“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 282—And Then You’re Dead
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!
         

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG

You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!
     

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire.
     

YOU ALREADY KNOW

You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you. 
     

MY EXPERIENCES

Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.
     

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

Don’t forget–you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN! 

Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
        

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — DEATH–Here it Comes!
   
As you might know, I have covered this subject before. Something few people talk about or even think about: we are all going to die. As I get older, I see death coming closer and closer. We are all on our way there. Yes, I am the age of 65 now.
 
After having gone through numerous accidents and incidents that might have killed me,
I am here,
I am happy.
   
I’ve written my thoughts on death, life, and dying in the past; I hope you remember. As I’m getting older, it is on my mind that everyone should think about their death at times. You see, everyone will die. We need to accomplish what we must before our eventual death.
 
VERY IMPORTANT!
I’ve found that we need to stay happy as much as possible.
You can stay happy–no matter what!
Nothing else matters!
Find joy in how you can!
And, more importantly, bring joy to others!
YOU ARE ALIVE, REMEMBER THAT!

I want to live beyond the age of 100, how about you?
Or are you scared of death?
For me, there is no heaven; there is no hell.
There is no god; there is no devil.
There is life.
Live your life to the best you can!
   
HERE IS HOPE IN LIFE!
I’m reading “Life Force” by Tony Robbins.
With Peter Diamantis MD and Robert Hariri MD PhD.
What a great read it truly is.
 
I first met Tony when I lived in San Diego. I attended one of his talks and then his presentation. While I was there, I taught the group to juggle! Lunch at Tony’s home, just the two of us, was a special time. This is a man who will help you in your life.
   
In their book “Life Force,” Tony Robbins and his co-authors, Peter Diamandis and Robert Hariri, highlight actions you can take to improve your health. They also describe several up-and-coming technologies with the potential for incredible health achievements. This book will help you!
   
“Life Force” is a book that every human should read. It contains the latest breakthroughs in dealing with cancer, finding energy, learning to focus, regeneration of stem cells, dealing with addiction, finding strength, dealing with Alzheimer’s, helping with weight loss, and more. This book will make you a better human!
 
A review in Amazon about “Life Force” >>
–“This book is an excellent, smooth read.
— Just straightforward exegesis by Tony.
— There is little technical jargon, though, as Tony talks about medical terms and facts.
–A thick book. But I was able to peruse it smoothly – surprisingly.
–Tony agrees with some medical breakthroughs, mainly stem cell regenerative research and applications.
— Tony is also a stakeholder in some of the products mentioned in the book. You can expect a promotional undertone for those products or services.”
   
In this book, Tony Robbins, the world’s #1 life and business strategist who has coached more than fifty million people, brings you more than 100 of the world’s top medical minds and the latest research, inspiring comeback stories, and incredible advancements in precision medicine that you can apply today to help extend the length and quality of your life.
   
This book is the result of Robbins’s life-changing journey. After being told his health challenges were irreversible, he experienced firsthand how new regenerative technology not only helped him heal but also strengthened him.
   
“Life Force” will show you how to wake up daily with increased energy, a bulletproof immune system, and the know-how to help turn back your biological clock. This book is for everyone, from peak-performance athletes to the average person who wants to increase their energy and strength to those looking for healing. “Life Force” provides answers that can transform and even save your life or that of someone you love.
 
YOU CAN LIVE LONGER!
   
Written in Tony’s style, the book is easy to read. With his first word, he again assured us that you must know about your body and how to live better. I highly recommend you get this book as soon as possible. Search the internet to find the best place to buy a copy.
   
What do you have to do before you are too old or dead?
=====
HERE IS A STORY FOR YOU >>
Death asked me to join him for dinner, so I slipped into my favorite black dress, which I had been saving for a special occasion, and let him walk me to our candlelit tryst. He ordered an extra-rare ribeye. I ordered two desserts and red wine, and then I sipped and wondered why he looked so familiar and smelled like earth and memory.
   
He felt like a place both far away and deep within my body. A place that whispers to me on the crisp autumn breeze along the liminal edges of dusk and dawn, somewhere between dancing and stillness. He looked at me with the endless night sky in his eyes and asked.
 
‘Did you live your life, my love?’ As I swirled my wine in its glass, I wondered If I understood the thread I wove into the more extraordinary fabric,
   
Suppose I loved deeply and freely if I let pain and grief carve me into something more grateful. If I made enough space to be in awe that flowers exist and take the time to watch the honeybees drink their sweet nectar.
   
I wondered what the riddles of regret and longing had taught me and if I realized just how beautiful and insignificant and monstrous and small we are for the brief moment that we are here before we all melt back down into ancestors of the land.
   
Death watched me lick buttercream from my fingers as he leaned in close and said, ‘My darling, it’s time.’ So I slipped my hand into his as he slowly walked me home. I took a deep breath as he leaned in close for the long kiss goodnight, and I felt a soft laugh leave my lips as his mouth met mine because I never could resist a man with the lust for my soul in his eyes and a kiss that made my heart stop.
~ Gina Puorro
======
Thinking about death can be a good thing. An awareness of mortality can improve physical health and help us re-prioritize our goals and values, according to a new analysis of recent scientific studies.
 
Some people have a short burst of mental or physical energy in the hours or days before they die. This final energy surge may include unexpected, clear thinking or speaking. This is called “terminal lucidity.” An end-of-life energy surge can provide a chance to have meaningful conversations.
   
Your self-esteem highly manipulates mortality salience. People with low self-esteem are more apt to experience the effects of mortality salience. In contrast, people with high self-esteem are better able to cope with the idea that their death is uncontrollable.
   
The fear of death is quite common, and most people feel that dying is scary to varying degrees. To what extent this fear occurs and what it pertains to differs explicitly from one person to another. Some fear is healthy because it makes us more cautious, but people may also have an unhealthy fear of dying.
   
I am OK with death and dying.
I will miss you, though.
   
It’s so important to accept death because, first of all, while eternality sounds attractive, being cognizant that life is fleeting reminds everyone that our time here is limited. And it is the limit of something that we zero in on the most important and reject what’s just frivolous and inconsequential.
   
Your death is imminent >>
1) Accept that death is a natural process.
2) Be grateful for your experiences and live in the present.
3) Make the time you have left the best you can.
4) Focus on making the most of your life until the end.
5) Make plans for your passing.
     
The minimum number of deaths today,
worldwide, on July 20, 2024–133,175
The minimum number of births today,
worldwide, on July 20, 2024–294,655
There is more life than death in the world–I like that!
   
Here are some horrific facts I found >>
The leading causes of death in 2022:
Heart disease: 702,880
Cancer: 608,371
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 227,039
COVID: 186,552
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 165,393
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 147,382
Alzheimer’s disease: 120,122
Diabetes: 101,209
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 57,937
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis: 54,803
   
Take better care of yourself!
You can beat it; death will resist you.
What will your legacy be?
How can you add to the life of future humans?
   
Married men and married women live, on average, two years longer than their unmarried friends. One reason for this longevity benefit is the influence of marital partners on healthy behaviors. Study after study shows that married people eat better and are less likely to smoke and drink excessively. I’m glad you’re there, Beth.
 
This week, Bob Newhart died. He was such a comedy legend. He will be missed. On his show, Peter Scolari appeared. Peter died, too, not too long ago, from Cancer. Back in the 1980s, as a skilled juggler, Peter worked toward making a TV movie of my story. At that time, studios were not buying stories like mine.
   
Once again–NOTHING MATTERS!–Find Joy!
     
We are all on our way out.
But who will get there first? 

BE THE LEADER THAT YOU ARE!
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
     
People living deeply have no fear of death.
—ANAIS NIN
   
“To live in hearts, we leave behind is not to die.”
—THOMAS CAMPBELL
   
“No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.”
—TERRY PRATCHETT
   
As I have written before, you MUST never forget this
Say this to yourself often >>
“If someone else can do it, so can I! I just have to find a way.”
 
“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”
—JOHN STEINBECK
   
“The boundaries between life and death are, at best, shadowy and vague. Who shall say where one ends and where the other begins?”
—EDGAR ALLAN POE
     
“Life is a song—sing it.
Life is a game—play it.
Life is a challenge—meet it.
Life is a dream—realize it.
Life is a sacrifice—offer it.
Life is love—enjoy it.”
—SAI BABA
   
“Life is for the living.
Death is for the dead.
Let life be like music.
And death a note unsaid.”
—LANGSTON HUGHES
   
“How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?”
—CARSON MCCULLERS
   
“A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again.”
—MAYA ANGELOU
   
“Ultimately,
it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.”
—ABRAHAM LINCOLN
   
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.”
—THUCYDIDES
   
“Lives are like rivers:
Eventually, they go where they must.
Not where we want them to be.”
—RICHARD RUSSO

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
7/20–One of the things I did
today, I mowed the lawn.
I know, I know, big deal.
And what did you do on this day?
   
7/21–I set up another 100-gallon rainwater saver for the back of the house. It was difficult to set up because I wanted it high. Things came together, and rain will be dropping later. I will let you know. This week, we expect many more showers suitable for the plants, which are growing well. 

Yes, Beth and I live a simple life; all we need is right here. I wrote before about making your home a castle, which we are doing. Look over the inside and outside of your home. What can you do or add to make it even more spectacular?
 
It does not have to be expensive to make these changes. Look at garage sales and second-hand stores. There are ways to change what you obtain to make it better for where you live. You can even ask friends if they might have what you need and get it from them.
   
We have bird feeders and hummingbird feeders out of several windows of our house. We often see birds, so it’s a great way to see nature. Beth just got a new feeder with suction cups so it can stick on the outside of the window. (Thank you, David Sheffield, for all your great ideas, which have my wife ordering new items almost weekly!)
   
This is where you spend most of your time; it should be fabulous. Study TV programs and see what you like on the home set. Find a way to buy or make what you like. I am all for making things myself; we end up with what we want. Design the interior of your home; this is where you spend most of your time.
   
People save up gobs of money to stay in a nice hotel in the woods. Why do they not make their own homes as lavish as any hotel? You have that choice; take the time to redesign your home into magnificence! I would rather stay at our home than any hotel on earth.
   
Along with your home, you often spend a lot of time at your job, yes? What can you change there to make it more special for you? I frequently see people move into a career and make no changes to make it more personal for them. Make changes! Make it better! My wife told me she kept fish and plants on her desk and a candy supply on her desk for everyone.
   
How about your vehicle? What changes and improvements can you make to create a better time on your wheels? Don’t just have a machine to transport you around. You can make changes and improvements to make the drive better. Beth has seat covers and a steering wheel cover that she found cheap online. Also, a colorful handkerchief was wrapped around her mirror. Do you need to clean your vehicle thoroughly? It’s time to get going with this project.
   
Do you remember your favorite restaurant? With the internet, it is easy to replicate a great meal. You could have your favorite meal with your family at home, and you could even design the room like a fabulous restaurant. Send me photos of your great home restaurant. I make a terrific stir-fried rice dish, homemade pizza, and Mexican food. Beth prefers my cooking to eating out, which makes me happy.
   
Details, details, details. Where our lawn meets the road, grass grows onto it. I made a line and pulled weeds on the road. It looks much nicer now.
 
As I’ve written before, if you take care of all the small details of your life, you can have an amazing life. I’m talking about ALL the small details. Make them excellent, and you will find delight. Start doing this, and you will see improvements in your life right away.
 
7/22–My shoulder has been hurting a lot. I went to one doctor and was prescribed Methylprednisolone for the pain, which did help. Today, I am going to a specialist in Greenwood to find out what is really wrong. I will let you know.
 
This doctor did x-rays and found nothing. They even looked for arthritis but could not find it anywhere. So, once again, seeing a doctor could have been a better use of money and time. Go if you must, but you may not need to see a medical doctor and can take care of it yourself.
   
You can often find the information you need on the Internet. Be sure to check out what online information is available to help you.
   
7/23–The cost of gasoline has grown so much. I am pleased that, where Beth and I live, we are self-contained and do not need to go out very often.
 
7/24 to 7/26–I’m sorry I did not keep a record of these days. I will be more careful. And, what did you do last Sunday? 
   

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

      
****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it. 

This week, I pulled out the Amaranth; it was about done. We did not consume this plant this year, but we will next year. You can eat the leaves and use the seeds to make flour. I mainly wanted to grow it because it is such a beautiful plant.
   
Much rain is coming this week; that’s a good thing.
   
I pulled all the green bean plants up. Neither Beth nor I liked them that much, anyway. I planted Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Beth’s favorite. It is late in the season, but I will let you know after they appear.
   
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
 
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Next week, record your life daily, as I do for this blog. You will see how difficult it can be. 

Have you planned your time until you are dead?
Very important, you must.
Start this week.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
A leader–you–YES!
Next week, you will learn about leadership. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 281—Do You Lead the Way?
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG

You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!
     

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire.
     

YOU ALREADY KNOW

You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you. 
     

MY EXPERIENCES

Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.
     

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

Don’t forget–you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN! 

Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
        

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Do You Lead the Way?
   
My father died when I was only six years of age. Growing up without a father, I had to be a leader to get through. Without Dad, I had to find my way.
   
DO SOMETHING!–BECOME A LEADER!
     
Humans have evolved to be a very social species. Evolutionarily, we are better off acting and moving together as a group, whether keeping the peace, teaching or protecting ourselves from threats. Our social groups, through computers and otherwise, have always benefited from coordination and collective action, which is easier to achieve with the presence of a strong leader like you.
   
You may wonder, what makes a leader?
Just a few qualities>> 

• Innovation and creativity. 
• Employee motivation. 
• Relationship building. 
• Agility and adaptability. 
• Decision-making. 
• Conflict management. 
• Negotiation. 
• Critical Thinking. 
• Integrity: Honesty and reliability, with clear principles and beliefs you follow. It is essential for building trust and credibility.
• Empathy: Understanding how others think and feel, seeing things from their point of view, and imagining yourself in their place.
• Communication: Being able to articulate effectively.
• Vision: Expressing your dreams. 
• Accountability: Staying open to others.

Great leaders have emerged throughout history, from Donald Trump to Mahatma Gandhi to George Washington, Queen Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela. Regardless of when they lived, they often shared similar characteristics: resilience, confidence, and the ability to communicate their vision. 
         
You, too, can become a leader! Many of history’s famous world leaders were great people who inspired and helped others, like you do. But that’s not always the case. Any list of famous world leaders can include some controversial and even legendary figures.
   
Still, everyone needs to learn more about these people to understand history and our modern world. This list is by no means complete, but it covers a wide range of well-known world leaders from around the globe. Being a leader is not “controlling ” others; it is working together under the main leading person.
   
Consider an online business management course if you’re a good manager who wants to become an excellent manager but fears you don’t have the time to invest in a college degree program. Accredited online colleges and universities are designed for busy professionals (like you), enabling you to pursue management degree programs while balancing work and family commitments.
   
Making decisions, mainly under pressure, is an important skill to master.
   
HERE ARE SOME COMMON TRAITS THAT A LEADER POSSESSES >>

1—Leaders communicate clearly. Managing another person or a group, especially in the workplace, starts with good communication. Whether writing an e-mail or providing face-to-face feedback. Good leaders say what they mean and mean what they say (and they are not usually mean.) Yet, they’re not passive-aggressive or shy away from addressing challenges directly.
   
2—Leaders are passionate about their work. Many good leaders love what they do and are unafraid to show it. Of course, you can still be a good leader even if your professional and personal interests aren’t a perfect match. Think about what you enjoy most in your work and develop your enthusiasm around that—you may even find that you’re managing yourself into greater workplace satisfaction.
   
3—Leaders don’t care about being famous. If their first concern is whether everyone likes them, you may be less effective. Whether it’s giving harsh criticism or pointing out a practice you believe is unethical, learning how to be a good leader means getting comfortable doing or saying things that are best for your team and your organization, even if they make you temporarily unpopular.
     
4—People running things keep their minds open. Another characteristic of a good leader is remaining receptive to new ideas; your ideas. Instead of resisting change, good leaders are flexible and highly adaptable. They’re approachable, and they welcome opinions different from their own.
   
5—Leaders work for “their” employees. Managers may answer to higher-ups, but good leaders know their real mission is to ensure their employees have the resources to do their jobs as efficiently and effectively as possible, growing the business more and more.
   
6—Leaders are cheerful and encouraging.
Good leaders are uplifting.
Good leaders praise employees for a job well done and take time to coach and train if performance lapses. They encourage their employees to be their very best, as they are, bringing out the best in them in good times and bad.
   
7—These leaders respect others. From direct reports to clients and their higher-ups, good leaders treat others as they want to be treated. Those they lead often follow suit, creating stronger morale throughout the workplace and, therefore, helping the organization grow.
   
8—Leaders build relationships. Forming productive connections is a vital quality of a good leader. Others don’t threaten strong managers. Instead of guarding their territory, they constantly change and build bridges with others.
   
9—The leader leads by example. The best managers know that setting the right example is essential to being a good leader. From putting in extra hours on a significant project to treating others with respect and kindness, good leaders show they’re ready and willing to do anything they ask of their employees.
   
10—Leaders never stop learning. Perhaps the most essential characteristic of good leaders is continuous learning. They prioritize their education through formal learning, such as building skills through management degree programs or attending other departments and roles daily. A good leader always wants to know more.
   
Strong leadership is increasingly about empathy, integrity, and accountability. It’s also about empowering those who look to you so that they will be ready to lead one day. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “To lead people, walk behind them.” Leaders help others to become leaders. 

BE THE LEADER THAT YOU ARE!
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
     
“Show them the way!”
Kit Summers
   
“A leader … is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, at this point, the others follow, not realizing that they are being directed from behind all along.”
Nelson Mandela
   
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
Dolly Parton
   
“The very essence of leadership is that you have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.”
Reverend Theodore Hesburgh
   
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader.
A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
   
“The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, whether in a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower
   
“A leader takes people where they want to go.
A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.”
Rosalynn Carter
   
Ultimately, a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
Martin Luther King Jr.
   
“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character.
But if you must be without one, be without strategy.”
Norman Schwarzkopf
 
“Leadership is about empathy.
It is about relating to and connecting with people to inspire and empower their lives.” 
Oprah Winfrey
   
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind but not weak; be bold but not bully; be thoughtful but not lazy; be humble but not timid; be proud but not arrogant; have humor but without folly.”
Jim Rohn
   
“The most excellent leader is someone other than the one who does the most extraordinary things. He is the one who gets the people to do the most remarkable things.”
Ronald Reagan
 
“Leadership is solving problems.
The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is when you stop leading them.
They either lose confidence that you can help or conclude that you do not care.
Either case is a failure of leadership.”
Colin Powell
   
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself.
When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
Jack Welch
   
“Fight for what you care about.
And do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
   
“The art of leadership is saying no, not yes.
It’s straightforward to say yes.”
Tony Blair
 
“To be a good leader, you must be a great listener …
No one has a monopoly on good ideas or good advice.”
Richard Branson
   
“The ability to learn is a leader’s most important quality.”
Sheryl Sandberg
   
“The secret of leadership is simple:
Do what you believe in.
Paint a picture of the future.
Go there.
People will follow.”
Seth Godin

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
7/13–My last blog was about water and how beneficial it is to drink a lot. Yet, we are having bad water in the area—YIKES. An announcement came out that suggested boiling water first before drinking. We are still deciding whether to shower or wash clothes in the faucet water.
 
Over our time together, Beth and I have saved up many water containers. With the current world changes, less available water could become more common. Are you saving water? If not, I highly suggest you start doing so.
 
A good thing is that I set up the rainwater collectors to save water. We currently have about 200 (of over about 1,000) gallons available. We should have enough on reserve for any emergency.
   
Have you set up your rainwater collection system? As areas worldwide are going bad, acquiring one would be fantastic. Contact me, and I will show you how to set one up kitsummers@gmail.com

HERE IS THE RAIN BARREL *
Amazon.com : VINGLI 100 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel, Portable Water Storage Tank, Rainwater Collection System Downspout, Water Catcher Container with Filter Spigot Overflow Kit

We also have a water filtering system that allows you to drink rainwater. Mainly we currently use the rainwater to water the plants and clean.
   
At about 3 p.m., we discovered the water ban had been lifted. Boy, and I’m not even thirsty. Beth has already put a load of laundry in. As the water clears more and more, we will start drinking it again. How can you ever know if you have bad water coming in?
   
7/14–I’m out watering the plants first thing this morning. As I’ve written before, it is best to water in the early morning before the sun is entirely out to dry out all the water. Water deep to reach the roots; it is worth the extra time.
   
It’s a warm day today, near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I wish Americans had converted to the metric system when Jimmy Carter was president. He tried to implement it, but Americans do not like change and do not want this change. The metric system is such a superior way of measuring.
 
We have a new bunny! This bunny is from a male and female rabbit, from rabbits we had in the past. So it’s a member of the family already—an adorable white bunny.
 
7/15–Didn’t sleep much last night, as usual. Amanda from Reading Glass Books recently contacted me about reviewing my book, Accident. She puts together reviews of books for the New York Times newspaper book review. This publication goes out to over twelve million subscribers. This could result in hundreds of thousands of books sold!
   
And there is a possibility of getting my story made into a movie!
   
Do you have a copy of my book Accident yet? A book is attached to the email notification you were sent. If you are reading this through FaceBook, send me an email, and I will send you a book attached >>
kitsummers@gmail.com
   
7/16–I Woke up at about 1am, and my mind turned on. I have to get up and get things going–I am so excited about the prospects in front of me. There are various people I have to write to about the publishing of “Accident.”
   
We just picked up another giant birdcage. This will hold a few birds while we move the other birdcage to a new home. Do you have any birds?
   
7/17–The crack of dawn is still many hours away–yes, up early I am–again
It’s impressive, Beth is reading a lot, I can’t keep up.
   
So hot out! We brought Amelie (the Flemish Giant)  in because of the heat. We kept her in the bathroom.

A Lot of rain is coming down right now, which is great for the garden, of course. I’ve not had to add more water from the hose for a few days, so that’s good.

    
My friend Daniel Powell and I found this abandoned house in Wyoming.
He sent me the photo today. 

7/18—As usual, I’m awakening early. I’ve pulled up a lot of grass that was out of place. Then, I ran the mower over all the grass and cleaned it up. Remember, which I did, that grass clippings make a fabulous mulch. 
   
Then, after I mowed, a heavy rain came in—so good for the plants and puts a smile on my face.
        
7/19–As I look outside this morning I see everything is wet from raindrops. Rain cleans everything up and helps with my growing plants.

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

 ****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.

This week, I pulled out the Amaranth; it was about done. We did not consume this plant this year, but we will next year. You can eat the leaves and use the seeds to make flour. I mainly wanted to grow it because it is such a beautiful plant.

I pulled all the green bean plants up. Neither Beth nor I liked them that much, anyway. I planted Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Beth’s favorite. It is late in the season, but I will let you know after they appear.
   
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
   
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
As Beth and I have had to do, we could not use faucet water because the water was contaminated. Your challenge: Spend one day (or more) this week using only saved rainwater and/or bottled water, and that is all. This is for drinking and any use of the faucet, such as a shower. Can you do it? — Let me know.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Death, something that you can look forward to?
This subject I have covered before.
It has been on my mind, so here we go again. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 280—Water, Water Everywhere
Don’t sleepwalk through life.   
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!         

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!     

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire.

YOU ALREADY KNOW
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.

MY EXPERIENCES
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.
     

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget–you are only as young
as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Water, Water Everywhere
      
LIFE
Water is life. “EVERY” living thing requires water to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy. The human body is made up of nearly two-thirds water. Water helps the body perform all its functions, such as breathing, growing, digesting food, juggling, and moving.
   
DRINK UP!    
Drinking water is like washing out your insides. It cleanses the system, fills you up, decreases your caloric load, and improves the function of all your tissues. Drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

A DRINKING PROBLEM?
YES, I have a drinking problem. Sometimes, I miss my mouth, and the water dribbles down my shirt. There are other kinds of drinking problems; I hope you don’t have the bad kind.
   
WATER INTAKE
Drinking water daily is crucial and becomes even more critical as you age. Adults over 60, for example, are at increased risk of dehydration due to natural drops in thirst and body composition changes. While everyone’s hydration requirements differ depending on their health factors, they recommend consuming about 50-68 ounces (6 to 9 cups) of water daily.
   

These are Multnomah Falls near Portland, Oregon.
Yes, I have been there a couple of times.

DIET COKE?
When I was in my twenties, I drank two or three cans of Diet Coke each day. I read up on it and discovered that this drink was awful for me. Since then, no drop of soda has ever gone down my throat. Find out what is bad for you and stay away from it. I hope you also resist the draw of sugary drinks like soda.
 
TWO BIG CUPS!
No more Diet Coke; I drink two big cups of green tea daily, sweetened with a little pure maple syrup. This is healthy for me and provides the hydration I need. Nutritionists found that green tea rehydrates, as water does, and it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers. Tea leaves are a rich source of flavonoids, a class of naturally occurring plant mixes that function as antioxidants.
 
GREEN TEA?
Green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds. Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases–including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Drinking three to five cups of green tea daily will help with health benefits.
   
FAST? (how quick?)
I did not eat for a week, a few times, and only drank green tea. This cleared me out, and I felt great. Have you ever fasted (not eaten) for a length of time? Try it for a few days or a week, and it will change your thoughts about eating.
   
I NEED WATER!
Dehydration can occur when we must remember to drink the recommended amount of liquid daily. It occurs when our body loses more water than it takes in. Variations in the balance of electrolytes in the body, especially alterations in sodium and potassium concentrations, can accompany dehydration, which is something you don’t want.
 
DRINKING FROM A LAKE
In the old days, when things were cleaner, I loved to drink water from a flowing creek or stream. Somehow, it tastes better, natural and all. Something strange started when I was at Crater Lake in Oregon. With the clean water, I liked to dive down about six feet and drink some water. I’ve only been able to do this in a couple of other lakes that were clean enough.
   
YOU ARE WATER!
Did you know your blood is mainly composed of water? When you don’t drink enough,  your body knows, and it becomes concentrated, which can cause an imbalance of vital minerals that are key to the correct functioning of your heart. Controlling heart rate and blood pressure is essential because your circulatory system constantly supplies oxygen and nutrients to your body’s organs.
   
ANYTIME
Whether you are a juggler, competitive athlete, or office worker, achieving the proper fluid balance has a decisive influence on your well-being and daily performance. Dehydration can slow circulation and affect the oxygen flow to the brain. The body uses water to eliminate toxins and waste products that are not needed.
   
DRINK OFTEN
Drink often for your health. Lack of fluid intake can make your heart work harder to pump oxygen throughout your body. All that expended energy can make you feel tired, sluggish, and less focused. Along with green tea, I drink lite beer or wine.
   
DEHYDRATE?
In addition, when approaching a state of dehydration, the body decreases muscle performance, which causes tiredness. Drinking water is essential for your body to function properly all day and throughout all your activities.
 
SWEAT?
When your temperature is too high and environmental conditions don’t help to reduce body heat, you sweat, and evaporation regulates your body temperature. The sweat that evaporates has a cooling effect on our bodies. Drinking plenty of water will help you produce sweat when needed, which will cool your body when required.
 
PROBLEMS?
Your body needs water to digest food properly. If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, you may experience irregular bowel movements, gas, bloating, heartburn, and other discomforts that can affect your quality of life. Drinking after a meal helps the body break down and process food so that you can absorb nutrients.
   
CLEANS YOU OUT
Drinking adequate amounts of water daily can help dilute the concentration of minerals and reduce the likelihood of stones. Water also helps flush harmful bacteria from the bladder while preventing urinary tract infections.
     
SO—DRINK UP!—IT’S GOOD FOR YOU

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
 
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
1–“Water is the driving force of all nature.”
— Leonardo da Vinci
   
2–“Water can flow,
      or it can crash.
      Be water, my friend.”
— Bruce Lee
   
3–“Water is life, and clean water means health.”
—Audrey Hepburn
   
4–“Empty your mind,
      be formless,
      shapeless – like water.”
— Bruce Lee
 
5–“The body is purified by water.
      Ego by tears.
      Intellect is purified by knowledge.
      And the soul is purified with love.”
— Ali ibn Abi Talib
   
6–“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.”
— Bruce Lee
   
7–“If there is Magic on this planet,
      it is contained in water.”
— Loren Eiseley
   
8–“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”
— Lao Tzu
   
9–“Love, like a river, will cut a new path whenever it meets an obstacle.”
— Crystal Middlemas
   
10–“If cloudy water settles, it will become clear.
If you let your upset mind settle,
your course will also become clear.”
— Buddha
   
11-“Writing is magic,
as much the water of life as any other creative art.
The water is free.
So drink.
Drink and be filled up.”
— Stephen King
 
12–“The idea is that flowing water never goes stale, so just keep on flowing.”
— Bruce Lee
   
13–“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love. There is a spring in the depths with all the water your heart is thirsty for.”
— Rumi
   
14–“In the abundance of water – the fool is thirsty.”
Bob Marley
   
15–“It doesn’t matter if the glass is half-empty or half-full.
All that matters is that you are the one pouring the water.”
— Mark Cuban

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
7/6–This week, I will start limiting my food intake. I am drinking a lot of green tea. You must think about every bite you take, everything that will pass your lips. This is important for a better life.
   
7/7–I went to Tires Plus to have an alignment check. I had paid for a lifetime alignment for my van. They found over one thousand dollars in repairs they say are needed.
   
When I returned home, I could not find my computer—yikes! I called and left it at Tires Plus. I seldom make mistakes like this; I must be more careful.
   
As you will read below, on 7/11, I completed all the work on my van for under a hundred bucks.
   
Today, my friend Phyllis sent the following words about my last blog. NICE WORDS!
Author: Phyllis Lynch
https://www.zillow.com/profile/PhyllisLynch

“This was an AMAZING blog!!! Loved EVERYTHIIINNNNGGG about it!! TIME is a thief, and although I work most of my waking hours, I have learned to enjoy my family to the nth degree every chance I get and make HUGE attempts (or which I usually do succeed) to spend time together OFTEN. So glad that you and Beth connected!! I love the simplicity you have found in life and your love for nature, animals, home-grown veggies, etc.  Thanks for this blog! I love to save and read them when I have a nice clear brain so I can digest every word. Thanks, my friend, for the positive inspiration you always share!!! Have a wonderful week!”
     
7/8–Hmm, now what did I do on this Tuesday?
Better yet, what did you do on this day?
   
7/9–Today, I received these words via email about my book, Your Brain >>
“We are pleased to inform you that your book is one of the 53 titles that passed the in-house screening process of Writers’ Branding. We shall strive to play a special role in encouraging the free exchange of ideas and developing an economically vibrant approach to making yourself known as the potential of the next best-selling author.”

So great to receive these words. They have over ten million readers, so my books should take off! How exciting is that?
   
7/10–I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
This is a recipe I came up with some time ago.
Make some; you will love the taste.
A few of the ingredients have been tweaked a bit.

Chocolate chip cookies
Three sticks butter
One and 1/2 cups sugar
One and 1/2 cups brown sugar
Two tablespoons Kahlua
One tablespoons vanilla
Four eggs
6 cups flour
Two teaspoons of baking soda
One teaspoon salt
325 for 15 minutes
Please let me know how they turn out.
 
7/11–Attention to van day! I had an 8 a.m. appointment at Walmart for an oil change (they have the best price), so I went off. Recently, I learned at Tires Plus that I needed front brakes. So, next was El Amigo Tires for new front brakes. The cost for the brakes and installation was about a hundred bucks, a fantastic price to keep me on the road. 

How fabulous for a great price on front brakes. Yes, I will be rolling right. I have new brakes and an oil change. I feel fantastic about my van. Within a month or so, I will be off to see my daughters, Jasmine and April, near Lititz, PA. Do you live anywhere between SC and East PA? Let me know. I would love to stop by and visit you.
   
7/12–Finishing the lawn mowing was first. Although you know that I would prefer to have no lawn and just grow edible vegetables, I do put the grass clippings on each compost pile to hold water and eventually turn them into compost.
   
A Mexican luch, again. I could eat that for every meal, and it turned out great. Then, there is always the cleaning up of the kitchen, which is an ongoing project. We do keep a nice house, I must say.
   
Today, I made a batch of my Summers’ Salsa. It turned out as good as usual.
Have you made some yet?
You must!
Here is the recipe >>
How to make Summers’ Salsa:
Use 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)
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
Organic Maple Syrup–two spoons
One or more jalapeno peppers (depending on the heat level you desire)

Use a food processor to chop up 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 that they are about the same size as the tomatoes.  Drain the can of peaches and put them into the food processor. Chop the same size as the tomatoes and add to the bowl. Drain the cans of corn and beans, and 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 Maple Syrup.  In the food processor, chop one or more Jalapeno peppers into very tiny bits and then add them.  Mix all of these ingredients together well and enjoy your fresh salsa.

For a spicy salsa, leave out the honey and peaches, add more jalapeno, and add habanero peppers for the desired heat.   

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

 ****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.

My garden needs more tending to.
This week, I will have to focus on the garden.
And how is your garden growing?
   
There was some good rain this week, and my plants welcomed that. Because I built the above-ground gardens, we do not have many weeds growing because they cannot reach the level of the dirt. Have you ever built any gardens like I have?
     
People often say I have a Green Thumb.
Yes, I do gardening, and I am good at that.
     
The heat has come down on us, and the plants are withering, which is sad to see. I water thoroughly each morning so I know they get enough H2O. Hmm, do I have a green thumb?
   
Yet, no need to rush me, your green-thumbed friend, to the doctor — the expression simply means that I am excellent at growing plants. The term was first recorded in the Ironwood Daily Globe as “horticultural slang” in 1937.
     
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
   
Things are starting to mature and become edible. We are enjoying lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, and tomatoes. The red vegetable will be a bumper crop (whoever thought of the word bumper to mean many, hmm.) Did you know? Tomatoes are botanically defined as fruits because they form from a flower and contain seeds. Still, they’re most often utilized in cooking as vegetables.
 
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Keep track of how much liquid (water) you drink this week.
Mark is down.
Are you getting enough?
Can you get too much? 

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES! 

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Are you a leader?
Or a follower?
In the next blog, you will learn the benefits of being the leader that you are. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 279—The Flow of Time
Don’t sleepwalk through life.   
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!         

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG

You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!
    

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire.
     

YOU ALREADY KNOW

You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you. 
     

MY EXPERIENCES

Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.
     

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

Don’t forget–you are only as young
as the last time you changed your mind!
      

HAVE FUN! 

Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
        

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — WHAT TIME IS IT, ANYWAY?  
Time Management–HA!
You cannot manage time.
   
Because I went through my accident and 37-day coma, I lost much time. And, having to relearn everything, that took even more time. You cannot replace time; you can never get it back once it is past. I knew I had to become more efficient with how I spent my time and limit wasting the time I have left. 

WE CAN ALL FIND WAYS OF BECOMING MORE EFFICIENT! 

Being a professional juggler, I have found flow essential for life. Understanding and managing time is usually vital for both personal and professional success. Regardless of your profession, learning about how people perceive time and the value of using it correctly can help improve our efficiency.
   
Improving your time management skills can significantly impact your work quality and job satisfaction. Plan out your daily routine the night before and do this every day. As things change and grow, you will live a great life.
     
Reading and processing this blog can help you realize that time is finite, and you will improve your time management. Doing so will improve your focus, reduce anxiety, and give you more time to spend on the things you enjoy. Life is short; you must do what brings you the most fulfillment.
   
Efficient often describes what can produce desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy. While the word can be applied to people and things, it is far more commonly used to systems, machines, processes, and organizations.

DO YOU WISH YOU HAD MORE TIME IN YOUR DAY?
COULD YOU USE AN EXTRA HAND?
HOW ABOUT AN EXTRA BRAIN? 

If your work-life balance is out of control, and you are doing everything possible to fulfill every need. Sometimes, a minor task consumes you, eating away at the time you need to spend on activities that generate family time away from the chaos of the workplace. Pick and choose how you spend time.
   
Identify the most crucial task on your list to execute. Start the task immediately — don’t procrastinate. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and keep focused. Concentrate on completion rather than perfection.
 
THE FOLLOWING IDEAS CAN HELP
HOW MANY OF THESE WILL YOU ACCOMPLISH? >>
Identify your goals and desires.
Organize your work into smaller chunks.
Assign deadlines to each task.
Attempt to wake up a little earlier each day.
You can start a cleaning routine.
Set personal/work boundaries.
Start and end the day on a good note.
Only some days go as planned.
Keep track of your time.
Amp up your downtime.
Dedicate a distraction-free zone.
Do one thing at a time.
Learn from the best (and the worst).
Avoid unnecessary meetings.
Hire someone to do it for you.
Finish what’s almost done.
Track How Much Time You’re Spending.
Schedule Your Time Appropriately.
Start Delegating More Work.
Avoid Multitasking.
Plan for Your Day.
Make simple decisions once and make them fast.
Use your commute wisely.
Do your critical tasks before everyone else’s.
Turn off your notifications.
Set an agenda for your meetings.
Embrace and leverage technology.
Learn how to say no.
Outsource where it makes sense to.
Keep a planner.
Set a timer.
Schedule your hours.
Set short-term and long-term goals.
Use your energy wisely.
Focus on the most important tasks first.
Cultivate deep work.
Keep a distraction list to stay focused.
Break tasks into smaller pieces.
Take breaks.
Make fewer decisions.
Eliminate inefficient communication.
Find repeatable shortcuts.
Learn from successes as well as mistakes.
Plan for when things go wrong.
Work before you get motivated or inspired.
Sharpen the axe.
Manage your energy (not just time).
Get better at saying “no!”

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
   
“You MUST make time for what is important to you!” – Kit Summers

“For the Present is the point at which time touches eternity” – C.S. Lewis
 
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time” – Leo Tolstoy
   
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
   
“Life, if well lived, is long enough” – Seneca
   
“Time is money” – Benjamin Franklin
   
“Time waits for no one” – Unknown author
   
“Time is the wisest counselor of all” – Pericles
   
“Punctuality is the thief of time” – Oscar Wilde
   
“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it” – Stephen R. Covey
   
“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
 
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend” – Theophrastus
   
“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late” – William Shakespeare
   
“Never leave till tomorrow that which you can do today” – Benjamin Franklin
     
“For the Present is the point at which time touches eternity” – C.S. Lewis
   
A man who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life” – Charles Darwin
   
“Tough times never last.
But tough people do” – Robert H. Schuller
   
“Time is more valuable than money.
You can get more money. 
But you cannot get more time” – Jim Rohn
   
“I never think of the future.
It comes soon enough” – Albert Einstein
   
“Time and the hour run through the roughest day” – William Shakespeare
   
“The trouble is, you think you have time” – Jack Kornfield
   
“The common man is not concerned about the passage of time.
The man of talent is driven by it” – Arthur Schopenhauer
     
“They always say time changes things. 
But you actually have to change them yourself” – Andy Warhol
   
“One can find time for everything if one is never in a hurry” – Mikhail Bulgakov
   
“Prioritizing is an important aspect of productivity. Listed tasks should be things that matter: things that are in alignment with your objectives and do not distract you from what you really should be doing” – Romuald Andrade

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

YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.

6/29—Beth trusts me with her hair—can you believe it? Her hair gets long quickly. I cut it evenly, and it looks good. As you know, I cut my own hair with my hair clipper (or Beth does it for me.) We save a lot of money that would go to a hairstylist. We have style, so we do it ourselves.

6/30–I am up early and already working on the blog for this week. Beth and I worked on little things around the house. Beth is making a nice dinner for us using cucumbers and tomatoes that we grew. Eating homegrown food is always lovely; we have much to eat from our garden. Did you ever start your garden?

I built a new shelf for Beth’s bathroom nicknacks (and my one juggling ball).

7/1–We have a good amount of land here. This morning, I was clearing out some areas. We might eventually bring in a mini-trailer to put there. Someone could easily live on our land on their own. I would run water and electric lines out so they would have everything they need to live independently. Beth is hoping her daughter, Elissa,  will move here.
 
Some years ago, when I was thinking about building and living in a tiny house, my plan was to buy a home, put my tiny house somewhere on the land where I would live, and rent out the house out. The income from the house would pay the mortgage and some of my expenses. Also, I would live free while paying off the house. Can you use this idea?
   
7/2–It’s Nice to look out the window and see blue skies and bright sunshine. I just did my morning plant watering. It is best to water plants in the early morning. If you water it later, it can dry up from evaporation.
   
It’s a hot one out there today—yikes. The thermometer outside says it is 90. We keep the house’s high air conditioning temperature at 78, which is comfortable. The cost of maintaining the air conditioner is high, so we keep it at a higher temperature.
   
7/3–Right after awakening at about 3am, I went to the computer and saw an article entitled “Elderly Man Defends Against Young Carjacker In Florida, Stops Crime.” This guy was 66 years old. I am 65 now, and I never thought of myself as “elderly.” That’s scary. As I turn 66, will I suddenly become an elderly person?
 
With a clear sky and bright sun, I will improve the garden today. As I’ve written, you can always improve anything; just take the time to make it happen. Today, I will brew up some homemade fertilizer—two different kinds: one with dry yeast and sugar, one with Epson salt and baking soda. It is much cheaper to make your own.

I went to Gary’s Paradise Camp. We sat and talked briefly, Gary telling me what he wanted to do with the land, which would make it a money maker for him. I brought some lasagna that Beth made; a good meal was prepared for each of us.
   
7/4–Neither Beth nor I really care about this celebration day. Fireworks mean nothing to either of us, especially when watching on TV. The Fourth of July is a holiday, as you know. In the past, when Beth had many dogs, they hid from the sounds of fireworks. My dog, Spotty, did, too.  It was not a fun holiday.

Many people are glad they get this day off. If you are at a job where you are so excited about getting a day off, you are in the wrong job! I can’t wait to do the work when I work, no matter what. You must find a way to love your occupation.
   
When I work, I give it my all. I sometimes practiced my juggling for 12 hours a day to improve and be the best. In my recovery from both accidents, I let nothing hold me back. I drove forward, always aiming for the best.
   
At times, when I made my famous salsa ( summerssalsa.com), I was up at 3 in the morning making the brew, if needed. Now, my passion goes toward writing this blog. How am I doing? I do hope you have a great day today.
   
What is more important?
One day off?
Or the job you “should” love?
 
PASSION!      You must find and bring passion to your life. Whatever you have in your mind, you must burn to find a way to be THE BEST. Be in a job, career, sport, partner, or whatever you see in life–You must drive toward passion! Aim beyond excellence.
   
In fact, if you don’t love your current job, things have to change. If you want to stay in that field, you must study and learn as much about the career as possible. Become an expert about what you do. You will not only do better work and get a raise but also love your job.
     
Kit takes care of the garden, as Beth takes care of the animals. ? Yet, I do feed our pooch and the five cats every morning. At this point, Beth has 6 rabbits (I remember when there were over 30!) and 20 parakeet-type birds. She will keep a few of each and give or sell whoever is left. How about you? Do you want a rabbit or a bird?
   
For this special day, our friends Lee and Frank Haskins had us over for dinner, which was cooked on the grill. It was a very tasty meal with friends; I liked it.
   
7/5–HAPPY FIFTH OF JULY! Isn’t this a special day, too?
A lazy day at the Summers’ home. I prepared the stand for another rain barrel.
This, along with work on the garden.

Why lookie there, we have a new bunny >> This bunny’s name is Stella (be sure and say HI!)

Beth went to get more finches.

Beth and I talked about age. I still feel young and like I have much to do to help the world, but a guy can only do so much. I still plan on living past 100. It will be interesting, age-wise, to live through the 70s, then the 80s, then the 90s, and then the inevitable death

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

      
****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it. 

  
People often say I have a Green Thumb.
Yes, I do gardening, and I am good at that.
     
The heat has come down on us, and the plants are withering, which is sad to see. I water thoroughly each morning so I know they get enough H2O. Hmm, do I have a green thumb?
 
Yet, no need to rush me, your green-thumbed friend, to the doctor — the expression simply means that I am excellent at growing plants. The term was first recorded in the Ironwood Daily Globe as “horticultural slang” in 1937.
   
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
   
Things are starting to mature and become edible. We are enjoying lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, and tomatoes. The red vegetable will be a bumper crop (whoever thought of the word bumper to mean many, hmm.) Did you know? Tomatoes are botanically defined as fruits because they form from a flower and contain s

eeds. Still, they’re most often utilized in cooking as vegetables.
 

New Zucchini coming up

I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Think about your job or occupation and if it is right for you.
Do you continue to learn and grow as you go?
What things do you love to do?
How can you move into the job doing what you love?
Don’t forget, we only have this ONE life.
This is your life, and you must love it. 

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES! 

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Water, water everywhere.
I will write about our need for water for life.
You will read of my drinking problem.
You will learn about your liquid consumption. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 278—WRITE BETTER!
Don’t sleepwalk through life.   
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG

You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire

YOU ALREADY KNOW
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.

MY EXPERIENCES
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you

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

Don’t forget–you are only as young
as the last time you changed your mind!  

HAVE FUN!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK —WORDS AND WRITING
   
ADDING TO YOUR CAREER
Writing well is a form of effective communication, which many employers see as an essential job skill. Strong written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication is among the nine common employability talents employers seek in job candidates.
 
THE BENEFITS
Regardless of your role, good writing skills can help you translate your ideas into meaningful messages, allowing you to share your ideas, build relationships, and strengthen your professional image. Good communication skills will help you in all aspects of your life.
   
ENGLISH?
This is written mainly about speaking and writing in the English language. In the past, I wrote a blog entitled “Write Right.” This current blog will add to and advance the blog I wrote before. The English language has many nuances and techniques that make it a complex language to navigate. So write right–you have that rite!
   
DO YOU KNOW THE WORD “NEOPHYTE”?
Do you want to try an activity, sport, or hobby? Maybe you’re interested in taking a cooking class, learning to ski, driving, or juggling, but you’re worried about being seen as a ” neophyte .” If that’s the case, don’t worry! We’ve all been neophytes in different aspects of life, even when learning new words.
There is no end to the words you can learn in a lifetime!   THE KEY TO GREAT WRITING
Read as much as you can to learn about spelling and sentence structure. Find well-written books by famous authors and learn to write as you read. The more reading you do, the more advanced your writing can be.
   
GRAMMER OR GRAMMA?
Grammar and spelling form the basis of good writing. Writing with accurate grammar and spelling communicates your professionalism and attention to detail to your reader. It also makes your writing easier to understand. Knowing when and how to use less standard punctuation, like colons, semicolons, and em-dashes, can unlock new ways to structure sentences and elevate your writing. Your gramma knows about writing, remember?
 
GET YOUR POINT ACROSS
I have written various things all my life. Writing this blog has taught me much about writing and getting your point across. I hope my words have added to your life. Please let me know your thoughts on my writing and how I might improve my word choices and use.
   
EDITING–YES!
I was told early in my life that editing what you write is the most important for good writing. Good over what you write numerous times, you will be surprised at the number of changes you will make to your original script.
   
THE BEST WRITING
Writing is often a day-to-day task in many professions spanning diverse industries, from sending emails to preparing presentations. Writing skills go beyond grammar and spelling. Accuracy, clarity, persuasiveness, and several other elements ensure your writing conveys the right message.
   
GOOD WRITING SKILLS WILL INCLUDE: 
Grammar
Vocabulary
Spelling
Sentence construction
Structure
Research and accuracy
Clarity
Persuasiveness
   
THORNY?
With strange, age-old rules and numerous oddities to those rules, English grammar is just plain thorny. People ignore the more obscure decrees and focus on daily rules that make regular communication easier. Yet, when you’re writing to impress, it means you need to write with passion!
   
SAY THINGS LIKE THEY ARE
I write like I speak. Verbs and nouns mean nothing to me, and there are writing programs that help me get this correct. However, below are some ideas to help you with your writing. Remember, if you can communicate well, you can get anything you want out of life.
   
YOUR SKILL LEVEL
Writing skills include all the knowledge and abilities to convey yourself through the written word. They also include a sound experience of language through grammar, spelling, and punctuation. People with excellent writing skills can tailor their tone and word choice to different circumstances and people.
   
20%?
American English is the primary language I am writing about. About half of the world’s population speaks at least two languages, but the emphasis on learning multiple languages isn’t as prevalent in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, sadly, only 20% of Americans speak a second language.
Başka bir dil konuşmayı öğrenecek misin?
 
MASTER THE FIVE “C’s” OF GOOD WRITING
CLEAR: Make sure your purpose and intent are clear to the reader.
COMPLETE: Include all the necessary information.
CONCISE: Welcome only necessary and relevant information.
COURTEOUS: Could you address the reader politely?
CORRECT: Unscramble your wording each time.
     
START EARLY
Research supports the idea that there is a critical age period for maximum proficiency in learning a new language — the younger, the better. A language student who begins studying before the age of 10 has a chance of becoming as proficient as a native speaker, but learning after age 10 makes it nearly impossible to become that proficient.
   
OTHER LANGUAGES
I would love to learn to speak German or Russian, but taking the time is hard. Learning a new language at any age is still possible, but children have an advantage. Adults are explicit learners who are better at intentionally learning a new language through lessons. They also have longer attention spans and more literacy skills. To master the language, I would need to live in a foreign country.
           
AGE 10?
Those between the ages of 10 and 18 still have a higher retention rate than older learners, especially when learning new grammar. Researchers aren’t sure why retention rates drop so dramatically after age 18. Still, it could be due to cultural and social changes at this age (such as moving out of the family home) or biological reasons (changes in brain plasticity).
   
YOUR SECOND LANGUAGE?
Any second language with a different alphabet or sentence structure will be more challenging to master. Additionally, some languages are tonal (English is not), meaning that the pitch of a word conveys (and changes) its meaning, something English speakers need to be used to. This is the case in many Asian languages, including Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai.
   
ADVANCED WRITING
Advanced Writing focuses on the higher-level writing skills that college students may use in their fields of study and future careers. Its authors share their expertise using a personable writing style and engaging instructional design. I didn’t graduate from college. I write words that go together well, I think. What do you think?
   
IDEAS FOR YOUR FUTURE WRITINGS
Start a journal or a blog (I’ve done mine for some years.)
Join a class or writing workshop.
Practice free writing.
Write letters to friends or family or Kit.
Put together an opinion piece for your local newspaper or publication you like.
     
HERE ARE SOME STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING YOUR WRITINGS
Review grammar and spelling basics . . .
Grammar and spelling form the foundation of good writing . . .
Study what you want to write . . .
Proofread. . .
Get feedback . . .
Think about structure . . .
Write . . .
Poofread again . . .
Know some common fixes.
         
PLAYTIME!
The main thing is to learn to play with words, writing, and speaking. As your writing efforts increase, your command of communication will take off. Now, start using your writing skills to send me an email letting me know what you think of my writing.
kitsummers@gmail.com

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
 
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.

QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
 
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
1–“They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream by night.”
— Edgar Allan Poe
   
2–“The ability of writers to imagine what is not the self, to familiarize the strange and mystify the familiar, is the test of their power.”
— Toni Morrison
   
3–“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”
— William Wordsworth
   
4–“The writer is an explorer.
        Every step is an advance into a new land.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
   
5–“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking.
What I’m looking at.
What I see.
And what it means.
What I want and what I fear.”
— Joan Didion
 
6–“Any writer worth his salt writes to please himself…
It’s a self-exploratory operation that is endless.”
— Harper Lee
   
7–“If you have built castles in the air.
Your work need not be lost.
That is where they should be.
Now put foundations under them.”
— Henry David Thoreau
   
8–“Significant moments in everyone’s day can make literature. That’s what you ought to write about.”
— Raymond Carver
 
9–“You fail only if you stop writing.”
— Ray Bradbury
   
10–“If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.”
— Isaac Asimov
   
11–“I’ve written because it fulfilled me. Maybe it paid off the mortgage on the house and got the kids through college, but those things were on the side — I did it for the buzz. I did it for the pure joy of the thing. And if you can do it for joy, you can do it forever.”
— Stephen King
   
12–“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
— Toni Morrison
   
13–“We write to taste life twice,
in the moment and in retrospect.”
— Anaïs Nin
   
14–“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; (and) don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”
— Franz Kafka
   
15–“Just write every day of your life.
Read intensely.
Then, see what happens.
Most of my friends who are put on that diet have enjoyable careers.”
— Ray Bradbury
   
16–“How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.”
— Henry David Thoreau
   
17–“What is written without effort is, in general, read without pleasure.”
— Samuel Johnson
   
18–“90 percent perfect and shared with the world always changes more lives than 100 percent perfect and stuck in your head.”
— Jon Acuff
   
19–“You can’t fail if you don’t quit.
You can’t succeed if you don’t start.”
— Michael Hyatt
   
20– “Write something worth fighting over.
Because that’s how you change things.
That’s how you create art.” — Jeff Goins
   
21–“Inspiration may sometimes fail to show up for work in the morning, but determination never does.”
— K.M. Weiland
         
22–“Exercise the writing muscle daily, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, or a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”
— Jane Yolen

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day

6/22–After seeing the second video below, I wrote to Peter Davison,
Here is a video of Peter >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcHEqsMN_V0 

about this dancer, I saw >>
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auYSu5exnp8  

Peter wrote that he does some of those moves.
He also said he enjoys reading my blog, which is excellent.

My teeth are not hurting as much today. I hope my mouth heals right and I will have no more pain. Yet, that is age; you lose your hair, you lose your teeth, you lose your life. That is just how it is. I am comfortable with the end, the loss of life, but at 65 now, I think I will still wait a couple of decades until that endpoint—timing to reach at least 100.
 
I will keep going, but did you know that in 1800, life expectancy was no more than 40 years in any part of the world? This was somewhat due to high infant mortality rates, which remained at 25% until 1800. Diseases like typhoid and scarlet fever also impacted life expectancy in the 1800s and early 1900s.
     
6/23–We watched a movie today that Beth found called “Lucky.” It was about a 91-year-old man who doesn’t believe in any god. He was well known in the small town he was in. It bothered Beth that he was old and basically alone.
   
Using fresh-picked cucumbers, Beth made a salad with Cukes, our home-grown tomatoes (yes, they are ripening), red onions, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and spices.
   
6/24–Once again, last night, very little sleep.
I think clearly still, even with no sleep.
   
It’s a perfect sunny day for solar power. Yes, we are having solar power put on our house right now. Dave initially contacted us about solar energy. His presentation was excellent; he showed us how we currently pay about $150 monthly for electricity. Our monthly solar bill to cover the insulation cost is around $120, so we are already saving money. In the end, we get to keep the solar on the roof.

I was concerned that the solar would not last through the night. I thought we’d have to have a battery. In talking with Dave, I found out that extra power generated by our solar is sent to the power grid/electric company. Then, at night or in the winter, we can use that solar power we put into the grid. It works out perfectly for us and is suitable for you, too.
 
Here is Dave and Homestead Solar:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554005559497
952-484-0040
david.majzner@gmail.com 

It would help if you looked into solar energy, preferably through Dave or any solar company that can help. I think it’s great to have solar power at our house—it’s free electricity! Once again, you look into it for your home.
      
6/25–I woke up at about 1am and don’t know why sleep is so hard.
   
Terry, who lives next door, lost his dogs the other day, they are huge dogs and can’t be missed. We will help him find them by posting flyers and posting them on the Internet. Rex and Luke always come back when they get out, but it has been four days, and they haven’t returned.

Being so close to Beth
Adds so much to my life.
I remain happy.
   
6/26–I recently discovered my daughter’s business is off the ground and growing.
Check out her website >>
https://shoprevu.com/
And, here is about Jasmine >>
“Jasmine thrives when working at the intersection of product, people, and story. She began her career as a fashion designer in New York City but pivoted to marketing and communications after living and working abroad in Cambodia. In her international development work, she expanded programming alongside strategizing and repositioning in-country branding and communications for a nonprofit organization that operated a fashion incubator and workforce development center in the capital city of Cambodia. There, Jasmine witnessed the true impact that clear communication, proper branding, and innovative marketing can provide.”

“As the founder of her circular fashion brand, Revu, Jasmine possesses an entrepreneurial spirit and is excited to experiment with innovation in the occasionwear space. In her client work and business, Jasmine is solution-oriented, adaptable, and resilient—attributes that have taken her from corporate to nonprofit and into the agency world.”
 
This impresses me.
I am so proud and happy for my daughters.
Jasmine and April.
     
6/27–Starting with the garden, as soon as the sun had risen, I was off to the races with work around here. It will only be 90 degrees today, and Beth says it feels like such a relief! She despises the heat. We moved her older rabbit into the house in a spare cage. She wants to bring them all in. That is just not possible.

In the afternoon, I planted many seeds: new spinach, lettuce, green beans, broccoli, cucumber, cabbage, zucchini, and tomatoes. We have been pulling much from the garden, but new plants must grow. So, how does your garden grow?
   
6/28—The big debate took place last night. Rest instead, I didn’t watch it, but I knew videos featuring the highlights would be out today.

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

      
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THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it. 

People often say I have a Green Thumb.
Yes, I do gardening, and I am good at that.
     
The heat has come down on us, and the plants are withering, which is sad to see. I water thoroughly each morning so I know they get enough H2O. Hmm, do I have a green thumb?
   
Yet, no need to rush me, your green-thumbed friend, to the doctor — the expression simply means that I am excellent at growing plants. The term was first recorded in the Ironwood Daily Globe as “horticultural slang” in 1937.
   
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
   
Things are starting to mature and become edible. We are enjoying lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, and tomatoes. The red vegetable will be a bumper crop (whoever thought of the word bumper to mean many, hmm.) Did you know? Tomatoes are botanically defined as fruits because they form from a flower and contain seeds. Still, they’re most often utilized in cooking as vegetables.
 
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Just today, I looked into Beth’s eyes and said,
“Thanks, you’ve made my life much better.”
This week, in private each time.
Say these words to people you love. 

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!

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NEXT BLOG >>
The solar panels are up now.
They have yet to be connected.
Next week, I’ll let you know how they work.
And how much we are saving.

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?