I recently came across Pocket Hug Tokens on Amazon and I absolutely love them. There are about 50 different sayings that you can get on them and to me they are perfect as a little gift for all the special people in your life.
I was looking at the different sayings and I wanted to buy so many of them as they spoke to me for various friends and family members. It is such a simple concept, but I think it's brilliant.
Who Would Love a Pocket Hug?
People who make daily affirmations would definitely love a pocket hug.
People who are away from their loved ones would really appreciate a small reminder that they are loved.
People who need something to physical to draw mental strength from would love that you thought of this for them.
So Exactly What is a Pocket Hug?
Pocket Hugs are a little stainless steel, sturdy, round token with a saying on one side (there are 50 to choose from) and on the other side it just says "A little Pocket Hug" and has a love heart on it. Also with this token is a piece of PU leather keychain and a bag to store it in when it's not in your pocket.
It is small and light enough to easily fit in your pocket, your wallet, bags etc.
Why Did I Fall in Love With the Idea of a Pocket Hug?
I love reading daily quotes and saying personal affirmations. Also when I have a lot going on or I have to go into situations I'm nervous about I like to carry a crystal in my pocket to hold and remind myself that I am strong/awesome/know what I'm doing/whatever it is I need to feel at that time. I know I'm not alone which is why I think these pocket hugs are amazing.
If you're looking for a small gift I hope you'll consider the Pocket Hug Token and if you already have one (or have gifted someone one) please let me know below.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Let me start by saying that I'm not a meditation guru!
Although I've read mountains on the subject, I didn't start actively practicing meditation in a committed way until March of this year (2023)
What I've learned about meditating is .... it takes practice, and consistency is key.
I've actually progressed into learning more and more about the power of the mind ... and I'm loving every second of it!
Are You Ready to Dive into the Wonderful World of Meditation?
I know – when you hear "meditation," it might conjure images of monks perched atop misty mountaintops, but trust me, it's not all incense and pretzel-like poses.
Meditation is like a soothing balm for your mind, and today, I'll explore how it basically works its magic and why it's becoming more popular than cat videos on the internet!
Life is a non-stop rollercoaster with ups, downs, and loop-de-loops that make your head spin faster than a ball rolling down a hill! That's where meditation struts in wearing a superhero cape.
At its core, meditation is like a mini-vacation for your brain – a chance to give your mind a breather from the constant barrage of thoughts, worries, and to-do lists that make your mental landscape look like Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Now, I get it – sitting still and quieting your thoughts might sound about as easy as juggling flamingos. I can tell you I still suck at it! But I keep going and am getting much better!
Meditation isn't about turning your brain into an empty void (I haven't been close to achieving that!). It's more like a gym session for your gray matter, training it to focus, de-stress, and especially kick out the negativity that overstays its welcome.
The Basics
Start by finding a cozy corner where you won't be interrupted (a.k.a. no one bursting in asking if you've seen their left sock) and get comfy.
You don't need fancy gear or a backdrop of crashing waves – just you and your willingness to give it a shot - and a guided meditation video if you need help getting started. I've featured the one below that I love and use daily.
As you settle in, you'll discover that meditation comes in various flavors, like a buffet of mindfulness.
Here are Two Popular Choices for Meditation:
Focused Attention Meditation
Imagine your mind as a hyperactive puppy – In this meditation, you gently bring your wandering pup back to its designated spot whenever it goes on a wild adventure. Usually, that spot is your breath. Breathe in, breathe out – it's like the rhythm of life that's always there, waiting to be your anchor in those endless sea of thoughts.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
I practice this one daily. I meditate for a half an hour in the morning, and it's turning out to be the best half-hour of my day.
This one's all about dishing out warm fuzzies, not unlike sharing virtual hugs with the universe.
You start by sending good vibes to yourself (because you're awesome, duh!), and then gradually extend those vibes to friends, family, and even that grumpy neighbor who scowls like it's their day job. It's like watering the garden of your heart and watching kindness bloom.
"My personal meditation involves seeing each of my children, with their families, in their homes, happy, healthy, and financially at peace. I visualize hubby and I visting each of them. The photos in my mind about my kids and my own life have become so real to me, that now I look forward to meditating so I can visit that wonderful manifestation and play with my future grandchildren"
How Meditation Has Helped Me:
I sucked at it at first, but with persistence, I'm now finding it to be my favorite time of the day. I look forward to it!
It's something that is completely mine - it doesn't involve anyone else, I own it and control it
With visualization, I get to see each of my family members where I want them to be in their lives and it feels real while meditating!
Since it involves deeper breathing, it's a good form of exercise for my lungs
I find I'm in a calmer state, able to release things much more effectively
I remember to approach tough life issues with love
I'm learning to keep my mouth shut a little better (lol)
The future feels bright when I visualize what I see as real outcomes for my family and myself
I feel differently inside - in a good way - I can't put that into words?
I've learned to control my thoughts, and negative thoughts that try to creep into my head pretty much get their butts kicked to the door now! They do not control me.
My Personal Favorite Guided Meditation Video:
I use this video daily, along with a few others, from time to time. However, so far, this one ranks top for me. The meditation guide has a lovely soothing voice, and I love the way she uses a train ride to get into the life you want.
Now, let's talk benefits – because who doesn't want a slice of mental and emotional awesome sauce?
Scientifically speaking, meditation has been found to reduce stress, boost focus and creativity (hello, productivity guru), and even improve your relationship with Mr. Sandman for those sweet ZZZs.
Think of meditation as a gym for your mind, minus the sweaty workout gear. With regular practice – and trust me, consistency is key here – you'll start noticing changes.
Maybe you'll handle that traffic jam without turning into the Hulk. Perhaps you'll catch yourself before a thought spiral drags you down. And just maybe, you'll find a sense of calm that feels like a warm cup of cocoa for your soul.
So, there you have it, intrepid explorers of the inner world – meditation demystified and made as approachable as a lazy Sunday morning. Remember, it's not about doing it "perfectly" but showing up and giving your mind a little love. Whether you're a zen master in training or a meditation newbie, the path to a more centered you are just a few deep breaths away.
"NOTE:A key insight I've gained about visualization is the importance of truly
immersing yourself in the experience. It's not just about thinking of
what you're manifesting; it's about embracing it as if it's already
woven into the fabric of your reality. It's like stepping into the
vibrant new world you've meticulously crafted and feeling its existence
all around you"
Once my meditation session is over, I add a four-minute "prayer for others. The day is ALWAYS better when I meditate.
“Meditating is also a means for you to move beyond your analytical mind so that you can access your subconscious mind. That’s crucial, since the subconscious is where all your bad habits and behaviors that you want to change reside.”
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
This reviewer previously gave you book reviews of Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters series, along with her Harrison Investigations series and the Bone Island Trilogy.
Readers of these reviews may remember that the Krewe of Hunters are a group of unusual FBI agents who are called upon when something complex (and usually paranormal) is going on. In that series, Graham was up to book #37. Voice of Fear is the latest, Number 38, in the series that involves a murder mystery, a ghost story, a history lesson, and a love story.
Synopsis of Voice of Fear
This novel takes place in Washington, DC (headquarters of the Krewe of Hunters) and surrounding Virginia countryside. It involves one of the newer members of the Krewe team, FBI Agent Jordan Wallace. Jordan is close to solving a human trafficking case she has been working on undercover. She somehow makes a rookie mistake, letting her guard down, and the mission is almost botched. Then, Patrick Law, criminal psychologist, rescues her and several collage girls about to be abducted, but most of the kidnappers get away.
Jordan feels she couldn't have made a worst first impression, especially when she is then partnered with Patrick as the case moves forward.
Patrick Law has the ability to get inside a criminal's head and has been an asset for the Krewe of Hunters team, even though he is not an FBI agent. Patrick is one of triplets. One sister works for the Krewe of Hunters team. The other one is a book editor who also has the ability to decipher the criminal mind through words and 'consults' with this special team. All three have the same strange ability to 'see' and 'talk to' ghosts.
One of the girls who had been abducted by this group of criminals who kidnap, then sell to the highest bidder, gorgeous girls, is a girl named Susie whom Law Enforcement officer 'Alfie' had been helping. Alfie is killed in the line of duty while on a previous raid before Susie can be found. Now a ghost, and friends with several Krewe members who can see and talk to him, Alfie helps with solving this human trafficking ring while also searching for Susie.
We find several scenes in the book taking place in and around cemeteries, including the one where Alfie is buried; a cemetery specific for law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty. An interesting factoid in the story tells us the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery. A graveyard grows up around a church and a cemetery is freestanding, a place specifically for the dead.
Summary
It is quite obvious that the 'love story' part of this book will occur between Jordan and Patrick as they are partnered together to solve the case. And the 'ghost' part with Alfie is fun and fascinating. It makes you wish you too could be friends with ghosts.
I liked all the characters in Voice of Fear, many of whom will be familiar to previous readers of this book series. As the newest book in the Krewe of Hunters series, it was a fun book to read and I highly recommend it to readers of this genre.
Links to Previous Reviews of Books by Heather Graham:
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Seasons of Change is a historical Christian romance book series that is
written by multiple authors. The books do not share the same
characters. They simply share the same theme.
A Forgiving Heart by Kasey Stockton could easily be read as a stand
alone book and is one I would recommend even if you do not wish to commit to
the entire series. The main character is quite believable. She
does, indeed, possess a forgiving heart, but not in a way that seems beyond
reason. While she has forgiven childhood mistreatment by other
children, it is clear she still struggles with the memories of the selfish
adult who was filled with anger and took it out on her.
This is a book that has stayed with me for days. I realize it is
fiction, but the injustices are all too real. Children can be cruel,
and people who should be looking out for you, often take advantage of their
power. Even if our own lives have been easy, comparatively speaking, I
think we all need the opportunity to consider how others may well have very
painful pasts. Just telling someone they need to forgive someone seems
trite and unsympathetic. Giving them time and room to work through
something step by step is a more thoughtfully considered response.
That is the reminder this book offered me, while also entertaining me with a
romantic story.
I will warn you in advance. This is not a light reading
romance. There is a pervasive evil throughout the story, starting with
the uncle and continuing with someone viewed as a friend. Perhaps,
that is another life lesson we should all be reminded of. People are
not always who or what they seem.
A Forgiving Heart Synopsis
A Forgiving Heart (Seasons of Change Series)Check PriceKate Kingston is now an adult, content with her life as a teacher.
When an attorney arrives one day at the school to inform her of her uncle's
death and her inheritance, she is thrown back into her past. A past
she would prefer to leave behind.
When she was 4, her parents were killed. Her uncle moved into the
ancestral home in Larkfield and sent her to live with strangers. When
she returned to Split Tree Manor at the age of 9, he treated her as a house
servant and would not let her go outside. When she was not working in
the house, she had to remain in a room with a hired woman. The one day
she did manage to slip out, she was assaulted by two male neighbors while
trying to defend a smaller boy. When she returned home, she was
switched by her uncle for disobedience. Finally, at 12, she was sent
off to school, which turned out to be a much needed reprieve.
Kate returns to Split Tree Manor, where her only real memories are
dominated by her cruel uncle. She was simply too young when her
parents died to remember Split Tree Manor as anything other than an unhappy
place. But, this was her father's home. As the older brother,
her father had inherited Split Tree Manor. Unbeknownst to her, Uncle
Bartholomew was only managing her inheritance until she reached the age of
20. She had been 20 for six months, yet her uncle did not contact her or inform
her of her inheritance. Had he not died, she would not have known that
she was the rightful heir of Split Tree Manor in Larkfield.
Kate doesn't return alone. She takes an ally with
her. Alice James, the cook from the school, is thrilled with the
opportunity to become Larkfield's cook. She is also joined by another
married friend, Emily Nielsen, whose husband is away at war. Her hope
is that these two friends can help her establish a home and re-enter
society, a place where she belonged by birth, but was previously denied.
Shortly after her arrival, she meets Martin Evans who reveals that he is
the younger boy from that day long ago and how he has always remembered her
as his valiant defender. He wishes to repay her kindness, but he also
expresses his interest in courting her.
One afternoon, when Emily doesn't return home from horseback riding, Kate
and the house staff set out to find her. Kate is not the only person
who finds Emily unconscious. Sir Peter
Evans is there and he is carrying Emily to his own horse. Kate does not recognize Peter as one of the boys from
years ago, nor does she realize he is the owner of Evanslea, but she had seen him several times recently. She acquiesces to his plans and allows him to carry Emily away while she tends to Emily's horse.
As the days pass, Kate finds unexpected friendship with one of the brothers and isn't quite sure why she is hesitant to get too close to the other one. There is something there that she doesn't quite understand or trust.
Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. I stayed up late into the night reading. After a few hours sleep, I awoke ready to start reading again, forgetting any work I was supposed to do that day. It is an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a combination of romance and mystery.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love exploring new parks and the St. Charles County Park system has a lot to offer. On a beautiful day in mid-August, I was able to explore Quail Ridge Park with a photography group. We had a great time exploring the park and taking a lot of nature photography.
Quail Ridge Park
Quail Ridge Park is located in Wentzville Missouri at 560 Interstate Drive. Although it is only about 20 minutes from my house it is a park I had never visited before. This park has many trails that can be used to explore the park. There are over seven miles of both paved and natural trails throughout the park.
The park features fishing lakes, ponds, playgrounds and shelters. It also has a wonderful dog park where you can unleash your dog and let them run. The park has an eighteen-hole disc golf course and is also home to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame.
Lodge and Gazebo
My group met in the parking lot of the lodge and then proceeded down the paved path for a walk around one of the lakes.
Lodge at Quail Ridge
The lodge, pictured above, is a rustic cedar banquet facility that is often used for weddings and other events. It will hold 180 people. The gazebo, which is pictured in the opening photo is the first stop on the path leading down from the lodge. One of the photographers that was with our group said it is a popular place for the bride and groom to have their photo taken for the wedding.
Walking the Paved Trail
From the lodge there is a paved trail that curves around past the gazebo, and then around the lake. It was a beautiful day, and we took a leisurely stroll along this path stopping to take photos along the way. Here are some of the photos I took.
Path Around Lake
Fishing Lake
Fishing Lake
Blossoms, Butterflies and Moths
As we walked along the path, we stopped to photograph the wildflowers and butterflies that made their homes in the woods around the lake. I also captured a moth on a wildflower across the path from the lake.
Missouri Wildflower
Lavender Wildflower
Swallowtail Butterflies
Butterflies
Flower on Edge of Prairie
Moth on Blossom
Purple Wildflower
Learn More About Missouri Butterflies and Wildflowers
Here are a couple of books where you can learn more about butterflies and wildflowers.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
