Two Days to Go
I spoke with my adviser today who confirmed that I have 25 credit hours to go before I receive my B.S. in Psychology. I need 120 total, and I have over 100 already, but my problem is that I need 36 hours of upper level courses in my major. So, I’m buckling down and preparing to finish up my final year. I have two finals to go (which I’ll take on Saturday) and then I get to take the summer off. I always feel so haggard by this point, as if I’m clawing my way through the finish line- one bloody fistful after the next. We worked out my schedule for the fall; it looks like it’s going to be:
Personality Theory
Evolutionary Psychology
The Psychology of Learning
Statistics for Health Professionals
That’s a barrel of wild fun if I’ve ever seen one.
Time to veg out on some cooking shows with my culinary masterpiece: a baked pork chop with a can of cream of chicken dumped on top. Gourmet! Strangely, I get a sadistic thrill eating my lukewarm slop while watching those prissy chefs grate truffles over imported foie gras.
Today’s walk: Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4 (Clearly still obsessed with dandelions)
Black Seed Oil: Cures Everything but Death
There are 6 things I take, religiously, every day of my life:
Cayenne
Ginger
Lemon Juice
Milk Thistle
Evening Primrose Oil
and the mother of all oils: Black Seed Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is known to be an estrogenic oil which levels out estrogen levels and helps to maintain one’s overall mood. It’s also a great, natural source of GLA- gamma lenolenic acid- an essential oil that the body isn’t able to produce (or produce well) on its own, but it’s a key ingredient that our bodies need as well as acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) isn’t just for women though; it’s good for men too. It promotes shiny hair, strong nails and helps keep skin elastic and firm. Milk Thistle is my go to herbal detox cleanser. In fact, it’s the most powerful all natural liver cleanser in the world. I can’t express enough how good you’ll feel if you regularly take milk thistle. I take 500 MG per day, and when I’m feeling less than my bouncy, energetic self, I’ll take 1000 MG.
In laymen’s terms, milk thistle scrubs out the liver, ridding it of excess toxins. Imagine a Nerf football. Now imagine it being full of water. Imagine squeezing the (Nerf) football with all of your might. Afterwards, there’s still a good amount of water in it. Milk thistle sort of squeezes all of that excess stuff out. Not only does milk thistle detox the liver and the body of impurities and unhealthy toxins, it’s been known to actually reverse liver damage and help reverse what’s known as a “fatty liver”. I’ve been taking milk thistle off and on for 20 years and I can’t recommend it enough.
Cayenne and ginger are wonderful metabolism boosters. Ginger has natural antinauseant properties that settle the stomach and mitigate inflammation as well. it’s especially helpful if you suffer from IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. Cayenne cleanses the blood and is also an immune system booster.
As much as I love all of my daily “go to’s”, I’ve never encountered anything that tops Black Seed Oil. Black Seed Oil has been around for centuries and boasts a long list of healing properties. I take 2 500 MG capsules per day. Black seed oil has been known to single-handedly stop pancreatic cancer in its tracks. This isn’t to say it “cures cancer”, but it’s been proven to mitigate the devastating effects of many types of cancers, even reversing the damage.
One of the most incredible benefits of black seed oil (AKA black cumin) is that it’s a top “superbug” killer. It’s so powerful that it rivals amoxicillin and other antibiotics. Most people have parasites. Pretty gross. They’re microbial and live in the intestines. Because they’re adaptive, they mutate and continually “outsmart” newly developed anti-microbial and anti-parasitic medications. However, in recent studies, out of 144 strains tested (most of which were resistant to a number of antibiotics), black seed oil alone inhibited 97 of the 144 strains. That’s pretty incredible! Aside from being a powerful anti-carcenogenic aid, it’s also one of the few things on the planet that help prevent type I & II diabetes. That’s huge! And, it also has anti-obesity properties, is the most powerful anti-fungal available, acts as a natural painkiller, increases blood to the lungs thereby helping you breathe better, helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis, is the most powerful immune-booster in the world, counterattacks dementia, and is regularly prescribed in the Middle East for opiate addiction. There’s just nothing this stuff doesn’t do. I’m 45 and people ask me all the time what my “secret” is. Now you know. 🙂
Take care of the skin you’re in: MAKEUP Good skin care starts on the inside!
I could go on all day about the benefits of this incredibly healthy and powerful oil, but do yourself a favour and read up on (cold pressed) Black Seed Oil yourself and then go on out and getcha some!
Reflections: For Gav
Here’s another one for you, Gav. Helios 44-2 (one of my favourite lenses ever- imported from Romania)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 60 x 40 (customizable) Canvas/gallery wrap available for purchase here.
This is why I said your Puddle Tree reminded me of my work. 🙂 (And it does, no?) I get so inspired by dreary days and rain, don’t you?
And on that note, I’m up with the chickens today and will be taking a photo walk down by the tracks behind my place. There’s a creek and some interesting foliage and such; I’ll see what I can grab down there. (Check back later!) As always, thanks for always being such an inspiration in the world of black and white and to all other monochromejunkies such as (yourself and) me. 😉
Kittez
Bob shows off his new earrings- Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4
A Very Special Thank You to a Very Special (Extended) Family
I’m far too excited to sleep. I’ve only got 2 weeks left in the semester! I’ve been up for hours researching Master’s programs and trying to decide if I want to move away when I begin working on my PhD. That’ll be a few years from now but I’ve actually been thinking of moving much sooner. My kids are all grown and everybody’s on their own, pretty much, but I can’t leave my mother, so I’m sticking around this ole town. At least for a year or two more. (But it’s in the cards.)
The major hurdles are over this semester and I’ve only got my term paper on OCD to tighten up and two finals remaining. That’s reason to celebrate. 🙂 The mood around the house is jovial and I’m feeling packed full of love!
For anyone who may be reading this who has chosen to follow my blog and has offered your support over the weeks, months, and years, both emotionally and artistically, I want to take this time to thank you. I started out writing this blog so that my kids could have a piece of me when I’m gone. And, so perfect strangers might read my story (BIO) and see my pics and be inspired. I’ve had a lot of hard knocks in this world, but they’ve only served me. I like to tell people that the more cuts you have in your stone, the greater your shine, and that’s so true.
What’s started out as a lone walk through bloggie land (more than three years ago) has turned into me claiming several hundred of you as family, and you certainly are. You’ve supported me, held me together (stapled, tied and glued!), encouraged me when I was downtrodden, and made me laugh when I thought it impossible. I love all of you. ♥ Oh! And thanks a whole heap extra for encouraging me to hang in there when I wanted to quit school (a million times)!
Thank you guys- friends and strangers alike. Here are some flowers for you. 🙂 MUCH LOVE. xo And Oloriel, if you’re reading this, the 2nd pic is especially for you. I thought of you when I was editing it- it totally reminds me of you. :0)
Taken two days ago- Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4 vintage film lens
(I’m totally in love with this rocking lens.)
One more thing. SAMI, if you’re reading this, I want you to know that I MISS YOU VERY MUCH. I hope things are well, and I hope you’re still toughing out that journalism major! I also hope “other situations” are better too. I miss our many chats. Lots of love to you. X
Bedhead
Image may be purchased HERE
Stretched Canvas/Gallery Wrap
Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4 film
So in love with black and white!
I’m so Damn Proud of My Kids
My son, Brian (AKA Bob Hedge) was walking along Eastern Blvd. today and encountered a woman who asked him for .89 cents for bus fare. He gave her $10. As he walked on, he saw a homeless man. He was compelled to give him $20, and so he did.
I couldn’t be more proud of my kids. 🙂 As a Mom, there’s nothing that could make me more proud than to know they’re giving $ to strangers on the streets. Being compassionate, loving, and thoughtful goes a long way in this world, and people who do these things are at the top of my list, always.
Rock on, guys! I love you. NAMASTE xo
Helios film lens 44-2/Canon Rebel- private retreat (bamboo forest in background)
Today I Fell in Love
Again!
This time, it was with the cherry blossoms outside of a church down the street from my Mom’s house:
I can’t explain what was happening when I was taking pics today. I felt high, literally. I’ve always been really drawn to these blossoms. When I’m underneath them and zooming in close and there are hundreds of them swirling all around my head in the breeze, it’s like a drug to me. The bokeh (blurry stuff in a pic) goes in and out of focus all around the blossoms when I see them through the lens- it’s a really heady experience.
And speaking of falling in love, I think it’s funny, that expression, “falling in love”. People generally mean with another person. But I was thinking today as I was driving, “Why do we have to fall in love with a person? Why can’t we fall in love with the sky? Or cherry blossoms?”
I’m betting just being around all of these blossoms (in the light drizzling rain) released loads of endorphins. I was smiling and felt like a kid again. So yeah. I’m pretty sure I fell in love with these blossoms today. 🙂
I also noticed when I was driving today that I don’t really think about Josh any more. Days go by and he won’t even cross my mind. I’m soooooo happy about that. It doesn’t hurt any more.
Yeah. I’ve been crazy happy lately. Not sure how long this is going to last, but it’s so good to be feeling ALIVE again.
Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4 film
Three Weeks to Go!
Technically, there are 3 weeks left in the semester, but I can knock it out in two I think. I get the whole summer off! My brain always feels so tired when I’m at the finish line. I have a term paper to tighten up and submit, three more quizzes and two finals- that’s it. I’ll take a week down, more or less-when it’s over-, and do absolutely nothing, and then I’ll dive into my art/photography, as I do every summer.
I’ve been spending all of my free time with Virgil, who’s completely stolen my heart!
My baby, Virgil- Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon (film lens) 35/2.4
Somebody needs a bath…
Bathed in Light: Jesus’ Love
It’s 3:30 a.m. and I’m watching The Dark Crystal and thinking about nabbing another bowl of Pistachio Almond Ice cream. Party for one. 🙂
I’m in a particularly jovial mood- a bit celebratory. For weeks, I’d been super depressed- lost in the post-breakup haze that always accompanies splitting up with the mate. I knew I would have my bad days here or there, but I didn’t anticipate that it would be so bad. My heart was just wrecked.
Two days ago, in the twilight hours of pre-dawn, I fell on the bedroom floor and just wailed. I hadn’t let myself cry after Josh left (except for once) and finally, the damn burst; I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I cried and cried and prayed and really just got all of the ick out. I read Isaiah 26 (out loud) and really felt the Lord there in the room with me. After I anointed myself and finished reading the Bible, the cloud passed over me; I could feel it lifting physically, not just in my spirit, and afterwards I felt so light. The chains fell off of me and it’s been that way since. The heartbreak and sorrow were just too heavy for me and I knew that I wouldn’t make any type of progress until I let it all out, and let it all go.
So I did. It’s funny…to the hungry, desperate soul, even bitterness is sweet, and I was just soooo desperate to feel Jesus’ love. My heart has been restocked with sweet love and I feel a warm glow swimming around inside.
I have one of these too. >>>>>>> 🙂
Oh…and these little guys don’t hurt either:
Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4 film lens/Canon Rebel
We have two new housemates! Our dog, Chance, is crazy about them: He gives them baths and is a great guard dog. Brianna named the male kitty Virgil (from Dante’s Inferno), and Brian named the female Do Re Mi Fa So La To Do, but we call her Doey for short.
They’re absolutely adorable and I’m madly in love with them.
(Time to hit the hay.)
Good night morning, world.
“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early.” -Isaiah 26: 9
Early Morning Sunshine
The smile. (Sort of.) Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon film lens-35/2.4- selfie
I have no flaming idea how I’ve adopted (an all-natural) trout pout, but by George, there it is.
White Noise: The Blistering Silence
And lots and lots of rain. Taken today through my window: Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon (film) 35/2.4
On Ambien
…I love that moment when I’m sitting here (unlike a psycho stalker) reading up on the comments in strangers’ Twitter feeds, and suddenly- there’s a slow Vaseline haze that creeps up over my screen and my brain and everything else, and it’s like…”Oh hello, Ambien…”
…and then I float over to my bed and fall into a pile of magic silk..and simply…float away.
(Based on a true story. Right Now.)
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 