Chocolate Pumpkin Black Bean Chili and Gluten-free Corn Bread

Last Friday I played around with a chili recipe since I have GERD, tomatoes are a no-no. I replaced it with canned pumpkin. A crockpot comes in handy for this too.

Here are the ingredients:

1-lb ground meat (any kind- I used turkey)
2 chopped onions
Garlic cloves (as much as you like-make sure you crush them)
1 can of black beans (make sure you rinse them)
1 can of pumpkin
3 cups of broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef- I used chicken)
1/4 Cup of water (or more-its to cook the ground meat before adding all the other ingredients)
4 TBSP Chili powder
1 TSP Cumin
1 TSP Cinnamon
1 TSP Cocoa powder
1 TBSP Raw honey
Optional: add any kind of hot pepper, zucchini, and squash. You can also use any bean you desire.

Steps in preparation:

1. Set your crock pot on high. Add your ground meat and water. Cover and cook for two hours.

2. After two hours, dump everything in. Turn down the temp to low and let it cook. Mine cooked for 6 hours. If you cook on high. Do so for 3 hours.

3. Let it cool for ten minutes.

4. Serve with cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, and gluten free cornbread if you like.

5. Eat up!

Well...since I shared my chili recipe y'll will need my gluten free cornbread recipe.

Here are the ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 Cup any kind of unsweetened milk (I use almond)
1/4 Cup of water
1/3 Cup maple syrup or honey
1 TBSP coconut oil (make sure it's softened first)
3/4 Cups frozen or canned corn
1/2 Cup of raisins or chopped dates
1/2 TSP salt

Steps in preparation:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400.

2. Grease a 12 count muffin tin with coconut oil.

3. Mix your salt and cornmeal together.

4. Stir in the rest of your ingredients.

5. Then, fill your muffin cups a third full.

6. Pop them into the oven and bake for twenty minutes.

7. Once out of the oven, let them sit for five minutes. They're yummy with butter. Even with a swipe of coconut oil.

Enjoy!

Hope everyone has a happy week!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

RACISM

What is racism? According to a Google definition, it is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.

*Predjudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.

In the limelight, Obama has played the race card. Race wars have been spawned by white cops on black lay people. The mainstream media has used it to stir up the people. Hillary and others on the left have accused Trump of being one. The world has just gone plain crazy. But then...

I was raised in twisted and crazy.

"That boy is a good worker," my grandmother said. "They all need to take some lessons from him." She forked her steak and sawed her knife into it.

"Yeah. He's good a nigger," my grandfather agreed.

Born in 1965 this was common talk around me. In my house, African-Americans were referred to as 'jungle-bunnies, boy, girl, them, and porch monkeys''.

"If you touch one, your skin will turn black." My grandfather loved telling me this when I was little. Just to let you know, I've shook hands and have hugged many different races of people. Guess what? I'm still white. Skin colors don't rub off.

In high school, I dated a Puerto Rican boy and a Laotian one. My grandparents and parents didn't appreciate either. Wet-back and Gook were how they were referred to. I didn't care what they thought. Love sees no colors.

When God sees us, He sees our hearts. He shows partiality to no one. For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11 KJV

In 2000, I worked for a law firm. One day, I left late with all the attorneys. As we entered an elevator so did the nightly cleaning crew. Three had to be Spanish and one was African-American.

"Hi," I said to them.

They all bowed their heads and huddled toward a corner. "Sorry," one of them said. It was as if they were standing before royalty.

The attorneys didn't even acknowledge them.

When the elevator doors slid open, the cleaners stayed back to let the attorneys out first. I lingered behind waiting for them to get half way down the corridor.

"Y'll shouldn't be afraid them. They're just a bag of bones in suits."

Their faces flushed. They let out small giggles.

"Besides," I said. "We all bleed red no matter who we are." After, I walked out into the hallway and glanced back at them. "Don't forget that."

The rich and the poor have a common bond. The Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2

And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation. Acts 17:26

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galations 3:28

There are a ton more scriptures on what God believes about racism. It shouldn't even exist. But it does. If you ask me, I believe that governments created it to keep the world in chaos. Think about it. They've used religion.

In the meantime, pay attention. No worldly leader is going to lead us to national salvation. Our hope is in Yeshua only. He's in control.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

ISWG:My Broken Arm Update

"I expected more from your arm," the doctor said. "We're going to get you a bone simulator."

Well, the bone isn't there yet. It should've been. But my body has decided to be different. Hashaimoto's is running this show. Aw man...

Still can't drive or go to work. Can't lift my arm like a normal person?

The bright side, typing is getting easier. I can hopefully finish what I had started-actually, I was halfway there with a novel when I broke my humerus.

How can anyone make a 5 year plan with the unexpected hiding around the corner?

This post was brought to you on behalf of Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Group. If you're interested click on the icon toward the top right of your computer screen.

Hugs and chocolate,

Shelly

PS The xray pic was taken today
Yep. That's my broken humerus. Purdy, huh?

ISWG: Another Update on my Broken Arm Week 7 and Other Things

I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! Actually, I was moping about after my daughter, No-No, left Tuesday night to go back to Israel. The Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Group took a backseat. Sorry, guys.

If anyone is interested in this encouraging group, click on the icon to the top right of your screen.

Onward then...

So today, I'm feeling discouraged because of my own procrastination. The only real writing I've accomplished has been on my blogs ... And text messages and emails.

A few weeks ago several bloggie-buddies suggested dictating my novel. I did. Three days in a row. After I'd press the button to record, my voice box froze as did my brain. So yeah ...

Had thought about doing NaNoWriMo this year since I'm stuck at home. Haven't even begun. I AM SUCH A SLACKER! I'm soooo not happy with myself right now.

But my broken arm is coming along. I'm believing God to be ready for PT by my November 17th appointment. It's still clicking when I move, but not as much. Everyday I get up, I can feel small changes. Can even bend my elbow up and then straight back down again.

Took some pics of my arm after I slipped it out of the sleeve and cuff. A bruised banana.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

BROKEN ARM UPDATE, WEEK 6: Fearfully And Wonderfully Made

It's been great having my daughter, No-No here to help me. This morning I actually was able to slip my arm cuff off and take a shower. Imagine not being able to take a shower for 6 weeks. We Americans are sooo spoiled.

Yesterday, I went to the doctor. Got another xray. The bone breaks are finally filling in. YAY! I can now go for walks around my neighborhood. If I had to sit on my bum for a living, watching TV and popping bon-bons all day, I would end up in a straight jacket. For someone who loves to write and read, I have the fidgets. REAL BAD! Pacing back and forth a lot has kept me somewhat sane.

Also, I can go without my sling forever now if I want. Can also take the cuff off throughout the day so my skin can breathe. AWWWWW! I applied comfrey cream last night and this morning. It's supposed to help heal the bone quicker. After letting it soak in for a few minutes, I then coated my arm with coconut oil. This stuff has been my saving grace. It has helped to keep the itch away. Instead of creeping up or down into my cuff with a pencil or knitting needle, I've been using coconut oil covered Q-tips to get to the scratchy skin. It also heals any irritation and blisters happening. And also, it is an anti-microbial. It's a germ killer.

Still can't drive. Still can't start PT. Hope to start the latter in 3 weeks after my next visit with the doctor.

This experience has been quite an eye opener. The human body is amazing. There is no way we were created out of randomness. God is all about order. He is not order out of chaos. Below is a short clip on what happens when we brake a bone.

PSALMS 139:13-16

For you fashioned my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I thank you because I am awesomely made, wonderfully; your works are wonders- I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes could see as an embryo...et al. (Complete Jewish Bible)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Staying positive.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

UPDATE: Broken Humerous-Week 5

Having a broken humerus, is far from humorous. Especially when it happens to be the one that your dominant with.

As a child, I taught myself to get certain tasks done with both hands by the age of 4. But then, my parents sent me to school where the teachers constantly shoved eating utensils, pencils, crayons, and scissors into my right hand. I found it hard to break the habit of using both.

The last 3 weeks of beauty school, my instructor stood over me. "Which hand do you intend to cut with? The state board won't let you use both." Yes. At 17, I was still switching from my left to the right to do certain tasks. Using both hands in beauty school was the way to go. Especially for speed. To this day, I'm told they've never seen anyone wrap a perm the way I do.

Anyway, my instructor took my shears out of my left hand and shoved them into my right." I'll make the decision for you,' she said adamantly. From that day forward, I used my right hand to do just about everything.

Really, if God gave us 2 hands, it was for a reason. We should be able to do everything with both. Rules. Schmules. Stuff happens...like broken arms and hands.

ANYWAY....

5 weeks into this broken arm, I am back to writing, but with my left hand. Can button my shirt. Type. My memory muscle is still active at 51. Yes! It's good to know that I can wash certain body parts by myself now. And I'm not as tired as I was a week and a half ago after typing my blogs. Plus, my arm isn't as wobbly and I can let it out of the sling while I'm sitting.

2 Thursdays ago, the doctor told me as long as the bone stopped clicking together by my October 27th appointment, that I could begin physical therapy. But to date, it still clicks when I move. Still can't go outside for a morning and evening stroll. They had advised against any exercise. My butt actually hurts from sitting so I've stuffed foam under it. Can't lay down to sleep either. Have to stay in a semi-upright position. Gravity is one part of the key ingredients in healing a broken humerus with lots of patience.

Right now, I have anywhere from another 3 to 7 weeks of this process. The other ingredients to this is how my own body has responded along with my diet. Although, I have concerns because I've already gone through the change and I have Hashaimoto's. Hoping these 2 things don't prolong it.


Staying positive.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

PS My No-No is here.

Who Can You Really Count On In Your Time of Need?

Having a broken arm is like being on a deserted island. People come to visit you within the first week making promises that they never keep to come see you again. In a time like this I have figured out who my real friends are. This even includes family.

I have one friend who has been here Monday through Friday. She comes around 10 AM and leaves by 1 PM. She walks Beanie-Bean and Hair Ball, does some light house chores, cooks dinner, and makes my lunch. I know she has other pressing things to do. BUT, she comes everyday. The first week, she stayed with me through Sunday. I'm ever grateful for her.

When I put out a request for help to my 5 daughters, only 2 responded. The youngest came once. That was 2 Saturdays ago. The one who lives in Israel will be here next Tuesday to relieve my friend for 2 weeks. At least, I have 2 daughters out of 5 that I can count on. Funny, too. These are the 2 who never ask for money. Strange how that works.

At one time, I had a client who had a series of bad health issues. It took him to a bedridden state. He told me many times, that in the beginning of his plight, friends came to see him. But by years end, those friends had stopped contact all together. His highlight of the month until he passed away was me cutting his hair and his son visiting him every other day.


In 2013, I took up something on my bucket list. Read the Torah and the Christian Bible all the way through. Doing this gave me a whole new perspective on life and how we treat each other. God wanted us to love Him with all our might and then love our neighbors as ourselves. The Ten Commandments were the standard on how to do that. But for years, like the majority, I saw this as an impossible feat because of the words 'THOU SHALT NOT'.

No longer do I focus on those words. Instead, I focus on how some one would feel if I lied about them, stole from them, etc. It's about putting your needs aside to benefit the other person or people in your lives.

If everyone practiced this concept, there would be no divorce, no venereal disease, no war, no hunger, no child or animal abuse, no domestic violence, no homelessness, no broken hearts or homes, no racism, no violence, no need for guns. I could go on and on here.

Before the fall of Adam and Eve, I'm sure this was God's intention for humanity. But, y'll know the story.

Hope this post inspires you to do something kind today.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

PS God has my back.

ISWG-The One Armed Writer

It happened on September 12, 2016, at around 5 AM.  Beanie-Bean does her business early so I was half asleep. OR is that half awake?

Anyway ...

Beanie charged out the front door, barking away. This is not unusual for her. She barks at flower pots and garbage cans. She charges towards flies, mosquitoes, and bees. I figured she was getting excited at the wind or something. NOT!

Toward the right of the door and a row of hedges was an armadillo. I yanked her back toward the door as I reached for it. She pulled.  I tripped over a pathway light, which had my hand slap the door. My arm snapped 2 to 3 inches below my shoulder. In that moment, I lost my bowels. LITERALLY!

It's been 3 weeks. However, I did need a break. BUT not like this.

Friends tell me I can get a lot of blogging and novel writing in. Actually, I've been sleeping a lot and trying to get used to using my left hand. I'VE mastered picking things up with my toes when they fall to the floor, and have a lot of respect for paraplegics. It's horrible to sit in your own stink, even if it's one armpit. Can't lift my right arm to wash it. The most I can do is stuff a baby wipe into the smelly crevice, let it sit a bit, and then pull it out. After, I stuff a tissue in the stench, hoping to hide it from my own nostrils. It works pretty well.

This broken arm thing put me behind the 8 ball. I had half my novel, The Lie written. DISCOURAGING, INDEED!

This post was brought to you by Alex J Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Group. If interested, click on the icon to the right top of your computer screen.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

ISWG: How Do You Find Time to Write in Your Busy Day?

Hope this ISWG post finds everyone well. This month our question was my title: how do you find time to write in your busy day?

Personally, I schedule in my writing since I work a 30 to 36 hour work week.  Scribble time is always in the morning except when I'm off, then I flip it to the evening so I can run some errands  and a get nap in.

Here's what my schedule looks like 5 days a week.

5 AM Get out of bed and take out dogs
5:30 AM Devotion and prayer
6 AM Breakfast
6:30 AM Breakfast for the dogs
7 AM Walk the dogs
7:30 AM Take myself for a walk
8 - 9 AM A house chore- I clean one room a day
10 AM - 12 NOON- I shoot for a 1000 words

From 12:30 to 2 PM, I'm eating lunch and getting ready for work.

Saturday evenings are used to do research for my articles on Freedom Nation News (which I've been slacking on lately) and Sunday evenings are for writing my blogs. And somewhere between all this stuff, I'm reading a book. If I didn't have a schedule, I can't say I would stick to anything.

PROJECT UPDATE: The Lie is halfway done. It's the project I've been working on. That's why I've hardly been around.

Here's the opening line just for fun:

“I’m telling you, she’s not normal,” my mom said, the umpteenth time she’d made that accusation since my divorce from my first husband. “Her vagina looks like a freight train went right through it.”

This post was brought to you by Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Group. It's time to cry, whine, and tell of our insecurities. It's also to  inspire and encourage one another. If you're interested in this group, click on the icon to the top right of your computer screen.

Hugs and chocolate, 

Shelly

ISWG: Deadlines

Hi, everyone!

Been busy writing up a storm the last several week and not blogging. A novel has taken over my life.

 I'm at chapter 15 in The Lie or A Grandmother's Lie. These are my working titles. It's going smoothly so far. And as you've probably noticed, I've not been around much not even to comment. August 29th is my deadline.

Sometimes as writers we need to focus on our projects and get them done. I don't have the luxury of just staying home and writing all day. So I block out time. Whether an hour or two. The schedule is set without detours, which means little time to goof off on social media or write my blogs.

Today, I encourage you to tie up your loose ends and finish your writing projects. Cyber-space can wait for you. It will still be here when you get done.

How do you all handle your goals and deadlines? Do you give up blogging for a while? All social media?

This post was brought to you on behalf of Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Group where we cry or encourage one another. Interested? Click the icon to the right top of your screen and check it out.

Have a great day, all!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

ISWG: Happy 4th, everyone!

It's been a couple of weeks too long since I've posted anything. I missed the Insecure Writer's  Group last month. My computer was on the fritz.

Finally got it back. YAY! I've also been busy writing on a new project. Working on a memoir dealing with the dependency court system. A handful of social workers asked me to do this so I am. The first draft should be finished by the end of August. I don't see why not.


I hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July. I am.

Took a 3 mile walk this morning. Did a little housework. Called a few friends and family. Went to the show to see Independence Day: Resurgence. Just cleaned up the kitchen from making steak and corn on the cob. Now I'm working on my writing.

Anyway....

I'm thank God for the freedom to write what I want, when I want. I'm thankful for Freedom of Speech. However, as you know its under attack. Our young people don't seem to understand what it means. They don't know how to agree to disagree. There's been a lot of bullying going on. Too much political correctness.Little things like these will eat away at all of our freedoms if people keep at each others' throats.

So yeah...

"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

"The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice; their choice!" - - Dwight D. Eisenhower

This post was brought to you on behalf of Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Group. It's for those of us who need encouragement or wish to encourage. If interested click on the ISWG icon to the top right of your computer screen.

So does anyone find that political correctness might be a tool to take away our Freedom of Speech?

Hugs and chocolate, all,
Shelly

Don the Happy Homeless Man

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity  to meet an inspiring homeless man. It was Simple Saturday where I attend weekend services. It's where we go out into the streets, hand peeps cold bottles of water, hand out Bibles, and pray.

We happened upon a man named Don. He's 60 and has been without a roof over his head for 20 years.  He didn't even look as if he'd been weathered beaten. His skin was smooth and his face beamed. We asked him if he needed anything.

He said, "I don't need money to live. I have everything I need. God takes care of me. Everything I have I bought myself." He nodded at his shiny bike and then lifted his feet to show us his shoes. "I'm a carpenter." He does odd jobs here and there to buy what he needs when he needs something.

We were amazed. He wasn't bitter or down and out over losing everything. He went on to say, "I used to be a drug addict. But one day I got up and was sick and tired of getting sick everday. I made a decision to stop and did."

He never went through rehab. While he got his life back, he lost everything he owned because of it.

Don further shared, "Everything looks so different when you don't use. I can see everything clearly. The trees. The sky. The water. People. It all looks different when you're on dope. Now it's all beautiful."

One of the ladies pushed services on him. He said, "Offer them to someone who really needs them."

"How about a tent? We can get you a really nice tent."

"No thank you. Law enforcement  will just come and tear it down."

The lady said, "What about Salvation Army?"

"Nope been there. Done that."

"Can we pray for you?"  another lady asked.

"No. I'm good. Really."

"Do you know Jesus?" another asked.

His face got even brighter. "Yep. He was a carpenter like me and had no pillow, you know. I'm the same. I have what I need." He even told us his father was a carpenter as well and that his dad's initials were JC.

It was awesome to see someone who what most Americans consider a loser, a real winner at heart. He was content where he was in life, with the clothes and shoes on his back and feet, and the bike he piloted daily.

Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have, for he saith, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrew 13:5 (KJV)

It's cool that someone we would think would be troubled without daily necessities is so happy and content.

Ever come across someone like this?

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

ISWG: Discouraged

Yes. I know. I'm double late for posting this.  This past week has been real special. And that can mean anything you want.

On ward...

Sunday: After work, I drove to South Florida. Had a nice dinner with my brother and sister. Then, headed to Tinkebell ' place to stay the night.

When I got there, her and the boyfriend were fighting. He had splashed an entire can of Pepsi onto her kitchen floor.

The Glowstick took me into his bedroom to tell me that Jerk made his mommy sad.

Monday: Tinkerbell gets up and goes to the methodone clinic before we can do anything. While she's there, I make breakfast for Glowstick and I. We watch a movie. We do some exercises. We wait patiently for her return.

A lot of time goes by before she comes back.

When she arrives, she has two bottles of pills in a pharmaceutical bag. Tells me she has anxiety and that her doctor prescribed them for her. CELEXA.

The rest of the day was spent watching her nod in and out and drooling.

So here I go again.

That night I could barely sleep. I'm so distraught for my grandson. What if she's on this crap while he and she are in the car? What if she doesn't wake up one morning? What if we all lose the Glowstick because she's popping pills again?

At lunch my dad was like, "I've got anxiety, too. But I talk myself through it." He was more than embarrassed to see his granddaughter practically fall out of her chair while people around us sneered and gossiped.

Tuesday: I prepared an article for Freedom Nation News. It's ready to go. But my videos aren't saving. They disappear as soon as I log out.

Worked with a YouTube who teaches Wordpress. She came to the conclusion that my problem isn't me but my computer.

It will be gone all week. It needs surgery...AGAIN!

Wednesday: Totally forgot about ISWG.

Thursday: I get up and figure I could get a bunch of handwriting done on my series. NOT!  At about 9:30 AM, I get a call from the SALON. One of the co-workers fell backwards on the pavement and is being raced by ambulatory to the ER. Would I meet them there?

Of course I did. The woman is 77 and has no family here.

Friday: I spent time with my injured co-worker.

Saturday: I was off thinking I'd get some writing in. NOT! The electric went out for one. So I headed to the grocery store. Got back and began cooking for the week. By the time I finished, I just couldn't go anymore. My energy flew the coup.

So I got a little depressed. Asked myself why I even bother to write. Why I blog? Why I do anything I do?

And then I remind myself, it was just a crap week. At least, I didn't lose my family, job, and health in one day like Job.

This post was to you on behalf of Alex J. Cavanaugh ' s Insecure Writer's Group.

Hugs and chocolate, all!
Shelly

People Animating into Dogs and Goats

Today, people aren't just changing genders. They're going from human to dogs. Even changing to goats.

Maybe its all the stress of those military helicoptors flying through the night air. Or maybe its the thought of becoming a human ATM  machine to pay their bills.

If you don't beleive me. Check this video out of recent news clips.

https://youtu.be/j-mL676xlmI

Cast your cares on Yeshua. I Peter 5:7 and Psalm 55:22

Have a lovely Memorial Day, all!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Will Be Moving

Soon I will be moving to Wordpress. Blogger has frustrated me to no end. I can only blog from my phone so I can't do certain things like fix and size pictures, add links, and download a video correctly.

Blogger is a BLOOGER!

Anyway, I wrote another article for Freedom Nation News.

http://freedomnationnews.com/the-brand-new-luciferian-tattoo-agenda-you-are-being-manipulated-into-slavery-videos/

I'll be lurking around the blog.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

The Mist in my Brain

Ever feel like you know what you want to say, but you can't find the words. Information overload. Too many mind files to sort through to best express what you want to say? Possibly.

This past week has been tough. As most of you who follow my blog already know, I deal with Hashaimoto's Disease. It's where your own body attacks the thyroid.

So even though I take my medicine, clean with vinegar and baking soda, and eat organic and gluten free meals, there are times when I feel out of balance. Not to mention, my brain goes foggy on me.

My best remedy for this since I'm a writer is to hand write out your thoughts or a scene. Even if you're working on an article for informational purposes, hand write it.

Handwriting slows my thoughts down, articulating scenes in my misty mind or trying to formulate a coherent line of facts.

I refuse to give into fatigue and all of its little friends that want to debilitate me.

Do any of you struggle with autoimmune?
How do you deal with your writing when you have flare ups?

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

ISWG: Missed My Important Date

I know, I'm a whole week late posting. But I've got 2 good excuses.

1. Hair Ball had surgery. He had 2 tumors removed from his back.

And

2. I joined Freedom Nation News as one of their contributors. Beware. It's very conservative. But I'm sharing the link to my very first story with them.

http://freedomnationnews.com/frozens-elsa-to-go-lesbian/

This post was brought to you on behalf of Alex J. Cavanaugh ' s Insecure Writer's Group.

Happy Mother's Day

Hope every mom that follows my blog gets to spend their day with their family.

I'm at work right now. It's amazing how busy we are on this day commorating mothers. Men and boys worry about their hair before they go visit their moms and grandmothers.

However, we'll be dead as a door nail on Father's Day. Hairdressers are equivalent to visiting the doctor for the male population. If they don't have to, they won't. Why should they on the day celebrating them?

Happy Mother's Day, all!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Christians, The Apocalypse, and Predictive Programming

A couple of weeks ago, I was doing some research on predictive programming. I came across this website: mindcontrolwiki.com/predictive - programming

It clearly states, 'the best example of predictive programming is in religion. Religions often have various prophecies of an impending future event. The prophecy will either be mentioned in a scripture...et al.'

In other words, if you stock pile certain items and believe in the Apocalypse or The Rapture, you have been brainwashed by preachers and your Bible.

Yeshua told those who believe to, 'Watch thetefore: for ye know not what hour the Lord doth come. ' Matthew 24: 42 (KJV)

He wants us to be aware of surroundings and the signs of the time. He warned us of what was to come. And in my humble opinion, we are only witnessing the beginning. The earth, the weather, and the cosmos themselves are being readied for something major to befall humanity.

'Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walked about, seeking whom he may devour.' 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

Yeshua wants us to be awake and not be deceived. The media, the movies, the sitcoms, the commercials, and the music today is what is brainwashing the masses. People laugh at the Bible and there is a growing hate toward Christians. The inuendos are clear in many of the programs people mind-feast upon.

We are what we eat. Garbage in. Garbage out. The line of right and wrong has been deliberately blurred.

Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20

Well, I'll leave us with this thought: Welcome to Wonderland, Alice. Where what we're told really isn't at all. Maybe we shouldn't drink the tea.

'Yes, that's it!' Said the Hatter with a sigh, 'It's always tea time.'

Have a lovely week, all!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Below is a pic of that Wiki article.

Weird Dream Update: Floods, Market Crash, Hillary Clinton, Tommy Wu, and SNL

For as long as I can remember, I've always had vivid dreams. Some are just strange while others have foretold events to come in puzzles. If God spoke to Joseph in dreams, then He can talk to anyone else in theirs. Right?

Last year, I dreamt someone took me into a dark room. They made me sit and watch a doplar radar. From the midpoint of the
US to the Eastcoast was colored in red with swirls of blue and white.

This 2015-2016 has been visited by floods, tornadoes, and strange snow patterns. The colors represented flooding rains, storms, hail, tornadoes, and blizzard type snow. I had posted it on my Facebook page, but have since deleted my account.

I've had other foretelling dreams but that's not the purpose of this post.

Onward then...

April 21, 2016, I had another detailed dream.

The market crashed over a holiday weekend. Panic washed over me as people rioted and looted stores around my house.

Nausea ripped through me, I bowed over a near-by toilet, and wretched.

A woman cackled beside me. I glanced up. Hillary Clinton.

Her sneer, demonic. "Pull up your bootstraps. It is what it is."

Then it began to rain, buckets and buckets. Peoples' umbrellas were floating down the street. I opened mine, but the wind wrecked havoc on it. Mine crumpled, then wilted onto the flooded pavement.

Out of nowhere, a blonde, flapper chick hollered, "You need to get ready, Tommy Wu is coming!" By the sound of her voice, he must've been important. "You need to fix your hair, he wants to take your picture."

Never heard of him in real life.

Anyway, I ended up in a crowded church. People had lost their homes along with me. We had nowhere else to go. After, I woke up, I Googled Tommy Wu.

He is a real photographer for Advocate.com and freelances from LA, California. He does a lot of work for the LGBT community.

I also found an interesting video from S-N-L. Tommy Wu in Living Color. It's a parody on Tommy Vu, a real estate kingpen.

After watching this, it spoke volumes. In a comical and in a not-so-nice-way, it showed what America's biggest problem is and has always been.

https://youtu.be/Gu6vn4o79sI

Ever have a foretelling dream? Believe God uses dreams to warn people of things to come? Where do you think America is headed?

Hugs and chocolate, all!
Shelly

PS Keep God close. We need Him more than ever.

China Dolls and Creepy Clowns

I never felt comfortable in my bedroom that I shared with my sister as a kid. She had a horrific clown collection.

They were everywhere in our room. On  our bookshelves. On her bed. In pictures hanging on our walls.

Salivating. Baring their hideous expressions. Staring and glaring at me. Thinking evil thoughts. Waiting for me to be alone or asleep so they could get me.

The clowns seemed to be keepers of disembodied spirits. Anything is possible. There is an unseen world surrounding ours and they're known to possess vessels of any kind.

I swore those freaks were alive along with my paternal grandmother's China Doll collection. She kept them in her room.***I shudder at the memories.*** The sight of them certainly kept me out of her things. No telling what they might do.

Do clowns and China Dolls creep you out?

https://youtu.be/bJ_HjpyFCi4

Hope you all have a great week. See you in the blogs.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

This Weekend

My last post, I told you about my current schedule. This weekend, I goofed off with two of my grandsons.





But tonight, I plan to work on next week's post.

Hope everyone is doing great!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

posted from Bloggeroid

ISWG: Re-Organizing

Yup. Like this post is titled, I'm reorganizing a bit. Family stuff keeps getting in my way. If you haven't noticed, I've not been posting too terribly much as of late.

Yes. I'm still going to write and keep blogging. But sometimes I won't be around. Family and novel writing come first. My blog and blog-visiting is for fun. Occassionally, I do a Vlog on YouTube. I really wished I had more hours in a day. I'm pretty sure a lot of you feel the same.

Also, I'm a slow writer as well as a reader. Sometimes I'm working on more than one project. Distracting, right? I drive myself crazy at times with all that I do. How about you?

So I have a new schedule to adhere to. (I hope I can do it, too.)

5:45 AM rise and shine
6-7 AM Devotion
7:30 AM Breakfast
8 AM Workout
8:30 AM Shower
9-11:30 AM Write my little heart out
11:30-12:00 PM Check emails, read some
Blogs
12:30 PM Lunch and watch Vlogs
1 PM Get ready for work
2 PM Leave the house for work
3-9 PM At the Salon

On my days off, clean upstairs or downstairs. Most Saturday and Sunday evenings will be used for writing blogs and creating Vlogs. It all depends on what is happening.

So how are all of you juggling the time to write? Blog? Clean?

This post was created on behalf of Alex J. Cavanaugh ' s Insecure Writer's Group. It's an on-line support group for writers. We whine. We cry. We give each other encouragement.

If interested, click the Icon to the top right of your computer screen.

Hugs and chocolate, all!
Shelly

The Mouthpiece

Yes. I believe in God. I believe in His son Yeshua/Jesus as my Lord and Savior. And I'm pondering what I've heard and have watched with regard to what is going on in this country.

What has me upset right now is how the Christian community is treating each other over certain candidates. Believers are being divided and acting no better than the world. This is a concern for me.
Where is their discernment? What happened to walking in the fruit of the spirit? Love. Peace. Joy. Kindness. Generosity. Patience. Faithfulness. Integrity. Self-control.

Did anyone ever consider that some of our candidates are being used as God's mouth pieces? Remember, He spoke through a donkey. (A pun would be great right here. But I refrain.)

It is clear and loud what is being said to me. Christians, Messianics, and fellow Believers, have you asked God to forgive you? Repented lately? Or is a church sermon, for you, a moment of positive thinking?

The Almighty has standards for everyone. This includes those of us who confess we beleive in Jesus.

Believing is more than just saying so. It's supposed to be a way of life. But look at us.

We divorce. We remarry. We backstab. We schedule our lives around useless TV shows. We gossip. We lie. We slander. We don't take a stand for our poor and homeless. We don't take care of our widowed or elderly. We don't help our own families. We're vain and self-seeking. We allow babies to be aborted. We allow fornication and other sexual immorality. We don't seek God on a daily basis unless it fits into our schedules. And there is more to this list that it would take up my whole blog so I won't go any further than here.

WE CHRISTIANS ARE LIVING IN A CLOSET FULL OF STUFF THAT SHOULDN'T EVEN BE THERE.

The leaders have been and will continue to be a reflection of our own hypocrisy if we don't repent.

And if you don't understand what repent means, here you go: it means to change one's mind and to totally turn your back on something.

And what's sad: THE MAJORITY OF OUR PASTORS DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO REPENT.

Donald Trump is a picture of America's Christain values. They're stuck in the past. They think we're great. They think positive thinking and going through religious motions will pull them through. They're not even sure if they need God's forgiveness.

Once again, America will get the leader she deserves. And whoever that is will be a reflection of who the majority of us are.

PLEASE NOTE: This post is not to promote or not promote any politician. This is something, I've been pondering in my heart. America needs a change and it's not necessarily a political one. We need a spiritual change of heart.

Just saying...

Hugs and choclate,
Shelly

https://youtu.be/5CRVeUnRcm0

More Good Reasons to Leave FaceBook

https://youtu.be/R3Zw9U09Cto

Free Speech is under attack!

America Will Get the President We Deserve

Lately, like everyone else, I've read and watched a lot of negative stuff on Obama, Hillary, Trump, etc. But as someone who believes in Yeshua, I need to stay away from this negativity. We all should, Christain or not.

I know in the past that I've dished out my own sarcasm and smart remarks. But I've decided to decline from doing this any longer. Really, it does no good. No one really cares to hear whining and complaining. Or maybe they do. It makes for a good fight and breaks up friendships.

Besides, since I believe in Yeshua/Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I am commanded to pray for them, I Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I counsel that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all human beings, including kings and all in positions of prominence: so that we may leaf quiet and peaceful lives, being godly and upright in everything.

This is what God, our Deliverer, regards as good, this is what meets His approval.

He wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth.  (The Complete Jewish Bible)

And with the way things have been going in America, we need to get on our knees. From Flint, Michigan's water issues to shootouts(the most recent in Maryland), to race wars and candidates being attacked this doesn't seem to be America anymore. I can only imagine what is going on behind the spiritual veil.

What we see in the tangible world is the result of what's going on in the one we don't see. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

There is a war going on so pray.

Quite frankly, there is NO ONE that I can trust to truly run this country right.

AND, there is not one candidate who holds my views on abortion, the 2nd Ammendment, Freedom of Speech and Religion, corporate greed, etc.

The ONLY ONE I can trust is Yaweh. He's in control. Not me. Not you. And not them.

Psalm 22:28 For the kingdom belongs to Adonai, and he rules the nations.

Psalm 47:9-10 God rules the nations, God sits on His Holy throne.

The leaders of the people gather together, the people of the God of Avraham, for the
rulers of the earth belong to God, who is exalted on high.

God is clearly in control. He already knows who will be President of the United States of America.

And I do beleive Ben Carson, no long ago was quoted as saying, "The American people will get the president they deserve." (I couldn't find it posted anywhere yet. But when I so, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will.)

Now that's a scary thought.

Hugs and chocolate, all,
Shelly

R.I.P. Sir Poops

On March 4, 2016, at around 11 AM, Sir Poops quietly passed away with help from Lap of Love.

That morning I woke up with tears in my eyes. I was hoping that he would go in his sleep. But he didn't. He was hanging on for me. I get that now.

Anyway, we did what we usually did when we got up in the morning. I took my levoxyl first thing. Then, took Hair Ball and Sir Poops outside to do their biz. Hair Ball on a leash and much assistance for Sir Poop's who was now paralyzed on his left side.

After, I fed them both, making sure Sir Poops got a whole can of his favorite food with a dollop of peanut butter. He ate it all and licked his bowl clean. Immediately following, I took him outside. The last several weeks, his food had been running right through him.

For a good 10 minutes, I let him sniff the air outside and watch the neighbors across the street. Something he loved to do. People watch. He loved socializing and snooping. Sir Poops was always the first in our house to know if something was happening across the street. He'd stand at the door and wait to be let out in his better days. He loved watching humans interact.

When the 10 minutes was up, I took him inside and cuddled him. He pressed his head against my chest. Something he had been doing for several weeks. We sat for a good hour before I walked him around the neighborhood in my arms one last time. He loved his walks, especially when the weather was cool like now.

At 10:15 AM, my best friend and her hubby came. They were there for support.

Not long after, Dr. Nil with Lap of Love arrived. She was soft-spoken, compassionate, and professional. She explained the procedure, asked me where I would like to do this, if I wanted a private or communal cremation, and took payment for the service.

By 10:45 AM, we were upstairs in my bedroom. Sir Poops loved my bed, especially the pillows. Prior to Dr. Nil coming, I had spread a sheet and a puppy pad out on top of my comforter.

Once upstairs, my best friend took Hair Ball into another room while the doctor injected a sedative into Sir Poops who was in my arms. He had a moment of anxiety while receiving half the medication. Dr. Nil stopped and waited for him to calm down. When he did, she gave him the rest. Within seconds, he was snoring in my arms.

This was my friend's cue to bring Hair Ball back into the room. It was then, that I laid Sir Poops on top of the sheet and puppy pad.

"I love you," I said several times into his ear. "You're a good boy. And I'll see you again in heaven."

Hair Ball sniffed at him and then just wanted all of the attention for himself.

My friend scooped him up and took him back to the other room. It was time for the final injection.

I was laying beside Sir Poops when it happened. My tears were falling all over the side of his face as I rubbed his exposed ear. Within seconds, it went cold and he gave up his spirit. I bawled like a baby. So did my friend.

Dr. Nil quietly said, "Go get Hair Ball, he'll need closure." She covered Sir Poop's with his favorite blanket.

My friend retrieved Hair Ball.

Three times he circled around his brother before he plopped beside him and sniffed. At one point, he stuck his head under the blanket. After, he got up and jumped off the bed.

Dr. Nil gently took Sir Poops paw and pressed it into a flat piece of plaster and clipped off a piece of his fur. A keepsake of him I'll have forever.

"I need to go and get my basket," she said. "I'll be transporting him to the crematory in it." And she left the room.

I cried. My friend cried. My fur baby was officially gone.

When Dr. Nil returned, she wrapped the puppy pad around him, and then put him into the basket. "His remains will be scattered in the Butterfly Garden, at the Pet Cemetary, in Sarasota. You can visit anytime." She covered him with his blanket and handed me a pamphlet on Honor Thy Pet.

She allowed Hair Ball and I one last kiss and sniff before she drove off with Sir Poops.

I found Lap of Love to be wonderful. This was the best thing for Sir Poops, and I would suggest this in-house service to anyone with a terminally ill pet. They're even there for you after your pet's passing. Very nice people.

I want to thank everyone for their comments on my last post. It's been tough. And right now, the house feels strange and has a weird silence in it.

Hair Ball has had moments of pacing and refuses to eat his food where he and his brother ate together. He feels as lost as I do, I suspect. But in time, we'll get better. At least Sir Poops doesn't feel obligated to stick around for me and suffer any longer.

Hope everyone is well.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

I Missed ISWG Yesterday, Here's Why...

Yesterday, after Sir Poop's got up from his nap, he collapsed. I had taken him out to pee and he was in mid-stream when it happened.

So I rushed him to the vet. They said he had a stroke and may have more. They said he has a mass in his liver. They showed me the x-ray. They said it's cancer. That explains the orange-liquid poop, the massive amounts of whizzing, and the vomitting. They said there's nothing more they could do for him. They offered to put him down there. But my fur baby was crying from a distance. He literally yelped out "MAM!" This is the second time he has done this. I just couldn't do it there.

So I took him home. Prayed. Researched what death by liver cancer (IT'S PAINFUL!)Skipped dinner. Prayed. Cried. Prayed some more. Broke down and called Lap of Love. Didn't sleep. Held him most of the night praying God would take him instead of me having to do it. He cried most of the night with me. He even yelped out another "MAM!"

Tomorrow, at 10:30 AM, or sometime thereafter, Sir Poop's will breathe his last breath. Not unless God decides to take him Himself between now and tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'm going to let him watch all his favorite shows. The Price is Right being one of them and CNN. I kid you not. He loves television. And let him eat his favorite foods.

Never in a million years did I ever think I would have to put him down.

I'll apologize now, if I don't answer your comments. Pease understand.

Also, if your interested in an on-line support group for writers, go to the Insecure Writer's Group link to the right of your screen and click. Alex J. Cavanaugh is the founder.

Hugs and chocolate, all!
Shelly

Eventually, I'll get back to my normal blogging routine.

ISWG: STRUGGLING

Today, I had a whole other post planned for Alex J. Cavanagh ' s Insecure Writer's Group. If interested click on the icon toward the right of your screen.

As of this minute, I am struggling with putting Sir Poop's to rest. STILL STRUGGLING!

This morning, he turned his nose up at his rice and broth. There has been nothing firm about his stools. He's lethargic and just wants to lay swaddled in his blankie and towels except when he has to relieve himself.

I just have to get past the guilt. I feel like such a wretch. And all these thoughts of "if I would've done this or that" he'd still be like the puppy he was 15 years ago.

Never in my life did I ever think this was going to be soooo hard. But it is.

Hope all is well with everyone else.

Hugs and chocolate!
Shelly

What I've Been Up Too

This past week has been CRAZY! Right now, if I could, I would crawl into bed and fall fast asleep.

Daughter number 3 gave birth last Sunday.

Last summer, heroine thought it had claimed her life. But she was brought back so she could give life to a beautiful baby boy and give a childless couple the desire of their heart.

More bittersweet moments...they don't seem to cease. Not in my life anyway.

So this past week, I got about 2 hours of writing in. That was it. This makes me cranky.

Anyway, I 've been incorporating characters from The Boy Next Door and White Trash and Pill Heads into a different series. It's been interesting and it works. I have enough ideas to keep an ongoing series. How cool is that!

As for FaceBook, I DELETED IT! Wouldn't you know that while I had deactivated my page, some scammer was posting comments in my name. Thank you, NORMA BEISHIR, for catching this.

Eventually, I'll create a new page. But not until I've finished at least 3 books.

One more thing, Sir Poop's is still with us. But is getting weaker. His pads drag against the floor while he walks. Today, he hasn't been able to keep anything in. Including chicken broth. Right now, he's wrapped in his favorite blanket laying at my feet.

Poor baby!

Hope everyone is well!

Hugs and chocolate!
Shelly

More Good Reasons on Why to Ditch FaceBook

I know. I'm on a roll. But there are ton of peeps out there that have rid themselves of FaceBook.

https://youtu.be/TCQEaqqXfH8

Hope everyone is doing great!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Conspiracy Theories: Predictive Programming or Exposing the Elites Plan for Humanity

I love the X-Files. I've always been a fan. However, there have been some interesting coincidences correlating to America. 

How the Elite of this country use pharmaceuticals, GMOS, television, consummerism and much more...against us. 

With this episode though, I found it interesting that FOX heavily advertised another new show between takes. Lucifer. It will be airing on Monday nights after the X-Files?

Hmmm...rubbing my chin here. Anyway, the initial X-Files show aired on Sunday night. The premise: alien abductions and human-alien hybrids. Is it aliens coming to harm us or the human elite? It left me asking this: are the powers that be preparing us for Lucifer  and his fallen making a nationwide appearance?

Lucifer. Aliens. They both come from the sky. Are they the Watchers of old? The Fallen Angels who mated with human women? And Lucifer being the Fallen Star, bright morning star. The angel of light. He was one of the most beautiful angels that God had made.

Yup. Handsome and beautiful can trap you evert time. If you let it.

Onward...

Are GMO'S, television, and pharmaceuticals part of alien technology? Lucifer and the Fallen ' s agenda to take over? Are they really demons posing as angels of light who want what is best for us all?

Maybe one day, we'll find out.

Ever read the Book of Enoch, Jasher, or Jubilees?

https://youtu.be/Fgj_wlW-Ty4

To Delete, Or Not Delete

Really. I'm not.

Not to mention, it's become a stasi tool for Germany ' s Merkel. Didn't they have one of the best stasi agencies under Adolf Hitler, headquartered in East Berlin?

I beleive it was known as the Ministry for State Security. Sounds a little creepy when an agency uses the word SECURITY in anything. It usually means giving up your freedom.

Wasn't it Ben Franklin who said, "Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve either one..."?

Besides, it's pretty trendy for Americans to follow what the Europeans do. I mean we take on their fashion trends. Why not have some friendly-cute-social-network-place to spill your guts out and sell your books, your goods on? While you're at it, sell bits and pieces of your soul on it, too. It might make a nice profile on you.  They may even make it ambiguous. Then it could be used for the good of all. It's rather neighborly to keep everyone safe from some politically incorrect maniac. Right?

I believe, in the movie, Forrest Gump, the MC was quoted as saying, "Stupid is, is stupid does, sir."

Hey! That's reminds me. Didn't Zuckerberg call his first 1000 users 'dumb f.... for trusting him with their data...' Nice guy. You can read it for yourself at: theweek.co.uk/facebook/14625/are-users-dumb-fucks-for-trusting-data-to-facebook

https://youtu.be/EfnKmPQdapw

I may just delete it.

Anyway, here's an article on Zuckerberg going yellow- bellied (there are other articles to go to in this one as well):

dcwatchdog.org/its-official-zuckerberg-goes-full-stasi-against-facebook-users-that-criticise-islam

What do you think? Delete? Or not? Or am I just paranoid?

Hope all is well with everyone!

Hugs and chocolate!
Shelly

Deactivated the FaceBook

Yes. I did. It gets in the way of what I need to get done. Like finishing stories that I've started. They need to be finished.

Not to mention, it's a lot of mental clutter and ME-ISMS. It also reminds me of a shopping mall. And for those who've been following me for a while know how much I hate going to the mall.

Eventually, I plan to go back. But...we'll see.

Anyway, still trying to get back on track with this blog. I know I can. I know I can.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Writing is....

Writing is way better than a pint of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chunk ice cream.

Actually, I had a planned a totally different post in my head. But yesterday got away from me with all the things I had planned. It was my day off.

Got all my chores and cooking done. But I didn't get one word written. Bummer. That is how it rolls sometimes.

Anyway, Happy Sunday! Hope to back to normal soon. Between what has surrounded my grandfather's death and another grandbaby being adopted out, I'm slightly off kilter.

Yeshua will get me through. Praying He helps to get you through whatever you're going through.

Hugs and chocolate, all!
Shelly

ISWG: PAIN

I made new memories this past holiday. All painful. All lodged deeply in my subconscious.

It's these experiences that some how come out in our novels and essays. As writers we're constantly working through our personal traumas. It's truly a blessing that we have this natural compulsion to write.

Let what story you create heal you, and bless others who read it.

Today's post is on behalf of Alex J. Cavanaugh ' s Insecure Writer's Group. If you're interested in sharing your insecurities or inspirations with other writers, please click on the icon in the upper right hand corner of your computer screen.

Hugs and chocolate, all!
Shelly

P.S. I'm still trying to get my bearings together. My next post probably won't be until Sunday.

Bittersweet Holidays

I know I haven't been around. My grandfather passed on December 19th. And Tinkerbell gave birth to a baby girl just last night. She's courageous. Looking at her circumstances logically, she picked a wonderful family for little Bella.

Every time the nurse announced how much she had dilated, I watched my daughter come to terms with how much closer she was to giving up a baby that she carried for 9 months to someone else. Mental anguish would wash over her face. Each centimeter-increase was met with a gut wretching howl. 

There was a definite connection between the adoptive mom and my daughter. They held hands almost the entire time of the labor process. It really touched me how she understood and cried with Tinkerbell.

It was beautifully bittersweet.

Hopefully, I'll get back to normal soon.

Hugs and chocolate,

Shelly