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.

MY CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR GOOD HEALTH

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A box full of laughter, which is the best medicine. As long as we have a smile, giggle, or uproarious laugh, life cannot get us down. 

Two boxes filled with positive, loving thoughts. If we think gloom and doom, our life will be such. No matter the challenge, think about what you can learn from it and become a better person.

Three (or more) healthy meals a day rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, fruits and vegetables. Cut down or eliminate processed foods and sugars. 

Exercise at least four times a week. Opening those four boxes will improve your heart health, body weight, stamina, and will put a smile on your face and happy thoughts in your heart.

Do deep relaxation or meditation at least five times a week. This is a way to calm stressful thoughts, relax the whole mind and body, commune and listen to your God or Higher Power, and find peace.

There is no better gift at Christmas (or anytime) than the gift of health. Our bodies are each unique and beautiful, packaged and wrapped just for us. They do need to be taken care of, cherished, and listened to for good health physically, emotionally/mentally, and spiritually.

I like to think that our bodies are God’s gift to us, and what we do with them is our gift to God…and to ourselves.

FAMILY: WHAT IS IT?

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When we speak of family, we usually are referring to our parents, spouse, children, and our “blood relatives.” During the holiday season, we envision a family gathering around the table as painted by Norman Rockwell.

According to a man in his 50s, family is the group of people or individuals with whom he is very close to. “My family is not defined by blood, but rather by friendship, trust, and love for that person.”

Here in Florida, commercials presented by the Publix Corporation, always have families gathered together or in contact with one another via telephone. Everyone is smiling, happy, and middle to upper class. There is laughter, hugs, and well-behaved children. The commercials are like the Rockwell painting shown above. The families might be what we dream to have, but unfortunately may not.

I do not want to end this blog on a negative note. The importance of family (however you define family) is what matters. It is my hope that however one celebrates Thanksgiving Day, it is a loving, meaningful, and blessed day.

AESOP FABLE: FEAR

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Fear can be caused by many things or events. In the fable about the Lion and the Elephant, Aesop teaches us to think differently about our fears. When we let fear take over, we are living a less-than-healthy life. For example, fear of cancer can prevent our bodies from performing in the healthiest manner.

Physiological effects of fear: High blood pressure, racing heart, faster breathing, and blood flow away from your heart out to your limbs. These reactions are good if you are in an immediate “fight or flight” situation. Long-term effects are not healthy.

The lion was more powerful than all the other animals. ‘Yet great though I may be,’ said the lion, ‘I am terribly afraid of roosters!’

It was when he was in this frame of mind that the lion came upon the elephant. The lion greeted the elephant and stopped to converse with him. When he saw that the elephant kept on flapping his ears, the lion inquired, ‘What’s the matter with you? Why do you keep on flapping your ears like that?’

As the elephant began to speak, a gnat came whizzing by and the elephant said, ‘Do you see this little thing, this little buzzing thing? If it gets inside my ear, I’m doomed.’

‘Well then,’ the lion concluded, ‘why should I die of shame? I am an excellent creature indeed, and in much better shape than this elephant. Roosters are more formidable than gnats, after all!’

Lesson for us: Focus on our strengths rather than our weaknesses or fears. When we are facing cancer or any life-threatening or changing illness that is the time we must be like the elephant and do what we can to overcome the illness AND use our strengths to face our fear.

WELL BEING/AUTUMN

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A local magazine promotes contentment and healthy living in the northern section of Lake County, Florida. https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/well_being_lake/well_being_lake_magazine/page-b-01/page_de6d38ed-de7f-5172-bd99-d69d1062d412.html

Albert Camus wrote, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Is this not a beautiful quote?

My life before cancer was like spring: full of energy, optimistic, and blooming with ideas and projects. When cancer became a part of my life, it was like the coldest and most severe winter.

However, I have been in remission for 6 years, during which I am free of the drugs and treatments that destroyed the cancer. Just as spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation, so my body healed and became strong.

The warm summer days and sunshine filled me with Vitamin D, energy, and positivity. I became like the beautiful flowers and trees. I bloomed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the fall, I was like the autumn leaves, full of color and vibrancy. The coming winter season did not affect me as I had gained strength and fortitude to face whatever storm or cold days might appear. This season of fall, I smile with joy at each autumn flower.

DOWN & UP

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How often do we use the words “down“and “up” in everyday life. The more times we use the word up the better life can be.

  • She bent down and then raised up.
  • Turn the music down; no, turn it up.
  • Johnny knocked me down, but Charlie lifted me up.
  • The sun goes down, but at dusk it comes up to start a new day.
  • I sat down next to her but soon got up.
  • I put the luggage down so he could lift it up
  • Life has its ups and downs.
  • It will cool down tonight, but warm up tomorrow.
  • We lay down to sleep but get up when awake.
  • A frown is formed when our mouths have down corners, but up corners create a smile.
  • She fell down but then picked herself up.

Each life is full of downs and ups! It is best to learn from each experience and enjoy the rollercoaster ride called “life.”

I hope you have more “up” times in your life, but know that we have the opportunity to learn more during our “down” times.

My thanks to Isaac Deas, PhD, who presented this topic at one of our Teal Magnolia Luncheons. Author of Don’t Let Go, he has a doctorate in education, a masters in counseling and human resources. https://deas.consulting/about/

RECOMMENDED READING

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Owl Manor by Zita Harris: The Owl Manor is haunted, yet 3 best friends buy it and try to convert it into a stage theater, restaurant, and art gallery. Each of them uses their talents and desire to be successful as individuals and as a group.
The book travels back in time to the 1800s and back to the present.
It is well-written, and I would highly recommend it.

“Once Upon a Time in the Swamp” is my favorite book by C.S. Boyack. The main character, Mari, is on a quest to find the men who killed her husband and family. The sheriff is not offering any help, so she loads her wagon, hitches her ox, “Dirt,” and follows the trail of the killers. Along the long, arduous, and sometimes dangerous trip, she learns about how to live alone in the swamp. She learns how to track the killers and how to shoot a rifle. A great read.

My apologies to my fellow authors whose books I have read and yet not written a review or promoted. It takes me longer than usual to read a book and to write anything on the computer. As most of you know, my eyesight is a challenge though I am grateful to say it has not deteriorated any further in the last 6 months.

To all my followers, I say thank you for your support and understanding.

CANCER: WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

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There are over 200 types of cancers, which can be grouped into 5 categories: carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as brain and spinal cord cancer.

The term “cancer” originated from the Greek word “karkinoma” which means “crab”. It was named so because tumors were observed to resemble the shape of a crab, with a central body and extending “legs”.

Approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022.

Approximately 609,360 individuals are estimated to die from cancer in the United States in 2022.

Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern. In September, we raise awareness about this disease. The number of new cases is 10.3 per 100,000 women each year, with a death rate of 6.3 per 100,000 women. Unfortunately, these numbers haven’t improved much over time. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 19,710 new cases and 13,270 deaths due to ovarian cancer. These statistics are quite alarming.

The reasons behind this issue are:

  1. Insufficient funding for research.
  2. Lack of education for doctors and nurses.
  3. Lack of awareness among women and girls about the warning signs, which can be subtle.

I want to raise awareness about this dangerous cancer. Women and girls, please pay attention to your bodies, know the signs, and see a doctor. You can support research by donating to organizations like OCRA or NOCC. You can also donate to our local fundraiser (bidpal.net/teal).

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ME!

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I could have titled this blog: Whatever Happened to Baby Karen, Hansel and Karen, or Then She Was Gone. Since April of this year, I stepped away from blogging, writing, and many internet sites. I have not read as many books or written reviews.

My husband went through 45 radiation treatments for prostate cancer. As part of the treatment, he received a female hormone injection to block the effects of testosterone. He experienced tiredness, muscle weakness, hot flashes, some mood swings, and restless sleep.

I am happy to say that the cancer is gone! He is now regaining strength. The effects from the hormone shot have 90% worn off.

I had shoulder replacement surgery 3 weeks ago after a year of pain and limited range of motion. Am doing well now as a bionic woman.

My apologies for not being active on this blog, not being supportive of my fellow authors/bloggers, and not letting my followers know where I have been.

Happy Reading! Happy Writing! Happy Blogging!

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW EVERYTHING…

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Someone bursts your bubble! After rather serious blogs the last few times, I decided it would be good to bring a smile to each of your faces. And, you might impress someone with your knowledge.

For writers, authors, and those who love the English language.

  • The hashtag (#) is actually called the octotrophe
  • The protagonist in C.S. Lewis’ science fiction trilogy was modeled after his friend and fellow author J.R.R. Tolkien.
  • Tittle is the dot over lowercase i’s and j’s.
  • Don Quixote is the best-selling novel of all time, with over 500 million copies so
  • Only two English words in current use end in “-gry”. They are “angry” and “hungry”.

For those of us who like to think we know everything:

  • Vatican City is its own country
  • A giraffe’s tongue is 21 inches long.
  • High heels were originally designed for men.
  • The average color of outer space is beige (according to NASA).

Health and body facts:

  • You can’t hold your breath and hum at the same time.
  • Gorillas can and have been known to use birth control pills.
  • You typically breathe out of one nostril at a time.
  • Humans are the only animals with chins.

Look up more interesting facts at the sites below.

https://www.livingly.com/These+Random+Facts+Will+Make+You+Question+Everything+You+Thought+You+Knew

https://bestlifeonline.com/weird-questionable-facts

Now you can start the day being a little smarter!

To know what you know and what you do not know is true knowledge. (Confuscious)

MACULAR DEGENERATION: WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

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Since my blog about my advancing condition of macular degeneration, many people have asked for more information about this condition.

It is defined as a progressive eye disease that affects the tiny, central part of the retina called the macula at the back of the eye and can cause loss of central vision. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 40. (https://www.macular.org/about-macular-degeneration)

There are two types: wet and dry. There is no cure at this time, but it can be slowed down through injections in the eyeball. AMD only affects the central part of the vision so one can see peripherally. It does not lead to complete blindness but can affect one’s ability to drive, cook, do close-up work, or recognize people.

To help prevent or slow down the course of AMD, it is important to take AREDS vitamins and eat green vegetables, especially kale. (I have found some delicious ways to fix kale.)

A most informative video about AMD through the words and eyes of men and women with varying degrees of this disease.

What I have learned:

  • No matter the loss of sight, I am still me.
  • I can adapt to anything
  • Blessings are not to be taken for granted
  • Use time wisely
  • Finish the unfinished projects
  • Be a role model for others
  • It is not what I see with my eyes that is important, but what I see with my heart and soul.

I used to read 100 books a year. Now I struggle to read one a month. I must use a large font on my e-reader which “just doesn’t seem the same.” To my fellow authors, please know I have your books on my e-reader but I must work through some sadness and frustration that I cannot pick up a book, feel its crisp (or sometimes worn) pages, and feel its lightness or heaviness in my hands. I am grieving the loss of my friends, the printed books…yes, my books have been my friends since childhood. I am learning to accept my book friends now in their new form. I appreciate your patience and understanding. As Schwartzenager said, I’ll be back.

To C.S. Boyack, I am almost done with your book, Swamp. FYI: I am enjoying it.