kareningalls

[kareningalls]

TREES, YOU, AND ME

I have always felt a close relationship with trees. Oaks are my favorite because they stand tall with branches outspread like arms welcoming the wind and sun. Learning, watching, and being more like trees can teach us about life and how to live with more peace, joy, and fulfillment. Here is a poem that illustrates how trees and humans are similar. This poem touched me deeply and reinforced what…

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GIVING THANKS DAY

I have always thought our national holiday should be called “Giving Thanks” day. Here are my top ten thanks for this year: My health…at 83, I’m on just 2 pills. My friends…who surround me with love My home…has remained safe despite hurricanes. My garden is small but gives me great happiness Greeting cards…so many cards expressing love and support. Medical personnel…provided outstanding…

[kareningalls]

TEARS OF LOSS

There are different types of tears. The chemistry of tears due to loss releases the body of certain toxins. https://www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-tears The most painful loss for me is that of my husband. After a long illness, Jim, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. For those of us who have suffered a loss: TEARS OF LOVE Endless tears of loss Flowing rivers, aching…

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THE WOMB

June is uterine cancer awareness month. It is our womb. It is the beautiful place of nurturing, bonding, and birth.

June is uterine cancer awareness month. The significance of the uterus or the womb cannot be underestimated. The womb is a place of creation, nurturance, and transformation. New life begins here as does the early connection between mother and child. The womb is that beautiful and incredible part of the female. Medically and clinically, it is called the uterus. The uterus consists of the fundus,…

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WHAT IS NEW IN CANCER RESEARCH, PART 1.

There are several types of GYN (gynecologic) cancers. There will be articles about each one of them in the coming weeks. Uterine/endometrial cancer affects an estimated 66,200 people in the United States. Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the United States. Worldwide, an estimated 417,367 people were diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2020. Immunotherapy is designed to…

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EL NINO/LA NINA: NATURE'S LESSONS

What is El Nino? It is a climate pattern that starts with warm water building up in the tropical Pacific west of South America. This happens every three to seven years or so. Normally, the trade winds push warm water away from the coast there, allowing cooler water to surface. But when the trade winds weaken, water near the equator can heat up, and that can have all kinds of effects through what…

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WHERE, WHAT, WHY?

WHERE: My journey for the past 5 months has taken me to mountain-top highs and some desert lows. I have had two major events that have required a lot of time and energy. A mountain-high joy when my husband was declared cancer-free. The desert low was the lasting effects of radiation and hormone therapy. A second “high” was the decision and initial steps in our major fundraiser for women’s…

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2023: GRATITUDE FOR EACH SUNRISE.

The last day of 2023 is now here. I welcome 2024 with excitement and anticipation. I watch the daily sunrise with a prayerful attitude. I think of three simple words: gratitude, love, and forgiveness. How much more peaceful, happy, and beautiful each day would be for everyone if we lived with gratitude in our hearts, love for each person, and forgiveness of others and ourselves for…

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Christmas & Aging

Christmas literally means the Mass of Christ. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, emphasizing love, peace, and goodwill towards all. Now that we are in our 80s, the celebration of Christmas has mellowed and changed. It is less about Santa Claus or Kris Kringle. It is more about sending love and peace to everyone, even to those who are rude and grumpy. We remember the message of the…

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Christmas Cookie Exchange: Gallettes

Gallettes are French cookies made with a waffle iron. My mother-in-law would make them for us every Christmas. She passed this recipe down to me for which I am very grateful. I make the Gallettes every Christmas season and I have passed the recipe down to my sons and grandchildren. The tradition continues! Ingredients: 1/2 lb. unsalted butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 6 large…

[kareningalls]

Christmas Cookie Exchange: Gallettes

Gallettes are French cookies made with a waffle iron. My mother-in-law would make them for us every Christmas. She passed this recipe down to me for which I am very grateful. I make the Gallettes every Christmas season and I have passed the recipe down to my sons and grandchildren. The tradition continues! Ingredients: 1/2 lb. unsalted butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 6 large…

[kareningalls]

MY CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR GOOD HEALTH

A box full of laughter, which is the best medicine. As long as we have a smile, giggle, or uproarious laugh, life cannot get us down.  Two boxes filled with positive, loving thoughts. If we think gloom and doom, our life will be such. No matter the challenge, think about what you can learn from it and become a better person. Three (or more) healthy meals a day rich in vitamins, minerals,…

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FAMILY: WHAT IS IT?

When we speak of family, we usually are referring to our parents, spouse, children, and our “blood relatives.” During the holiday season, we envision a family gathering around the table as painted by Norman Rockwell. According to a man in his 50s, family is the group of people or individuals with whom he is very close to. “My family is not defined by blood, but rather by friendship, trust, and…

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AESOP FABLE: FEAR

Fear can be caused by many things or events. In the fable about the Lion and the Elephant, Aesop teaches us to think differently about our fears. When we let fear take over, we are living a less-than-healthy life. For example, fear of cancer can prevent our bodies from performing in the healthiest manner. Physiological effects of fear: High blood pressure, racing heart, faster breathing, and…

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WELL BEING/AUTUMN

A local magazine promotes contentment and healthy living in the northern section of Lake County, Florida. https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/well_being_lake/well_being_lake_magazine/page-b-01/page_de6d38ed-de7f-5172-bd99-d69d1062d412.html Albert Camus wrote, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Is this not a beautiful quote? My life before cancer was like spring: full of…

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DOWN & UP

How often do we use the words “down“and “up” in everyday life. The more times we use the word up the better life can be. She bent down and then raised up. Turn the music down; no, turn it up. Johnny knocked me down, but Charlie lifted me up. The sun goes down, but at dusk it comes up to start a new day. I sat down next to her but soon got up. I put the luggage down so he could lift it…

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RECOMMENDED READING

Owl Manor by Zita Harris: The Owl Manor is haunted, yet 3 best friends buy it and try to convert it into a stage theater, restaurant, and art gallery. Each of them uses their talents and desire to be successful as individuals and as a group.The book travels back in time to the 1800s and back to the present.It is well-written, and I would highly recommend it. “Once Upon a Time in the Swamp” is my…