With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon 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.
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** Website is kitsummers.com
*** Thanks, my wife, Beth, 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—Starting New!
We all go through challenges and changes,
and I’ve gone through massive ones.
It is a perfect time to start again during these times of change.
I’ve had to start over in my life several times.
 
Change and Challenge
You can always find a way to make things better and better in your life. It might be the most essential time you are to spend. Always look for joy and happiness; they are there, just waiting for you! We can all realize a happy future–no matter what we have gone through.
 
Even if you make a multitude of money.
No matter how much money you accumulate, you can improve your life. You can spend weeks visualizing what it means to be happy and find joy and what it takes to get there. I’ve put a plan in place and wait for your action–that’s where many people stall–you must press forward and make the action happen!
   
The truth.
Because the truth is that there is nothing as simple as just “taking action.” There is a lot behind that leap of trust — even when we have the plan all laid out before us. Can you envision the life that you want to live?
 
YES, then you can make it happen!
It takes a lot of courage to change, more than plans, action, or any of it. We must dig deep and find change and that delusional sense of courage that allows us to step off the cliff and into the unknown. And that’s asking a lot, especially when your life needs radical, unknowable change that drives you to places you’ve never seen.
 
When life requires extreme change.
You may have stepped and are falling into a life you don’t like. Sometimes, we make all the wrong choices, and other times follow everyone else’s anticipations but our own. In a way, that’s how cultures are formed. Millions and millions of people make the same decisions day in and day out, good or bad.

Don’t fall for it.
Down that route lies madness for many who wind up living lives they don’t recognize or enjoy, but they made these paths. It’s an unfortunate way to live. We were not made to suffer a life of persistent disappointment and misery.
 
RADICAL CHANGE!
And that’s when radical change comes in; yet, you have to make this change. When we finally wake up and realize we’re doing things incorrectly, be empowered to step forward in ways YOU never thought you could find. From there, we can make choices that align with our truth (rather than those decisions expected from us by others who don’t know us).
 
Awaken now!
Is it time come for you to redesign your life fearlessly? Are you standing in a place in your life that you no longer recognize or love? You can take steps to shift your future in unknowable ways, but it will require sacrifices and decisions that come with pain. There’s no escaping it. You can choose.
 
LEARN TO CHANGE WITH THE CHANGES.
I have lived in happiness and joy for most of my life–you can find that, too! You know what I have been through and the radical changes and losses I have had. It’s OUR choice to make the life that we want! Even through awful transitions. Always aim for a better life.
   
Open your eyes!
Look around you, in your home, I mean. Is your home in shambles? Often we can not change our future because we are stuck in the muck. First, clean and straighten your home, then apply and change your life for the better.
 
Definition: Edification
“The instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually.”
I just came upon that word–edification.
It is appropriate to use these blog words.
We must do this daily, in all ways possible.
Aim toward that in your life.
 
MORE IDEAS FOR YOU >>
   
1–TRY NEW THINGS
You may have attended the same schools, read the same books, gone to the same movies, played the same video games, and watched the same TV shows as others. But they don’t have life experience, ideas, or world views like you. We are all different. Those are the things that can elevate your life.

Be unique; find your own way.
One thing you can do is try new foods.
Also, check out the latest museum exhibits.
Read books that are outside your area of expertise.
Don’t be afraid to take more significant risks,
such as moving across the country, as I have.
It’s the life experiences that broaden your viewpoint.
 
2–DON’T FEAR YOU WILL FAIL
I recently wrote about “Fear” being — False Evidence Appearing Real.  
Too many people believe failure is a referendum on them.
Failing well can be the key to success!
Sometimes people conclude that they’re not good enough.
 
Failure is a roadmap for what not to do next time. However, those with a growth mindset think failure is a roadmap for how to approach and do right next time. From insignificant slip-ups to epic fails, all of us will falter at some point in life; to succeed, you must deal with a certain amount of blindness to the risk.
 
3–TALK TO STRANGERS
Most of your future successes are waiting outside your immediate network. It’s where the success lies. People are here to help, even people you do not know. But most of us talk to strangers only 2% to 3% of the time. Be open! People are here to help.
 
Open yourself up to new people and opportunities by looking approachable. Assume the other person is shy and tell them, “Hello.” Then find common ground on which to start a conversation. If there is something of interest, don’t hesitate to ask for the person’s contact information and follow up with them.
 
You don’t have to be a socialite to talk to a stranger. We’re all so worried about what other people might think about us. The truth is that no one cares because they’re concerned about themselves. Yes, most people are self-centered, even you.
 
And, rather than go up to someone and say, “Hi, how are you?” After you see this person, say something nice about them–enthusiastically! This is a much better way to meet and connect with a stranger. When asked this question, I often just answer, “Yes, I am.” Better communication starts easier by saying something positive.
   
4–BE WILLING TO CHANGE
To stay relevant as you move forward in life, you must be willing to embrace change. What got you where you are today isn’t where you want to go tomorrow. Acknowledge that what got you where you are today won’t get you where you want to go tomorrow. Don’t refuse to change and hold onto what had made their money in the past, which proved fatal. Learn to change with the changes!
 
5–WRITE YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
A mission statement sums up who you are and what you stand for; it brings focus and purpose to your life. You must let the world know who you are. A personal mission statement is a powerful tool because it provides a path to personal success. It permits you to say ‘no’ to the distractions.”

6–DON’T “TRY” TO FIT IN
Too often, we try to fit in with our environment because it will help us move forward. Still, the person who embraces their differences will stand out. Once you identify what makes you different, concentrate and develop those thoughts. To be successful, you don’t have to change who you are; you have to become more of who you are and want to become.
 
7–DON’T CONFUSE HAVING AN OPINION WITH HAVING A THOUGHT
Assessing a situation can get in the way of learning. And having an opinion is not the same as having a thought. Think about that.
 
8–DON’T GET HUNG UP ON PERFECTION
Always do your best. Even if you have undergone a brain injury or life change, as I have, you must push forward! Excelling sounds like a good thing, but if you use this mindset in everything you do, you’re spending a considerable amount of time on things that aren’t important.” Instead, identify the things worth the time and are gold to you.
 
9–BE SELFISH (not a shellfish)
To be healthy and grounded, you must be selfish and care for your needs. Be Self-focused but not self-involved. People are healthier, happier, have better relationships, and have better leadership skills when they are. Yes, you always come first.
 
10–DON’T FOCUS ONLY ON THE BIG PICTURE–OBSERVE EVERY STEP!
Remember, your road ahead can feel long and overwhelming. To alleviate some stress, focus on the breakthroughs. Successes are everywhere: the first semester of school, the first week of a new job, the first client for your business.
 
Instead of focusing on how far you have gone, work on going step-by-step. It will make the process feel much more doable. Concentrate on staying focused for an hour or a day instead of looking at everything ahead. Stay away from the big picture to see the little things, too. 

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.
 
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 THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—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!
 
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 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.

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

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>
 
1. “Your life is your story, your future.
    Write well, and edit often.” Kit Summers
 
2. “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” Jim Rohn
 
3. “Create your life. Design your life.” Anonymous
 
4. “Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside.” Anonymous
 
5. “You create your life.” Anonymous
 
6. “Nobody sets the rules but you. You can design your own life.” Carrie-Anne Moss
 
7. “She designed a life she loved..” Anonymous
 
8. “Design your life.” Anonymous
 
9. “Learn from the past, live in the present, and create your future.” Joel Brown
 
10. “Don’t be a victim of circumstances and let life design you. Take an active role and be the one who designs your life.” Anonymous
 
11. “We all have two choices: make a living or design a life.” Jim Rohn
 
12. “Design your life so that you would never need a vacation from it.” Boruch Akbosh
 
13. “Design a life that you are proud to live.” ATGW
 
14. “Don’t get too caught up in making money or having a job;
get excited about the fact that you can design your life.” Darren L. Johnson
   
15. “Lead a life of your own design, on your own terms.
Not one that others or the environment have scripted for you.” Tony Robbins

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 is going faster all the time, it seems.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.
IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE?
     
8/5–Driving anywhere is getting costlier. I had to go down to Augusta, GA (40 miles each way) to go to Costco for some items.
     
8/6–Up early again. I do not know if my lack of sleep will affect me in the future. What do you know?
 
I worked on projects throughout the day.
Always something else; that’s a good thing. There were paint spots on the bedroom’s wood floor so I sat down and scooted myself around the floor, scraping off the ones I could see. I aim for excellence in everything I do.

Do you?

8/7–A bright sunny day is ahead; I will try and make the best of it.
Beth has taken to wearing hats, and I like it.
  
8/8–Down to Augusta to see Dr. Cook, my dentist. One of my teeth broke, so the remains must be extracted. I am sitting in the chair right now, waiting. It should not hurt too much, and I will let you know.
Catapillers and fun, see? 

It ends up that I did not get that tooth taken out. I will, down the road, have a tooth insert put in. Dr. Cook said I need
   
While in Augusta, a quick trip to Costco will be taken.
 
8/9–Working on the home and this blog today. We bought a tarp for over the shed since heavy rains are predicted. This is the best tarp I have found. You can see it here:

8/10–I Woke about 4am today; that’s sleeping in for me!
A butterfly on Beth’s foot, nice. 

8/11–Before I send you this blog each week, I read it repeatedly, making minimal changes each time. This is like living; as you live, keep making tiny changes for the better. Your life can turn magnificent if you do this.       
******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
Have you told your family you love them recently?
It’s time.
Say the words a few times this week.
 
I feel sad that I am not hearing from my daughters.
Of course, I want to tell them I love them.
How bout it, April, Jasmine, and Leah,
will you connect with your dad?
   
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Alone time.
Do you have much?
For much of my life, I have been alone.
You will read the suggestions. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon 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.
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** Website is kitsummers.com
*** Thanks, my wife, Beth, 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—Writing Right
 
After my TBI (traumatic brain injury), I wanted to let people know I still knew much about the art of juggling, although I would not juggle as I did. Also, I knew that writing a book would help me to get my brain back in order and help me to think right again.
That is when I wrote my first book, “Juggling with Finesse.”
Prominent in the juggling world, my book sold over 25,000 copies worldwide.
    =====
You might know I suffered a brain injury before writing Juggling with Finesse. The following is information I recently learned about our brain. I am still amazed at this thing between our ears.
 
You were born with about 100 billion brain cells. And, until the 1990s, most scientists believed 100 billion was all we’d ever have. And, boy, that’s a lot.
   
As the theory went, growing new neurons would interrupt communication among our existing brain cells and confuse the whole system.
 
Then, in 1998, a study found evidence that humans could generate new cells in the brain’s hippocampus, an area associated with learning and memory. More recent studies have supported the idea, suggesting we might make up to 1,500 neurons daily.
 
The research continues; neurogenesis is good news: Growing fresh neurons may make our brains more resilient against TBI, Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, and other brain disorders.
   =====
Speaking of writing, people have asked me how I think of topics to write about in my blog. Why, often, they just come to me. Last night I awoke at about 2am; I thought of this current topic then. I have written many words for this weekly blog; I hope you like the read every week.
 
At this point, over the years, along with writing 15 books, I have posted hundreds of different blogs. You can do it, too. Aim toward helping people in their life with your words.
 
I read once that to do superb writing, it takes massive editing.
I do read through my material many times before posting each week.
 
The more you read, the better writing you will do. Yet, I know that starting a book or a blog can seem overwhelming and intimidating. I am not ashamed to admit that when I first learned how to write and build a blog, I made many mistakes, which was sometimes tricky.
 
Here are some ideas to get you started >> 

• Pick a blog name. Choose a defining title for your blog.
• Customize your blog. Choose a free blog design template and tweak it. Make it your’s. 
• Write & publish your first post. Share your thoughts with the world. That’s the fun part!
• Get your blog online. Register your blog and find hosting (there are many free services.)
• Promote your blog. Get more people to read your blog with the proper marketing.
• Make money with your blogging. Choose from several options to monetize your blog. 
• Make writing your blog a part of your life–your passion. 

One of the misunderstandings about starting a blog is that you need to be a great writer to be successful. Nothing could be further from the truth. Learn as you go and, perhaps, have a friend help you develop your blog. People read blog sites for a personal perspective, so most bloggers write in a very informal and conversational style; you can, too.
 
As you might have seen, I have the same format and layout for each blog; I choose different subjects/topics to write about. I pick a different topic each week.
 
You pick your subject and topic; many successful bloggers write about various topics on the same blog. As you have seen, I write about several issues. Just know you don’t need to be an expert on any subjects you write about to have a successful blog. For example, visitors to a cooking blog don’t want to read a textbook from a food scientist; they want to hear the experiences of someone who has cooked some authentic meals, mistakes, and all.
 
Blogging is about sharing your knowledge with the world. Writing about things you are passionate about makes the process of starting a successful blog so much easier. As long as you are writing about something you are genuinely interested in, your passion will shine through and keep your visitors interested.
You can set up a website to post your blog on. You will find my blog on my website, kitsummers.com
My website is hosted by namecheap.com and only charges a little over twenty dollars a year to host your site. At this price, anyone (you) can have a website and blog hosted. A blog host is a company that stores all of the files for your blog and delivers them to the user when they type in your blog name.
   
And I use WordPress.com (free) to develop my blog; you also need the software to build your blog. WordPress is easy to use; find plenty of videos on YouTube.com. create a blog using the WordPress blogging software because it is the most popular, customizable, and easiest to use. Then publish your blog on your website through WordPress. Contact me if you have any questions.
 
In WordPress, blog layouts are known as “Themes.”
What is a blog theme?
Themes control the entire design of your WordPress blog.
Click the “Appearance” tab on the left menu to change your theme.
     
Share your story, as I do. When I write, I put words that will benefit you, the person reading. This is something you might aim for, too. A blog allows you to have a voice and be heard; you can share your story with the world. One of the most common ways blogs are used is as a diary where the blogger writes about their daily experiences so that friends, family, and others can all be a part of their lives.
 
Congratulations!
You now know how to start your blog and publish content!
 
And,  you can make money from home writing a blog. Blogging can be quite lucrative if done correctly. The top bloggers earn quite a bit, but even a part-time blogger can expect to make a nice profit if things are done correctly.
 
Once you have a popular blog, advertisers will hound you for advertising space. The best way to take advantage of this situation is to use Google Adsense. Google finds the advertisers for you, and all you have to do is place the Google Adsense code on your blog to start running ads. Google Adsense takes all the hard work out of the process and cuts you a check.
 
Yet, I send you these words each week and have yet to explore how to make income from my writings. This may be something I will look into in the near future. Would you happen to have any ideas that will help me?
   
One thing you can write about is hobbies & passions. Hobbies (juggling) or other interests you are passionate about are a great place to start. Cooking, juggling, travel, bicycling, fashion, sports, unicycling, camping, and cars are all classic examples. But even blogs about more obscure hobbies can be successful since your audience is anyone in the world with the internet.
 
Once you have a topic, choose your domain and blog name.
 
Here is a summary of how to start blogging >>
Choose your blog name and get blog hosting.
You can start your blog writing by adding WordPress.com.
Join namecheap.com to host your blog site.
You can pick a simple theme to make your blog your own.
Write compelling content to create a blog that your readers will love.
Choose a blogging platform. Use a platform that offers customizable templates.
You can pick a hosting platform.
You can find the right place for your blog.
You can select a blog name and domain.
Could you set up and design your blog?
Brainstorm blog topics.
Could you write your first blog post?
Create an editorial calendar.
 
You can also blog through Facebook.com. Start a whole new page specifically for blogging. My wife is looking into blogging, which makes me a little afraid. She doesn’t hold back. If it’s in her mind, it is coming out of her mouth! (or her fingers.)
 
You can also blog through Facebook.com. Start a whole new page specifically for blogging. My wife is looking into blogging, which makes me a little afraid. She doesn’t hold back. If it’s in her mind, it is coming out of her mouth! (or her fingers.)

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.
 
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 THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—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!

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 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.

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

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT WRITING INSPIRE YOU >>
 
“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” – Anne Lamott
 
“Words are a lens to focus one’s mind.” – Ayn Rand
 
“Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always to aim at, with originality, which they should never bother about.” – W.H. Auden
 
“There are reasons people seek escape in books, and one of those reasons is that the boundary of what can happen is beyond what we do – or would want to see in real life.” – James Patterson
 
“All good writing is swimming underwater and holding your breath.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
 
“The true alchemists do not change lead into gold; they change the world into words.” – William H. Gass
   
“Everywhere I go I’m asked if I think the university stifles writers. My opinion is that they don’t stifle enough of them. There’s many a best-seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher.” – Flannery O’Connor
 
“Always be a poet, even in prose.” – Charles Baudelaire
 
“There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.” – Frank Herbert
 
“I almost always urge people to write in the first person. … Writing is an act of ego and you might as well admit it.” – William Zinsser
 
“First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him!” – Ray Bradbury
 
“There is only one plot — things are not what they seem.” – Jim Thompson
   
“Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.” – Stephen King

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 is going faster all the time, it seems.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.
IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE?
     
7/29–Into the kitchen today. I picked potatoes in my garden (or dug up) recently. I ended with many taters. I like to fry some hashbrown potatoes in the mornings, so the spuds I found in the ground were diced up to make hashbrowns using the food processor.
 
To fry hashbrowns, dice them up, put them in a big container, and add water. Clean them well; the starch must come off. Then I put all the diced-up, cleaned potatoes into a colander to drain the water. Next, I put them on a towel and dry them thoroughly. I usually make a week’s worth of hashbrowns at one time. Slice up some onions and garlic, and add to the potatoes.
 
To cook the hashbrowns, heat a frying pan with olive oil, and put a hand full of potatoes in. Fry these on one side until golden brown, then turn them over and fry the other side. Being suitable for you and natural, this makes a good meal.
 
And, too many tomatoes on the vine! Beth and I picked many. What to do with them? Of course, salsa time! (not the dance; I physically made my tasty salsa.) Did you know that I started and ran a company for about twenty years in which I made delicious fresh salsa? See summerssalsa.com.

With this company, I sold thousands and thousands of salsa at farmer’s markets, festivals, and fairs. Also, I sold through about twenty-five stores. I did all this after my accident and 37-day coma. This shows you that, even after a significant life change, you still find success! Then, after the second time I was hit by a truck, I had to close down the business.
  =====
Now your turn; make some summerssalsa; you will love it >>
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 a 20-centimeter (8 inches) square of Roma 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 and, chop the same size as the tomatoes, add to the bowl. Drain the corn and black beans cans, then 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 also add habanero peppers for the heat you are looking for.
  =====
Later this day, Beth and I picked up nine new birds! Well, Beth learned of someone who was trying to rehome some parakeets. Beth had been talking about getting a green parakeet for a while but decided it wasn’t necessary, but then, you know how she is. This woman gave us nine birdies and two cages for twenty-five bucks—the birds like their new temporary home.

Beth is simply providing a temporary home until the birds are sold. (Beth says: “I am??”) Tonight she sold four for ten bucks each, so she already made her money back. How about you? Is it time for a birdie? (Beth says: I want to keep them all. Just what is the problem with having parakeets, rabbits, and succulents? Do you see a problem? Well then, let me know. )
   
7/30–As usual, I awoke at about 3am, up for the day I am.
   
Always have projects to work on, and I was busy today with birdcage cleaning and working on my unicycle. I like this life; I am not pressured and happy throughout the day. Finishing up the bedroom, it is looking great. Would you want to see what we see when we awaken?

Wouldn’t you want to awaken to this every morning?

Then, this afternoon, Beth’s turn in the kitchen!
She made up a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
A recipe I developed.
They are delicious.
Here is the recipe for  you >>
 
Chocolate chip cookies
Four sticks of melted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
Mix well
Two tablespoons Kahlua
Two tablespoons vanilla
Four eggs
Five cups flour
Two teaspoons of baking soda
One teaspoon salt
Four cups of chocolate Chips
Mix this all nicely.
On a baking sheet, put down enough dough for each cookie
Cook–325 for 15 minutes
 
Let me know how your cookies turn out.
 
7/31–Up at 3am again. My brain sets an alarm clock for that time, it seems.
 
With the gas prices so high right now, I do not want to drive anywhere. Yet, today I had to go to Greenwood, where there is a Walmart and Lowes. I got what I needed for my projects and returned. Be home for a few days now, I presume.
   
I feel bad about the people who drive for a couple of hours each way to get to where they work. And, if it is a job they do not like, that means, with the drive, they might have to put in 70 hours a week doing something they do not want to do. With the cost of fuel and time–find a new job you like! It seems like such a waste of life if you do not like your work.
 
If someone loves their vocation and desires to give more and take the driving, that is good.
 
Speaking of someone who loves their work, Beth’s van is currently with https://jiminy-fixit.com/. Jimmy’s shop is less than a year old and full of cars, trucks, and work. If you are anywhere in the area and need auto work, see Jimmy.
 
A Tersa Sphinx moth was on our screen door for most of today’s day.
I don’t think he wanted to come in; he just kind of hang-out there in his beauty, an unforgettable moth.
 
8/1/23–Once again, up early. Yet, lack of sleep does not affect me. (Beth says: “Well, his sleep affects me. He wiggles, and his legs jump all night.  As Kramer of Seinfeld would say, “He’s got the jimmy legs.”  And then there is the snoring. You don’t want to know about that. But I can mimic his sounds perfectly. He sometimes naps during the day to make up for some of the sleep he doesn’t get at night.)
   
Beth continues >> “Do I nap? Heck no!”
I use this time while he is napping to do things around here, without someone hollering, “I need help,” or “Can you come here?” I am living in a circus tent with Kit the Clown.  The humor in our tent is lovely, though. He gives me so much joy with his little habits. And when I write my own blog, look out, Kit Summers!!!
     
I replanted lettuce, broccoli, and spinach. These are things we eat much of. So, the garden continues. We also give much away, growing too much just for us to consume.
   
Pulling weeds around our gardens today. To me, having a lawn is a waste of time and resources. Rather than grass, you could be growing food to feed yourself and others, and you put in the same cost of time and expense. Join us — plant fruits and vegetables to replace your lawn.
 
8/2–Working on the gardens again this morning. As I’ve written before, a garden takes little time, about the same as maintaining a lawn. With a vegetable garden, you get to eat what you produce. Well worth the time and effort for what you get.
     
8/3–Off to buy rabbit food in Lincolnton. Boy, the rabbits do consume a lot. 

Today, Beth treated me to a fantastic Mexican lunch at https://el-sombrero-mexican-restaurant-grill.business.site/.
In Lincolnton, GA, it is worth the drive. I grew up in San Diego and know Mexican food.
I gave them a copy of my book, 
“Accident” I hope they like it.
What we ate today was excellent.
If you are anywhere in the area,
you have to check out El Sombrero,
and you will be glad you did!
******************

8/4--I was off to help Gary with his land this morning. Every year he has a beautiful time for a group camping there. A few of the participants and top chefs–we eat well. This is right on Steven’s Creek; back to nature, it is. This is where Beth and I were wed; our wedding on 2/22/22 was delightful. Below is a photo of me getting dressed for the engagement, and my friend, Daniel, is sitting next to me, and Jeff is standing. Jeff’s wife, Valerie, officiated at our wedding.

YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
Become an early riser.
Wake up an hour earlier each day.
You will make more time to live life rather than sleep through life.
I often awakened at about 3am.
With limited sleep, you can do so much more in your life. 

(Beth: Listen, if you don’t let me sleep until 9 and then relax while I have my coffee, someone will die. It’s hereditary. Ask my sisters.) 

DO SOMETHING NEW DAILY, THEN KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! 

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
We have three big windows looking out the side of the house at all the trees. For a while, I have meant to put up bird feeders and birdhouses to attract more birds. I will do that this week, and you will see the results. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?
*******************

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** Hit by two trucks, one involving a 37-day coma, I remain happy.
*** 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 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—FEAR—Acronym for—False Evidence Appearing Real
 
In my life, I have had many challenges where fear should have played a role, and I did not allow it to. Here are a few >> 

Riding my first high unicycle, seven foot tall.
When juggling torches for the first time.
3 machetes were integrated into my show.
Jumping off the end of the Ocean Beach pier and swimming into body surf was an experience.
Riding a unicycle I built — 14 foot tall.
I went over the bar at 18’6” when pole-vaulting.
Going to Europe after my accident, three times, to present juggling workshops was a challenge.
Not knowing the language or lifestyle, I went to Japan three times to present my juggling workshop.
After that second time I was hit by a truck, I was able to set up workshops in Australia and New Zealand.
Living in my van and traveling to every national park in the US was fabulous.
I am constantly challenging myself; these are just a few of the fears I could have had.
 
I’ve found that people are often scared for no apparent reason. Often they make up things in their mind and then build on that until the thoughts become enormous. Fear does not have to be a part of your life! I have no concern whatsoever; I deal with what I have to at the time. What are you scared of?
 
When there is no actual threat of immediate danger, when there is no threat of a loss to someone or something dear to us, nothing is there. The idea of fear is usually made up in someone’s mind; they run with it. Yet, sometimes it’s a beneficial thing that keeps us from harm.
 
But, at times, it’s an inner voice and barrier that keeps us stuck. We are born with only two instinctual fears: falling and loud noises. All others are learned. This does not mean they are not real; they are learned from life experience.

This is a vast topic, and I intend to touch on a few helpful tips to keep fear in check. Fear can be paralyzing, as you may have experienced. If given the power, fear will prevent us from doing and having things in our lives that we say we want. 

Yet, fear is not bad; it warns us of potentially harmful or dangerous situations.

Fears become registered as thoughts because they are learned. Thoughts are energy, AND – where thoughts go – Energy follows! Do you know our bodies do not know the difference between thoughts that are natural and present danger or if they are assumed?
 
This is where the acronym, False Evidence Appearing Real, comes from. Most of our fears are learned and developed and originate from our thinking. Our negative emotions are triggered, then our bodies respond. It can be helpful, for example, if you’re walking alone through a dark alley — your fear can protect you by telling you to keep your guard up.
   
All fear and anxious thoughts are about something that has not yet happened. And this is what sometimes spins us out and sends our brain into even more anxious thoughts because it cannot fix or solve this thing that we imagine–because it hasn’t yet happened–this is why scientists say that we’re the most fearful creatures on earth because we have the wildest imaginations.
 
Anxiety feels real, even though it may have no basis in reality, arising when we feel activated by various triggers. As long as we continue to try to push away, avoid, or ignore our anxiety or panic, it will continue to hold us hostage. You must grab hold and make change happen.
 
Our experience of anxiety can change only when we learn how to listen to our mind, understand it, challenge our anxious thoughts, and replace those thoughts with new ones. Mindfulness is the best technique for managing fear, anxiety, and panic; when we learn through meditation to allow ideas to pass without believing all we think to be accurate, our experience of fear will shift!
 
Your goal today is to be present with your thoughts without reacting to them! So think about it. Other animals feel about threats and dangers in a given situation. But we think about hazards and risks; this could even take 20 steps ahead into the future, and this makes us even more scared or anxious.
   
So if you’re afraid or anxious about returning to work, restarting a relationship, or anything else on the back of the announcements this week, be careful.  Try this exercise for any uncertainty around what will happen to you, your family, or anyone you know. So The First Step Is To Go There.

And notice how you feel, now once you do that, come back to right here, right now, and think about what you can practically do to prevent that situation in the first place and again list down put anything in place. Take any actions or things you can do to prevent that from happening in the first place. So that’s it. Stay ahead of any fears you have.
 
Life is always here and now! Make and follow changes, but make each individual moment a particular time in your life. Move through your fears and KEEP GOING!
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.
 
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 THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—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!
 
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 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.
 
REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>
 
Do one thing every day that scares you. -Eleanor Roosevelt
 
Each of us must confront our own fears and must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it. -Judy Blume
 
Everything you want is on the other side of fear. -Jack Canfield
 
Extreme fear can neither fight nor fly. -William Shakespeare
 
Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure; it just means you haven’t succeeded yet. -Robert H. Schuller
 
Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street. -Zig Ziglar
 
Fear has its use, but cowardice has none. -Gandhi
 
Fear is only as deep as the mind allows. -Japanese Proverb

Fear is the main source of superstition and one of the primary sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. -Bertrand Russell
 
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. -Yoda
 
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. -Helen Keller
 
Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. -William Shakespeare
 
Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. -Dale Carnegie
 
Do not be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. -John Rockefeller
 
Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out. -Benjamin Franklin

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 is 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.
IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE?
“Make” a great week for yourself, my friend.
     
7/22–Day by day, moment by moment, time goes on. There is so much I want to accomplish–I have limited energy these days to keep going–but I do. So often, we have to “make” ourselves do things, but we do. How about you, do you push yourself?
 
Are you living the life that you want? It is ALWAYS up to you. If you are not living the life you want, make things happen to bring on the change you need!
 
7/23– We dropped off Beth’s van at https://jiminy-fixit.com/. If you are anywhere in the area, he does superb work; go see Jimmy. Beth’s A/C isn’t working currently, which means, due to this heat, my wife is unwilling to go anywhere. (Beth: I like staying home so it isn’t a problem. I have plenty to do around here.)
 
7/24–Thinking ahead is a good thing. Heating bills from an electric heater can be high, but we plan on using our fireplace to heat the home, like last year. Winter will return; Beth and I depend on our fireplace to heat the house.
 
To run the fire, we need fuel; wood works well. I brought home many wood cuttings for our future fire. The firewood was gathered at Ken Young, who cuts wood for building.
 
Today, Eddie (Beth: my ex-husband. Let’s give credit where credit is due.)  and I cut the long cuttings to a size that fits into the fireplace. Much time was put in, and we filled up all the wood racks that will warm us next winter.
Do you plan ahead?

7/25–Hmm, do you remember the day?
Do you remember what you did last Tuesday?
I remember I was with Jemma >>
      
7/26–Beth: I popped a gross thing on Kit’s head, which I googled and think is probably from him being out in the sun without his hat. I am not a nurse, but I do portray one at home.

We are getting many hummy birds. What a joy to see them.
     
7/27–Off to Costco to purchase a couple hundred bucks of essentials for eating. Amazingly, my van runs excellently, still. This vehicle has gone through much and continues to get me there.

Also, we have a turtle; have you seen it?
 
7/28–Finishing my blog and watching a hummingbird out the window. The bedroom needs a few paint touch-ups, but we set up Beth’s reading area is set up, and it looks lovely.  

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
Find your happy world.
Stop searching for happiness.
We explore the things which we don’t have.
This often involves looking at the bad and hard.
Happiness is within you–find it today!
   
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
With no fear, I will concur that problem or discipline that I have been avoiding, 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** Hit by two trucks, one involving a 37-day coma, I remain happy.
*** 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 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—Applause Points
 
As an entertainer, I loved the attention I got from the audience; this was/is a deep-seated joy in my heart. After my first accident, the audience was not there, of course. I had to find my own accolades.

This topic idea started when I was in Boulder, Colorado, last week. I worked with Cindy Marvel on her juggling and performance. Cindy ran through her act and did incredible jugging, but she needed to include points in her show, allowing the audience to show her the applause they wanted to give her.
 
Watch Cindy here >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IttazO0SY9A
 
Cindy is the only female who ever won the International Jugglers Association competition–she is that good. Some years ago, she built and runs The Boulder Circus Center. Take a look >>
http://bouldercircuscenter.net/.
 
In my juggling show from the old days, I had several points throughout the show to let the people acknowledge me with their applause. Yet, this same wanting of engagement can be executed in everyone’s life. Applause and acknowledgment can positively add to any life.
 
I’ve received applause from thousands and even standing ovations. I must say, I loved it. Along with receiving, you must give applause and acknowledgment every chance you get to add to someone else’s life.
   
After my accident and as I was coming back, I would thrive on any divulgence. Part of this was my enjoyment of receiving applause from back when I performed, and I also thought I worked hard and deserved it. Wanting applause is a good thing!  

YOU DESERVE THE APPLAUSE! 

We can all use commendations, which can move us forward well. From my performing days to when I was in the hospital for some months, I would cherish an appropriate exposure. While in the hospital, I would come upon people who were sad and needed comfort and revelation.
 
Low self-esteem and neglectful experiences with caregivers may make you constantly need to seek approval as an adult. Most everyone wants to feel good from words spoken by others. At times, we must be our audience and applaud just for us!
 
As I was recovering, I sometimes found it hard to make decisions, big or small, without getting others to weigh in on them, as I felt sad, happy, guilty, or anxious, and often depending on whether others approved of me. Have you gone through the same

• You seek excessive reassurance that you’ve done or are doing the right thing.
• You are feeling unconfident about decisions you’ve made or are making.
• You reject opportunities and experiences you want because you worry about whether others will approve.
• You feel ashamed if someone questions or dislikes your work, actions, or decisions.
• People-pleasing vs. approval-seeking.

Approval-seeking and people-pleasing behaviors are similar because they depend on others’ opinions for us to be happy. In excess, both may be unhealthy or signal emotional challenges. Remember that people-pleasing isn’t always about getting approval, though. People-pleasing may involve wanting others to be joyful or feeling answerable for other people’s needs, a sign of codependency.
 
Celebrating your success, along with others, allows you to congratulate yourself instead of depending on the approval of others. You should work on embracing who you are and cultivating self-compassion.
 
=Another way of getting applause is to applaud yourself.
=You can applaud any person or organization ‘out there.’
=And, you can join in existing applause. Say these words to yourself daily >> 

I am respected.
I have value.
I am capable of making good decisions.
I am loved and cared for.
 
This can get your mind back on the right track.
 
When is it that you crave others’ approval most?
Is it when you’re making significant life determinations, like planning your finances or buying a house?
Is it related to your appearance and clothing?
Is it when you’re at work/school?
Noticing the root cause of approval-seeking might help you determine what underlies this need.
 
You are in control, and you can make changes that bring acknowledgments that you need from others. 

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.
 
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 THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—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!

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

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>
 
“Don’t seek approval. This may be the toughest and most important suggestion for you to follow.”
T. J. MACGREGOR
 
“Everything you do for attention is why you don’t have mine.”
ANONYMOUS
 
“I have no respect or sympathy for people who act like they’re the only one going through something in life.”
ANONYMOUS
 
“Blanket compassion will shift the distribution decisively towards the manipulative end of the spectrum.”
ANTHONY DANIELS
 
“Approval is a lover who will always break your heart.”
SAMMY RHODES
   
“Beware of those who seek constant crowds; they are nothing alone.”
CHARLES BUKOWSKI
 
“People can become addicted to fame, money, and attention as deeply as they become addicted to drugs.”
DENNIS PRAGER
 
“Some people know what is right and what is wrong. They may justify their actions and reason beyond any doubt, but deep down inside. They know very well what they are doing and why they are doing it.”
DE PHILOSOPHER DJ KYOS

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 is 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.

7/15– Not hearing from my three daughters, Leah, Jasmine, or April, makes me sad.
Yes, they each might be busy, but come on.
 
Beth likes my beard better, so I have grown the facial hairs back. I must run the razor twice daily for my hair growth and a clean-shaven face. This way, I run a clipper through the facial hair about twice a month.

7/16–A slow week this week. I have written before if your week or your life is slow; it is up to you to make things different. YOU are the one to make the life that you want.
 
7/17–Beth stepped onto a plant or bamboo while barefoot in the backyard. This went into her foot, and she has been in pain for some days. Today she finally went to a doctor, and they cleaned it out. She had been getting infections inside. So great to have my wife back.
 
7/18–I love this home of ours. With the wilderness so close and so many plants and animals around, it does keep it exciting. Here you can see where a tree branch was downed in the storm last night. 

7/19–Sadly, one of our rabbits died because of the heat. The bunny’s hutch needs some adjustments to make it safe. I will be on that right away.

7/20–Today, I worked on the long coffee table. This piece of wood was cut by Ken, who has done work for me in cutting 6”x2” boards for the tops of my gardens. This is a piece of wood he was discarding, I saw the potential for a table, so here I go.
 
Sanding and preparing, next, I will stain the piece and put 12” legs on. It might even be too long to fit into the place in front of the couch. 

IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE?
“Make” a great week for yourself, my friend.

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
 
This week, find a new word to use. With sooooooo many words to pick from and so many languages, it is good to explore words unknown to you. Then use a new word each week as your vocabulary expands.
 
Here’s my new word>>Celerity
French has a word, “célérité,” with the same pronunciation and meaning as the English word. But “celerity” likely entered English in the late 15th century directly from the Latin “celeritas,” which means “quickness” or “hast.
 
“He juggled with celerity; he was quick and good.” 

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

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>`
The coffee table I am building will be complete, you will see.
*******************

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** Hit by two trucks, one involving a 37-day coma, I remain happy.
*** 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 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—YOUR AMAZING HANDS!
 
My hands have been used for most of my life to keep things in the air–YES, a juggler I am. Did you see the video of me using my hands to manipulate objects while headlining at Ballys in Atlantic City?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZALVajgH6Q&t=474s
 
One of the most complex parts of the human body is also one (or rather two) we use hundreds of times daily, yet, we often take them for granted. For instance, do you ever think about how your mind knows how you catch and throw a ball?
 
Human hands are our body’s tools for multipurpose use. Each hand has 27 specialty bones; about half of those are found in our fingers. These tactile appendages will bend, lift, and flex about 25 million times throughout our lifetime. There are 206 bones in the average adult human body; our hands take up the most. Each hand is home to 27 bones and 34 muscles, and 123 ligaments–in just one hand!
   
Then, our fingers can perform everyday tasks thanks to the thousands of nerve endings contained within. Touch receptors can sense pressure, movement, texture, temperature, etc. But there’s one thing our hardworking digits don’t have–muscles–surprise, surprise!
 
Fast hands in juggling are a significant asset that can help jugglers throw better and more accurately, With this power directly coming from using the speed of hands, too. And there are ways to improve hand speed.
 
Here’s a simple example of strength for juggling or otherwise. Strength development is essential to speed up the outcome of your hands. Strength training is crucial in juggling because you want to recruit more muscles to help you push yourself for better juggling. This would allow you to do the same function more easily and quickly. And, as you would know, this would help anyone.
 
During my time juggling, when I wanted to increase my hand speed, I would focus on doing more push-ups and pull-ups. You should do at least 50 pushups and pull-ups daily in your workout routine. This is good for juggling speed and overall conditioning.
 
The dominant thrower is usually the person who can fire their muscles faster than another juggler and apply more force. All the muscles in your body are comprised of both fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers.   
 
The fast-muscle fibers help you to move quickly and explosively. The slow-twitch muscle fibers help you sustain your activity over a long period. Developing your fast-twitch muscle fibers to increase your hand speed will allow you to do more significant juggling and other hand skills. This makes better saves, as you become a better overall athlete.
   
Remember that your eyes must be as fast and robust as your hands. Your eyes have everything to do with your hands, body, and all the skills needed to be an elite juggler or gamesman. The point is your eyes should tell your body what to do next. The more your eyes are disciplined, the more possibilities you can perform your juggling successfully.
     
To develop your eye discipline, stare straight at a spot on the wall. Have someone hold up a piece of paper so you can only see with your peripheral vision—no turning of your head, of course. This exercise will allow your eyes to see more while focusing on a single direction. For me, this was beneficial for juggling and running. Also, this will teach you to isolate for many ball games too.
 
Developing quick hands is about more than just working on the hands. Instead, it’s a combination of the whole body working with your eyes to take you up to the next level. Some experts estimate that a quarter of the motor cortex, the part of the brain responsible for voluntary movement, is devoted to manipulating our hands alone, for juggling or otherwise.
 
Although hands are impressive forms, they only beat our feet by just one minor bone. Human hands and feet developed similarly because primate ancestors walked on all fours.
 
How bout this? Have you ever seen a foot juggler? Almost every bone in your hand is controlled in a pattern similar to the metatarsals in your foot. The only exception to the number of bones is a bone located at the edge of the wrist called the pisiform, which connects various ligaments and tendons.
     
How do fingers perform the intricate tasks we require without them, like juggling, for instance? Human fingers are controlled by the muscles that go down our forearms and the tops and palms of our hands. Then, small intrinsic muscles in each hand allow your fingers to perform fine motor movements, such as juggling. While extrinsic muscles in the forearm and elbow control how the wrist and hand movements for those delicate juggling moves.
   
The bones in your fingers (aka phalanges) are connected to these muscles by tendons — fibrous, cord-like connective tissues — and fingers can perform their range of motion when the attached muscles contract for juggling or whatever you need.
   
And flexor tendons in the palm help fingers to bend, while extensor tendons on the top of the hand are responsible for straightening the fingers back out to grab that ball — basic movements that allow our hands to grasp, touch, hold, and throw objects.
 
Can you juggle?
If not, it’s time to learn.
By my friend, Niels >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2_j6kMg1co&t=225s
 
Some interesting facts about your hands >>
 
**The human hand has 27 bones, 29 joints, and at least 123 named ligaments.
 
**What sets our hands apart from other animals is our opposable thumbs—this means our thumbs and fingers can work together (fun fact: koala bears, like us, also have opposable thumbs.)
 
**Did you know you cannot get a tan on the underside of your fingers or palm? Try it; you’ll see.
 
**Fingerprints are unique DNA imprint that is different in every human being. No two human beings in the world have similar fingerprints.
 
**Tons of words include ‘hand’–handy, handwriting, handiwork, handle, handbag, handsome, handball, etc.
 
**The average length of a hand for adult women is 6.7 inches. For men, it is 7.4 inches.
 
**Fingers don’t have muscles—the forearm muscles move tendons in our fingers.
 
**Men tend to have longer ring fingers than index fingers—girls, the opposite.
 
**Hand specialists say the index finger is the best to lose—if you had a choice. The index finger is needed the least.
 
**Fingernails show your state of health—your nails can indicate problems such as mineral or vitamin deficiencies, liver trouble, thyroid, or anemia.
 
**Some warning signs of deficiencies on your fingernails may be that they are brittle, pale, or spotted.
 
**The color of the fingernails and those small “moons” on each nail can identify the quality of oxygen level of the bloodstream and blood circulation.
 
**Your fingers are even more sensitive than your eyes—the fingertips have many receptors responsible for sending messages to the brain.
 
**The vein on your ring finger is called Venna Amoris—and the vein has a direct line with the human heart and is known as the vein of love. That’s why we wear an engagement ring on the left hand’s finger!
 
**Nails stop growing after death. Did you ever notice?
 
**Structurally, fingernails are modified hairs.
 
**Did you know Julius Caesar ordered the thumbs of captured prisoners to be cut off?
 
**6% of all men and 9.9% of all women are left-handed. Are you?
 
**It takes up to 6 months for your fingernail to grow from root to tip.

You are amazing!
I would love to shake your hand.
 
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 thinking.
 
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 THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—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!
 
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 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.
 
REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

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I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>
 
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
Audrey Hepburn
 
“What we say and do ultimately comes back to us, so let us own our responsibility, place it in our hands, and carry it with dignity and strength.”
Gloria E. Anzaldúa
 
“She took it, running her fingers over the flesh. It was as rough as the wood grain of the table in the dining hall, the skin along his thumb as hard and dry as leather cracking with age. No wonder he could work all day and not complain.”
Scott Westerfeld
 
“For hands to do Rome service is but vain.”
William Shakespeare
 
“He held out his hand to help me up.
And I took it.
I let him pull me to my feet.”
Kate DiCamillo
 
“He took hold of Shmuel’s tiny hand in his and squeezed it tightly.
‘You’re my best friend, Shmuel,’ he said. ‘My best friend.”
John Boyne
 
I conjure the boy I knew. Achilles grins as the figs blur in his hands. His green eyes laugh. Catch, he says.
Madeleine Miller
 
“Today, whatever you want. If you wish, you may eat with both hands and both feet. So get in there and munch. Have a big munch-er-oo!”
Dr. Seuss
 
“You are a dangerous collection of all my favorite things.
An old soul, a heart of gold, and hands that make my body sing.”
Nikita Gill

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?
And time is 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.

   
7/7–Starting on painting the bedroom. I do not aim for perfection, but I try to. This is something anyone can do–to strive for perfection rather than mediocrity. Whether you have gone through a brain injury or some other kind of change, you can still work toward perfection within you.

7/8–I Finished painting the bedroom today; it turned out quite lovely. It is easy to paint a room, have you ever? You don’t need to hire a remarkable painter.
 
Yes, it’s summer now. But, I continue to get wood for next winter. Ken, who built the tops for my planters, has much scrap wood to remove; I am happy for this to burn next winter.
 
Our friends, Valerie and Jeff, recently bought a new abode. We will be going over tomorrow to see the new place. Valerie likes Seinfeld, so Beth bought many Seinfeld gags and gifts, hopefully to laughter and joy, which we will present tomorrow.

7/9-We visited Valerie and Jeff, who recently moved into their brand-new home (today was Jeff’s 70th birthday!) Valerie and Beth worked together at the McCormick Library. What an excellent place for Jeff and Valerie to retire to. This home is in the woods.
     
I am painting the molding at the bottom of each wall in our bedroom. We choose a nature green and brown color and want a wilderness-type setting. This will match the wilderness mural that I already put up. Then, I want to have plants so we can sleep like in nature.
 
7/10–As usual, up early again, about 2:30 am. Today my friend, Peter Kenny, stopped by for a visit on a drive from Atlanta, GA, to Myrtle Beach, SC. Peter was born without one leg and is quite an exciting man, and he has achieved wonders.
The early days saw Peter working with circus in various capacities; he did much for and with the show. Later, he had a significant change. He studied and works with a banking/investment firm in New York City, where he was born and lives now.

I have made some of my famous salsa recently. Peter loved the taste, and that was lunch. Did you ever see >> summerssalsa.com
 
Of course, the horses made their daily appearance while Peter was here. The three of them stand at the fence and want carrots. Peter fed some to the hungry and massive creatures.

When I last saw Peter, I taught him to juggle with the scarves. I am surprised he had not learned before. Then, today, I brought out the balls, and he is throwing the 3 balls like a professional.
 
7/11–a sweltering day, but I got out there and worked on the garden. I had planted some raspberries (why is there a “p” in that word?) I purchased some last month, but they have thorns in them. I knew there were ones without thorns, so I looked and ordered. The new raspberry plants will go into the garden, and I will plant the others by the fence.
 
Also, the weed clothe came in. This is a barrier I put down between the gardens so that we have no growth where we walk. This keeps everything looking splendid.

7/12–Limited sleep for me, once again. I did sleep until about 3am, though. More work on the bedroom; it is looking fantastic. Did you see the photos?
   
Recently they started having food trucks come into downtown McCormick (where we live.) Once a week, a crowd was there, and they should keep it going. Curious, I went to a Mexican stand and ordered one taco. This thing was tiny. The tacos I make are delicious and cost less than a dime. Now, which would you choose?
 
7/13–Another lovely sunny day looks to be setting up. Now that the gardens are all set, there is nothing to work on. I spread some plants, took more space, and planted more lettuce. As I wrote, once you have a garden established, there is nothing really left to do.
   
Do you want a lawn to grow and take care of? I would think not. What a waste of time and money. Plant edible vegetables; you will have plenty to eat and feed friends and neighbors. Get with the picture; plant some edible plants. It will make you happy.
   
7/14–Continuing to work on improving the gardens. Today we discovered a pest that is a pretty yellow color. The Mexican Bean Beetle, what a beautiful bug, but it is eating our plants! I hate to kill them, but that will be necessary. We will spray the plants with Meem Oil, a safe killer (could there be one?)
 
Today I harvested the potatoes I grew. Some were relatively small but edible. I put them into a food processor and diced them all up. They should be a delicious breakfast meal for some time.

IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

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YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
In the past, I suggested you pick a room in your home and make it exquisite.
 
It’s time to select a second room in your house and make it a space that others will discuss after seeing it.
 
It is up to you; you can live in excellence or mediocrity.
What do you think, which for you?
 
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
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NEXT BLOG
The bedroom will be finished, you will see.
And, is your home improved?
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