Category Archives: Good For The Soul

Ain’t never been there, they tell me it’s nice.

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

Life’s been good to me so far. (Click to play the song.)

Like a good snowbird, tomorrow I’m heading to Florida for the winter. Pennsylvania’s turned cold (but I think that started a few months ago).

I’ve been ready to leave for a new place for a while. I’m really looking forward to meeting up with about a dozen friends and framily (friends who are like family), several who live there, and several as they come through the panhandle. With one exception, these are all folks I’ve met on my travels. You’ve got to love that!

But I’m nervous about this trip, more so than usual, and I don’t know why. It will take me about four or five days to get there, maybe six.

I’d love it if you all would send me good, safe travel vibes! However you do it: prayer, metaphysically, sending the love, just good thoughts – it’s all good, and I appreciate it.

To RV or Not To RV, that is the question.

To RV or Not To RV, that is the question.

You all know I wrote a book, right? 

Yeah, you know because you probably saw one of the dozen or so other postings about it.

Thank you to those of you who already purchased a copy! You all rock!

And because my readers rock, I’m offering a 50% discount for you all. The e-guide is only $9.95 to begin with, so you’ll get it for less than $5 with the discount.

How do you get the discount? Subscribe to this blogs posts (enter your name and email in the pop-up window, if you haven’t already) OR comment below and I will add you (you can always unsubscribe later, not that you would want to :).

*Once you do that, I’ll send you the code. Sign up for this blog via the pop-up or by commenting below no later that midnight eastern time, Tuesday 10/4/16 in order to receive the discount.

(After a long day on the road, I’ve realized it’ll take more time for me to email the code to each commenter and new subscriber so I’m just going to post it here for the next few days. Knock yourselves out ,feel free to share the code with friends and stuff. It expires 10/4.)

Here’s the link to the purchase page.  (The discount code is KernutsReadersRock50 – it’s only good until 10/4!) 

Regular readers of this blog might recognize about a third of the content. If you want to see the Table of Contents and first few pages, click here.

All proceeds go toward gas money. Thank you in advance! 🙂

Ok, please wish me safe travels, even if only in your head! I appreciate it!

xo

Kernut

Happy Friday 5 – Don’t Sweat the Petty Things

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

Happy Friday 5 – Don’t Sweat the Petty Things

Quote I’m pondering:

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

– Joseph Campbell (from Gratefulness.org daily email. Good stuff, go sign up.)

What I’m contemplating: “Will I live five years or 50?,” an article by Summer McStravick on her insights after overcoming cancer. Here is an excerpt:

But the 5-year plan has decreed that my next five years need to be über rich, like the creamiest, fattiest ice cream. Five years of extra-everything, tucked into the 50, like a spike on a graph. I love that feeling: I get five massively juicy, balanced, stress-free, family-filled years packed with travel, writing, and anything else that feeds my soul. I’ve given myself total permission.

Doesn’t that sound like it should be my 50-year plan too? That’s what makes it so interesting … why does one plan get to be so yummy, and the other so drab? Why did it take cancer to refocus me into allowing myself these pleasures and refusing to be stressed over anything? The 50-year plan pops up as being full of denial, and “just get through it” and “you’ll get it later” type thinking. I love that I can see that contrast so strikingly now.

Time is short, no matter how you slice it. Live it like you mean it.

What I’m meditating to: You can get the free, awesome manifestation video here: Energy AMP-UP Meditation. Check out the 20 minute manifestation guided meditation video on the Thank You page (after you enter your email address) – it’s one of my favs! If you want the weekly free recordings (which are totally awesome), you can sign up for the inexpensive program ($22/month?). Right now I think they are offering them for free for guests, so watch my Meditation page on Facebook for links to the free live calls.

What I’m sleeping with: But, wait! There’s more…

Happy Friday 5 – Love him like you own him.

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

[Note: On or about Fridays, I’m posting five things that I’m enjoying, that inspire me, or that make me happy. I’m totally ripping off this concept from Tim Ferriss’ 5-Bullet Friday. Where Tim’s five bullet points are typically highly useful mini life hacks and recommendations, mine are semi-useful life hacks mixed with more fluff, which means a cute puppy or kitty picture here and there or something about dating/sex/romance/relationships.]

Love on the beach.

Love on the beach.

Love him/her like you own him/her.

Here’s your Happy Friday 5:

What I’m reading again: Gerald Rogers’ viral article “Marriage Advice I wish I would have had…” Twenty tips on how to have an exceptional relationship. Check out and take note of #1, #4, #8, #12… aww heck, they’re all fantastic. Take note, young suitors.

What I’m listening to: “Cleveland County Blues” by John Moreland. Hella moving lyrics. It’s about a tornado in Oklahoma, but not really a tornado. (Don’t ask, just play it.) My favorite line: “I could bury all the memories. I could patch up all the holes. But I’d still feel your fingers on my soul.” This song has left fingerprints on mine.

What I’m taking: St John’s Wort. Touted as a ‘mood-enhancing’ herb, this over-the-counter supplement is having interesting (and rather positive) effects on things other than my mood. I was taking it before my surgery early last year but, per my doctor’s request, I stopped taking it before the operation. Even though I was given the “ok”, I didn’t continue after I was off the pain meds as I didn’t see a need. But, in an effort to stave off further bouts of depression, I started taking it again – and I’m really enjoying the effects. (Note: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on the interwebs. Take this with a grain of salt, under a doctor’s supervision, and at your own risk.) But, wait! There’s more…

Happy Friday 5 – Work like you won the lottery.

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

Work like you won the lottery.

[Note: On or about Fridays, I’m posting five things that I’m enjoying, that inspire me, or that make me happy. I’m totally ripping off this concept from Tim Ferriss’ 5-Bullet Friday. Where Tim’s five bullet points are typically highly useful mini life hacks and recommendations, mine are semi-useful life hacks mixed with more fluff, which means a cute puppy or kitty picture here and there or something about dating/sex/romance/relationships).

In answer to the question you’re silently asking yourself, No, I don’t think Tim minds that I’m writing these. I’m pretty sure he’s not worried about the competition, even though I am sure he knows about me and this blog. Of course he knows. Right?]

Here’s your Happy Friday 5:

What I’m listening to: My new theme song is Katy Perry’s “Roar”. If you want to listen to a hilarious Roar parody, even if you’re not a Perry fan, you HAVE to watch the Peterson Farm Brother’s version, “Chore”. Both make me happy for different reasons. Gotta love our farmers!

What made me chuckle: Popular funny post about introverts from the interwebs. I can relate. I vacillate between being highly social and outgoing, and also just enjoying my own company.

What I’m reading:  Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book “21-Days to Master Success and Inner Peace” An easy read of short tips, good for the soul. It’s currently offered for only $4.99. (Go to his products page, and scroll down until you see the orange cover with a big “21” on it.)

What I’m pondering: Everything is Amazing, and Nobody’s Happy. Hilarious clip of But, wait! There’s more…

Happy Friday 5 – Celebrate like nobody’s calling the cops.

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

[Note: On or about Fridays, I’m posting five things that I’m enjoying, that inspire me, or that make me happy. I’m totally ripping off this concept from Tim Ferriss’ 5-Bullet Friday. (It is highly likely I am not as organized as Tim and may not post exactly on Friday. You can wait until Friday to read them if it makes you feel better.) Tim’s five bullet points are typically highly useful mini life hacks and recommendations. Mine will be some semi-useful life hacks, with more fluff (which means a cute puppy or kitty picture here and there). These posts, intended to brighten your day, will be fairly short and something for you to do if work is slow. Or if you’re avoiding doing something, like I am.]

Celebrate like nobody’s calling the cops.

This was on my office mate's desk today. I laughed out loud.

This was on my office mate’s desk today. I laughed out loud.

Here’s this week’s Happy Friday 5:

What I’m watching: “Kitty Love Song” by the cute engineers who brought us “An Engineer’s Guide to Cat Yodeling” and many others that will have you laughing out loud.

Quote I’m pondering:

“Can you imagine feeling at home in the world no matter where you are? If you eventually master this art, outer circumstances won’t distort your relationship with yourself. No matter how crazy or chaotic the people around you might be, you will remain rooted in your unshakable sense of purpose; you will respond to any given situation in ways that make you both calm and alert, amused and curious, compassionate for the suffering of others and determined to do what’s best for you. If you think these are goals worth seeking, you can make dramatic progress toward them in the coming weeks.”

But, wait! There’s more…

Happy Friday 5 – Dance Like Nobody’s Pointing

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

I’m going to start posting five things that I’m enjoying, that inspire me, or that make me happy on or about Friday. I’m totally ripping off this concept from Tim Ferriss’ 5-Bullet Friday. (It is highly likely I am not as organized as Tim and may not post exactly on Friday. You can wait until Friday to read them if it makes you feel better.)

Tim’s five bullet points are typically highly useful mini life hacks and recommendations. Mine will be some semi-useful life hacks, with more fluff (which means a cute puppy or kitty picture here and there). These posts, intended to brighten your day, will be fairly short and something for you to do if work is slow. Or if you’re avoiding doing the laundry, like I am right now.

Please feel free to include your funny or happy recommendations, or inspirations in the comments below.

 

  • Book I’m reading: A little known work of Napoleon Hill’s titled, Outwitting the Devil. My business coach and spiritual mentor suggested I read this after we discussed my bout with depression. Though the title might suggest so, it is not about religion. Rather,it’s about Hill’s own story from adversity to success. It’s odd to find it mirrors mine in many ways.This is an inspiring work, and a short, easy read.
  • Movie I’m watching: R.I.P.D. A 2013 sci-fi staring Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges. Funny shit.
  • Daily practice for peace: My morning and meditation practice is about 30 minutes each time. I do the following five things, in whatever order feels right in the moment: 15 minute guided meditation, visualization/manifestation, mental gratitude list, prayer and sending blessings to all. I usually do this while lying in bed, just before I go to sleep, and again just after waking up. I find my mind is most receptive (quiet) at those times.

But, wait! There’s more…

Depression is a Bitch

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

Hi,

This isn’t really a post, it’s a confession, one I hope helps someone else. At least then the struggle won’t be all for nothing. This is about something I’ve dealt with for a long time, over thirty years. It’s something I very rarely talk about because I feel it makes me somehow less acceptable as a person, broken, not good enough.

(No, this is not about Speck. The one bright spot this week is Speck has left the RV park and is no longer a constant reminder. I wish him well.)

This is how I feel, like a shadow of a whole person.

This is how I feel when I’m depressed, like the shadow of a person. Empty, hollow, without substance.

 

I started writing this over a year ago, but didn’t have the courage to finish it until today. I started writing it after Tim Ferriss wrote about his struggle and how he’s hidden it for a long time. I get it. I totally, completely get it.

Jennifer Aniston just spoke about her insecurities, the same ones we all deal with. Again, I get it, on a level I wish I didn’t, I get it. And I have a whole new respect and deep appreciation for Jennifer Aniston as a human being.

The Bloggess often writes about her battles. By her admission and openness, she comforts me and the entire interwebs. We know we aren’t really, even though we feel utterly, completely alone. I hope to be like her someday: brave, vulnerable, and to let someone else know they aren’t alone.

I identified with all of what they said, and applaud their bravery and honesty, their vulnerability. They have inspired me to admit my own struggles. But, wait! There’s more…

Ten Things Tuesday: Ways Texas Made Me A Better Person

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

For Ten Things Tuesday – on a day that might actually be a Tuesday – I present Ways Texas Made Me A Better Person

(Once upon a time, I used to post a random ten things on a Tuesday. Sometimes it was Tuesday, sometimes it wasn’t, but that’s besides the point. It’s been some time since I posted a Ten Things Tuesday post so don’t feel bad if you don’t remember. I promised infrequent posts, and I’ve kept to that.)

I’m in Ohio for a short stay. I missed Texas as soon as I left it five days ago. I miss the wonderful people I’ve met there, I miss the weather, I miss the low cost of living (especially fuel), I miss the slower pace of the country life, and the slower pace overall.

The place in Texas that I left. What was I thinking? Oh, yeah. Work, that's right. Note to self: Buy a lottery ticket today.

The place in Texas that I left. What was I thinking? Oh, yeah. Work, that’s right. Note to self: Buy a lottery ticket today.

 

Before I came to Texas, for a long time I felt drawn to the state, a desire to go to there. I had no idea what it was really like, and no idea how much of an imprint it would leave on my soul. Texas changed me for the better. That may seem silly to say, but it is so different from the other states in which I’ve been – it really is like its own country.

(It may seem in some of the items below like I’m picking on California. I don’t mean to bash California. It is the one other place I lived for a long time, therefore my best reference point. I still consider it one of the most beautiful states.)

Ten Ways Texas Made Me A Better Person:

Driving polite. Oh, how I love the polite drivers in the Texas country! I’ve mentioned this before. Having come from the rush-rush “me first” attitude that seems to permeate the California cities, polite driving and polite drivers were a surprising – and refreshing – experience. As a whole, people in Texas don’t tailgate. If they want to go faster than you, you just drive on the shoulder for them until they pass. If there’s no shoulder, they pass you in the opposite lane when it’s clear. When they’ve passed, they even tap their brakes at you to say “Thanks”. But, wait! There’s more…

Don’t judge others too quickly. It looks bad on you.

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

A rant of sorts…

Have you ever been wrongly accused? I’m sure you have and I don’t have to tell you it’s emotionally crushing to be on the receiving end, to know that people who should know you better, people who claim to care about you, are so quick to think the worst of you.

Being wrongly accused has been a running theme in my life, especially for the last few months or so: A dear friend accusing me of all sorts of truly bizarre actions and motives. Another I considered a good friend silently doing the same and disappearing. My boss repeatedly accusing me of inflating my time sheet. Chickenbone accusing me of saying something mean on Facebook about my nephew.

Each and every accusation couldn’t have been more off base, and so completely unlike the person I am. And it hurt each time.

I’m not sharing this to gain sympathy or pity, but to show what the effects have been, and how it has changed me for the better.

As I pondered this running theme, But, wait! There’s more…

UPDATED: Surgery Update: She Lived To Tell About It

Kernut the Blond Posted on by

Hello my Lovely Kernutties!

This is a quick note to update those of you who don’t follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

I survived surgery.

The end.

(Bwahahahaaa. I crack me up! Ok, so I’m probably the only one who found that funny, but whatever, it’s my blog. NO, dammit, it is not the pain meds that made me write that. Sheesh.)

They gave me socks in exchange for my uterus.

They gave me socks in exchange for my uterus.

Ok, so you want non-gory details… (gory details and pics are at the very bottom, beneath a huge warning.)

I got a pair of socks in exchange for my uterus. (See above photo for picture of socks, pictures of uterus available upon request.)

The long-awaited surgery FINALLY happened Tuesday morning. I got home late Wednesday night, and it is now Thursday afternoon.

My patient advocate is terrific! Besides being a truly kind and caring person, she really got things moving forward for me. She came to visit me right after surgery and again the next day. She is continuing to monitor my situation and report back to all involved. Knowing how much she has helped me when I had no one in my corner made me want to do that for others. I’m not sure what is required to be a Patient Advocate, but I would love to help others as she helped me when I needed it most.

And the nurses at But, wait! There’s more…