Mood Changers

Join us for Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. It's hard to believe, but next week's Hodgepodge will find us in the month of September. What's one thing you want, need, or hope to do still before summer officially ends?

The first Saturday of September we will host an Open House for our 50th Wedding Anniversary.  Although I have most everything done and taken care of, there will be lots of last-minute things to do both inside and out.  So, I guess I will have to wrap all that up into my answer of want, need & hope to get done.

2. When were you last at 'your wit's end'?

How to handle various relationship issues always puts me at my wit's end.  My immediate natural response is to withdraw and let it take its natural course of death.  I realize this is not always the Christian or smart way to deal with these relationships, thus the wit's end aspect.

3. Describe a time you were figuratively thrown into 'the deep end'?

When I was given the chairmanship position of a state-wide event, not once but twice.  I had no choice but to swim.  We pulled both events off with flying colors but it was a very stressful time.

4. Does the end always, ever, or never justify the means? Explain.

For my personal temperament, Choleric, it is said that we believe that the end does justify the means.  We are doers and getter-done'ers and often at any cost.  However, as a Christian, I know that in most cases, the end does not justify the means.  I have to really be careful and allow the Lord to take control of this negative aspect of my personality.

5. What makes your hair stand on end?

Hearing the Lord's name used in vain and ugly language.  Just cannot stand it.

6. I read an article on the website Eat This! Health, that listed 11 foods we can eat to help end bad moods. Basically it's a feed your brain so you're less anxious, grouchy and lethargic. The foods are-mussels, swiss chard, blue potatoes, grass fed beef, dark chocolate, greek yogurt, asparagus, honey, cherry tomatoes, eggs, and coconut. Which of those do you think would most help end your own bad mood? Which do you fear, if forced to eat, would put you into a bad mood?

Bad mood helper?  Chocolate of any shape or size puts me in a good mood; however, dark chocolate is my least favorite.  Greek yogurt, honey, cherry tomatoes, eggs and coconut are always good regardless of mood.  Now, a serving of asparagus will have to be my first choice!  Love it!  Love it so much, my dad used to give me a can for Christmas.

Bad mood maker?  Mussels!  Side note:  As I wrote this I saw where "Barefoot Contessa" was cooking a meal consisting of Mussel Bisque.  Looks good, but still wouldn't put me into a good mood.

7. What project around your home, office, or life in general feels like there is 'no end in sight'?

Documenting all our expenses into the spreadsheet I keep for tax purposes.  Never ending!!!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

These are the last three paintings I have done.  I am very pleased with them. 

 This one hangs in my dining area.  The colors represent the color scheme of my whole house and it makes me feel good.  I haven't titled it yet.  Any ideas?

 I love this one!  It really speaks to me.

"The Cross Makes the Difference." 

What speaks to you in this painting?

 After seeing the first one above, my Physical Therapist asked me to do something similar for her little 18mth old daughter's bedroom.  I entitled this,

"A Child's Playground"

She loved it and I enjoyed doing it for her.

This is really my mood changing activity rather than eating food.  What about you?