Author: karenringalls

I am an author, blogger, and survivor. As a retired RN with a Master's Degree in Human Development, I bring my experiences with family dynamics, health, and social issues into my stories. I have written a novel, historical biography, memoir, short stories, and several health/wellness articles. I am a member of Independent Authors Network. All my books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and I donate all proceeds to ovarian cancer research.

TREES, YOU, AND ME

karenringalls5 Comments

I have always felt a close relationship with trees. Oaks are my favorite because they stand tall with branches outspread like arms welcoming the wind and sun.

Learning, watching, and being more like trees can teach us about life and how to live with more peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Here is a poem that illustrates how trees and humans are similar. This poem touched me deeply and reinforced what I have believed for a very long time. My thanks to some dear friends who recnetly shared it with me.

HUMANS AND TREES
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light
But stood out in the open plain, 
Never became a forst king
But lived and died a scrubby.

People who never had to toil
To gain and farm their patches of soil,
Who never had to win their share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became sturdy in their lifespan
But lived and died as they began.

Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees,
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm, the more the strength,
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and people good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth,
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken bramcjes show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
                          (Author Unknown)

In my book of short stories, When I Rise: Tales, Truths, and Symbolic Trees, I write about twelve different people and their journeys and life lessons. A particular tree is the symbol for each story.

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Rise-Tales-Truths-Symbolic-ebook/dp/B0818DZPBX/ As with all my books, all proceeds go to gynecologic cancer research.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. Your comments are appreciated.

GIVING THANKS DAY

karenringalls15 Comments

I have always thought our national holiday should be called “Giving Thanks” day.

Here are my top ten thanks for this year:

  • My health…at 83, I’m on just 2 pills.
  • My friends…who surround me with love
  • My home…has remained safe despite hurricanes.
  • My garden is small but gives me great happiness
  • Greeting cards…so many cards expressing love and support.
  • Medical personnel…provided outstanding care to my husband and me.
  • Family…supportive, helpful, loving
  • Husband…love, love, and more love that is everlasting
  • God…guidance, support, understanding, and LOVE.

May this day of Giving Thanks (Thanksgiving) be one of family, friends, joy, and LOVE.

TEARS OF LOSS

karenringalls24 Comments

There are different types of tears. The chemistry of tears due to loss releases the body of certain toxins. https://www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-tears

The most painful loss for me is that of my husband. After a long illness, Jim, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

For those of us who have suffered a loss:

TEARS OF LOVE
Endless tears of loss
Flowing rivers, aching heart
Sleepless, emptiness
Memories flow in and out
Ripped heart, soul cries, love heals all.

Angels surrounding
God's light brightens the path
 Rocky then smoother
Motto: Love heals everything
As tears flow out, love flows in

I thank the compassionate and highly skilled medical staff from all departments who provided outstanding care. The love and support of family and friends have been treasured gifts, powerfully healing, and uplifting.

In memory of Jim Ingalls

THE WOMB

karenringalls4 Comments

June is uterine cancer awareness month. The significance of the uterus or the womb cannot be underestimated. The womb is a place of creation, nurturance, and transformation. New life begins here as does the early connection between mother and child.

The womb is that beautiful and incredible part of the female. Medically and clinically, it is called the uterus.

The uterus consists of the fundus, myometrium, endometrium, the cervical canal, and the body. The endometrium lines the uterus. It thickens during ovulation. If the egg is not fertilized, the increased blood vessels and tissue thins and is secreted as menstruation.

Uterine or endometrial cancer are considered one and the same. The most common form is when it forms in the endometrium. The less common form is uterine sarcoma which forms in the uterus.

A healthy womb includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins. Exercise and restful sleep. Meditation is another healthy way to “nourish” your womb and you. https://www.google.com/search?q=meditations+for+the+womb&sca_

WHAT IS NEW IN CANCER RESEARCH, PART 1.

karenringalls2 Comments

There are several types of GYN (gynecologic) cancers. There will be articles about each one of them in the coming weeks.

Uterine/endometrial cancer affects an estimated 66,200 people in the United States. Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the United States. Worldwide, an estimated 417,367 people were diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2020.

Immunotherapy is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. There is interest in a specific area of immunotherapy called “checkpoint inhibitors,” such as PD-1 or CTLA4 targeted immunotherapies. They help activate the immune system and can shrink tumors. Some of these immunotherapies work better in combination with other treatment types. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/latest-research

Advent Health donation for the research programs is an effective, safe, and easy way to donate one-time or monthly. You may designate which cancer you want to support. Here is the link: https://give.adventhealth.com/give/564821/#!/donation/checkout

You can read my story and see my page at https://give.adventhealth.com/fundraiser/5552764

“We see a day where people are screened with a simple blood draw for many cancers … That dream is closer to reality than I think any of us fully appreciate.” — Kevin Conroy, president and CEO, Exact Sciences

EL NINO/LA NINA: NATURE’S LESSONS

karenringalls4 Comments

What is El Nino? It is a climate pattern that starts with warm water building up in the tropical Pacific west of South America. This happens every three to seven years or so.

Normally, the trade winds push warm water away from the coast there, allowing cooler water to surface. But when the trade winds weaken, water near the equator can heat up, and that can have all kinds of effects through what are known as teleconnections. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html

Now we are in La Nina, which means a cooling of the ocean waters. The forecasters are predicting a record number of hurricanes. La Nina occurs about every 3-5 years.

No matter the weather, I have learned the following:

  • Our perspective determines our happiness. “It takes sunshine and rain to make a rainbow.” (Roy T. Bennett)
  • Be grateful and present in the now. Accept life for what it is now.
  • Accept that we have no control over the weather; only our reaction to it.
  • By working together, massive changes can be made. “A snowflake is fragile, but look what at what they can do when they stick together.” (Vesta M. Kelly)
  • Life is like the seasons: ups and downs. Don’t let the current season define who you are.
  • Change is inevitable and each day is different with lessons from which to learn.

If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm. (Frank Lane)

The weather is cyclic. Our lives are cyclic. Whether el nino or la nina, each day is a blessing.

WHERE, WHAT, WHY?

karenringalls10 Comments

WHERE: My journey for the past 5 months has taken me to mountain-top highs and some desert lows. I have had two major events that have required a lot of time and energy.

A mountain-high joy when my husband was declared cancer-free. The desert low was the lasting effects of radiation and hormone therapy.

A second “high” was the decision and initial steps in our major fundraiser for women’s cancers.

WHAT: 16 years ago I went through the fatigue, fears, and treatments of cancer not once but three times. Now it was what my husband jokingly calls “his ovarian cancer for men” better known as prostate cancer.

The date of May 11th is set for our fundraiser. The day before Mother’s Day! How perfect! Many things to do. Many details to cover. Excitement grows. Time to read, write (except for the fundraiser), and relax is shorter and shorter.

WHY: When it comes to cancer (or any serious illness), there is no answer for why. We accept whatever challenges and try to learn and be better people.

I chose to not do any writing or reading, simply because my entire focus was on the health of my husband and the success of the fundraiser.

LESSONS: Therefore, I have had many hours to evaluate my life, decide on my priorities, and how I can live as God would want me to.

To do any writing (even a blog), reading books, blogs, or articles has been a challenge. My macular degeneration is only part of the reason. I looked back and realized that I needed to step back and away. By doing so, I have a new energy and interest. I want to use my gift with the pen to teach, share, and inspire everyone.

Here is a wonderful quote by Hans Urs von Balthasar: “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” My grandmother taught me this quote as a young girl. It has helped me through many aspects of my life.

Please know that I have returned to reading books and blogs, and will write reviews and comments. I will raise awareness and fundraise for cancer research.

Here is my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/kareningalls1941 and to my fundraising page: https://give.adventhealth.com/fundraiser/5552764

2023: GRATITUDE FOR EACH SUNRISE.

karenringalls20 Comments

The last day of 2023 is now here. I welcome 2024 with excitement and anticipation.

I watch the daily sunrise with a prayerful attitude. I think of three simple words: gratitude, love, and forgiveness. How much more peaceful, happy, and beautiful each day would be for everyone if we lived with gratitude in our hearts, love for each person, and forgiveness of others and ourselves for transgressions.

This is a photo I took as a storm was making its initial entrance from the west. Each individual must learn from the storms of life to have joy and peace.

Wishing you a new year of peace, love, and joy.



Christmas & Aging

karenringalls14 Comments

Christmas literally means the Mass of Christ. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, emphasizing love, peace, and goodwill towards all.

Now that we are in our 80s, the celebration of Christmas has mellowed and changed. It is less about Santa Claus or Kris Kringle. It is more about sending love and peace to everyone, even to those who are rude and grumpy. We remember the message of the play and story Scrooge.

  • Decorating the house with a tree, fewer lights, candles, and garland. Over the years, the tree has become smaller and artificial.
  • Baking cookies in smaller quantities but keeping the tradition of old favorites.
  • Sending fewer Christmas cards via the postal service. Grateful for email cards and letters.
  • Amazon! No trips to department stores.
  • Quiet celebration at home or with friends instead of large groups, as shown in paintings by Norman Rockwell or Currier & Ives.
  • Magic walnuts are still made, just fewer as the kids and grandchildren have become adults.

Our memories of Christmases past bring us joy. Each year we treasure the gifts of:

  • New engagements
  • Weddings of grandchildren
  • Graduations
  • Retirement for some, plans for early retirement by others
  • Births of great-grandchildren
  • The joy of watching our children be parents and grandparents
  • The gift of having stimulating, informative, and interesting conversations.
  • And, the gift that they are now looking out for us, making sure that we are safe and able to still take care of ourselves.
  • We are very proud and deeply love our 6 adult children, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Who could ask or want any more than them for Christmas?!

To celebrate the Christ-mas is by treating everyone with love every day.

Christmas Cookie Exchange: Gallettes

karenringalls34 Comments

Gallettes are French cookies made with a waffle iron. My mother-in-law would make them for us every Christmas. She passed this recipe down to me for which I am very grateful. I make the Gallettes every Christmas season and I have passed the recipe down to my sons and grandchildren.

The tradition continues!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb. unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

Recipe:

  • Step 1: Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Separate egg yolks and beat slightly; lightly add vanilla and almond extracts with a fork.
  • Step 3: Gradually add egg yolk mixture to the creamed sugars until incorporated.
  • Step 4: Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Step 5: Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into dough
  • Step 6: Beat butter at medium speed until smothered and creamy. Beat in both sugars until well combined, light, and fluffy.
  • Step 7: Drop batter by 1-2 teaspoons onto a preheated waffle griddle and bake until lightly brown. Carefully remove with 2 forks to cool on a rack.
  • Serve and enjoy!
SANTA’S FAVORITE COOKIE

My thanks to Staci Troilo for this year’s cookie exchange.

See every baker’s offerings by checking out the link https://stacitroilo.wordpress.com/2023/12/14/third-virtual-cookie-exchange/) and then clicking on the links shown.