Thanks to One and All

After 1,050 posts, 8493 views, 2 followers, and 84 comments, I have decided to put Ink on the Page to rest.  I want to thank you for joining me on my three year journey.  This blog has held a special place in my heart and at times, held me together.  It has allowed me to share my crazy thoughts, my jumbled feelings, my wacky sense of humor, my wonderful family, my precious puppies, and my various upsets with all of you.  I love the written word and have truly enjoyed the road we've traveled together.  Part of me will miss the daily adventure while the other part is ready to travel a different road and create new adventures. 

Here are a few things I hope that you have taken with you from reading this blog:

1.   The past cannot be changed.
2.   Opinions don't define your reality.
3.   Everyone's journey is different.
4.   Things always get better with time.
5.   Judgments are confessions of character.   
6.   Overthinking will lead to sadness.
7.   Happiness is found within.
8.   Positive thoughts create positive things.
9.   Smiles are contagious.
10.  Kindness is free.
11.  You only fail if you quit.
12.  What goes around, comes around.

Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this journey with me.  That I touched even one life from my silly ramblings, I am both honored and humbled.  I leave you with my heart on the table and wishes for the best life possible.  Make every day count and take care of yourself.

The Moon and Star

I love this necklace by Origami Owl.  It's absolutely beautiful and makes me believe that dreams really can come true.  If you like it as well, go to their website.  It's only available until the end of September.  Dream away!  

No Matter What

You may be going through a rough time but I can assure you that there are people out there whose lives are so much worse.  I grow frustrated at times because this didn't happen or that isn't improving quickly enough or that my life did not turn out the way I pictured it but I have to tell you that I hear the stories of other's lives or listen to the news or read my Facebook feed and realize that I have a lot more than a lot of folks do.  It's at the moment that I am reminded how truly blessed my life is and I become humbled and grateful for every breath I am given.  When you look up, you have no other choice but to be thankful and hopeful.  May today bring you peace in your struggles.

Aggravation!

Does this ever happen to you?

It has to be telemarketers. 

My friends and family would never do this!

Correction.

Most of them wouldn't!

Happy Wednesday.

Mispronounciations

I mispronounce words all the time.  In fact, I'm reading The Prince of Tides right now and there are many challenging words in it, some I've needed a dictionary to figure out.  Never feel badly that you can pronounce something.  Challenge yourself to keep reading and in turn, learning.  I promise that you won't regret it.

A Serious Fam

Unbelievable!

This is such a wild and crazy and wonderful thing for someone to do. 

What a fan that J.K. Rowling has! 

Queen of Sass

"Oh wait, it's Saturday," she says with a palm thump to her head.

"I have 48 hours to figure that out!"

Have a great weekend!

Sweet and Simple

Have an awesome day!

Family Time

I have seen other postings about families battling with cell phones.  I thought this was a great way to gain control.  Family time is important.  You can't bond with anyone if you can't turn off the phone, the computer, even the television.  We all crave human interaction, it's part of our human makeup.  When someone is talking to you, pay attention.  There is nothing on that phone or computer or television that won't be there later.  The same can not be said about the person or persons vying for your attention.  People leave our lives suddenly and when they do, there is no going backward.

A Belated Celebration

Yesterday was National Book Lovers Day.  I apologize for not recognizing it beforehand but a little shout out, even though it's late, is better than none at all!  So, to all my avid reading friends - I hope you celebrated!  And if not, like me, plan to do so today.  Cheers to a cold glass of wine and a good read!

Guard Dog

This made me laugh!  My little guys can bark like their big brothers so I'm no too worried about it but I do need to play with Photoshop.  Maybe I can make some great wall photographs!  Happy Tuesday.

SMILE

These simple things can make a world of difference in any life -
offered or received.

They could actually change the world.

Think about it.

You Can Do It!

Whether you're a sports fan or not, you should be caught up in the excitement of the Olympics.  It was exciting watching Michael Phelps carry in the US flag last night at the opening ceremonies with his teammates crowded around him, all smiles and ready to show the world their God-given talents.  My television is already tuned in this morning and I am ready to cheer my team to victory.  Each athlete has worked hard to be there to represent their country.  So, wherever you live, whatever country your team represents - cheer them on!  Be loud and be proud!  (A little couch dancing is not out of order either!)  Go team USA! 

If You Fall

 

Having the klutz gene myself (thanks Mom), I know just how true this statement is!

I am raising my glass to all my klutzy friends and family.

Cheers to you!

Now go forth and enjoy your Friday!

DIY Crap Baskets

Yes, that is CRAP and not CRAFT baskets - you read the caption right.  Unfortunately, with my kids grown and gone, and it would be my own crap in those baskets!  That kind of takes the fun out of it.  Oh well - it's a great idea for everyone with kids at home. 

 

 

 

Why did the Chicken...

Finally an answer to that age old question.  My son and his wife had chickens for a while and yes, this was their fate.  Dinner!  Now our neighbors have chickens as a part of their backyard barnyard - they have more animals back there than a petting zoo which I'm sure most are illegal!  If the bore gets out and comes into our yard again, I can assure you that between my husband and his buddies, we will probably have dinner on the table!

Happy Wednesday!

Story of My Life!

Oh, the drama of it all.

Time to find another book to read!

(I just finished After You by JoJo Moyes.)

What are you reading?

Love Me Some Jason Bourne

Oh yes! 

I went to see the new Jason Bourne movie on Saturday.

It did not disappoint!

This is one series that I can sit down and watch whenever it see it on.

If you're a fan - make sure you see it!

Never Limit Yourself

Never shut yourself in a box. 

Open the windows.

Open the doors.

All you've got to do now is soar.

It's a Choice

I choose to live a good life.  There are bad things that have happened during my life and I'm not blinded enough to believe that bad things won't happen.  However, I don't want to look at them as "bad".  I want to look a them as growth opportunities.  Can I stop something bad from happening?  At times, yes, depending on my actions.  On other occasions, it will be my reactions that determine an outcome.  Sometimes, there is simply no stopping whatever it is coming through the door.  No matter the circumstance, I can learn from it.  I can rejoice that lived it through it.  I can choose to be a happy survivor even when my life doesn't look anything like what I had planned when I was young.  I have no idea what today may hold for me but I am going to smile when I walk out the door and show the world it can't break me.  I am a warrior Princess and I'm not afraid to face anything the world throws at me.  I have faith.  I believe!

Are You a Lister?

I have lists going all the time.  Groceries, check.  Books I want to read, check.  Chores that need to be done, check.  Project that need completed, check.  And on they go.  I would feel naked without my many lists.  How about you?  Are you organized by your lists or do you toss everything in the air and handle things as they drop?  Either way is fine, as long as it works for you!

Stress Relief

Do you have your own adult coloring book?

I do. 

Have I ever colored in it?

No.

Do I need to?

Yes!

 

The above was me having a conversation with myself.  Feel free to join in whenever you like.  All my invisible friends have already joined the party!

Short People

 

 

I always knew the right explanation was out there!

Ding!

 



Dear Mr. Postman

If I had a spider in my mailbox, I would want someone else to remove it so why not ask the most qualified person?  I wonder how he responded?  Is the spider still there?  If so, so is the mail!  Wishing you a wonderful start to the week.  Happy Monday.

Today's Forecast

You know you're in Florida when everything outside melts!

Welcome back Mom and Dad!

We are so happy to have you home safe and sound!

Well-Informed

I am picking my sanity over current events.

The world has gone crazy.

My sanity doesn't need to join it.

Less is more in my book.

Old Wood and Chicken Wire

I love the creativity here!  I may have to find an old ladder someplace.

Either that or distress the perfectly good ladder we have in the garage!

That probably won't fly very well.

Decorative Barn Doors

These barn doors are on an angle.  What do you think?

Personally, I love them! 

Serving on the Jury

This would be me in a jury box.

I would feel really bad for person on the stand!

It's better for everyone if I never have to serve.

Happy Monday!

Turn the World Around

I could not have said it better.  Love makes the world go round.

Right now - the world needs our help in order the change.

So this post is a call to action -

Go crazy and share your love everywhere that you can.

If we all join forces - we can make a difference.

 

 

Big Green Tractor

Just a little Friday humor!

Watch those tan lines and have a great day!

Lost

This is the best kind of book to read - one where you get totally immersed.

If you've read a book like this, please let me know.

I would love to read it and share it.

It's a Dory Day!

I'm facing a day like this today.

Tonight I may need a pizza - or a drink!

I'll let you know!

Have a nice Wednesday.

 

Reverse Advent Calendar

I know it's way too early to be thinking about Christmas but I thought this was a great idea.  If you start today, think of all the folks  you can help who are truly in need, especially around the holidays.  You could truly bless several families without having to invest in your gifts all at once.

After the Weekend

Actually, this is me on Monday morning! 

The weekends just aren't long enough to get everything done.

By Wednesday afternoon, I should be okay!

Air Bags

This made me laugh! 

After the last couple of weeks of life

 in America, that's a good thing.

Let's be good to one another. 

 

 

YouTube Training

Wow!  If YouTube can train my little guys, I need to get on board!

This puppy looks like he is studying hard.

Happy Friday!

Some Good Advice

No matter your mood, laughter always improves it.

So my good friends, laugh, laugh away!

(Though, I may want a better bra on when I'm jumping around like that!)

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips

These look delicious.  I can't wait to make them!

 

 

INGREDIENTS
 

For the zucchini chips:
2-3 zucchinis
2 cups breadcrumbs
¾ cup parmesan cheese
⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 eggs

For the sauce:

⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

 
4. PREPARATION
 

1. Preheat oven to 450ºF/230ºC.
2. Cut off top and bottom of zucchinis and slice zucchinis into ½ - ¼ inch slices.
3. In a large bowl, mix together bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and red pepper flakes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk eggs together.
5. Take a zucchini slice and dip it in egg wash, then coat it in bread crumb mix, coating all sides and patting mixture onto both sides. Repeat for all slices.
6. Transfer slices onto a large baking sheet.
7. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes or until chips are golden brown.
8. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
9. Dip chips in sauce and enjoy!

 



Awkward Moment

 

Mom - does this sound familiar?

I laughed when I saw it and remembered the plane tickets!

Happy Tuesday.

 

Celebrate

 

Today, celebrate our country, our freedom, and our soldiers.

Happy Independence Day!

 

Patriotic Crafting

Just in case you're looking for a patriotic craft, I thought this looked like fun.

You'll need clothes pins, paint and a glue gun.

Good luck and happy celebrating.

 

FYI

Have a blessed day.

When the Right Song Comes on...

The volume dial goes up,

the shades go on,

I ignore my neighbors glares,

and have the time of my life!

 

No Matter the Size

 

Be humble.

Be kind.

We're all in this life together.

Have a blessed day.



Which Would You Choose?

Me:  It's a toss-up between A and B.  A would be nice but B would be so much better!  I guess that makes my answer the letter B!

How about you?  Which one would you choose?

Texting Humor

Texter:  Wanna come to the gym with me?

          Textee:  You spelt bar wrong.

How is that for a little Monday morning humor?  I wish I could have copied it but Instagram would not let me.  Now, smile and get to work!

        

My Favorite Day

It's Saturday!

Yay.  Yay.  Yay!!!

Whatever day is your favorite, I hope you dance!

 

Which One Are You?

This made me laugh out loud!

Hope it did the same for you.

Have an awesome Friday!

Welders Can Be Romantic Too

Check this out!

I bet my son could make this -

Not for me but his lovely wife.

Maybe a dozen?  Wouldn't that be fun?