Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2024 #Potluck – #Writing through the generations: The Silent Generation – by Gwen M. Plano on Story Empire

Welcome to the series of Posts from Your Archives and I will be sharing posts from the SECOND six months of 2023 from your archives.

This current series is now closed to submissions but there will be a new series to participate in later in the year.

This is the second post from the archives of author Gwen Plano who is also one of the team members writing for Story Empire...In this post Gwen talks about writing about the older generation and the views and opinions they have that can differ from the younger generation. I have included the links for the first post in the series and the follow up one so you can enjoy them too. The writers in the team at Story Empire have added some new faces this year including Sue Coletta, Robbie Cheadle and Nicholas Rossis and you will find wonderful articles that inspire and motivate both new authors and established ones.

Writing through the Generations: The Silent Generation

Hello Story Empire friends,

A month ago, I began a series entitled Writing Through the Generations I offered a brief overview of the various era characteristics and explained that I would focus on one each month.

Today we’ll look at the Silent Generation. This demographic group was born between 1928 and 1945. During that time span, a few key events include World War II, the Dust Bowl, and the Great Depression. Some of this generation served in the Korean War, others in the Vietnam War. Today we know them as colleagues or parents.

Let’s begin with a story.

When my husband and I drive to and from California, we pass through the little town of Quartzsite, AZ. We gas up, snag some fast food, and get back on the road. With a population of less than 2,500, it’s a quiet town, but it’s a common stop for truckers and travelers.

On our last trip, we pulled into our favorite Quartzsite gas station and found ourselves behind a young woman who had just gotten into her car. She sat and ate her lunch and randomly tossed trash out the window. My husband, a member of the Silent Generation, stood outside by the pump. He paced a bit, and then, to my shock, he walked over to the young woman. He pointed to the trash barrel that was two feet from her car and asked why she didn’t put her trash in there. The young woman snarled, rolled up her window, and sped away.

My husband, a man in his eighties, wasn’t rude in any way. He was simply befuddled and couldn’t understand why the girl didn’t put her trash in the barrel. He said to me, “She didn’t even need to get out of the car. She could easily toss it into the can.”

Generational differences are common, so common that we often don’t notice them. As writers, it is these details that help us situate our stories, and that is why I’ve developed this series. So who are the folks we call the Silent Generation?

The Silent Generation didn’t have it easy growing up. They struggled with financial hardships and uncertainty. These challenges perhaps led to the traditional values associated with them: hard work, loyalty, and thriftiness. As a whole, they are patriotic – and they follow the rules. (Trash is meant to go into a trash can.) They do what is expected of them to do, even if that means self-sacrifice.

This older generation is typically respectful and courteous. And they are deferential to authority. They also tend to be family-centered with their celebrations, meals, and other gatherings. They may struggle with a cell phone, but they’re adept at providing a feast and bringing in stragglers.

This demographic also tends to be frugal. Many of them have experienced poverty, and they’d rather repair an item before they replace it. Even in my mom’s last days, she’d wash out plastic bags, and hang them up to dry, and then use them again.

Politically, the Silent Generation is dominantly conservative. They usually won’t discuss politics, but they are the first to vote. Expressions such as, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” capture the thinking of this age group.

I suspect you have plenty of stories about the Silent Generation. Won’t you share a couple with us? We’ve all much to learn, and your stories help make it fun.

Have a great week, and next time we’ll chat about the Baby Boomers

©Gwen Plano 2023

My thanks to Gwen for inviting me to share posts from her archives and I know she would love to hear from you.

Books by Gwen M. Plano

One of the reviews for The Soul Whisperer’s Decision

Mae Clair 5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story

Reviewed in the United States

The Soul Whisperer’s Decision is an emotional story, and one you’re unlikely to put down. I devoured it in one day, read in two sittings. The book is not without pain—the kind that reaches out and grips you around the throat—put it also delivers hope and love in a beautiful faith-filled package.

Sarah is happily married to Jack, and a young mother of two. Her life is blessed, then in one brutal moment it’s upended when another driver collides with her car, killing both her children and leaving her in a coma. Undone by grief, Jack crawls down a black hole of PTSD from years of service in Afghanistan.

When Sarah emerges from her coma, it’s with a gift she hadn’t expected. While comatose, she experienced an NDE, and saw her children in Heaven. This leaves her with an unexpected ability to reach those on the brink between life and death and offer comfort to their loved ones.

While Jack struggles to find inner peace, Sarah becomes a comfort to others. My favorite parts of this book are those when Sarah “spoke” with various souls on the brink, or offered compassion to those waiting on Earth. It’s a beautiful story, that brings tears but also rays of happiness and light. I won’t say how things wrap up, but I was thoroughly enchanted by the ending.

If you enjoy stories woven with compassion and faith, this beautifully written tale should not be missed! 

Read the reviews and buy the books: : Amazon UK –and : Amazon US – As Gwendolyn M. Plano: Amazon US follow Gwen :  Goodreads website:Gwen Plano – Twitter: @gmplano

About Gwen M. Plano

Gwen M. Plano, aka Gwendolyn M. Plano, grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Gwen’s academic background is in theology and counseling. Recently retired, she now lives in the high desert of Arizona, where she writes, gardens, and travels with her husband.

Gwen’s first book is an acclaimed memoir, Letting Go into Perfect Love. Her second book, The Contract between heaven and earth, is a thriller fiction novel, co-authored by John W. Howell. It has received multiple awards and is an Amazon Best Seller. The Choice, the unexpected heroes is the sequel to The Contract. It is also a thriller, involving the attempt of an unfriendly nation to take over the world. The third book in the series, The Culmination, a new beginning is an action-packed military thriller that spans the globe and involves multiple Heads of State and the threat of World War III. Only love can change the fate of humanity.

When Gwen is not writing, she’s often in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, where she finds inspiration.

 

Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you could click a few share buttons on your way out…Sally.

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2024 #Potluck – Thursday Thoughts -#Snakes #Death #Dusting Tiffany Blue Snake. Dust and Emily Levine by Carol Taylor

Welcome to the series of Posts from Your Archives and I will be sharing posts from the SECOND six months of 2023 from your archives.

This current series is now closed to submissions but there will be a new series to participate in later in the year.

This is the second post by author and food guru Carol Taylor where she shares the sighting of an exotic coloured snake, Emily Levine’s take on death and dusting. It was published in September 2023

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts which are very random today …I woke up this morning to rain so no early morning walk and on the news was the sighting of this beautiful snake …A lovely turquoise blue and due to its rarity it’s believed to bring good luck. Also known as the Blue Snake, it is a variant of the Green Tree Python. However, its genetic makeup differs from the average Green Tree Python, resulting in its unique blue colouration instead of the usual green.

Everyone was asking if it was venomous…the Tiffany Blue snake does indeed possess a potent serum. If bitten, it could affect the blood system, causing swelling and redness at the bite site. However, the venom doesn’t cause severe symptoms that could lead to death.

Typically, these snakes measure between 1 to 2 metres in length and are native to humid rainforests. The Tiffany Blue snake is capable of bioluminescence, illuminating at night, and feeds on insects and small reptiles…the advice given if you should encounter a Tiffany Blue snake, you should not try to chase it away. Instead, observe the snake’s movements from a safe distance and call a professional or authority for assistance to ensure your safety…

Wow, I will be looking out for one of those I would love to see one…

The other day I came across this TED Talk…Emily Levine’s take on death which no one escapes is amazing…it’s a great TED Talk…

Because I didn’t get my early morning walk in I thought I would do some dusting …so duster in hand I dusted my rocking horse collection and various other glass tops…Then I remembered

Dust If You Must by Rose Milligan …

Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better

To paint a picture, or write a letter,

Bake a cake, or plant a seed;

Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there’s not much time,

With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;

Music to hear, and books to read,

Friends to cherish, and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the worlds out there

With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair,

A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,

This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,

Old age will come and it’s not kind.

And when you go(and go you must)

You yourself will make more dust.

Well, that’s a compelling poem maybe I shouldn’t dust again…

On that note, I will say adieu I hope you are having a lovely day and thank you for joining me xx 

©Carol Taylor 2023

My thanks to Carol for inviting me to share from her archives and I know she would love to hear from you..

About Carol Taylor

Carol Taylor now lives in Thailand having been brought up in England and has built a dedicated following of her blog and guest posts where she creates not only amazing dishes, but sources fantastic ingredients in line with her philosophy of sustainable food ‘cooked from scratch’. Having travelled extensively Carol has incorporated the cuisines of many different cultures into her recipes, and shares her research into the backgrounds to both the traditional cultures and the origins of the ingredients.

She loves shopping at local markets and wherever she is, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetables she has never seen or cooked with.

Health and the environment are key priorities, particularly the concern about our oceans and fisheries. Also, how many of our foods on the shelves of our supermarkets are ultra processed and contain additives that do not add to the nutritional value and are not healthy. She is an advocate about growing our own food where or when we can even it it is only a few pots or a window box of herbs.

She wishes everyone would count chemicals and not calories as they would be much healthier…it’s true ‘we are what we eat‘ and while a cake or a bar of chocolate does no harm on occasions, sticking to a fresh food, balanced diet will keep our bodies healthy as we age…

A Homemade Christmas is the first in a series of cookbooks to come.

Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – For reviews: Goodreads – Connect to Carol – Blog:Carol Cooks 2 – Twitter: @CarolCooksTwo – Facebook:Carol Taylor

 

Thanks for dropping in and it would be great if you could click a few share buttons on you way out..

 

 

Smorgasbord Music Column – William Price King with The Duets – #1960s – 1969 – Zager & Evans – In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus), Diana Ross and The Supremes & The Temptations – I’m Gonna Make You Love Me

In this series for 2024, William will be sharing some of the iconic duets from the 1960s onwards. Collaborations between artists that were hits around the world and are still enjoyed today.

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you will enjoy this trip down memory lane with me in coming months. William

1969 – Zager & Evans – In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)

“In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)” was composed by Rick Evans in 1964. It gave warnings of the dangers of technology, portraying a future in which the human race would be destroyed by its own technological and medical innovations. The last verses of the song suggest mankind would undergo a continuing cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

“In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)” reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969 and remained for six consecutive weeks. It peaked at #1 in the UK and #2 in Australia, selling over four million copies worldwide.

Zager and Evans are considered to be the archetypal one-hit artists. In spite of they had with “2525,” the follow-up single, “Mr. Turnkey”, failed to chart in the US and UK, as did subsequent releases. As of 2019, the duo remains the only act to have had a chart-topping hit on both sides of the Atlantic but never having another chart single in Billboard nor the UK.

1969 – Diana Ross and The Supremes & The Temptations – I’m Gonna Make You Love Me

“I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” was penned by Gamble and Huff and Jerry Ross and originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick (Dionne Warwick’s sister and Whitney Houston’s first cousin) in 1966, peaking at #13 on the Billboard R&B chart and #88 on its Pop Chart.

In December of 1968 Diana Ross & the Supremes and the Temptations performed “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” together on their joint TV Special “TCB.” Radio stations across the country began playing the track compelling Motown to release the song as a single.

The song reached #2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and its R&B charts in January 1969: the Record World 100 Top Pops ranked it at #1 for three weeks while Cash Box ranked the single #1. In the UK, the single peaked at #3, and spent six weeks in the Top 10.

Thanks for joining me today and look forward to hearing from you… William.

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Website: William Price King – Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial – Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

 

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2024 #Potluck – Pet Holiday Anxiety Issues? Pet Copywriter Tricia Perry

Welcome to the series of Posts from Your Archives and I will be sharing posts from the SECOND six months of 2023 from your archives.

This current series is now closed to submissions but there will be a new series to participate in later in the year.

This is the second post by Pet Copywriter Tricia Perry and is about an issue that concerns all pet owners when they leave them behind in someone else’s care or during noisy celebrations in the neighbourhood.

Pet Holiday Anxiety Issues? 

Does your pet have issues with visitors, known or strangers, or loud traffic noises, stormy weather? Do they hide – or show aggression – or shake and shiver – or try to make themselves smaller? Does your fur bud or feathered friend exhibit strange behavior when people come to see you or if they are with you outside their home?

With holidays looming and planning get togethers, the time is here to help your pet buddies loosen up a bit. There are quite a good number of remedies on the market for our pets with anxiety now. I have written about this subject more than once. Do take a look at another post entitled Pet Anxiety Symptoms and Aids

Anxiety Vests

Here is a simple solution for many pets to feel more confident and cared for. See my post story Does your pet suffer from Anxiety

The anxiety vest pictured above is from Healers Pet Care, Vancouver, WA, a great lightweight, breathable, help for your pet baby and all USA-made and sourced. This wrap is also easy on and off and washable. And, if you read my story above, you know how well these vests work to give your pet friend the ‘hug’ they need to feel more self-assured.

CBD Oil, Soft Chews, Treats

You can see my post on CBD from 2022,” Pet CBD Usage Growing

Updates since 2022

Checking back with The Humane Society regarding the use of CBD for our pets, they reiterate that the Hemp and CBD products are safe and do help to reduce pain for our animals. Specifically, they note these products can be effective in “reducing pain, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, and seizures in cats and dogs”. They do caution, however, to check with your vet for using hemp or cbd products for your pet. In fact it is best to check with your vet for the best dosage amount for your pet based on their weight, age, and medical history. And do remember to be sure the product is THC-free or no Marijuana ingredient.

The Veterinary Cannibis Society, who provides education on cannibis usage reports on an article from the FDA.gov in January 2023 indicating “they are considering working with Congress on potential regulatory pathways for CBD products”.

Additional USA-made and Grown CBD Companies

Prospect Farms

I found no new CBD reports on Pet Product News but did on Pet Age about Brooke Shields joining Prospect Farms of Prospect, Maine as their premier marketing person and a board member for their USDA certified organic cbd products for our pets. All is grown and produced from their 400 year old farm in Maine. This company provides calming and mobility drops for both cats and for dogs.

Fab CBD / Nuleaf Naturals

Forbes does show a newer article reporting on ‘the best dog cbd for 2022’. Of those mentioned FabCBD.com of MIlwaukee, Wisconsin provides a THC-free organically grown in Colorado pet hemp oil. And, a second USA CBD player reported is Nuleaf Naturals.com of Denver, Colorado. Nuleaf gives us USA organic hemp products for pets in the form of oil and chews.

Kadenwood / Suzie’s Pet Treats / Charlotte’s Web

Of the three mentioned in my previous post by Discover and Pet Product News, Kadenwood of Newport Beach, California is still going strong in the pet cbd market.

Also Suzie’s Pet Treats.com of Colorado is still listed with USDA certified organic cat cbd bits, dog drops, and dog treats. Their ingredients are all listed on their site.

Last I will mention again is Charlotte’s Web of Colorado. They offer hemp calming chews and oil for dogs in two dosage sizes.

There are quite a large number of companies in this pet cbd market. The only ones I have mentioned or will mention are all USA-made. Not to say there are not more available to you, but these are the ones I have investigated todate.

Other Anxiety Products

For separation anxiety, treat dispensers like those from Soda Pup and treat puzzles from Catamazing and Outwardhound are excellent all USA-made ideas for your fur buds. They even have a similar idea for your feathered friends by HootnHollerBird  of Alabama – a treat table. Any good attention grabbing toy is good to keep your pet friends occupied while you are out.

I hope the above information gives you some good prospects to help your pet with any anxiety issues they may have.

So happy to have you stop by Pet Viewpoint. Do remember to let your friends and family know about us and leave us your comments and suggestions down below on the left. See you next week!

©Tricia Perry 2024

My thanks to Tricia for inviting me to share posts from her archives and as I know most of you have pets I am sure you will find them interesting.

About Tricia Perry

Hello. You have arrived at Tricia’s welcome page for Pet Viewpoint. My blog is all about pets, USA products, and services for your pets. I write copy for the Pet Industry, specifically USA-made and sourced pet product manufacturers and pet services.

My intent is that this site will give you some new information and perspectives on your pets. It is about pet bird care, cat care, dog care, and small aquarium care, with recommendations on USA-made and sourced pet products and services for your use.

Because I love pets and have had many of my own, I enjoy sharing interesting and useful informational articles, researched knowledge, helpful resources, and stories with pet owners and wanna-be pet owners Pet Age Discover, and Tufts Catnip are a few of my very useful resources.

I am proud to share, with the insignia above, that I am a verified copywriter with American Writers and Artists Institute.

Articles are written about pets in general, lessons on pets, the perfect pet activities, and are combined with some fictional stories. And, I love adding reposted funny animal videos to make you smile.

If you would like to see more of my writing, click Portfolio, and Comments and Testimonials in the top Menu. To read more on my background, click on Introducing.

Connect with Tricia via her website: Pet View Point – LinkedIn: Tricia Perry

 

Smorgasbord Health Column 2024 – This Year’s Focus – Cardiovascular Disease – The Circulatory System – Part Three – The Healthy Eating Plan by Sally Cronin

The primary cause of death of men and women globally is cardiovascular disease, with heart attacks, coronary heart disease and strokes resulting in deaths in not just the elderly but increasing numbers under 75 years old and particularly in the 45 – 60 years age bracket.

You can read the previous post in the series: The Circulatory System – Part Two – Common problems with blood-vessels

At every stage of our life healthy nutrition is essential to help the body develop and remain as disease free as possible. I appreciate that many of you may have read this series before, but I hope it will be a reminder of how amazing our bodies are, and simply eating the right foods, exercising moderately and not doing anything too reckless…will go a long way to enjoying later life to the full.

In this next series of posts I am going to be looking at the the circulatory system in more detail as the carrier of life giving blood around the body.

Healthy eating plan – for the circulation system

If you follow a diet high in wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and lean protein you will be providing your body with most of the essential elements necessary for a healthy circulatory system.

The components that are the most essential for blood-vessel health include Vitamin C for collagen production and nutrients that keep the blood-vessels clear of plaque, debris and keep the blood flowing as it should through the body.

Most diseases that are related to the integrity of the blood-vessel walls are partly due to a lack of effective collagen. Collagen is not just responsible for keeping the elastic sheath around blood-vessels healthy but also our tendons, cartilage, gums and our immune system.

Collagen is one of thousands of proteins in the human body. Most proteins are only in small amounts but collagen is present in the skin, bones, teeth, blood-vessels, eyes, and heart as well as in our connective tissues such as tendons.

Collagen, as you can imagine, is in constant use and needs a very high maintenance programme to replace and repair itself. To keep up with this rate of repair we need to take in a great deal of Vitamin C on a continuous basis because not only is the Vitamin C essential in the manufacture of collagen but also gets destroyed in the process.

An interesting fact emerged when long term prisoners of war were examined on their release. A vast majority were discovered to be suffering from severe Vitamin C deficiency but also unexpectedly very high levels of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) which was unlikely to have come from eating a high fat diet. It is therefore very likely that the two are connected, giving a further reason for including Vitamin C in generous amounts in your diet.

Vitamin C is also needed to protect us from cardiovascular disease, cancers, joint disease and cataracts. It is a fantastic antioxidant that is specific to the health of our blood-vessels because of its prevention of oxidation of LDL (lousy cholesterol) leading to plaque and narrowed and hardened arteries.

Vitamin C is found in most fruit and vegetables and one of the best reasons for including more than the recommended ration of five portions per day.

Vitamin C is very sensitive to air, water and temperature and about a quarter of the Vitamin C in fruit or vegetables is lost in steaming or boiling them for just a few minutes.

If you over cook vegetables, or cook them for longer than 15 minutes, you will lose over half the Vitamin C content.

I do use frozen vegetables particular out of season and they are usually chopped and frozed when picked and that does help protect the nutritional content.

Canned fruit and vegetables that are then reheated end up with only a third of their original nutrient value which is why eating as many fruits and vegetables as possible – in their raw state – is the only really effective way to get the amount of this vital vitamin that you need.

What other nutrients should we include to help maintain our blood-vessel health?

A balanced diet will help your body protect itself but there are certain nutrients that have a particular responsibility for keeping our blood flowing as it should through healthy arteries and veins.

Nitrate rich foods

Plants absorb naturally occurring nitrate in soil through their roots and it is essential to their healthy growth and development. However it has to go through some chemical adaptation to enable the plant to use efficiently and it goes through various stages to end up as amino acids and chlorophyll. We as humans can reuse those amino acids in the plants that we eat and therefore obtain these second hand benefits ourselves. There are other chemical and bacterial processes that are in play but fundamentally the end result is an easy and efficient way for us to obtain a critically important component in our essential nutrient bundle.

Nitrates are called vasodilators which mean that they dilate or widen the blood vessels in the body. This allows for a healthy blood flow which in turn provides oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle. It is effective for both arteries and veins and regulates blood flow to the heart reducing the work load on the muscle. You will find that many prescribed medications for conditions such as Angina are nitrate based.

This is why as we get into middle age it is so important to include a high quantity of high quality, raw and low processed vegetables and fruit in our diet. Five portions are simply not enough and is the minimum.

One of the interesting facts I discovered when I was doing research into SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder several years ago was that one of the side effects can be raised blood pressure during the winter months in the northern hemisphere. In the summer months I spent quite a bit of time out in sunlight either working in the garden, walking or enjoying a book, and found on taking my BP on a regular basis that there was a significant decrease in both the systolic and diastolic measurements. Apart from our ability to obtain Vitamin D from sunlight, the nitric oxide stored under the skin is also activated and absorbed into the blood stream dilating the blood vessels and reducing BP.

During the winter months a hot bath (not scalding) for 15 minutes to half an hour has been shown to also activate the nitric oxide. A hot shower will also do this but it needs to run for at least 15 minutes so takes up a great deal of water and energy.

Ideally I suggest that you have at least Six portions of vegetables a day and Two of fruit.

Potassium (K) is the most essential cation (positively charged electrolyte.) It reacts with sodium and chloride to maintain a perfect working environment in and around each cell.

Some studies are indicating that low dietary potassium intake is linked to high blood pressure and that combined with calcium and magnesium rich foods can go a long way to preventing this condition from developing.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesise and must be obtained through diet.

There are two families of EFAs Omega-3 and Omega-6. Another variety, Omega-9, is also necessary but is classified as “non- essential” as the body can make it if the other two fatty acids are present.

EFAs are essential because they support our cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous systems. We need these fats to manufacture and repair cells, maintain hormone levels and expel waste from the body. Although they are important for other functions in the body, such as fertility, they play a major role in the process that regulates blood pressure and blood clotting, making them an important addition to our diet if we are at risk from circulatory conditions.

Omega-3 is the principal Omega-3 fatty acid and is used in the formation of cell walls, improving circulation and oxygen absorption. A deficiency can lead to decreased immune system function, elevated levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) high blood pressure and irregular heart beat.

Omega-6 is the primary Omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 can improve rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, and skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

There is growing evidence that the non-essential Oleic acid, Omega 9, may help to lower unhealthy cholesterol levels by decreasing the , LDL (low-density lipoprotein), while at the same time raising the level of healthy cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein).

Oleic acid is also emerging as a regulator of blood-sugar levels and as a possible protection against breast and prostate cancer. So, including half an avocado in your diet every day may well protect you from the harmful long-term affects of a number of diseases.

The B-vitamins

B-Vitamins play a role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system in general but Vitamin B3 (niacin) B6, B12 and folic acid are of particular interest.

Vitamin B3 plays a critical role in the chemical processing of fats in the body and although B3 is required for production of cholesterol by the liver, the vitamin has repeatedly been used to successfully lower total blood cholesterol. It has yet to be proved whether including B3 rich foods in your diet will also reduce cholesterol levels, but it would appear that the vitamin has a component that may help balance the amount that is produced and present in the blood at any given time.

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Too much of it is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries) leading to damage of the inner linings of the arteries and promoting blood clots.

There is increasing evidence that lowered levels of Folic acid, B6 and B12 are linked to higher levels of homocysteine and therefore the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Including them in your diet is easy if you are not vegetarian and may require supplementation if you don’t include animal products in your diet.

Fibre, particularly in the form of beta-glucan helps keep your arteries clear of debris and plaque. Including oats, brown rice, as well as your daily rations of fruit and vegetables, will provide you with adequate amounts of this type of carbohydrate.

Best food sources for these nutrients and for fibre

This is not the complete list of foods that contain the appropriate nutrients but they are some of the best sources available.

• Avocado for essential fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 9. Nitrates to dilate the arteries
• Banana has fibre too, which helps clear the system of debris and potassium and nitrates to keep the arteries clean. Also contains B6 for lowering homocysteine levels.
• Beef (lean) for its protein and B6 and B12.
• Broccoli for high levels of Vitamin C and folate.

• Brown rice helps keep your cholesterol down and your arteries healthy with its fibre.
• Calf’s liver for B3, B6 and B12 and folate.
• Cauliflower and red bell peppers for high levels of Vitamin C
• Chicken and Turkey for B3 and B6 and Omega 6.
• Cow’s milk and yoghurt for B12

• Fruits and vegetables in general for their Vitamin C and fibre.
• All vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, which remove free radicals from the system and also promote the growth of healthy cells and tissue.
• Green tea with its antioxidant, which inhibits the enzymes that produce free radicals in the lining of the arteries. This not only prevents plaque from forming but also improves the ratio of LDL (lousy cholesterol) to HDL (healthy cholesterol)
• Halibut for B3, B6 and B12
• Tuna for potassium
• Kiwi fruit, papaya and strawberries for high levels of Vitamin C and nitrates to keep the arteries clear
• Lamb for B3 and B12
• Lentils and beans for low fat protein and folate.
• Spinach and other green vegetables for potassium.
• Oats with their fibre called beta-glucan which helps lower cholesterol and prevents plaque from forming in your arteries.

• Olive oil and olives for Omega 6 and Omega 9.
• Onions and garlic which contain sulphur compounds that along with B6 and chromium help lower homocysteine levels in the blood
• Oranges with their Vitamin C and fibre.
• Pumpkinseeds and other seeds for Omega 3 and Omega 6.

• Salmon with its Omega 3, B3 and B6 and B12
• Scallops and shrimp for B12
• Shitake mushrooms for B3 and B12 and eritadenine, which lowers cholesterol levels.
• Spinach and asparagus and very green vegetables for the folate to help reduce homocysteine levels, Vitamin C and Omega 3
• Tuna for Omega 3, B3 and B6
• Venison with low fat protein and B3, B6 and B12.

• Walnuts and other nuts Omega 3, 6 and 9 and B6
• Whole grains for fibre and B3.

Including the above foods several times a week will help you protect not only your circulatory system but also your heart and the health of all your major organs that rely solely on the nutrient and oxygen packed blood that is brought to them by the system.

The Salt issue and blood pressure.

Many of the fresh foods in the list contain sodium which is salt. One of the issues that impacts the circulatory system is high blood pressure. But is is not always down to what we eat as our blood vessels do thicken and become less flexible as we get older. However it is not the natural sodium in our diet that increases our risk of high blood pressure, but the sodium content of industrially manufactured foods.

I have covered Salt in our diet and how it is not the culprit it is made out to be earlier in the series but in the next post I will be underlining that and looking more at the ultra processed foods where the real danger lies..

    Thanks for taking the time to read and please feel free to email me on sally.cronin@moyhill.com if you have any questions.

©Sally Cronin Just Food for Health 1998 – 2024

I am a qualified nutritional therapist with twenty-five years experience working with clients in Ireland and the UK as well as being a health consultant on radio in Spain. Although I write a lot of fiction, I actually wrote my first two books on health, the first one, Size Matters, a weight loss programme 20 years ago, based on my own weight loss of 154lbs. My first clinic was in Ireland, the Cronin Diet Advisory Centre and my second book, Just Food for Health was written as my client’s workbook. Since then I have written a men’s health manual, and anti-aging programme, articles for magazines, radio programmes and posts here on Smorgasbord.

If you would like to browse my health books and fiction you can find them here Sally’s books and reviews 2024

 

Thanks for joining me for this series and as always delighted to receive your feedback… keep young at heart… thanks Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Health Column – Plastics invading our bodies and its impact on our planet by Sally Cronin

Plastics invading our bodies and its impact on our planet

Plastic water bottles, food containers and the insides of many of our canned goods, have been in the news for a long time. Since the 1960’s when we moved away from glass for containers we have been ingesting leached substances from the new and modern alternative. Plastic was heralded as the clean, disposable and convenient way to package and store our food. Most of us are likely to come out of the supermarket with at least bottled water sold to us in handy packs of 6, 12 or 24. Plenty for all the family.

This latest study, although not huge does raise a very interesting issue. Whilst we may have had limited exposure to plastics as children in the 50s and 60s, the generations born in the 80s have certainly borne the brunt of the plastic epidemic. Milk, juices, fruit cordials, tomato sause all came in glass containers and I made a pretty penny collecting and returning bottles to augment my pocket money.

I have moved away from most packaged foods including in house baked bread, vegetables which I buy loose and meat and fish from the fresh counters. We do filter our drinking water but as with everyone else when buying mineral water the options are very limited to plastic.

I am not intending to be alarmist but I do suggest that you take a look around your kitchen and also check out your next shopping trolley. Especially if you have children or teenagers. Just how much plastic are they being exposed to. Particularly if they drink a lot of soft drinks or water in plastic bottles.

Gender-bending chemicals found in plastic and linked to breast and prostate cancer are found in 86% of teenagers’ bodies

Almost 90 per cent of teenagers have gender-bending chemicals from plastic in their bodies, according to a study.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in plastic containers and water bottles, on the inside of food cans and in till receipts.

The chemical, used since the 1960s to make certain types of plastic, mimics the female sex hormone oestrogen, and has been linked to low sperm counts and infertility in men, as well as breast and prostate cancer.

A study by the University of Exeter, whose researchers tested urine samples from 94 teenagers, found 86 per cent had traces of BPA in their body. 

Read the rest of the article:Gender-bending chemicals found in plastic and linked to breast and prostate cancer are found in 86% of teenagers’ bodies

Image Pixabay.com

Another more recent article adds more concerns particular as plastic containers age and have been used frequently.

Bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, is a chemical that, according to the United States Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, has been used for years in the production of certain plastics to make them more durable and shatter-resistant. Unfortunately, BPA can also make them potential health hazards.

In human studies, BPA exposure has been associated with a higher risk of a wide range of health conditions or issues, such as infertility, altered fetal growth of the fetus, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and aggression among children, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and heart disease, said Laura Vandenberg, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  CNN

What is interesting is that the FDA and some of the medical sites debunk this as myth and that cooking in plastic containers and using foods stored in plastic is completely safe and has their seal of approval.  Having seen so many U-turns on many issues both by the FDA and the UK medical council, especially after long-term usage of a drug or other product, it is my view that their assurances should be taken with more than a pinch of salt.

Apart from our own health it is now clear that the oceans and our wildlife are also at risk of permanent damage from our use of plastics which in many countries is simply tossed into the ground or into the sea.

Image Pixabay.com

Plastic is durable and when you see the average lifespan it definitely underlines the issues of disposal.

Plastic Water Bottle – 450 years
Disposable Diapers – 500 years
Plastic 6-Pack Collar – 450 Years
Extruded Polystyrene Foam – over 5,000 years

Plastic production has sharply increased over the last 70 years. In 1950, the world produced just two million tonnes. It now produces over 450 million tonnes.

Plastic has added much value to our lives: it’s a cheap, versatile, and sterile material used in various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging.

However, when plastic waste is mismanaged – not recycled, incinerated, or kept in sealed landfills – it becomes an environmental pollutant. One to two million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans yearly, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.

Hannah Ritchie, Veronika Samborska and Max Roser (2023) – “Plastic Pollution” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: Our World in Data

 

There is hope on the horizon but probably not in our lifetimes as the major plastic producers look for more bio-friendly ingredients for their products. However, the majority of plastic manufacturers are unlikely to be quick to modernise their current production plants and methods. But with an industry that is estimated to be worth 712 billion U.S. dollars (Statista)., which includes industrial components for the car industry and other manufacturers, Governments are unlikely to clamp down on and risk their tax contributions.

However, on the food related plastics we can make a difference if we move away from buying products such as water in plastic and either filter our own and use non plastic alternatives to store and carry, or move to glass.

Perhaps if manufacturers see that the end user is making other choices, it will encourage them reconsider…. one can but hope.

The Irish government has just started a new initiative in 2024 on the recycling of plastic and aluminium bottles and containers and now every major supermarket has a refuse point for specially marked products.

The Deposit Return Scheme — a new, nationwide money-back scheme for plastic drinks bottles and aluminium cans — is being rolled out from today (Thursday, 1 February). The scheme incentivises people to return used drinks containers so that they can be successfully recycled into new containers.

The Deposit Return Scheme is a key commitment of the Programme for Government 2020, and is a fundamental building block of a circular economy. About 5 million drinks are consumed in single-use containers in Ireland each day. As well as boosting recycling rates, the Deposit Return Scheme will significantly reduce the number of bottles and cans being littered or sent to landfill or incineration. Gov.IE 

A step in the right direction…

One of the alternatives to plastic drinking bottles.

I bought a couple of stainless steel water bottles for trips and you might find this useful if you decide to do likewise: Flaske

I will leave you with this video made by students in Hawaii. Douglas McCauley

I hope this might give you something to consider. Thanks Sally

 ©Sally Cronin Just Food for Health 1998 – 2024

I am a qualified nutritional therapist with twenty-six years experience working with clients in Ireland and the UK as well as being a health consultant on radio in Spain. Although I write a lot of fiction, I actually wrote my first two books on health, the first one, Size Matters, a weight loss programme 20 years ago, based on my own weight loss of 154lbs. My first clinic was in Ireland, the Cronin Diet Advisory Centre and my second book, Just Food for Health was written as my client’s workbook. Since then I have written a men’s health manual, and anti-aging programme, articles for magazines, radio programmes and posts here on Smorgasbord.

If you would like to browse my health books and fiction you can find them here Sally’s books and reviews 2024

 

Thanks for joining me for this series and as always delighted to receive your feedback… thanks Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2024 #Potluck – #Writing What Draws Readers into a Story by D.L. Finn for Story Empire

Welcome to the series of Posts from Your Archives and I will be sharing posts from the SECOND six months of 2023 from your archives.

If you wish to be included the information is at the the end of the following post which is from the previous series, and shows you what it will look like.

This is the second post by author and poet D.L (Denise) Finn….Denise is one of the talented writers who post articles on Story Empire aimed at providing authors with strategies and guidance to be the best they can be.

Hi SEers! Denise here to talk about what hooks a reader, reels them into a story, and keeps them turning the pages.

When a reader loses interest, they will stop reading and move on. I get hooked on a story because I immediately fall in love with the characters and relate to the setting. My husband is all in if action or a mystery pulls him in. Different things are pulling us into the same book.

Why does it matter why a reader likes your story? Because knowing your audience helps you not only write but market that amazing novel you have inside. A captivating story for my husband and me will mix great characters, vivid settings, action, and a mystery to be solved. Everyone in my family is happy, but that may not apply to other readers.

What are the important elements that draw or hook readers into a story?

Great Characters. They need to be well-rounded, whether the villain or hero. The readers want to identify with the characters on some level. Understanding who they are and what they want is important. When writing them, I keep notes on my characters. Some of what I know about my characters makes it in the book, but not all of it. I just need to get to know them so I can write from their point of view.

Know your audience. Are you writing a romance, horror, mystery, or fantasy? Certain elements are expected within genres. You can mix the genres, but if it’s a romance, make sure the focus is on that and there’s a payoff if they do or don’t stay or get together. A mystery? There needs to be enough red herrings along the way so that the reader may or may not find them. The end reveal can’t be out of the blue. A fantasy requires well-rounded characters and a vivid setting to take the reader into the created world. Horror can have all the above elements but needs a scary component, too. Remember, you won’t want to terrify a romance audience if they weren’t expecting it or wanting it.

The beginning and hook. This is where you can hook a reader or lose them. Much like fishing when the fish bites at the bait. Then you can reel in the reader like a good fisherperson does. But a bare hook or none at all, there will be nothing there. And you will have lost a reader. A lot of time, the hook places the reader in the middle of action, drama, or a problem. When a good beginning and hook are present, they stir emotions and create the need to know what happens next. The title, book cover, and blurb are also a part of what lures a reader into the story.

Compelling story. What if the reader is hooked but then the story falls flat? The Smith family has minutes to pack up and leave their house before the enemy arrives. Will they make it? Well, not if they reminisce about old times to the point of you forget they were in danger. Nothing happens until the last chapter, but by then the reader has already put down the story. What the story does need is conflict and some confusion within a plot and well-rounded characters playing it out. Is the situation life or death from an oncoming war or storm? There has to be some urgency. Family or work conflict that affects their mental well-being? Is there fighting or lack of communication at all? A man who has given up on finding his soul mate or a lonely kid whose parents just divorced? Nothing like a great story that keeps a reader up late into the night, saying just one more chapter.

The setting. The story’s setting should be appropriate and enhance the conflict or survival of the characters. I love to read books set in Alaska or places that are more rugged and dangerous. The danger could come from another human, wild animals, or the weather. I’m also open to a nice tropical setting which can have its own set of issues like sharks, sunburn, or hurricanes. If it’s set in another time, I want to understand what it’s like to live then. A fantasy story is a new world to me, and I have to relate to it on some level. If a setting is done well, it becomes a place I want to visit, unless it’s a horror story.

Engaging dialog. Nothing can slow down a story more than stilted dialog or dialog that repeats information. It can be a great place to show the character’s personality and bring new information or advance the plot. It adds depth and emotion. Give each character their voice and way of speaking and moving. Use strong descriptive words, but not filler words. What the dialog doesn’t need is small talk or unnecessary words that go nowhere. Hinting what’s coming is better than an information dump.

Use your voice in writing. It makes what you do unique. Read successful authors but don’t mimic their voice. You have a story to tell too that no one else can.

How about you? What draws you into a story? 

© D.L. Finn 2023 Story Empire

My thanks to Denise for inviting me to share from her archives and this one certainly caught my attention…

A selection of books by D.L. Finn

My review for The Destination

The setting for this collaboration is an atmospheric old inn and its adjoining lighthouse, on the edge of the mercurial Pacific Ocean. It is perfect for this novella with a number of threads from the recent past and the mid-60s when two young women are on a road trip.

For one it is an adventure and also a mission to free her friend from the ties that bind her to her family and their plans for her future. As they arrive the ghost who waits patiently in the background to reunite with those she loves, senses that evil is about to enter their lives. She cannot interfere as the outcome is in the hands of fate.

The characters are all great, from the innkeepers who offer such a warm welcome and the girls whose destiny will be decided in the 24 hours from their arrival, to the other guests whose lives become entwined with them from the moment they meet. The story engages from the first page to the last and packs in a great many elements for a short read. The author certainly knows how to ramp up the paranormal atmosphere that permeates the lives all those who cross the threshold of this old inn and has created an emotional rollercoaster.

This the second of the books in this multi-author collaboration and as with the first I can happily recommend.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow D.L. Finn: Goodreads – Connect to D.L. Finn – Website: D.L. Finn Author – Facebook: D.L. Finn Author – Twitter: @dlfinnauthor

About D.L. Finn

D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.

How to feature in the series?

• All I need you to do is give me permission to dive in to your archives and find two posts to share here on Smorgasbord either by leaving a note in the comments or by emailing me. (sally.cronin@moyhill.com)
• Rather than a set topic, I will select posts at random of general interest across a number of subjects from the last six months of 2023. (it is helpful if you have a link to your archives in your sidebar by month)
• As I will be promoting your books as part of the post along with all your information and links so I will not be sharing direct marketing or self- promotional posts in the series.
• If you are an author I am sure you will have a page on your blog with the details, and an ‘about page’ with your profile and social media links (always a good idea anyway). I will get everything that I need.
• As a blogger I would assume that you have an ‘about page’ a profile photo and your links to social media.
• Copyright is yours and I will ©Your name on every post… and you will be named as the author in the URL and subject line.
• Previous participants are very welcome to take part again.
• Each post is reformatted for my blog and I don’t cut and paste, this means it might look different from your own post especially if you are using the block editor

N.B – To get the maximum benefit from your archive posts, the only thing I ask is that you respond to comments individually and share on your own social media.. thank you.

 

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Malcolm Allen Entertains #Marriage #Anniversaries and #Positivity

Time for some humour from Malcolm Allen to keep your spirits up….

 Delighted that Malcolm will be entertaining us throughout 2024

About Malcolm Allen

The author was born in London UK and experienced a challenging childhood, leaving school with no academic qualifications at the age of 15. He had mixed fortunes in his early working days but managed to secure a job in the banking industry at the age of 19. During a period of 32 years he enjoyed a demanding and successful career in London, the pinnacle of which was becoming a Company Director at the age of 37. Following a life changing experience in November 1998 he emigrated to Perth, Western Australia in September 2001, relocating to his current home in Melbourne, Australia in November 2015.

Malcolm will be back each month with more of his humour.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Music Column – The Breakfast Show Rewind with William Price King and Sally Cronin – Chart Hits 1972 Part One – Roberta Flack, Don McLean, Elton John, Helen Reddy

Welcome to The Breakfast Show and the top hits of the 1970s.

Both William and I are working on new projects and as we complete those we hope you will enjoy the series which began in January 2021 again, or for the first time if you are new to the blog.

Each week William and I selected two top hits from the charts starting with 1960 for two weeks followed by 1961 etc..through to 2005. We then did a retro series beginning in the 1940s. We also included some of the notable events in those years for the up and coming stars who were centre stage at the time.

Welcome to the show and we are excited to share decades of music with you again in 2024. Here is the first of my top 1972 hits which I hope you will enjoy.  William.

News Event:  January 27th World premiere of Scott Joplin’s rediscovered opera “Treemonisha” at Morehouse College in Atlanta

Roberta Flack – The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” written by British political singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, was covered by Roberta Flack in 1972 and topped the charts around the world, winning Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Billboard ranked it as the #1 Hot 100 single of the year. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was played as the wake-up music on flight day 9 to the astronauts aboard Apollo 17, on their last day in Lunar orbit (Friday, December 15, 1972) before returning to earth, thus ending the last manned explorations of the Moon. Clint Eastwood, in his directorial film debut “Play Misty for Me,” highlighted the song in a love scene featuring himself and Donna Mills. Roberta Flack

News Event:  February 13th “Cabaret”, directed by Bob Fosse, based on the musical of the same name and starring Liza Minnelli and Michael York, is released

Don McLean – American Pie

“American Pie,” composed by Don McLean, was a monster hit worldwide. It topped the charts in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The song was listed as the #5 song on the RIAA project “Songs of the Century” and was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry as being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant.” The repeatedly mentioned phrase “ the day the music died” refers to the plane crash in 1959 that killed rock and roll performers Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens.

News Event:  February 17th Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti receives record 17 curtain calls after his performance in “La fille du régiment” at New York’s Metropolitan Opera

Now time for my picks from 1972 and these are tracks that take me down memory lane and I danced to every week and are my particular favourites today

Elton John – Rocket Man

“Rocket Man” (officially titled “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)”) is a song composed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and originally performed by Elton John. The song first appeared on Elton John’s 1972 album Honky Château and as the lead single from the album. The song eventually rose to No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100 becoming a major hit single for John. Elton John

News Event:  June 6th David Bowie releases his breakthrough album “The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

Helen Reddy – I am Woman

“I Am Woman” is a song written by Australian musicians Helen Reddy and Ray Burton. Performed by Reddy, the first recording of “I Am Woman” appeared on her debut album I Don’t Know How to Love Him, released in May 1971, and was heard during the closing credits for the 1972 film Stand Up and Be Counted. A new recording of the song was released as a single in May 1972 and became a number-one hit later that year, eventually selling over one million copies

Additional sources: On This Day – Music –  Wikipedia

    Your Hosts for The Breakfast Show

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.

She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.

Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin

 Next time 1972 Part two and we hope you will tune in.. as always we love to hear from you.. thanks William and Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2024 #Potluck – #Life #Ambitions #Passions – Take it to the Limit by Melanie McGauran

Welcome to the series of Posts from Your Archives and I will be sharing posts from the SECOND six months of 2023 from your archives.

This current series is now closed to submissions but there will be a new series to participate in later in the year.

This is the first post from writer and blogger Melanie McGauran of Leaving the Door Open and shares her thoughts on life and taking passions to the limit….

Take It to the Limit

I was fifteen when The Eagles released their song “Take It to the Limit.” Just typing those words brings the melody to mind; it has that strong of a hook. Some songs are like that.

The song was unique because it was one of the rare times that base player Randy Meisner took the lead vocals. Typically, Meisner sang the higher harmonies on most of their albums. This song, however, needed his upper vocal range, and he carried that song into the rafters every time he was on stage.

Randy Meisner died July 26th at age 77. Most news platforms paid appropriate tributes to his legacy. NBC shared an interview where the famously shy band member spoke about his big hit.

“My take on ‘Take it to the Limit’ is to keep trying, especially before you reach a point in your life where you feel you’ve done everything.”

I think of this in a couple of different ways.

First, if you have a singular passion, whether it be writing music or becoming a foster parent, stick with it. Take your commitment to the limit. That singular focus should bring success. Be patient and take the dream as high as you can.

I also apply it to people who want to see and do it all (metaphorically speaking). Without getting into too much “pop psychology” about it, I think of it as taking your overall life’s journey to the limit.

I recently saw a story of two friends on the news. They are both 81-year-old women, who decided to travel around the world in 80 days as a nod to the iconic book written in 1872, or the movie I guess which came out in 1956. They succeeded, even working around a global pandemic.

I get it. That type of high energy choice is not for most of us. But it illustrates exactly what Meisner was saying about trying until you reach your “I’ve done everything, I’m too old for that” stage. That stage is on a spectrum. It’s just not a green light or a red light. Clearly, the women are at one end of that spectrum, but there’s a whole middle section, smaller in scope, which may still be worth trying; worth saying yes to. That spoke to me and I knew it would become my first post as I return to the blog.

Meisner’s message actually parallels my whole theme this year, which I referenced in January. I called it my #liveagreatstory year. Briefly, “Live a Great Story” is a movement. It initially started through Instagram, where people shared photos (usually travel) of what they believe is a great story.

There are other ways to approach this goal, though.

It could be starting a business, being a teacher, or just trying to enjoy the moment. It is solely based on the person and what that phrase means to them.

After randomly finding a “Live A Great Story” sticker on a beach shower pole, I wrote in January that I wanted to try to do that in 2023. I hoped to both find and try something new, something engaging this year. I wanted to experiment with that line of thinking (although I’m not parachuting out of a plane!)

I would say the biggest experiment I’ve taken on so far was to enroll in an online Independent Study writing course for a month this summer.

The instructor was kind, accessible… and tough. I felt like I was in writing boot camp, but honestly, that was precisely where I wanted to be. Her questions and feedback probed, re-directed, and with a little guidance on “tone”, I re-wrote entire sections of an ongoing project. She responded with enthusiastic approval. The content I sent her is absolutely at a higher level because of her.

Live a Great Story is a wonderful idea, but there is room for Meisner’s take. My “taking it to the limit” might be as simple as saying “yes” to as many things I’d like to try. I’m not ready to face all red lights yet.

A serendipitous reminder I ran into on my birthday

Luckily, that same classic song is so familiar, it can serve as a personal reminder for us. It can nudge us when we hear it on the radio, or streaming or even in an ad. It will encourage us to think about what it means to each of us to take it to the limit.

“So put me on a highway
Show me a sign,
Take it to the limit
One more time.” (And maybe one more time after that…)

If you are new to the song, or want to reminisce: Eagles 

©Melanie McGauran 2023

My thanks to Melanie for inviting me to share posts from her archives and I know she would love to hear from you.

About Melanie McGauran

In between school carpools and planning Halloween parties, I started out writing professionally as a free-lance reporter for Pioneer Press Newspapers in the Chicagoland area. I interviewed two dozen business owners in my “A Day in the Life” series and covered countless speakers at various public venues.

When my son was older, I took a full-time job with Legacy.com. This is the company which hosts obituary pages for newspapers, literally, around the world. I was intrigued by a medium which helped people connect on a global scale; a still relatively new concept in 2007.

After moving from Chicago to Florida’s Space Coast, I began the blog to hold onto the stories and situations I was now facing helping my elderly mother. I had hopes of creating a communal platform with tips and helpful conversations about coping with an aging parent. But I got cancer instead. I decided to write about that. Life loves throwing a curveball. Since then, the blog has shifted into memoir, feature pieces that satisfy my reporting side, interesting conversations and more. I like to offer a consistent variety.

I’ve been published in Literary Mama, Illinois Parks & Recreation, The Rotarian and Story Circle Network’s 2022 “Real Women Write” Anthology. Available on Amazon

Connect to Melanie on her blog: Leaving the Door Open – Twitter: @opendoorstories

 

Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you would click the share buttons on your way out… Sally.