we have problems.

    Memory Problems
    I found out that memory problems are very much associated with brain injury. When I came out of the coma, I had trouble with short-term memory; long-term memories were still solid. When a person emerges from a coma, the mind is not functioning as it should for some time. I would forget much. What did I have for lunch today? (How about a memory test for you? What did you have for lunch—yesterday?)

    My Journal
    I kept a journal of who called or came by the hospital to see me. This was an idea I came up with to help me remember. I still have the notes I wrote, so hard to read my scribbles from that time; my hand control using a pen was also absent. It used to be automatic.

    It’s Automatic
    Along with short-term memory, after a severe head injury, the intuitive skills for memory (such as walking and driving) have often been impaired, forcing the person to revert to a more conscious, controlled form of information processing.

    Concentrate
    Concentration is affected; many people with brain injuries will find that they are unable to do many thinking things which before their injury were done in an almost effortless fashion with no thinking necessary. As I returned, I thought, I have done this before; why can’t I do it now?

    The Memory Goes Away
    With the problem of memory in a head-injured person, it is not necessarily the memory portion (or memory structure) of the brain that was damaged; most of the time, it’s the portion of the brain that does the information and memory processing. This often affects the whole mind and body; everything originates in the brain. There is so much involved in our ability to speak and think correctly; brain damage can complicate matters

    After a Brain Injury
    Some things people take for granted, such as attention and the speed of information processing, may be impaired. Along with this goes memory.

    Move Ahead—NOW
    At first, I had trouble with concentration. I also saw that I had to move quickly in my recovery if I was going to accomplish everything that I wanted to. There is so much that we can do and accomplish in our lives. I did not want this trouble with memory to hold me back from advancement. I found that the ability to concentrate well in everything was one of the big keys if we want to succeed. Yet, after damage to the brain, advancing in your life can be quite difficult. We must train ourselves to think in new ways and have hope.

    Hope After Brain Damage
    Memory impairments are frequently associated with conditions like
    severe head injury (such as I had), cerebral tumor, brain surgery, intracranial infection, progressive degenerative disease, nutritional disorder, and cerebral vascular accident (boy, is that a scary list). I hope you don’t have to go through any of the lists. But, if you do, there is hope for you. With all the advancements in medicine, more and more people can live a better life after a significant brain change; they are making it work.

    Make it Work For You
    If I can remember right (ha), many (most) people have memory problems. There are specific ways of improving this fantastic memory that we all have. I hope to help you pull in those memories. You’d be surprised; human memory can retain almost complete information stretching backward for a lifetime.

    No Effort
    For memory, anyone can get by with not too much effort (and, too many do in this world), but no one can excel at remembering without going a step further—finding techniques that work for them. And, each of us remembers differently; find the way or combination of ways that work for you. Organize your mind.

    Keep Organized
    You may have noticed people with bad memories are often disorganized in their life and at home, too. If these people organized their life better, they would remember better. I always keep everything neat and clean and organized. That way, I will know where everything is.

    You can do it!
    It doesn’t take much work at all to keep your living environment clean and organized. If you don’t have it, develop this lifestyle for yourself, and you will get through life much better. Also, memory will come more accessible for you. Who?

    What’s My Name?
    Most people remember fewer than ten percent of the names of those they meet. We can remember all names and all people. So much memory trouble in people is simply a matter of concentration. So many people say, “I can’t remember names at all.” But, they don’t try at all! A person tells someone their name, and, no longer than thirteen seconds later, this person has forgotten it. But, they DIDN’T EVEN TRY!

    Very Important
    You must remember that a person’s name is their most important word. There are ways to remember names; I will cover a few ideas in this material. How about you? What’s “my” name? (Kit, remember?) A name is a name, connect with people in some way, and you are sure to remember their names. And, keep practicing—your memory can and will keep improving your whole life.

    Your Excellent Memory
    Our memory does decline some with age because of dying brain cells, but, we have so many brain cells it should not affect our memory. Memory is affected only if memory is not used diligently. Conversely, if our memory is used, it will continue to improve throughout our lifetime.

    What’s the Reason?
    You can improve your memory and reasoning skills significantly. First, you must decide you want to improve, which will take work after you decide to. There are many techniques for acquiring a better memory; learn and use as many techniques as possible. Eating right helps, too.

    Eat Well
    Your brain needs to be fed well, with plenty of water intake for better memory. Your brain needs excellent nutrition to function at the top level as a human organ. There is no “miracle brain food,” your good diet (and better thinking brain) should include fish, blueberries, nuts and seeds, beans, avocados, whole grains, and my favorite, dark chocolate.

    No More Sugar
    Life goes best if you avoid sugar and stimulants, which keep you on an energy roller-coaster throughout your day. Now, start eating right, remember better, and get smarter—think about it . . .

    Who’s That Guy?
    We meet so many. We forget so many. Remember, don’t think of the person as just “another” person. Observe the person’s looks to help remember a person’s name. Make them important enough to remember!

    Thousands
    So many thousands of things flow through our brains daily. To stop the flow and remember something, you have to make it a point to remember. Involve all of your senses as much as you can to improve:
    Seeing
    Hearing
    Touching
    Tasting
    Smelling
    The more you can involve all your senses in your memory image, the
    more you will remember it.

    Triggers
    If you have to remember something later, such as putting something in your appointment book that you don’t have with you at the time, reinforce in your mind that as soon as you see the appointment book, it will trigger what you have to put in it. You can form triggers for anything and use anything you want to for a trigger. It’s difficult to remember a word. If we want to remember anything, we must associate it with some known or fixed item, calling upon our imagination throughout.

    Keep Notes
    As I was recovering, I always carried an extraordinary book. It contained a notepad, an address book, and a calendar, so I always knew my schedule. On the notepad, I keep two separate columns: write and call. I immediately wrote it down when I saw I had to call someone. Same when I had to write to someone. I referred to this often. Ideas come to us at a show, while driving, or showering at odd times. Now, this can be done with your phone.

    Your “Note” Book
    If you don’t have your notebook, write yourself a one-or-two word note on anything you have available—a piece of paper, a margin of newspaper, or an old scrap paper—anything. Then when you get time later, take out your short reminder of words or phrases and write a more intelligible complete reminder in a notebook that you always have to help you through life.

    Your Phone
    These days, all of this to help memory can be found on your phone. Learn to use your phone, it can benefit you, much.

    Brain Push-Ups
    If you don’t have your notebook, write yourself a one-or-two word note on anything you have available—a piece of paper, a margin of newspaper, or an old scrap paper—anything. Then when you get time later, take out your short reminder of words or phrases and write a more intelligible complete reminder in a notebook that you always have to help you through life.

    It’s a Puzzle
    Challenge your brain with games and puzzles. Keep your brain active
    for your entire life. Your brain wants to play and needs exercise, teach
    it, and advance your thinking.

    You Must Care
    All efforts to remember depend on a simple fact: we can almost always remember what we care about. Make this “person” more than just another “person.” Make this “thing” more than just another “thing.” If we find a way that we can care about something we want to remember,

    The Internet!
    You will find so many ways to help your memory on the internet. Get help; you can be better!

    Kit
    You will remember me, yes?

    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 thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and 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. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

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

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your 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!

    To keep your motivation, 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!

    Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re 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.
    REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT MEMORY INSPIRE YOU >>

    “Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.” Haruki Murakami

    “Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them.” Bob Dylan
    “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” Oscar Wilde

    “I try to keep the happy memories. If that’s what you call selective memories, I’m good with that.” Nicole Williams

    “To observe attentively is to remember distinctly.” Edgar Allan Poe

    “Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things.” Cicero

    “Memory is a complicated thing, a relative to truth, but not its twin.” Barbara Kingsolver

    “The town was paper, but the memories were not.” John Green

    “Cakes are special. Every birthday and every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It’s all about the memories.” Buddy Valastro

    “It was an opportunity to honor our memories and to make room for new ones.” Jilly Pretzel

    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?
    And time seems to be going faster all the time.
    Do you keep track of what you do each day?
    Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

    3/11—Our friends and neighbors, Frank and Lee Haskins, had us over today, along with our other friend, Nancy Baschnagel,  and her brother, Bob, who got together for an evening. Very nice.

    Good snacks, a friendly time—very nice.
    3/12—How sad; one of the bunnies died. He was the runt and stopped eating for some reason. Of course, this made Beth very sad, indeed.

    Back to Costco for necessary items. I do like that store. Costco started in San Diego as Price Club (Price was someone’s last name.) The growth of this store is fantastic, I must say.

    3/13—Hung around the house, on the phone with movie people. Writing of movie we are currently watching a program on YouTube called, Clarkson’s Farm. In this, a guy made a lot of money and bought a farm. Everything that could go wrong does—engaging how he makes things work, though.

    3/14—I planted too soon! I did not expect cold temperatures to return; it will be freezing tonight. I will replant, and things will turn out alright. I am just so excited to get our garden going. So, how does your garden grow?

    Along with minding the plants, we brought baby bunnies into the house for warmth. A sad thing to have a newly hatched frozen bunny.

    3/15—For more than 20 years, I made my salsa and sold thousands. Did you see >> summerssalsa.com

    Today, chef Kit was back in the kitchen. On the menu today, Salsa once again.
    Here are some quotes I have received about my salsa >>

    “The first week after we started carrying your salsa, sales were unprecedented. We sold out quickly and need more. Our customers love your salsa—I’m glad you contacted us.”
    Terry Brett, Owner, Kimberton Whole Foods, Downingtown, Pennsylvania

    “This is a first! I love salsa. In fact, so much so, mediocre salsa caused me to grow my own tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, and jalapenos to make my own. But I have never eaten a whole pint in one sitting. But I did tonight! The entire pint was right out of the tub (then I even drank the leftover juice)! Next to your salsa, everything else seems like catsup. You have done a great job coming up with a recipe for complex & enjoyable taste and great health (no salt!). You have something unique here. Next pint will be shared with a friend and a good chardonnay.”
    Rich Carpenter, Narberth, Pennsylvania

    “I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the sweet salsa you sold me Saturday night at Booth’s Corner Farmers Market. I passed by at first and thought the $5.00 a container cost was a little high, but after tasting a small sample, taking it home, and sharing it with a friend, I think it was worth every cent! Thanks again, and you have made a great product. And, what is so great about it is the fresh garden taste, unlike the salsa sold in the supermarket, regardless of brand or taste.”
    Tom Griffiths, III, Springfield, Pennsylvania.

    “I just wanted to say that your salsa is sensational! I tasted a sample at the Booths Corner Farmers Market, and I was instantly hooked. I will not buy supermarket salsa ever again. Summers Salsa is so fresh and healthy. It should be marketed to be sold at ALL supermarkets.” Patricia Ferrari, West Chester, PA

    Have you tried making this tasty brew yet?
    It’s time!

    Now, make your own tasty Summers Salsa >>
    Use a food processor to mix the following as you then put all into a 16-quart bowl >>
    One 15-ounce can of corn drained of the juice. One 15-ounce can of black beans, drained of the juice
    One large can of peaches drained of the juice
    1 tbs of garlic salt
    ½ cup of diced garlic
    ½ cup maple syrup
    ½ cup of lime juice
    ½ cup of lemon juice
    One bundle of cilantro
    One jalapeno pepper
    One big red onion
    About 15 plum tomatoes
    On peaches >>
    One 29-ounce can of peaches, along with     the maple syrup
    In the food processor, slightly chop the peach into ¼” portions, blend with maple syrup, and add into the mix.
    On onion >>
    The food processor cut the large red onion into ¼” pieces.
    On cilantro,>> One two-inch bundle of cilantro
    Chop fresh cilantro by hand into about ¼” pieces and add to mix
    On jalapeno pepper,>> Chop in the food processor one jalapeno pepper into fine pieces
    On Plum Tomatoes >>
    Cut 15 plum tomatoes in the food processor to ¼” pieces and mix them into the brew.

    Keep mixing the brew off and on the entire time.

    For hot salsa, leave out the maple syrup and peaches.

    Add enough habanero Peppers and jalapeno peppers

    for the heat you want.

    Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
    “Make” a great week for yourself.

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

    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

    When is the last time you read a book? Back in Jr High, I read “The Lord of the Rings”, and loved the read. Currently, I am rereading the series, a great read. I take it differently now that I am older, but it is still good. This week, your challenge is to read a book, from beginning to end.

    Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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

    NEXT BLOG

    Hmm, we will both find out next week.
    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!
    March 17, 2023
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    0
  • Posted by Kit

    BLOG 211—Are Your Seriness?

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

    *** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** 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 >>
    Are you seriness?
    Me, no, I try not to be.
    You, can you be playful?
    Being joyfully serious?
    Being seriously joyful?
    A big question – serious or joyful.

    One of the main ways I made it back after my accident and 37-day come was I “chose” to be playful and find joy. This is a choice for everyone—always.

    I am not saying I was joyful about life in my recovery; when I got down, I knew that I would soon be back up and doing good again. When I was happy and joyful, I would remember that I “might” be back down. Balance is the key; understand that life will be good, and it can be harmful.

    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 thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and 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. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

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

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your 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!

    To keep your motivation, 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!

    Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re 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.
    REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>

    1. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” — Dalai Lama

    2. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” — John Lennon

    3. “Get busy living or get busy dying.” — Stephen King

    4. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West

    5. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”– Thomas A. Edison

    6. “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”– Albert Einstein

    7. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”– Babe Ruth

    8. “Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.” — Will Smith

    9. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.” – Steve Jobs

    10. “Not how long, but how well you have lived is the main thing.” — Seneca

    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?
    And time seems to be going faster all the time.
    Do you keep track of what you do each day?
    Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

    3/4—Awakening about 3am, as usual; awake for the day I am. I bought more dirt today to finish the gardens. Now that the bottom dirt is in each garden, all I have to do each year is filled in with the compost I make, So, there is no more cost to the garden. The gardens are looking excellent.

    Beth got “another” bunny.
    The family has grown quite big.

    3/5—Beth took me out for an ice cream surprise. I must say, IC is always a special gift. Look for the photo of the parlor.

    3/6—We had been raising a turtle, which grew much in our care. But, time to release the turtle. We brought the shell over to Beth’s aunt Karen. This is a vast pond; the yellow-bellied slider will love it.

    As this turd was heading out into the pond, she turned back to us as if to say, “Thanks, see ya.”

    3/7—Back to garden efforts. It takes a lot to build an initial garden, then easy. Have you started yours?

    3/8—Alice, the bunny, hatched her new clutch of bunnies. Seven “kits” were brought into the world. I hope Beth has people to sell them to. We are running out of friends!

    3/9—A conference call with my friend, Daniel Powell, me, and a company in Los Angeles is planning to produce a movie about my history. I must say, quite a compliment, yes?

    I presented my inspirational program before; this time, I taught about 20 older people to juggle. Teaching with scarves, some got it, and they are jugglers now. 

    3/10—The work on my van was finally completed today. Nice to be behind the wheel once again. I have a bed and table, along with other inserts separate, I can put things in, and the result is the old van I lived in and traveled for about six years. Have you ever lived in a vehicle? I love it myself. (From Beth: if you don’t behave yourself, you will live there again. HA!)

    Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
    “Make” a great week for yourself.

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

    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

    How long can you keep a smile on your face and find joy? This week that is your challenge, to stay happy and joyful as much as you can. Smile, even when you are by yourself.

    Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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

    NEXT BLOG

    Reconnect with family this week.
    I will be doing just that; I will let you know.
    Jasmine and April–heads up!
    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!
    March 10, 2023
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    0
  • Posted by Kit

    BLOG 210—Have You Ever Slept in the Wilderness?

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

    *** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** 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 >>
    Sleep-Wilderness-You?
    Is wilderness part of your life?

    Starting in my teens with the boy scouts, the out-of-doors has been a big part of my life. After significant life changes, I hit the road and visited as many national parks as possible. For about six years, I traveled, lived in my van, and visited every national park in mainland America.

    Just seeing these different locations, advanced my life. When you get back to nature, it is so fulfilling and truly life-changing. Get out to nature as often as possible; you will find relief and relaxation.

    Here are some other ways to relax and release with nature >>

    1- Escape
    Come to where I live,     in the woods, and you’ll soon find that you’ve left the moody crowds, the barrage of commerce, and the giant cloud of pollution far behind you. You’re now free to explore a completely natural environment. There are no advertisements, screens, or barriers between you and the outside world!

    2- Self-improvement
    The modern world has us seeking constant entertainment     and/or gratification at every turn – and that’s just not healthy for you! An easy way to escape this is to change your environment and get away from nature! You need to expose yourself to healthy food, a fun way to exercise, and an environment that encourages you to switch off from the strains of this daily life. Change is a good thing.

    3- Natural Environment
    Experts and you     are convinced that plants and the natural world make people feel better, have mental benefits, reduce stress, and improve concentration. So how about heading to a natural wilderness surrounded by lush green fields, trees, and picturesque coastal areas when possible?

    4- Exercise
    Running, sea kayaking, juggling, swimming, jumping, and hiking are possibly the most fun ways of doing exercise without knowing you’re getting physically fit! Instead of being surrounded by the same four walls and sweaty gym, you’ll be too busy enjoying the stunning views to realize how fit you’re getting in this different environment!

    5- Clean air, plants, and sea breeze
    No     polluting your vision in the city, no car exhaust fumes, industrial pollution, and no litter as far as the eye can see – This is a world away from where you are right now. You need a good dose of country air and wilderness or the beach, combined with a gentle sea breeze to blow away those cobwebs and remind you what clean air tastes like!

    6—Meet different people!
    How many new people do you meet each day?
    Do you even look for new people?
    Sure, you might be crammed in with     many others on a bus like a sardine in a can, but do you ever say hello and meet others?? Take the time to meet people and get to know some of them. It will add to your life—there’s, too!

    7—When you are by the sea!
    Many people believe humans are happiest by the     ocean. It is believed that fresh sea air is good for your sleep, and it has healthy negative ions that accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions also balance serotonin levels, a chemical linked to mood and stress. This is precisely why you feel more alert, relaxed, and energized after when you are near an ocean!

    9- Slow down
    You can take     a weekend and do a wilderness adventure at any pace you wish! Sure, you might not get to determine the speed you’re falling at as you might leap off the cliffs into a green ocean, but the environment here is guaranteed to let you relax and have fun at your own pace. Whatever your outing, take your time and relax.

    10 – Pleasure
    Just because you’re having outdoor fun away from home doesn’t mean you have to sleep in a cramped tent     or the cold! This is your time; perhaps you want some friends to join you and have fun. Find time to get away and do just that.

    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 thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and 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 for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

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

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your 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!

    To keep your motivation, 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!

    Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re 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.
    REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS FROM JOHN MUIR INSPIRE YOU >>

    “In every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
    “Between every two pine trees, there is a door leading to a new way of life.” – John Muir
    “How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!” – John Muir
    “None of Nature’s landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild.” ― John Muir
    “Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill.” ― John Muir
    “Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods.” – John Muir
    “Going to the mountains is going home.” – John Muir
    “Earth has no sorrow that earth cannot heal.” – John Muir
    “Wander a whole summer if you can…time will not be taken from the sum of your life. Instead of shortening, it will lengthen it and make you truly immortal.” – John Muir
    “And into the forest, I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

    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?
    And time seems to be going faster all the time.
    Do you keep track of what you do each day?
    Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

    2/25—More work on the above-ground gardens today. They should supply a lot of food for us. Have you set up yours, yet?

    2/26—Sunday, went to church today. Beth’s friend, Wendy, invited us to join her at firstbethany.org. I’ve been to churches across the US, one in New Zealand and one in England. Sorry to say, there is not much difference in presentations between any of them.

    I continue to not believe in any of the gods humans have created. There are many more important things to think about, like living life.

    My wife went to church every week and believed.

    She wrote these words recently:

    Today is Sunday, church day for many, especially here in the Bible belt. Kit and I were invited by my friend, Wendy, to visit her church just down the road a bit from us. This morning, we attended the First Bethany Baptist Church. I will be telling this from my point of view, not my husband’s.

    My back story, in brief, I attended church my whole life, from birth until around 10 years ago. And may I say, I. Was. Involved. Walking into First Bethany Baptist Church filled me with nostalgia so strong, I wanted to cry. The people, the music, and the memories came flooding back. Growing up in church with my family, especially my sisters, made me miss this so much.

    And then, the sermon. My views have nothing to do with the pastor, personally. Pastor John is truly a kind, gentle man, and it was obvious to me that he wants to help people. The sermon was like most, and I have heard them all before. I was in church for over 50 years, and I’m old. There is nothing new under the sun. I felt like I was at book club and the leader discussed our monthly novel. The resurrection of Jesus was proof that everything he said was true. I beg to differ.

    History has similar stories. It all depends on which one you choose to believe if any. Attis, Romulus and Remus, Dionysus, google their stories. Never take someone’s word on anything. Do your due diligence.
    https://gsgriffin.com/2016/12/08/other-gods-born-to-virgins-on-december-25-before-jesus-christ/
    and
    https://gsgriffin.com/2016/12/08/other-gods-that-rose-from-the-dead-in-spring-before-jesus-christ/

    None of these stories, including the story of Jesus, is proof of anything. What I once had was faith and belief without proof. The books these stories are in are not proof of anything real. It all depends on your own need to believe.

    Let me try to explain how I see things:
    Suppose you, the believer, were to attend a church with me, a non-believer. My church is MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). People have been hearing about aliens all their lives. Sometimes you believe the stories, sometimes they sound too hokey. Sometimes you want to believe them because a close friend or relative deeply believe and are very involved.

    But for you, there is no proof. All you have are people telling you what they saw and what happened to them. The “minister” at the pulpit leading the story, and the congregation are all wonderful, kind people But just because they believe in their “religion” does not make it true. But thank you for attending for my sake. Now I feel better that I have exposed you to my reality.

    I do feel things deeply. Once, I was in church with a friend and heard angels singing. I was so overcome with emotion that I’ve never forgotten this experience. Did angels sing to me? Probably not. I have no proof other than a feeling.

    I saw my favorite band, YES, play in Philadelphia at the Spectrum. (I don’t care what they call it now. For me, it will always be the Spectrum). One song, in particular, hit me in the “feels.” To this day, I can remember how the music felt as it went through my entire body. (no, I was not high) That was the most beautiful feeling. At that moment, if any band member had told me to come to follow them, I’d have gone. Feelings are not reliable.

    Today I need tangible proof. The Bible is a book. I read lots of books. Jesus, the man, may be a real person documented in history, but he is not the son of any god. Nor was he born of a virgin. (Can you seriously believe that a virgin child (Mary was 13-14 years old) gave birth because a spirit flew over her, but you don’t believe sightings of Aliens, which have been documented many more times than an actual virgin birth?) I shake my head at the things I was taught to follow.

    I have so many more examples of why I do not believe and none as for why I should believe. Maybe in the next blog. I am happy for those who are content to believe in a god. If that is what you desire, great. I can respect that. And I understand it. I was once one of you.

    And I won’t denigrate you for believing what you do. I thank you for caring enough about me to invite me to church, or to tell me that you will be praying for me, but I respectfully ask that you stop trying to bring me back into the fold because you think you are right, and I am wrong. If I wanted to be a sheep, I’d have bought a farm.
    (Thanks for writing that, Beth.)

    2/27—I went back to the doctor today; this was about my allergies, which have gotten much worse. She prescribed me a nose spray to help; she seems to be doing that.

    John Sacchi has contacted me about filming a TV movie about my story that will inspire millions to advance to a higher level.
    Here is about John >> https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-sacchi-722b9661/

    2/28—Today is my birthday!
    On Facebook, I put a post with “When I’m 64”, the song by the Beatles.

    Beth took me out to
    https://el-sombrero-mexican-restaurant-grill.business.site/
    where we meet up with friends, Nancy B    aschnagel and Lee Haskins.
    Lee and I have the same birthday today.

    3/1—Right now, we are sitting in the back of our house on the deck I built, enjoying nature. The wilderness is right out our back door, which is nice. Hopefully, it is not too far from you, the benefits of witnessing nature, and much more.

    3/2—Off to Lowes again to get stuff to finish projects. I had to buy some more compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. These are the essential ingredients to make healthy dirt. I also added some dirt from our land. Once I add this, our gardens will be ready to supply us with much to eat.

    3/3—We are set up to collect rainwater. You must know, every time you flush your toilet it costs for water. Yesterday I picked up a small bucket. We keep the bucket, full of rainwater, next to the toilet. Every time we need to flush we pour the bucket of rainwater in. No more cost to flush the toilet!

    To collect rainwater from our roof, I purchased a 50-gallon container for the back of the house and a 100 gallon for the front. I purchased these through >>
    https://www.vingli.com/products/vingli-50-gallon-collapsible-rain-barrel
    and, watch this >>
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT-7zxVhuuU&ab_channel=Freshnss

    I built stands about five feet tall to go under the rain-barrels. That way, the water collects up and gravity will bring water to hoses to water the plants—these stands I placed next to the down-spout. Then I cut the down-spout to just above the rain-barrel. I bought a four-foot flexible tube to bring the rainwater from the downspout to the barrel. Also, I have gutter screens over all the gutters. Now, every time it rains, the rain-barrel is replenished.

    We use this for flushing the toilet, watering plants, and later, showering. Also, after running the rainwater through a filter, we can drink it—no more water costs. Being self-sufficient is a better way. Might you try it?

    I hope my ideas have helped you in your life.

    Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
    “Make” a great week for yourself.

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

    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

    Examine and decide where you will be placing your rainwater-collection system.

    Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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

    NEXT BLOG

    It’s been a while, time for me to get back in the kitchen and produce some of my homemade salsa, some of my Japanese Salad Sauce, and, maybe, more of my chocolate chip cookies (my recipe.) I will include recipes; what will you make this week?
    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!
    March 3, 2023
    1
    0
  • Posted by Kit

    BLOG 209—Make Your Life and Adventure!

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

    *** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend, please, befriend me.
    *** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** 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 >>
    Make Your Life and Adventure!

    Life IS an adventure!
    How boring if it is not.
    And, we are the one who makes it that way.

    Life keeps throwing challenges at us, and when we do not give up on challenges, that’s an adventure too. Life starts with the adventure of being born and ends with starting a new adventure no one knows after death.

    By the way, I’m dying.
    But so are you.
    Until your last time on earth.
    Make each day.
    Make each moment.
    A Glorious Adventure!
    It is up to you.
    You will have a better life!

    I am seeing more and more we have a limited time on this earth. As I get older, I am seeing my end time coming sooner and sooner. When I was young, the idea of death never came to my mind.

    Currently, Beth and I have Rocky and Bullwinkle on TV. The comedy on this is much adult mentality, I love it. You CAN find entertainment for a minimal price.

    1—Getting back to adventures in life.
    To create an adventure, you must do things differently. Start searching the town where you live, find things to do, and learn more about the area where you live.

    When I lived in San Diego, I would check out local places in Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, and, of course, Mexico was close. A short drive to each, excellent adventures. In each area, there is a different cuisine to savor.

    Most every town has parks and wilderness areas that you have not seen. Now, get out there and find life’s “different” things.

    2—Plan a Trip
    Yes, this sounds simple enough but set a date to make it happen. Even if you don’t have much vacation time at your work, you still have 52 weekends each year to take weekend trips or even day trips.

    There are plenty of National Parks (I’ve been to all of them, except in Alaska.) State Parks are another great choice to explore.

    Also, I have traveled all over the US a number of times, as well as going to Europe three times, Japan three times, and Australia and New Zealand. I love to travel!

    3—What’s for Dinner?
    There are many places and food to eat that you have not experienced. Try a new cuisine, a new dish, or even a new restaurant, and explore your local eats,     along with designing your own meals differently!

    Things can be delivered, too. You can also subscribe to a food box from other countries to try something new. If you’re on an eating-out budget, you can even try cooking a new dish at home.

    When I was in Japan, I ate horse.
    When I was in Australia, I ate kangaroo.
    I want to try eating bugs, which is getting more popular.
    Try new things; I will keep doing that.

    4—Check Out a New Concert / Show / Festival
    When was the last time you went to see a     live band or a live speaker? As we get older, we go out less and less often and definitely don’t see new bands. You need to find a local venue that showcases up-and-coming bands and see someone new. Support local artists, for you, and for them.

    5—Learn Something New
    Think of a few things you’ve wanted to learn all your life     (to speak Japanese?) Perhaps you can take some classes and become curious about hand lettering? Maybe you want to learn to surf or skate. Find something new to set your mind to.

    6—Talk to a Stranger
    Adventures can come     to you through conversation and experiences with others. Talk with someone new every day and not just about the weather but about what they do in life. Explore them as they explore you. Perhaps you may even find a new friend!

    7—Drive into a Random Neighborhood
    We tend to focus on getting from     here to there, but haven’t you ever wondered what’s down the other road? Take a few extra minutes, drive down a new road every week, and see what you discover. Learn about your neighborhood or city.

    8—Throw a Party!
    Throw a themed party for an occasion or cause or just a get-together! You and your guests get dressed up, research, and make it fun! This is a great way to get to know your friends and neighbors. It’s about getting friends together and dressing up for some fun.

    9—Work Location
    Where you work may be easier for those of us with home offices, but even if you’re in a work office, see if you can get outside to work a few hours a day in the sun! It’s amazing what a change of scenery and a little extra sunshine can do to your mood and how it brings happiness.

    10—Take a Break
    Take a personal day and go on an adventure! Juggle for an hour, watch a midday movie, go ride on a roller-coaster, or just lay out in a park. You can take time for yourself to be refreshed. Yes, your time.

    What I am trying to get across is that you need to find a way to live life for yourself. Yes, you are the most important person you know. Try to get your boss to see a way to let you go somewhat, but still give all you can to your work.

    The most incredible adventure in life is not about climbing that mountain or riding a motorcycle or exploring a remote forest or jumping off a bridge. The most incredible adventure in life is that you challenge and change yourself daily.

    Even if you are riding, flying, or doing something else, the adventure is only in going beyond your potential. It is stretching beyond what you “think” you can handle.

    Whether you are working from nine-to-five in an office or doing something else, no one can deny you this. If you break one bondage every day, depending upon how many heaps of limitations you have, some day you must get liberated. It is bound to happen.

    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 thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and 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 for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

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

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your 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!

    To keep your motivation, 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!

    Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re 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.
    REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>

    1. ‘’Adventure isn’t hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day-to-day obstacles in life.’’ – John Amatt

    2. ‘’If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be a top priority.’’ – Richard Branson

    3. ‘’You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong.’’ – Sue Fitzmaurice

    4. ‘’Then one day, when you least expect it, the great adventure finds you.’’ – Ewan Mcgregor

    5. ‘’Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.’’ – Jaime Lyn

    6. ‘’Don’t die without embracing the daring adventure your life was meant to be.’’ – Steve Pavlina

    7. ‘’Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.’’

    8. ‘’One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.’’ – Wanderlust storytellers

    9. ‘’Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.’’ – Helen Keller

    10. ‘’Adventures don’t come calling like unexpected cousins calling from out of town. You have to go looking for them.’’

    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?
    And time seems to be going faster all the time.
    Do you keep track of what you do each day?
    Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

    2/18—Continuing work on the gardens. As you know, I want to set it up so that we feed ourselves, without going to the grocery store.

    Also, I am checking into all costs we are incurring. I will put in a new bathroom as I build our new bedroom. I am going to set up so that we use rainwater that is collected for showers.

    Then the water from the shower will be diverted, as it is used, to be able to be collected and used to bring water to the gardens.

    In this bathroom, I will install a composting toilet.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blX2ss5Fe2I&ab_channel=OFFGRIDwithDOUG%26STACY
    So, our body waste will return safely to the garden.

    I want to be as much off-grid as possible. I am seeing that in the future, we will not have any costs to live where we do.

    You can do this too! Look into YouTube videos about different topics and see how much you can save on these costs. And, more important, not having to depend on anyone for your future.

    2/19—Another Sunday that we didn’t go to church. I like to go sometimes to try and figure out how these people can believe how they do (oh, are you a believer?) I have never believed or seen sufficient evidence for any of the gods humans have created.

    2/20—Back to the gardens. Went to Lowes today and bought ingredients to build good dirt. For good dirt, you want to put a third of compost, a third of peat moss, and a third of coarse vermiculite. I also add dirt from this area in the woods, too.

    Do this, and you will have terrific dirt for your garden. Start today to build your garden and get as much off-grid as you can. Depend on yourself; we will all have to start doing that more and more.

    Something I have found to save money is to ask if stores have any damaged bags of garden soil, compost, ingredients for building your dirt, or mulch. Today I picked up six bags of mulch from Lowes for only a buck a bag. Then I stopped by Walmart, found damaged bags, and got them for half-price.

    Often they are reduced to half-price, and they have the total amount in the damaged bag, just because the bag might have a little tear.

    2/21—Off to the library to do book stuff. The local library is such a fantastic resource; I hope you are taking advantage of this tremendous asset. As you know, two years ago, Beth retired from the library one week after we met.

    Thanks for your help, Valerie.

    I had to make copies, and Beth had to pick up more books. She is a voracious reader, and it is constant. She even has books in the bathroom. Don’t ask; you will hear nothing from me.

    2/22—ANNIVERSARY DAY! A year ago today, Beth and I were wed. We took Jemma and went to the forest area where we were married. We brought some food with us and celebrated. I bought Beth a beautiful bracelet along with a few other items.

    We both remain delighted with each other.

    Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?

    2/23—Worked on the rabbit hutches today; I want to make them like new, then we will sell them. Beth has cut down on rabbits; we were up to 29 of the little critters at one time. Being allergic, not so good for me. Yes, brand new baby bunnies! 

    The weather was quite lovely; spring is on the way. Beth likes the cool, and I like warmer. Jemma doesn’t seem to care either way.

    2/24—Up early, as usual; woke about 3:30am today. I do better with less sleep, it seems.

    Today I had an appointment with the dentist. Recently I purchased some fake scary teeth and wore them to the dentist. He loved it. I gave him some and told him to use them with patients, especially new ones.

    “Make” a great week for yourself.

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

    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

    Find a way to go on an adventure this week.
    Do something you have never done.
    Go somewhere you have never been.
    Make friends with new people.

    Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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

    NEXT BLOG

    Next week is the day.
    February 28, 1959, Kit arrives into the world.
    Since my birth, I have tried to add to the world more than I receive.
    Is it working?
    As Paul’s song goes, “When I’m 64 . . . ”
    Care to celebrate with me?
    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!
    February 24, 2023
    3
    0
  • Posted by Kit

    BLOG 208—Are You Hungry?

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

    *** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
    *** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
    *** If you are not my Facebook friend, please, befriend me.
    *** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
    *** I was hit by two different trucks, one involving a 37-day coma.
    *** The happiness I am experiencing in my life is a marvelous thing!
    *** 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 >>
    Food and eating

    All animals, including humans, have to consume matter to stay alive. We can either enjoy the experience of eating, or we can just chow down and stuff our mouth with food during each meal.

    Before my accident and 37-day coma, which occurred in 1982, I ate much. After the accident, I went back to how I ate before, yet I was not as active.

    You see, before, I was practicing juggling 6 hours daily, running, biking – very active. Therefore, because I did not have high activity after the accident, I started to gain weight.

    Eating and weight gain are a mind thing.
    Once you learn to control your mind,
    you control your eating.

    Here are some of the best reasons for
    you to start learning to eat healthy >>

    • Maintain a healthy body weight.
    • Have better heart health.
    • Eating less reduces the risk of cancer.
    • Eating less will give you improved mental health.
    • Your digestion system will work better.
    • You will have an increased life quality.

    As I was recovering, I found that I had the same eating habits as before the accident but without the same amount of juggling practice and exercise, so I started to gain weight. After a time, I saw that the way I ate was a matter of discipline and control.

    If I could learn to control my mind,
    I knew that I could also learn to control my eating habits.

    With some research, I learned quite a bit about health and eating habits. In reflecting on the changes I needed to make to keep myself from gaining more weight, I realized that much of what I ate was out of learned habit.

    Many of us are habituated to eating a certain number of meals at a certain time of day following a prescribed way of making up our plates with this much carbohydrate and that much meat and the list could go on and on.

    The first step I took in breaking the learned habits was to eat only when I was hungry. I also made sure that I stopped eating when I had just enough to get me past that hungry feeling.

    I also learned that incompatible food combinations robbed me of energy and added to my weight gain, so I started to make up my meals and my plate in ways that would give me energy and not cause me to gain additional weight.

    Control your eating and you control your life.

    I later began a form of intermittent fasting and wouldn’t eat anything after nine at night (this later was moved to seven.) There are several reasons to put a buffer of at least three hours between food and sleep.

    First, your body does most of its detoxification while you are sleeping, and if it has to digest food instead, you are missing out on crucial detoxification of other gunk and junk floating in your body.

    Also, as you sleep, your body has to work extra hard to digest food and that food can transform into excess weight easily.

    Many people might look at these habits and think they are difficult to do. Food cravings can be really strong sometimes and when you really want a cookie or some ice cream at eleven thirty at night, it can be hard just to tell yourself no. Stop and think for a second though:

    What is a food craving?

    First, it might be helpful to know that you don’t get food cravings; you create them in your mind! If you tell yourself you aren’t allowed cookies before bed, then guess what? You will crave cookies before bed.

    You see, we create food cravings through our thought patterns toward food. Eventually, many of these thought patterns will become food habits.

    Changing my eating habits wasn’t easy, and even now, sometimes, I struggle to maintain them. Especially after my accident, I would crave certain foods depending on how I felt that day, and often I would be extremely fatigued.

    At times, sleep was hard to come by and because I couldn’t sleep, I also had trouble concentrating. Often when I felt tired or frustrated, I would crave sugar, an indication that my adrenal glands were fatigued.

    Dopamine is a good thing; sugar is not.

    When we are tired, our bodies crave sugar to give us energy. I also appreciated the surge of dopamine the sugar would release in my brain almost immediately upon eating something sweet. Dopamine is known as the feel good chemical because we feel good when it is released in our brains.

    The well-known issue with sugar, however, is that it will only energize us for short spurts of time, and the dopamine release it provides is also only short-lived. Shortly after eating something sweet, I would be right back where I started – cranky and tired!

    Eat right and you will get through changes better.

    Besides feeling cranky and tired, I often also felt unproductive. Because I couldn’t concentrate, I also wasn’t able to do many of the things that I knew I needed to do or things I wanted to do.

    Then depression started setting in, harming me in various ways.

    I wasn’t physically stuck in bed, but I found it difficult to find any desire to get out of bed and get things started or to get things done.

    Eventually, I got to a point where I could see time passing by, but I didn’t care. I didn’t even try to keep up with it because I felt so depressed. I would have frequent pity parties for myself and others didn’t seem to want to be around me anymore, given my foul mood.

    One of my doctors suggested that I start taking medication to help me deal with low-grade depression and anxiety, but I decided to opt out of that recommendation. Instead, I decided I was going to retrain my mind to think in other and new directions.

    Eventually, I found out that the food I was eating had a direct impact on my mood and was contributing to my depression and anxiety. I started implementing some of the changes that I listed earlier and quickly found that my attitude and my mind changed for the better.

    What we eat directly affects what we think and how we feel; exercise will help, too.

    Another secret I discovered was that exercise works as well as any drug (better than, actually.) Work your body, and your mind will clear up any depression or flawed thinking.

    Brain function is dependent upon the body’s ability to metabolize the food you eat properly. Your brain depends on glucose (blood sugar) as a source of energy. To get your brain to use glucose properly it must have a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals. The proper functioning of the brain is more dependent upon vitamins and minerals than any other organ in your body.

    Your brain is the biggest consumer of what you eat, feed it right.

    The food and nutrients that you feed your brain are directly responsible for the functions the brain must perform. These can include thinking, controlling your hormones, regulating involuntary functions such as respiration and your heartbeat.

    And this can also include controlling motor activity, juggling, and sense perception like smell and taste. If your brain doesn’t have enough energy, you will feel tired and sluggish.

    What we eat also directly affects which neurotransmitters are produced and how much of them. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that ultimately determine our frame of mind In turn, your mood will affect your memory, your actions, your ability to learn and perform, and everything else about you.

    We discussed previously that while sugar initiates the formation and release of dopamine for a good feeling in the body, that good feeling is short-lived. There are many other nutrients that we can feed our brains for increased production and prolonged release of dopamine. 

    Although your brain represents only two percent of total body weight, it accounts for over twenty percent of the total utilization of oxygen and fifteen percent of blood sugar. As you can see, your brain is very hungry and is dependent upon your nutritional intake to function correctly.

    Feed your brain right.

    A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry compared a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish with a diet of highly processed meats, grains, and fast foods. Those who ate the whole foods diet had a one-third lower risk of becoming depressed. Not to mention that eating processed junk foods means you’re more likely to be overweight, often resulting in depression.

    So what is driving you to eat?

    Is your brain out of energy and looking for a refuel? Or are you running to the vending machine at three in the afternoon simply because that is what you do every day because your job is frustrating and you need that short-lived burst of dopamine?

    Before you put your coins in the slot, ask yourself, are you truly hungry? If the honest answer is no, then put your coins back in your pocket. Remember it isn’t your body that craves food, it’s your mind.

    Changing your eating habits for the better will literally change your life.

    The first step you can take to change your eating habits for better health and mood is to keep a food diary. This is a book in which you record everything you eat or drink, no matter how little or how much of it went into your mouth. Studies have shown over time, people who maintain a food journal are more likely to lose weight.

    For at least one week (month?), record everything you eat at meals and snack times, and record the time. Use an online site such as SparkPeople.com to figure out the number of calories you have eaten and other nutritional information like how much fat, carbohydrate, protein and fiber were in your meals.

    After a week or so, review your diary and see where you need to make adjustments. Are you eating too many carbohydrates and not getting enough protein? Are you getting at least twenty-five grams of fiber each day?

    Also, remember that nutritional guidelines and advice are just that – guidelines and advice.

    When you eat, record how you feel afterward. If brown rice gives you gas, it isn’t the healthier food for you, regardless of what the food gurus say. If you start drinking soy milk and your cholesterol skyrockets fifty points, then soy products aren’t for you.

    A Paleo diet isn’t for everyone, but neither is vegetarianism. All of our bodies have been through different triumphs and trials and will respond differently to different foods and eating patterns.

    Review your diary for other eating habits.

    Do you just eat without thinking? Perhaps you eat to feel better mentally. Inspect the causes of pressure in your everyday life, and one by one, take steps to remove each stress factor. Stress management could help you to control emotional eating or binge eating.

    Make each bite smaller, but make each bit an experience.

    Another thing to try is intentional eating. This is eating at its best. Don’t grab your bagel at ten of eight in the morning and chew it twice, then swallow while you are driving through ridiculous traffic to make it to that eight o’clock appointment that is thirty minutes away.

    Instead, plan your meals, and when you get hungry, sit down and enjoy it. Savor each bite of food that goes into your mouth. Relish the smells as you bring the food to your mouth.

    Chew your food thoroughly before you swallow, making sure to get all of the juice and flavor out of it before it goes down your throat and into your belly to be dissected into the nutrients that your brain needs to function.

    Yes, we can mindlessly stuff food in our mouth, or we can delightfully savor each morsel we consume. If you really take the time to just put your fork down between each bite and taste all of the aspects of your food.

    Do this, as well as examine the texture with your tongue, you can have a delightful eating experience, and you can do this each time you eat. Eating should be much more than just sending food down your gullet.

    Make this way of eating intentional, and make it a habit.

    Taking your time and relishing every aspect of your meal may be a new way of eating for you. This new way of eating might sound like a lot of bells and whistles, but you will quickly find that you will eat less but you will enjoy your food a lot more. If you are eating less food, then it follows that you will lose weight and keeps your mind and body in better shape.

    Change your mind and change your taste.

    Eating less won’t necessarily take you to your weight loss goal. We also must be careful of what we eat. While the cravings might be intense, remember, you have control!

    After I had been released from the hospital, I was drinking a lot of diet soda. I would typically have two or three cans a day. This went on for five years and diet soda had become simply another habit for me.

    I happened to eventually read some reports reporting about how bad soda is for people. The chemicals in soda are known to cause bone loss and can also disrupt and inhibit organ function. Not a drop of soda has gone down my throat since then – and that was over twenty years ago.

    It helped me to quit my habit by switching to tea instead. At that time, I would liven up the taste of my tea with some cream and non-sugar sweetener. Eventually, I came across some studies that talked about how artificial sweeteners can be highly harmful to the body and brain. That was the end of my romance with non-sugar sweeteners. Now I use honey, honey (yes, you.)

    Think before you put stuff down your throat

    Of course, the literature is full of contradictory reports of this or that food being good for you or bad for you. The truth is, you have to be the one to figure it out for your body.

    Some things are a matter of common sense, like the fact that an apple has more nutritional value than a sponge cake. Other things, like eating vegetarianism and a Paleo diet, as I mentioned before, are really about what your personal and individual body needs.

    Remember, your mind and body come first, for every bite you put into your mouth.

    Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a difference between appetite and hunger. If you have an appetite, it means you are longing for food. This is the three o’clock trip to the vending machine for chips because you feel a need to eat something crunchy for no reason other than that you want to.

    Hunger is the actual physical need for food. You might get lightheaded or your stomach might start talking to you. We seldom have true hunger, but that is when we should eat. You don’t have to eat at eight, noon, and five every day if you don’t feel hungry. Don’t just eat out of desire, habit, boredom, a need for comfort, or because others are munching away.

    Take control. Remember, your diet can alter your mood and your focus. 

    =========================
    Another caution is that there are many chemical additives, intentional and unintentional, present in everything we eat and drink. Although research is not conclusive or existent on many of these additives, err on the side of caution and remember that everything you eat affects your body and your mind in one way or another.

    Opt for that big salad with one ingredient – vegetables – rather than that bag of chips with an ingredients list longer than this book.

    Salad, anyone?

    In 1991 I started a habit of eating a salad every afternoon. I make my salad out of a combination of various types of lettuce, broccoli, spinach, carrot, and a few other things. In the summer, I grow much of my salad myself.

    I start each week by making a salad big enough to last me for the rest of the week so it is always prepped and ready for easy munching. I hardly ever go a day without my salad and if I am out and about and wind up eating something else, I feel strange.

    You, too, can develop better eating habits.

    Don’t try to change everything at one time, though. Changing everything all at once will be overwhelming and lead to a quick defeat.

    This week or this month, pick one of my tips and give it a try. Next week or next month, pick another one while still maintaining the first. A year from now, you’ll look back and try to figure out why you didn’t make the changes sooner – they were so easy!

    Develop a good habit for yourself (and, no, not a chocolate chip cookie habit.)

    Along with the salad, I came up with an excellent salad sauce (I like that wording much better than salad dressing.) Many of the salad dressings you will find in the store have a long list of ridiculous additives and preservatives that aren’t necessary and will not benefit your brain or mood.

    I developed this healthy salad topping by looking at many salad sauce recipes and taking the best ideas that I had found. It is healthy, cheap, and easy to make. Here is the recipe – give it a try!

    Kit’s Oriental Salad Sauce
    2 cups olive oil
    1 cup soy sauce
    2 small onions, chopped fine
    2 stocks of celery, chopped fine
    1/2 cup lime juice
    1/2 cup rice vinegar
    4 tbls minced fresh ginger
    4 tbls honey
    4 tbls tomato paste
    4 tbls ketchup
    2 tbls teriyaki sauce
    2 tbls sesame oil
    2 tsp dry mustard
    2 tsp pepper

    Along with this salad sauce, in the 1990’s I came up with a very tasty fresh salsa. Salsa is quite healthy as it is nothing but vegetables which have many benefits for your brain and your mood.

    It is so easy to make and the taste is marvelous. Below is the recipe to make your own salsa. Please let me know how it turns out. These are not exact measurements. Change whatever you want to suit your personal tastes.

    Summers’ Salsa
    One 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)
    A 20-centimeter diameter (8-inch square) of fresh Roma tomatoes
    One large red onion
    Two lemons
    Two limes
    Four cloves of garlic, minced
    Chili powder—one spoon
    Garlic salt—one spoon
    Maple syrup—three spoons
    Cumin powder—one small spoon
    One or more jalapeño peppers (depending on how much heat you like)

    Did you see summerssalsa.com? 

    For the food processor, take everything down into bits to about a centimeter in size. Put the tomatoes, six to ten at a time, and take them down. Peel the onion, cut it into quarters, then put it into the food processor to take it down into small bits. Drain the peaches and add them to the food processor.

    Once everything is taken down into bits, add the contents to a mixing bowl. Drain the corn and beans and add them to the mixing bowl. Chop the coriander by hand and add to the mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and the lime into the bowl, and add some pulp if you desire.

    Add the garlic, chili powder, garlic salt, and honey. In the food processor, chop one or more Jalapeño peppers, along with three tomatoes, into very tiny bits and then add them to the mixing bowl. Mix everything together well and then enjoy your fresh salsa.

    If you desire a spicier salsa with lots of heat, leave the peaches and maple syrup out, add more jalapeno peppers, and also add habanero peppers, along with more cumin, curry powder, and chipotle spice.

    Another thing you may want to consider when it comes to food is the idea that you have to eat three square meals a day and snacks in between.

    Most of us eat at least three meals daily because we just always have.

    I broke this cycle once by doing a four-day fast (and I did it quickly.) I drank water but no food, and I lost fifteen pounds. The strange thing was that I didn’t get hungry at all in those four days. Since I didn’t get hungry, I’ve always been curious to know how long I could push myself to go without eating.

    I enjoyed the challenge of the four-day fast. For me, being hungry doesn’t hurt. I’ve been through other things that were much more painful than I think hunger ever could be.

    Going through the fast was quite interesting, and when it was over, I found it much easier to make healthier food choices, almost like the fast was a reboot toward eating success.

    How quickly can you do your fast?

    I’m thinking I might challenge myself some time to see just how long I can go without eating—I’ll let you know how it turns out (or you’ll hear about my death.) Mainly I did the fasting as a challenge to myself.

    Barring any health or religious reasons not too fast, I challenge you to try it sometime (safely, of course.) Don’t eat anything for a day or two and see how you feel. You may want to have a friend or doctor oversee you as you go through this.

    Remember to drink plenty of liquids.

    Reduce your food intake and eat a better combination of the right foods and you will also reduce or eliminate your stress levels, reduce weight, and be happier – to provide a better life. This I guarantee (but, not a money-back guarantee.)

    Examine your own life and what you eat, and make changes where necessary. Change your eating habits and change your life.

    Remember, don’t eat for your stomach; eat for your brain – feed it right!
    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 thinking.

    I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and 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 for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

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

    Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your 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!

    To keep your motivation, 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!

    Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
    Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
    But they’re 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.
    REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

    ********************
    I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>

    “While weight loss is important,
    What’s more important is the
    quality of food you put in your body,
    food is information that quickly
    changes your metabolism and genes.”
    Mark Hyman

    “To ensure good health: eat lightly,
    breathe deeply, live moderately,
    cultivate cheerfulness and maintain
    an interest in life.”
    William London

    “Take care of your body.
    It’s the only place you have to live.”
    Jim Rohn

    “By choosing healthy over skinny,
    you are choosing self-love over self-judgment.”
    Steve Maraboli

    “Eating healthy food fills your body with energy
    and nutrients. Imagine your cells smiling back at
    you and saying: ‘Thank you!”
    Karen Salmansohn

    “Your body is not a temple,
    it’s an amusement park.
    Enjoy the ride.”
    Anthony Bourdain

    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?
    And time seems to be going faster all the time.
    Do you keep track of what you do each day?
    Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

    2/11—When I went to the juggling festival last weekend in Atlanta, I had a mishap while driving. The road I was on was not so good; while driving close to the right side, there was a dip and my front passenger side wheel got damaged.

    I was lucky to have made it home. I ventured out today to go to a Tires Plus Store in Augusta to have them take a look. He went out and showed me how the tire was angled and I needed to go to a body shop—uh ow.

    Beth contacted an auto place that is local, and they will take a look on Monday. I will let you know.

    Our friend Nancy‘s brother Bob visited today. We had a great get-together and talked about many topics; I did magic for him and taught him some juggling tricks, which was quite nice.

    2/12—    Rain all day today. I am planning on building more gardens to put around the house.     As you know, I want to make this the paradise we are living in.

    2/13—My van’s wheel looks bent currently, as I wrote previously. The van is alright to drive but needs it fixed. Today I went to Jiminy Fixit https://jiminy-fixit.com/ I believe Jimmy will find out what is wrong with my van and get it going right.

    Jimmy saw what was wrong and said it just needed an alignment. So, back to Tires Plus for me. A few years ago, I paid for lifetime alignment, so there is no charge whenever I need one at Tires Plus.

    2/14—Happy Valentine’s Day! Beth and I celebrated by going out to dinner with our friend Nancy. We dined at a local eatery called Michelle’s Pizza. Beth says we need to cut back on what we eat, but not today. When you can, go to Michelle’s, it’s a great place >>
    https://www.facebook.com/michellesgrill/

    My Valentine’s card from Beth

    2/15—Gathering straw and rabbit poop for the compost from the rabbitry, I hit the top of my head on a metal roof area and, with heavy bleeding, ran into the house to scare Beth. As you know, head wounds bleed a great deal. Beth wasn’t alarmed this time. She says she is used to me bleeding all over the place.

    Good news, I received an e-mail from Chris Jacobs, who wrote >>
    ======================
    Hello Kit,

    Hope this email finds you well.

    My production company, “5 More Minutes Production”, is interested in your published work. After a thorough review, my Film and Production crew highly regard your published story for a possible film / TV/movie series adaptation.

    I would like to take this opportunity in working together to create a film or TV/movie series project next year (2024) based on your published material. I can see how this can inspire and influence millions of viewers and readers out there. This impressive and admirable creation deserves a spot on the big screen.

    If you have the chance, you may reply to this email and let me know what day and time is convenient for a quick call.

    Sincerely,
    Chris Jacobs
    ====================
    I hope this story does fly and encourages multitudes of people.

    2/16—I drove my van back to Tires Plus in Evans, GA, to have them look again at my alignment and fix what needed to be fixed. Unfortunately, they drove the front of my van off the ramp and now it has to stay there to be fixed. Once again, we have become a one-vehicle family. I treated Beth to dinner at Zaxby’s.

    2/17—We woke up to 5 baby “kits”. No, not what you might be thinking; baby rabbits are named “kits”. Our Holland Lop, Priscilla, had five kits. They will be old enough to be adopted by Easter. Would you like to purchase a kit (not me, but you know)?

    Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
    “Make” a great week for yourself.

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

    YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

    This week, write down EVERYTHING you eat.

    You might be surprised at what you consume.

    After, make adjustments to nourish yourself more healthily.

    Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

    *******************
    NEXT BLOG
    I’ll have my van back next week.
    I’ll let you know.
    *******************

    THIS WEEK,
    MAKE YOUR LIFE
    SOMETHING
    THAT YOU CAN
    WRITE ABOUT!
    February 17, 2023
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