Grief, Retirement & Intermittent Fasting

It's been a minute since I've had the energy to sit down and write and I am not beating myself up over it.  Part of it is I just haven't been in a place to really expound/share on the loss of my mama. I was honestly busy working as well as giving myself time to experience the loss of someone so special and integral to my life and I wasn't really willing to share that time with anyone, let alone write it all down.  Now that it's been almost 2 years since mama has passed I have a better handle on my emotions and feel inspired to start writing again. If not for anyone, for myself.  So really this is for me but if someone out there reads this and it helps that will just be icing on the cake. An extra blessing, if you will.

 I feel mama's loss in a much different way than I did a year ago, it now feels a bit softer and not so sharp and painful. It's the feeling of acceptance and of opening myself up to another level of grieving. I honestly don't think grief ever goes completely away, especially when you love someone so completely and deeply. There are just new levels to experience and sometimes they are easier and other times not so much. I am in a good head space and have moved into a softer grief and for that I am ever so grateful. I miss you mama but I know you are in a better place and I will see you again someday.

ALSO... I am "retired" if you can call it that at 49. I started working at a Chiropractors office as a Chiropractic Assistant and running their front office in November of 2017 and retired this August.  Covid-19 hit us like everyone else but because we were a Chiropractic office we didn't have to close and couldn't practically work from home so it was business as usual. We did have some weeks it was pretty slow but all in all it wasn't too bad. Honestly, I loved working there but I was ready to be done especially because my M-I-L will be coming to live with us soon due to her Alzheimer's disease and I wanted some time for myself before that happened. (Side note, my husband has just retired as well so we have a lot of time to spend on our many projects and on us. I'm pretty excited about that.)

 

I have been diligently focusing on my health since I've been home and have made some big changes that are making a huge difference in my everyday life. One of those things is food related.  I have been on a weight loss journey since April and slowly over time I have lost 24.6 lbs. Slow and steady, right! I feel great and look great (if I do say so myself) and have a couple of new things I've added to my health regime.  Wait for it...

 So. . . I started this thing called intermittent fasting.  What, you may be asking is intermittent fasting? Well let me tell you. Intermittent fasting is simply time restricted eating. You fast for a certain number of hours and eat during a certain time frame. It can be a schedule of 16:8 or 18:6 or 20:4 or 5:2 and what those numbers mean is you can fast for 16 hours or 18 hours or 20 hours or however long you'd like. The second set of numbers after the : is the amount of time you have to eat your meals . The 5:2 fast, also known as The Fast Diet, is a popular intermittent fasting diet. It was popularized by British journalist Michael Mosley. It's called the 5:2 diet because five days of the week are normal eating days, while the other two restrict calories to 500–600 per day. 

*While I am fasting, I am also eating normal calories and for me that means eating between my BMR and TDEE (there are many calculators for BMR & TDEE online) although during my long fasts (23:1) I eat under my calories for obvious reasons. 1 hour isn't a lot of time to eat 1500 calories so naturally I eat less on those days*

I started fasting on August 19th 2020 with an 16:8 schedule. What that means is I fasted for 16 hours and ate within an 8hr time frame. It really has been super easy to implement into my life and I have noticed a huge decrease in my daily pain and fatigue.  

*Intermittent fasting helps to regulate blood sugar, insulin response in your body, fights cancer, and reduces inflammation.  It can also help with weight and fat loss. Another benefit of fasting is Autophagy.  *Autophagy is the body's way of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells, according to Priya Khorana, PhD, in nutrition education from Columbia University. “Auto” means self and “phagy” means eat. So the literal meaning of autophagy is “self-eating.”* This effect usually starts around the 18-20 hour of fasting with maximum benefits occurring around the 48-72 hour mark. Autophagy and it's benefit is still being studied*

So after doing a 16:8 schedule for a few days I tried an 18:6 schedule, then a 20:4 schedule and finally a 23:1 schedule. I just started a challenge for myself for the month of October where I will be doing 10,000 steps daily as well as 23:1 and 18:6 on alternating days. So one day I will fast 23 hours and eat within a one hour time frame and the next day I will fast for 18 hours and eat within a 6 hour time frame. For example, today was a 23:1 schedule day and it started yesterday at 3pm. I fasted from 3pm yesterday to 2pm today and ate from 2pm-3pm-ish and started tomorrows fast at 4pm today and that will end at 10am tomorrow morning. 

I feel 100% better fasting than I did before and that is what I was after. Before I started fasting I was in constant daily pain and had chronic fatigue and was in bed a lot of the time. Since I started fasting my pain has decreased significantly and fatigue is nowhere to be found most days. In addition to fasting I am eating low-ish (under 100g) carb most days of the week, not sure that has anything to do with it but who knows. Another benefit of fasting, for me, is I don't feel like food has control of me anymore. What I mean by that is the act of counting calories forces you to be food focused and that can be either a good thing or a bad thing.  For me it was a bad thing. Now don't get me wrong I still count calories but am no longer obsessed with it or controlled by it. 

And that my friends is what I have been doing this past year.  Life is looking up and for that I am glad. May this find you happy and healthy. Blessings!

"Limitations only exist if you let them" Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. © 2020 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Wisdom From Trauma

"Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you got
Taking a break from all your worries
It sure would help a lot
Wouldn't you like to get away?"

 

It's difficult finding my way through life without worries and especially sadness but that's a part of life, right?! We all deal with stress, worries and emotional turmoil from time to time.  I am so thankful that God uses these trials and worries to teach me something more lasting and something I can pass on to my children and maybe someone who is struggling with something I have weathered already. I'd like to think I have some modicum of wisdom somewhere in my pea brain. I don't always use that wisdom but it's in there somewhere and it does occasionally show up when I am in need of it.  At 48 I hope I have acquired some wisdom and that I have passed, at least, a tiny bit of it on to my 4 children.  The jury's still out on that. Time will tell.

For instance, I hope that I have taught each of them that the people we love can't and won't live forever but we can still keep pieces of them alive in our memories.  Also that death is not the end, it's just the beginning of the next chapter. Mama has been gone 6 months tomorrow but I am blessed to have many memories that I carry with me and anytime I want I can look back and remember the times I shared with her. Those memories help keep her alive in my mind. I also have the assurance that someday mama and I will be together again in heaven. To be honest I am a bit impatient to see and hug her but it's not my time yet, so in the meantime, I must be patient and wait.

 

I find myself dreaming of mama and how she died, it's disconcerting and heartbreaking.  I'd really rather never think of the way she died, but the mind is a funny thing and that memory is stamped indelibly in my memory bank.  I wake up many mornings with that memory shouting at me for attention and it makes for a very difficult way to start my day. I have to tell myself she didn't suffer much and that she went quickly but I'm not convinced and obviously my brain hasn't reconciled that thought either. I am trusting that it will eventually go quietly into the night and allow me some peace, someday. It's interesting how the mind works.  Mama died almost 6 months ago and I often think of calling her and talking to her, then shortly after I remember that I can't.  She has changed her last address to a new and better heavenly address. We are separated temporarily but I hope she can see me and is at peace with how things ended for her. I'm not sure if there is any wisdom to impart to my children or others in this situation, except maybe the lesson is to focus on the positive memories you made and to realize that your brain is still trying to find peace with the loss of someone so significant to you. Give yourself time to heal from the trauma, be patient and be kind to yourself. Allow your brain to adjust to this new reality. 

 I do understand that anyone who has lost someone they loved dearly knows how I feel,  but to me, it's as if I am the only one feeling this way. I can only assume that is normal, I don't know.  She was my best friend and such a beautiful presence and now she isn't.  Just like that, she isn't. You think it will never happen to you, until it does and then it's just over abruptly and there isn't time to say any last words or get one more hug, nothing! You're just left there trying to accept that your loved one is gone and you have no idea how to go on without them.  Your brain tries to adjust to this new world and it's a bit glitchy if I can be honest.  My brain still hasn't fully accepted she is gone, because sometimes a thought pops out and says I need to call mama and see how she is. Or, oh I want to share something with her, but I can't.  Does it take a year, two years to finally accept your loved one is gone or am I in for a lifetime of this? I suppose only time will tell.  Perhaps the lesson here is patience.  Don't rush it.  Allow yourself to take however long it takes to heal and move on in a positive and healthy way. I am trying to gently remind myself of this very thing.  

I had seriously different plans for mama and me.  She was semi-retired and we were going to see each other more often, go to the coast and take trips this summer, but that all changed suddenly.  Mama was so excited with her new lease on life, she was in remission from cancer and healthy and had such a lovely life ahead of her. I often wonder how God decided that mama's time was over. I have to trust he knows and sees the bigger picture and that this was for the best. I have to remember that someday it'll be made clear and I'll eventually understand. In the meantime, I must come to terms with her being gone. I am working on that. It will take time and it will take perseverance.  The wisdom here is, you can plan your future all you want but God has his own plans for you and they rarely line up perfectly with yours. Surrender and allow God to guide you. I am currently working on this one here.  It's not an easy thing to surrender and let someone else be in control, but it's a necessary thing with God. He sees the bigger picture and I believe he ultimately has our best interest at heart. 

 

 

I will continue to move forward and I truly hope that it will get easier with the passage of time.  I am incredibly blessed to have a large support system and a lot of soft shoulders to cry on. Blessings to you and yours as you go through the days ahead.

"Limitations only exist if you let them" Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. © 2019 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

The Aftermath Of Losing Someone

It's amazing just how profoundly loss effects your life.  Grief sneaks into every area of my day.  Not to say that I dwell constantly on missing mama but it's always there waiting to pop up unexpectedly.  It can be as simple as seeing a butterfly and it will remind me just how much I miss her. She loved butterflies. People keep saying, it'll get better with time but it's been 5 months and 15 days and I still feel so lost and sad.  I don't mean to say that I am a glummy gus or anything like that, it's just always there in the background

Grief is a complicated emotion. They say there are many facets of grief, I feel as though I am still in the shock and process of accepting it, stage 1.

I am also finding out that the stages don't always go in order nor do they only occur one time.  There are varying degrees of each stage and sometimes they come in waves that are as big as a building and other times they come in little drops here and there like a sprinkle during a summer storm. Some days I feel as though I have done a good job of accepting it and am moving through my day fairly in tact mentally then there are those other days where I am just sad and trying to make it to the end of the day without breaking down. See. I go from stage 5 right back to stage 1. That is okay. It's a process and I am moving through it in my own time and somedays I may go through every stage. I just have to remember to be patient with myself and others.

 If you have ever lost someone so significantly important in your life, you know exactly what I am saying. There is no rhyme or reason to loss, it ebbs and flows and if you are lucky you make it through to the other side in tact and mentally stronger.

As I said earlier grief impacts every area of life.  Every relationship you have is touched by grief, it invades your mind and wreaks havoc with your sleep and body. It takes away your ability to think clearly and is a continual reminder of just how much your life has changed. It changes the way you interact with your spouse especially if they are grieving the same loss as well.  It changes how happy go lucky you are into someone who is prone to cry at the drop of a hat.

I try to remember I am not the only one who is grieving my mama's passing, but my grief is what is front and center in my mind.  So as my family is moving through the grief process I know we are all doing it in our own way and in our own time, and that is okay. I can't help but feel that it is just my grief and my loss but it isn't.  Everyone who was touched by my precious mama is grieving. As we are going through this loss I can see we are still all in the beginning stages of loss, trying to accept she is gone and process the shock of her passing. Sometimes I see a glimpse of depression, lethargy, sadness and a general feeling of unwellness. At times it feels as if the grief will swallow me whole and I'll disappear.

 With all that being said, I soldier on like mamma would want and try to go on with my life as best I can.  I am working on reconnecting with God while going through this new part of my journey. It's hard and some days I'd really rather not speak to anyone else, in fact I'd really like to stay in bed and just not do life.  Fortunately I don't do those things because . .well, guilt I suppose.  The guilt stops me from staying in bed and from isolating myself.  I can't just disappear, I have a husband and children to tend to, relationships require daily intentional interaction.  I have a job and I am an integral part of the team there and it wouldn't be fair to leave them hanging every time I am having a difficult day.  Then there are the days I feel normal, and I'm laughing and smiling.  Those days I feel the most guilty. I am sure that is perfectly normal but it feels wrong.  So I am learning it's okay to feel whatever I am feeling regardless of if it's sadness, joy or crushing depression.  It'll pass.  Someday.  Not today but someday in the future. It.  Will.  Pass. 

So if you're going through grief, be kind and patient with yourself.  It changes everything and it is a long and arduous process.  It takes a lot of time and requires you to deal with many emotions at the same time.  It's going to be okay, maybe not today or tomorrow but someday it will be okay. Take this time to work through those emotions but as you do that be patient with yourself and with others. Spend time talking about them because they were yours and you were theirs and your lives were irrevocably intertwined. Nothing will ever change that fact.

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. © 2019 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Losing Mama

 My precious mama earned her wings January 24, 2019 and to say it’s been devastating and difficult to accept would be putting it mildly.  She and I were best friends, we did so much together and our lives were so entwined I am having a hard time accepting it, let alone dealing with it. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger but truth be told I’d rather be with her. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to die I just miss my mama’s presence. I miss her smile, the way she said “hey baby” and her quirky way of doing almost anything.

Mama had a way about her. Everything she did was quirky.  For example, she would stand behind me while I cooked and watch.  I often said “Mama, I’m an adult, I’ve been cooking for many years without supervision” to which she would say “I know, I just wanna watch”.  Then we’d smile and laugh.  What I wouldn’t do to have her do that one more time, or to hear her say “Hey baby” when she saw me.  It’s funny what we miss when a loved one leaves this world behind for good.

I hate the finality.  It was a sudden death, so there was no time to say any last loving heartfelt words or to hear her say I love you one more time.  I am still trying to accept she’s gone, my mind still tells me that I need to call her and check in and then I catch myself and the grief is there all over again.  I know that in time it will get easier but right now it sucks.  Sorry but it’s my reality.  My new normal is hard to get acquainted with, I hate living without her smile and hugs and her obsession with weekly card games and bingo with her best friend Cathy.  I.  Hate.  It.  It’s over but I’m not ready for this new normal. She was my heart and I miss her and I’m mad she’s gone on to heaven without me.

That being said, I’m learning to navigate this new journey, sans mama, and it’s difficult to say the least but I’m doing it one difficult day after another.  One foot in front of the other, as they say. My brother and I just finished getting her estate all settled and we will  put her ashes in their final resting place in August.  There is so much minutiae involved in settling an estate it’s all overwhelming.  I thank God for my strong sweet brother, he did all the “heavy” lifting and I would never have made it without him.  He made it all go as smooth as something like this can go. We are bound together because of our sweet mama but this has brought us especially close and for that I’m eternally grateful, mama would certainly be happy. There is always something beautiful that comes when going through something so terrible and life changing.  In our case, a restored relationship. I choose to look for joy rather that dwell solely on my loss.  Mama deserves that.

I am blogging through my grief, while still learning to accept it and move forward without my best friend.  It’s been 5 months and 8 days since I’ve seen her beautiful face but I am confident that one day we will see each other again and oh what joy my soul shall feel!  This is the first of many posts and I’d be honored to have you follow me along.  Maybe by journaling I can learn to accept my loss and help others to deal with theirs.


"Limitations only exist if you let them" Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. © 2019 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Breakfast Oats & Chia

Hey guys and gals, today I'm just going to update you on my week and post a wonderful filling recipe.

This week I have been busy with food prep and the tiny dictator a.k.a. my 3yr old granddaughter. She has her weeks where she is really clingy with me and other weeks where she is better at clinging to her daddy. This has been one of the "Gwandma, I want you" weeks. One of these days they will get their own place and we can have a normal Gwandma granddaughter relationship. Honestly I really look forward to that day. Don't get me wrong, I love my tiny dictator but I would like the dynamic to change with us.  She tends to think of me as a surrogate mama to her, in fact today she called me her mama grand bear. Today started out with her crying and only wanting me to hold her because her tummy hurt her. I tried to explain to her daddy (my middle Navy son) that when kiddos are sick they normally turn to the female presence in the home for comfort and it didn't mean she doesn't like him. He isn't the most nurturing male (normal) but loves her dearly so he totally understands.  They are now off visiting friends and I'm hoping it goes well.

Food prep has consisted mainly making beans and rice to eat throughout the week. I do this every week and it makes meals so much easier and less taxing. As you know from my last post I eat mainly veggies, fruits and starches so the week has also been about making potatoes in some form every day. We love potatoes. My husband has been eating the way I am and so far it is going quite well.  He seems to be doing pretty good with the changes to our menu. I know that he will still eat meat from time to time and it really isn't my main goal to change him into a vegan or plant based eater.  My main goal is to help him lose weight and get healthier.  Also, what guy wouldn't be happy to be fed potatoes every single day?

#potatoesarelife

We are leaving today for a weekend coastal getaway, I am so excited. It's been awhile since my hubby and I have taken a trip together (due to work and the weather) and now that the weather (fingers crossed) is improving we are grabbing the opportunity posthaste before it changes it's fickle mind. Enjoy your weekend lovely friends.

Oats can be made the night before so they are ready for you to just grab and go or you can prepare them in the morning and let them soak for 30 minutes or longer.  I personally do it in the morning because I prefer to heat them up after they soak so they're not cold. You can also just cook them on the stove top it's really your choice.

Breakfast Oats
Ingredients as I make them
1/2 cup Oats (steel cut, regular or quick)
1 cup Plant milk (fresh home made almond coconut milk)
 1 tsp Chia seeds
 (I let this mixture soak for at least 30 minutes)
 Add several frozen strawberries,blueberries or blackberries and heat up in microwave for 3 minutes
Add in half a banana
Stir and enjoy! (I don't add sweetener but you could if you want)

Chocolate Chia Blackberry Banana Oats  So delicious!

To make overnight oats just take your oats, plant milk and chia, mix it all together and put into the fridge.  I put it all in a mason jar with a lid just in case it gets tipped over by my rambunctious late night eating kiddos. In the morning take oat mixture out of jar and add fruit and eat cold or heat it in microwave. Adding the chia is a great idea for a several reasons, chia seeds are a “whole grain” food, are usually grown organically, are non-GMO and naturally free of gluten. Bottom Line: Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. They are loaded with fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients.  They also help keep you regular, if you know what I mean. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2017 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Why I'm Going Vegan

 A unique and exciting way of living has become my passion, yes I still run but now I am more about healthy living rather than just healthy activity.  Now you may all be wondering where I have been and what I have possibly been up to.  Well sit back, relax and have a cup of coffee or tea and let me tell you all about my exciting life.

Cancer.  Surgery.  Recovery.  Radiation.  Recovery. The list goes on and it's really not all that exciting truth be told.  My surgeon told me yesterday that I am healing quite triumphantly and will not need to see her again. Ever.  Ever. She did add unless (God forbid) it comes calling again. We smiled at each other and I said, yes God forbid.  I have now moved on to medication that, I'm told, will prevent (but who really knows) the cancer from germinating and possibly ever rearing it's ugly head again.  Time will tell the whole story or at least the next chapter.  We shall see.  Now on to better more mind blowing topics.

WTF is a whole foods plant based diet anyway?  Let me tell you all about it.  I eat fruits, vegetables, very low oil (if any at all) low salt whole foods. A whole food is "food that has been processed or refined as little as possible and is free from additives or other artificial substances." According to Merriam Webster Dictionary a whole food is "a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (as a vegetable or fruit)."  As stated by Forks over Knives "A whole-food, plant-based diet is centered on whole, unrefined, or minimally refined plants. It’s a diet based on fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, and legumes; and it excludes or minimizes meat (including chicken and fish), dairy products, and eggs, as well as highly refined foods like bleached flour, refined sugar, and oil." I personally omit all animal products from my diet due to the effect they have on my heart, health and mental processes.  

Yes, that means I'm VEGAN! Yikes, that word can really pack a punch. People hear that word and automatically think, oh my goodness here comes the hippy freak, animal activist, insert your own word here, kind of response. Firstly I am not a hippy freak but I do like tie dye and those billowy skirts.  Secondly I am by no means an animal activist, although I do not believe we as humans were meant to eat animals.  I also believe it is not my job to push my beliefs on anyone else.  This way of living is how I choose to live.  You do you. I am never gonna judge or tell you how you should live your life. SERIOUSLY to each their own. This way of eating makes me feel extremely healthy and alive. I no longer deal with PVC's which if you remember are pre-ventricular contractions of the heart. Also, I no longer need to use laxatives (I know, TMI) just to go to the bathroom.  Let's not even mention the fact that I have cancer and what could possibly be a better way to combat kick the ever loving crap out of it than a healthy whole foods plant based way of eating? 

So in an attempt to share my experiences with a whole food plant based way of eating I am going to do my darnedest to blog at least once a week.  We all know life gets busy and I am completely okay with not blogging at all (for months on end) if need be, but I will do my best. I will even be sharing recipes of amazing vegan food from other vegan bloggers and Facebook friends. So stay tuned and see what awaits you.  

Here is a recipe that I absolutely love for a non-dairy cheesy sauce that is also completely grain and nut free. I found this recipe from a beautiful girl named High Carb Hannah over @ Raw Till Whenever  she is an amazing girl with an even more amazing story of overcoming a damaging food past with years and years of yo yo dieting and an unhealthy lifestyle. You can also find her on Facebook here.  

RIDICULOUSLY GOOD POTATO NACHO CHEESE / RECIPE

2 red potatoes
1/4 onion
Boil together in water for about 10 minutes til potatoes are tender (don't throw out the water you'll see why soon)

1/2 red or yellow bell pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp salsa (this is also optional in my opinion)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast (not bread yeast) 
1 tbsp hot sauce *optional

Add all this along with the boiled onion and potato to a blender or food processor and about 1/4 to 1/2 of the water from the pot (the water you didn't throw out) and blend well.  Enjoy! I add this sauce to my food a lot and it is seriously addicting, so watch out.

As always enjoy your day or night and if you feel compelled shoot me a little hello as you pass by.  Hopefully some of you are still around.

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2017 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Oh The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow, Bet Your Bottom Dollar That Tomorrow...

 Hello lovelies, I hope this post finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying some sunshine. This last week was stormy and gloomy but on the positive side we (Oregon) are now for the first time since 2013 drought free.  So it's all been worth it and fingers and toes crossed hopefully this summer we will not be plagued by fires as has been the case the last several years.

My week has been glorious, other than the wet gloomy weather.  I am also down 10lbs officially, yay me!

Here is my fitness week in review~

Sunday 2/28 *20 minutes running *10 minutes brisk walk *45 minutes moderate walk
Monday 2/29 *15 minutes spin bike *30 minutes brisk walk *30 minutes mod. walk
Tuesday 3/1 *30 minutes brisk walk *105 minutes very brisk walk/run
Wednesday 3/2 *100 very brisk walk/run *28 minutes hill climbing
Thursday 3/3 *50 minutes very brisk walk/run *30 minutes moderate walk
Friday 3/4 *indoor walking *4.78 miles
Saturday 3/5 *indoor walking *6.26 miles

Total Steps *111,070
Total Miles *48.26
Total Calories Burned *15,998
Total Floors Climbed *77
Total Weight Lost This Week *1.2 lbs

May this week be a blessed one for you and yours.

Random weird fact ~In ancient Rome, trained walkers stepped along roads 1,000 paces at a time (approx. 4,800 ft, or just short of our current mile), marking the distance with stone obelisks. The markers were called milestones.

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

 © 2016 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Fitbit Rocks My World

G'day y'all.  I sincerely hope that this last week was as amazing for you as it was for me.  I have been moving like crazy the last several days. Do any of you have a Fitbit or something similar that tracks steps, sleep and activity? Mine is a Fitbit one and I am obsessed with it.

It's kind of like a noisy nag tiny motivator, truth be told. If you do have a Fitbit account look me up using my email madmammahas4kids@gmail.com and send me a friend request.  I get involved in challenges most days of the week and they are highly, well. . .challenging.

Here is how my fitness week looked like. All walk/run no bike.

Sunday 2/21 *35 minute brisk walk, 75 minute very brisk walk/run
Monday 2/22 *70 minute moderate walk/run
Tuesday 2/23 *42 minute brisk walk/run
Wednesday 2/24 *52 minute very brisk walk/run *18 minute moderate walk
Thursday 2/25 *30 minute moderate walk *55 minute very brisk walk/run
Friday 2/26 *easy walk indoors
Saturday 2/27 *30 minute brisk walk *34 very brisk walk/run

Total Steps *85,750
Total Miles *36.82
Total Calories Burned *14,498
Total Floors Climbed *29

I feel pretty good after all that and to top it off I lost another 2.8lbs last week making it 8.6lbs lost
since January 30th, 2016.  Honestly using myfitnesspal and my new fitbit one it has been hard as heck easy peasy. All I have to do is move more and watch my calories.  No, really it is actually a lot of work, counting and paying attention to what foods/fuels I put into my mouth, but it's so worth it and it pays off in so many ways.  I look better, feel better and my body is ready to get back to trail running as soon as the sun decides to come out and dry up the trails. Today I ran hill repeats on a steep but fun hill near where I live and my legs are trashed.  I suspect I will relax for the rest of the day.  

What do you do for exercise and fun? Stop by and leave me a comment letting me know. 
 I will leave you with a video of a guy who amazes me! A fruitarian and an ultra-runner.

 

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2016 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

The Worst Blogger Ever!

Hi everyone, sorry it's been so long.  Life just seems to get away from me and wham, it's months later and I haven't blogged a single thing.  Thankfully, I know you all understand.  I'm just gonna blog about what has been happening in my life the last few months and go from there.

I have started running. . . again! Yay! I had been at a place where I was unable to run and decided to just stop running altogether; however things have changed significantly, for the better I might add. I am not sure what changed or how it came to be but I am now running more and more. Yes I still have those days where my body just won't do what I want it to but overall it's good. My strategy was just to walk a little, run a little. . . you know the drill.  It has paid off way big.  Basically I started over. Not something I wanted to do after running a half marathon and it felt so defeating but it has been a blessing in disguise. If you know my story, you know how important running is to me.  This is a big deal in my life.  Running is my passion, it is my happy place, it is my strong!

I just had a big birthday. . . #45 and I feel amazing.  My mama gave me a fitbit one and I am so in love with this little machine! Anyone out there have a fitbit?  If so look me up on the fitbit website using my email madmammahas4kids@gmail.com and send me a friend request!  All I can say is fitbit is hugely motivating.  I wake up and immediately start adding steps, usually I try to get in at least 2000-3000 before morning coffee and then I head out the door to get in a run/walk to finish off my 10,000-15,000 steps for the day.  Sometimes I even hit 20,000 steps like yesterday.  I had already done my 10,000 steps for the day by 10-ish in the morning and my daughter woke up and asked me if I wanted to go for a run with her?  Um, yes please! Littlebird and I geared up and headed out the door to discover it was sprinkling and overcast but still a beautiful day for a run.  I awarded her the badass badge for kicking butt down a pretty long hill and beating her mama! She is very new to running and fitness so that really made her day. So by the end of the day I had doubled my miles and steps and felt pretty great, not to mention proud as heck of my girlie.

Sunshine. . . anyone know when it's gonna be spring? Ha ha, I am so ready for warmer weather because this girl wants to hit the trails but they need to dry out a bit more.

Last I checked in my middle son (20) was home from the Navy right? He is living here with his daughter and working part time and attending college part time. My youngest son is living here (18) and working part time and attending college part time as well. My beautiful daughter (16 in July) is in 9th grade and doing amazing as always, she is just growing up into a beautiful young woman with a really good head on her shoulders.  My oldest son (22) is living about 30 minutes away and is working full time and trying to get started in college. All in all my chitlins are amazing humans and some of my very favorite people of all.  My beautiful granddaughter is two now and lives with us most of the week and it has been a blast helping my son raise her.  She is seriously the smartest two year old I have ever met.  She has been counting and singing her ABC's since she was 16 months old and talks in complete sentences.  She is a blast to have around.

Okay enough gushing. . . let's get to workouts! *walking is usually a combo of run/walk*

Sun 2/14/2016  ...41 minutes walking, steps 11,188
Mon 2/15/2016 ...90 minutes run/walk & 30 minutes moderate walking, steps 20,477
Tues 2/16/2016 ...rest day, steps 6,185
Wed  2/17/2016 ...42 minutes run/walk & 31 spin bike session, steps 10,440
Thur 2/18/2016 ...33 minutes spin bike session, steps 6,845
Fri 2/19/2016 ...70 minutes walking, steps 11,332
Sat 2/20/2016 ...42 minutes walking, steps 10,223

Total steps = 76,690

That was my week in review, hope y'all had a great week.  Drop me a comment, say hello and tell me about your week! Blessings and happy running! 


"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2016 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

God Is Good!

Day Twenty-One – A Blessing for God’s Love
I pray that today you will realize the gift of God’s love—the incomparable love of the Father for his child. Such a love! A love that you sense with the passing of the breeze and coolness of the air. A love that comes not from one on earth , but the incredible love from One in heaven. ~Max Lucado

“God is love. ‘Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. Love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.” 1 John 4:16, NIV

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2014 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Happy Friday Blessings!

*Yes I know it's Saturday but I didn't when I posted this lol*

This week has been a good one with warm temps, not fall-like at all.  Our granddaughter was has been here the last few days so that always makes our week that much more full of joy and laughter. She is sick from a flu shot but I think she is beginning to turn the corner to wellness.

My husband and Navy son have been working hard at our new station and are exhausted from a long day but always bring a smile home to share with the rest of the family. I have been able to get a few hikes in (before baby came over) and as usual been rewarded with the most beautiful skies and landscapes.  The last hike I took I saw 2-3 deer by a stream eating, up on the bank. I was across the roadway and did not have my camera so no picture to share but take my word for it, they were beautiful.

I have been getting into hiking more and road running less, I really like the way it makes me feel so strong.  We have a place here called Cathedral Hills, it's a trail system, and it is just beautiful to hike and is only about 10 minutes or less from where I live.  It has about 10 miles of trails, anything from easy to hard and so there is something for everyone. Next time I go I will take my camera along and get some shots to share with you.

Living in Southern Oregon is such a blessing, we have so much beauty to revel in, it amazes me. The best part is, it's right outside my front door.  Well that is about it for this week, enjoy your weekend and be blessed.

*Obviously, I'm a day behind..oops*

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2015 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Happy Monday Morning

Good morning! Oh how I have missed writing on my blog.  Life has been obscenely a bit busy and if I am honest a lot little crazy.  Today I want to share a prayer of peace with you to start your Monday off right.  I realize this is a personal blog about my becoming a runner at 40 but it is also something I would like to become about spreading peace and light to all who pass by. *I know I have not been consistent with my writing, and I humbly ask for your forgiveness, but I am making it a priority to write at least 2x a week..if only to spread some love and light*

These last couple of years have taught me that it is far more fulfilling to give than to receive. Our family has been in what I considered a struggle; my husband has been out of work for more than a year and I do not work outside the home due to health issues. What I have come to realize is God is far better to us than we could ever hope to begin to deserve. He has sustained us this entire year and we have been more than able to stay in our home and provide food for our family.  I am so grateful for God's grace and mercy and the many blessings He gives us. We are now employed and making a living once more..God is so good ALL the time!

As you go about your day please remember, you are alive and loved and blessed! Those little things that we complain about or get irritated over really don't matter when we put them up against the grand purpose of life. We live in a scary world that is very contrary to how it should be, we need more people to spread light and love to others in order to dash the darkness that we often find ourselves surrounded in.  I wish to be one of "those" people. I am on a mission to spread encouragement, love and light to all I come across, in one form or another. How about you?

A prayer for peace..

 Lord, God of peace, who has created man, the object of your kindness, to be close to you in glory, we bless you and we thank you because you have sent us your beloved son, Jesus, making him the mystery of the pasch, the architect of all salvation, the source of all peace, the bond of true brotherhood. We thank you for the desire, the efforts, the realizations which your spirit of peace has roused in our day: to replace hatred with love, diffidence with understanding, unconcern with care. Open yet more our hearts to the needs of all our brothers and sisters, so that we may be better able to build a true peace. Remember, Father of mercy, all who are in pain, who suffer and die in the cause of a more brotherly world. For the men of every race, of every tongue - may your kingdom come: your kingdom of justice, of peace, of love; and may the earth be filled with your glory.
Amen.

Two more things before I end this blog post, let's remember and pray for those who lost their lives in Roseburg Oregon this last week in the UCC school shooting and those who are grieving over their lost loved ones. 

 
 And pray for our soldiers still fighting a war.

#HonorThem

*Another day has passed and SADLY Central Command has CONFIRMED 6 new casualties. Please pray for those in harm’s way. ‪#‎HonorThem‬
Department of Defense confirmed the deaths of:
Capt. Jonathan J. Golden, 33, of Camarillo, CA.
Capt. Jordan B. Pierson, 28, of Abilene, TX.
Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Hammond, 26, of Moundsville, WV.
Senior Airman Quinn L. Johnson-Harris, 21, of Milwaukee, WI
Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, of Pensacola, FL.
Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, of McDonough, GA.


"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

© 2015 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

I'm Alive & Well & A Plant Eater

Hello everyone..

 As the title says, I'm alive and well and a plant eater. The last time I posted I was going through a really rough time physically, emotionally and relationally.  I am happy to say that my marriage is better than it has ever been and I am blessed to be back at home with my family.  As far as my physical pain goes, some of it is the same and some of it is improving.  Personally, I deal with a lot of inflammatory pain and swelling as well as the chronic pain from my broken pelvis but I am finding that food truly does heal the body.  

Research has enlightened me tremendously.  Eating a plant based diet like fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes as well as super foods like chia seeds has improved my daily life a great deal so far.  I also make my own "milk" using almonds and or unsweetened coconut shreds and that feels amazing. 

Family updates..

My oldest son "G" (21) is living on his own with his girlfriend and their fur baby Nyah.  He will be staying with us for a bit while he finds a new home for his little family.  They are relocating from Klamath Falls to Medford Oregon.  My middle son "J" (19) is in the Navy @Cory Station in Florida studying. His daughter just turned one and has been a huge joy to our family.  We watch her while her mama and other grandparents work and sometimes when we need a little laughter in the house. He will be back home in August.  Our youngest son, another "J" (18) is getting ready to graduate high school in a few weeks.  He is working and going to school plus he is getting ready to go to college.  Thankfully he will be staying at the house while he works and goes to school, so that will save him money etc. Last but not least our daughter "M"  (15) is getting ready to graduate 8th grade and start her high school experience.  All of our children are doing exceptionally well considering what our family went through last year.  I am so thankful to God for saving our marriage and our family.    

What I am doing..

Like I said before I am making a lot of our food at home rather than buy it in the stores.  The food we get in the grocery stores is highly processed and not that healthy.  For health reasons I have gone vegan-ish once again and I feel so much healthier.  My husband and I just bought a juicer and can't wait to try out some new recipes. So far we are making carrot, cucumber, celery apple juice. It really isn't bad at all, in fact it is quite tasty. 

Anyhoodles, just wanted to say hello I'm alive and well.  Drop me a note and let me know how you all are doing.  I miss being on the blog and seeing how and what everyone else is doing.  So stop by and drop me a short note y'all. 

Recipe Time..
 
How to make your own coconut milk and almond milk..

Coconut Milk
2 cups unsweetened coconut shreds 
4 cups hot water (no need to boil)

Combine ingredients in your blender and let sit 10 minutes then blend for 2 minutes.  Pour mixture into a fine wire mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or cotton towel and squeeze all liquid out into glass jar.  Put liquid into refrigerator and chill.  Don't worry about the separation of liquid and cream, that is supposed to happen just shake before you drink. You can take the left over coconut pulp and dry it in the oven on the lowest temp, usually 170 degrees, overnight and in the morning you can take that pulp and grind it up in the blender to make coconut flour to be used in other recipes.

Almond milk
1 cup raw almonds that have been soaked overnight in at least 4 cups of water.
Pour off soaking water and add almonds plus 4 cups of fresh water to your blender and blend 2-4 minutes. Pour your fresh almond milk into a fire wire mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or cotton towel and squeeze all liquid out into a glass jar. Put your fresh almond milk into refrigerator and enjoy after it chills.  You can take the almond meal that is left over and toast in it the oven to use in recipes later.   


"Limitations only exist if you let them" Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck. © 2014 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

I Am Back and I Am Alive

It has been a long time and the past few months have been difficult and amazing as well.  I am back with my family and my husband and I are doing amazing.

I will not go into details about my separation just that it happened, God performed miracles and it is over! 

On February 20th my first grand child was born, a beautiful 8lb angel named Aubrey Jayne. Here are some pictures to ooh and ahh over...

Aubrey 3 months

Aubrey is now 3 months old and growing like a weed.  I cannot imagine our life without her, she has captured all our hearts.

My second oldest son Jake graduates high school in a few days time and I just cannot believe that I will have 2 of my 4 children graduated successfully.  He is the father of Aubrey and has amazed me how he seems at ease with carrying out the duties of a dad at his young and inexperienced age. 

Jake meeting his daughter for 1st time

Jake has decided to join the Navy reserves and eventually go into the Navy full time and study to be a surgeon.  We are very proud of him and his commitment to care for and provide for his daughter and I am excited to see what is in store for his future.  

Jesse our 3rd child who just turned 17 and will be graduating next year has decided to join the peace corp and travel as well as attend school and become a nurse. Here is a picture of him and his new niece Aubrey.

Our daughter Miss Molly is growing into a beautiful young lady and will be entering 8th grade next year.  She has bloomed this year both physically and mentally.  She is a member of an after school program called pro-desktop and is one of the only kids who can work the schools 3-D printer and was featured in a newspaper article.  This is spirit week at her school and today was Hawaiian day.

   
As for running, let's just say it has been hit and miss for me.  I am still dealing with chronic pain and because of that I don't run consistently. I did run today.

In other news...I am eating mostly gluten free and dairy free and the only meat I am still eating is chicken.  It has painfully come to my attention, I am gluten intolerant, at the very least. So these days I am eating mostly fruits, vegetables, chicken, eggs and nuts with a few other foods mixed in.  I feel much better and I am sure my body thanks me for that.

I hope that this finds you all happy and healthy. Please leave me a message to let me know how you are all doing.  May God richly bless you and yours. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

 © 2014 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

Thanksgiving All Year Round

I don't know about y'all but I am truly thankful for all I have been blessed with all year round...not just on one day of the year. There is just so much to be grateful for every day, it would be difficult to go a day without feeling very blessed.  

This year has brought so many blessings and I wanted to list some of them here.  

I am so very grateful for my children and how they have all grown into such wonderful human beings.  They are continually showing me how kind and caring they are towards others, it makes my mama heart proud to see how giving they are.  When I look at them I see such character and feel so proud of the awesome men my sons are becoming and the beautiful woman my daughter is blossoming into. They each have such potential and I cannot wait to see what the next chapter in their lives is going to offer them.

I am also very grateful for the blessing of friends...they have each come into my life right when I needed them to.  There have been many different seasons in my life and God seems to send me the right friend at just the right time. True friends are really hard to find and I have been blessed with the best ones. This year seems to have been a banner year for friends.

My family is a huge blessing to me and during this difficult time in my life I am very grateful for each and every member.  I am so thankful to God for blessing me with them all.

I have been blessed immensely these last few weeks since leaving my marriage.  The outpouring of love has been huge and so very needed, and I am quite sure that I don't deserve it.  I thank God for loving me and blessing me with so much.  It is my hope that others feel blessed as much as I do. 

May tomorrow bring you all closer to those you love and spend your lives with.  May you take the time to let those loved ones know how truly grateful you are for having them in your lives.  Take some time tomorrow...tell the people you share this wonderful life with how very much you cherish them, don't wait another day or another second. 

I want to take a moment and tell each of you how much I am blessed by having you in my life.  I may not have ever met any of you but I am so thankful for your friendship and encouragement.  Thank you so much for inspiring me with your stories of courage and hope and for truly caring about me. 

Blessings and hugs, 

 



"Limitations only exist if you let them"

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.

 © 2013 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.

I Swear I'm Alive

Hey y'all...I am alive and kicking.  Divorce is so un-fun just sayin'.  Things are going as well as you can expect them to during a divorce.  My family is doing well...the kids are adjusting to this new life I have created and I am hoping that things with my tummy will settle down soon, as I really cannot afford to lose more weight.  I just returned from dinner with the family to celebrate my second son's 18th birthday...I just cannot believe he is a man now...my little guy is so big.  

I have been moving and settling in for the past week and a half and am almost finished with that nonsense. I have moved into my best friends home as they are the most generous, giving and loving people I know. They have given me their great room and afforded me many luxuries I surely don't deserve.  I have also been adopted by Tom-Tom their huge cat...he follows me everywhere and sleeps on my feet at night.  When I leave the house he sleeps on my bed and waits for me to come home.  Everywhere I go...Tom-Tom is there to comfort me.  It has to be a God thing, as usually I am deathly allergic to cat fur or dander. He seems to know I need him. The first day I came over broken and crying crocodile tears Tom-Tom jumped up into my lap and put his face right up to mine and has not left my side.

I was able to spend tonight with my family celebrating my second sons 18th birthday, the conversation was awesome but watching him dance to 70's era music while we were waiting for a seat...priceless. He has grown into a man right before my very eyes...and I am so very proud of him.  I cannot wait to see what his future holds...he will soon be a daddy and that will be a grand adventure.  February cannot come soon enough, as I can't wait to meet my grand daughter Aubrey Jayne.

Working out has been hit and miss, as I am not eating enough to really get in regular workouts.  I have run twice in 2 1/2 weeks, ugh!  Y'all know I love running, so you know this is killing me.  I am sure my tummy will get adjusted to all this stress soon, right?  Tell me yes, please.  I hope this blog post finds all my friends happy, healthy and blessed beyond measure.  

Blessings, 

 






"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck  

© 2013 Shannon M. Griffin. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. Griffin and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. Griffin. All rights reserved.