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.

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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.

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