THE ROAD TO HEALTH

Hello everyone... I hope this post is informative and uplifting to those who are still reading this blog.  I continue to juice veggies and I am enjoying the vim and vigor that it gives me.  Swimming with my buddy Sharon is top priority right now because it keeps me mobile and does wonders for my mental health.  I cannot tell you how great it feels when I slide into the water and my joints do not hurt.
 
The process of "downsizing" is ongoing here at the bungalow.  We are preparing to move within the next couple of years and so, it is time to cast off all the material possessions we no longer need or want.  It is a process that is both difficult and exhilarating at the same time.  When I look at something I have had packed away, it would seem certain memories are attached to that object.  BUT, I soon realize that the memories are in my mind and not in the object.  So I detach from it and feel great with the open space that is left when said object is gone.  Who would have thought that possessions can bog us down so!

For some time now, I have had difficulty with having the desire to create with my hands.  It is as though I have been blocked.  The funny thing is that the more I declutter, the more creative I am becoming.  I guess that with less crap to deal with, the more I can concentrate on making beautiful things again.  And of course, the healthier I feel, the more energy I can expend on relationships, creating beauty and writing on this blog!

My weight continues to be a challenge for me.  I liken weight loss to quitting smoking.  Keep trying til you are successful.  I have found inspiration from "Dave The Raw Food Trucker."  He is on facebook and youtube.  His story is awesome and the journey he shares is truly remarkable.  Juicing saved his life and the people he has met have helped him on his path to wellness.

So folks, this is me today... on my path to well-being and good health.  I wish you all a beautiful day and thanks for reading!

PINTEREST

HELLO!!!!  Sorry it's been such a long while since I've posted.  I have been busy pinning on my virtual pinboard over at Pinterest.  LOVE IT and I am totally hooked!
If you aren't familiar with it, Pinterest is a site where you can view pictures of everything and I mean everything from all over the planet.  "Pinners" can post their pictures of interest on their pinboards and can actually categorize them.  You can get a very good idea of what a person likes and their personality traits.  It is endless fun.
There have been changes here at the bungalow.... firstly, Betsy, my old Mazda truck finally died and has been replaced by "Kevy" the Chevy.  A snazzy little truck with lots of PIZAZZ...  Also, a new bathroom that is all tiles and glass and Martha Stewart accessories... and soon I hope there will be a new puppy coming...but more on that later.
So, dear readers, if you would like to view my pinboard...hop on over to pinterest and check out Cheryl Martin (bungalowonbank)!

BARN SALE PART TWO

Well, the barn sale was a bust.  I came home with three birch logs from the firewood pile.  And I forgot my camera!!!!  Ugh.  But my buddy Sharon got herself a fabulous old iron sink from the 100 plus year old farmhouse!  SCORE....and it was only 10 bucks!  It will look great in her log home on the lake and right in keeping with the rustic kitchen decor.
It was such a beauty day and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.  The drive round the lake was just beautiful and we would get glimpses of the blue water shimmering through the birch trees.
Maybe you are wondering about the birch logs??  Well, I plan on using a spade bit and drilling some holes in them to accommodate my votive candle holders.  I will place them in the faux "fireplace" with greenery and berries for a Christmasy look.

BARN SALE!!!!

Hello dear Friends!  Hope you all have been well since your last visit to this little spot in the blogosphere.  We are fine here at the bungalow and as busy as ever.  Renovations are taking place and the bungalow is getting a new look.
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, my friend Sharon and I are heading out to the south shore area of  Lake Nipissing for a "barn sale".  I cannot wait!  The excitement and anticipation are an important part of the experience,as well as the possibility of finding "treasures" or maybe something which I can re-sell.  Sharon loves antiques as much as I do, so I know she is excited too.
I will look forward to posting some pictures and maybe a little tale or two tomorrow here on the blog.

RUSTIC TABLE

My television currently sits atop a baby's dresser.  Now, it is a cute dresser FOR A BABY, but just doesn't cut it in my living room.  Then, I happened to see this.....

Beautiful no?   My neighbor Wendy has a talented husband who can build many things and he said he would tackle this little number for me.  I cannot wait!!!!  After examining the finish on this table, I figure it will be a fairly simple process to replicate.  Of course, I will have to bash the wood up a bit too.  I will post a picture of the finished project.....
For those of you who are not fortunate enough to have a neighbor to build stuff for you, go to Ana White.com and check out this brilliant woman's blog.  She is kind enough to share building plans, cut lists etc so you can build for yourself.
Have a wonderful happy day everyone!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.....

I happened upon these beautiful words whilst looking at Pinterest today.... they inspired me so much that I wanted to share them with you...

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others.  We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun.  Care for those around you.  Look past your differences.  Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made.  And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you posses.  To give is to love.  To withold is to wither.  Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.
-Kent Nerburn

Make today a masterpiece dear reader.

FAREWELL DEAR DOC

My dear doctor is retiring.  After 42 years of service, he is hanging up the ole stethescope.  BUT, he is not going to be idle.  He has decided to "work smart" and devote his time to helping others with the vast knowledge and wisdom gleaned from his years of practice by promoting wellness on-line.  I sat in his office this morning really taking in the surroundings and listening intently to his gentle voice as he discussed his new direction in life. I must admit I felt more than a tinge of sadness that this would be our last office visit. As he spoke, the word "flexible" came up more than once.  We talked about the futility of clinging to anything in this life and of the importance of having faith in something bigger than ourselves.  Being thankful always, and optimistic and hopeful about what may come.
I cannot speak of my doctor without mentioning the fabulous woman who is his assistant/right hand.  Denise, is someone I have come to love and admire for her strength and cheerfulness.  She provides a warmth and homey - ness to the office with the wonderful little plants and pictures and bric-a-brac carefully placed for the patient's enjoyment.  I will miss her too.
The Doc has been a wonderful caregiver and I know our paths will cross again.  I am thankful to have known such a caring and gentle man.
All the best, dear BERNARD.