Laugh More

Better Living, Quotes, , , , , , , , , ,

Laughing Zebra“We don’t laugh because we’re happy,
we’re happy because we laugh.”
William James

When I read the following story I couldn’t stop laughing; I love crazy things that make you laugh: SAD NEWS – Please join me in remembering YET ANOTHER great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Dough Boy died yesterday of a yeast infection and traumatic complications from repeated pokes to the belly. He was 71. Dough Boy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the Oven. Services were held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

Genuine humor points out the weakness of humanity, but without contempt. It is a commentator on life, not a critic of it. Its purpose is to uplift, not tear down, and to lighten the burdens of others, not add to them.
Good humor does not belittle or promote stereotypes because it comes from the heart, not the mind. It is a shock absorber that helps us get over the bumps in life.

Love, live, laugh! Laugh at the unexpected, or maybe a one liner.
*When you don’t know what you are doing, do it neatly.
*The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
*Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.
*I don’t suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.
*Don’t take life too seriously, you won’t get out alive.
*Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others, whenever they go.
*I intend to live forever. So far, so good

Mark Twain said, “Timing plus misfortune equals humor.” So now, every time something happens that I consider a misfortune I say, “Just wait, in time we will look back at this moment, and have a good laugh.”

Essential Oils Studied For Anti-Infectious Properties

Better Living, Did You Know, , , , , , , ,

Anti-Infectious PropertiesAnti-Infectious means an agent that prevents and combats the spread of germs.

Basil Essential Oil
Basil is cooling to the skin, and can be used to soothe minor irritations. When diffused, Basil helps promote clear breathing, and healthy respiratory function while sharpening focus, and lessening stress.
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Cassia Essential Oil
When diluted, Cassia can help soothe sore, achy joints. Cassia can be used in cooking either as a replacement for Cinnamon in pies and breads, or by itself in many different entrees and desserts.
Learn More

Cedarwood Essential Oil
Diffusing or inhaling Cedarwood will help maintain healthy breathing and respiratory function and, when applied topically, Cedarwood promotes clear, healthy skin.
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Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon is strong, so be sure to dilute it (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of cinnamon), but you can cook, bake, or even make candy with it too.
Learn More

Clary Sage Essential Oil
The main chemical component of Clary Sage is linalyl acetate, part of the esters group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils.
Learn More

Clove Essential Oil

Clove has been used for years in dental preparations,candy, and gum for its flavor and ability to promote oral health, yet it provides a myriad of health benefits.
Learn More

Coriander Essential Oil
Coriander has a high linalool content, giving it strengthening and toning properties that benefit the skin, emotions, and body.
Learn More

Geranium Essential Oil

This oil has been used to promote clear skin and healthy hair, making it ideal for skin and hair care products. It also helps calm nerves and lessen stress.
Learn More

Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram oil is noted for it’s calming properties, can be taken internally, or used topically, although sensitive skin may want to dilute and it. One drop of essential oil is equivalent to 2 tsp. of dried herbs.
Learn More



Melaleuca Essential Oil
Melaleuca is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify. Taken internally, Melaleuca enhances immunity when seasonal threats are high.
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Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh is valued as an expectorant, which means it promotes the expulsion of mucus in cases of bronchitis and lung congestion. Myrrh is best for chronic conditions, because it contains tannins and resins, it has an astringent effect on tissues.
Learn More



Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano is one of the most potent essential oils. It must be diluted (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of Oregano essential oil when used topically). Apply to reflex points. It can be used as a flavoring in cooking.
Learn More

Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli is regularly used in the perfume industry as well as in scented products. The fragrance of Patchouli provides a grounding, balancing effect on emotions.
Learn More

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is very pleasing to the taste buds (you can add the oil to tea or water), but is powerfully soothing to the digestive system. You can usually apply it without diluting, inhale for nausea, or take internally as suggested.
Learn More

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme makes a great defense against many concerns, although it should always be diluted (4 drops carrier oil to 1 drop thyme). You can also cook with it.
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Be Teachable

Better Living, Personal stories, , , , , ,

James RueckertOne of my all time favorite bosses is Jim Rueckert. He is kind, fair, and a hard worker. However most of all he believed in me. He treats people how he wants to be treated. I worked for Jim and Becky Rueckert at R&D Distributing for almost 7 years. When I started working for Jim and Becky, I was a delivery driver. I was also a customer service rep every Monday when convenience store managers would call me to place their orders.

A few days ago my niece got married. Her husband’s best friend is Jim and Becky’s son, Mark. Mark was able to ask his grandpa if it would be OK If his friend used his big back yard for the reception, He agreed. As a child we would play Kick The Can on their two acres of wooded property. What a small world. It was so fun coming back to a childhood hang out place.

While I was at the reception, Jim came. We talked for about 30 minutes. I had not had this much time to talk to Jim in 25 years. While I was working for Jim, the competitor lowered it’s prices below wholesale, forcing Jim to close his doors to his business that he built with Becky from the basement of her childhood home.

Jim was able to get me a job with the same company he started working for when his business was shut down. All these years later I wondered, asking Jim, why did you pick me to come with you to your new company of all the employees? He told me “you were teachable”. Then he proceeded to tell me a story about one of the convenience store managers that was upset with me after a delivery, and called Jim to tell him I was never to return to his store.

I had forgotten this story. Jim asked me to go back to the store and apologize, and I did. Jim was surprised that I had agreed to do this. Jim was so impressed that I was willing to do this. He never forgot the impact this made on him and the store manager. Jim told me most people would have said I was not wrong and I am not telling that manager I am sorry. I didn’t do anything wrong.

Over the years I have always been willing to eat humble pie, even when I didn’t feel like I had done anything wrong. This practice has paid off big time over the years. I am grateful for this valuable life lesson.

Essential Oils Studied For Anticatarrhal Properties

Better Living, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , ,

Studied for Anticatarrhal PropertiesThe term anticatarrhal refers to an agent that helps remove excess mucus from the respiratory system. The oils listed have been studied for properties that help dissolve and eliminate, as well as prevent the formation of mucus and inflammation of the mucus membrane.

Basil Essential Oil
Basil is cooling to the skin, and can be used to soothe minor irritations. When diffused, Basil helps promote clear breathing, and healthy respiratory function while sharpening focus, and lessening stress.
Learn More

Clove Essential Oil
Clove has been used for years in dental preparations,candy, and gum for its flavor and ability to promote oral health, yet it provides a myriad of health benefits.
Learn More

Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is best known for respiratory health and works great when massaged over the chest and throat. Can be applied without diluting.
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Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel is best known for its distinct licorice aroma and taste, yet its ability to ease digestive troubles and monthly menstrual cycles are equally noteworthy.
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Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is known to promote cellular health and immunity. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
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Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger can lessen motion sickness, soothe an upset stomach, and help digest food after a large meal. Ginger essential oil can also be applied topically or inhaled to help with digestion issues.
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Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum is highly valued and sought after for its many health benefits. It’s frequently consumed to help detoxify the body.
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Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram oil is noted for it’s calming properties, can be taken internally, or used topically, although sensitive skin may want to dilute and it. One drop of essential oil is equivalent to 2 tsp. of dried herbs.
Learn More

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh is valued as an expectorant, which means it promotes the expulsion of mucus in cases of bronchitis and lung congestion. Myrrh is best for chronic conditions, because it contains tannins and resins, it has an astringent effect on tissues.
Learn More

Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano is one of the most potent essential oils. It must be diluted (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of Oregano essential oil when used topically). Apply to reflex points. It can be used as a flavoring in cooking.
Learn More

Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is very pleasing to the taste buds (you can add the oil to tea or water), but is powerfully soothing to the digestive system. You can usually apply it without diluting, inhale for nausea, or take internally as suggested.
Learn More

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary supports healthy digestion and helps soothe sore muscles and joints. This oil also helps reduce nervous tension and fatigue.
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Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood has a sweet, woody aroma that can enhance mood and is frequently used in meditation for its grounding effects.
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Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme makes a great defense against many concerns, although it should always be diluted (4 drops carrier oil to 1 drop thyme). You can also cook with it.
Learn More

White Fir Essential Oil
White Fir essential oil is most noted for soothing sore muscles and joints and supporting It can be stimulating to the mind while helping the body to relax. clear breathing.
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Lonely Leonard Gets Lost.

Better Living, Personal stories, , , , , ,

Leonard Fish age 14When I was 14 the scouts went to a huge district camp in the West Desert of Utah where there were several hundred scouts. All the scouts and leaders were to follow a marked trail to a large camping area about a mile away.
I was excited to get to the camping area ahead of all the scouts in my troop. I was a fast hiker and knew I could get to the camping area quickly.
I wasn’t hiking alone since there were so many scouts from other troops. I knew I would be safe. I ended up hiking with a father and son from another troop.
We kept hiking together for quite a while not seeing the camp. We knew we were in trouble when it started getting dark and no camp was in sight.
Since I was with an adult I didn’t worry too much about being lost. I only had my backpack with my sleeping bag and my food. I ate my dinner then unpacked my sleeping bag.
I climbed into my sleeping bag early because I was cold. The scout and his Dad had a tent only big enough for two so I sleep under the stars.
I remember I had just started dozing off to sleep when someone had found us. It was like a dream. I do remember them asking the man I was with if I was the missing scout. I was asked what my name was and what troop I was with. I am sure the news I had been found was a relief to my scout master. I was told to stay with the scout and his Dad until morning. The camp was only a few hundred yards away from where we were.
That night it ended up raining so I got wet in my sleeping bag. It became a long cold night. I was never more thankful when morning came and we found the rest of the scouts in my troop. I found out that a few scouts changed the signs and rocks that were marking the trail so everyone could find their way to the camping spot better. Their prank could have been more serious. At the next scout court of honor one of the scouts got up to tell about our last scout camp. He titled the camp, “Lonely Leonard Gets Lost.” Everyone had a big laugh. I have told this story several times over the years. I have a good friend to whom I told this story. He had been at that scout camp but he never realized I was the missing scout everyone was looking for until I told him the story. He said that everyone was calling my name. In his troop everyone in unison would count one two three, then call my name “Leon–ard” as loud as they could. There was even a search and rescue helicopter that was helping with the search. My friend said, “I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection until now.” We had a good laugh.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:8 it says “in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I am thankful for this experience because it made me realize how many people cared about me as a person. It also made me aware of how important it is to stay together as a troop when hiking. When you have a dramatic experience it changes you.

Essential Oils Studied For Antidepressant Properties

Better Living, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , ,

Antidepressant PropertiesThe term antidepressant refers to an agent that helps alleviate depression, bringing a person back to a more positive place in their life with increased happiness.

Basil Essential Oil
Basil is cooling to the skin, and can be used to soothe minor irritations. When diffused, Basil helps promote clear breathing, and healthy respiratory function while sharpening focus, and lessening stress.
Learn More

Cassia Essential Oil

When diluted, Cassia can help soothe sore, achy joints. Cassia can be used in cooking either as a replacement for Cinnamon in pies and breads, or by itself in many different entrees and desserts.
Learn More

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon is strong, so be sure to dilute it (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of cinnamon), but you can cook, bake, or even make candy with it too.
Learn More

Clary Sage Essential Oil

The main chemical component of Clary Sage is linalyl acetate, part of the esters group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils.
Learn More

Coriander Essential Oil

Coriander has a high linalool content, giving it strengthening and toning properties that benefit the skin, emotions, and body.
Learn More

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.
Learn More

Geranium Essential Oil

This oil has been used to promote clear skin and healthy hair, making it ideal for skin and hair care products. It also helps calm nerves and lessen stress.
Learn More

Lavender Essential Oil

Inhaling Lavender promotes relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse at bedtime and when stress levels are high.
Learn More

Lemongrass Essential Oil
This oil supports healthy digestion, and soothes aching muscles. Lemongrass purifies and tones skin, and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems.
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Melissa (Lemon Balm) Essential Oil
Melissa is also great for your skin or over the reflex areas for the area of concern. You can also add a drop to your tea.
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Orange Essential Oil

Orange can be taken daily to cleanse the body or used on surfaces as a natural cleaner. Diffusing Wild Orange will energize and uplift the mind and body while purifying the air.
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Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli is regularly used in the perfume industry as well as in scented products. The fragrance of Patchouli provides a grounding, balancing effect on emotions.
Learn More



Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Ancient Romans used the oil for mental clarity and courage during war. While the most common use of chamomile is in teas, Roman Chamomile can also be found in face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes.
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Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood has a sweet, woody aroma that can enhance mood and is frequently used in meditation for its grounding effects.
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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress and to promote a positive outlook. Ylang Ylang is frequently used in luxurious hair and skin products for its scent and nourishing and protective properties.
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Always be Thankful

Better Living, Personal stories, , , ,

Fish Family Picture“As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget that
the highest appreciation
is not to utter words,
but to live by them.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

If you know me very well you know that I say thank you a lot. In my everyday life, I like to say, “Thanks, I appreciate you, or you’re wonderful.” Wherever I am I like to find the good in all people.
Being one of ten children reminds me of the times that after my mom had a baby the women from the church would bring over meals for two to three days. One day some of the women got their day mixed up, so we got two meals in one day. We were all sitting down at the table eating a wonderful dinner when we could see people coming up the driveway with dinner number two. Mom said, “O my goodness kids, we are getting another dinner. Quick, let’s hide everything in Mom and Dads bedroom.” When the second round of dinner came to our house mom was just as thankful as she was when the first dinner came. I think we pulled off the secret very well under the circumstances.
Do we thank the everyday people in our lives? When we are at the grocery store do we thank the bagger in the check out line? Do we thank our kids teachers at school or the person who gave the talk in church on Sunday?
Do you feel appreciated enough? This question reminds me of the person who never heard thanks enough. One day she made a big wonderful meal. Before everyone started eating she said, “I have worked hard on this meal, and before we start eating I would like a standing ovation.” Everyone clapped and cheered before they ate dinner.
Sometimes we need to point people in the right direction. Start saying what you want others to do for you. You will be amazed at what a better place this world is because you are in it. A thankful heart is always close to the riches of the universe.