Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts

Friday, January 08, 2010

Frigid FRIDAKU!

Yes, it's Friday again and you know what that means.
oh no

Quadra Fall
Bright snow and black ice
The ditches catch the thrown cars
Afraid and dented.

Sky Dandruff Transformations
Beautiful snowflakes
Tip-toeing on frozen grounds
Melting into ice.

Friday, December 12, 2008

The UP to All the Downs

A great deal of life is about perspective. It is defined as follows:

n. per·spec·tive (pr-spktv)

1. a. A view or vista.
b. A mental view or outlook: "It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present" Fabian Linden.
2. The appearance of objects in depth as perceived by normal binocular vision.
3. a. The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole: a perspective of history; a need to view the problem in the proper perspective.
b. Subjective evaluation of relative significance; a point of view: the perspective of the displaced homemaker.
c. The ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance: tried to keep my perspective throughout the crisis.
4. The technique of representing three-dimensional objects and depth relationships on a two-dimensional surface.

We can easily find ourselves very stressed or worried if we dare watch the evening news for more than three minutes. There might be a thin slice of good news in a $5 footlong news segment; but they are way over-shadowed by the doom and gloom of the current state of affairs. I could only imagine walking into a job knowing before I got there it was in a mess and probably not going to be better for some time. I would never want to be president. Anywho, the heat of the moment can often enview the deepest of our darknesses. Whether its the heat of an arguement or heat of the game; things can happen pretty quick.

Pastor Rice Brooks did this sermon about perspective once that was very picturesque. He held up an ordinary penny between his thumb and forefinger tips. Look at it. Its nothing big or special, just an ordiary penny barely worth a cent. Then he began moving it toward his face. If I stare at this penny moving closer to me, it seems bigger. He continued moving the penny until it was right in front of his eyesocket. As small and insignificant as this penny is, when focused on only can seem pretty big. In fact, its so big that I cant see anything or anyone in this whole room. Most of our fears arent worth a cent if we could ever get a glimpse of them with the right perspective. Point made I thought. I continued scribbling down notes from his sermon. I couldnt help but think about the times I thought I was really in deep “gumdrops” for something I had done, overlooked, mishandled or worse time and again. I remember how many times I’ve laughed at myself on the other side of things I thought were impassable and the end of life as I knew it; but here I am.

We have just gotten our first snow in the new home since leaving Murfreesboro. The main benefit that sold us was the view, aside from the master bathroom. Stunning! As great as it is, to see it again from another perspective — draped in the softest white snow changes or maybe enhances the experience even more. It was more than difficult leaving for the office but perspective also said I must, so I did. Its not hard for us to become overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. Dont panic! Check your perspective and find reliable measures to recheck your perspective against.

Happy 60th Birthday, Steve!
It only gets better.

Imagine having a 230lb man on your back. To say the least, the weight might be intrusive, perhaps even laboring. I doubt many of us would enjoy carrying around another 230lbs. Perspective says, “hey, this weight is pretty light since I’m falling down. He's got my back......what a view!”

Friday, March 07, 2008

The Friday Footrub

Gentlemen, NEVER underestimate the power of a good foot massage. It is one of the most overlooked, for-granted-taken courtesies one can extend. This Friday Fixin' wont be in the skillet.

By the end of the week, its really time for better things. I work to live; not the other way around. The weather mafia has forecasted impending snow! I am thinking of "better things." Not wanting to leave you out, I offer this nice article I found while planning out my weekend. Obviously, I am planning a great weekend of fireplaces and fantasy spaces. I can already hear the fireplace crackling while the ice melts in comforting elixers as the beads of water stroll down the side of the glittering glasses and we relax into the weekend together. Hmmm.... I guess this is where I should stop typing before this gets really good. :D

How to Give a Foot Massage

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
There's no better way to treat a friend or loved one than to give their sore feet a wonderful foot massage. Here's how to make that someone feel like they're in heaven!

Steps

Soak feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. You may wish to include drops of your favorite essential oil or bath salts. Peppermint or lavender oil is preferred by many. Make sure feet are completely dry before starting massage.
Apply a moderate amount of cream or oil to hands to add to comfort and ease. Make sure hands are warm to avoid discomfort. Mineral oil is not absorbed in the skin, and it wipes off cleanly.
Begin by stroking top of foot, between cords located on top of foot at instep. Move in the direction toe to ankle. Then, continue by stroking sole of foot, first more gently, then increase pressure.
Make circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, and use more pressure in areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. Start from the top and work your way down. Do not neglect the sides.
Hold the foot with one hand, use the other hand to rotate the foot, first at the ankle, and then near the ball of the foot. Be gentle. Repeat about 5 times in each direction.
Knead the sole by holding the foot with one hand and making a fist with the other, using moderate pressure into the sole. Give enough attention to the arch.
Begin with the big toe and working towards the pinky toe, take each toe individually. Roll the toe between your thumb and forefinger as you slide your fingers down the toe to the end, applying gentle pressure. Gently squeeze the end of each toe.
Take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times. To complete the massage, use your thumb and fingers to make the circular motions once again over the sole. End by stroking the sole and instep.
Wipe off any excess cream or oil with a soft towel. Slip into thick socks to retain moisturizing, or slippers will suffice as well.
Try to give equal attention to both feet, as the body abhors asymmetry.

Tips

Have receiver lean back against a pillow or a couch, and make sure he or she is relaxed and comfortable. Perhaps include some relaxing background music or lightly scented candles.
Massage slowly and gently to induce relaxation, and massage more quickly and deeply to induce stimulation.Throughout massage, if you feel tension building up in your hands, periodically shake hands loose of energy and continue massage.

Warnings

Be careful not to use too much pressure so as not to cause discomfort, but apply enough pressure so as not to tickle the soles, causing laughter. This can ruin the mood.
Make sure that the knees of the receiver are not locked (stretched all the way) while you massage. It will make them stiff and inhibit the blood circulation. Place a cushion or a rolled-up towel under the knee of the leg/foot you're working on to keep it relaxed and slightly bent.
Do not overuse the oil or cream, or hands will be too slippery.
If foot or feet are painful or overly sensitive, seek medical advice or care from a professional.

Things You'll Need

Towels
Cream and/or oil
Warm water in a tub or basin
Bath salts
Favorite essential oil (preferably lavender or peppermint)
Pillow
(Optional) Soft background music
(Optional) Lightly scented candles
Thick clean socks or slippers

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

eHow to Give Yourself a Pedicure
eHow to Give Your Mate a Pedicure
eHow to Treat Swollen Feet
Images in steps courtesy of: http://www.drfoot.co.uk/foot_massage.htm
FAQ on massages

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Give a Foot Massage. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.