Pinning on Pinterest

Pinterest was one of the greatest inventions ever created! No more tearing out pictures, recipes, and articles to file away in the cabinet... never to be seen again. It's amazing how we can create a file (a board) and pin anything we want to be viewed easily at any time. It's as simple as browsing and putting it on a board. All in pictures! And, I love that we can share our pins with anyone, anywhere! 

I have been pinning for a year or so. My interests and categories continue to grow as I travel, plan a party, see the newest in garden techniques, need an inspiring quote, need a holiday decorating idea, and find a new and easy peasy recipe. Pinterest... best thing ever! 

Here are my latest pins.

PIN #1 - I'm always on the look-out for Angels. I've made a board specifically for Angels and I like to look at them often. I have an Angel in heaven that I love and miss every single day. Thinking of you today and and always, Shaniel... my beautiful Angel daughter.

found on http://fancitaste.tumblr.com/

PIN #2 - Valentine's Day is coming up. It's fun to look at all the gift ideas, cards, and labels. I've got my eye on this one! Fun with the hubby.

http://thefrugalgirls.com/2013/02/blow-me-a-kiss-valentines.html

... or how about a rich chocolate chip macadamia nut cookie! yumm....

You can find this recipe here - http://12tomatoes.com/2014/10/nutty-dessert-recipe-rich-chocolate-chip-macadamia-nut-cookies.html

PIN #3 - Quotes make me happy! I pin them, I write them on scraps of paper and in my journal... anywhere I can see them... to be inspired, to be creative, to improve, and as a reminder to show kindness!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/54382247/be-kind

PIN #4 - Recipes. I have more pins on that board than any other one. I love the way food is displayed on Pinterest. But sadly I've learned you can't judge a dish by it's looks. I've tried more recipes than I care to count. Some you win, some you lose. I cooked this the other day. It was winner! And super simple to make.

Directions: 

1. Place chicken breasts in shallow baking dish.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over top.
3. Cut up a variety of fresh vegetables (I used what I had on hand, ie: zuchinni, onion, red and green pepper, mushrooms) and arrange on top of chicken.
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil
5. Top with shredded cheese
6. Cover with foil. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Eat over a bed of rice.

http://www.thepinningmama.com/2014/08/21/easy-fajita-chicken-bake-recipe/

PIN #5: Nature. There's just something about nature that inspires me. So I do a lot of pinning when it comes to the beauty and majesty of nature. I love the picture of these eagles! So beautiful! To me they represent freedom, swiftness, confidence, loyalty, and power. 

http://www.fotonatura.org/galerias/fotos/146663/

... and that leads me into an inspired post. Every February thousands of eagles migrate to Utah to wait out the Canadian and Alaskan winters, offering an unparalleled opportunity to see one of the world's most majestic birds of prey.

Box Elder County, the county I live in, has one of the highest concentrations of wintering Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. I live just above Willard Bay, which is a great area for observing overwintering eagles. They are easily visible from I-15. The eagles spend most of their time in the leafless cottonwoods that ring North Marina at Willard Bay, but occasionally they sweep across the open water, talons extended, to rake a fish from beneath the surface. 

The eagles can also be seen in the large cottonwoods a few miles north of Willard Bay on the edge of Bear River City, a small town in rural Box Elder County. My daughter lives in the area so when I go out for a visit, I am able to stop and take pictures of the eagles. To me, they are a wonder! 

Picture I took - Eagles, Bear River City

The Bear River Bird Refuge in my hometown sits on more than 74,000 acres of marsh. It provides an oasis for more than 200 bird species. The 12-mile automobile tour loop treats visitors to the sights and sounds of many of the birds found there.

To read more about the Bear River Bird Refuge go HERE

Writing prompt #1: Share the last five items you pinned, choose one and let it inspire a blog post.

Hosted by

Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Workshop

Six Word Fridays: find

It's not Spring yet, but the 

weather is playing tricks on us

this year. Soon enough we will 

see blossoms pop out on the 

apricot tree. The bees will be 

buzzing and flying from one blossom 

to another in search of nectar 

hidden deep in the delicate petals

of the flower. When they find

this sweet treat, they gather pollen

in the process. Busy bees on 

blossoms tells us it's going to

be a good year for fruit.

find

Great and Brainy Ideas!

This quote was on a tall sign, along the road, in front of a tractor shop in our town. It immediately caught my and attention and I couldn't help but think about this quote as it applied to me. I found myself asking the question... "what do I talk about when I am with family and friends?" 

I am happy to report I don't talk about people, at least not in a negative way, usually. I don't like gossip. It's just plain harmful. But let me talk about my kids and grandkids, and I can do that all day long!

I do talk about events. Events I have gone to, events I want to go to, and events I plan.

I do talk about ideas... all the time. When my daughters and I get together, we bring our "idea books" to the table and jot down ideas for projects and adventures we have swimming around in our heads. It is fun. It is one of the best memories I have with my daughters. 

We always have these awesome ideas that we pen out on paper and before you know it... someone else comes out with the idea, which is usually 5 years later, and our opportunity for fame and fortune is squashed! We just can't seem to get them off the paper! But... it's always fun to know we were smart enough to know what would be "hot on the market" down the road.

Ever since I read this prompt, I've been thinking about some really great ideas for the year. Ideas that would make this the best year yet! Here are my twenty great and brainy ideas --

Climb my Family Tree. I don't mean literally. I mean get more active in genealogy. Find my ancestors. Make some connections. Learn their stories. Familysearch.org is an easy and friendly place to start.

Learn some Spanish terms and sentences before going on my trip to Peru. Can't wait for this one!

Read a Biography – Ezra T. Benson. He served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture  under the leadership of President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953-1961. He also served as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1985-1994. He dedicated his entire life to service--to country and God. He lived in Midway, Utah, for many years. My husband's family lived a few miles away in Heber City. My father-in-law, Paul, served as the county Extension Agriculture Agent and so it became a natural fit for Ezra and Paul to become good friends, both following the same career path in agriculture. Ezra signed his biography book and gave it to Paul. We now have the book, and I'm so looking forward to reading it this year. 

Traveling Suitcase adventure with the grandkids. Fill the suitcase with all the necessary items that will take us on a grand adventure to......??? The element of surprise is the best part of the adventure.

Create something original. I've got some creative juices flowing. If I actually do this, I'll let you know. 

Humanitarian Project. I've always wanted to participate in some Humanitarian project. I'll make this my year!

Make a habit – walk a mile a day. Or often. 

Study up on Peru and China cultures before going to make my trips more meaningful.

Do something new and stick to it – painting lessons that I started last year.

Quality Sister time! I want to have a day with them... no interruptions. I miss them!

Conquer a fear. Mine is flying in airplanes. I don't know how to solve that one. Any suggestions?

Strengthen my relationship with the Savior through scripture study and following His example. 

Outdoor project – Shaniel’s garden. It's going to be beautiful! I've been working on it for a couple of years.

Christmas Photo project – scan photos, organize, and put on external hard drives (years 1975 – current) and give to kids as gifts. They are going to love this! Got to get this project done.

Advocate for Domestic Violence Awareness – Shaniel’s Story facebook page, workshops, writing, and other opportunities that present themselves.

Writing workshop, or at least a self-help book so I can write more creatively and finally get my Personal History done. And, I am so lucky to have found Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. I'm thinking, I'm writing, I'm loving it! 

Day Adventures. They can happen anytime of the year. Family fun!

Random Act of Kindness throughout the year. Keep track of how it changes our family and the people we randomly pick.

Make a Blurb Book  or Shutterfy Book of last year. Once and for all. Maybe this will give me the courage and experience needed to do the rest of my personal history.

Express and practice Gratitude and keep a Smash journal. Pinterest has lots of ideas, too. No perfection here! Just smash it all together.

I don't know how many projects I can realistically complete this year. It doesn't matter! I'll do what I can and let the rest follow where they may. With that said... it's going to be my best year yet!

What great ideas do you have for the year?

Writing prompt 2: A list of 20 ideas to make this your best year yet.

Hosted by

Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writer's Workshop

Quotography: mending

Broken hearts can become whole again when we let God do the mending.

"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

This quote goes with a post entitled The Rose, on Shaniel's Story blog. Read the loving tribute that her colleagues and co-workers from CNS (Community Nursing Services) gave at her graveside, before burial.

Six Word Fridays: enough

I can't get enough of this

sweet baby boy! Soft and new,

a bundle of joy! Love, peace

(notice the fingers!) and goodness sent

from heaven above. We'll hold him,

and kiss him, from head to

toe. And savor every moment with 

each inch that he grows. A

baby's a blessing; a miracle! We're 

so glad God sent you to us.

Baby James... Welcome to our family!

enough

The Old Jewish Cemetery

In a distant land, across the sea,

Lies an old Jewish cemetery that came to be.

A mystery unfolded in the city of Prauge.

Centuries of burials; twelve layers deep.

Tombstones marked with only a clue 

Of the person buried beneath the dew.

The sacred grounds remain undisturbed by man.

As a symbol of respect for the Jewish clan.

Only the earth bears the right of passage

To move a tombstone from it's place.

With all the twisting, falling and leaning

Makes one wonder, can their dead ever rest!

The Colonel and I were in Europe last year. We celebrated the New Year in Prauge, Czech Republic. On the first of January we took a tour of the old city, which included the Old Jewish Cemetery. This is where my 7th picture was taken. The cemetery was full of mystery and intrigue. I had never seen anything like it. With the unorganized placement of markers and tombstones sinking, leaning, and falling into one another, it left me wanting to know more.

Information is not readily available at many European historic sites, so I went on-line to learn more about my visit. If you want to read about and see more pictures of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prauge, click HERE and HERE.

Where were you at last January?

Writing prompt #3: Choose the 7th picture you took from last January and write a poem.

Hosted by

Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writer's Workshop

Quotography: snow

The first fall of snow is not only an event, but it is a magical event. 

You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different. 

And if this is not enchantment, where is it to be found?

                                                                  --J.B. Priestley

2014 - Just Keep Going

I was in Europe last January and now have to admit that making New Year's resolutions was not at the top of my priority list! In fact, I didn't make any goals. Losing a daughter earlier in the year drained me physically, mentally, and emotionally. All I could do was take one day at a time. Many days I found myself just going through the motions. I did, however, find a post I had written in February 2014 that brought attention to my state of mind and what I wanted for the New Year. Here is some of what I wrote ---

February 2014 

It's a New Year. Not the beginning of the year. But the beginning of another year without Shaniel. I try not to think about it too much. I put on a brave front sometimes. But mostly, I have come to terms with her passing. I feel she is ready to move forward, as I am too.

As I have reflected over the past year, my first year without her, it has been so long... yet it seems just like yesterday I was talking to her, hugging her, laughing with her. I hope that her image stands so still in my mind, that when I see her again it will be as if we never were apart. Not even for one minute. Sometimes I yearn for her so badly. I just want to touch her and smell her, and see her smile and hear her laugh. But then, I think... I will soon enough.

The Lord has been so kind to me this past year. He sent ministering angels to buoy me up when I needed strength to endure. I often wondered if Shaniel was one of them. On occasion, I felt her love and gentle touch. She often expressed her love for me when she was alive... why would she stop now!

Throughout the year, I felt the tender mercies of a loving Father In Heaven. I felt His love. I felt peace. I felt hope with increased faith. I experienced healing. I was able to forgive when I didn't know how it would ever be possible. I was able to recognize blessings... so many blessings that I can't begin to count them. 

As I start the new year, I will move forward with faith and hope in brighter days ahead. I will pray for strength, endurance, and courage. I will bring honor and remembrance to Shaniel's name. She will not have died in vain. We will continue to share her story and hopefully help save another victim of domestic abuse and violence. I can't help but think that Shaniel is pleased. She can move forward, too.

Carol (me) and Shaniel

January 2015

In looking back on those things I wanted for 2014, I found myself asking the questions.  Did I... Move forward with faith and hope seeking for brighter days? Pray for strength, endurance, and courage? Share Shaniel's Story with others? Help victims of domestic violence?

The answer is YES and NO. I did the best that I could. 

NO! The second year, 2014, without Shaniel was extremely difficult and very lonely. My state of mind was different, too. Reality set in. I felt numb a lot. It was hard to think about her. The way she died. Having to listen to all the excuses made in defense of her killer, by his family and my own, was more than I could bear at times. Grief has a way of taking a toll on you. I found out that grief is, indeed, a very lonely journey. You have to put on a happy face and hide your emotions for fear of upsetting someone or making them feel uncomfortable. And even worse...  is having a well meaning family member give you advice on how you should grieve or how you should perceive the situation of her death. Or worse yet... family members that are complacent and full of apathy. No comment. No words. Nothing. That has been the most hurtful. Maybe it's just too hard to hear. Maybe.... but I need to say it and I will say it...

I will say it.... Shaniel's death was a homicide. She was killed by her husband. It was an act of domestic violence. It was no accident. He made a plan and carried it out. He was not sick. He was plain evil. There is no other way to say it. I hate the word homicide and murder. I hate that I have to miss my daughter every single day of my life. I hate that it happened to me, her dad, her siblings, and her children. It has changed all of our lives. I hate everything about it. I really do. It sucks! And I won't apologize if it was too loud in your ears.

Ok... now can I move forward! Again!

YES! Don't get me wrong. I had the most amazing experiences last year. Experiences that increased my faith and gave me hope. Experiences that brought me understanding and gave me an eternal perspective. Losing my daughter changed me. It has been so difficult on one hand, but has also helped me grow and become a better person. I learned that in growth, comes opposition. Putting my trust in the Lord and praying to receive strength and courage gave me much needed comfort on my most difficult days.

I wrote as much as I could on Shaniel's Story facebook page, but I hit a brick wall for much of the year. The previous year, 2013, my mind was continually filled with
inspiration. Whereas, 2014 produced little. If you believe in road blocks, stumbling blocks, or those things that keep you from going where you want to... well, I had my share of them. But it didn't keep me down. I did what I could when the opportunity and inspiration presented itself. Shaniel's Story page continues to grow in numbers and interest. Several courageous women shared their stories of escape from domestic violence relationships. Many victims are finding hope. We are making a difference. And that's what matters!

I'm not about to let a hard year determine the outcome of this trial. Shaniel's life will not have been in vain.There is much to be thankful for, much more to do, more people to help. My mother always gave me this advice when I thought I could go on no longer...

"And this, too, shall pass!" And, it will.

I still have not made a New Year's resolution this year, but I will. It will be simple. Not much. But something. And I will continue to seek for brighter days. For me, it's one step in front of the other. Just keep moving. Just keep going. It will get easier. It can only go one way... up! I know it will. This year will be better than the last. Cheers!

I find these quotes an inspiration for the New Year. Maybe one will inspire you.

Writing prompt #1: Look back at the resolutions you made last year at this time, how did you do?

Hosted by

Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writer's Workshop