My latest hobby

Yes, I know I said I was going to post more often, and, yes, I know I haven't.  I am just coming down off a major flare; long story short, I have been kinda out of commission for a while.

At any rate, my latest hobby: Dawn dolls!  I had them as a child in the early 70s. Man, were they awesome.  You know, those 6 1/2" fashion dolls manufactured by the now defunct Topper Company?

I found that they can be had on the cheap if you look carefully and pick and choose.  Today, I received the lovely Longlocks in the mail.  She is the doll that I have wanted to most.  She was my favorite as a child.  That brings my doll total to 11 - 12 if you count my headless body also!

Fort those of you that don't know of the wonderful world of Dawn, here is a link to a great introductory article.  For those of you who are, well, it will be a stroll down memory lane.

Click here for the link.

Autism and The Puzzling Piece

As many of you know, my son is on the autism spectrum.  I have been asked to share this link by Melissa Winter, President of The Puzzling Piece.  Please check it out.  Click here

Not many hits on this one, so I am reposting.

Monday, May 14, 2012

So hoping that everyone had a nice mother's day.  I did, although I do miss my own mother so terribly much, as well as my dear Aunt Norma, who acted as my mother after my own passed.  In that respect, the day was hollow.  I chose to stay busy and focus on my own family.

Speaking of family, I am going to be a  grandma.  Such a nice feeling.  Doesn't make me feel old though, and I thought it would.  Just makes me remember my own children as babies.

Turning the page to other thoughts, life sure gets complicated sometimes. The issue of sexual abuse has been on the forefront of my mind lately.  While I know how I have dealt with it, it is quite another matter when it is someone you love -- and they are going through recovery.  Sometimes you just want to climb into bed with them and pull the covers up over your heads -- but that can't be.  Live for today; work through the past, but don't stay there for all we have is the here and now.  It took me a long time to figure that out, but now I see the reasons that I had to go through all of that mess.  So I can be here -- in the present -- to help someone I love so dearly navigate that same dark path.  There is always another door to open, but the hallway is hell.

Join me!

Just a quickie this time.  Check me out at Linkedin by clicking on the hyperlink.  Newer to it, and I am looking for like minded groups.

Also, have been quite interested in the teachings of Ram Dass.  Tell me what you think about him.  Check him out here.

Be Here Now!

More pop culture and some shout outs

It always seems that so much is happening, and I never get here often enough to talk about it.

I mourn the passing of Dick Clark. He passed away on April 18, 2012 after a massive heart attack.  He was such an icon to me.  I remember every Saturday watching American Bandstand.  I remember seeing many of my favorite performers on his show, as well as making certain that my groovy dance steps were hip on his show as well.  I was also introduced to performers on his show -- ones that I have followed for a life time -- most namely Barry Manilow.  And I mourned along with the kids on American Bandstand when we would lose a performer much too soon, like Andy Gibb.  Great memories wrapped up in that show.

I am a child of the seventies -- graduating high school in 1981.  Dick Clark was everywhere.  Not only American Bandstand and his own production company, but it seemed as though he was forever the host of a game show or two -- as well as the unforgettable Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve every December 31 (which also happens to be one of my sisters' birthdays).  How fun was it to stay up late to watch that shiny ball drop in Times Square?

Like so may things from my youth, things seems to slip away almost without notice sometimes.

Speaking of slipping away, my other sister's birthday is today!  Happy birthday sis!  My boys and I called her during the drive to school to sing happy birthday to her.  It was a great morning. That is because loving yourself and others is a great way to live.

Finally, just a bit about home.  We have a new dog.  Nine year old Sam the Pomeranian is lovable and generally sweet tempered; he is a rescue with epilepsy and a thyroid condition.  Daily medication keeps his medical conditions under control.  Everyone falls in love with him -- and he just eats it up. He was bounced around a bit before landing in the Bradley house, but we plan on keeping him.  Welcome to your forever home Sam!

Read more about Dick Clark by clicking here or here.

Read more about Barry Manilow by clicking here.

Read more about American Bandstand by clicking here.

Read more about loving yourself here -- there is a great book by Iyanla Vanzant.  I think everyone should read it.

Read more about Animal Rescue by clicking here.

RIP Mike Wallace

I am saddened by the death of Mike Wallace.  He was a tiger in journalism -- know for stealing stories from his co-workers and being unafraid to ask the tough questions.  While I don't ascribe to his journalist style, it in no way takes away from his greatness.  Mr. Wallace also battled depression; at one point even considering suicide.  In his later years, he was quite open about his mental illness.  Probably best known to my generation for his 38 years on the tv news magazine 60 Minutes, Mr. Wallace was 93 years old.

Yummy for your Tummy

I don't know why I haven't really used my blog in the past to share my thoughts on being a BzzAgent and all of the wonderful things I get to try out as a result.  Really.  I can only assume that part of the problem is that since I became disabled, my thinking is foggy sometimes.  Big picture things have to be repeated several times before it sticks in my head.  I am assuming that this was one of those things.

Anyway, I signed up for a new campaign.  I haven't even gotten my Bzz Kit yet, but I am super excited. Are you ready for it?  BON APPETIT (TM) STEAM-BAKED DINNERS  
Before I forget -- if you are on facebook, and you go to the Bon Appetit page and click like, you can get a coupon for $2.50 off one dinner!  Do that, because now I am going to direct you to the Bon Appetit web page that has all of the yummy flavors listed.  I swear, I am drooling right now because I was just on the page before I came over here to  tell you all about it.  Here is that link: http://www.bonappetitgoodfood.com/bon-appetit-products.htm

I have to say, that I  think I want to try them all.  If there is one I wouldn't try, it is the beef one -- just because I am not a big beef eater, nor is my one carnivore son.  I will try the Pork in Chipotle BBQ Sauce one first, because that is carnivore son's favorite new flavor -- Chipotle BB sauce.  Who knew that I would get hooked up with his new fav?

At any rate, I don't think I am waiting for my kit to arrive.  I am going to use my facebook coupon to try Bon Appetit Steam-Baked Dinners out. If these are as good as they look, I am thinking they are going to be a staple in my house.  You know, for those nights that I don't feel good or just don't feel like spending a lot of  time in the kitchen.  Either way, I am hoping that this is a winner for my family!

I couldn't resist -- here's a picture of the packaging of the one I am going to try:

Whitney Houston

The autopsy report for Whitney Houston has been released.  The official cause of death was drowning.  I am sad at this.  Right after her death, her previous body guard said that when he worked for Whitney, he would not allow her to take baths because he feared she would drown.  Scary.

The toxicology report said that in addition to prescription medication, that there was cocaine and marijuana in her system.   It is all just so sad.  Ms. Houston and I were both born in 1963.  It makes me so sad; seemingly she had it all, but in reality did not.  She obviously had some huge holes in her world.  It makes me so very thankful for my own life.  I may not have it all, but I know that I am so much happier than Whitney Houston was.

Melinda's latest Bzz

Many of you know that I belonHealth-full breadg to BzzAgent.  For those of you who don't know, it is a wonderful organization that allows its members to join campaigns that are related to that person's areas of interest.  We then get a bzzkit, and sample products.  Then, we give open and honest feedback to our friends, families -- OK, sometimes I bzz to anyone who will stand still and listen. BzzAgent is wonderful word of mouth campaigns.

My latest campaign is -- you guess it: yummy bread!  Oroweat has healthful breads, which are only 80 calories per slice and chock full of good for you things.  In my area, the bread is goes by the brand name Brownberry, but it is still the same comp,any.  Actually, depending on where you live, you might find Oroweat, Brownberry (like me!) or Arnold bread.  Don't worry -- it is still the same yummy stuff!

In addition to low cal slices, the bread is soft.  Surprising for a bread that has 4 - 5 grams of fiber per slice.  I know, sometimes high fiber bread is kind of, well -- cardboardy.  Not this stuff.  I promise!  I love it! Something else that I think is huge is that there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

I found my bread here in the St. Louis, Missouri area at my local Dierberg's supermarket.  I'll bet you can find it at one of your local supermarkets too.  Try it!  I am pretty sure you will be pleasantly surprised -- and like me, hooked!

There is also a website for Health-full bread.  Check it out!

The Rosie Show

I have been watching Rosie O'Donnell's new talk show on OWN.  At first, I didn't care for the show very much.  However, she revamped and reworked -- and now does one on one's with no audience.  I like it much better.  Kind of like sitting down to coffee with someone.

Recently, Rosie's guest was Joe Pantoliano or as his is also known, Joey Pants.  At any rate, he was talking about his documentary about mental illness and talking about his own mental illness.  Ahh, a commonality between us.  One that I understand all too well.

He talked about how it affected his work, his life, his everything.  Rosie and Joey discussed how you can seemingly have everything, yet have nothing inside -- and be so afflicted that you do indeed appear crazy to those looking in from the outside.

I know that black place, and I totally understand how it can engulf your world.  I don't really think that people who have not suffered from Major Depressive Disorder or another mental illness can really understand just how all encompassing it can be -- and of the struggles to keep one's self out of the dark pit.  It is a full time job, and must often be coupled with medication and therapy to be successful.  And even then, you can still fall over the edge.

I applaud Mr. Pantoliano for taking the brave steps to bring his message to the fore front.  Our society does not always understand differences and often is threatened by them.  The more light that can be shed, the less stigma.

To find out more about Rosie O'Donnell's talk show on OWN, click here: The Rosie Show.

To find out more about Joey Pants, click here: Joey Pants.

To find out more about mental health, click here: NAMI.

February 22, 2012

I do mean to post more, but I have been feeling not so well.  I thought I was getting better, but then I woke up this morning at 3 am with a terrible stomach ache.  It is now after 9pm, and my stomach is a bit better, but my head hurts so bad that I can hardly stand it.  My house is a wreck too, which doesn't tend to make a person feel better -- even at the best of times.

The good thing is -- that there is always another day.

My sister-friend 's mom  passed away recently.  It is so sad to loose your mother -- and so hard.  I know from experience.  Life is never the same.  Here is a link to a blog entry that my friend had written about her mom.  It is well worth the read.  PS:  I love you Melody.  Blue Memphis

A life well lived

I have been reflecting on the loss of Whitney Houston. Perhaps it touches me so because we are of the same age -- both born in 1963. Her life, for all of the supposed glamour that came with it appears to be one filled with heart ache.

I think of words that I have heard from other celebrities -- about how life as a celebrity isn't always as it appears to be. It is often filled with loneliness and isolation. I don't think I would want that kind of life. Sure, money can bring all sorts of material luxuries, but what are they if your life is empty otherwise?

I can't imagine not knowing who I could trust, who I could turn to. Always second guessing as to whether or not those around you are there for the money and fame or out of true love.

My life is often difficult. My health is not great. I suffer from chronic depression in addition to my other health issues. I have been to that edge and stepped over, not wanting to live any longer because I was so in the depths of that dark depression. I am financially poor by USA standards. But I have love of friends and family. I am rarely bored or lonely, and to be quite truthful, I don't feel especially poor. I have a house with electricity, heat, and running water. My children have luxuries like video games and the computer. We have three pets. I have a solid car that is paid for. I don't have the newest and best, but I am content. I wonder if Whiteny Houston would have said that smame thng. For all she had, I believe I have more.

An all new me

I have not been writing often -- not here, not anywhere. It is time to make a change. I am going to attempt to write more frequently, which includes blogging on a more regular basis.

Yesterday, it was announced that Whitney Houston had passed away. I turned 49 last month; she was 48. A talent cut short; a life cut short. I don't know what to make of it. I know she had her demons -- street drugs. Who knows what drove her there, but it was a sad place to be for sure. She leaves behind a daughter, who faces her adult life without her mother. My sympathies go out to Ms. Houston's family, and especially her daughter.

It makes me think of people that I have known that havc passed quite before their time. Unfortunately, I have lost friends -- as well as the lost of celebrities in pop culture. Mortality is a scary thing, I think. The thought of leaving behind those who you love most. It disturbs me to think that my children would be left without me; still too young to make it on their own. I would like to live to see them into their middle ages at least. It has always been important , but it is even more so since their father left as now they rely totally on me. I wonder how other single parents feel, or if they even give it consideration at all.

At any rate, 2012 is seeing an all new me. There is much that has been given a back seat, and it is time for me to bring them back into focus. To bring myself back into focus -- a clearer, sharper, more well-defined me.