Freedom From Fear

Published on: December 7, 2018December 7, 2018 by catballou24 3 Comments

There are things we tell ourselves. That we are not good enough. That we are not strong enough. We are not pretty enough. We just don’t have what it takes. We all know those voices. They creep in at some point in our lives and change who we are depending on how long they stick around. Sometimes right down to our very DNA until those thoughts and voices are just part of us, like a limb.

For some of us, those can be a lifetime of inner doubts and ridicule. They lead us down dark alleys, both figuratively and literally at times. We make choices based on fear or apathy for our own selves. And that fear can sometimes tell us it’s someone else’s fault, so we start developing resentments and sometimes fall into victim thinking. It is too much for us to be responsible for, too overwhelming. Some of us are silent in this and some of us will tell anyone who will listen. It becomes a security blanket or shield. It’s something we know and so to just push it away can be even scarier than staying in the muck and dis-ease of our thoughts.

“What if we let it go and try to heal and things just get worse? How much more can I take? I think I will just stay here and guard my sadness. I will just pretend to smile and people will like me. I will say yes, all the time so no one gets mad at me. I can keep all these balls in the air. Until one drops. Then look at me, I knew I would fail. How can I hide my shame and guilt and fear? I will retreat. Lick my wounds and pretend it didn’t happen. I will clutch my blanket tighter. Smile, they won’t notice if you keep smiling.” It’s exhausting.

Sometimes, especially for a lot of women, our weaknesses are taken advantage of. These awful moments can plunge us further into the darkness. The voices tell us we deserved it. We just are not good enough. And we learn to cope, sometimes with unhealthy lifestyle choices whether it be alcohol, food, drugs, shopping, etc. Sometimes we just cling onto other wounded souls and try to glean some comfort. Unfortunately, their own dis-ease prohibits them from comforting us for too long. And the cycle continues. Resentment, fear, self doubt. You get the picture. It gets ugly.

This is reality for so many in this world. This was my reality for years and years, most of my life really. My fear was my security and I clung to it like a drowning person clutching a rock. Facing all of it has been incredibly scary. There have been times I was sure I wasn’t able to breath. But breath I did, and the most wonderful things started happening. It’s been incredibly freeing. I don’t have to be that victim. I don’t have to make choices based on my own fear anymore. I can actually be happy and mean it! What?!

A little over 4 years ago I wasn’t sure this was possible for me. I didn’t know that I could step into the light. But then I found my community. Like a scared animal, I slowly crept out of my cave and into the arms of these souls who did not coddle me, but who instead have guided me to seeing a brighter day.

They answer the phone when I call and they listen, and then they help me take action. They don’t tease me or make me feel small. Their love and experience lifts me up when I am feeling weak and make my own light shine even brighter when I am feeling strong. They know who they are. They are men and women who have made different choices. Healthier choices. They guide me and help me guide others. They help me find my faith, find my trust and find God. And they allow me to fall down sometimes, without judgement, hands outstretched to help me back up again. They teach me to be of service. And we laugh, great joyful belly laughs. Have you ever done that?? Just laughed until you cried and then just kept laughing some more?? It is so wonderful!

And I found these friends both in my daily life and in my business life. The two have melted into one and it’s truly a gift. All these souls filling my heart with love and light and the beauty of God. I never knew. ❤️

So now, I can fall down. And yes it sometimes hurts. And yes, there are moments I don’t feel like standing back up. And every so often those voices try to whisper. But I have a better security blanket now. Something much stronger and more real than I could imagine. And I have a community to help me when I struggle. And most importantly, I have God so am never truly alone.

“Fear is only an illusion. It is the illusion that creates the feeling of separateness – the false sense of isolation that exists only in our imagination.” Jeraldine Saunders

Waking Up In Winter

Published on: October 14, 2018 by catballou24 Comment

So tomorrow we have a cold front moving in. Here in Austin, we are just finishing with our real feel 100+ degree weather and most everyone is excited about the front. Everyone will break out their flannels and jeans and boots, and I will be one of them. The cold front will last 3 or 4 days before the temperature hikes back up to high 70’s/mid 80’s.

We laugh about “sweater weather” here. Our Arctic blast. Most love the colder temps until they drop too far. Too far for here is around 55 degrees. After a few weeks of this, most seem to begin longing for the warmer days. Many winters, we only get a handful of these colder temps. It’s rare to have full on freezes and when it snows everyone loses their shit. It’s exciting and frightening all at once. Mind you, it rarely sticks and is usually only a few flakes mixed with rain and sleet. But still, it is such a break in our common weather cycle that everyone decides they must shut down the city. You East coasters must roll your eyes at us southerners. By mid January, most here are ready for Spring.

I have a confession to make. I hate warm weather. I cringe when I see even mid 70’s in the forecast. I secretly pray every year that the 4 day cold front will miraculously turn into a full on blizzard. I scout the internet for pictures like the one below and daydream about that being my space. I long to sit at a coffee shop with a hot drink watching the cold through the window. And there must be a fireplace somewhere in that scenario.

Dark, cloudy, days make me happy — especially if it happens to be raining or snowing. On a cloudy day there is beauty in the various colours and shapes of the clouds: white, light grey, dark grey, black. The clouds may be moving fast or slow, forever changing. There is a cool, refreshing breeze or a chilling bite in the air. And who doesn’t enjoy the beauty of falling snow or the fresh scent of the cool rain coming down. There is a sense of excitement when watching the weather forecast. Something exciting is happening or about to happen. Especially here in Central Texas. Will an Arctic blast actually create a winter wonderland for us this year? I have only seen it once in the 12 years I have lived here, and it only lasted a couple days. Not long enough in my book!

Before anyone starts jumping to any conclusions, let me clarify. I am not sad or depressed in warm weather. At least not excessively so. I just withdraw more. I am less excited about leaving the air conditioned space within my home, and I keep the window unit next to my bed at the lowest possible temperature. Poor husband bravely freezes every night so I don’t overheat. So am I weird? Possibly, but I don’t think so.

Even though the numbers are low, I am not alone in liking grey skies, cold weather and thunderstorms. Most people believe that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is only triggered by winters or sunless, rainy days due to the lack of sunlight, but in some rare cases, people feel depressed on sunny days and cloudy, dull skies make them happy. The condition is known as reverse SAD. About 10% of all SAD sufferers experience it in reverse. I think I have a mild case to be honest.

For me, when the cold temperatures hit I actually start feeling more alive. My brain seems to wake up and ideas begin to flow again. New York University’s professor Adam Alter said, “Sunshine dulls the mind to risk and thoughtfulness.” A research study conducted by social psychologists in Australia concluded that good weather could hinder our cognitive functions. On cold cloudy days, our minds are less distracted and drawn inward to think more deeply, hence increasing our focus on the task at hand or the idea in our head.

Spiritually I grow the most in the winter season. My husband, who is the opposite of me in all this I will add, just spent some time in Aspen with some good friends. One of them explained how she NEEDS the harsh winter weather to grow spiritually. It isn’t a choice for her. I completely understand, hence my fantasies of living in Sweden, bundled up by the fire. I honestly pray that one year I will get to live out a winter season in a part of the world that actually has winter. There is always the possibility of me hating it once I am in the thick of it. But something inside me doesn’t believe that. This is probably the number one reason why my husband isn’t likely to agree to it, I imagine he is afraid I will never want to leave.

My season is coming, tomorrow will be just a tease but I will take it. My brain is stretching awake and my soul is opening up to all the possibilities of growth. Will I get my blizzard this year? I suppose anything is possible. What season wakes you up to all your potential?

The Well Village

Published on: August 26, 2018 by catballou24 Comment

Definition of “community” for this purpose –

• Self-organized network of people with common agenda, cause, or interest, who collaborate by sharing ideas, information, and other resources. Virtual communities consist of participants in online discussions on topics of mutual concern, or of those who frequent certain websites.

A community usually has a family feel to it. It is a village where everyone provides their strengths to accomplish what is needed. In business, this is a good thing because these are the people you will spend the majority of your time with if you go into an office. If you are online you want to have that community support as well. The word “community” is one of my favorite words. I have spent most of my life gathering my community of friends and now I have finally found that crossing over into my business.

On February 1, 2018, I co- founded the group, The Well Village with my partner in crime, Lisa Lopez. Over the last few months we have seen our share of growing pains and family “discussions” but we also have developed an amazing group of constant support and friendships. And our village continues to grow. In this business, a person can tend to feel lost and alone as there is no office, no real boss, no place you have to be unless you schedule something. Being a part of The Well Village gives us a place and a support system. We don’t have to do this business alone. We have resources at our fingertips, constant support for the days we celebrate and the days we are feeling frustrated. We help each other grow both professionally and personally. We have fun!

We are 6 months old as The Well Village, although have been doing this business for close to 4 years now, and I am so excited to see where this next year takes us! We are looking at retiring members, we are bringing dad’s and husbands home full time, people are paying off debt and taking stress off their plates. I am watching healthy lifestyle changes that are benefiting families and supporting their wellness. People are actually seeing their doctors less and feeling better than ever. We are continuing to grow strong and solid and we get to celebrate each other’s successes in all areas of life.

We have a thriving business community AND a very active wellness group – The Well Village Discussion. We would love to invite you to our community as well. The wellness group is absolutely FREE and we talk about all areas of wellness for all the stages of our lives. We have professional nurses, nutritionists, yoga instructors, massage therapists and physical therapists just to name a few! We have amazing online classes and support, all FREE!

To join the business community is something special. Where else can you invest $160 and start a full on business working with people who love to help others, and be investing in your own health and wellness??!! Starting today until September 1, you can invest and get $20 back in credit on your account as well! If you just want to make a couple hundred extra dollars a month or start a whole new career path, the choice is your’s! And you don’t have to be a salesperson or sign off on your first born. I promise!!! Our company has been around for almost 30 years and is going no where. And you see the amazing perks I post!

So let me know if you want to check out our Wellness group for free or if you want to dive in and invest in your health with a kit! And if you don’t want to do the business but just want the benefits, that’s fine too!!!!!

We welcome you to the village and would love to share our space with you! Just leave me a comment or contact me through email (or form here under contact tab) with any questions!

❤️❤️

High School Marching Band

Published on: August 25, 2018August 25, 2018 by catballou24 Comment

Friday night was the pinning ceremony for our daughter. She is in her high school marching band as a clarinet player. What a wonderful evening! Hearing the music, and seeing the kids all doing so amazingly well is so good for the heart. I firmly believe that kids in activities such as this really helps them achieve success later on. They have a built in family at school and a place to feel a part of. Plus, music is so awesome to know how to play! It’s amazing the things it does for the brain.

This year the band band is doing the show Project Stravinsky. It’s a telling of the friendship between designer Coco Chanel and the composer, Stravinsky. It is said when they met they both immediately inspired the other. Before long, both their careers were kicking up into high gear. The music is beautiful and the show was amazing.

These kids have been at it for a month and they are already performing at an amazing level! Looking forward to competition season!

Urban Adventure Quest

Published on: January 27, 2018 by catballou24 Comment

Turn your city into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Play anytime during daylight hours. Start when you want and play at your pace.

Great Family Fun. Save 20%- Only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people after Promotion Code: FGBLOG. Sign up online at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com.

Austin Zoo Day

Published on: December 4, 2017August 22, 2018 by catballou24 Comment

Last week we had the privilege of visiting the Austin Zoo. This is a beautiful facility focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation. The animals are obviously well cared for and loved. There several scheduled zoo keeper talks throughout the day and very well maintained feeding area as well.

This is zoo is geared more towards the toddler and younger child age group and the facility is set up so kids have plenty of space to run around and easy, and safe, access to all the animals. This is one of Emmet’s and my favorite outings. We usually pack a lunch and stay several hours. It’s a lovely and peaceful environment.

The Zoo is starting up a couple exciting new programs that will actually benefit up to age 13!

Introducing: Homeschool Nature Series & Winter Workshop

Two new education programs are coming to Austin Zoo!

The Homeschool Nature Series will have kids learning about biology and participating in exciting labs! Programs are designed for kids aged 7-13 years old.

The Winter Workshop is fun for the entire family! Join us this holiday season to make animal treats and human sweets!. Come visit us!
For More Information visit the Austin Zoo website!

We highly recommend the zoo for a fun afternoon!

Texas Renaissance Festival!

Published on: November 27, 2017August 22, 2018 by catballou24 Comment

This past week, the kids and I had the privilege of attending the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, TX. Spending all of Saturday there we were thrilled with the sites and entertainment surrounding us. The food was amazing, and very well priced for a festival! Average cost of a full meal for one was under $10 which I consider to be reasonable when out at an event such as this! The costumes were gorgeous, the people extremely friendly and the day was perfect. We were able to rent a stroller for Emmet as well. As he is only 3 we realized he might not make it walking all day, so this was perfect.

The festival was founded in 1974 by George Coulam and his brother David Coulam on an abandoned strip mining site in what is now Todd Mission, Texas. At the time, it spanned fifteen acres, with three stages featuring small improv theatre groups, and merchants selling their goods on blankets. The opening year saw a turn-out of 33,000. As of 2017, the Festival features about 500 costumed performers on 25 stages. Its on-site shops include: international food choices; unique artisans; merchants and craft vendors; human-powered rides; an abundance of performers walking among the guests; and the Queen’s Royal Finale (fireworks if weather permits) at dusk. We missed the fireworks unfortunately, but after all the fun we were okay with that! The fair hosts over half a million visitors annually.

There is onsite camping as well with the grounds having expanded to 55 acres of Festival and over 200 in parking and camping!

During the season the Festival boasts themed weekends. This past weekend was the Celtic Christmas theme and there were plenty of Santas and Father Christmas characters attending! We were amazed at the quality of the costumes. Lola has decided we are putting our sewing skills to use for next year. Watch out TRF!

Each of the nine weekends of the festival take on a different theme, influencing the performances, costumes, food, drink, art, shops, contests, and games throughout the festival grounds.

Oktoberfest – German theme, including polka music and dancing, and the serving of traditional German beer.
1001 Dreams – Fantasy theme, encouraging lavish costumes of wizards, fairies, and elves and including several fantastical contests, such as scavenger hunts and costume contests.
All Hallows Eve – Medieval Halloween theme, including spooky decorations and contests, such as jack-o-lantern carving contests, to celebrate the holiday.
Pirate Adventure – Pirate theme, encouraging pirate costumes and including several sea-related games and contests.
Roman Bacchanal – Roman theme, encouraging Roman costumes and hosting several Roman-themed contests and games such as toga contests and spaghetti eating contests.
Barbarian Invasion – Medieval Barbarian theme, encouraging costumes of medieval barbarians and including “barbaric” contests such as the “Barbarian Battle Cry” contest and eating contests.
Heroes and Villains – Iconic figures of the past come to life.
Highland Fling – Scottish theme, encouraging traditional Scottish costumes and including bagpipe-playing and traditional Scottish food and drink.
Celtic Christmas – Christmas theme, including Christmas decorations and music, and featuring Christmas-themed contests such as “Candy Cane Hunt” and “Guess the Present” contests.

If you are looking for a fun and unique experience for your family, I highly suggest attending Ren Fest next year! We will definitely be there!

The Perpetual You

Published on: August 17, 2017August 17, 2017 by catballou24 Comment

(Photo courtesy of Kay Nass)

About a year ago I stumbled across a collaborative group through Instagram. Lee Lee Thompson had commented on one of my photos and as I looked over her feed I became curious about her group, The Perpetual You. What I discovered was this was a collaborative group of women who were putting together an online magazine along with website and blog that is all woman focused. I inquired about submitting an article I had written, The Tree Mamas. Lee Lee was very enthusiastic about me posting this to the blog and a friendship was born.

Since then I have written more for the blog, photographed the essential oils for a monthly column, was one of the quarterly panelists offering my perspective on thematic questions for a monthly column in the magazine, and now I am the book photographer for the recommendations section. I love working with these women! We come from all walks of life and it’s a wonderful feeling to support and be supported. An honest collaboration of ideas and gifts to create something so beautiful and honest. I am so grateful Lee Lee commented on that long ago photo!

Something cool happened this month with our little collaboration. We are now in print! That’s right, we are a full fledged, in print, monthly publication! And let me tell you, it’s even more beautiful that I expected. To be a part of something from the ground up is an honor and to share it with you all is a delight!

Check out our subscription information. I promise you won’t be disappointed. As women, especially in the world today, we need to support each other and raise each other up. Would love to see you all a part of this new venture. You are always welcome…

For The Love Of Smoothie Bowls

Published on: October 13, 2016 by catballou24 Comment

My family loves smoothies. We drink them almost everyday! It’s an excellent way to add a nutritious treat as well as a great way to start the day!

I have been noticing this trend with smoothie bowls, so decided what better time to try one than when pairing Stonyfield Yogurt and Bob’s Red Mill Steel Oats? Oh my goodness was this good! I already know we love our Stonyfield, but to pair it in this way just upped the breakfast game. We added Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats on top for a really yummy oatmeal flavor and texture! And it looks so pretty! I highly recommend trying this, you will be so happy!

Here is the recipe for our Morning Smoothie Bowl (This will make two 16oz bowls):

1 1/2 cup frozen fruit – You can use whatever fruit you want really. We used a mix of strawberries, bananas, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.

1 whole banana

1 cup Stonyfield Yogurt – we used the French Vanilla Whole Milk organic yogurt

1 cup Almond Milk, or milk of your choice

4 scoops protein powder of your choice

3 drops Young Living Orange Vitality Essential Oil

Put all ingredients in blender. For a smoothie bowl you want it rather thick, so if too thin add a little more frozen fruit or ice cubes will work too! Once blended, pour into your bowl. You can add just about anything on top. We added sliced bananas, strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, raspberries, black chia seeds, golden flax seed, Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats and organic whipped cream. The whole preparation took about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Your family will feel special when you set these down in front of them at breakfast, or even for an afternoon snack or dessert!! And you can always feel good serving Stonyfield to your family. We will be trying different variations for sure! Enjoy!

**The opinions and thoughts contained in this post are 100% mine. I only ever work with companies I support and think you, my readers, will like. Please read my full review and endorsement policy here.

Tips On How You Can Help

Published on: September 9, 2016 by catballou24 Comment

Did you know September is Hunger Action Month?

According to a 2014 study by Feeding America, 46.5 million Americans utilize a food bank.

Lisa Tomasi, Philanthropy Expert and Founder of e-giving site YouGiveGoods, stresses that while many may feel that a small effort isn’t enough to make a change, every little bit helps someone who is facing hunger. Lisa has provided her insight for those who want to band together and help a good cause.

Tips to Fight Back During Hunger Action Month:

Advocate. Use your voice to spread the word about hunger in your community. Social media has made this quite easy to do. Alert your online community that we are in the midst of Hunger Action Month and about the plight of the hungry in their own backyards. Share quotes and statistics about hunger and ask them to support their local hunger relief organization.
Volunteer. Most food banks, pantries and soup kitchens rely on volunteers to make their operations work. Volunteers can sort donations, stock shelves and help with distribution. Volunteers can also frequently help from home in the form of virtual volunteering. Contact your local hunger relief organization to see if you can utilize your specific skills to help them with business operations like accounting, marketing, website and administration.
Run a food drive. You can really increase your impact by organizing your own food drive. Food drives run in conjunction with your company, school, church or group tend to have the best results. And, always add an online component to your traditional drive (or run your online drive alone). Use YouGiveGoods.com to run an online drive for your local food pantry. The online drive service is free to use, easy to share on social media, and simple for supporters to shop online for brand-new most-needed food items which are shipped directly to the pantry at the close of the drive.
Donate money. Hunger relief organizations need monetary donations to operate. Any size donation will be welcomed.
Donate food. Don’t just walk by the donation bin at your school, store or company. Make a point to donate food whenever the opportunity arises.

For more ways you can help, see Lisa’s site or contact your local Food Bank. There is really no reason we should have a hunger problem here in America.