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.

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.

So Very Frustrated!

Warning:  This will be a whinny post full of my sadness and frustrations, so if you don't want to hear it feel free to move on, I won't hold it against you!

I am feeling sorry for myself.  This pelvic pain has been a constant reminder of my bodies inadequacies for running.  Maybe that is not the right word, yet it is how I feel.  The doctor ordered new x-rays that of course showed no new fracture (surprise, surprise).  The fact that the x-ray showed no pelvic fracture does not surprise me, as x-rays rarely show a pelvic fracture, but now the doctor has me off running for a week (it's been a week as of Saturday 8-24) and the pain hasn't really changed, I still cannot sit for long and the pain is still present. 

That being said, running wasn't bothering me while in the moment, but I think that it was/is exacerbating the problem.  I have been good this last week and have not run one step.  I did go to the gym and use the non-impact machines and yesterday I walked for 49 minutes so I have gotten in some exercise, just not my preferred exercise.  

While on my walk yesterday morning I started to talk to God again.  We have (or I should say I have) been incommunicado lately. I realized that running has been an idol and I have put it above my relationship with God,  I had to lay running at God's feet and give it to Him and repent.  It is heartbreaking to me that I have put running above the One who loves me most, and it saddens me that I may not be able to run (ever) again due to my physical problems.  

My relationship with God should be more important than running or anything else and sadly it has become a distant love and for that I am solely to blame and it's up to me to fix that,  for it is me that has gone off on a tangent, God has always been here waiting for me. He is always there for me (and you) just waiting for me to lean on Him and rest in His loving arms and look to Him for answers instead of trying to do my own thing.  

Doing my own thing has always led to disaster, yet here I am again.  Thankfully God does not look at us like we think He does, we assume when we do something wrong He looks at us sternly and says "OMG how could you do this" or maybe "I am so disappointed in you"...Thankfully that is not how He sees us.  If we are His children He looks at us with love, forgiveness and mercy and because He loves us it saddens Him when we decide to do things on our own (and put other things/people above Him) especially when those things/people take us down paths He would rather us not go (because He knows the pain and anguish that awaits us).  I thank God that He loves me and forgives me when I repent, and takes me into His arms and comforts me (like now) when my heart is broken.  

Running is/has been my passion and I'm sad I can't run right now,  but even more I want God to be my passion and I only ask that I can one day run without pain, if that fits into Gods will for my life.

Physically I may have another pelvic fracture or it may be osteoporosis, or it could be bone cancer as thyroid cancer will metastasize to the bones of the pelvis first. The doctor did inform me that for some reason my body does not metabolize vitamin D, either from the sun or a pill, very well, and that I have been chronically very deficient for some time and most likely will be for the rest of my life. I went to the Herb shop and found some fast absorbing Liquid Sunshine with 5000 I.U. and am now taking that every day.  I am also having a problem getting in enough protein which is essential for bone growth, maintenance and renewal, so I am working on that in regards to my food.  

Currently I am waiting to hear back from the doctor to see what he wants me to do now that I have taken a week off from running, I fear his response will be "Continue doing what you are doing". He was going to see if my cancer doctor wants to move my scans up and have them done now to check for bone cancer in the pelvis and also whether he wants to order an MRI or a bone density scan. 

So for now I am not running and trying desperately (probably foolishly) to hold on to the hope that I can still run my half next month.  In my mind I could still run it, even knowing that it will cause me more pain. (and possibly injure me more) Physically I know I can do it, mentally I know(-ish) that I shouldn't run it as it could cause a more serious condition that may cause permanent damage etc. End of rant.  

So that's it folks, that's all she wrote, as the saying goes. May God richly bless you all.  I hope that your week turns out to be a beautiful one.   
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.

Sciatica Pain Anyone?

I have been dealing with sciatica pain since last year when I broke my pelvis and the pain at times is excruciating.  Since I am allergic to ibuprofen I cannot take anything that really helps ease the pain so I don't take anything, although I have recently found that heat helps tremendously.  

How does one not sit...I mean standing all day is just ridiculous right...so I have this weird schedule of standing, kneeling and laying on one side and then the other, and of course I am working out during all this pain as well.  I have pain every day all day but I know that this will pass and that the sciatica is a result of my injury last year, it may be time for some PT or something I can do at home like massage or use of a foam roller.  I was researching on this pain and last night read that sciatica is often a result of pelvic stress fractures due to nerve damage...oy vey! I've had it from the beginning but just never realized it!  When I was first injured I had this burning pain on my sit bones with tingling that ran down my leg(s) anytime I tried to sit for more than 2 minutes, it has not changed in a year.  

Seriously, if this is the worst thing I have to deal with from my injury it's all good.  I'm really not complaining, just trying to maybe find a solution or something that helps that maybe I have not thought of.

I'm still on track with my training for the half in September and will be doing a 9 mile training run this Saturday.  The sciatica pain has not stopped me from running or working out, it's really only painful when not exercising or moving.  It does hurt a little bit sometimes when the pain is bad and I'm at the gym but it never hurts while running so that is a blessing.  Does anyone have any tips or advice for me that are not going to cost me a lot of doh-ray-me?

Okay now on to my workouts for this week so far...
 
Sunday June 9

• AMT 24 minutes (2.54 miles)
• Arc Trainer 16 minutes (.85 miles)
• Weights 15 minutes

Monday June 10

• Ran 51 minutes outside (4.3 miles)

Tuesday June 11

• AMT 27 minutes (2.53 miles)

Wednesday June 12

• AMT 18 minutes
• Weights 30 minutes

Thursday June 13

• AMT 51 minutes (5 miles)

Weight loss for this last week was 1.6 lbs

 



Let me just say thanks for listening to my woes, family issues and many other rantings throughout the years...I truly thank God and consider y'all to be ♥ friends and 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. 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.

Blooming Where I'm Planted?

Warning...this post is about life, struggle and God...it's long but I think it's worth reading, it was certainly worth writing! 

I am often so absorbed by training for this half marathon that I forget to stop and attend my spiritual health.  I have this longing to accomplish this race, not because I want people to say, wow what a great thing...it's more like I have to do this to prove to myself, my body and my spirit...that I can do it! Does that make any sense to you?  

I was talking to one of my very best friends about my spiritual health just the other day and it was about this very subject.  Feeling like I'm not doing anything significant for God, has left me feeling a little lost.  Come to find out, she is going through the exact same thing.  Don't you just love how God works? I sure do.  After we talked I didn't feel like everything was solved, but I did feel like I had made some headway and like God was still there...waiting.  For what, I don't know...I just know that God has me where I am, and I need to accept it...maybe not embrace it, but accept my garden where it is and how it looks...and bloom where I've been planted.  

My life and everything I touch is my personal garden and I CAN bloom where I've been planted.  We don't need to all go out and knock on doors, or serve at the soup kitchens to be significant. Some of us are mom's and dad's and our children and loved ones are our ministry.  The people I see daily, whether they are family or acquaintances, are in my garden and how I interact with them matters.  I may be the only person in their life that day, that reaches them for Christ through some small an act of kindness.  That means a lot to me personally, I am serving lunch to the high school kids in town Monday-Thursday and I may be their only smile or kind act in their day! In that way I am significant to God.  

How does running fit in?  Well I'm not sure, to be perfectly honest.  Yet, running is a big part of me at this moment in time and I have to believe that God planted that seed somewhere along the way for a reason.  I'm a runner but that isn't what defines me, I survived cancer, but that doesn't define me either...I'm a child of God at my core and that SHOULD define me.  I am hopeful that people see my heart (God) when they read my blog.  I pray that someone has been touched by my words (Gods words) at one time or another...but that is ultimately up to God not me.  

Running has been difficult for me.  I have had my fair share of injuries because of running, yet I love it. God has brought me through those injuries and the resulting heartbreak the same way he brought me through cancer and every other heartache I've gone through in life.  I got through those injuries because inside of me is a belief that God brings us to the valleys only to shine and show us His majesty when we come out on the other side. He is ultimately the one who gave me my spirit of triumph..it's not me, it's Him.  I hope that I show that in my blog.

You may be asking...What?

I've said all that to say this...I am struggling with pain.  Running past 4 miles is causing me pain in my hip and pelvis and I'm not sure I can keep up my training. That does not mean I am quitting just that I may have to tweak my schedule.  I am just saying I'm struggling.  My husband questions whether I should keep training for this half, period.  I am questioning it myself.  I have been thinking lately that maybe instead of trying to run the whole thing I should try a run/walk schedule.  Ugh! My ego doesn't like that last statement. To be honest, it was hard just writing that last statement. Egotistically I want to say I ran the whole way, but I really don't see that happening.  Maybe God is saying His plan for my half is better than my plan is...I have to learn to stop and listen for His advice.  It's always better than my advice. God may see this half marathon as a way to touch someones life through some seemingly insignificant act or word...I am sure that He sees it's execution and completion entirely different than I see it! It may have nothing to do with me at all and everything to do with Him. 

Thanks for listening to my struggle and for not giving up half-way through, I'm sure y'all deserve some kind of medal for finishing this post. It would be called the Medal of Friendship, and I virtually award it to every one of you! 

I am blessed by you and I thank God for bringing you into my life! Blessings and hugs! I hope I haven't scared any of you off!  I promise I have not lost it...lol!  May God bless you and keep you and may His favor shine on your life.

   



"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've Gone Vegan-ish

I've been reading a lot lately about a plant based diet and have decided it just makes sense to go that route.  This means I am no longer eating any animal protein..this includes all meat and dairy! 

Now before y'all go...WHAT THE KALE HAS GOTTEN INTO SHANNON, let me just say I'm not joining a commune or discontinuing shaving or even wearing patchouli oil...I'm just eating a plant based diet, and I'm doing that for my health.  

All that I have read regarding heart disease and cancer has pointed me in this new and exciting direction.  It has long been proven that animal proteins cause cancer...meaning they make the body sick...it's like putting toxins into our temples and expecting them to be okay with it. I just thought that maybe if I go at my health issues through food I can heal my sick body.  

The book I have been reading is called The Ultimate Prescription What the medical profession isn't telling you by Dr. James L. Marcum.  He comes at healing the body through food, mind and soul.  He is a Christian Cardiologist who got tired of just patching his patients up and seeing them sick and dying anyway. So he went to the Bible to see what it had to see about our diets, he then went on to write this book. Even if your not a Christian this book is a must read, if only for his unique insight into the heart and how processed foods make it sick.

I loved every page and the fact that he gave name after name of his patients that he has helped...to show us more proof that eating the right foods can heal you...just made it all better. (Of course, he includes more than just food...like exercise, meditating, and prayer) 

It just makes sense to me that if I eat a plant based diet (including grains,pasta etc) that I will feel better, my body will look better and God will be pleased with how I am treating His temple.  I figure eating this way certainly cannot harm me and I truly believe that it can heal me and keep me healthy like God wants me to be. I am also back to meditating and it is helping my stress level.

Since I am off caffeine and milk and processed foods I have had a slight migraine for 4 days...but I have gone through this before...withdrawal is no fun! That being said, other than the headache, I feel better and even a bit lighter and it's only been a little less than a week. I have also added a new badge to my right sidebar to The China Study Community and I have also found a few awesome blogs out there for those going vegan...like Vegan As I Want To Be.

Here is also a great list of 100 Vegetarian foods to try and I found this great recipe for no fail brown rice, so yummy, try it!  Okay that's all I got for now...not much exercise this week due to the migraine and snow, ice etc...have a Fabulous weekend y'all!


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. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 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.

Another Senseless Tragedy

The only words I can think of to say are "Please pray for the families and friends of the victims of the Newtown CT tragedy."  There is too much sadness today. 

Don't ask, why do these things happen, for there are no "good enough" reasons, it is all just so senseless and tragic.

Hug your loved ones, tell them that you love them...now, not later. Spend time today making memories, don't wait for a tomorrow that may never come.  When these tragedies happen, turn to God in prayer, don't blame Him or ask why He allowed such a thing to happen, reach out your hands to those who are hurting, or to someone else in need and in turn you will make the world a better place.

May God be with all those affected by this tragedy and May He bring comfort, healing and peace to them as well.

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. 

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 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.

Days of Giving Thanks November 1-4, 2012

Each week I will be sharing with you all that I am thankful for.  This week's installment will be November 1st through November 4th.

I have been so blessed with so much and feel it's great to take time to remember those blessings (*I borrowed this idea from my beautiful cousin who has her own lovely blog*)...and then share them with others.  When you are being thankful it's hard to feel sorry for yourself and not only that, but it serves as a reminder of just how many blessings one truly has! I even created a Facebook EVENT.

I wonder if we bloggers can get a "Count your many blessings" movement going for the month of November...Anyone interested in doing this with your fellow bloggers, just to show how very blessed we all are?  Spread the word, let's see how far this can go! Link back to me if you would like.

Thursday November 1, 2012
#1...Today I'm thankful for the beauty of fall! I was blessed this morning on my run with all the colors of Autumn! Gods beauty awes me!

Friday November 2, 2012
#2...Today I am thankful for a God who loved me enough to die on an old wooden cross...who loves me in spite of my many failures and shortcomings....who loves me enough to forgive and forget my sins when I repent, what a loving Heavenly Father I have! 

Saturday November 3, 21012
#3...I am thankful to live in a country where we are able to vote in a new President...freely say what we want, or believe in whom we believe...where it is still okay to go to Church and pray to God...God bless AMERICA!!! 

Sunday November 4th, 2012
#4...Today I am thankful for my legs that carried me safely on my run yesterday...I am thankful I have legs that are healthy and strong and I Praise God for His healing...My thanks isn't one of sarcasm it is a sincere and heartfelt thanks! Thank you Heavenly Father for bringing me through my injury to a healthy and strong resolution...

Y'all may have noticed that I haven't used the obvious "I'm thankful for..." that is simply because I am always thankful for my husband who has unwaveringly stood by me through thick (literally) and thin, sickness (literally) and health, richer and poorer...and God willing til death do us part.  

I am also continually thankful for my 4 loving children, who are each amazing, smart, and accomplished in their own way, both of my parents and each and every one of my friends who choose to share in my crazy life...that includes each of YOU! I am blessed (undeservedly) beyond belief and it humbles me when I think on the enormity of it all. 

For the month of November I am choosing to state what I am thankful on each particular day, it is as simple as that!  Feel free to follow and participate, I would love to read what you have to be thankful for, as I am sure it will be diverse, humbling, and amazing.  



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. 

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 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.

A Country Wedding

 My brother got married yesterday in a little town called Fort Klamath. We spent the day traveling about 2 hours to get to this small quaint town (my daughters word) and about an hour greeting everyone and catching up with family members we don't see very often.  

My son Jesse and my brother John

The picture above is not a great one but the people in it are really all that matters.  In it are my youngest son Jesse and my brother posing for me. Unfortunately my brother is not smiling but he was a happy guy, believe me.  

I am not sure why I didn't get a picture of the bride and groom together, but I wasn't feeling the best and the sun seemed like it was thwarting my picture taking at every turn.

Here is one of my hubby and daughter clowning around, well my hubby is and my daughter is trying to behave for the picture.

Molly and Daddy

   

After arriving at the motel we caught up with my dad and his wife, saw my mama, and my Aunt and Uncle and we all stood around and visited.  Here is one of my 3 sons with my Uncle Fine (in the cowboy hat).

Jacob, Uncle Fine, George and Jesse

My three boys are growing up and impressing me more every day.  They are so much fun to be around and seem to have pretty good heads on those big shoulders. 

This next picture is one of my hubby, my dad, and my son Jesse.  

George (my hubby),  my Dad and Jesse

The wedding was held in a little country church that probably could only hold about 50 people.  The minister was an old-timer (think shepherd) with an old walking stick and bright eyes.  He wouldn't allow any pictures inside the church but I could have gotten some of the outside, darn it, I forgot.  After the short ceremony as we were leaving the church we all had to take our turns ringing the church bell with an old rope...wow, the whole thing was a very awesome experience.  

After this wonderful experience we all moved on to a wonderful outdoor boxed picnic.  Each guest was gifted a beautiful old file box all decorated up, and inside was a picnic lunch.  We enjoyed a chicken tortellini salad, a purple potato soup (my brother and his bride grew these in their garden), and humus with carrots, a dinner roll with honey and butter and some delicious chocolate cookies.  They also made every guest a home-made peach cobbler to die for.  

(Picnic in a box)

(wedding guests)

(outdoor wedding picnic)

(table decor)

(Molly with Daddy)

(honey from wedding)

Needless to say we all had a great time celebrating my brothers wedding day.  Unfortunately we had to miss out on the bigger celebration last night, so we could get home to our puppies, and I wasn't feeling all that hot...not to mention my kids are still battling their colds and we didn't have a reservation at the little old motel etc, etc...It was one of the best weddings I've attended, a very down to earth, country, simply beautiful wedding...

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. "Limitations only exist if you let them" © 2012 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.

Running Again...& You Are Loved...What A Concept

Hello there sweet people! How has your week gone so far? 

My children just started back to school September 4th, *(thank goodness)* and I don't know about any of you parents out there in cyberspace but I have been dealing with a certain attitude in the morning, that puts me ill at ease, to say the least.  Anyone? Anyone? I like to call it the ripple effect!

 Just this morning I had to explain said ripple effect, once again, to my children...here's how it goes.  When one person wakes up in a grumpy mood and shares that grrr with others, it acts as a stone thrown into a pond would.  It spreads. When you toss a stone into a pond it creates ripples that spread out and effect the water around that stone. My daughter and even sometimes my boys share their grrr with me in the morning and I sometimes react and the grrr spreads to others.  Has anyone dealt with this phenomenon this week?  

Sometimes I wish I could skip the tween/teen years altogether and go right to the years where the kids "get it"...sigh! 

This morning I had a sort of break down, you know the ones where you are sobbing and snot and tears are running down your face, no...well I am quite familiar with those moments. I just cannot believe how blessed I am, even though I'm so undeserving of such blessings from God.  I am human and as such, fail often in my walk with God and life in general.  I get mad, say things I shouldn't say, sometimes I'm selfish, and I can see where I have failed my children, husband, friends and God...yet I was reminded this morning that God doesn't love me because of what I did or how good I am...He loves me because of who He is and what He did.  His sacrifice made me loveable...I am humbled once again by my Heavenly Fathers love for little ole me.  Sorry if that is too deep a subject for a running blog but I really felt I needed to share this today...with YOU! God is love, and You are loved by God.

I have not run any huge races or accomplished any great feats..but I did run for the first time in 15 weeks and it felt oh so great.  I was almost sobbing as I was running...it just felt so right and I am so grateful that God saw me through this injury and healed me.  I can run again.   I survived.  Yea God! 

I have been working out at the gym again...doing elliptical workouts, Adaptive Motion Trainer workouts...Expresso Bikes....walking, it's all be good, but I have probably been overdoing it.  I am feeling tired and soreness in every muscle below the waist, lol. So maybe today I will take it easy and rest...maybe.   How has life been treating y'all? Let me know, I really am interested to hear from you!

Oh, and one more thing..we finished our walkway that leads from the gate to the front door....what do you think?

Those smaller colored rocks are my special painted rocks.  Some of them have words painted on them like Faith, Hope, Love...some have sparkles...some have special dates on them like my wedding date...and others are just plain painted rocks.  I love my new walkway, it's beautiful. 

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.

 "Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 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 Weekend

Hello there friends...hope this post finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying the start of your weekend!

 

My family is leaving to go to family camp in a few short hours, without me.  I have seriously judged my situation unfairly.  This stupid and frustrating injury is a bit more serious, just by it's very nature, than I first thought.  I have spent the last 3 days in bed, refraining from pretty much any movement at all.  The recumbent bike may have been my downfall, or it could have been driving, who really knows...all I do know is that I am going to have to take it much easier than I have been so that this pelvic fracture heals properly, even if it's at a very slow rate. 

 Things I have been doing...

Swimming at the YMCA with my family of 7.  Time in the pool has proven to be a great therapy, both for my fracture and my marriage.  The hubs and I have been swimming laps together and communicating a lot more because of it. The pool seems to take the pressure off my fracture site and I feel pretty much no pain, unless I kick too hard.  The pool also seems to take the pressures of life down a few notches and my hubby and I can find a bit of joy in this often tumultuous life.  Our children have been having a blast as well.  The boys 18, 17, 16, and 15, and daughter 12...have been getting a lot of good exercise as well as tons of fun together.  Yesterday the boys all had a blast doing jumps off the diving board basically seeing who could create the biggest splash, and showing off for the lifeguard (a pretty girl, of course) who they go to school with.  

Catching up on old shows like, Days of Our Lives reruns, Breaking Bad season 4, Who the bleep did I marry, and Mountain Men...there is just so much that I need to catch up on and it seems now I have the time.  Days of Our Lives is a show that I rarely watch but when I am sick or injured I will watch hulu and catch up on the last few weeks so that I will know what's happening...I realize it's mindless TV but hey what's a girl to do when having to be on bed rest? 

I have also been reading some books...right now I am reading The Nexus (kindle fire version), Love Is A Flame by Gary Chapman (marriage help book, Christian Author), Under The Sheets (hilarious and serious) by Dr. Kevin Lehman (marriage help book Christian Author), She's got to be mine (kindle fire version), as well as an actual paperback book called "Victory Over The Darkness" by Neil T. Anderson.  Yes, I do like to read, thanks for asking...lol.  The marriage help books my hubs and I read together every other night, one chapter at a time, and then discuss what we read and how that relates to our marriage...it has been a great help.

I am also trying to watch what I eat and have started to take calcium and Vitamin D.  The doctor told me I should be on Vitamin D due to my low counts, and Calcium just because I am over 35 and a woman. 

What have you been up to lately? Tell me all about it!

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. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 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 Sunday! How Did Your Race(s) Go?

Hey y'all, how is your weekend going? I spent an event filled and exciting the day, Saturday, in bed watching movies and getting caught up on soap operas with family and friends on Facebook and Myfitnesspal dot com.

Today I woke early and made my way carefully to the kitchen to make some "liquid sanity", a.k.a coffee.  I spent some time reading my Bible (on my Ipod) and drinking said "liquid sanity".  After the kids woke up, I put them to work...cleaning my house for me, while I stood by like a psycho drill sergeant on crutches.  That was fun ☜(*▽*)☞.  I also cooked, for the first time in 18 days (not that I'm counting), waffles for the family while standing with crutches.  So after this boring as heck exciting fun filled morning I decided I had better sit down and relax so that I don't get myself in trouble with nurse ratchett, a.k.a my hubby set myself back in the healing department.

So here I sit and what should pop into my brain?  Well, I'll tell you...pssst, you should write a  an absolutely thrilling and award winning blog post and let your friends know what an exciting life you wish you lived actually live. Now you know, I dare you to top that! 

Finally in closing, tell me how your race(s) went this weekend or last weekend or even the weekend before that...ha ha ha, give me something people, if I can't run, at least tell me about your races ಥ_ಥ (<~tears).

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. 

"Limitations only exist if you let them" 

© 2012 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.