Wellness Wednesday and a giveaway

It’s almost a New Year, what are you looking forward to in the New Year? At the top of my list is to continue on the path of health and wellness. If you ever thought about focusing on your health, there’s not time like the present. The best way to get started is to just do it.

You may not always feel like exercising or eating healthy, but you have to put the work in to get the results you want. Change one habit at a time to achieve a level of success that you may stick to. Perhaps you want to drink more water or exercise three time a week. Do it and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t hit your goal every time.

Now, I need a little help from you, my readers. Another New Year’s goal for me is to brand myself as a Humorist-one who uncovers the humor in life situations. There, I’ve put it in writing so I must move forward with it. If you know me personally, you’ve probably experienced my sense of humor.

If you haven’t seen my unconventional humor side, take a peek at my video below. Help me decide on a stage name, should I call myself when invited to spread a little laughter? Leave your suggestion in the comments for a chance to win a prize. Enter by 8pm (EST) December 31^st.

May you find great success on your road to a healthy lifestyle and other goals.

Muffins with Mom – Home for the Holidays

Dashing through the snow from school in the East was my son. His early arrival was a surprise as he appeared at my office door and said, “Angie…” It was his attempt to imitate someone other than himself. And that was the beginning of my Holiday with family.

As tradition would have it, my family gathered at my house on a Saturday afternoon, for our pre-Christmas dinner. Anticipating food, laughter and love, they did not leave disappointed. In our midst were cousins, nieces, nephews and others. It was the stories of my seven-year-old grand-nephew that drew attention.

My niece shared her conversation with her son:

Niece:              “Your teacher said that you need to spend more time reading. So, we need to turn off the T.V. so you can practice reading.”

Her son:          “Just turn on the closed caption and I’ll read that.”

In another conversation, my niece had the following conversation with her son when he misbehaved:

Niece:              “I’m going to call Santa and tell him that you are not doing what I asked.”

Her son:          “Let’s Face Time him so I can tell my side of the story.”

Kids are so precious. Speaking of precious kids, while everyone was home for the Holiday, we took a picture of the kids table. Things have certainly changed over the years, my little kids are full grown. My nieces and nephews who used to be the teens at the table, now have jobs and kids of their own.

The kids table...a new generation.

My mother has taken over as the matriarch of the family. My brother and I are the old family members at the dinner who want sleep after eating. And the kids…they are all together for the holidays still silly, still mischievous and yet, still loving.

What is your Home for the Holidays story?

Wishing you a blessed Holiday season.

Testimonial Tuesday - Count down to Christmas – 6 Accomplishments of 2017

This is the time of year where we hear about the countdowns to Christmas. There’s the Christmas movie marathon - 25 Days of Christmas (movies). Advertisements of “…six shopping days left ‘till Christmas.” Things can seem overwhelming.

A countdown to Christmas can also be a time to reflect on your accomplishments for the year. Since there are six days left until Christmas, I’ll list six of my accomplishments this year, and then you do the same.

1.      Entered three writing contests – honed my writing skills, practiced writing following specific guidelines.

2.      Participated in a beauty pageant – the focus was on health and wellness in African-American women 50 years and older. It was a LOT of work, but very rewarding.

3.      Joined a new fitness gym – made new friends, learned to “eat clean” and other nutritional tips; lost 6 lbs (have been saying I wanted to lose 5 pounds, for the past two years).

4.      Home Improvement Projects – does routine cleaning count here…hmm (lol)? Just last week I learned how to replace the wax ring on a leaky toilet. Can’t say that I’d be excited to do it again, but I now know that I can.  In case you’re wondering- this required popping off the little plastic cap on each side of the toilet, turning off the water on the side of the toilet and lifting the toilet in order to get to the wax ring. Sorry about the run-on sentence. Whew. Enough bathroom talk.

5.      High school graduation – my son graduated, this means I graduated too.

6.      Took advantage of opportunities to increase my faith and spend time with family and friends.

BONUS

7.      Read 10 books – for me, that is an accomplishment. I love to read, but I don’t feel like I always have time. I’ve learned to read between the cracks (wherever I find time). I read in a grocery store line, the bank, a road trip, just wherever I find myself waiting.

As you countdown to Christmas, take the time to reflect on your year. What would you count as your accomplishments? They can be small or large, you decide. Remember, every journey begins with a first step. Share your testimony.

Looking forward to the New Year…step into your greatness.

Susanna Leonard Hill's 7th Annual Holiday Contest

Photo Credit: Brantford Mayor Chris Friel

Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting, yet another writing contest. The 7^th Annual Holiday Contest is underway. This story has to be 250 words (or less) and must center on the theme – A Holiday Surprise. Thanks for stopping by to check out my story (245 words).

The Christmas Moosical Mix-up

Clomping through the deep dark woods was a tall figure with knocky, knobby knees. Melvin Moose was no ordinary moose. He was a show moose. He liked to show off.

Most of all, Melvin wanted a starring role in the Christmas pageant. There was one wooly thing standing in his way.

“Baaaa, auditions for the paaageant will begin soon,” said sheep. Sheep was the star of the show last year. This year she was in charge of auditions.  

Melvin clip-clopped to the stage for his audition. The other animals watched.

He danced, but not very well.

He sang – Huuuuuu, ga-wunk, ga-wunk. Singing was not his speciality.

He even tried reciting a poem. “T'was the flight before Christmas…um, fright before Christmas.” He forgot the words.

“Come baaack tomorrow for one more audition,” sheep announced to the crowd.

Melvin knew sheep was upset, her wool looked like balls of yarn. It was not her best look.

Melvin clip-clopped back to the open forest and practiced his talent. He danced on his toes. His singing was thunderous. He recited story to the forest animals.

The next day, Melvin Moose trip-tropped to the stage with his antlers held high and recited a story. “Baa, black sheep, have you any wool?”

Next Melvin tapped his hooves and shook his rump. He baaaed out a Christmas song.

Sheep joined in, “Huuuuuu, ga-wunk, ga-wunk.”

Melvin and Sheep clapped hooves and took a bow.

Melvin said, “Next year, I will run the paaageant.”

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Comedy

YouTube Video Credit: JRPourchout

YouTube Video Credit: RebirthofComedy

Muffins with Mom – Snatches of conversation that inspire

photo credit: Growth Coaching

Have you ever overheard bits and pieces of a conversation and thought hmm, that’s interesting. Perhaps you’ve read a word or phrase that you applied to your life. It is those snatches of conversation or words from a good book or article that can provide inspiration.

Here are five words or phrases that stood out to me recently. Think about how these things may relate to you at this moment.

·         Abundance

·         Strength

·         Doors of opportunity

·         Unique moments in your life

·         Imagine the life you want to live

This is how I would tie these phrases together. I am abundantly blessed. God is my strength. I welcome the opening of doors of opportunity. Unique moments in my life occur when I least expect them. These moments have occurred through opportunities others presented to me.

Your challenge today is to ponder the above phrases and words. How can you use these items as springboards for something you’re seeking at this moment?

Have you heard any snatches of conversation that prompted you to take positive action?

Fun Friday – 5 Things you don’t need for successful parenting

Photo Credit: Leading Edge Parenting

Today my son makes his transition to adulthood, a milestone birthday. Will he awake as a mature young adult? Will I all of a sudden feel like a successful parent? This led me to reflect on my parenting journey. Today's blog post is one from a few years ago, but worth repeating.

Do you sometimes feel like you have to be Wonder Woman or Superman in order to be a successful parent? Guess what? You don’t need a magic lasso, nor a blue and red suit with a cape, in order to be a successful parent.

You may have already discovered that your child will provide you with have many opportunities to test your parenting skills. For instance, I’m learning to remain calm in challenging situations. I’ve discovered that I don’t always have to yell and scream to get my teen son to do something. Instead I can send him a simple text…in all capital letters, “PLEASE CLEAN YOUR ROOM NOW.”

You probably have an arsenal of things in your parenting tool box to aid you in successful parenting. Just for fun here’s a list of things you DON’T need for successful parenting.

1.      Perfection – don’t think you have to be the perfect parent. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Ask for help and don’t feel guilty for asking.

2.      Six figure income – A job that pays well is always helpful in child rearing, but quality time with your child is even better. Don’t cause yourself undue stress if you can’t buy your child everything he wants. It’s also ok if she doesn’t sign up for every dance class or sports activity.

3.      You don’t have to neglect yourself – you have to take care of yourself in order to have the energy to take care of your child. In the midst of a hectic schedule, be sure to schedule “me time.”

4.      You don’t need to always make your child happy – an article at forbes.com encourages parents to role model hard work and allow children to experience disappointment. “Strive to raise responsible children who will grow to become responsible adults.”

5.      Don’t be afraid to show love and affection – give your child lots of hugs and kisses.

Here’s a bonus “don’t” - Don’t give up when you’re feeling overwhelmed, your breakthrough is on the way.

What would you add to the list of things you don’t need for successful parenting?